Yeah, these guys are good. That Stinson L-1 is a stunner. The A-36 is nothing to sneer at either.

While the majority of F6F-3 night fighters were -3Es as I said, there were -3Ns at the end of the run, a lot of them got re-engined and listed as F6F-5Ns - the difference between E and N is the radar type and its installation, the E is a pod beneath the wing, the N a pod on the leading edge, aerodynamically much cleaner.

Somewhere in Florida...

...this is about to happen! @lgardner

There's no Hellcat in the photo. This is from the Aircraft Restoration Company in Duxford, https://www.aircraftrestorationcompany.com/.
@stephen-w-towle

Yes Stephen
@stephen-w-towle
that is the Collings Foundation Hellcat that I posted pictures of earlier. I believe these photos are located on page 14 of this journal now. It is a wonderful looking plane. They're knocking it out of the park ! There should be a link to the restoration page posted along with the pictures of the F6F. Here it is again if you're interested. Click on the little red circles located on the Hellcat drawing. They're shortcuts to the restoration process of that particular section. Lots of great F6F stuff right there...

http://americanaeroservices.com/grumman-f6f-3n-hellcat-buno-41476_Page.html

There are some excellent color pictures showing some areas inside the fuselage before restoration work began. You can see the original Grumman colors in some of these pictures. Please keep in mind that in some places the interior was painted in an incorrect shade of green during previous work by someone else.

The original colors were found later during disassembly, as components were removed. The original Grumman paint was found under these items. Here's a link to a virtual tour of the interior of the plane. Pan around to the bottom of the cockpit area and you can see what I'm talking about.

http://vintagetin.net/F6FHellcat/F6FIntFuselage131126/

They have gone through a lot of extensive research to document the original colors, and have painstakingly restored the plane using the proper "correct" colors as they have been rebuilding this significantly historic machine.

Funny thing you mentioned the Evergreen B-17... It's a beauty too.

Clear prop ! That's what I was thinking ...

Bombs away !

This was an awesome day... It's rumored to be one of the most complete B-17's in existence.

The B-17 should be back soon for a full on restoration. I'll keep you posted. After these pictures were taken, they flew the plane out to avoid the potential of a possible hurricane hitting the area, which could damage this jewel. Since the plane was still flyable they decided to postpone the work a little while.

James,
@jamesb
I really enjoyed that picture... Spitfire heaven right there !

Agreed on that replies issue gents. I’ve had it too. It works on some occasions and not others. There is probably a pattern. Nice if it could be fixed though.

Louis, great photos - loving those of you on the hot seat!

Looking good Louis.

I have to agree with David on this Louis - the dulling down has really taken this to another level - it is a trademark of yours, I think. I know during one of your builds when that high-gloss coat goes on the fun is just about to start! The results in terms of colour fading at this stage are immense!

Now that the other builds for the 100 years of the RAF have been completed, I hope that I can devote more time to finishing up some Spitfires.

During our recent correspondence, Paul Nash sent me some paper templates to use as masking for these Spitfire builds. He was kind enough to provide both the "A" and "B" patterns. Paul also sent me some additional Squadron Code lettering so that I can build several other Mk1 versions instead of the original choices I had made.

Here's the "A" pattern put to good use... this one is the new tool Airfix Mk1.

and how it looks after spraying on some RAF "Dark Green"


The finish looks to be spot on. You can judge for yourself in these next two pictures. I am very happy with the results. Too bad I have to spray on some gloss and add decals... but it's necessary.


Finally this is how it looks after a few coats of "Future". I'll let it sit for a few days to allow the clear to fully cure. The decals will be next... followed by another "lusterless" or more appropriately called "egg shell" finish to seal the decals and knock down the shine some.


The nice thing about using these masks is that I can replicate the factory style of painting and get more uniform results.

Thanks again Paul ! We are very fortunate to have a great bunch of people here on Imodeler...

As usual,
Comments are encouraged.