FighterControl

I gave up modelling about 4-5 years ago because I simply didn't have the time at all to do it, I had built some nice models before.. and they're still sitting on the shelves now.. though covered in dust and most of them nowhere near finished.

Being 19 now, having much more time on my hands and having a job that requires me to be oncall when it's my turn which means I cant really commit to doing anything and straying too far from home, I think I'm going to re-start the hobby.

I've got a limited supply of paints and tools, but the basics are there!

I'm just wondering if anyone out there could reccomend a nice model to get me back into the swing of things. I'm thinking 1/72nd so that its not gonna be too expensive and so that its not got too much detail to work with.

I'm thinking modern, I've built too many WW2 era! I've got a GR4 1/48(?) in the making actutally (from the Dambusters kit!), wonder if i can scrounge that old bird out and scavenge what's left!

Maybe a Harrier GR7/9, Tiffie, F/A-18, A-10 or something big and mean along those lines!

TIA!

A quick pic from my iPhone to show whats on the shelf..

Shackleton
Lancaster
Catalina
P-47
F-14
Hurricane x2
Me262
Gant (Red Arrow)
Spitfire
Zero
He219
Me210
Fw190
Seasprite
Cobra

Oh and a Ford Motel T!

Firstly welcom back to the hobby

Personaly Im not to up to date with 72nd as I dont realy do them, but if the revell 48th Eurofighter is anything to go by then the 72nd one should be quite nice. Also hobbyboss do some nice 72nd modern jets and they are quite reasonably priced. Im sure some one else will sudgest something nice in 72nd for you to have a go at.

Welcome back to this fine hobby of ours

As I build pretty much exclusively in 1/72, I can make the following recommendations.

Typhoon- Look no further than Revell. Excellent detail, pretty good fit, loads of weapons and a beast of a decal sheet. All for a tenner, bargain. Haven't built a twin stick yet, but I imagine it's as good as the single seater.

Harrier GR.7/9- You have two options here- Hasegawa (sometimes in a Revell box) and Airfix. I personally prefer the Hase kits- engraved panel lines and better fit make for an easier build, but the Chaff/Flare dispensers and RWR/ECM fairings specific to RAF machines are not present in the kit. The Airfix kit has these, but the intakes are horrible and there are raised panel lines. I also prefer the Airfix nozzles to those in the Hase kit, but both leave you with nasty seams down the middle of the rear nozzles (really need someone to do some top quality aftermarket nozzles for all Harriers). The Airfix kit also gives the option of a positionable airbrake, which if you model your Harrier wheels down must also be drooped as it is mechanically linked. Finally, Hase being Hase, you get limited weapons.

Here's how the Hase Harrier scrubs up, though I did throw about as much aftermarket at it that I could get my hands on



F/A-18- As you can imagine, there are plenty of options here. For a Legacy Hornet, I'd recommend the Academy kit. Haven't built one yet, but it looks stunning on the sprues, with lovely detail and I'm sure good fit, typical of many of Academy's newer toolings. For the Super Bug, I'd suggest you go for Hasegawa again. Typical of Hase, lovely detail, except for the cockpit which is a bit sparse. I added an Eduard zoom set for mine, as well as drooping the flaps and adding some additional weapons and FOD covers, but it builds into a lovely model. You can find them quite cheap too if you know where to look



A-10- Been a while since I built one, so I'm not really sure what to recommend. I have an Academy kit in the stash, which looks OK, though the weapons look a bit suspect and inevitably the decals would be pants. might be worth looking around the Internet for more info.

There are a few other modern jet kits I can recommend. The Revell Tornado is a peach, one of the finest kits in 1/72. Revell regularly re-release this kit with updated markings for various German special schemes if that's your sort of thing, and the GR.1 version has all you'll need for an early RAF Tonka (the addition of an additional chin pod from an Airfix kit and some aftermarket declas present the option to build a GR.4 too). Similarly, the Revell F-16 is generally considered the best in scale, with loads of boxing sof European F-16AM models. If you're, you might also come across the F-16C boxing.

If you ever fancy doing some Cold War stuff, I'd thoroughly recommend the Revell Hunter and Academy Crusdaer. Both are superb kits. The same can be said for Fujimi's range of Intruders and British Phantoms (the latter aren't especially cheap mind)

Hope that helps, I've built many of the kits I've listed, so if you want any more pointers or pictures, just shout

Cheers

Shaun

again with the amazing replies! you guys are too good!

that harrier looks lovely.. (as does your F-18!) but i doubt i'll be that good! maybe with practice..

I might go out and get the Hase- Harrier... Nothing is more mean looking than a fully laden Harrier!

Thanks for the tips..

I'll be back no doubt

If it interests you we have a group build going on at the moment with the theme of 'based Lakenheath aircraft through the years' in any scale. So if you would like to join in then please feel free as it is open to everyone. Just take pictures of your build as you go, whack them on your own thread with ours and then post some pictures of it in the group show case thread when you are done.If the current theme isnt for you then there will be others when this one is done and if there is a theme you would like to see then please sudgest it

I am also aranging a group visit to newark air museum in september, all the details/coments are in the group builds thread so if you want to come along then just PM me, but please feel free to show your interest on the thread itself as well if you like.

Actually, a Strike Eagle doesnt sound too bad an idea I'll see what i can find

These may give you some ideas, and they shouldnt break the bank
Decals
http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/ESP72021

http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/TB72058

Kits
http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/AC2110

http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/HAE10

http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/HB80271

These are all nice kits if you do fancy doing an F-15E

Welcome Mate!!

I was in the same situation as you mate and only started back after a 5 year gap in November last year. I dont get all the time in the world with work and stuff but I get enough time to do what I can! I love it mate! haha I hope you enjoy startying back and see some of your works!!

Heres a pic of the GR4 that i spoke of.. again half finished. This is my latest attempt at modelling, ceasing work on it about 2-3 years ago

I might just get her going again! Watch this space...



oh and i picked up this beauty for £7, and i might start her today (i've got the day off! ) and I'll let you know how i get on!



I'll start a progress thread for you guys!


I did see the Revel and Airfix Tiffies, but i think i've gone off them tbh there was a nice F/A-18 Super Bug but i'll save that for later.. i'll go for a F-15E first!