RAMROD all posted

All orders for RAMROD C013201 have been sent out. Just hope Australia Post don't escalate their industrial action, fingers crossed.

Put the handbag down

Just for the record, I do not consider that you need to have some sort of aviation background to undertake aircraft camouflage and marking research for a model. I do not hold that view, I don't say that, I dont make that assertion here or anywhere else for that matter, I can't make it any clearer than that. I do of course believe that all thing being equal, it's going to be an advantage!

Anybody can and does undertake c&m research, they can even write books and articles about it! The reason why anybody can do so is really because it doesn't have much to do with aircraft. Think about it, what lick of paint was used doesn't in the main have much if anything to do with the technical and operation aspects of aircraft.

However, when it comes to researching and writing about the technical, operational use and history of an aircraft prior aviation knowledge IS clearly an advantage. Consider the difficulties you would have writing about say Porche motor cars or the Tour de France bike race if you have never driven ANY car before or never riden ANY type of pushbike before! This is why I always look at the bio of a book or article author, the authoritative ones have an aviation background or better still veterans who where there.


An update.

In spite of the efforts by the oafish David Harvey, AI has had a successful limited release of RAMROD C013201.It's regrettable that Harvey has attempted over the last year at least, to have a negative impact on the commercial operations of AI and even Pacific Spitfires.

I understand he is a serving member of the ADF. As the ADF is keenly aware these days, it only takes a few rotten apples to cause damage to an organisation that places great store in maintaining its reputation within the general community. My advice to the bad apples or perhaps those who are poorly advised, YOU are responsible for YOUR actions. I'll be looking into this matter and give serious consideration to bringing this appalling behaviour to the attention of his superiors.

As for David Muir, his emotive language and name calling directed at me is simply pathetic and reflects badly on himself.

Scale modelling does unfortunately attract those who act like old women and like to let fly with the handbag!

Notice to AI customers, purchase RAMROD now!

For those who didn't get the original newsletter here it is.

RAMROD C013201 is here at last for past customers to order at a discounted price.

RAMROD is a unique product incorporating vinyl masks and Alps printed decals for the smaller elements such as the personal markings.

RAMROD includes markings for three a/c from No. 453 Sqn. 2 Mk IX's, FU-? 'Gremlin' BS227 and FU-X 'Stinker III' BS400 and a Mk XVI with clipped wings, FU-? SN278.

Vinyl masks allow for complete control on what colours you apply to the model. The results are superb as this is the way the markings were applied to real Spitfires!

A word of warning. These masks are VERY FIDDLY AND DIFFICULT TO USE! I recommend and will only sell these to EXPERIENCED MODELLERS ONLY! If you are an average modeller this product is not for you.

RRP $89.95 AUD
Your Special Price $79.95 AUD (includes airmail postage worldwide)

The first 20 customers to order RAMROD will also receive a bonus set of masks and decal for JE-J EN398. The kit decals for this a/c are inaccurate. This is a limited offer only to past customers.

Pleae note however that it is intended to include JE-J EN398 in a later product release C013202 that will also include markings for 2 other Mk IX's. Release date is dependant on the sales of C013201.

It is intended to send all orders received during December and into the first half of January 2010. Please note that I make no undertaking to send the product so you have it before Christmas. Sorry, but it just is too time consuming to produce, package and post to meet that sort of deadline.

This is a limited offer that will expire 9/12/2009.

If you would like to order RAMROD please reply to aerobuy@aeroimageworks.com and I'll send details on how to make payment via PayPal.

regards

PV 'Prof' Lloyd
AI

PLEASE NOTE: Above is directed to past customers of AI only.

Aero Imageworks use of vinyl masks and decals in RAMROD is a unique and innovative way of providing authentic markings for a model. There is no other product like this on the market anywhere in the world.
STOP PRESS: Limited offer extended until 16/12/09.

RAMROD FROM AI IS HERE NOW!

RAMROD, the latest AI product is available for ordering NOW!

Details on how to order C013201 at a special discount price has been sent out today to past customers on our mailing list. Once all orders from past customers have been filled RAMROD will be released generally.

This mailing list special offer is only available for one week (Expires 9/12/09) so hurry!

Big box in the post yesterday

contained Tamiya's new big scale Spitfire IX. It looks brilliant in the box but the real test comes with the construction. As I mentioned on the AI site, I needed the kit for reference to complete AI's 'RAMROD' that is to be specifically designed for this kit.

As expected, the kit decals arn't accurate, in particular the depiction of JE-J. That's why AI intends to include markings for this a/c.

