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Build Review 2018

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  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Build Review 2018
Posted by Bish on Sunday, December 30, 2018 12:59 PM

Left this a bit late this year. I just managed to get 3 builds done before the year was out. 2018 has seen me struggle with bad decals, a bad paint mix, cracked canopy and fail at a new technique. I've also finished a project thats been over 20 years in the head, my first winter armour dio and clear my backlog of shelf queens.

I started the year with my first tamiya aircraft, a 1/72nd Bf 109E-4, great kit but not so great decals.

Next, my favorite armour subject, the Sd.Kfz. 251. This being AFV Clubs 35th /4 Ausf C & 10.5cm Howitzer.

Despite its age, Escis MiG 29 was a nice kit but i did muck up the paint scheme. The choice was clean it off and start again, bin it or live with it. I have never thrown a kit in the trash but this was not a kit i wanted to spend lots of time on so i choose the latter.

2017 saw me start a project i first decided to do in the mid 90's, my project dedicated to hans Ulrich Rudel. The highset decorated German serviceman of WW2 and a Stuka pilot to boot. This year saw me complete that project with Hasegawas 1/48th Ju 87G-2, Mitches Models 1/9th bust, a 35th metal figure fom hasegawa and 144 Eduard Stuka.

For my first winter armour dio, i choose Amusing Hobby's 1/35th Löwe. Great kit adn was really pleased with the outcome.

In the UK Airfix is the brand we cut our teeth on in the 70's and 80's, probably our version of Moinograme. But i have avoided Airfix kits for years until they started bringing out their new tooled kits after the take over by Hornby. This year i finally got to try one out. The 72nd Phantom FG.1 was a great kit, though the 250+ stencils did test my patience. 2019's Airfix GB will give me the chance to try a few more.

The ships of the British Flag Gb gave me a chance to buld another new Airfix kit, the 1/350 HMS Trafalgar, a boat i was lucky enough to spend 5 days on in 1997.

And this weekend saw me finish off my last 3 of the year, all 1/72nd.

MPM's Blenheim Mk I

Academy's Apache AH.1, an aircraft i am very familiar with as they are based just a few miles away and fly over almost daily. The kit kits markings for every aircraft in British service and i picked one that arrived in Afghanistan the same month as i did.

 

And Tamiyas Mosquito B Mk IV. Another great Tamiya kit but even worse decals than the 109.

And finally the shelf queens. These kits had all been finished a number of years ago, 2008 in one case. But i had not got around to finishing the diorama's. The armour kits all needed some repair work as they had taken a nose dive off a shelf a couple of years back.

Academy's 71nd B-17F.

Dragon 35th 251/17 Ausf D.

Tamiyas 35th Mid Production Tiger, my first and currently only finshed Tiger I, i know, shocking.

And last but certainly not least, Italeri's 35th Ostwind.

And thats another year done, more shelf space filled up but the stash still hasn't gone down (how does that happen Confused)

I am looking for to the year ahead, i have a nice line up of kiuts planned including at leats a couple more i have a personel link with, one an AFV i was trained to drive and the other a ship that i have good memories of as a youngster.

And as always, thanks to all the great folks on here. For the ideas, tips, laughs and just generally being a great bunch.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    August 2012
  • From: Parker City, IN.
Posted by Rambo on Sunday, December 30, 2018 2:36 PM
Alot of great work Bish. My favorite would be the 109 It's such a unique diorama.

Clint

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Sunday, December 30, 2018 2:44 PM

Thanks Clint. I rather like that. This year i am doing a Ju 188 with its tail raised, but on a compass swing. Looking forward to that one.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: Northeast WA State
Posted by armornut on Sunday, December 30, 2018 3:08 PM

   Most productive year Sir Bish, thanks for sharing. Love your armor, and the Lufwaffe subjects are really cool. Hope 2019 finds you hammering at your stash and showing off more AWESOME builds.

we're modelers it's what we do

  • Member since
    April 2015
Posted by Mopar Madness on Sunday, December 30, 2018 3:12 PM

Your right about the Airfix/Monogram comparison.  As a kid growing up in the states in the 80s, Airfix was a bit harder to come by. I was so burnt out with US aircraft that I gravitated towards the Airfix catalog of British and German birds.  Same applies today, I rarely touch US aircraft unless they have RAF markings.  That’s a nice stable of kits you’ve made this year!

Chad

God, Family, Models...

At the plate: 1/48 Airfix Bf109 & 1/35 Tamiya Famo

On deck: Who knows!

  • Member since
    August 2008
  • From: Newmarket, Canada
Posted by hurricane40 on Sunday, December 30, 2018 4:35 PM

Agreed.  Outstanding work but the Emil is also my favourite.  Fantastic work on such a dimunitive subject.  Love the Royal Navy Phantom also.  Looking forward to the Airfix release  of the RAF variant if they ever pull their finger out!

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Sunday, December 30, 2018 4:44 PM

Quality and quantity! Lots of great stuff in the Bish 2018 collection.  

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    August 2016
Posted by Keyda81 on Sunday, December 30, 2018 7:20 PM

Lots of great looking builds Bish!  I know what you mean about Tamiya decals.  They drove me just about insane on my Thunderbird.

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Far Northern CA
Posted by mrmike on Sunday, December 30, 2018 8:10 PM

What a prolific year you had; can't even begin to pick a favorite or two. What I really enjoy about your builds are your generous WIP posts and the compact and extraordinary dios you achieve, truly outstanding and inspirational.

Happy New Year!

Mike

  • Member since
    November 2018
  • From: Saskatchewan, Canada
Posted by sickdude on Sunday, December 30, 2018 9:55 PM

Hey Bish,

Congrats on finishing so many kits! My favorite would be the Lowe. It turned out great! Really like the finish! Really good job on the mud!

