Airfix Sea Vixen build - Part Six

It's done said Frodo!

And so is my Sea Vixen. The application of the decals was a true marathon. I hit the wall at one point thinking I would never get to the end of it but fortunately I did. There has to be around 500 individual decals on this model ranging from the large wing numbers to tiny decals the size of a pin head.

They clearly make the model however, I used Micro sol and Micro set in their application and then put a coat of Tamiya clear coat over them to lock them in.

The model was completed with a couple of coats of Model master Semi-Gloss lacquer.

Canopies were dipped in Pledge with Future to brighten them up.

I made a few mistakes on the model such as messing up some of the decals but overall I am really pleased. Airfix have produced a lovely model that goes together well and has a pleasing level of detail.

As for the after market bits that I used I think most of them were not really necessary except for the True Detail Ejection seats. They really add something to the kit.

So here are a few pictures of the finished article along with a snap shot of all the things I used to build this model. Hope you like it and are inspired to make your own one day.

With the Para's in Helmand - a review

The full title of this book is "With the Para's in Helmand. A Photographic Diary" and it's author is Craig Allen.

Before I start I must declare a bias. I was fortunate to serve with both 15 Para and 4 Para in the reserves from 1984 until 1990. The Parachute Regiment is a remarkable organization and one I am fiercely proud of. When I saw this book mentioned in a modelling magazine I was reading (Airfix) I immediately logged on to Amazon and ordered my copy.

It arrived two days later and I dove in. The first thing that impressed me about the book was the solid feel of a well made hard back book and the well composed cover sheet. The quality of the paper and the clarity of the pictures told me this was a well put together book, well worth the cash I had dropped on it.

The author has all the credentials needed to put a book like this together having served a full career himself with the Para's. He has been able to draw on his personal experiences in other theatres such as Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Iraq to describe both in words and pictures the real life of a front line "tom" in "the Reg".

For the Military enthusiast there is a mass of crystal clear color photographs that provide all the detailed information you could ever need about the modern day paratrooper fighting in Afghanistan. The detail is all there from the mixing of different uniform elements to the wearing of both issue and privately purchased kit. Knee pads, tattoos, pouch attachments, GPS devices , Sig pistol holsters, it's all there. Anyone interested in modelling these fine soldiers has a wealth of information to use.

The text however is what draws you in to the daily grind and life of the soldier. No surprise Mr Allen uses the soldiers vernacular that he is used to. This means you will read about contacts "kicking off", being "licked out" after a particularly rapid advance and getting up "early doors" to start a patrol.

Without getting on his soapbox Mr Allen clearly explains the struggles the military have in getting sufficient assets on the ground to complete their mission. For example a common theme throughout his book is the shortage of helicopters for moving men and equipment. Rather like a bus service but running on a Sunday schedule.

Of particular interest will be the description of the weapons used by the Toms. One point that is very noteworthy is how the role of sniper has been adapted to the conditions and used to great effect to keep the enemies heads down.

I read this book in a couple of sessions. It's an easy read and the narrative is extremely well supported by the accompanying photographs. I don't think there is a single page that doesn't have at least one picture.

And one final bonus. You get a free "feel good" token as each sale of the book results in some money going towards the Afghan Trust which benefits the Regiment's soldiers and their families.

Buy it.

Airfix Sea Vixen build - part five

Finally got the main paint scheme sprayed on. Couple of coats rubbed down with micromesh in between. Finally a couple of coats of Tamiya XF-22 Clear coat to help lock everything in and provide a smooth surface for decal application.

In the first picture here you can see I have attached the refuelling probe. This is in fact an after market item from www.luckymodel.com . They sell a pack with replacement resin wing hinges and it also includes a brass refuelling probe and two very  fine alloy pitot tubes. I didn't need the hinges but the probe and tubes are excellent, and robust.

Next to the aircraft you can see the probe from the kit and one of the new pitot tubes.

Next step is to start applying the decals. This looks like it is going to be a marathon job. We'll see.