Thats an idea. Im pretty set up for tools except an airbrush, a PE bender (I just use a couple of razor blades) the magnifier (my eyes are ok atm, its my fingers that are clumsy) I suppose i could chuck it into savings and get an airbrush eventually....but styrene.

First Happy B-Day,

Second, I'd be remisss not to proffer a suggestion in a more long term investment.

Perhaps there is a tool: a set of X-acto's, dremel, magnifying desk lamp, airbrush, supplies to build a better desk etc that warrant consideration.....

But I'd take that PV1 or 109 too!

Mike: looking at www.dragonusaonline.com and they've got on sale:

Dragon 1/32 BF-110 regular $100 on sale for $50 - both the day and night fighter versions

Zvesda 1/72 giant Soviet MIL-26 helicopter regular $48 on sale for $30

Mostly of course it's armour but some more nice aircraft deals too. Not sure if Dragon has a pacific branch you could buy from without paying an arm or leg in shipping.

stikpusher

In 1/48, how about the new Revell PV-1. I have read nothing but good things about it. If you want to try your hand on something in 1/32, how about a Hawker Sea Fury or an Allison engined Mustang (P-51A/A-36/Mustang Mk.IA) from Hobbycraft. Both are decent kits OOB, affordably priced (at least here in the USA) and nice platforms for you to try your hand at improvising details.

Now your talkin. I was dead set on a 109. Now im thinking something else. That sea fury looks good in desert camo. Looks like correcting the nose isnt too much work either. Hmmmm. Partner for the spit or something different?

Thanks G. Im not so keen on the ships. I prefer the winged beasts.

Put it towards the Trumpeter Bismark in 1/200. You'll still need $ 200, but it's a good start.

Revell 1/350 Bismark costs $ 100, and you'll need some PE too.

I always look at gift $$$ as that much more money to spend than I can afford, on something I REALLY want.

In 1/48, how about the new Revell PV-1. I have read nothing but good things about it. If you want to try your hand on something in 1/32, how about a Hawker Sea Fury or an Allison engined Mustang (P-51A/A-36/Mustang Mk.IA) from Hobbycraft. Both are decent kits OOB, affordably priced (at least here in the USA) and nice platforms for you to try your hand at improvising details.

80 bucks, eh? I'd go for four-six Monogram kits then..

The problem i have is getting stuff shipped out of the US is horrendously expensive for me. Like frequently shipping is more expensive than what im buying. Thats why i tend to buy from Hannants.

DoogsATX

Last year it was 20% off across the board, 30% off orders over $100, 40% off over $200, and 50% off over $300.

I loaded up to around $170 or so...then added a 1/32 Tamiya Mustang that took me just over $300 - for a total of $150.

If their sale this year is anything like as awesome, wow. Also keep an eye on Sprue Brothers...they tend to do less structured, but with really deep discounts on a few items.

yep, Sprue Brothers are my go-to, and considering the wife returned from a US shopping trip with a sizeable haul of "i couldn't believe the price..." items, I figure I'm due.

I really should take a look around Squadron as well, not as familiar with their search + shipping process.

guuhhhh...yeah ill be shopping there this year.

Last year it was 20% off across the board, 30% off orders over $100, 40% off over $200, and 50% off over $300.

I loaded up to around $170 or so...then added a 1/32 Tamiya Mustang that took me just over $300 - for a total of $150.

If their sale this year is anything like as awesome, wow. Also keep an eye on Sprue Brothers...they tend to do less structured, but with really deep discounts on a few items.

So far on their site theyre listing a $200 voucher competition.

DoogsATX

VanceCrozier

Don't forget - with American Thanksgiving this week, the online gang could have some crazy Black friday deals to be had, you could stretch that $80 budget even further.

Yep! I keep waiting to see what Squadron pulls out for this year. Made out like an absolute bandit last year!

Has anyone heard any rumours?

Good point, thanks guys. Yeah im leaning heavily towards a 109. Just because of the spitfire. Although with the prices of the kits ive seen, i might pick something else up while im at it. I was thinking along the lines of the monogram hustler.

Or i could buy 1 kit and go ballistic on AM bits and doodads lol.

VanceCrozier

Don't forget - with American Thanksgiving this week, the online gang could have some crazy Black friday deals to be had, you could stretch that $80 budget even further.

Yep! I keep waiting to see what Squadron pulls out for this year. Made out like an absolute bandit last year!

Don't forget - with American Thanksgiving this week, the online gang could have some crazy Black friday deals to be had, you could stretch that $80 budget even further.

Gamera

Doogs: Are all those detail parts 1/48th? , that's some awesome looking detail!!! 

Nathan: I found my kit, really liked it but yeah the Eduard looks way better! 

Doogs: Are all those detail parts 1/48th? , that's some awesome looking detail!!! 

Hasegawa's 1 48 emils arrived around the same time as Tamiyas. Although Hasegawa also kits an E-1. Their Emils come with a small pe fret for radiators and cockpit armor. Been reboxed a gazillion times. Great kits, better than Tamiya imo, but as Doogs said, Eduard is now king. Heck Scorpio, if you play your cards right, $80 will getcha two kits.

Head over to Eduard to see all they've got available...but a few interesting ones for their Emils include...

Cockpit

DB 601 Engine

Wheels

Hmmm, I built an E a few years ago and I swear it was a Hasegawa kit, I may be wrong though.

Thanks, for the info on the Brassin sets, I wasn't aware they had PE parts too, very cool!

I didn't know Hasegawa made Emils (if BoB is the target) in 48th. I know they've got a 32nd one, but it's dated and of similar vintage to their Spit Vb.

And yeah, Brassin is Eduard's resin line. Or resin + PE. I've used limited bits of it and reviewed some Brassin sets over at Scale Plastic & Rail, and they're phenomenal. As good and even better than what you'd get from Quickboost or Aires. The resin they tossed into that P-38 limited edition has to be among the best I've ever seen.

Mike: Both the Tamiya and Hasegawa Bf-109s are really nice kits, haven't built the Airfix version.

If I may step in here Doogs, Brassin is Eduard's new line of resin detail parts.

But come on you don't want some ugly Bf-109 - buy something pretty like a Tamiya F4U Corsair... 

One suggestion is to try a civil aircraft,  You'll have a much easier time finding reference material- just grab a camera and visit your local airport.

Brassin?

Best depends on what you want. 

Tamiya's Emils are simpler, less detailed In the office, don't have separated control surfaces, etc. but they go together wonderfully. 

Airfix's new 109E kits are really well done, too. 

IMO the best out there for now is Eduard. I find their 48th 109s better than their 32nds, and with the Profipacks you get the PE, masks and awesome decal sheet with usually five scheme options. With $80 you could also splurge on some of their matched Brassin sets too...

What about a 48 scale BoB 109? Whats the best out there? Now that ive got a spitfire i should get the 109 to go with it lol.

Get the new Cyber-Hobby 32nd Bf 109E-3. Their E-4 is the best there is, and actually cheaper than the Eduards. 

Or get Tamiya's Il-2. 

$80 will also score you Wingnut Wings. And they do free shipping...