Łukasz Gliński Any topping planned?
@Don: It can't be unseen anymore

Peter Mollenhauer Cool project and very well realized! Congrats, Greg!

Greg Baker LMAO Łukasz! Now I can't un-see it...

Matthew A You do make modelling look a piece of cake. Did you leave the mask on the front of the canopy?

Martin Oostrom I miss the cherry on top....

Donald Dickson II OK, got the right one now. LOL

Youtube Video

Matthew A Haha

Matthew A I'm used to the Richard Harris version

Dave Flitton Watching!!

Greg Baker Although not officially part of the whole SCM Aggressor GB, everyone else has F-5's on the go... so why not. I've got an F-5A as well...

Roland Revolvermann Watching, got the same kit...

Augusto Have this kit too! Would like to read your impressions of it.

Martin Oostrom Shin is one aggressive pilot

Nils Steyaert following

Greg Baker Back in action on this one. The fit is nice, but I kind of chickened out on the cockpit control panels. I tried painting them, but nothing worked to my satisfaction, so I went back and just covered them up with decals. Oh well...

Maciej Bellos Following!

Greg Baker Thanks Maciej! With the blue on, it's now starting to look like Shin's famous F-5E... that makes it more fun!

Martin Oostrom She's becoming a beauty. Shin couldn't have painted her better himself

Greg Baker Since I'm working on Shin's F-5E... and everyone seems all excited about F-5s for the Aggressor GB, I thought I'd give the F-5A a try as well. It's neat to work on an F-5E and F-5A side by side... you can really see some of the differences.

Maciej Bellos In!

Greg Baker Ok... so... another camouflage colour I guess? What to choose...

Roland Revolvermann In, too

Jay Dubya You've pecked my interest Greg, mind if I take a gander at this project too?

Chip H Very interesting! I bet they'll look awesome when finished.

Greg Baker There's still plenty of room in the VIP reserved section, so don't be shy!

Roland Revolvermann Watching with interest!

bughunter If I count right, the next picture will show five? It will be interesting, what you do with the LEDs! Watching ...

Martin Oostrom The leds are more expensive than the kits?

Murad ÖZER this is going to be huge man, watching with great interest.

Jay Dubya They are flocking to see your work Greg. May I suggest 5 jets in a Flying Vee formation - Mighty Ducks style???
[img1]

Hans Robben How many different aircaft are there in the Area 88 series?

Greg Baker tons... albeit most of them are relegated to bit parts. The Jaguars only show up in one chapter when Shin hangs out in Paris and gets an invitation to fly with the Patrouille de France.

I've been working on a list. The presentation is still a bit rough, but the list itself is pretty much complete. area88.strobez.ca/mission-briefing/vehicles/

Hans Robben Tons indeed! Interesting variety.

Nils Steyaert interesting

Greg Baker I just found a bunch of very cheap Academy Jaguar kits on the shelf and couldn't resist. For some reason, I'm drawn to the obscure Area 88 scenes. Everyone knows Shin's F-8E/F-5E/Draken/F-20/X-29 set of planes, but he's also flown (in short stints) a Kfir, and F-18, an F-4E, an F-5A, a different F-5E on loan, a Jaguar, as well as a couple of Cessnas.

In the anime version, Shin's difficulty in re-adjusting to civilian life is pretty abrupt and a bit non sequitur, basically "RYOKO! I want to go home! I want to go HOME! I want to go BACK!" - but in the manga it's a much more subtle and gradual realization that being a mercenary changes you irreversibly. His invite to fly with the Patrouille de France comes after they find him lurking outside the fence just staring at the jets flying overhead for hours. The noise and the smell of the airfield is the only thing that can calm his nerves after the trauma of the open-air cafes, baguettes and people smiling.

Stephan Ryll Good lookin bird

Greg Baker Hey Thanks, Stephan!

Choppa Nutta cool

Ekki Very nice work.

Matthew A Mean looking ship

Roland Revolvermann Looks great

Greg Baker Thanks guys. I took this one down off the shelf to clean up and finish off a few things. The main thing was adding the numbers. The decals were so ancient and fragile that the first 4 attempts ended in defeat. I originally wanted a red "31" but after killing all the 3s I had to settle for yellow 21 instead. Putting the decals one was like brain surgery, so I don't even care that they silvered pretty badly.

Nils Steyaert looks good, nicely done

JOHN THOMAS Greg, nice video

Bart Goesaert very nice work on this one... superb result..

Matthew A https://facebook.com/EAA/vid..TczNToxMjgyMzI1MTc1MjI0NjA0/

Chris Greathouse That's a sweet glider!

