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Contact Us! If your looking for a kit, want to sell off part of your collection or want to place an
order please use the form below.
order please use the form below.
| Welcome to Fire House Hobbies! |
Below are links to some of our partners. If we can't find the kit they might.
www.nostalgicplastic.com
www.rareplanedetective.com
www.nostalgicplastic.com
www.rareplanedetective.com
We hope that you'll find something on the website. As we enter our third year we
want to thank those who supported us in our early beginnings and hope you will
continue to support us in 2009.
At Fire House Hobbies we try our best to find you our customer kits that are no
longer in production or hard to find. Sometimes we succeed and sometimes
finding a kit takes longer than we anticipated.
We also are looking for collections. Whether it is one kit or 100 Fire House
Hobbies will work with you to buy your collection and eventually find homes for
those kits that you no longer want or need. If you have a collection for sale or are
looking for a kit please use the contact us section located at the bottom of this
page.
By this time we would announce the date and time of the Mid Atlantic Plastic
Model Swap Meet which is a local event that we put on. However, due to financial
constraints there will not be a Mid Atlantic Plastic Model Swap Meet. We
apologize if you are disappointed that there will not be a show this year but even
today the economy has affected us.
want to thank those who supported us in our early beginnings and hope you will
continue to support us in 2009.
At Fire House Hobbies we try our best to find you our customer kits that are no
longer in production or hard to find. Sometimes we succeed and sometimes
finding a kit takes longer than we anticipated.
We also are looking for collections. Whether it is one kit or 100 Fire House
Hobbies will work with you to buy your collection and eventually find homes for
those kits that you no longer want or need. If you have a collection for sale or are
looking for a kit please use the contact us section located at the bottom of this
page.
By this time we would announce the date and time of the Mid Atlantic Plastic
Model Swap Meet which is a local event that we put on. However, due to financial
constraints there will not be a Mid Atlantic Plastic Model Swap Meet. We
apologize if you are disappointed that there will not be a show this year but even
today the economy has affected us.
| A Little Friendly Competition |
As most of you know our friend and part time partner Mike Howe is no longer in the U.S. He is overseas serving our
country not in the military but at least helping out where and when he can. So to encourage a little bit of friendly
competition and to keep us in building kits I offered the following competition to him: Two 1/72 scale aircraft of his
choosing to be completed by the end of March, I believe. (Hey Mike if you do read this let me know when we're
suppose to have the kits completed.)
So the kits we selected were a 1/72 P-47 and a 1/72 Seahawk. Of course as I have found out there are many
versions of the Seahawk.
So here is a little background on the kits I have selected and when Mike writes me maybe he'll write something up
about the kits he has chosen.
The first kit I have selected is Revell's 1/72 P-47D-30 Thunderbolt. Now I know a little bit about P-47's after all I am
an avid history buff. The actual kit looks like one we (Mike and I) picked up from a sale. The box was a bit flattened
but the kit itself looks to be in good shape.
The kit contains approximately 25-30 pieces and since I am a decent modeler I think I can complete this kit in the
recommended time period we have allocated ourselves. The kit also contains decals for the P-47 marked "Balls
Out." I found a little information about the aircraft via the internet plus one actual black and white picture
This particular P-47 belong to the 509th Fighter Squadron, 405th Fighter Group. The 405th Group was based first
in Christ Church, England and then moved to Normandy (St. Mere Eglise) a couple of weeks after "D-Day", and
subsequently moved to St. Dizier, France.
The P-47 was a monster of single engine fighter planes weighing eight to ten tons and was the most heavily
armored fighter with eight 50-caliber machine guns mounted in the wings.
Incidentally the "P" stood for pursuit and was later changed to "F" for fighter. The P-47 was designed to be a high
altitude fighter/interceptor but was used instead primarily as a ground support fighter/bomber. It was the only Air
Corps fighter that had a radial air cooled engine, and it could absorb enormous battle damage. It was referred to by
some as "Frank Burk" a noted wild animal trapper known for his "bring them back alive” exploits.
