.: the stash

Every serious modeler has a stash. A pile of unbuild models. You start with one model, and build it. Than comes the next. By the time you have finished the second one, you have bought the next one. And that is just the beginning. Before you have started on the fifth kit, your stash has grown to at least the same number!

My stash dates back to the 80's. It has grown the last years.

Below you will find my ever growing pile of unbuild kits. Build models and models on the bench are also included. If the status is "build", use the link to the gallery to see the actual model.

I have placed them in order I purchased the models.

.: Focke Wulf FW190 Dora-9

Manufacturer: Hasegawa
Serie: CH3
Scale: 1/32
Add on: none
Status: boxed

This kit I bought back in the 80's at my favourite shop, Fa. van Nieuwenhuijzen modelbouw.

Soon after I bought this beautiful model other important things like school, work and girlfriends came into my life. But I never lost this precious, threw it away, gave it away or sold it.

The Dora-9 has always impressed me with its beauty. Sleek, fast and well armed.

The high grade series of Hasegawa was those days state of the art.

.: Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Manufacturer: Gunze Sangyo
Serie: 188
Scale: 1/24
Add on: none
Status: boxed

In the late 90's my girlfriend bought me this kit. She thought it was time to pick up an old hobby. Not knowing how much time and money it would eventually will take to have a hobby like that ;) Well, at that moment I didn't restart my hobby, that lasted a couple of more years.

Meanwhile this kit waits patiently in my stash.

.: Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia

Manufacturer: Airfix
Serie: A12001
Scale: 1/24
Add on: none
Status: on the bench

It must have been december 2006 when friends asked me what I would like to have as a birthday present. I said I would like to have a simple model to pick up my old hobby again. A not to hard to make kit, a Spitfire would do...

They showed up with this 1/24 Airfix Spitfire Mk Ia!

The box is big, the model is big. Everything is big. Well, that's because the model scale is 1/24!

.: F-100D Super Sabre

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 60760
Scale: 1/72
Add on: none
Status:

Working on the Airfix Spitfire I came up with the idea to buy an airbrush. But airbrushing was, according to the internet, not that easy. So I bought myself this silver bird. They said a metal finish is one of the hardest things to do.

Well, take a look at my Display page and see yourself how hard it is.

.: Gloster Meteor F.1

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 61051
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none
Status:

Another project for testing my skills for the Spitfire. Airbrushing soft lines and British camouflage.

This kit I picked up for a bargain at my local hobby shop. I don't know what came first: the idea to test my airbrush skills, or the idea building a stash with bargains as a base...

The model represents the F.1 model of the Meteor, and I build it straight out of the box. No add-ons yet, I was not familiar with photo-etched parts at that moment. Luckily I didn't forgot the nose weight, because this one is a real tail sitter. A first on this model was spraying soft lines by masking with lifted masks.

.: Royal Navy Sea Harrier FRS.1

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 61026
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard FE165 Detailing set; Xtra Decal X48058 Harrier Falklands War 25th Anniversary
Status: boxed

Inside me grew a hunger for kits I always wanted to make when I was younger. The kits made in those early days of modeling where still on the market. Sometimes not that easy to get, but when you search hard enough, you will find them.

This one was my first online order, at flash-aviation.nl. Another company I remembered from the old days.

This Sea Harrier is still boxed. The plan is to build a 1982 Falklands Sea Harrier.

.: Nakajima A6M2-N Type 2 Fighter Seaplane

Manufacturer: Hasegawa
Serie: 9322
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard FE358 interior set
Status:

Doing research on the Meteor on the web I ran into this Japanese seaplane. And fell in love with it.

The Rufe is a little machine use as an interceptor/fighter-bomber and is based on the famous A6M Zero. The Zero was a great plane, but the large float and wing pontoons degraded the performance of the Rufe by 20%, making it a not to hard target for the Allied fighters.

For the first time I used photo-etched parts for the cockpit. That was a great improvement. The only thing was it were colored PE-parts and the interior color didn't exactly match with the PE-parts. Well, that was a learning moment of the many more to come.

.: P-47N Thunderbolt

Manufacturer: Pro-Modeller
Serie: 85-5929
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard 48-236 detailset
Status: boxed

This a real stash model. Visiting my favourite shop Fam. Nieuwenhuizen in Rotterdam once again, I found this kit for sale.

I have thought many times to start with this kit, but it is still untouched on my stash.

