Final Product Photos, Finnish Air Force F/A-18C.

Final product photos, Hobby Master HA3509, F/A-18C HN-457, Finnish Air Force "Kreivi von Rosen", the last F/A-18C/D built.

In 1992 the Finnish Air Force decided to purchase 67 aircraft but reduced it to 
64. The primary functions of these aircraft are defense and not attack so the 
Finns designate their aircraft F-18C/D. 


In 1918 Swedish Count Eric von Rosen donated the first airplane to the Finnish 
Air Force. To honor his memory one fighter carries his name on the bottom of 
the vertical stabilizers. The one aircraft is F-18C HN-457 which happens to be 
the last F-18C to ever be manufactured.

Altaya Modern Fighters

Altaya is normally associated with a low cost 1/72 model range of WWII fighters and 1/144 bombers. They have also released a low cost 1/72 modern fighter option.

The models feature a metal fuselage with plastic wings. The u/c is interchangeable and it comes with a stand. Of course you do get what you pay for and this is evident in the blister pack packaging and general lack of detail in the u/c and weapons for example.

That said, where else would you get a die-cast Kfir or MiG 31 for example??? I bought a couple to have a look see. Both models will fill the gap!!! They look good on display and the lack of detail isn't immediately evident when standing back from the display.

I got two Kfir C2s, one of which came with the intake separated from the fuselage and the part in two pieces inside the blister packaging. Potentially it could easily be repaired but it does point to the model being a little fragile.

The bottom line in my view is, get the better quality models from higher end manufacturers and get what the big boys don't what to make, European types like the Rafale, Super Etendard and Gripen for example from Altaya, you won't be disappointed.

Gemini200 Hawker-Siddeley HS-748, RAF Andover.

Gemini have just released this attractive RAF HS-748 Andover, XS792, in 1/200.  1/200 is the perfect scale for this type of aircraft and a good few manufacturers have been using civilian aircraft molds to do some great military liveries.

Hobby Master BAe Sea Harrier FA.2

BIG BIG NEWS!!! A Hobby Master Sea Harrier FA.2, HA4201, is on pre-order in the UK.

The FA.2 Sea Harrier was the UK's most potent naval air asset that was withdrawn from service in 2006 by insightful politicians leaving the Royal Navy without the ability to detect, intercept and destroy all primary air threats at long range from the fleet.

Currently not much information is available. Updates to follow.

Gate Guardian RNAS Yeovilton circa 2004.

A Harry Worthan Carousel 1 Custom Fw190D-9

Harry has been at it again with a very, very nice custom Carousel 1 Fw190D-9 in 1/48. The model started out as a Gerhard Barkhorn Fw 190D-9 and has been transformed into Hans Ulrich Rudel's last mount. The aircraft was a very late version with only basic marking and modular parts.

The scheme has been well researched and is appealing in that it differs from the C1 offerings by having grey and not green camouflaged wings as well numerous colour variations throughout. C1 only produced 3 versions of their excellent Fw190Ds.