Dan the Exile

These are the markings opyions, on the left (top in picture) is all over grey-green and right is green on top grey green underneath. Old style instructions in black and white!

Just finished this this evening. Built out of the box, brush painted with Humbrol enamels, the original decals disintegrated and were badly out of register anyway, so I used a Modeldecal set, which are actually for an FB.2 but I'm not that much of a rivet counter so it doesn't bother me.

I found it. Still in good condition, decals look in good condition form their age. Still in the plastic bag.

Hi all, I am feeling inspired and will build the age old Airfix Aichi D3A1 Val. If I can find it in the attic. Regards Dan

I don't know what's next I have a Revell EC145, Heller Jaguar A, Airfix F-5E, and Airfix B-26 in various stages of completion (all in 1:72). I think the next Matchbox may be the Royal Navy Phantom as I have some other Fleet Air Arm stuff completed. But I will try and post pictures as and when I get to it. Dan

It is finished, some not brilliant pictures below. I will try and do some better final pictures. Feel free to comment.

I've had success with cockpits by keeping lots of empty blister packs. They normally have lots of curved sections that can be fashioned into many glass cockpits, plus they tend to be quite clear. It's just a matter of finding the right one. Dan

There is one on ebay from the UK Matchbox 1:72 Me410 Regarding my panel method, I developed it because I am not willing to spend money on a kit and then spend even more buying parts for it that add to more than the cost of the original (I am also a cheapskate!) Dan

This is my build of an old Matchbox kit, so old it even has Swasticas on the decal sheet. But I have to admit I have a soft spot for Matchbox kits, for some reason they always bring a smile to my face. Cockpit was scratch built from plasticard and various small bits. Cockpit panels were printed on plain paper from photographs and glued on with PVA. Cockpit canopy was sawn open and replacement open windows were scratch built. Please feel free to comment. Dan

Really like the mud on the wheels, how did you do that?

Blimey, was just thinking about the museum earlier today, I also spent a lot of time there.. Although if you are Paul I am thinking of, I joined after you had left to get a real job at the airport. Anyway I was considering at some point building a diorama of the museum. The only major 1:72 item I don't have in my stash is the 7. Also use got to the end of the thread and saw the final product and wow.... Brings a lot of memories of the 7 back. Dan

Hi, Does anyone have the instructions for the Heller 1:72 Jagaur A that they could scan me a copy of? I am restoring/rebuilding a very old part build and I am missing the instructions. Dan

Wow, thank you for the comments, I have been away working all week, have come back tired and weary and these comments have definitely cheered me up. I will take on board the weathering comment and perhaps try something on a Heller Jaguar A that was partially built about 15 years ago that I am stripping and restoring. Dan.

Thanks for the feedback, I do prefer cleaner aircraft. I find a lot of weathering in 1:72 overdone for my taste. I have built about 10-15 kits over the last couple of months including finishing off some older stuff like this one. I'll get some others posted soon. Dan

I built a lot when I was younger and for various reasons stopped. I have attempted a number to times to restart my building. This model was originally started about 6 years ago and it is finally finished. Built OOB and hand painted with White Ensign Enamels. Please feel free to comment. Thanks for viewing Dan