.: Donier Do335A Pfeil

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 61074
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard FE168 Detailset
Status:

This kit a received from my kids for my birthday. Typically a kit I would never buy myself but actually loved to build it. The Do335 is a legendary plane and her sheer size shows very well in the model. It is big fighter (bomber) for that timeframe and the two engines are really impressive. The camo pattern is also a nice feature of the model.

.: North American P-51B Mustang

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 61042
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard 48-199 detailset; Superscale 48-113 Mustang Aces decals
Status:

The "Shangri-La" is one of my favourite paint schemes ever. In the old days I once build a Revell 1/32 P-51b. What I remember of this kit was its dark green color, the feeling of the rivets and the peculiar canopy.

The Tamiya kit is far superior to the classic Revell, no doubt, but there is also about 30 years of progression.

The kit is easy to build with no big issues. To boost the cockpit details I added the Eduard cockpit set (49-199). I also replaced the Tamiya decals, which are rather thick, with Superscale decals (48-1113).

.: Vought F4U-1D Corsair

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 61061
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard FE216 cockpitset
Status:

I love the Corsair. I love navy planes in general. Tough aircraft capable of take off and landing on a tiny deck. De Corsair represents for me the navy power of the US during WWII. The deep blue color and the large markings has always impressed me.

The Tamiya kit is a joy to build. It fits like it should, hardly a seem to fill a with good details. As always, I added a cockpit set from Eduard (FE219). I decided to make this Corsair heavy used, which means a lot of weathering.
I started to spray the model with silver and a layer of future. After that I sprayed the model with the final blue coat. I let dry the coat for about 45 minutes and then I used tape to chip the paint off of the areas where weathering is most likely to appear. Actually that was the whole deal of making this weathered Corsair, and I am very pleased with the results.

.: Fieseler Fi156C Storch

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 61100
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard FE404 interiorset; Eduard 48581 exteriorset
Status: boxed

When I came aware of this wonderful kit I wanted it. But the price of the kit was in my opinion much to high. So I searched the internet and finally I found the kit in Great Britain for half the price in the Netherlands.

Tamiya did a great job on their 100th 1/48 aircraft model. I may not be a famous fighter or a sleek jet, but the Storch is a marvellous aircraft. Capable of short take-off and landings it played an important role during WWII.

The kit comes is a special 100th box and is highly detailed. It has separate flaps, ailerons, leading edge slats and an entry door. A full Argus engine is included. Tamiya did a great job on the engineering with a steel wing spar, PE-parts are also included. Just like six figures and self-adhesive canopy masks.

To make it even more a master piece I ordered also the Eduard Fi-156C-3/5 exterior set (48581) and the Eduard Fi-156C-3 color interior set (48404).

.: Sikorsky SH-60B Sea Hawk

Manufacturer: Revell
Serie: 04640
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none
Status:

When my son asked me if I had ever build a helicopter, I said no. So he gave me this Sea Hawk for my birthday.
Although the Revell model has some fitting problems I wanted to make it to look “messy and dirty”. “Messy” mend it was doomed to be in a storage-mode. So I cut of the tail-section and replaced it in the folded position. This also was done with the port tail stabilizer. The rotor was folded back and the pilot-door positioned open and the bay-door slide back. “Dirty” mend I pre-shaded the model with black over the panel lines, and after the camouflage added I brushed the model in a dull-coat and added some weathering with pastels.

.: F-8E Crusader "Double nuts"

Manufacturer: Hasegawa
Serie: 09775
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard 48440 detailset
Status:

This Crusader was the first of the aircraft from the Vietnam era. The F-8E was the last of the gunfighters, or, in other words, the last aircraft with an intern gun. For that time anyway. The F-8 is huge, fast and beautiful. And hardly capable to lift any ordinance.

I am not content with the finished model. The color is to dark in my opinion, the exhaust doesn't look right and worst of all, decal silvering I could not solve. One day I will strip this aircraft and do it all over again.

.: Fairchild Republic A-10A Thunderbolt II

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 61028
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard 48-328 detailset; Two Bobs "Too Cool for School Warthog" details
Status:

Already build several times in the old day the A-10 is still one of my favourites. A cold war icon. This wonderful ugly aircraft is still in use with the US Air Force, updated several times.

The Tamiya kit dates from 1977 and is actually a model of the pre-production model of the A-10. So if you want a make a realistic A-10 there is a lot of work to do.

I chose to built one of the JAWS evaluation aircraft, which was not yet the full production version. With the add of Eduard E48-328 detail set and some reshaping I was able to build a good copy of the JAWS A-10. Extra decals come form Two Bobs.

