ghodges

If they happen to get that P-40B right, they'll have a liscense to print money! I wonder what the BOB markings for the 109E will be; early or late? GIL

Beautiful Bill, and very nicely displayed too! That'll be one cherished surprise! Man, I sure wish we had a P-3 in 1/48! GIL

Nice Bent Wing Bird! You're right, the Corsair is a beautiful plane and you've built a nice one! The main thing is to take the techniques and good suggestions given here and apply them to your next model. No model ever comes out perfectly. Just enjoy your building experience and try to build each one to your best level. As you pick up some better tools and gain experience, you'll make the progress you're looking for. This is an experience we ALL have gone through! Don't ever worry about how your model may stack up against anything you see anywhere else. That's a Corsair to be proud of! Thanks for posting! GIL

You've brought up a VERY intersting topic! There is definitely more presence to a model that is displayed on a base instead of simply being placed on the table. This is a visual hobby. Just as those artsy-fartsy panel line techniques add visual interest (accurate or not), display bases add a visual element in addition to the model itself. Very often (as the inflight pics above show) the base sets the "mood" or establishes the natural element of the subject matter. The problem with all of this is that the less experienced model builder and contest entrant may think that it influences judging. It does NOT! While it may certainly influence overall popularity among the attendees, the judging critera is specifically designed to counteract this. That's why the consistent emphasis on basics is heard over and over when people ask how to win at a show. You never hear "just put it on a base"... Putting a model on a base looks better. It looks more complete. It looks more professional. It is more dramatic! I like to have several bases on hand so that I have an option to display a model in a "setting" when I desire. I do not, however, make a base for each model. That would be as much work as getting the model done! I admire those guys who not only build great models, but also display them on nice bases. It's almost another entire skill set for our hobby and it certainly gives a model more presence on the table. Cheers! GIL

I vote NOT to attach the model to a base for the following reasons: 1) Easier transport; several simple bases can be carried separately in one box/bag. 2) Allows for use of simple bases (runways, tarmacs, parking stands, simple roadways, etc) on multiple models. 3) Allows models to be displayed on your shelving easier. They can be placed closer without bases and it also saves weight on the shelves, which is important for some display cases. 4) Allows for complete judging at contests. The above reasons work for me, as I generally don't make a base for every model I build. There is no "rule" for this (except governing excessive size) and almost all judges can work around a model attached to a base in a fair and impartial manner. It does make for easier and safer handling in most cases. In short, do what works for you in each model's situation! Cheers! GIL

USAF Sabers were natural metal. They didn't go to painted silver until the early 60's, and the F-86's were gone from front line service by then. If you've got a picture of one you wnt to build, go by that. Some Nat. Air Guard planes might have been painted silver late in their life, but I don't recall seeing any pics of them. In general, if you can see mutiple panels in different hues, its NMF. If the whole plane looks to be one uniform color, it may be a painted silver lacquer finish. Hope this helps! GIL

Looks nice Duke! Your customer will now have a little more to be merry about for Christmas! Thanks for sharing! GIL

John: your point about accuracy is well founded. If it's a concern for you, then build your models that way. However, be aware that there is NO accuracy criteria in contests. In the end, if it LOOKS right, it IS right; whether or not that's truly accurate. Personally, I enjoy the artistic side of the way most models are depicted. As pointed out above, it's more eye-catching and visually interesting. A dull model will not attract much interest, regardless of how well researched and acurate it is. To each their own.....build to make yourself happy! Merry Christmas y'all! GIL

Since my buddy Jerry says 1/72 is "God's scale"; that makes me a pagan plastic modeler! I just figure HE understands that we're a graying group with weakening eyesight and overlooks our dalliances in 1/48 and 1/32! GIL

Can you elaborate on the references for the Hartman shootdown of Hoffer? I read where he was lost on a shuttle mission to Russia, but hadn't heard that Hartman was finally credited with getting him. Interesting! GIL

He shoots-he scores-TWICE! Both look superb Chris. The painted out red discs are an especially nice touch! Thanks for posting and Merry Christmas! By the by, I'm guessing they're 1/72? GIL

Yep, looks like your back in the saddle pard! The B-1 camo looks good to me, so I don't know why you're hedging. Keep on truckin'! GIL

Perhaps you're laboring under a misconception.......the Dangerboy set is most likely just the wing-fold stuff; and only includes the items to detail that area once you cut the KIT wings apart. Thus, the oil-cooler intakes would not be a part of the wing-fold detailing set. Those would be kit parts. Or did I mis-understand your question? Cheers! GIL

B-U-T-FUL! Those Monogram kits are gems, especially with skills like yours. Congrats on a fantastic finish too! Thanks for sharing. GIL

Great job on one of my favorite airplanes! Thanks for posting! GIL

Lovely 'Stang! Kid Hoffer would be proud! GIL

My Trumpeter pre-WWII CV-3 Saratoga in 1/350th fits the bill. I got it as a gift a couple of years ago. I used the first year to get the Gold Medal PE set and the real wooden deck. I'm an a/c builder and haven't built a ship since I was a kid, but love aircraft carriers and pre-war a/c, so the 1938 Saratoga is a natural. Didn't get around to it in '09, and I really should try to build it next year! GIL

Looks great Adam! GIL

Nice Pee-40! Looks like it was rode hard and put away wet; which they were! Congrats on a great build and thanks for sharing. GIL

I like it! I think your weathering, particularly on the wings, is very good. Tip: you can use a silver colored pencil and just "bounce" it along the prop edges to make little "dings". But, don't over do it! You want to replicate wear and not damage. Props with dents and damage would be replaced immediately. The old Otaki/AARI/Airfix Hellcat is a classic and you've done it justice! Thanks for posting! GIL

Ah yes! The box with the REAL GOLD lettering! Why else would a 1/32 Spit cost over $100?! The "word" is that the initial production run has completely sold out. I'm sure Tamiya will be cranking the line up again quite quickly to allow all the rest who missed out to spend their money too. This bodes well for the rest of us, as the more money they make, the more stuff they can release! Congrats John! GIL

Got 'er done! With the exception of a few minor "dings" (hamhandness on my part) I'm satisfied. This was an experiment with the home brew NMF, and it worked better than I'd hoped. The "K"'s and the "109";s are from the spares box, while all other decals are from the kit. The refueling probe was painted. The final clear coat is a semi-matte, which tones it all down without totally losing the effect of "anodized aluminum" that I was trying to replicate. Questions and coments welcome. Cheers! Gil

Sabers rule! Very pretty, and one of my favorite markings from the Korean war. Thanks for sharing! GIL

Hi Ben! Glad to have another Three Rivers pirate on board! GIL

I would not term myself a rotor-head, but have a few 'copters in the pile to do. I've got a 'Nam Huey, an early 'Nam Cobra, a Seaking, an FM H21 Flying Banana, and just recently (finally!) got the HO3S; all in 1/48. I was privaliged to watch Ken Belilse (local member) build and assemble his kickin' 1/48 collection of Cobras that took a first in Collections at the Nats, as well as his amazing 1/72 factory floor dio of a Whskey Cobra. Since then I've been inspired to put some rotors on the shelf! Hope to correct that shortcoming in the coming "build year"! Cheers! GIL