Hi all,
I'm also an Aussie and developed grandiose visions of having a complete 1:72 collection of all ADF aircraft at an early age. Trouble is, some of the aircraft just ain't available in 1:72 scale, or the attempts at these subjects have been poor and not worth the effort. Types that spring to mind are:
=B7 Douglas Dolphin (apparently a Czechmaster kit is due soon) =B7 Wackett Gannet =B7 Avro Cadet (was there an Aeroclub kit of this?) =B7 DHA Glider =B7 CAC Woomera (Beechnut attempted this one, which I believe was very poor) =B7 Northrop Delta =B7 Lockheed Lodestar =B7 Aerospatiale Squirrel (a resin kit appeared briefly a few years back) =B7 Supermarine Sea Otter (Aeroclub did it with limited success and there's an Azur kit due soon)
Over the years, I've managed to amass a fairly good collection of most types used by the ADF in 1:72 scale (or similar types for conversion) and ADF decal sheets, but therein lies the next problem - my work has kept me away from home for most of my life, so I may never find the time to actually assemble them into models!
In answer to Daniel's posting, I have not seen a decal sheet specifically for the Mirage IIID, but the Roodecals sheet (number MA24) or the High Planes sheet (number D7201), both of which feature the Mirage IIIO could easily be adapted with some help from a sheet providing generic serial numbers (eg. Aussie Decals sheet number 701 or
702). I also recall seeing a decal sheet from an overseas manufacturer (Carpena?) which included at least on RAAF Mirage, but I don't know offhand if it's a single or dual seater.
As Ultan Rooney replied, the High Planes kit of the Mirage IIID contains markings for several aircraft. I don't have a High Planes Mirage in my collection, but I'd imagine they're a decent kit, given the short-run limitations.
The Boeing Washington should be a pretty straightforward build from any B-29 kit. As far as I know, there is no difference between the two, aside from the name, which was simply the RAF designation for the aircraft. The RAAF Washingtons were natural metal overall with "A" type roundels, fin flashes and serials - the decal spares box should yield all that is required here.
There is/was a Lincoln conversion kit available from one of the English cottage industry companies (Magna Models?) but I believe it's pretty crude. As a start however, Red Roo Models market some resin Lincoln engine cowlings; I have a set of these and aside from the moulded-in exhausts (I would have preferred separate items), they seem OK. I also vaguely recall seeing a mention of a Lincoln conversion set from one of the Australian cottage industry producers in a magazine a couple of years ago, but as far as I know, it hasn't happened yet. Maybe there'll be one around shortly to be mated to the new Hasegawa kit?
With the recent termination of Aussie Decals, we have lost one very good source of after-market RAAF markings (we can only hope someone buys the screens from Peter to keep the excellent work going). Red Roo Models and Hawkeye Models (following this company's recent revival) continue to produce excellent resources for the ADF modeller. Hawkeye also produce an excellent range of Aussie civil markings. I don't know if Roodecals are still producing, but some of their decal sheets are fairly easily found.
Hope this information is useful to someone!!
James.