The Products

This set provides the following:

• CX414 - Die Cut Flexible Mask for Airfix Defiant Mk. I kit.
• 73525 - Self and Non-Adhesive Photo Etch Detail Set for Airfix Defiant Mk. I
• 72600 - Defiant Mk. I Landing Flaps

Flexible Masks Set (CX414)

This small yellow sheet of masking paper is die cut to provide masks for the window areas on the canopy and turret of the Airfix Defiant Mk. 1. This is worth getting on its own, as it is totally accurate and really cuts down on the tedious job of masking the clear areas on the model. Very clear instructions are given, so there’s no way of messing these up unless you really are a Neanderthal, and in that case, you should probably take up crocheting. I merely removed the little shapes with my pointy tweezers, and transferred them to their proper locations. Highly recommended.

Welcome back! Last time we had just completed the internal framework, engine, lower front end and cockpit of the big 1/24^th Scale Airfix Mk.Ib Typhoon. This second installment will bring the wings, fuselage, nose and wheel-wells together, leaving the final assembly and finish for the last segment of this three-part review. To recall: I chose to expose only the starboard wing’s gun bay and starboard engine detail, and to cover up the lower front end encompassing the oil cooler/air intake.

Work is going along very smoothly, with a single exception being the front end of the aircraft. Whether the problems I encountered were self-inflicted or due to some flaw in the kit remains to be determined. More on that later – for now, let’s get back to work!

If you have been involved in modeling for the past ten years there is a good chance that you are familiar with the name Mig Jimenez. If you are not familiar with Mig, he is a Spanish modeler that has really came to the forefront of modeling techniques. Along with the techniques MIg has created a system of washes, filters, pigments and now paints. He also has several great modeling books out as well.

UK Aircraft colors from the 50's to present: This set is comprised of four 17ml bottles with dropper top. The four colors included in this set are as follows FS 36118 Medium Gunship Gray, FS 26173 (BS 638), FS 34079 (BS 641) and FS 36314 (BS 626). I used a single action siphon feed airbrush to apply them to an unprimed plastic card stock. I thinned the paint using the MIG Acrylic thinner at a ratio of about two parts paint to one thinner. Had no issues spraying through the airbrush and it sprayed out in a nice light coat. Took a few layers to build up a solid color.

Permit me to open this review with a personal story.

My childhood home town of Iowa City had a tiny little airport – the kind that sees maybe six Cessna's visiting in a week. However, even this tiny airport managed to have a gate guard, in this case an F-86D Sabre Dog donated from the Iowa Air National Guard, mounted on posts.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t in the best of shape. At some point in the past it had lost its canopy, which had been replaced by some artlessly shaped acrylic sheet. Even so, it seemed to a kid like a proud giant, reaching endlessly for a sky it would never touch again. Honestly, I loved that gate guardian.

If you have never have had the chance to review one of Guidelines Warpaint series, here’s a brief description. First they provide a complete and detailed history of the subject including a complete production list of air frames, Squadron which used the plane along with a list of serial numbers and codes and a comprehensive specification list covering the technical aspects of the plane. By this, they have the historians covered. Secondly, they have 1:72nd scale multiple view plans. Also included are detail pictures, pages of superb color camouflage drawings and photography in color and black and white. There is also a list of kits, decal and accessory list. Modelers are covered too.