Fleet Air Arm Group Build

Hey Crew!

Hope everyone is OK out there. Well, after a bit of a struggle here's my first completed model for the Fleet Air Arm Group Build.

Its a Hellcat Mk.I 800 Sqn FAA. It was based aboard HMS Emperor during 1944. The kit is from Airfix and while the kit itself is a bit basic, its builds up pretty well. I had tons of problems with the canopy and decals so I just tried to make the best of it.

Hey Darren! That looks awesome, buddy! I really like the way you're displaying it, too. The base and the addition of the pilot figure really add some perspective to it and give it a very realistic appearance. This one was definitely worth waiting for! Congrats on a job well-done!

Frank, Mike,

you are too kind! Thanks lads for your kind words, it means a lot.

I did a bit more work to my Lynx and the Corsair tonight, they are coming along nicely. I have nearly finished touching up the paintwork on the Corsair's camo and have finally hung the doors on the Lynx, so hopefully I'll have another one done soon. 

Darren looks great!  We should grab a pint at the pub to celebrate the completion

Roy

Bob, Roy

thanks lads!

Roy, that sounds liike a good idea-cheers mate!

Real nice work on the wildcat Darren....

Did some work on my Tarpon today,and she`s nearing completion, did the kast of the smudges and weathering today aswell atached the canopies,turret and undercarriage on her. Whats left now is onlry the lights( navigation and landing). Also rigged the antennawire ,bu using some fine copperwire.

I`ll post a few pics when she`s all ready though

Darren, I would LOVE to have a great IPA or a bitter, where and what time

Roy

Really nice hellcat Darren! The hellcat is definitely my favorite WWII bird, and that is a scheme I will definitely try someday - the d-day stripes really make it stand out.

Where did the pilot figure come from?

Thanks,
Leon

Triumf,

thanks! I am looking to seeing the Tarpon when its finished.

wyoroy wrote:

Darren, I would LOVE to have a great IPA or a bitter, where and what time Roy

Roy,

that sounds like a great idea! First round is on me.Your local or mine?

Dave, Leon,

many thanks lads! I really appreciate it.

Leon,

I got the pilot figure from the Tamiya Corsair kit that I am also working on for this GB. I put it in as the kit 'pit was not so clever.

"Now hear this........."

Its the weekend!

Eat , drink and be merry! Build models! Have a blast!

Have a good one lads.

TANGO 1 wrote:

wyoroy wrote: Darren, I would LOVE to have a great IPA or a bitter, where and what time Roy Roy, that sounds like a great idea! First round is on me.Your local or mine?

I should be going to Germany next year and the wife would like to visit England.  Who knows, maybe we will get to have that pint at your place

Have a great weekend with the family.

Roy

Thanks Roy,

if you ever do end up on my side on the pond, be sure to let me know-we'll get together and a pint or two.

Have a good one.

Cheers!

Quick update from me...........

I am done tampering with the camo pattern on the Corsair, its still not perfect-buts its as good as I can get it. I'll take pics later on.

I've finished the Lynx!!!!!! Hooray!!

Now, I was having trouble with how to "display" it when I had a stroke of inspiration.....when its done, I'll let you chaps have a look.

I've also started a USAF F-15 Eagle.......??? Mmmmm......I don't know why either! Well, OK I like those big US jet fighters and I started the kit years ago and made a right royal hash of things. Its been boxed for a couple of years and I decided to see if it was worth saving, so far I've got a new office in it, AM burner cans and a nice new paint job. (its amazing what difference my iwata makes!)

I will post pics of that one over on the A/C forum later on.

Right now- I'm off for dinner.

See you later! 

Nice, buddy! Looking forward to seeing the Lynx, too. Have a pint or two on me.....you've earned it, my friend! Can't wait to see the Corsair progress as well. If the Hellcat is any indication, should be a real looker when done!

Which F-15 kit are you building? I know there are a few, but my taste in modeling subjects ends with the century-series of fighters....I seldom go past that era. 

Oh, and I need to tell ya Darren that when my wife saw the pics of everyone here, she became sooooo jealous when she saw the Wisteria growing in your yard, as they don't usually grow up around these parts and she just loves them!(although she does have high hopes for the Gladiolus she planted just the other day).

Thanks Mike!

I've had rather an eventful day in the workshop-here's what happened!

My Corsair:

Now I have got the paintjob finished, I can concentrate on the rest of the build. I have to say, I am pleased with this one as to my eyes it looks better than my usual efforts! Lets hope luck is on my side with this one!

My Eagle:

Yes I know, waaayyyy but I like to think I'm in the company of friends here....so indulge me if you will.

This is a 1/48 F-15C Hasegawa kit I picked  up some years ago. I started building it and messed it up. So it sat in a box for two years and last wednesday I decided to see if it was worth worth fixing. So far I've sanded the whole thing down, re-sprayed it, tweeked the cockpit and added some resi burner cans. Any better? Well, you can be the judge of that....

And.........the Lynx. I finished her up this evening-nothing special you undrstand-its just that I have grown up with them and this is the first one I've built, plus my wife bought me the kit for Valentines day.....so you'll understand why I'm so "fussy" over it. Pics should be up tomorrow.

Cheers!

That Corsair is looking reeeeeeal nice, Darren! ....and luck's got nothing to do with it, my friend. That's your skill that is on display. I can't wait to see this one with the markings on it!

Sounds like that's quite a lady you got there, too! I completely understand you wanting to do a bang-up job on the Lynx she bought you. I feel the same way about the Eduard Sopwith Camel F.1 in my stash. Was I suprised when I opened that package!  

Thank you Mike!

Well, my Lynx is no prize winner, but I'm proud of it. I'll get it one here tomorrow all being well.

Oh by the way, check your PM's when you get a minute.

My wife is checking it out right now as we speak. Thanks, buddy!

...reply incoming.

Wow Darren, the corsair looks really nice. I remember you saying the wing fold area gave you a lot of problems, but it looks really good to me! Can't wait to see the decals on it.

The jet looks really nice too. I have to say that I am glad you have created a gb where it is ok to post some side project progress - I have a 'just for fun' hellcat that I am working on that I plan on showing here to the new 'friends' when it gets some decals on...

Hope all is well and looking forward to the Lynx!

Leon 

Darren-

They both look great to me!  Looks like you are really coming along on your Corsair.  I really want to continue on mine, but that Zero is really fighting me to get done.  Soon, I will have to put the models away as I am moving next month, and have to start packing next weekend.

Paint job on the Corsair looks very good Darren.  The Eagle looks to be progressing well also.

Regards,  Rick

Daren, Your Corsair looks great!  So, you have set the bench mark for the rest of us?  I hope that my Corsair will measure up.  As for your F-15, looking good buddy.

This is way off topic but I like to think of you guys as friends.  The family and I went fishing today and my almost 3 son got a 17 in. Rainbow his first time fishing!  You dad's out there can understand the fellowings I have right now just wanted to share that with you guys.

Darrren keep the pics a coming friend.

Roy