Academy A6M5c Zero progress update 1 29/03/2026

 

Started working on:

- Academy 1/72 Mitsubishi A6M5c Zero -

radial engine components.

    I just started working on my next project, the Mitsubishi A6M5c Zero Type 52c from Academy. I separated thee radial engine components from the sprues, They need a bit of work before priming and painting.

Building the Revell 1/72 Supermarine Spitfire Mk. V c

 

A British icon

- Revell 1/72 scale Spitfire Mk. V c -

    Perhaps one of the most recognizable aircraft, period. To the point where even non-aviation enthusiasts have at least heard of it, with a sizable amount of people having no difficulty telling it apart from other aircraft.

In-box review of the Airfix 1/72 scale MiG-17 Fresco

Unboxing review of:

- Airfix 1/72 scale MiG-17 Fresco -

a peek inside the box

    Time for another review. This time it's Airfix's MiG-17F Fresco in 1/72 scale. A soviet Cold War era jet built for intercepting bombers, with some dogfighting capability. Let's get into it.

In-box review of the Italeri 1/72 AH-6 Night Fox

Unboxing and Review of:

- Italeri 1/72 scale AH-6 Night Fox -

a peek inside the box

    Time for another unboxing and review. Today we have the Italeri 1/72 scale AH-6 Night fox. A small helicopter used quite extensively during the later half of the Cold War. I don't really know much about this helicopter, I just picked it up because it was cheap, and I wanted to have an interesting looking helicopter in my collection. Anyway, on with the review.

Workbench Update + Spitfire Progress Update 11.03.2026

 

New Gear

    I have a quick little update for you guys. I just got myself a new model painting stand.

3D printed painting stand

    For a while now I was toying with the idea of buying a painting stand to make my life a little easier. So I looked around online on modeling stores around me that carried stuff like this.

Tools of the Trade Part I

 

    This article was supposed to come out yesterday 7th March 2026. In an effort to try and keep things on schedule, I've taken the executive decision to split the article in two. With the second part coming out whenever it is ready. I hope you can understand.

Do you have what you need?

   We've all been there: staring at a brand new kit, wondering if we actually have the right gear to put it together. Whether you are brand new to the hobby, or just simply looking to level up, here is a breakdown of what you actually need... and what can wait. From the absolute basics that every modeler needs to get started, to tools used by advanced builders to take their craft to a new level. I will also go into some extra supplies you might want to consider if you want to add a little extra touch to your model.

As such, I will be dividing this article into several sections.

• Essential tools (the bare minimum you need to get started)
• Basic tools (tools and supplies that every modeler will need if they decide to take the hobby seriously)
• Nice to have (these are tools that, whilst not essential, they can make your workflow more streamlined)
• Advanced tools (here I will be covering tools used by advanced modelers to refine their builds)
• Extras (here I will list some supplies a lot of the more experienced builders use to add extra detail to their models)

    Of course, I won't be able to cover absolutely everything, as many modelers, often improvise and use certain tools and products meant for something entirely different. So most of what you'll find here are tools, supplies and products commonly used within the hobby without mentioning specific brands, except in areas where I feel it would be helpful. Overall it should be up to the individual builder to decide what is best for them based on availability and personal preference.

    If you're just starting out, don't feel pressured to buy everything on day one. Most of us didn't, and many of us still don't.

This week's article, delayed

 Working hard

    I am sorry dear readers but unfortunately, the article that was supposed to be published today will have to be delayed. I've been working frantically all day to finish writing it but there's still a long way to go before it is ready to be published. I'll do my best to have it ready at some point tomorrow. Although I cannot promise anything at this point.

    I've been working on the article as much as I could throughout the week and have been at it since this morning writing pretty much non-stop. Worst case scenario, I will have to release the article in two parts. At this point this might be the best decision. This delay is causing a domino effect, as I wasn't even able to sit down at the workbench to work on my Spitfire build, so that will also need to be pushed back at least a  week. Even more if I'm forced to write my current article in two parts. I don't want to rush the article either to meet some sort of an arbitrary deadline. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Cheers!

In-box review of the Academy 1/72 A6M5c "Zero" Fighter Type 52c

Unboxing and Review of:

- Academy 1/72 scale A6M5c Zero -

a peek inside the box

    Welcome to the very first unboxing and kit review on this blog.😁 Today I will be diving into the Academy A6M5c "Zero" Fighter Type 52c in 1/72 scale. Now that's a mouthful. So join me as we explore what's inside. But first let's take a quick look at the box.

Spitfire project progress update.

 

Update II

- Spitfire Mk. V build progress -

started painting the fuselage interior

    A quick update on my progress on the Revell 1/72 Spitfire Mk. V. I've started painting the interior of the aircraft before closing everything in.

Building the Revell 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-10

The backbone of the Luftwaffe

- Revell 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-10 -

    Probably one of the most recognizable German World War II fighters ever built. The Messerschmitt Bf 109 first flew in 1935, and was introduced in 1937. The Bf 109 would quickly become the premier German fighter throughout the war. Famed for its speed, excellent climb rate, and exceptional maneuverability at high altitudes, the 109 was well-suited for the Luftwaffe's boom and zoom ambush tactics. In these tactics pilots would climb above enemy formations, then dive onto opposing aircraft, keeping the sun behind them to blind allied pilots and be caught off-guard. After which they would quickly climb back up to altitude before swooping back down.

Started working on my next project

 

    I wanted to let you all know that I started working on the next project.😁 Can you guess what it is? 😏

box contents

Building the Revell 1/72 McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II

The workhorse of the Vietnam war

- Revell 1/72 McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II -

Introduction

box art of the F-4J Phantom

    First flown on 27 May 1958, development on the F-4 started back in 1952, with the F3H Demon. Requirements for the F-4 were to be an all-weather, carrier capable interceptor and fighter bomber to serve within all branches of the U.S. Military. The airframe of the F-4 was derived from the F3H Demon. Several changes were needed to make the Phantom a viable fighter. The biggest change revolving around the tailplane. The F3H had a conventional horizontal stabilizer.

Building the Revell 1/72 de Havilland Sea Vixen F.A.W. 2

The warbird that could

- Revell 1/72 de Havilland Sea Vixen F.A.W. 2 -

Introduction

box art of the Sea Vixen

    In 1946 the British Admiralty conducted discussions with de Havilland about its requirements of a jet-powered, all-weather, radar-equipped fighter capable of operating off of carriers. In 1947 the British Air Ministry issued specifications N.40/46 and F.44/46 for a similar night fighter to equip the Fleet Air Arm and Royal Air Force. de Haviland would submit its proposal for the DH.110 for use by both services.

Building the Revell 1/144 F-14A Black Tomcat

Revisiting an old friend

- Revell 1/144 F-14A Tomcat -

  Introduction

box art of the F-14A Black Tomcat

    Ah, the F-14 Tomcat. The beautiful, majestic, and fear-inducing F-14. At the time of its introduction, it was the most advanced, and among the fastest fighter jets in the U.S. NAVY. Built primarily as a fleet-defense interceptor, it also proved to be a highly capable air-superiority fighter, excelling in both roles.

Building the Revell 1/72 North American P-51D Mustang "Cookie"

Returning to scale modelling in style

- building the Revell 1/72 North American P-51D "Cookie" -

Introduction

Revell 1/72 P-51 D Mustang "Cookie"

     After about 10 years of a hiatus from scale modeling, I decided that it was time to return to the hobby.