Bart Goesaert when science fiction comes to life...

Greg Baker I've seen that video before... insane.

Cortex This is very beautiful!

Greg Baker Thanks! I admit I'm quite happy with how this turned out,

Michael Hickey Now that looks cool.

Jay Dubya Co-pilot 'Bugsy' - I thought he'd be Chad Darr ?!!?

Nils Steyaert looks great, those MiG's look mean

Stephan Ryll Very cool dio and good work Greg

Sergej I Bravo! Looks superb! I love the A-B lights in the MiGs

Greg Baker Hey, thanks guys! I'm glad you all like it!

Jay Dubya And so ends Greg's homage to fromage

Dave Flitton hahahahaha

Bart Goesaert Excellent work on the paintwork and decals...

Cuajete Fantastic result. Congrats!

Tom ... Wow. Jaw dropping!!! Good thing you stuck with it!

Bryn Crandell Spectacular finish. Totally amazing work. I started watching the manga saeries. I kind of like it.

Matthew A Well worth the four kits

Greg Baker Thank you kindly, gentlemen. Bryn - the anime series is more easily digested for most people (and often the OVA vs. The TV anime) but reading the manga adds several layers to the story experience. Either way though, as long as you enjoy it, that's all that counts.

Holger Kranich Four absolute beautys! Love the yellow cockpit frame!

Palo M Wow, looks incredible. Beautiful panel lining, decals. Absolute top!

Martin Oostrom We want pics!

Cuajete Me 2

Peter Hardy And flames!

Greg Baker Man oh man... you chip one little tractor like a master and suddenly you're throwing your weight around like a big dog...

Matthew A ooh goodie

Greg Baker Well, far be it from me not to give everyone but Peter what they want... AREA 88: F-8E Crusader (SHIN CRASH) | Album by strobez (1:72)

Nathan Dempsey Oh nice!

Greg Baker Ok. So, after some careful looking and studying, I've come to the conclusion that the 4 little bits I couldn't figure out are, in fact, un-used extras. They don't appear on the website/eBay parts photos (although apparently I didn't get a full complement of brass wires either... but I can work around that easily enough). The only one of the three kit versions to list the parts is the Daisy Cutter, but their location in the mould leads me to believe that there was no real point in trying to remove them.

With that settled, everything else now makes sense. So I glued a few more of the bits on, lest they become wayward snacks for the carpet monster, and I kept doing surgery on the cabin windows. So far (SO FAR) I've only snapped one bit of framing, but it was easily replaced with a bit of styrene and some CA glue. Still some more windows to drill out, so... fingers crossed!

Matthew A Good work!?!

Bart Goesaert looks good so far...

Spanjaard Wie, no instructions.....but you will figure out

Greg Baker Ok. Back at this one now... got some of the clear parts cut out CAREFULLY and glued in place with the resin parts. It's some tricky patient business, but so far so good... (famous last words!)

Matthew A Well done

Greg Baker Thanks Matthew. It's getting there...slowly.

Matthew A Can't be any slower than my projects - I've a star wars A-Wing I started in 1996

Greg Baker All right, I'm calling this one done. I might've been able to do more with the treads... but we'll save that for another adventure.

Alex K ... wait... no 1/72 camera (Nikon F2) this time?

Greg Baker uh oh... hang on to that thought...

Matthew A Your giant bottle of paint makes an appearance again

Donald Dickson II So no wings????

Greg Baker No Don... no wings... it's a tank... sheesh...

Donald Dickson II A what??? i am so confused.

LOL great job as always sir.

Spanjaard Both look really good

Greg Baker Dear God... what have I DONE!? I'm a murderer!

So, this Minicraft DC-3 has been kicking around the workbench for a while, ever since it got replaced in my Area 88 project "A Rocky Arrival" by a Roden C-47. But I hate projects with no purpose, so I decided to re-purpose this one into the Air India crash site from Tintin in Tibet. First thing to do... get out the saw and dismember it...

Before we begin, let's just take a moment to remember it in happier times - AREA 88: "Rocky's Arrival" (DC-03) | Album by strobez (1:144)

Matthew A I knew this kit had trouble with the propellers hitting the fuselage - So this is what happens when you put motors in it

Greg Baker As you can see from pic 15 in the Area 88 album, I ended up destroying the props (why... oh, WHY!?) so I had to put out a call for some help. As you can also see from the project header image... the prop is kinda important to the build. Luckily I found a helping hand with an extra Roden C-47 prop for me... but he said it looks like it spins the wrong way... so that might be another theory behind the crash.

