I sit in my hotel room for a quiet few minutes before heading down to the bar for a noggin or two with a rowdy bunch of vets. I get the feeling there could be a few sore heads in the morning and although I can't march, I can still yell at them!
The HK models Lancaster is due out in early December and I should get one direct from Hong Kong. There was lots of activity around the HKM stand and the display looked good. I have already bought Airfix's new 1/'24 Hellcat - in my mind - and it is added to the list with a release of April/May 2019 and a price of £120. It was shown built up in test shot form and looked good. The engine looks fabulous and all they need to do is sharpen everything up.
There will be lots of photos on social media. I didn't take my camera because I wasn't sure just how much I would have to carry and after looking around the manufactures tables there will be some good things to build next year. wingnut wing's Lancaster is a bit further on than I thought but still needs lots of work and probably won't be seen until November 2019 which is there scheduled release. I will be looking at getting one, but I think it will probably be more expensive than the HKM offering.
They will be putting out a cockpit/nose only kit but that said 2020 and I am not sure on the format!
It was good to meet up with Les and he was very impressed with ZM's Nick. I think he went to enter the draw in the hope that he might win something nice... I had to leave so I don't know the outcome of that!
I treated myself to a set of Browning gun barrels for the Lancaster from Mater Models and Airscale's Cockpit instrument panels...… There's some tiny work thereto do!
A plesent surprise awaited me at the ZM stand. The Old Man couldn't make it as there were some work commitments came upas very short notice he could not avoid, and with it being a small business you just need to deal with those things!
However he had sent a gift for me and I sent back a Jägermeister gift pack for him. The surprise is that contrary to the Old Man Blog, the instruction manuals were ready for the Nick and I will be having a drink shortly and looking through both the kit and the instructions in the bar. Some of my Band of Brothers are fascinated by the builds I do.... I have been known to be painting something in far off lands while under fire! and will, I have no doubt want to have a look at my latest spending spree, of course their instructions will be "Handle carefully, don't open any bags and you break anything then I'll kick you all around Green Park!"
Once back in God's Own Country I will photograph the kit for you all.
I did also treat myself to one of these:
http://www.dspiae.com/en/a/chanpinzhanshi/chuanghechuangdian/2017/26.htmlI had the opportunity to try one out and immediately parted with £35! They are the best things I have ever seen or used to take parts of sprues and will neaten my work up no end!
I also wanted to get this:
http://www.dspiae.com/en/a/chanpinzhanshi/gongnenshafa/2018/32.htmlbut didn't have enough cash left! I'll find and order one next time I get paid!
Time for a very long cold drink.
James
Partwork Building is like meeting enemy action - no plan survives first contact!!
Certified model building idiot! Please treat with kindness!