Thanks for your appreciative comments guys. To begin with I was a bit concerned this might be the wrong thing to put up so I'm glad someone enjoyed it.
Bob - what an experience - I can well understand the pucker factor and have often wondered what it must be like to be the guy that gives that final signal to launch just feet away from something like the Crusader, Phantom or Tomcat et al at full chat. I have an absolutely gorgeous model of an A4 that was built by the editor of Tamiya magazine Marcus Nichols. The only model I have ever bought it was just too much to resist. Finished in my all time favourite US colour scheme of gull grey over white it is beautifully finished and is a constant inspiration.
Despite what some may feel aircraft do get weathered and particularly so in theatre - only last night as the News covered Prince Harry in Afghanistan I couldn't help but notice the very grubby Chinook featured.
Techniques in weathering models have advanced tremendously as I'm sure Jason would confirm and it is that aspect that appeals to my creative side, but it has to be as authentic as modelling will allow and not just a figment of imagination - hence the constant working from photographs where ever possible. (Excellent figures BTW Jason, I have seen them before, very nice painting indeed - it is along time since I painted a figure - 1980? but when I saw them first - at the Model Engineer exhibition back in the late sixties at Seymour Hall - I was instantly smitten too)
Buy your kit Pete and break out the Mossie Ian - it makes for a refreshing change.
Regards - Ramon