Approximately 16,000 P-47's were built but today only about six or eight exist in flyable condition. With its
tremendous appetite for fuel and lack of speed at low altitude it did not lend itself to modifications for civilian use, i.
e. air races.
In a later update I'll give you some details of the Seahawk that I am attempting to put together. So far the P-47 is an
easier build.
country not in the military but at least helping out where and when he can. So to encourage a little bit of friendly
competition and to keep us in building kits I offered the following competition to him: Two 1/72 scale aircraft of his
choosing to be completed by the end of March, I believe. (Hey Mike if you do read this let me know when we're
suppose to have the kits completed.)
So the kits we selected were a 1/72 P-47 and a 1/72 Seahawk. Of course as I have found out there are many
versions of the Seahawk.
So here is a little background on the kits I have selected and when Mike writes me maybe he'll write something up
about the kits he has chosen.
The first kit I have selected is Revell's 1/72 P-47D-30 Thunderbolt. Now I know a little bit about P-47's after all I am
an avid history buff. The actual kit looks like one we (Mike and I) picked up from a sale. The box was a bit flattened
but the kit itself looks to be in good shape.
The kit contains approximately 25-30 pieces and since I am a decent modeler I think I can complete this kit in the
recommended time period we have allocated ourselves. The kit also contains decals for the P-47 marked "Balls
Out." I found a little information about the aircraft via the internet plus one actual black and white picture
This particular P-47 belong to the 509th Fighter Squadron, 405th Fighter Group. The 405th Group was based first
in Christ Church, England and then moved to Normandy (St. Mere Eglise) a couple of weeks after "D-Day", and
subsequently moved to St. Dizier, France.
The P-47 was a monster of single engine fighter planes weighing eight to ten tons and was the most heavily
armored fighter with eight 50-caliber machine guns mounted in the wings.
Incidentally the "P" stood for pursuit and was later changed to "F" for fighter. The P-47 was designed to be a high
altitude fighter/interceptor but was used instead primarily as a ground support fighter/bomber. It was the only Air
Corps fighter that had a radial air cooled engine, and it could absorb enormous battle damage. It was referred to by
some as "Frank Burk" a noted wild animal trapper known for his "bring them back alive” exploits.
Approximately 16,000 P-47's were built but today only about six or eight exist in flyable condition. With its
tremendous appetite for fuel and lack of speed at low altitude it did not lend itself to modifications for civilian use, i.
e. air races.
In a later update I'll give you some details of the Seahawk that I am attempting to put together. So far the P-47 is an
easier build.
| New Arrivals And for a first we're starting off with armor. |
Description: Sd.Kfz.138 Initial Production Smart Kit WWII German tank
destroyers built on the chassis of the Panzer 38(t). Kit has highly
detailed exterior and interior - fully outfitted driver's compartment,
engine compartment and fighting compartment. Includes separately
molded hatches and on-vehicle equipment, individual link track,
thin-molded armor plate, PaK 40 gun traverses, elevates and features
workable breech. Also includes braided metal tow cable and
photo-etch parts (brackets, muffler screen, storage box, mud flaps and
many fine details). Decals and painting reference for 5 vehicles:
Pz.Jg.ABT.113, Eastern Front, 1944.
12.Pz.Div. 'Hitlerjugend' France, 1940.
British captured example, Mozzza Grogna, Italy, 1943.
2 from unidentified units serving in Italy, 1943-44.
MSRP: $47.90
Fire House Hobbies price: $39.00
destroyers built on the chassis of the Panzer 38(t). Kit has highly
detailed exterior and interior - fully outfitted driver's compartment,
engine compartment and fighting compartment. Includes separately
molded hatches and on-vehicle equipment, individual link track,
thin-molded armor plate, PaK 40 gun traverses, elevates and features
workable breech. Also includes braided metal tow cable and
photo-etch parts (brackets, muffler screen, storage box, mud flaps and
many fine details). Decals and painting reference for 5 vehicles:
Pz.Jg.ABT.113, Eastern Front, 1944.
12.Pz.Div. 'Hitlerjugend' France, 1940.
British captured example, Mozzza Grogna, Italy, 1943.
2 from unidentified units serving in Italy, 1943-44.