.: Aircraft Weapons: A U.S. Bombs & Tow target system

Manufacturer: Hasegawa
Serie: X48-001
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none
Status: used

To arm the JAWS A-10 I needed weapons not included with the Tamiya A-10. There is a lot of talk about the weapons (or lack of) with Hasegawa kits, but fact is Hasegawa did a great job with their weapon sets in both 1/72 and 1/48 scale. And usually one set is enough to arm a complete squadron.

.: German 8,8cm Flak 18

Manufacturer: AFV
Serie: 35088
Scale: 1/35
Add on: none
Status: boxed

Looking for models on www.markplaats.nl I saw this model for sale. The next day I visited my local model store and there I saw the same model for a much, much higher price than the one on www.marktplaats.nl. A quick research on the kit and made me to decide to place a bid on the kit, and before I knew it, I was "into FLAK"

AFV Club makes wonderful armor kits and this 8,8cm Flak is no exception. The kit comes with 388 parts, included etched parts, vinyl tires, tubes and an aluminium barrel. Far more than a usual 1/48 aircraft model.

.: N/AW A-10 "Thunderbolt" II

Manufacturer: Hobby Boss
Serie: 80324
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none
Status: boxed

I am a fool for two-seaters. I know, a fighter has to be a single seater. But the idea of a two seater, besides being a trainer, is that those two men can do so much more then one man and a set of computers. And yes, I agree, some aircraft are definitely not mend to be a two-seater, but some of them just look right at first sight being a two-seater. The N/AW A-10 is one of them. Almost a "plane that never was" or a "what if". But the idea of this bird loitering over the dark and rainy European battlefield creating havoc thrills me.

This model is also a perfect pre-shading project.

.: EE Lightning F-2A/F-6

Manufacturer: Airfix
Serie: 9180
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Aires 4320 cockpitset; Aires 4319 wheelbayset; Aires 4318 exhaust nozzles; Aeroclub V167 U/C leg set(not used); Aeroclub V168 nosering (not used); Aeroclub V169 noseweight/radome
Status:

I always wanted to build this model. Airfix is, along with the Grand Phoenix model, which is actualy the same, the only 1/48 model of the EE Lightning. Trumpeter has two wonderful models in 1/72 and 1/32 scale on the market too.

The legendary English Electra Lightning dates from 1958 and was in service until 1988. The F6 was the last update in a long row of Lightnings. The aircraft was the backbone of the British air defence force and intercepted numerous soviet aircraft.

The Airfix EE Lightning comes is a large box with the possibility to make a F-2 or a F-6 variant. Two vertical tails are included. I choose the F-6 Binbrook variant just because I like the dark grey color, which gives the Lightning a more aggressive appearance.

The model itself can use some boosts and I added Aires nozzles, cockpit and wheelbays. To counter the tail sitting I used an Aeroclub noseweight and radome. I also ordered the Aeroclub metal nosering but I used the original Airfix nosering, painted with Alclad instead, which was much smoother then the Aeroclub nosering.

.: German 20mm Flakvierling 38

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 35091
Scale: 1/35
Add on: none
Status:

After hit by the Flak-virus I just wanted this small kit. Just a few parts and just a couple of hours to make. One color and an extra color for the tires and some weathering. Oké, I did modify the gun sight and I drilled out the gun barrels, but actually it is just straight out of the box.

.: Brewster B 339 Buffalo “Pacific Theatre”

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 61094
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none
Status:

Another kit I picked up on www.marktplaats.nl. It was sold without the instruction sheets. But that was clear in the price. No problem, someone on the IL-2 forum was kind enough to scan and sent me the instruction sheets.

As a Dutchman it was clear I wanted to build the Dutch version of the Brewster. This was another straight out of the box. A fun and easy to make model.

.: Dewoitine D.520

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 61048
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard FE118 detailset
Status:

The D.520 is a relatively unknown aircraft of WWII. We all know the Spits and 109's, but the Dewoitine did a great job in the hands of the French.

The Tamiya model is easy to make, and, if you have finally found the correct colors, a joy for the eye.

.: Mirage 2000C

Manufacturer: Italeri
Serie: 2614
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard 48386 detailset; Berna BD4811 decals
Status:

In 2009 me and my family were for a holyday in France. On an evening we went for a walk in the hills when suddenly two elegant fighters skimmed the hilltops.

Just like cars, the French seams to master to innovate technique and the ability to make something beautiful out of it.

The Mirage 2000 just looks right, and the original colors makes it even more right.

To make my model I used decals from Berna (BD4811).

