I've decided if I can reduce the size of the 'stash' - that vast collection of kits and un-built models that any modelmaker ends up accruing but yet never seems to manage to build! Such collections only ever seem to grow in size and number!
Highlights of this mad building frenzy include this Tucano trainer in 1/72 - this has since been bought not so long ago and has gone to a loving home. Quite a nice 'weekend kit' - the only issue is in getting a glossy black finish devoid of brush-marks. I prefer brushes for small jobs like this one and spraying for larger multi-engine beasties. Lots of thin coats and some decent brushes resulted in a smooth finish as seen below.
Also on the table is this Folland Gnat - at this point it currently needs gloss coating and a pin wash to bring out the recessed detail - but otherwise quite a smart looking model even unfinished. A small aircraft even in real life - in 1/72 scale it fits in the palm of your hand.
I enjoy putting them together (especially the recent Airfix tooling) - one future project will be to buy up nine of them and create a full display team - I just need to work out how to create a stand that will hold nine models aloft without looking like a small tree!
Finally, a Sea Harrier FA2. Not a personal favourite of mine in terms of shape or lines - the large radome makes the thing look like it's always nose-down when landed or in flight - however in model form it looks good in 'clean' format (no hardpoints or weapon stores). It has been bought since this photo was taken - so someone obviously agreed! The aforementioned stash is populated with a fair few too many Harriers and Sea Harriers of different marks and scales - so expect to see a few more of these in the next few months.
