Year in review: 2018

[DesTROYer]

With another year coming to an end, and the likelihood of me finishing another build this year, It's time to look back on my builds for 2018.

First finished for 2018 was the 1/32 Academy F/A-18-B, A21-103 3 Squadron RAAF. MAnaged to pick up a Commendation at Model Expo with this one which was a welcome surprise. Homemade stencils for the 3 Squadron markings and serial numbers. Ronin Decals for everything else. I may have gotten the colours a little too dark on this one but I think it still looks great.




Next up was my Tamiya 1/100 Space Shuttle Columbia OV-102. This one won Best Real Space Model at Model Expo, which considering the competition was a complete honour. OOB build with a mixture of kit and home made decals, as well as the awesome tile decals from Warbird Decals. The tripod was from eBay.




Third and fourth completed for 2018 were my two Airfix 1/48 Meteor F.8's. They look alright, but I am not 100% happy with them. Little mistakes were made on both and the fit of the nose was disappointing. I'd like to come back and do another one in the future, and I'd certainly like to do one in 1/32 some day.
A77-867 as she is seen today, though now I understand flying in New Zealand.




A77-851 Hale Storm as flown during the Korean War.




Time for a little-civilised aviation modelling. Zvezda 1/144 Boeing 737-800 QANTAS Retro Roo II. A great, easy to build little kit completed with decals from Hawkeye Models.




Last off the bench for 2018 was my Trumpeter 1/35 CH-46D Chinook A15-104 'Crux Australis' or as she's better known as "Dusty Blonde". A lot of work and dollars went into this one. Big Ed conversion set for the cockpit, cabin seating and external photo-etch details, combined with scratch built CSAR hoist and Satcom antenna. Decals are mainly by Ronin graphics, with some additional extras from Werner wings.






Still on the bench, I have an AFV Club 1/35 M101 A1 105mm Howitzer and the Meng 1/35 Leopard AS1. Both will now be given my full attention.

What were your builds for the year?

[pacificmustang]

Nice work starting this thread off Troy. Excellent year for you by the looks of things. What’s planned for 2019?
Regards
Bruce

[DesTROYer]

Thanks Bruce. The volume may have been down since last year, but the variety and quality was there I think. I have a few in mind for next year, but honestly won’t know what’s next until I start. There will be a Gemini capsular in 1/24 and a 1/32 P-40E, but I don’t exactly know when. What about you? Show us your builds and plans.

[pacificmustang]

I have no idea what next year will bring Troy, apart from I want to try a ship and also build one of the many Wingnut wings kits I have. Im off to work for a couple of days, but will put up a 2018 post when I get home again

Cheers

Bruce

[enfield38]

Just the two actual kit completions for me this year, although the Ford is destined to go into a small vignette with some parts kindly donated by Dave Brewer. 1:35 Tamiya Kubelwagen with Ronin Decals and 1:35 ICM Model T.


The 90% complete encouragement award goes to this 1 Armoured Regiment SVN Bucket. 1:35 Academy M113A1 with Firestorm resin bits.

[DesTROYer]

Looking great Rod. I believe the flash surpressor may need to be removed on your buckets 50.

[enfield38]

Yeah Troy, it'll go as will the tracks.