.: German Flakpanzer IV Möbelwagen

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 35101
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none
Status:

Another Flak to ease my flak-virus.The gun itself is a straight copy of the 20mm vierling. I started with the kit a couple of months ago, but put it aside, because I could not figure out what color I would paint the model. But finally I picked it up again and made it my first piece of armor.

.: F-104G Cockpit

Manufacturer: Italeri
Serie: 2991
Scale: 1/12
Add on: none
Status: boxed

This Italeri model represent a F-104G Starfighter cockpit. As you may have already noticed I am a sucker for cockpits. Most of the cockpits in the aircraft I have build are at least boosted with Eduard parts.

I just wanted this gem in my collection and I have planned to built is in conjunction with the TF-104.

.: Fokker D.XXI

Manufacturer: Classic Airframes
Serie: 4150
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none
Status:

It took al long time for the manufactures to create a model of the a Dutch Fokker D.XXI. But at last late 2008 Classic Airframes put one on the market, exactly 15 years after their first D.XXI. The kit comes with photo-etched parts and some nice decals. These decals gives you enough choices for your favourite markings.

The kit is not really easy to make. The interior with the cockpit is a large frame that is hard to fit into the hull. The original canopy is one piece only, but I wanted to make a opened canopy, so I got to work. That wasn't the cleverest thing to do as I broke the canopy in two pieces. It took me a week to fix the problem.

The paint scheme and the exact color will take some research, but Dutch Profile Fokker D.XXI is a good start.

.: F-16AM Block 15 Nato Viper

Manufacturer: Kinetic Model kits
Serie: K48002
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Aires 4411 resin cockpit; Syhart 48-054 "55 jaar 313 sqn Tiger"
Status:

On the Open Days of the dutch airforce in june 2009 I saw an ex-tigermeet F-16, the J-008.

Meanwhile Kinetic launched their F-16 line, and soon the Block 15 (Nato) came available.

.: TF-104G Starfighter

Manufacturer: Hasegawa
Serie: PT40
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard 49-368 detailset; HaHen 48030 Luftwaffe und Marine decals; Aires 4100 Exhaust nozzle
Status: On the bench

The Starfighter has an important place in the Dutch Airforce history. Eventually I wanted the F-104G, but that one was very hard to get. And since I am into two-seaters the TF-104G is a good alternative.

.: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 61033
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard 48-483 detailset; Eduard FE256 cockpit; Part S48-078 flaps
Status: boxed

The Mk.Vb was arguably one of the best Spitfires build. And a Spitfire just cannot be left out of a good aircraft collection. Since my project on the Airfix 1/24 Spitfire will take probably for ever a nice little 1/48 model will do.

To complete this aircraft I have also purchased Part Etchings (48078) Spitfire Flaps and two Eduard (E48-483 and FE256) Detail sets.

.: F-105G Thunderchief

Manufacturer: Hobby Boss
Serie: 80333
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard BigEd 4920 detailset; Eduard 49407 F-105G seat
Status: boxed

Yes, I have a weak spot for two-seaters.

At the end of 2009 I became interested in the Vietnam conflict. The helicopters and aircraft used took a heavy toll and were extensively abused, resulting in heavily weathered aircraft. The F-105 fits very well in a project for such a plane, because it was used for ground attacks and took a lot of damage. Also the climate of Vietnam had a big influence on the camouflage used on this particular aircraft.

The F-105G is a big aircraft, and yes, a two-seater. I am really looking forward to build this piece of art.

.: Bell UH-1 Huey Hog

Manufacturer: Revell
Serie: 004476
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none
Status: boxed

Another Vietnam aircraft, ment to be a nice in between.

.: F-4E/J Phantom

Manufacturer: Revell
Serie: 04002
Scale: 1/144
Add on: none
Status: boxed

This kit a received extra while ordering the above Huey. Might be nice for my kid when he is a little older.

.: German 20mm Flak 38 Mit Sd.Ah.51

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 35102
Scale: 1/35
Add on: none
Status: boxed

This kit I ran into on Ebay. Just a perfect add-on for my flak-virus for just a little money.

.: X-15A-2

Manufacturer: Special Hobby
Serie: 48008
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none
Status: boxed

Every kid that loves aviation in France, Belgium and the Netherlands knows the stories of Buck Danny. A collection of 51 albums of colonel Buck Danny with his two friends Sonny Tuckson and Jerry Tumbler ranging from WWII to today. In album 31 the three pilots are asked to test the X-15. After reading this album I wanted to build this exotic machine and soon found one on Ebay. The box comes with a resin cockpit and a trolley for display. According to the web the model does not fit together too easily, but this model of the X-15 is just the only you will find when looking for a 1/48 X-15.