MSRP: $47.90
Fire House Hobbies price: $39.00
Description: Sd.Kfz.250/8 Neu with 7.5 cm K.51 L/24 Premium Edition.
German Wehrmacht leichte Schützenpanzerwagen - light armored half
track, support variant armed with a 7.5cm gun and MG34. Kit features
excellent interior and exterior detail - driver's compartment, fighting
compartment, engine compartment with engine plus individual link
track, separately molded hatches/view port covers and infantry
equipment, photo-etch parts (equipment/weapon racks, straps,
brackets and additional details), plus brass clearance indicator poles.
Also includes highly detailed gun with rifled barrel, full breech
mechanism and spent ammo basket. Decals and painting reference for
4 vehicles: 5.Pz.Div 'Wiking', Korvel, 1945; Pz.Gren.Rgt.304, 2.Pz.Div.
Germany, 1945; unidentified unit, Eastern Front, 1944 and unidentified
unit, Germany, 1945.
MSRP: $52.99
Fire House Hobbies price: $38.00
German Wehrmacht leichte Schützenpanzerwagen - light armored half
track, support variant armed with a 7.5cm gun and MG34. Kit features
excellent interior and exterior detail - driver's compartment, fighting
compartment, engine compartment with engine plus individual link
track, separately molded hatches/view port covers and infantry
equipment, photo-etch parts (equipment/weapon racks, straps,
brackets and additional details), plus brass clearance indicator poles.
Also includes highly detailed gun with rifled barrel, full breech
mechanism and spent ammo basket. Decals and painting reference for
4 vehicles: 5.Pz.Div 'Wiking', Korvel, 1945; Pz.Gren.Rgt.304, 2.Pz.Div.
Germany, 1945; unidentified unit, Eastern Front, 1944 and unidentified
unit, Germany, 1945.
MSRP: $52.99
Fire House Hobbies price: $38.00
Description: US Army M3 half-track, self-propelled artillery/tank
destroyer variant. Kit has detailed exterior, driver's and fighting
compartment, new tool M1897A4 75mm gun with complete breech and
shield, chassis frame, engine, bulged tires, and detailed suspension
with injection-molded 2-piece track lengths. Also includes separately
molded cab doors and on-vehicle equipment, photo-etch details
(radiator louvers, vision port covers, and brush guard screen), brass
chain, nylon cable, and seated driver. Decals and painting reference
for 6 vehicles: 601st Tank Destroyer Battalion, USA, Tunisia, 1943; IS
Army, Sicily, 1943; US Army, Stateside, 1943; USMC 'L' Co, 3rd Bn,
Saipan, 1944; 1st King's Dragoon Guards, Italy, 1944; 1st King's
Dragoon Guards, Germany, 1945; and 'A' Sqd, 27th Lancers, Italy,
1945.
MSRP: $56.99
Fire House Hobbies price: $41.00
destroyer variant. Kit has detailed exterior, driver's and fighting
compartment, new tool M1897A4 75mm gun with complete breech and
shield, chassis frame, engine, bulged tires, and detailed suspension
with injection-molded 2-piece track lengths. Also includes separately
molded cab doors and on-vehicle equipment, photo-etch details
(radiator louvers, vision port covers, and brush guard screen), brass
chain, nylon cable, and seated driver. Decals and painting reference
for 6 vehicles: 601st Tank Destroyer Battalion, USA, Tunisia, 1943; IS
Army, Sicily, 1943; US Army, Stateside, 1943; USMC 'L' Co, 3rd Bn,
Saipan, 1944; 1st King's Dragoon Guards, Italy, 1944; 1st King's
Dragoon Guards, Germany, 1945; and 'A' Sqd, 27th Lancers, Italy,
1945.
MSRP: $56.99
Fire House Hobbies price: $41.00
Description: No.112 Factory 'Krasone Sormovo' Late Production. WWII
Soviet medium tank kit. Features excellent suspension with individual
link track, highly detailed hull and turret exteriors with separately
molded hatches, optional metal gun barrel, detailed gun breech,
braided wire for tow cable and extensive photo-etch parts (engine deck
grilles, brackets, latches, hinges, straps and many additional details).