Interesting to note that Air India complained to Herge, so in later albums he had to obscure the centaur logo to avoid a lawsuit. I, however, don't intend to be bullied into submission on that front.

Slavo Hazucha Nice knife-work on creating some Dakota Sashimi!

Greg Baker Thanks Slavo... maybe I should put a dab of wasabi on the plate.

I got an itch to get started on this one ever since Erik showed me the way - Dakota crash | Album by opadesmet (1:72)

Erik De Smet Following, Greg. I learned recently that liquid gesso is a great material to imitate snow, of course after I finisher my diorama.

Nils Steyaert interesting project, the Roden kit is much better then the old minicraft version isnt it
for a long-term project, im also planning a 1/72 Tin Tin DC-3 but in ArabAir colors (from the album Black Sea Sharks) allong with a DH Mosquito from the same album.

Greg Baker Yeah, the Roden kit really made me feel better about the do-over. But it still bothered me that the completed C-47 didn't have a "roll" to play on my shelf. I'm much happier about it now.

I also have the 1/72 DC-3 and DH Mosquito on my longer term plans. I just found out Blue Rider decals have released a few more sets in their Tintin markings, so I'll have to study what's available. I noticed they included a Udet Flamingo... which I could've used some months back... grrr...

Daniel Klink Following of course Great start...uhm landing i mean

Torsten Wendt Nice idea, I will follow

Donald Dickson II And he gets to cut up yet another plane! Though this one will stay cut up. LOL

Amrith Punja Almost done with my Airfix 1/72 Mosquito using the Blue Rider Decals, will be posting soon. Have a Roden 1/144 DC-3 kit in my Stash and this is a nice scheme

Matthew A Eject eject eject!?!

Lost_Erik Fantastic result Greg.

Greg Baker Thanks guys.

Chris - thanks! Now I can't unsee the marshmallow! As for the lights and electronics, my only background in them is flipping the switch when I enter/leave a room. Necessity is the mother of education. I had a goal and I learned enough to reach that goal. It's really not all that hard. Most of my projects are very simple circuits. 2-3 LED lights, a 5v usb cord as a power source. All you need is to solder a few wires and a resistor together. Are you interested in a basic tutorial?

Chris Greathouse I was just wondering where your skills came from

Greg Baker I have also wondered that... but they're almost undetectable, so probably not worth the time it takes to track them...

Greg Baker BTW - In case anyone's interested, I've updated my blog with this build. Same pics, more rambling commentary... but a bonus page of the manga story! strobez.ca/wp/index.php/2019..dill-hill-to-die-on-area-88/

Slavo Hazucha A rather flamboyant ending to a basically "scratch-build with use Trumpeter parts" project... Going down with style It's a pleasure to watch your Area 88 builds, looking forward for more

Spanjaard Great job Greg, as always
Maybe you could put together that training, I am sure a lot of people could make use of it

Greg Baker Yeah... I knew this was coming out. It looks very cool and I'm tempted but 1/32 seems an odd scale. I'd have preferred 1/20 in line with the FineMoulds and Bandai releases. Thanks for thinking of me though.

I guess I'll have to finish off that project now, won't I?

Bryn Crandell Another amazing Area 88 project. Love it!

Greg Baker Added foil to the interior to keep the LED light from shining through the plastic.

Nathan Dempsey Please say the Larvas have something to do with this project. I'm an avid watcher since my 3 year old loves them.

Greg Baker LMAO. They's printed on the back of the extra thin "lunch wrap" foil. I was wondering if anyone would spot them... good eyes Nathan!

Greg Baker I actually forgot that the Learjet part of this project has its own album (AREA 88: "Blue Cheese 7" (Learjet 35) | Album by strobez (1:144) so, since the MiG-21's are done, I've moved the action over there.

Stuart Fowle What a very cool idea and project.

Matthew A Nathan isn't Larva Island a bit violent for a three year old, why don't you try him on something tame like Blade Runner

Nathan Dempsey We usually watch Deadpool after Larvas. Just kidding!

Greg the Learjet looks interesting. I'll have to follow that one to see how it goes.

Greg Baker Hey guys. I just bought this kit and was disappointed to find out that it only comes with 3-bladed props. I was hoping for 4-bladed ones and thought there was a choice because I know some boxings have both sets. I guess I didn't do my homework before buying, but now I'm in a bit of a jam. Does anyone have a spare set of 4-bladed ones they'd be willing to part with for a reasonable price/trade?

Nathan Dempsey I just checked my J model, but it only has the new 6-bladed props. Sorry!

