Australian Spitfire pilot's final resting place found

Mail Online reports Riddle of missing Spitfire ace shot down after D-Day is solved after his plane wreck is found 66 years on.

I have mixed feelings about whether what is a grave should have been disturbed however the recovery does bring closure.

My preliminary reasearch reveals that the Spitfire was a Mk IX, MJ789 coded FU-B.

Competition time!

Win a copy of the soon to be released decal A013204 'Shark Attack! for use on Tamiya's 1/32nd Spitfire Mk VIII kit. All you have to do is take a look at the Mk VIII build article using A013204 'Shark Attack! decal 'How to build it, the tips and tricks!' and identify the particular a/c being modelled.

You know it is an a/c from No. 457 Sqn but what is the individual a/c code letter and A58 serial number? (hint, it's A58-6** and it was flown on operations by two RAAF aces. )

If you know the answer email me; the first correct answer received is the winner. Entries will close in about 2 weeks time when I reveal the identity of the a/c in the build article. If you attended my recent research night on the Spitfire and P-40 in RAAF service you have an edge as I mentioned this a/c. Mmmm, now you wish you were listening more closely :)

UPDATE!!!!


We have a winner already, you guys are quick! Ok, so to keep the competition going I'm going to provide a second copy of the decal as a prize. All answers received no later than 22 November, 2010 will be put into a hat and the first correct answer drawn will win a copy of A013204 'Shark Atack! Don't delay get your answer in now!

What's the difference between Alps and regular decals?

This is a common question that I'm currently working on providing an answer to by way of an article I'll publish in the FOR section of Aero Imageworks website. As a decal producer and consumer over many years I'll provide the reader with a unique insight into the production and application of scale model decals together with the pros and cons of Alps and screen printing. Whether you are a novice or experienced modeller I'm sure you'll find it interesting.

Some of it will seem pretty basic such as how I apply decals. However, it's worth mentioning as every modeller has his own technique so there maybe something about my approach that others like and can adopt. I'll also comment on how to review decals. Time and time again I've read decal reviews where the reviewer hasn't really thought about what decals are and how they are applied. Decals end up being cut to pieces (literally!), dunked in water, dissolved, patted, pressed, squeezed, dried, coated with clear paint and finally weathered. Pretty rough treatment!

Tamiya Spitfire with RAAF markings

check out the latest progress building Tamiya's Spitfire Mk VIII in 1/32nd scale

Spitfire and P-40 Research Night

Last month I held a 'researchers night' for those interested in the Spitfire and P-40 Kittyhawk in RAAF service during WWII. The presentation was very well received and it was nice to see a good mix of people, not just scale modellers! Although the night went well, it was a lot of work to set up so I think it will be a while before I have another open night. If you missed it, you will probably catch at least some of it on YouTube!