It buys kits in 72nd scale, or else it gets the hose.

Oops...

YouTube Suggestion

I'm a procrastinator, so often instead of using my free time to actually build models, I end up surfing YouTube and watch others build their models. I call this research...or maybe education...it isn't procrastination...no seriously, it isn't. Anyway, I recently ran across the Night Shift channel.  While it is all 1/35 scale tanks, I enjoy the irreverent humor (something missing from many modelers) and might have even learned something aka wasted way much time. I think his chipping/distressing technique might work well for an Afghanistan based CH-147 Chinook I have planned as a future project.

2019 Tacoma Freedom Fair

An airshow over Commencement Bay is just one portion of the July 4 Tacoma Freedom Fair, but it certainly is the most interesting part! A few photos of of this years event, which returned in force after a short absence.

Ace Maker II (N133HH) is an ex-RCAF CT-133 Silver Star (CAF 133452).

The Marines brought an AV-8B Harrier to the event.  The hovering is really only a party trick, but it is a very cool party trick. The Navy provided a EA-18G Growler from NAS Whidbey Island as pictured in the header photo.

The F4U-7 Corsair (N1337A/BuNo. 133722) from the Erickson Aircraft Collection in Madras, Oregon.

The ex-RCAF Kittyhawk (N940AK/AK940/RCAF 1058), also from the Erickson Aircraft Collection in Madras, Oregon, makes a dirty pass.

It was pointed out by the commentator that both types were flown by Tacoma native Pappy Boyington.  No idea if that was on purposeful choice by the airshow organizers or just a happy coincidence.

Reed Oak 1/72 RAF figures

Once again, the most excellent proprietor of Model Paint Solutions, Dr. Model Paint (aka John Miller), has posted one of my articles. However, in the editing process one of the figures was dropped from contention; the RAF WAAF. To make amends, I have posted some photos of the unprepared WAAF figure. It is hard to express just how impressive the detail is on these figures.

2019 NorthWest Scale Modelers Show

I can't wait!

Model Tip Time

Tired of destroying brushes to apply Mr Surfacer? Want to avoid pulling out the smelly lacquer thinner.  Disposable eye liner brushes. 100 from Amazon for under $10.

A Kill in the Morning

Title: A Kill in the Morning
Author: Graeme Shimmin
Publisher: Transword Publishers

I don't get to write much about fiction on this blog, but as I have mentioned before I enjoy old English paperbacks. While "A Kill in the Morning" is a reasonably new book...it was published in the U.S. in 2015...it certainly has the tone, and graphic design, of older pulp faction novels.

I was hipped to "A Kill In the Morning" a couple of weeks ago on Twitter. It is set in the 1950s when Germany controls Europe and England tries to keep their Empire afloat. Part 007, part alt-history, it is big silly fun - with the expected femme fatales - and often based...or imagined...on true events and personalities. It includes cameos by Nazi flying saucers, Guy Gibson, the EE Canberra, Fairey Rotodynes, and a supersonic Vulcan development in both civil and bomber guises. I might quibble with a paradox or two at the end, but hey, saying any more would give it all away.

Sweet Eloise II

In remembrance of Canadian Warplane Heritage founder Dennis Bradley who passed away last week at 81.

One of the surprise visitors to Flying Heritage's Skyfair  yesterday was the newly restored A-26C Invader 44-34313/N4313. Owned by Mr. Bradley in the early 90s and flown in French markings on behalf of the Canadian Warplane Heritage as C-GHLK, the Invader has been repainted into its Korean War markings as "Sweet Eloise II."

We Stand on Guard for Thee

On Thursday the “We Stand on Guard for Thee - Aviation in Canada” display was installed at the Museum of Flight in Seattle.  I lucky enough to be the curator of the display which runs for the next three months. Thanks to all my NWSM peeps for your assistance and models. You rock!

AZ 1/72 Bell AH-1G Cobra

This is the AZ AH-1G kit done as a "representative" Cobra for a new Vietnam display at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. A friend flew a AH-1G named "Henchman II" in theatre and he has provide me with tons of period photos of his aircraft. My plan was to build his helo, but sourcing decals in time was a problem.

The AZ kit is an odd mix of nice and not so nice.  The cockpit detail was pretty decent, but the tub didn't fit so well.  On the other hand, the fuselage and sub wing fit was excellent.  The canopy was thick, cloudy, and fit was so-so.  It reminded me of a Matchbox kit, as if their design aesthetic was update to reflect 2010s technology. But next time I'll try the Special Hobby kit...

Dambuster Tribute

Sitting at the model desk contemplating the Dambuster raid which took place on this evening 75 years ago. The Lanc Project Part 2 will be both a Dambuster tribute and my own personal #RAF100 build. Now to decide which aircraft to model...AJ-F flown by Ken Brown, AJ-T flown by CanAmerican Big Joe, or AJ-N crewed by Canada’s last surviving Dambuster Fred Sutherland?

Slowly Turning Olive

The AZ Cobra rushes to the finish line.  Saturday saw final sanding, canopy masking, and Alclad Grey Primer applied.  After a tad more sanding on Sunday, I pulled out the Gunze Olive Drab acrylic and blasted paint.

I didn't have any masks for the kit, so I did it myself with Aizu masking tape.  Canopy masking is a modeling weakness, but the Aizu tape was a revelation.

Cobra!

AZ 1/72 AH-1G Cobra for the Museum of Flight’s Vietnam display is starting to emerge.  It needs to be done by May 3, so I better get moving!