.: U.S. Navy F9F-2P "Panther"

Manufacturer: Trumpeter
Serie: 02833
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Superscale 48-1183, USN F9F-2 Panthers Blue Angels #1 & VF-123
Status:

Another beauty known of the Buck Danny stories. I love the Panther just like the Corsair: Navy plane, deep blue and large markings.

This kit is build Out of the Box, clean, and hardly any weathering.

.: Fairley Swordfish Mk.I

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 61068
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Tamiya 61069 Photo etched bracing wire set; Eduard 49212 detailset
Status:

Before Tamiya launched their 100th kit, the Storch, they had another multi-media kit in their inventory. The Fairey Swordfish. A number of versions came out. A Mk.I Clear edition, a Mk.I with floats, a Mk.II, and this "original" Mk.I. To make this model even more attractive Tamiya also sells a brass rigging-set.

Although a bi-plane, the Swordwish played an important roll during naval battles in WWII. Most striking probably is the attack on the Bismark, subject to my model.

.: McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 61029
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Part S48-068 interior; Part S48-069 exterior; Part S48-070 radar; DD48039 Dutch Decal
1/48 F-15 Eagle Soesterberg Wolfhounds
Status: boxed

Already build in the old days, the Eagle remains a most impressive fighter. The problem with this kit is that it's old, very old. The present Hasegawa F-15 is much better. Luckily recently Part Etchings has released some fantastic PE-sets.

I found this kit for almost nothing and I couldn't resist it. But as usual the PE add ons has more than quadrupled the price.
Build once, like the Tamiya A-10, the second can only be better. The plan is to decal it with TFS 32 markings, just to give it a little Dutch twist.

.: Republic P-47D Thunderbolt "Bubbletop"

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 61090
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard 49-240 detailset
Status: boxed

I read somewhere the Tamiya P-47 is one of the best you can buy. Because I like the P-47, this kit was cheap and it is definitely better then the Pro-Modellers, it was not a hard choice. The model will be subject to an all Alclad II paintjob.

.: Douglas A-4E Skyhawk

Manufacturer: Fujimi
Serie: #5A6
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none
Status: boxed

Another lovely plane, this Scooter. The Fujimi is an old kit, but I think I change this ordinary kit to something good.

.: ACH-47 A Armed Chinook

Manufacturer: Italeri
Serie: 2647
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Italeri 26002 super detailset
Status: boxed

Time for something big, and still scale 1/48. Italeri has another big kit, the Hercules... Well, maybe later. The Chinook can be a challenging project with it's interior. Italeri is not really known for its high detail, and probably that is why they also sell an multi-media add-on set for the Chinook.

.: Messerschmitt Bf109G-14

Manufacturer: Hasegawa
Serie: JT48
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard 48-398 detailset
Status: boxed

In the old days I didn't even want to think of a German camouflaged aircraft. That is why the FW190D never left the box, I think. But now I am more familiar with an airbrush it is time to start with that chapter. A Messerschmitt can not be left out of a collection of WWII aircraft, just like the Spitfire.

.: F-4S Phantom II "USS Midway low visibility"

Manufacturer: Hasegawa
Serie: 09807
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard 49-319 detailset; Eduard 49015 F-4 ejection seat grey; Aires 4118 F-4E, G, J, EJ, S exhaust nozzles; DMold 48008 seamless intakes; Superscale Decals 481142 F-4 S Phantom VF-103, VF-302, VMFA-333; Quickboost QB-48159 air intakes
Status:

At last, a Phantom. Ages I have spent on the internet to find a reasonable priced Hasegawa kit. This kit was a joy to build, like every Hasagawa kit.

.: Douglas A-1J Skyraider U.S. Airforce

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 61073
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard 49-296 detailset
Status:

In the old days I always wanted the Revell Skyraider. A prop plane with tons of weapons underneath the folding wings.

This kit is a perfect match between scale 1/48, Vietnam and Tamiya.

.: Messerschmitt Me262 A-1a

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 61087
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Verlinden 1846 detailset
Status: boxed

The first operational jetfighter, the Schwalbe. The aircraft has a beautiful shape and a very difficult camouflage. The plan with this kit is to enhance it with the Verlinden add-on kit.