This blog is starting to become a a model makers blog and to some extent an advert for Tamiya. This is not what this blog is all about. It's intended to cover anything Spitfire related and also a broad spectrum of things relating to aviation history.

My view on research and a quick lesson in BGT (Basic Gas Turbines).

Here's a brief comment on research fundamentals.

It's not surprising that aircraft scale modellers have an interest in the history and development of aircraft. Over the years I’ve read many books and articles on WW2 aircraft covering their development, history and operational use. I’ve always found the most interesting and authoritative are those written by veterans or authors who have had the benefit of an aviation related background and training.

Authors with for example commercial level, civil or military pilot training have a great advantage over the self taught, aviation enthusiast writer or researcher with no formal training. This early training provides a solid foundation of aviation knowledge upon which can be added specialist knowledge in various aspects of aviation history.

Recently I was asked to have a look at an aviation article that illustrated just how easy it is for the untrained, enthusiast type to get it wrong. The article amongst other things, included a comment that a rather famous (beautiful wing shape!) WW2, single engine, aircraft had the ability to feather its propeller. Had the author had the benefit of an aircrew background and formal training, he would no doubt have found that suggestion very strange! The ability to feather a propeller is for obvious reasons, something associated with and really only of use to, a multi-engine aircraft. The article also reminded me of how easy it is to simply ‘cut and paste’ diagrams and tables without really understanding what they convey.

Simply collecting old photos won’t and never will provide a solid foundation.



A Diagram for a new age




The above diagram illustrates how a gas turbine engine works by reference to the internal combustion engine 4 stroke cycle of Induction, Compression, Power and Exhaust. The cycle is known as the ‘Otto cycle’ after Dr Nicolaus Otto who in collaboration with Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, was the first to demonstrate a functioning, four stroke engine.

This simple diagram would be very familiar to any pilot who had undergone conversion training to fly a ‘jet’ powered aircraft. For over half a century it has been used to introduce pilots to the main components and function; intake, compressor, combustors (combustion chambers), turbines and exhaust; of a gas turbine engine. It is a little known fact that this diagrams first appearance as a training aid was not with the allies but the Luftwaffe in Nazi Germany.

Junkers, the manufacturer of the Jumo 004 axial flow, gas turbine that powered Messerschmitt’s Me 262 jet fighter, produced this historic diagram linking the new and radically different gas turbine to the familiar and well understood internal combustion engine. The Me 262 was the first ‘jet powered’ aircraft to enter service during WWII, heralding in the beginning of a new age in aviation. This new age required ground crew and pilots to quickly learn about this new propulsion system and what better way to do so than with a simple, easy to understand diagram. It would have been particularly useful to pilots who work on a ‘need to know’ basis and don’t require detailed knowledge. Obviously the diagram served as merely an introduction to the subject and more detailed training would follow.

It is interesting to note that not a single book has identified the significance of this diagram. The reason is undoubtedly because none of the authors had an aviation background and formal training. They were basically ‘enthusiasts’, like the vast majority of the readers of such books.

The above comments first appeared about a year ago in the FOR of Aero Imageworks. It doesn't really have much to do with scale models and that seems to have confused some people :)

PSST! you like scale models, wanna hot tip?

Airfix are about to release a 1:72nd scale Spitfire IX and a 1:24th scale Mosquito this year. You'd be forgiven for not knowing as these kits have been nearly completely overshadowed by Tamiya's 1:32nd scale Spitfire release.

Poor old Airfix never seems to get it right these days. A far cry from their heyday in the 1960's and early 70's when they seemed to be able to do no wrong releasing a constant stream of new kits to a receptive market. You really couldn't pick a worse time to release a kit.

I'll be one of the tiny number of people who actually buys the massive Mosquito kit. Why oh why they went for the Mosquito is this scale I'll never know. Surely they must realise that a model of this size and cost is going to have limited appeal.

How much will they cost? The little Spitfire around $15, Mosquito $250 and Big scale Spitfire around $180. Expensive? imo for what you get, its pretty good value for money.

Tamiya Spitfire is here

Well, here it is, Tamiya's Spitfire Mk IX in 1:32nd scale. Looks good for sure but it falls short of flawless. Having said that it is still without doubt the finest Spitfire kit in any scale that has ever been produced.

http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/60319spitfire_mkixc/index.htm

Famous Spitfire in the Pacific War

Here we have a 1:48 scale, Special Hobby Spitfire V with AI decals for 'Y' Yvonne from No. 54 Squadron RAF, No.1 Wing RAAF. This is from an historical perspective, one of the most important Spitfires of the war. On 6 February 1943 Flt Lt Foster made history when he shot down a Mitsubishi Ki-46 'Dinah' into the Timor Sea, the first aerial victory for the Spitfire in the Pacific War.