Includes new tooled road wheels, external fuel tanks and turret with
accurate cast texture. Decals and painting reference for 5 vehicles:
Red Army unidentified unit, Eastern Front, 1943 (x3).
Polish 1st Tank Regiment, Russia, July 1943.
8th Estonian Infantry Corps, Eastern Front, 1943.
MSRP: $45.00
Fire House Hobbies price: $41.00
Soviet medium tank kit. Features excellent suspension with individual
link track, highly detailed hull and turret exteriors with separately
molded hatches, optional metal gun barrel, detailed gun breech,
braided wire for tow cable and extensive photo-etch parts (engine deck
grilles, brackets, latches, hinges, straps and many additional details).
Includes new tooled road wheels, external fuel tanks and turret with
accurate cast texture. Decals and painting reference for 5 vehicles:
Red Army unidentified unit, Eastern Front, 1943 (x3).
Polish 1st Tank Regiment, Russia, July 1943.
8th Estonian Infantry Corps, Eastern Front, 1943.
MSRP: $45.00
Fire House Hobbies price: $41.00
Description: US Army M3 half-track, anti-aircraft variant with Maxson
M45 quad .50 cal machine gun mount. Kit has detailed exterior,
driver's and fighting compartment, guns with mount, frame, engine
and detailed suspension with injection-molded 2-piece track lengths.
Also includes separately molded cab doors and on-vehicle
equipment, optional position windshield armor, photo-etch details
(radiator louvers, vision port covers, windshield wipers and gun
base), metal chain, nylon cable plus seated driver and gunner
figures. Decals and painting reference for 6 vehicles: 482nd AA Btl,
Remagen 1945; 390th AAA Auto Weapons Btl, Germany 1945;
457th AAA Auto Weapons Btl, Luxembourg 1945; 209th AAA Auto
Weapons Btl, Luzon 1945; Unidentified unit, Western front 1944; 1st
Light AA Rgt, Polish 1st Armored Div, France 1944.
MSRP: $51.00
Fire House Hobbies price: $41.00
M45 quad .50 cal machine gun mount. Kit has detailed exterior,
driver's and fighting compartment, guns with mount, frame, engine
and detailed suspension with injection-molded 2-piece track lengths.
Also includes separately molded cab doors and on-vehicle
equipment, optional position windshield armor, photo-etch details
(radiator louvers, vision port covers, windshield wipers and gun
base), metal chain, nylon cable plus seated driver and gunner
figures. Decals and painting reference for 6 vehicles: 482nd AA Btl,
Remagen 1945; 390th AAA Auto Weapons Btl, Germany 1945;
457th AAA Auto Weapons Btl, Luxembourg 1945; 209th AAA Auto
Weapons Btl, Luzon 1945; Unidentified unit, Western front 1944; 1st
Light AA Rgt, Polish 1st Armored Div, France 1944.
MSRP: $51.00
Fire House Hobbies price: $41.00
Description: WWII Soviet medium tank kit. Features excellent
suspension with individual link track, highly detailed hull and turret
exteriors, separately molded hatches, detailed gun with breech,
braided wire for tow cable and photo-etch parts (engine deck
grilles, brackets, latches, hinges, straps and additional details).
Includes new tooled drive sprockets, upper-hull glacis with weld
detail, and turret roof and bottom. Decals and painting reference
for 3 vehicles: unidentified unit, Eastern Front, 1943; unidentified
unit, Middle Don, 1943; and 'Moskowskiy Kolkhoznik', Eastern
Front, 1943.
MSRP: $53.99
Fire House Hobbies price: $39.00
suspension with individual link track, highly detailed hull and turret
exteriors, separately molded hatches, detailed gun with breech,
braided wire for tow cable and photo-etch parts (engine deck
grilles, brackets, latches, hinges, straps and additional details).
Includes new tooled drive sprockets, upper-hull glacis with weld
detail, and turret roof and bottom. Decals and painting reference
for 3 vehicles: unidentified unit, Eastern Front, 1943; unidentified
unit, Middle Don, 1943; and 'Moskowskiy Kolkhoznik', Eastern
Front, 1943.