.: USMC LAV-AD

Manufacturer: Trumpeter
Serie: 393
Scale: 1/35
Add on: Eduard 36074 LAV AD
Status: boxed

Flak, or better Air-defence is the only reason I would build armor. Seeing the Verlinden diorama's in the old Tamiya magazines decided me to build such a diorama with a LAV.

.: Focke Wulf Fw190D-9

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 61041
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Aires 4007 cockpitset; Eduard 48664 Wooden landingflaps; Eduard 48448 access and scribing templates
Status: boxed

To replace the old Hasegawa Fw190D from Hasegawa I bought this Tamiya kit. Short of the TA152, The "Dora 9" was probably the best fighter the Germans could field in the late war. Anyway it is the most beautiful fighter they could field.

.: F/A-18D Hornet

Manufacturer: Hobby Boss
Serie: 80322
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard BigEd 4905 detailset; Wolfpack WP48027 Folding wings; MAW-Decals 48-MAW0007 VMFA(AW)-332 Moonlighters; Verlinden Productions 684 F/A-18A/C Hornet update set
Status: boxed

Another two-seater, this F/A-18D. In the old days I believe I ever build a Revell F/A-18A. Although I do not like the appearance of the original Hornet that much, the two-seater I think is a real beauty with the right proportions.

For a while I was searching for a affordable Hobby Boss F/A-18D and at the Euro Scale Modelling 2010 I ran into this kit at last for a reasonable price.

.: Flakpanzer Gepard

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 35099
Scale: 1/35
Add on: Eduard 35-654 detailset
Status: on the bench

More Flak. This old Tamiya kit has always been on my wishlist. I don't know yet what to expect of this model, but I am looking forward building it.

.: ZSU-23-4V1 Shilka

Manufacturer: Dragon
Serie: 3521
Scale: 1/35
Add on: Eduard 35-477 detailset
Status: boxed

Let's continue the search for interesting Flak. De Shilka always has been a mythic piece of hardware for me. It was the materialized nightmare of aircraft like the A-10. As far as I know the Dragon kit is only one of the few Shilka's available. Never build a Dragon model yet, so I am anxious to find out.

.: German Military Men 1939-42

Manufacturer: Master Box
Serie: 3510
Scale: 1/35
Add on: Legend Productions LF0121 K-9 Dogs set
Status: in progress

It is time for my first diorama. The base for it will be the Shepard and two of three guys is this kit are going to act in it.

.: F-5A NATO Allies Part I

Manufacturer: Classic Airframes
Serie: 486
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Dutch Decals 48037 NF-5A/B Klu first and "Zebra' scheme
Status: boxed

Another Dutch fighter. After starting a thread on britmodeller.com on a good NF-5A kit it turned out that the Classic Airframes' was the best choice. A fellow forum-member quickly offered me to take over one of his CA F-5A's, and before I knew it I was the proud owner of this lovely kit.

.: Sikorsky SH-3H Seaking ASW Desert Storm

Manufacturer: Hasegawa
Serie: SP91 - 51591
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard BigEd 4812 detailset
Status: boxed

Modeling a helicopter is a sort of a challenge for me. With these models it is not only the outside that has to look good, but also the inside. Looking for a Seaking for a while I ran into this second hand kit when I visited Flash Aviation in Eindhoven.

.: Grumman A-6E Intruder

Manufacturer: Revell
Serie: 4578
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Paragon 48094 Flaps, Slats and Airbrakes; Eduard 48172 Detailset; Verlinden 828 Update; Super Bug Models SBMR48030 A-6 / EA-6 Seamless Intakes w/Compressors; AfterBurner Decals 48-080 A-6E Desert Storm Intruders
Status:

Time for something bigger. Looking for a bigger aircraft this Intruder fits the bill. I ran into this Revell kit with all the extra's on Marktplaats and the deal was quickly made. The A-6 Intruder was disigned to replace the A-1 Skyraider. Learn in the review section this wasn't a walk in the park.

.: BAe Hawk T Mk1

Manufacturer: Airfix
Serie: 05121
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Neomega C54 Cockpit; Xtradecal X48047 BAe Hawk T1a in RAF sevice; Two Mikes 48035 Full Depth Intake Combo Set
Status:

The UK is a master in creating attractive aircraft. The Lightning, the Victor, the Vulcan, even the Phantom the British technicians turned into a more attractive model. The Hawk is just a plane everybody wants to learn to fly in. Panted all black, even as a trainer it has a sturdy looking appearance. This Airfix kit needs some add ons, a set of seamless and corrected intakes and of course a new cockpit.

