The other day, the Fall issue of Random Thoughts arrived, actually making it in the season on the cover. Now before you think I am being a smart ass, I should tell you that putting out a club magazine is not an easy task and getting it out in a timely manner has always been difficult. Especially when relying on volunteer work to do so.

This issue has a bit more of a nautical look to it than some other editions along with a subject or two that were quite a nice surprise. I also see that the color has increased somewhat, a nice trend. Once past the editorial and columns by the national director and others, we get into the articles. 

The initial article is by Eric Genau. He chose to do an unmarked Sherman Firefly using a variety of DML kits as well as the usual aftermarket bits. It is a very nicely done model that I am sure armor fans will appreciate.

Next up, Frank Cudden builds a Tamiya 1/48 P-51D Mustang, making those few modifications needed to properly represent a 420 Squadron aircraft from the mid-1950s. It uses only a smattering of aftermarket and tells you how to fix some tricky building situations you may run into when building this kit.

Gary Barling builds the I-26 using the big Nichimo I-19 as a starting point. Quite a bit of extra work went into it and it shows.

A real surprise is Barry Maddin's 1/25 Lunenburg Trawl Dory. This is a Small Art Works kit and is made into a very nice presentation.

A 1/48 Seafire XV is bashed together by Bruce Archer. He started with the Airfix Seafire 46/47 and added quite a bit of aftermarket and home made bits to produce a very nice model.

Finally master builder Randy Lutz, uses his consummate skills to take a shake and bake Tamiya 1/48 Fi-103 and the less than quality Hi Tech conversion set to make a Reichenberg IV.

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

December 2011

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.