Please, sir, can we have another Group Build?

[F_IV]

Mike, you might like to check out the Amercom/Altaya Wellington that has been around for a few years now. It’s really rather lovely and is a great basis for a repaint or conversion.

Smeg, I think you’re absolutely right about the very specific build topics. 1/144 scale builders seem to enjoy it more when there is a bit more room to move. The 1940 theme would work for me too as there’s a whole bunch of things to choose and learn from. I still have a Mark I Dornier burning a hole in my stash. Plus the AMG 109c just arrived that begs being converted to Dora night fighter serving in Norway. And that Blenheim,and...

[Mig88]

Although I have some plans that wouldn't fit the 1940 GB, I too would love to build a Mark I Do 17Z and would gladly do so for the GB. And then maybe some Armoury Bf 109Es.... !

Miguel

[smeg1959]

Usually we would set up a poll to decide the theme of a GB and apologies to anyone who feels aggrieved that this time we won’t. My decision is based upon the participation in recent builds and it seems that the core contributors in 2019 have largely responded in the affirmative. So how’s about a few days to get prepared and we make a start on Saturday 8 Feb?

One starter for me will be an aircraft some may never have heard of. I hadn’t until Mr Hawkins added it to my stash ...

[ajmm]

Sounds great, thanks Smeg.

[smeg1959]

I do have a couple of Sweet Hurricanes still in the stash. However, I’ve built three of these admittedly lovely kits in previous GBs (Gleed’s one for “Black”, Ritchie’s one and Annoying Orange for “RAF Centenary”). The biggest bugger for a 1940 theme is the absence of a really decent injection-moulded kit of a Spitty Mk I or II. Bandai’s gashapon was quite good but is long OOP, so you’re left with Revell’s 1973 effort. Fixable, as David showed with his excellent Spitty prototype in GB10, but really after nigh on half a century, why are we still waiting?

[ajmm]

Yup very true. I am fortunate enough to have a Bandai one so I think I should give that a whirl.

[smeg1959]

And whilst on the topic of older kits awaiting updates, anyone know the current status of the Roden He111? Got a couple of Ye Olde Crown/Minicraft ones but a newbie would be most timely for this GB.

[F_IV]

I've been wondering about the Heinkel. Hopefully it makes it onto the shelves this year.
Regarding the Spitfire MkI; the Eduard IX does lend itself to conversion pretty well if you shorten the nose and reattach. Cannon bulges can be filed off and the radiator made up from spares. I did one several years ago and the build is still around here somewhere. The challenge would be making a new curved windscreen. Something I missed last time. I'd definitely recommend giving it a go though.

[smeg1959]

That's a real beauty! My trouble is that I am but a mere mortal. However, I do have a couple of Eduard Spits, so I might be interrogating you later in the GB.

[F_IV]

I think I’ve still got all the scaled drawings that I used too. So I’m very happy to post them if anyone needs them.