.: H.S. Buccaneer S2B

Manufacturer: Airfix
Serie: 08100
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard 48132 interior; Eduard 48130 exterior
Status: boxed

Well, not every aircraft the UK produced was a beauty. The Buccaneer can easily compete with the A-10 in the category "the most ugly and effective plane".
At the IPMS 2011 I ran into this old Airfix kit for a very low price. And since I am more leaning to bigger planes I just couldn't walk by.

.: F-14A Tomcat "Atlantic Fleet Squadrons"

Manufacturer: Hasegawa
Serie: 7019
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard 48155 detailset; Aires 4124 F-14A Tomcat cockpit set; Master Model AM48037 Canon M61 Vulcan
Status: boxed

The Tomcat F-14A. It was always on my list and I am surprised I could do without it so long. This Cat I purchased, along with the A-7 below, from a stash for sale. I prefer the F-14A over the F-14D because the A is a real Cold War icon. Although it hasn't seen much combat apart from two clashes with Libyan fighters and in the Irak-Iran war, it still was a superior fighter by far. The plan is to make the 107 of VF-41 which downed a Libyan Fitter back in 1981.

.: A-7D/E Corsair II

Manufacturer: Hasegawa
Serie: PT47
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Aires 4147 cockpit; Eduard 49255 A-7E
Status: boxed

The SLUF, or Short Little Ugly Fellow, is another favorite, beautiful ugly and a very attractive nose section. And of course it's a navy aircraft. I have no specific plans for this aircraft yet.

.: Saab AJ-37 Viggen

Manufacturer: Revell (ESCI)
Serie: H2244
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Gatormask Viggen; Neomega C61 Cockpit
Status: boxed

The Saab Viggen is one of the more exotic aircraft of its timeframe. I love this aircraft with the double delta and STOL capabilities. With modelers the Viggen is probably most famous by the splinter camouflage. Now, there is a challenge!
The kit itself is a hard to get one in this scale. Originally produced by ESCI in the 80's, the kit was reboxed by Airfix.

.: Bf 110 C/D/E

Manufacturer: Eduard
Serie: R0005
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none, but enough in the box itself
Status: boxed

While searching for the Eduard Me110 scale 1/4 instrument panel series 14001 I decided to go for the big deal, the Royal Class set with the instrument panel, two kits of the Me110, and all the Eduard PE you could wish for. E-bay Germany offered a few items and on one I was lucky to place a very sharp bid. With less than half the market price this kit was mine.

.: MD-3 & A/S32A-32 Tractor

Manufacturer: Skunkmodels Workshop
Serie: 48005
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none
Status: boxed

Displaying kits is becoming more important. To show my build navy planes I planned to make a carrier deck base and to complete the setting I purchased this MD-3 long tractor.

.: AH-64A Apache

Manufacturer: Hasegawa
Serie: PT24
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Aires 4131 AH-64A Apache Cockpit Set; Dutch Decals 48034 AH-64A/D RNethAF; Eduard 49209 AH-64A
Status: On the bench

The Apache AH-64A is in Dutch service. A good reason to build this kit. Back in 1989 I saw the Apache for the first time up close, I even took a seat in the wonderful ugly helicopter. Today the Apache is still an impressive piece of weapon. I received Dutch decals with the kit, but maybe I just go for the Cold War US variant.

.: Aircraft Weapons: B U.S. Guided bombs & Rocket launchers

Manufacturer: Hasegawa
Serie: X48-002
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none
Status: boxed

To arm the Tomcat with the mighty Phoenix missile I had to purchase the Hasegawa weapon set.

.: Su-22M4/Su-17M4 Fitter

Manufacturer: Eduard
Serie: 1151
Scale: 1/48
Add on: ProPacTeam 48102 Suchoi SU-22M4 decals
Status: boxed

During the airshow of Florennes 2012 the Polish display of two Su-22M4's impressed me very much. This cold war plane is flying around for decades now, and is still operational. This is also my first (former) Soviet aircraft model.

.: Hawker Typhoon Mk.IB with Teardrop Canopy

Manufacturer: Hasegawa
Serie: JT60
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Ultracast 48074 Hawker Typhoon 4-Blade Propeller & Spinner; Eduard Detail Set #275 Hawker Typhoon Mk.IB
Status:

My father told me a story of a bomber he has seen crashing during WWII. While I started a research on this event it turned out to be a Hawker Typhoon. I spent a couple of nights digging into the caves of internet and eventually I had all the data for building a model of this specific aircraft that came down on 20 January 1945, not far from my father.

