The latest edition of Random Thoughts arrived on my doorstep a day or so back, and as usual, I tore into reading it. The format seems to have settled down and it is one that I find very nicely done and quite readable.  As usual, there are over a half dozen articles; most of which are aircraft, and just about all of which are Canadian subjects, something that doesn't happen all the time.

Once past the editorial and the chapter stuff, there are two very well done articles on RCAF Mustang I's. This is to celebrate the inclusion of a nice decal sheet in all three scales for two of these planes. Before going into the articles, I should mention that there are color three views for each decal subject as well as a brief history of the aircraft.

The first Mustang I is by Bruce Archer, who used the Ultracast update set to build his aircraft from the Accurate Miniatures kit. The six page article is full of images and sage advice. The second is by Gary Barling who used the same conversion set. While both built the same plane, it is interesting to note the difference in presentation provided by the two builders. 

Keeping with the RCAF in WWII theme, we have Armand Miale's nicely done Tamiya Beaufighter in 404 Squadron markings as part of the Banff wing.

Moving to vehicles, Ron Bell did a superlative job building the RPM 1/72 Staghound Mk. III.

If you are into interesting conversions, you'll like Stephen Bathy's build of the Kenting Aviation B-17 survey aircraft using the still nice Hasegawa 1/72 kit.

Next we have a Trumpeter 1/48 Sea Fury as built by Michael Novosad. This build makes use of a number of aftermarket bits to improve the detailing.

Finally, Randy Lutz' superbly done Tamiya 1/48 Swiss Bf-109E. Randy covers all the modifications needed to build this interesting variant, making this article a must for those interested in doing a similar conversion.

This edition finishes with a colors page on an interesting Harvard from 420 Squadron.

In all another outstanding issue and well worth the price of admission. There are more decals on the way and you pretty much have to be a member to take advantage of these.

 If you aren't a member; join. You don't have to be Canadian. You can get details via the IPMS Canada website.

September 2010

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