I promise I’m not building the whole air group! But Operation JAMBOREE Bunker Hill aircraft are good subjects with that yellow cowling. Have already replaced one F4U with a newer one, and now the ‘25 HobbyBoss TBM-3 replaces the ‘95 Hasegawa kit. Which I have other plans for … #HistScaleModels

I think I may be done for the day. The kit decals are … pretty bad, and I need a drink before I make the decision whether to ditch the numerous tiny stenciling ones. But got a “lot” done. (Kit behind is the one it’s replacing - I have another job for it). #HistScaleModels

Finally completed the most colorful P-51D of them all. Maybe. #HistScaleModels putteringinthestudy.com/2026/08/15/1...

My Semovente 75/18 M40 is ready! Parshall’s 1942 even indicates I don’t have to model it as a knocked out unit at Alamein II. Played a definite role earlier in the year. I love how I learn things from these builds. Last year I showed pics of my Tony to IJN and IFA reenactors in Osaka.

P-51 shelf is getting a little crowded. Have now elbowed both Me 262s out of the way, but … that’s kinda what they did. #Histscalemodels

My buildof one of the Bottisham Four, lead Mustang E2-C, flown by the 361st’s commanding officer Colonel Thomas J.J. Christian, Jr. Pics and post - with explanations of why I chose the colors I did - tomorrow. #HistScaleModels 1/72 Tamiya kit, which went together beautifully.

Ready for decaling after an insane paint job. #histscalemodels Fortunately the real thing was a very sloppy paint job so I had room for error!

Using the practice tip of pink primer for the yellow nose on my 1/72 P-51D. Too pink, I discovered. Took forever to cover with the airbrushed yellow topcoat. So the shown white/red ratio of 8:1 is still too red. (Love the Tamiya kit - ease of assembly and fit is spectacular). #Histscalemodels

Ready for tomorrow’s build day at East Texas Modelers in Tyler! 1/72 M10 and P-51D primed and base coated so I can assemble and do detail painting while trading tips and experiences and discussing how much we hate PE parts. #HistScaleModels

Ordered my #ItaliaGB build. After deep consultations with my tank nut son I chose a 1/72 IBG Semovente M40 da 75/18 Italian Gun by IBG. Still on the fence whether to do it in Italian markings in North Africa or German (after the armistice) in Italy. #HistScaleModels

I built a couple of these last fall - bought them under the false impression they were -3s. But they make into a good little kit with very little work. I did them as two Guadalcanal pilots I wanted to commemorate. I think by the time I portrayed them they were flying -4s so it worked out.

The massive improvement in quality of the 1/72 Hobby Boss Avenger is clearest when you compare the bomb bay & wheel well interior to the Airfix, Academy & Hasegawa kits. Two don’t have any, and the third is representative only. And the parts just couldn’t fit together any better. #Histscalemodels

I hate Avengers. But this kit is making it as painless as possible so far, with externally mounted windows and masks. #histscalemodels

I have been using more expensive sprue cutters. My son gave me what I thought were a cheap pair and they are terrific. I put away my old ones and I’m using this one now (borrowed an unopened one he gave his brother for the pic). Highly recommend. #histscalemodels

Any of these three kitbashes! All three are far along but front and back had been untouched since 2024 and middle not since last year except for some walkways and unrep piping. Daily guilt.

Finally broke out the FineMolds aircraft seatbelt set that I got last July in Tokyo for the Hobby Boss TBM-3. They look “really” good! Now am I going to be able to put them on? #HistScaleModels

One of the kits I picked up this spring was a vintage 1/72 Airfix Grumman J2F “Duck”. I built it over the last month to continue trying to clear my stash, especially of smaller and older kits. putteringinthestudy.com/2026/07/02/g... #HistScaleModels

Done with this old Airfix kit except for aftermarket canopy and finish coat. #histscalemodels #buildthestash

Next project is another offering to the #BuildtheStash gods - an ancient Airfix 1/72 Grumman Duck J2F. #HistScaleModels

I completed the Sweet 1/144 FM-2 & Flight Deck Set, a small flight deck diorama of a Casablanca-class escort carrier with eight cartoon "cat" deck crew figures (a Sweet trademark). The FM-2 markings are authentic to a Gambier Bay pilot. putteringinthestudy.com/2026/06/07/1... #HistScaleModels

Finished vintage 1974 ESCI 1/72 Sd.Kfz. 124 “Wespe" self-propelled artillery vehicle as a generic unit at Kursk in 1943. putteringinthestudy.com/2026/06/06/1... Only kitbashing was cutting out the rear panel to show the kitbashed shells and (separate) cartridge shells. #HistScaleModels

The old (1974) 1/72 Wespe on its mud and grass base is done. Post up tomorrow or Saturday. #HistScaleModels

Yep, some serious modeling going on tonight. The FM-2 flight deck set is has its sleeping kitten in place and bridge signaling cat ready to go. #HistScaleModels #ScaleModels

You were right - the lifts do sag. So the plastic can stay.

Almost got the Wespe completed tonight but ran into some necessary track repairs. #histscalemodels

It is a masterpiece in mediocrity, which is my comfort zone. Selected major shortcomings in kit corrected with inferior technique per in depth and deeply enjoyed research, and I will enjoy seeing it in the display case for the rest of my days. Started on one of this kit when I was ten.

Up to 35 from 48 or 72? I did upscale once a couple of years ago to do a full interior Tiger 131 after we saw it in Bovington, but that’s it.

I thought I was joking. I absolutely want this job now! Hats off to AI for a killer image, although I am a little disappointed there’s not a funny hat involved. #histscalemodels

I am applying for the Lord High River Counter of Stash position though. Robes look cool.

All yards installed and fore yard lifts in place and primed. (They’re plastic rod and sagging so I might go back and replace with wire tomorrow). #HistScaleModels. Again, this is my first sailing ship, and in a smaller scale so I’m approximating things in places. But learning a lot about rigging!