Greg Baker Thanks for checking Nathan. That's too bad, but hopefully someone will be able to help me out.

Greg Baker Anyone else?

Nathan Dempsey 4 blades for Greg! 4 blades for Greg!

Greg Baker That's what I need... a street vendor voice!

Greg Baker I also decided to get the telemarketer approach and spam PM'ed everyone who has the C-130A box with the double propeller sprues in the hopes that a bit of targeted begging would help.

Nathan Dempsey Good idea Greg. Surely someone has them.

Greg Baker Well. One can only hope. I know I should've done my homework but I just assumed the "A" would come with a choice after I read a review of the earlier boxing. Oh, well. I've also sent a email plea to Minicraft to see if they'll take pity on me and sell me the sprue. It seems they'll offer the service if a part is missing or damaged, so it's not a huge jump from there to here. Fingers crossed.

Derek Huggett Greg - May I humbly suggest you have a look at Welsh Models website (welshmodels.co) here in the UK and check under their 1/144 Accessories listing? Might possibly be of interest?

Nathan Dempsey Welsh does make some great stuff in 1:144

Greg Baker Yeah... but it was only a loaner F-5 and a sneak attack...

Daniel Klink One Big Bow, Greg

Chris Greathouse I love the cotton fireball The whole thing is simply awesome! and the props move

Alec K Very cool

Greg Baker Thank you gentlemen. I appreciate all the kind feedback. For your viewing pleasure, I've uploaded a video of it "in action":

Youtube Video

Robbie mmmm Bacon

Greg Baker LMAO!

Lode Schildermans Greg, as the whole building process I've followed, the video shows what a talented builder you are with his unique style.

Greg Baker Thanks Lode. I'm really happy that you think I've got a unique style.. I don't want to be just a dime a dozen~ I'm 50% discounted... only 5 cents!

I've update my blog for those that are interested - strobez.ca/wp/index.php/2019..ht-over-the-adriatic-ghibli/

Mark Superb!

Matthew A Rising resin prices https://civilizedmodels.com/..-page/1-72-cessna-150-ii-152

Matthew A Just realized it is an early Cessna 150B in Tintin - high back with no rear window and simpler wings. It would be a shame to buy one of these and then have to back date it all. I might look out for an old 172 kit I can cut into bits and convert. If I do I'll make a copy and send you one.

Greg Baker You think it's easier to convert a 172? That might make things easier overall as getting a 172 shouldn't be too hard.

Matthew A The C-150 was a cross between the larger C-172 and the smaller C-140. It's not easier to do just a lot cheaper as in both cases a new rear fuselage will need will need to be made.

Matthew A Added an album of 3 views. Going to a model show at the beginning of September so will be on the look out

Matthew A Spent the night reading this Ebay.co.uk Item - The Complete Guide to Single engine Cessnas by Joe Christy Brian Dooley

Matthew A Don't buy the Civilized Models kit, looking at the parts It'll be near impossible to alter. Discovered another error by Blue Raider; it's an early 1959 or 1960 C-150, not a 1962 C-150B nor a 1961 C-15A they had an enlarged back window

Spanjaard where did you got it, it took me ages to finally find it on evilbay....

Greg Baker That one I got off the shelf at the LHS. And this one is still sitting there... modelsale.com/modelsale/popr..dx2=4&idx3=11&idx4=1

The real trick was me screwing up and getting a Sweet 1/144 F4F and getting as far as painting the engine before I realized I needed the Platz F6F instead. I got all the way to "why do the wheels look funny" before I realized the mistake... now I'm hunting the Platz F6F-5 box...

Spanjaard ha ha ha good luck and thanks for letting me know. i have two boxes already
the one i was really after was
P-51D Aces of the Eighth Air Force (Platz PD-8, 1:144)
but that was not possible to find... for a reasonable price I mean
I would not mind getting my hands on a
US Navy F-4N VF-84 Jolly Rogers (Tomytec AC128, 1:144)
US Navy F-4J VF-151 Vigilantes (Tomytec AC126, 1:144)
US Navy F-4J VF-31 Tomcatter..ller) (Tomytec AC127, 1:144)

Greg Baker Ok... this is cool. I didn't know we could do this on Scalemates...

Tim Heimer And we're off on another adventure!

Rv I'm in !

Greg Baker Thanks guys! The album is now populated with a few pics - Ghibli: Pig Fight over the Adriatic (Savoia S.21 x Curtiss R3C-0) | Album by strobez (1:144)

Nils Steyaert looks promising, i love the movie adaptation