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.

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

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?

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.

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!

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.