MSRP: $53.99
Fire House Hobbies price: $39.00
| And now for the aircraft! |
Description: Trumpeter 1/32 English Electric (BAC) Lightning
F.1A/F3. Cold War era British supersonic fighter aircraft kit.
Features engraved panel lines, detailed cockpit and undercarriage,
partial intake trunking, separately molded flaps, optional position
speed brake and canopy, plus external stores, film instruments,
rubber tires and white metal undercarriage. Decals and painting
guide for 2 aircraft: Lightning F.1A, XM174, No. 56 Squadron, Royal
Air Force, RAF Wattisham, England, 1963; Lightning F.3, XR711,
No. 111 Squadron, Royal Air Force, RAF Wattisham, England, 1965.
MSRP: $179.95
Fire House Hobbies price: $129.00
F.1A/F3. Cold War era British supersonic fighter aircraft kit.
Features engraved panel lines, detailed cockpit and undercarriage,
partial intake trunking, separately molded flaps, optional position
speed brake and canopy, plus external stores, film instruments,
rubber tires and white metal undercarriage. Decals and painting
guide for 2 aircraft: Lightning F.1A, XM174, No. 56 Squadron, Royal
Air Force, RAF Wattisham, England, 1963; Lightning F.3, XR711,
No. 111 Squadron, Royal Air Force, RAF Wattisham, England, 1965.
MSRP: $179.95
Fire House Hobbies price: $129.00
Description: English Electric-built 1st-generation jet bomber,
night-intruder/interdictor variant. Features recessed panel lines, well
detailed cockpit, wheel wells and bomb bay with bombs. Also
includes separately molded control surfaces and flaps, ventral gun
pack and external stores. Decals and color painting reference for 3
aircraft: B(I).8 XM277 of 16 Squadron, RAF, Laarbruch, Germany,
1972; B(I).12 NZ6106, 14 Squadron Royal New Zealand AF,
Ohakea, New Zealand, 1968; B(I).12 453, 12 Squadron South
African Air Force, Waterkloof, South Africa, 1969-75.
MSRP: $50.75
Fire House Hobbies price: $41.00
night-intruder/interdictor variant. Features recessed panel lines, well
detailed cockpit, wheel wells and bomb bay with bombs. Also
includes separately molded control surfaces and flaps, ventral gun
pack and external stores. Decals and color painting reference for 3
aircraft: B(I).8 XM277 of 16 Squadron, RAF, Laarbruch, Germany,
1972; B(I).12 NZ6106, 14 Squadron Royal New Zealand AF,
Ohakea, New Zealand, 1968; B(I).12 453, 12 Squadron South
African Air Force, Waterkloof, South Africa, 1969-75.
MSRP: $50.75
Fire House Hobbies price: $41.00
Jet Maritime Recon RAF Aircraft (Ltd. Edition) Injection molded
plastic with markings and options for the MR.1, MR.2/2P and R.1
versions.
Status: On Sale & In Stock
Retail Price: $69.95
Fire House Hobbies price: $52.00
plastic with markings and options for the MR.1, MR.2/2P and R.1
versions.
Status: On Sale & In Stock
Retail Price: $69.95
Fire House Hobbies price: $52.00
Regular B-24D kit with decal and box art change. This is some interesting
markings.It is really the best B-24 out there, and is highly recommended.
This would be very unique in your collection.
2 decal options - one polk dots (pictured) the other Black and yellow with
broad stripes. Detailed landing gear. Detailed exterior w/ recessed panel
lines. Good cockpit
Retail Price: $86.00
Fire House Hobbies price: $65.00
markings.It is really the best B-24 out there, and is highly recommended.
This would be very unique in your collection.
2 decal options - one polk dots (pictured) the other Black and yellow with
broad stripes. Detailed landing gear. Detailed exterior w/ recessed panel
lines. Good cockpit
Retail Price: $86.00
Fire House Hobbies price: $65.00
Description: "Dambusters" Injection molded kit; new cylindrical
special bombs and under fuselage parts. Markings for 3 aircraft -
Royal A.F. 617 SQ Code: AJ-G May 1943; Royal A.F. 617 SQ Code:
AJ-C; Royal A.F. 617 SQ Code: AJ-S Dec., 1943.
