A Pilgrim Ship.

Here are some better images of Constructo's 1/65 scale 1620 Mayflower. Though really this model is based off the 1957 Mayflower II. The original whose remains are believed to be part of a barn somewhere in Buckinghamshire England no longer exists. The original Mayflowers appearance is though an educated guess basically speculative. The thing about a wooden ship kit and a scratch built wooden ship is that they both build up the same, the only difference of course is that in a kit the wood has been cut for you though there is still a hellavalot of cutting and shaping to be done. The woods used for this ship are Bokapy, Ramin, Mukaly and of coarse Plywood and Samba for the framework. A question often asked is why not use Oak when building ship models just like on the real ships? The problem with that is Oak does not lend itself well to flexibility when working with small parts particularly when working with hull planking as it has a tendency to break even after being soaked in water for several hours. Besides it wouldn't look that good anyway as the woodgrain in Oak does not look all that well when working in miniature as the grain is to big.

Kettenkrad

Here are some images of Dragon Models (former Aurora/ESCI molds) 1/9 scale Sd.Kfz.2 Kleines Kettenkraftrad HK 101 with Gebirgsjager. Whatever the hell that means. This in my not so humble opinion is the ultimate motorbike. I often see this model done in Africa corps yellow, panzer grey or the dark yellow/red brown/dark green colour scheme. So I decided to do mine in winter camouflage. The winter scheme is more complicated then at first may appear. First I painted it in the three tone colour scheme, then I apply decals, then I applied heavily thinned white paint to give it a white wash appearance and finally weathering. If you come across any of the old 1/9 scale Aurora/ESCI motorcycle model kits or their re release counterparts by all means buy them as they are beautifully detailed and an absolute joy to build and in my opinion one of the best kit series ever produced.

Hurricane

Here are some images of Trumpeter Models 1/24 scale Hawker Hurricane MK II C Trop. This is typical Trumpeter quality except for one thing. The the seat sits to high in the cockpit and as a result the canopy will not slide properly into position so one will have to adjustments accordingly. In case anyone is curious the paints I always use on all my models are Testors Model Master paints mainly as well as Tamiya acrylics and the Tamiya weathering system although I want to try pastels as there would be a wider variety of colour's as well I suspect much cheaper. Not many people know this but do you realize that model paints are the most expensive paints in the world? Think about it a 1/2 fluid ounce bottle of paint usually runs you close to five bucks Cdn. HIGHWAY ROBBERY!

The Work Of Dave Porter

Here are some images of the most excellent modelling artistry of Mr. Dave Porter.Here in his own words are his descriptions Enjoy! The 1969 Yenko Camaro is Revell’s 1/25^th kit. The engine is fully wired and plumbed. Most of tools are from Fugimi. The figure is Verlinden. The posters and pinups are Verlinden and some are cut out from magazines. The structure and tables are scratchbuilt.

The TA-183 is by Amtech (now by Tamiya). It’s SOB except that I cut apart the canopy and I added a photo etched harness. Aeromaster paints were used to finish.

The x-wing fighter is the old AMT kit but it’s highly detailed. I cut open an engine bay, weapons bay, and I dressed up the cockpit. The ground crew are 1/48 scale aircraft carrier crew. The R2 unit is from SMT’s 1/48 y-wing fighter. The pilot is an anime figure that was modified. The walls, tower, and equipment are all scratchbuilt.

The CF-104 Starfighter is the Hasegawa 1/48 kit. I used leading edge decals and installed a resin ejection seat. It’s finished in Alclad paints.

The Afrika Corps diorama………The Rad 8 is from Tamiya in 1/35 scale. The figures are from Dragon. The boxes, cartons, guns etc. are from various sources. The palms are from VLS. Tamiya acrylics, artist oils and pastels are used for finishing.

Lancaster

Here are some images of the classic Tamiya 1/48 scale Avro Lancaster B III bomber. Considering this kit is of the older raised panel variety it holds up pretty well. Not in your face like some of the old Revell/Monogram kits ( the 1/32 P47 D Thunderbolt comes to mind). As with all Tamiya kits the parts fit together perfectly, no troubles. Although I wouldn't say much for the cockpit detail (What cockpit detail?!). The whole interior for that matter gun turrets and all.

Zeke

Here are some images of Trumpeter Models 1/24 scale Mitsubishi A6M2b Type 21 Zero. This is the second best Zero model kit on the Market. The 1/32 Tamiya kit being slightly more detailed. A word of warning when building any Trumpeter kit and that is to always check the color schemes for they are often incorrect. I don't know why this is perhaps a hiring firing program in that particular department is in order. Plus while you're at it keep an eye on any decals containing type. Just a precaution. Other then that any Trumpeter kit is always well worth the purchase due to their high detail and good fit.

Mosquito

Here are some better images of the Airfix 1/24 scale Mosquito MK VI Fighter Bomber. Like I said in a earlier post if you are going to buy this kit be aware that there are a number of mold release pin marks in visible places so there will be some sanding and filling plus you will find that the fit of the main wing to the fuselage is going to be the devils own time. Other then that this is one beautifully detailed and BIG model the wingspan being around 30 inches.

BF 109 G6

Here are some images of Trumpeters 1/24 scale Messerschmidt BF 109 G-6 early version. This aircraft was flown by Ltn.Elias Kuhlein of JG 51 1943 Yugoslavia.This was a great model to build and a well detailed one to boot.Plus those eyes make it look really cool.

Phantom

Here are some images of Revells 1/32 scale F4-J Phantom. This is a great economic alternative to the extremly expensive Tamiya F4 Phantom. It is amazing to me that at one time the U.S. military believed that it was unnecessary for fighter aircraft to have machine guns. Perhaps during the Vietnam war many more Phantom pilots would have come home if their aircraft were equipped with them. Thankfully that error has been corrected.

Starfighter

Here are some images of Revells 1/32 and 1/48 scale Lockheed F 104 G Starfighters. I am waiting for the day when some model company releases a decent large scale version of this model. But until that time these will have to do.