Fil d'information

Andrzej Rygiel
Nice collection of WTF box arts 🙂. To be fair, majority of them are from the ancient era (60's/70's/80's) of modelling, nobody focused that much on what's on the box back then (but there were also really nice looking artistic pieces from those times that I remember). I'll try to find some newer (90's and onward) box arts that I consider a "failed mission in marketing" - this one is a nice example from 2021 --> Saab TF-35 Draken (Skale Wings SS-72001, 1:72), and this one a bit older (2003), but also has a high WTF factor --> Messerschmitt Bf-109E 3/4 "H..tenkrad (Academy 2214, 1:72).

gorby
Oooohh! That Draken box art is dreadful.

Robert Podkoński
And the next one to your collection, gorby:
Saunders-Roe SR-53 (URSUS , 1:72)

Ben M
I built that thunderceptor (photo 32) when I was a kid. I got it at a 5 and dime store. I recall I painted it testors metallic gloss red.

Robert Podkoński
Aaaaaand my favourite:
PZL P-23 a Karas (RUCH MK006, 1:72)
PZL P-23a (Coopexim , 1:72)
PZL-23A Karaś (RUCH , 1:72)
PZL P.23A Karaś (PZW , 1:72)
which one do you like most? 😄
Don't you dare look at the contents - what's most unbelievable: the same moulds are used now to produce "new" kits:
PZL P-23B Karas (BIGMODEL K72046, 1:72)

Robert Podkoński
Some more fun:
Boeing B-707 (ZTS Plastyk S-114, 1:144)

gorby
Thanks for your comments. Some excellent examples Robert, particularly the first three PZL P.23. 😄

Erik
There was still action on the covers. Cool stuff! 😄

gorby
Yes it bugs me when classic box-art is altered to remove any sign of unpleasantness. This is an ideal example.
Superfortress (Airfix 07001-4, 1:72)
Boeing B-29 Superfortress (Airfix A07001, 1:72)
One is full of action and the other is dull.

Robert Podkoński
Still, I love the Lindberg's rendering of MiG-19... and Soviet "Warhawk" - quite inspiring, isn't it 😉

gorby
The Warhawk is unbelievable! It looks nothing like the real aircraft. I'd love to see the model.

Ben M
P-40B Tomahawk (Zvezda 7201, 1:72)

You can find out for 15 euro, gorby

Mark Sherwood
That Airfix B-29 re-mastered cover art is an affront to the Royal Cross original.

Martin Oostrom
I love that the markings for the Corvair 880 are DIE 880

gorby
I've just Googled it Ben and it doesn't great, but not as bad as I thought it would. I think I'll save my 15 euro. 😉
I agree Mark (incidentally, the predictive text has change Roy to Royal).
I didn't notice that Martin. 😄

Mark Sherwood
Cheers Gorby, I didn't notice 😳 👍

Robert Podkoński
Convair on the picture apparently has no engines, but drop tanks instead 😄 😄 😄

Mark Sherwood
To my previous post, re the B29 box art. It is the inimitable Roy Cross. The reason I bought Airfix. 🤟🥸🤘

★ Starfish ★
Here's the first update on a project I recently completed. This build was particularly meaningful to me for a few reasons. Firstly, the F-22 is one of my all-time favorite aircraft. I've had this kit for several years, but I've always been hesitant to start building it due to the challenging paint job required for the Raptor. Luckily, and that's the second reason why this is so special to me, my loyal follower Marie asked me to build a Raptor for her. Since I was currently in between projects, I just started building right away and surprisingly the end result turned out better than expected. Most importantly, Marie is thrilled with the model I sent her!
Below you can see the pilot figure I painted just because I think aircraft in flight without a crew look odd. As far as I know, Raptor pilots are not equipped with JHMCS helmets but that's just a minor detail I decided to overlook given the small scale. More updates will follow as I'm currently working on a video showcasing the building and painting process in detail.

Matt L
Would love to see more Raptor kits with other paint schemes and decals not requiring an air brush

★ Starfish ★
@Matt Well, I don't know of any other paint schemes for Raptors other than the standard and chrome schemes! However, it's always up to you how you want to paint your model 🙂

Matt L
Like to keep it authentic with decals and paint schemes - maybe we will see different paint design with a new future F-22 variant (if it happens). Many 5th gen jets seem to get pretty advance schemes where detailed airbrushing may be the best option though.

Nicolas
I'm following.

DerMattes
Taking a seat 🙂

Cristian A
I'm watching closely as well 🙂

J35J
Taking a seat too 👍🏻

★ Starfish ★
Thank you mates 🙂

CaptGPF
Sadly, I doubt we are going to see any variants - as the production lines have been shuttered for quite a while - and the USAF cancelled any new block upgrades in favor of the NGAD program. Outside of the Tomcat, I felt that the Raptor was a rare no-compromise aircraft built for total air dominance. I'm interested in seeing how you tackle the metallic coloring for this bird. I'd also love to see your comments on the pictures! 😀

★ Starfish ★
More pics will be added over time. Here's my video about the build: Youtube Video

Vincent
Very nice work. Great result on the paint finish!

★ Starfish ★
Thanks Vincent! I took a lot of inspiration from the painting process on your excellent Raptor!

Vincent
I thought so when I saw the vid. Nice to hear I could help!!!

Matt L
Agree, very nice.

★ Starfish ★
Thanks a lot Matt!

Nicolas
Very good.

Neuling
Yes!!

J35J
Looking great Starfish! Congrats👍🏻

★ Starfish ★
Thank you all!

Guy Rump
Following. 👍