The Little World

Somewhat of a novelty – an afternoon spent scale modelling at the Cambridge Library in Floreat Forum.

It was as a member of a Saturday club that hitherto has met at one chap’s home. This was an experiment in connecting with his local library – a place where we also display a cabinet of our models. It is a gathering of the usual suspects, though invitations to join are made by the organiser.

We felt a bit as if we were in a fishbowl – the social room of the library is glass-panelled through to the main book room. But it is clean and bright and has facilities for tea and coffee as well as plenty of tables and comfy chairs. I hope it proves popular, as the parking at the shopping centre of a Saturday is excellent.

Any rate, it was cut and fit day, and my initial misgivings at seeing some flash on the Italeri kit gave way as I trimmed it. The locating pins needed a reaming out, but once that was done the fuselage fell together – and even better – fell upon the cockpit tub as well.

The wings and tail feathers are a superb fit – when the time comes to attach them I can see no need for filler on the roots at all – just careful pressure until the cement grabs.

The tanks are near perfect – the missiles less so.

This will need weight at the nose – but I recently found a bucket of No.6 lead shot from my old shotgun days so I am provided.

And note the wonderful detail – Italeri have provided a FOD cover for the nose of the aircraft as it is parked on deck. Perfect!