MSRP: $71.99
Fire House Hobbies price: $54.00
special bombs and under fuselage parts. Markings for 3 aircraft -
Royal A.F. 617 SQ Code: AJ-G May 1943; Royal A.F. 617 SQ Code:
AJ-C; Royal A.F. 617 SQ Code: AJ-S Dec., 1943.
MSRP: $71.99
Fire House Hobbies price: $54.00
The first aircraft flew on the 6 February 1933 and was handed over
the navy for trials three-months later. It was flown in competition with
the Aichi AB-6 which was designed to meet the same requirement.
The E7K1 was ordered into production as the Navy Type 94
Reconnaissance Seaplane and entered service in early 1935. It
became a popular aircraft but was hindered by the unreliability of
the Hiro engine. Later production E7K1s were fitted with a more
powerful version of the Hiro 91, but this did not improve the
reliability. Detailed floats and catapult. Detailed exterior w/ raised
panel lines. Good cockpit
MSRP: $20.00
Fire House Hobbies price: $15.00
the navy for trials three-months later. It was flown in competition with
the Aichi AB-6 which was designed to meet the same requirement.
The E7K1 was ordered into production as the Navy Type 94
Reconnaissance Seaplane and entered service in early 1935. It
became a popular aircraft but was hindered by the unreliability of
the Hiro engine. Later production E7K1s were fitted with a more
powerful version of the Hiro 91, but this did not improve the
reliability. Detailed floats and catapult. Detailed exterior w/ raised
panel lines. Good cockpit
MSRP: $20.00
Fire House Hobbies price: $15.00
I've been stationed here at GTMO for just about 7 months now and was talking with Bill about getting back into
modeling. He suggested a little friendly competition between us to help and the decision of what to build for this
contest basically depended on what was already in our personal stashes of kits. So we exchanged lists of
possible kits, compared notes and concentrated on the 1/72 scale ones.
What we decided on was a pair of 'Seahawk' kits (the WWII US float-plane version for Bill, and the Airfix English
straight wing attack fighter for me). We also noted that there were some P-47's in our stash as well: a Revell P-47
for Bill and I had several - Hasegawa (2), Jo-Han (2) and a Academy kit: I mention the multiple P-47 kits only
because with my hectic work schedule and the few parts that were missing from a couple of them, I wasn't sure if I
would actually finish at least one.
We also decided that photo-etched parts wouldn't be used, but we could add various parts (including decals) from
other kits in the same scale, especially if the aircraft had actually carried them in service, ie rockets, drop tanks
and/or bombs.
With the two ref kits finally decided on, we started by taking pictures to document the construction as it
progressed. The starting date was set for Jan 31st and the finish date was March 14th, 2009.
My first set of pictures are of my kits after opening them up in their un-built condition. After doing a little clean up
of the main fuselage and wing parts for the Seahawk and P-47 kits, the construction craze begin on the first
weekend of our contest for my kits.
The Airfix Seahawk kit has 34 parts in it, with British and West German markings which were in relatively poor
condition with a British FGA.6 from 804 Sq. on the HMS Albion and a German Mk.100 from MFG 1. In my spares
box I found some alternative decals that I'll use for the West German version from an unidentified 1/72 scale
sheet. Overall, it was pretty much your basic kit and without alot of surface detail or options, except for the taller
tail for the West German aircraft which is the version I decided to build.
The Hasegawa P-47 bubble top/razorback kits have about 35 nicely detailed parts to them with stock decals for
an aircraft from the 57th Fighter Group, 65th Fighter Sq.in Italy, 1944 and one from the 345 Fighter Group, 353
Fighter Sq. in France, 1945.