Good on you man!

William (Willy)

 
  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Sunday, December 30, 2018 11:57 PM

Congrats on your builds Bish, I remember each one except for the MiG. Of course my favorite is the Trafalgar Wink

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Monday, December 31, 2018 2:01 AM

Thanks very much ladies and gents, its very m,uch appreciated and its always a pleasure to share with you guys.

hurricane, i am looking forwardto taht to. I don't know wht Airfix keep putting the release date back, but that have been doing it with a lot of their new kits the last couple of years. The FG.1 got put back several months. But with the re-boxes, i don't get why as they already have the basics for the kit. They did the same with the Victor tanker last year.

The FGR.2 is now due this month, so hopefully they won't put it back again.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Western North Carolina
Posted by Tojo72 on Monday, December 31, 2018 6:04 AM
A really productive and diverse year

  • Member since
    August 2015
  • From: the redlands Fl
Posted by crown r n7 on Monday, December 31, 2018 6:31 AM

Well done !!

 

 

 Nick.

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Monday, December 31, 2018 6:38 AM

Cheers guys.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Towson MD
Posted by gregbale on Monday, December 31, 2018 7:23 AM

Bish, the quality and breadth of your work never ceases to amaze (and inspire more than a little awe.) Keep up the good work...and please keep sharing it with us!

Happy New Year!

Greg

George Lewis:

"Every time you correct me on my grammar I love you a little fewer."
 
  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Monday, December 31, 2018 9:51 AM

Another great year under your belt Bish, great job both in quality and quantity! And nice variety between the aircraft, armour, figures, and dioramas. Always admired you for not just sticking to one genre. Yes

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Monday, December 31, 2018 9:58 AM

Thanks guys.

Even though the vast majority of my stuff is military, i do like to try and get some variety in there. This year i should be adding some Sci Fi to the mix and a couple of busts as well. And you never know, one of these days i may do a civilian build of some sort.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: 37deg 40.13' N 95deg 29.10'W
Posted by scottrc on Monday, December 31, 2018 11:23 AM

Bish, you have a unique style in how you present your subjects. You had a very productive year and everything looks fantastic.

Here's to a even more productive 2019!

  • Member since
    May 2011
  • From: Honolulu, Hawaii
Posted by Real G on Monday, December 31, 2018 11:25 AM

Bish,

Wow, a most productive year!  My favs are the Bf-109E and the Phantom FG.1.  The composition of your 109 diorama is perfect, and who doesn’t love a Phantom?

I look forward to seeing your 2019 builds, and will use them as inspiration to get some of my stuff done!

“Ya ya ya, unicorn papoi!”

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Monday, December 31, 2018 2:20 PM

Thanks guys, coming from such a great bunch, it means a lot.

I think we all inspire and push each other to improve.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    May 2013
  • From: From the Mit, but live in Mason, O high ho
Posted by hogfanfs on Monday, December 31, 2018 3:07 PM

Wow, Bish! That is a wonderful line up of beautifully built kits! I like the the 109 dio, but, I really like your Lion. 

And, I know I've told you before, I very much like seeing your display boxes. The rustic look really accentuates the dioramas for an overall outstanding appearance. 

 

 Bruce

 

 On the bench:  1/48 Eduard MiG-21MF

                        1/35 Takom Merkava Mk.I

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Monday, December 31, 2018 3:37 PM

Thanks Bruce, i am rather fond of the base surrounds, been doing those for years now.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 12:53 PM

Alot of fantastic work Bish. I particularily like the 251 with the 10.5. 

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

fox
  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Narvon, Pa.
Posted by fox on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 1:07 PM

G - R - E - A - T builds Bish!Bow Down

Keep up the great work (and pics). Have a Happy New Year.

Jim  Captain

 Main WIP: 

   On the Bench: Artesania Latina  (aka) Artists in the Latrine 1/75 Bluenose II

I keep hitting "escape", but I'm still here.

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 1:28 PM

Cheers guys.

Eric, it hard for me to pick a favorite this year, but that 251 being, well, a 251, has to come near the top of any list, and i was pleased with that one.

And the same to you and yours Jim.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    August 2008
  • From: Newmarket, Canada
Posted by hurricane40 on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 4:38 PM

Thanks Bish for the update on the FGR.2.  Not holding my breath.  Expected Hornby to release the kit schedule for 2019 Airfix today but apparently that will be done on January 7th or so the rumour mill says.  Newly tooled Vulcan in 1/72 scale would be nice but would have to pay cash for that one and smuggle in the side door so the better half is none the wiser.

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 2:17 AM

No worries, i do keep checking the Airfix site just to find that each month its been put back another month, same happened with the FG.1, Vistor and so on. But seems to happen to a lot of companies. I had not hear when the new kits were being announced, i seem to recall that 2018's went up in the middle of Jan. I would like to see a new Vulcan and would certaily make sense after the other 2 V bombers. But my guess would be in another year or so, maybe tie in with the 40th anniversary of the Falklands. Though of course they could release it this year and re-release a special boxing in 2022.

If i had to guess what we will see this year, i think its likely to be more Phantoms, the kit certainly lends itself to other versions and there will be a much bigger market for non British ones. And i would not be surporised to see an F-35B in UK markings as well, now that its started to arrive in the UK.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Thursday, January 3, 2019 6:31 PM

Gee Bish did you ever come up for air?? That is quite an impressive lineup of fine looking builds Beer

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Friday, January 4, 2019 1:59 AM

Thanks PJ, it actuially felt i was going quite slow. The amount is helped by the 4 shelf queens which only needed bases and figures doing so i think took about 4 weeks for the lot.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

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