Cold War Bench Notes #1: Current builds and a finish!

Thought I’d start a little blog series where I can chat about my current builds, I’ll be calling it “Cold War Bench Notes”.

As I mentioned in a previous blog, “One or many model projects?” I tend to have more than one build on the go. So, these “Cold War Bench Notes” will be ideal for progress catch-ups and any other stuff I want to chat about.

So let’s get started with the kit that I actually finished.

Tamiya 1/48 BAe Sea Harrier FRS.1

I will admit, I did not enjoy building this kit. If this were a new model maker’s first kit, it would probably put them off Tamiya. Part fit is not good, detail is very basic and way too many ejector pin marks.

However, on a positive note, it was cheap, so therefore made for an ideal practice kit for some scratch building and plastic removal.

Well, it’s done now, well, almost. I still need to add the Sidewinder missiles, and then it will be complete.

I also purchased and painted a 1/48 Sea Harrier pilot from Aerobonus, he looks quite good.

Trumpeter 1/48 Supermarine Attacker F.1

Keeping with a Fleet Air Arm theme, and so far, a much more enjoyable build than the Sea Harrier.

Yes, I’ve had to do some gap-filling. But that has given me the opportunity to practice my panel line re-scribing, which is improving.

It is now at a stage where I can start adding the main colours, in this case, an Extra Dark Sea Grey and Sky. Fingers crossed I don’t mess that up. Talking of Fleet Air Arm colours, you may find the following website useful: Aircraft Colors and Camouflage, Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm.

ICM 1/72 BTR-60PB

This really should not be taking as long as it is to build. However, it has many small, fragile parts, most of which I have had to replace with wire or just ignore, as they either broke or pinged off, never to be found!

The good news is, paint is on, so not far from the end. Just add the wheels, markings (will be DDR) and weathering.