The details of this aircraft had alluded researchers for years until Pacific Spitfires investigated the matter and subsequently provided the C&M and history of this aircraft for the very first time. Of interest is the unusual (for the time frame) proportioned fuselage roundel, lack of 'DL' squadron codes that were applied some months later and 'Yvonne' name on the engine cowling. The name referred to the girlfriend of the aircraft's usual pilot, Flying Officer Lenagan.

The kit is not 'Tamiya quality' where all the parts fit easily together. It's one of those kits that looks good on the sprue but causes problems when it comes to putting it together. That's why 'in box' reviews should never be given much weight.

Thanks for the responses

Thanks for the responses. It seems the vast majority value honesty and don't consider it to be petty or idiotic. Old fashion values never really go out of style do they.

I'm an astronaut!

'I'm an astronaut' is a claim that most would not take seriously but what about 'I'm an ex-RAAF pilot with a number of types (aircraft endorsements)'? Astronauts are a rare breed unlike RAAF pilots past and present. The problem for one Mr Malone is that he is not one of them. He is not and never has been a pilot or other aircrew in the RAAF or RAF or any other airforce anywhere in the world. We can go further, he is not and never has been a commercial or even private pilot anywhere in the world.

Whilst it may seem like fun to 'play act' at being a person in a particular profession you need to take care not to mislead or deceive. Depending on the circumstances and actions, if you try that 'game' in Australia it maybe viewed as fraud. The end result of this is that you may have the law feel your collar! and that applies to any person or persons who reiterates these false claims.

Best of British to you.

Operation 'RAMROD' is GO!

Aero Imageworks has officially commenced Operation 'RAMROD' , the production of decals for Tamiya's Spitfire Mk IX in 1:32nd scale. By assembling the best brains in the business AI will allow the modeller to produce unique subjects using what will no doubt be the best Spitfire on the market in any scale. We are after all talking about 'Tamiya' here who have a reputation for producing high quality kits that require little in the way of modelling skills. Interest in this kit is simply astounding especially when you consider it hasn't been released yet! The ease at which this kit can be put together will bring many more into the hobby who previously had kept away or moved on due to the heavy reliance on 'modelling skills'. An easy build kit is good for everyone, even the old sweats who think only scratch building is 'real ' modelling. My tip is these are the guys who have already got the kit on pre-order, come on admit it! :)

Tamiya Spitfire Mk IX scale model

For some time now I've been saying this will happen. Tamiya will release a scale model kit of the Spitfire Mk IX in the big 1:32nd scale. This is great news for scale modellers who for the first time will have an accurate and easy to build kit of this historically important Spitfire mark.

AI will be expanding their range of 1:32nd Spitfire decals to cater for this kit. I predict this kit will not only be a 'best seller' for Tamiya but set a new record for 1:32nd scale kits.

Pacific Spitfires update

Updated Pacific Spitfires site with much more to follow in the months ahead.

HUGE scale Spitfire

Found this video on you tube, looks almost like the real thing.

Airfix Mossie

It seems the Airfix 1:24th scale Mossie release date has been delayed to November/December 2009, just in time for X-mas. Airfix has a rather chequered reputation these days as a result of producing and re-releasing poor quality kits. This is a far cry from their heyday of the 60's and 70's when whatever they produced was quickly bought by children and young teenagers who accepted without complaint even the most indifferent quality kit.

There's a good chance this BIG Airfix kit will meet the expectations of most scale modelers and not fall into the 'Hopeless' category like their awful Spitfire IX kit in 1:48 scale released a few years ago. Whoever was responsible for this should have had their services terminated!

James Brayshaw has completed for AI the decal artwork for 8 Mossie's which includes a/c from both the European and Pacific theatre. We've been very lucky in getting exclusive access to some material that has allowed us to produce what will be the only accurate RAF/RAAF Mossie decals.

Given the cost of the kit is pretty high our projected sales will be 'lower than the low'. Initially I thought I'd buy 4 kits and build three for clients who wanted a completed model with unique markings (throw away the kit decals!). I've since had second thoughts and declined the work as the thought of having a production line of three kits on the go to be completed within a defined timeframe was just too much. Repetitive production line work isn't my bag. I also felt a little uncomfortable about not having seen the kit; it maybe more of a handful than anybody expects but I hope I'm wrong, don't you?

New Spitfire book

Spitfire aces of Burma and the Pacific by Andrew Thomas is the latest addition to this well known 'aces' series of books from Osprey Publishing. As usual with books in this series, they provide a general overview of the aircraft's operational use in the theatre rather than concentrating only on individual aces as the title of the series implies.