.: Republic F-84G Thunderjet

Manufacturer: Tamiya
Serie: 61060
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Verlinden VL1536 detail set; Promodeler US WWII/Korea Bomb and rocket markings decals
Eduard ED48346 photo etch details; Eagle Strike 48213 USAFE F-84 decals; Aeromaster 48-408 Thunderjets over Korea pt II; KMC 48-5071 11.7" inch rocket Tiny Tim
Status: boxed

An early cold war silver jet that came with a load of extra's.

.: F-5A Freedom Fighter

Manufacturer: Kinetic
Serie: K48020
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none
Status: boxed

Although the Classic Airframe F-5A is already on the stash, I couldn't resist to bid on this brand new kit on Ebay. Maybe I'll built this kit in conjunction with the Classic Airframe one, just for fun.

.: F-104G Starfighter "NATO Fighter"

Manufacturer: Hasegawa
Serie: PT20
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Eduard 49375 Lockheed F-104G Starfighter S.A; Aires 4100 Exhaust nozzle; Dutch Decals DD48043 KLu (Lockheed (T)F104G Starfighter, F16A/B)
Status: boxed

A hard to get kit, but also a must have. A fellow member of Britmodeller sold it to me. And now there are three F-104 items in my stash! I don't know anymore which one to start with.

.: Bf 109E Instrument Panel

Manufacturer: Eduard
Serie: 14002
Scale: 1/4
Add on: none
Status: boxed

Having already the Bf 110 panel in my stash I was very happy Eduard released the Bf 109E panel as a standalone item.

.: Bf 109E-4

Manufacturer: Eduard
Serie: 8663
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none
Status: boxed

To complete the above panel I also purchased a Bf 109E-4, one of my favorite Messerschmitts.

.: Fokker Eindecker “Die erste kannonen”

Manufacturer: Eduard
Serie: 1141
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none
Status: boxed

For a long time I als wanted a World War One aircraft, or crate for that matter, in my stash. This "Dual Combo" Eduard kit came by and never left me anymore.

.: F-111A Aardvark

Manufacturer: Hobby Boss
Serie: 80348
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none
Status: boxed

The big F-111 was also a very long time on my wish list. The F-111 is to my one of the cold war aircraft I was very impressed by. It was big, fast and lethal. This could be a very interesting project.

.: NATO Falcons

Manufacturer: Eduard
Serie: 1172
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none, but enough in the box itself
Status: boxed

The complete kits by Eduard have got my attention lately. Eduard uses an existing kit, this time the one by Kinetic, and put the sprues along with a lot of extra Eduard PE and Brasin stuff in a sturdy box. They also put in a nice sheet of decals and very attractive directions. And all this for a good price. There is no need for an extensive search for add ons. And the decals are usually a very good pick. Recommended.

.: ME-163 Komet

Manufacturer: Testors
Serie: 7625
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none
Status: boxed

ME 163's in scale 1/48 are not that wide spread. That is a pitty, because the aircraft played a major roll in aviation. I was very happy to win this little gem on Ebay, looking for a Komet for a long time.

.: A-4E/F Skyhawk "Marine Corps"

Manufacturer: Hasegawa
Serie: 9486
Scale: 1/48
Add on: Aires 4909 cockpit
Status: boxed

I always loved the scooter. Especially the early one's. Thes little aircraft were not the most beautiful flying around, but on the other hand they were one of the greatest workhorses.

.: Aces of the Luftwaffe Adolf Galland

Manufacturer: Verlinden Productions
Serie: 1341
Scale: 200mm
Add on: none
Status: boxed

Never made a kit like this, but Adolf Galland has always intrigued me. To complete the set of Me 262, and the Bf 109's this is a welcome add on.

.: Su-22/Su-17M3 Fitter

Manufacturer: Eduard
Serie: 1149
Scale: 1/48
Add on: none
Status: boxed

Already having the M4 variant on the stash I ran into this kit on Ebay. Surprisingly I won the kit with a very low bid. This one is going to be one of the Fitters that lost the clash over the Sidra bay in 1981.

.: Unmanned Space Probe Voyager

Manufacturer: Hasegawa
Serie: 54002
Scale: 1/48
Add on: LVM Studios HAVO48 Etch Booms
Status: boxed

Being from the 60's I grew up with the first deep space explorers. The Voyager, or V'ger for the Trekkies, now has left our solar system and still collects data. The scale 1/48 kit of this probe by Hasegawa is a must have and a good memory of old times. Would be nice hanging it from the ceiling.