First out of the box for 2016 was a commission build for an ex-RAAF C-130E and H pilot. Sorry Paul only crew seats in this one.
As this was my second go at the Academy 1/72 Here, I knew what mistakes I made last time and was determined not to repeat them. Rear door closed this time and less feathering on the paint edges. The Client was wrapped with the result.
Next up was some RAAC goodness, The 1/35 Bushmaster by the now gone Showcase Models.
A fun build with some aftermarket lives sourced from here and there.
I knew the theme for the 2016 Wings Model Show was going to be RAN/FAA, so I knew what I wanted to build for it. The Classic Airframes Fairey Gannet. I never even knew the plane existed until the first time I went to the Museum a few years ago and when I saw it, I knew I wanted to build it.
I have since replaced the tail hook with brass rod, and its one of my favourite pieces in my collection.
Then back to the RAAC, this time the theatre is Vietnam. When I went to the AWM two years back, they had/have a Centurion tank sitting outside and man is it impressive. On the way home from Canberra, I found two more, so it kind of was a sign that i would have to have one before too long too.
It's an awesome addition to my RAAC cabinet and I look forward to adding some APC's and a Leopard to it next year.
It was then time to get back into the air with a 3 Squadron Mustang III in Italy. Fun build and my first from Tamiya I think. Fell together.
[img]https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8879/27741827053_493e397dfa_b.jpg[img]
Then off to the Pacific Theatre with a Tamiya Mk.21 Beaufighter. I loved this build too. Tamiya released another winner kit here IMO. I tried some new painting techniques on this one and I think they paid off.
Now this build I think of one of my failures for the year. The Kitty Hawk F-35A. Masking all of the panels and raised details was a chore and I'll admit, I took short cuts that stuffed me up. Paint went on in multiple coats and ended up going way too thick. The way the light plays off the real thing shows things you won't see from other angles and paint demarcation lines gave me head spins trying to work out.
If you stand back and don't look too close, it looks alright in the cabinet.
Last completed build of the year, and that can be challenged as I still have things I want to do with her. Centerline tank, and RBF tags being two.
Tamiya's 1/32 F-4E Phantom II My first 1/32 build if you exclude the Battlestar Galactica builds (i do)
I hope to get this one finished this year, but only time will tell as my body is conspiring against me. The Italleri 1/72 Spartan.
I have let myself down with my seam filling and sanding around the cockpit, and to my shame I didn't really notice how bad until I took it outside in bright sunlight for some photos.
SHELF OF DOOM
Only one kit currently resides on the shelf of doom. It stalled when I was told the engines weren't correct and I had to order a set from the former USSR. They have arrived, but I have not restarted.
Thats it for 2016 I hope everybody has a great Holiday period and Santa comes to visit.