The book contains 96 pages separated into 6 chapters, 4 of which cover the RAAF's use of the Spitfire in the Pacific and the remaining 2 chapters the RAF's use of the Spitfire in India and Burma. The text in each chapter describes the operational use of the Spitfire and includes excerpts from combat reports to give a pilots perspective of aerial combat. There's a good number of bw photos throughout the book that help illustrate the text.

The centre section has 9 pages of full colour 'profiles' that show the array of markings displayed on Spitfires in RAF and RAAF service. The profiles were prepared using an airbrush and paint on illustration board. This is very unusual as most aircraft profile artists long ago swapped the airbrush for sophisticated computer programs that give a photo-realistic look to the image.

On the cover is a dramatic painting showing Flt LT Foster from N0. 54 Squadron shooting down a Mitsubishi 'Dinah' on 6 February, 1943. Although I don't think it detracts from the impact of this beautiful painting, its worth noting that the markings on the Spitfire are somewhat inaccurate. Pacific Spitfires many years ago provided for the very first time details of the camouflage and markings for this historically important aircraft. This was followed by the inclusion of the aircraft in an Aero Imageworks decal which provided even more detail on its appearance. Its a shame the artist didn't buy the decal or join Pacific Spitfires before he put brush to canvas!


The book is fine for someone who knows little if anything about the Spitfires operational use in the Pacific War.

Latest AI decal orders sent out today

If you pre-ordered 'Spitfires in the Antipodes' Part 4, it is in the post this week. More on this popular decal series later.

Spitfire decal ‘controversy’ (storm in a tea cup)

Our 'Spitfires in the Antipodes' Part 3 has certainly caused some comment but for a reason nobody expected. The decal itself has not been the centre of discussion, its all about what was written in the accompanying booklet. As AI customers would know, AI set a new standard in the level of detail and quality of scale model decal instructions. It's gratifying to see many other decal producers and kit producers have followed our lead producing decal instructions that go far beyond a simple (and inaccurate) decal placement diagram!

The decal booklet accompanying 'Spitfires in the Antipodes' Part 3 simply stated the circumstances as they were at the relevant time. A more detailed and comprehensive discussion wasn’t included due to space restrictions in the booklet and secondly, it really wasn’t appropriate. This was after all a booklet accompanying a decal, it was never intended to be a complete history of the squadron and its C.O.

Much of the comment is also making reference to my letter to the editor contribution in an aviation magazine, Flightpath (worth buying btw ;)). Whilst the letter was a ‘full pager’, it isn’t a complete history by any means. The letter and booklet were not written in such a way that hidden meaning can be extracted by ‘reading between the lines’. I’ll go into the details in an article I’m currently preparing for Pacific Spitfires. Given the article will be published soon there’s little point going over the issues here.

'Spitfires in the Antipodes' Part 3 is currently unavailable as I’m concentrating my efforts on new decals. I’ll probably make it available at a later date when time permits.

Websites down

Aero Imageworks, Pacific Spitfires and Antipodean Hawks websites are experiencing technical difficulties. They'll be back up soon.

AI Newsletter sent

The Aero Imageworks newsletter was sent out yesterday with details on how to order our latest release, 'Spitfires in the Antipodes' Pt.4 at a discount price. Part 3 which has created some controversy is no longer available. The contoversy or 'storm in a tea cup' has linked the decal booklet comments with my mailbag contribution on RAAF Spitfires published recently in an aviation magazine.

Part 4 is available at the discount price until 8 June (Queen's B'day).

Wing Masters on Spitfires

Wing Masters is a quality scale model magazine from France (French text). Issue No.70 has something of an Aussie flavour with build articles on CA-12 Boomerang and Wirraway in 1:48 scale.

Of more interest to me was the article on building the Special Hobby Spitfire Vc with an unusual camouflage scheme. The model builder really shows his talent with some nice detail and weathering.



How accurate is the finished model? Have a look here at what purports to be a genuine, colour image of the real aircraft and judge for yourself. Has this photo been 'doctored'? What I find astounding about this photo is not so much the blue tones on the upper surfaces but the use of yellow for the identification letter 'X'. Yellow is the colour of training aircraft and both air and ground crew were very keen to move on from trainers to operational type aircraft. It's the colour they would avoid using if at all possible and yet we see it apparently being used here.


There's also an article on the RAF Spitfires sent to defend the island of Malta during WW2.



Looking at the CA-12 Boomerang article there's something odd about the main wing dihedral. There isn't any, and it just doesn't look right. This could be due to camera lense distortion but I doubt it.