The Jo-Han kit has about 39 fairly basic parts to it (depending on which version - bubble-top or razor back) and
stock markings for either Lt. Col Gabreski for the former, or Lt. Thomas Bailey for the later version. These decals
weren't too bad, but I've got a spare decal sheet from MSAP (Ministry of Small Aircraft Production) for six
other P-47's
The Academy kit has about 49 nicely detailed parts to it, but is missing the right fuselage half, so unless I can
locate a replacement soon, it'll be left out of this particular contest. It's also missing a decal sheet, but Bill just
sent me two 1/72 scale sets from Aeromaster that I can use for it and/or several of the other P-47's listed above.
That's it for now - I'll send you an updated note on where I'm at construction wise with these kits shortly.
Regards, Mike
modeling. He suggested a little friendly competition between us to help and the decision of what to build for this
contest basically depended on what was already in our personal stashes of kits. So we exchanged lists of
possible kits, compared notes and concentrated on the 1/72 scale ones.
What we decided on was a pair of 'Seahawk' kits (the WWII US float-plane version for Bill, and the Airfix English
straight wing attack fighter for me). We also noted that there were some P-47's in our stash as well: a Revell P-47
for Bill and I had several - Hasegawa (2), Jo-Han (2) and a Academy kit: I mention the multiple P-47 kits only
because with my hectic work schedule and the few parts that were missing from a couple of them, I wasn't sure if I
would actually finish at least one.
We also decided that photo-etched parts wouldn't be used, but we could add various parts (including decals) from
other kits in the same scale, especially if the aircraft had actually carried them in service, ie rockets, drop tanks
and/or bombs.
With the two ref kits finally decided on, we started by taking pictures to document the construction as it
progressed. The starting date was set for Jan 31st and the finish date was March 14th, 2009.
My first set of pictures are of my kits after opening them up in their un-built condition. After doing a little clean up
of the main fuselage and wing parts for the Seahawk and P-47 kits, the construction craze begin on the first
weekend of our contest for my kits.
The Airfix Seahawk kit has 34 parts in it, with British and West German markings which were in relatively poor
condition with a British FGA.6 from 804 Sq. on the HMS Albion and a German Mk.100 from MFG 1. In my spares
box I found some alternative decals that I'll use for the West German version from an unidentified 1/72 scale
sheet. Overall, it was pretty much your basic kit and without alot of surface detail or options, except for the taller
tail for the West German aircraft which is the version I decided to build.
The Hasegawa P-47 bubble top/razorback kits have about 35 nicely detailed parts to them with stock decals for
an aircraft from the 57th Fighter Group, 65th Fighter Sq.in Italy, 1944 and one from the 345 Fighter Group, 353
Fighter Sq. in France, 1945.
The Jo-Han kit has about 39 fairly basic parts to it (depending on which version - bubble-top or razor back) and
stock markings for either Lt. Col Gabreski for the former, or Lt. Thomas Bailey for the later version. These decals
weren't too bad, but I've got a spare decal sheet from MSAP (Ministry of Small Aircraft Production) for six
other P-47's
The Academy kit has about 49 nicely detailed parts to it, but is missing the right fuselage half, so unless I can
locate a replacement soon, it'll be left out of this particular contest. It's also missing a decal sheet, but Bill just
sent me two 1/72 scale sets from Aeromaster that I can use for it and/or several of the other P-47's listed above.
That's it for now - I'll send you an updated note on where I'm at construction wise with these kits shortly.
Regards, Mike
| Some nice kits at very good prices! This weekend we managed to purchase some Trumpeter ship kits at a decent price half off MSRP. So we're going to pass this opportunity to our customers as well. 1/350 Ships U.S.S. Yorktown 1944 MSRP: $154.95 Fire House Hobbies price: $92.00 U.S.S Essex MSRP: $154.95 Fire House Hobbies price: $92.00 U.S.S. Lexington CV2, MSRP $154.95 Fire House Hobbies price: $92.00 |
| OK NOW FOR THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! There will be a Mid Atlantic Plastic Model Swap Meet YES YOU'RE READING IT RIGHT Where: The Holiday Inn Express, Springfield Virginia When: June 20, 2009 from 9 AM till 1 PM Admission: $5.00 More details to follow but suffice to say we found a place that is willing to work with us. If you are interested in being a vendor at this show please contact us at engco45@yahoo.com Tables for our show sell out quickly |
