The Little World

Well, well, well. after all these years. My first FROG model. This should be an experience.

This is a model donated by my friend Paul – part of a stash he kept since the 70’s and 80’s. I feel honoured to build it.

The box shows age – you cannot expect it not to. The decals as well – these have endured storage in a ceiling cavity through Perth’s hot summers. Even if I had intended to build it in German markings I should have been looking for an aftermarket set. As it is I may well be able to get away with self-printed insignia – the aircraft I intend to model had most of the unit markings obliterated for a good reason. I may be able to get away with 6 insignia and let it go.

If I can find more photo evidence I’ll gladly add to it but I’m not hopeful.

The plastic of the kit is sturdy – raised panel lines, though they are quite fine. All the parts are there, the clear nose and canopy look smooth, and bless the designer for making the frame lines distinct. Just the sort of job I like.

The degree of flash is higher than one would expect from modern production. Scalemates dates this one at 1971. It’s no obstacle to someone who has waded through Mister Craft or Mach 2.

Instructions are adequate in the British style – communication before the modeller had to be cautioned under European regulations not to stick their Xacto knife in their eye as they worked. It was a time when people gambled that their customers were not idiots with hungry lawyers…

And best of all – I get 4 crew members. Who are they? What air force? Watch this space.