Little Dieter needs to fly

This is the incredible life story of Dieter Dengler in his own words. I'll say no more than that.

AI newsletter subscribers decal offers

The two decal offers in the last newsletter have now closed. In the next week or so I'll send out another newsletter with details and pre-ordering link for 'Spitfires in the Antipodes' Part 4. Parts 5 and 6 which complete Series 1, will also be released soon.

History on YouTube

There's some interesting history related videos on YouTube almost hidden in a growing deluge of pop culture and music items. Do a search for specific things like 'Spitfire' or a general one with 'WW2' and see what comes up.

Decal News

I've now organised the decal subjects for the proposed 1/24th de Havilland Mosquito decal. The Antipodean Mossies decal project will comprise 4 parts each covering 6 a/c and the 4 parts (decals) form Series 1. In total Series 1 will provided decals and c&m information for 24 Mosquitoes from the Pacific and European theatres of war. The release and timing of Series 2 (a further 24 a/c) will depend on consumer demand.


The acclaimed 'Spitfires in the Antipodes' decals will also be grouped into Series with Series 1 comprising 6 parts (decals) each with 3 a/c subject options.

Aero Imageworks APRIL Newsletter out now

Aero Imageworks April newsletter has been sent out today via email. As usual with the newsletter, it containd details on up and coming products and allows for pre-ordering of new products. We have a couple of new decals available for pre-ordering with more on the way later in the year.

It's great to have James Brayshaw onboard to do the decal artwork for the 1/24th scale Airfix DeHavilland Mosquito kit. This has freed up time which I've used to do a huge amount of original research that will show in the final decal package.

I've also got more time now to start pumping out the updates for Pacific Spitfires website.

RAAF Warplanes book shows its age

I'd expect that even in 1969, this book wasn't a big seller!

Airfix box lid paintings

‘The vintage years of Airfix’, showcases the superb artwork of Roy Cross who was responsible for much of the box lid artwork during Airfix’s heyday in the 60’s and early 70’s.

This large format 128pp book contains well over 100 paintings depicting aircraft from all periods plus a few warships, armoured vehicles, cars and even a couple of motorbikes!






I found it to be an absolute joy to see these paintings as the artist had originally prepared them showing all the meticulous detail that was often lost when printed on a kit box lid or ‘header’ on the plastic bag packaged Series 1 kits.

If you only buy one book this year, this is the one to buy, you wont be disappointed.

Nearly forgot, here's an interview with the great artist himself by Top Gear's 'Captain slow' James May.

Clive Caldwell bio

Here's a reworked and complete version of my video comment on Jeffrey Watson's biography. The raw video was made a couple of years ago, sorry about the poor quality image.


In the background you can see RAAF flag, WW2 RAAF officers hat and tunic with wings and group of medals, Air Crew Europe Star, Pacific Star, 1939-45 Star and British War Medal.

AI mailing list

The recent newsletter from Aero Imageworks (AI) with details on how to pre-order the latest decal will be resent in the next week or so as there were a few people who missed out on the original newsletter. Want to be on the mailing list? to get on the list you must have purchased a product from AI in the last 12 months. Simply send me an email and Ill put you on the list.

Things are progressing nicely on further 'Spitfires in the Antipodes' decals. Feedback on these decals has been very positive, in particular the decal booklet that seems to be more valued than the actual decal! Speaking of the decal, some have asked why it isn't a single sheet like 'regular decals'. It's printed on a number of sheets because the printed process is far more complicated than that involved in producing regular screen printed decals. By separating the decal elements into a number of sheets we are able to achieve printing efficiencies and good quality control.

Pre-order new decal from AI

Past customers of Aero Imageworks on our mailing list should have received details of our latest decal availaible for pre-ordering. If you didn't receive the email contact us.

MEGA Mossie coming soon

Aero Imageworks is currently preparing a decal for Airfix's 1:24th scale DeHavilland Mosquito Mk VI due for release later in the year. The decal will cover RAAF Mossies from the European and Pacific Theatre with the emphasis on 'nose art' aircraft.

There's keen interest in this kit even though it wont be cheap. I know of at least half a dozen modellers who will be placing an order for the kit. Stay tuned for more updates .

Pacific Spitfires 5th birthday!

It's hard to believe but it was actually 5 years ago that we launched Pacific Spitfires as a subscription supported membership site. Over these last five years we've gone from strength to strength as the leading authority on RAAF Spitfires in the Antipodes.

The next five years look to be even better as we've got a huge amount of research that has yet to be placed on the site. If your thinking of joining, there's never been a better time to so. Welcome aboard!