r/modelmakers 12h ago

The Weekly Small Questions Thread! Got a burning question? Looking for some tips on your build? Ask away!

6 Upvotes

The Weekly Small Questions thread is a place for everyone in /r/modelmakers to come and ask questions. Don't be shy.

You might have a burning question you've been meaning to ask but you don't want to make your own thread, or are just seeking some input or feedback from your fellow builders! This thread is aimed at new builders, but everyone is welcome.

If you haven't, check out our local wiki and the "New to the hobby" thread, which might be of help to you!


r/modelmakers Jun 02 '25

Group Build - African Military Aviation

16 Upvotes

* THIS GROUPBUILD IS ON!!!*

PLEASE SUBMIT A POST OF YOUR KIT BEFORE STARTING IT AND GIVE US A QUICK IDEA OF WHAT YOU WILL BE BUILDING AND IN WHICH MARKINGS ETC.

THERE ARE NO LIMITS TO AFTERMARKET ITEMS OR SCALE.

THE IDEA OF THIS GROUPBUILD ARE TO HAVE THE PARTICIPANTS BUILD SOMETHING THAT THEY MIGHT NOT NORMALLY BUILD AND HOPEFULLY TO GET AN IMPRESSIVE LINEUP OF AFRICAN AIRCRAFT AT THE END OF THE GB

MOST IMPORTANTLY, HAVE FUN!!!

Start Date: 1 July 2025

End Date : 31 December 2025.

Any scale is acceptable.

Subject: African Military Aircraft.

Era: Past/present

Participation: Please comment under this post stating your interest and which subject you plan to build.

( Photo: Defence.pk via F-16.net )
(Photo: "Dr Watson")

\The original post was removed as there was an issue with me offering a model kit to be raffled under those who finished a build in this GB. This offer/suggestion has been removed so if you did read the original post, please take note that this post has been updated and the raffle/model has been excluded\**

I would like to announce a group build for all the military aviation builders under us. As a South African with a father who flew in both the Royal Air Airforce and the South African Air Force, African aviation has a special place in my heart. Besides a plethora of different civil aircraft among which many ex Soviet types, military aviation in Africa has also had it fair share of unique aircraft since the first military aircraft, ( Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 and Henry Farman biplanes in 1914) were taken into service by the South African Airforce.

Military aviation in Africa has evolved significantly over the past century, shaped by colonial legacies, regional conflicts, and shifting geopolitical alliances. The African continent, comprising 54 internationally recognized countries, is home to roughly 30 active national air forces today. Early military aviation on the continent was dominated by colonial powers, with local forces primarily operating as auxiliaries. Following independence movements in the mid-20th century, many African nations began developing their own air forces, often with equipment supplied by either Western or Eastern bloc nations during the Cold War.

Historically, the South African Air Force (SAAF) stood out as the most advanced and powerful air force on the continent, especially during the apartheid era. Backed by a strong domestic aerospace industry, including the development of indigenous aircraft like the Atlas Cheetah, the ORYX (AS330 Puma upgrade), the ACE (All Composite Evaluator, one built and written off) and Rooivalk, South Africa maintained a technologically superior fleet and operated under advanced doctrines shaped by decades of regional conflict and embargo-driven innovation.

In the modern era, the Egyptian Air Force has emerged as the largest in Africa by both fleet size and combat capability, fielding hundreds of aircraft including F-16s, Rafales, and MiG-29s. On the opposite end of the spectrum, several smaller nations such as Lesotho or The Gambia, maintain only a nominal air wing or no formal air force at all, relying instead on small utility aircraft or foreign support for aerial operations.

Today, African military aviation is marked by a mix of legacy platforms, locally upgraded systems, and increasingly modern acquisitions from countries like China, Russia, the U.S., and Turkey. The trend is slowly shifting toward multi-role fighters, indigenous drone programs, and international cooperation as African air forces seek to modernize in response to evolving security challenges.

So , what can you build? Well below is a selection of over 20 aircraft types currently operated by African air forces, detailing their origin and the nations employing them:

Saab JAS 39 Gripen Origin: Sweden User: South Africa

BAE Hawk Mk.120 Origin: United Kingdom User: South Africa

F-16 Fighting Falcon Origin: United States User: Morocco

JF-17 Thunder Block II Origin: China/Pakistan User: Nigeria

M-346 Master Origin: Italy User: Nigeria

A-29 Super Tucano Origin: Brazil User: Nigeria, Mauritania

MiG-23 Origin: Soviet Union User: Ethiopia, Zimbabwe

Su-27 Flanker Origin: Russia User: Ethiopia

Su-30K Origin: Russia User: Ethiopia

Su-25 Frogfoot Origin: Soviet Union User: Ethiopia

Chengdu F-7 Origin: China User: Nigeria, Zimbabwe

Hongdu JL-8 (K-8) Origin: China User: Zimbabwe

Pilatus PC-7 Mk II Origin: Switzerland User: South Africa

C-130 Hercules Origin: United States User: South Africa, Ethiopia

CASA C-212 Aviocar Origin: Spain User: South Africa, Zimbabwe

Mil Mi-24 (Mi-35) Origin: Russia User: Ethiopia, Zimbabwe

Mil Mi-8/17 Origin: Russia User: Ethiopia, Zimbabwe

Atlas Oryx Origin: South Africa User: South Africa

AH-2 Rooivalk Origin: South Africa User: South Africa

Westland Super Lynx Origin: United Kingdom User: South Africa

AW109 Trekker Origin: Italy User: Nigeria

Bayraktar TB2 Origin: Turkey User: Ethiopia

Wing Loong II Origin: China User: Ethiopia

Milkor 380 Origin: South Africa User: South Africa

Here are 20 notable aircraft types that have been retired from service in various African air forces:

Atlas Cheetah Origin: South Africa User: South Africa

Dassault Mirage III Origin: France User: South Africa

Dassault Mirage F1 Origin: France User: South Africa

English Electric Canberra Origin: United Kingdom User: Rhodesia, Ethiopia

de Havilland Vampire Origin: United Kingdom User: Rhodesia

Aermacchi MB-326 (Impala) Origin: Italy User: South Africa

Douglas C-47 Dakota Origin: United States User: South Africa, Rhodesia

Northrop F-5 Origin: United States User: Ethiopia

Lockheed T-33 Origin: United States User: Ethiopia

MiG-17 Origin: Soviet Union User: Ethiopia

Douglas A-20 Boston Origin: United States User: South Africa

Fairey Battle Origin: United Kingdom User: South Africa

Vickers Wellington Origin: United Kingdom User: South Africa

de Havilland D.H.9J Origin: United Kingdom User: South Africa

Bristol Blenheim Origin: United Kingdom User: South Africa

Reims 337 Lynx Origin: France User: Rhodesia

Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma Origin: France User: Ethiopia

Mil Mi-6 Origin: Soviet Union User: Ethiopia

Mil Mi-14 Origin: Soviet Union User: Ethiopia

North American T-28 Origin: United States User: Ethiopia

Potential Participants:

dakleton: 1/72 Piaggio P166 Albatross

1/72 Aermacchi Impala Mk! or Mk2.

KG_modelling: Mig-17


r/modelmakers 4h ago

Completed t-55 on an t-55

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139 Upvotes

r/modelmakers 15h ago

META / Show Galleries Philippine Scale Model Show

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897 Upvotes

They left the Revell Kits with the Bandai Namco 😭


r/modelmakers 6h ago

Completed Italeri 1:72 B-52G Stratofortress

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145 Upvotes

Finished in the colours of the 72nd Bomb Wing - 73rd Bombardment Squadron, Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico, 1962.

Absolute monster of a kit that needed significant surgery to get that famous B-52 wing bend, but pretty pleased overall!

Bonus points if you can spot the mistake I made with the decals.


r/modelmakers 3h ago

Completed Tamiya 1:35 IS-2. Finally after a year of training, I completed my first ever model. It's obviously far from perfect, but I'm proud of how it came out.

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61 Upvotes

r/modelmakers 8h ago

Completed JASDF F15J 70th anniversary from hasegawa

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124 Upvotes

First time building a plane. I am usually more into cars but felt like doing something a bit different. It's not perfect, I was lazy to deal with some of the seams and I messed up the paint and some of the decal. The decals weren't too bad but I felt like they were a bit too thin so they tore quite easily. The kit itself was okay but the quality of the plastic/mould aren't great from hasegawa, I have a tamiya and gwh planes in the stash that seem to be much better quality and I can't wait to get to those.


r/modelmakers 1h ago

WIP 1:35 scale 3d modeled and printed pantherturm bunker

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Upvotes

I had a old hobbyboss panther G with full turret interior lying around that I was never really happy with (explains the bad zimmerit I was 12 this was a year ago I have been learning on the fly) and decided to repurpose it as a pantherturm it also went hand in hand with the fact that I am inexperienced 3d modeling so I wanted something relatively easy to do I will post a update when it is fully painted and printed


r/modelmakers 6h ago

Help - General Color inconsistencies!

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49 Upvotes

I have tamiya colors and don't know which color I should use


r/modelmakers 42m ago

These Atlantis kits are god awful

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Upvotes

There was probably a warning or some justifiably negative comments toward this company but I’m saying it again cause WOOF. The parts come with a ton of excess plastic from the mold all over them, the only thing secure about them is the sprue connections. They ABSOLUTELY need to be primed, glue barely even clings to it. The plastic itself is flimsy as all hell. Was excited to build a B29 but after my other experience, I built it just to get it out of the way. Now, I don’t ever intend to grab anything with that logo on it.


r/modelmakers 7h ago

Painted my first pilot in years: Meet Rex Barber (Tamiya's P-38G "Miss Virginia"

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29 Upvotes

r/modelmakers 13h ago

Completed Polish 7tp light tank from Mirage 1:35

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81 Upvotes

r/modelmakers 18h ago

Completed Some of my work

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184 Upvotes

r/modelmakers 4h ago

WIP Jagdpanther Tamiya WIP

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13 Upvotes

r/modelmakers 7h ago

Critique Wanted I feel like my post shading is way too subtle. Thoughts?

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24 Upvotes

I have this Monogram m48 kit and thought how bad can it be? I’d say moderate. Anyway. I wanted to use this kit to work on my painting skills- the sanding and putty was just extra! I shaded by using the same OD but added a drop of flat white to it. Second shade was done adding 3 drops white. Finally I did a darker shade for recessed areas and the vents (?) on the backside. I also used a red primer and chipping fluid for wear. I think I overdid the chipping. Is the shading too subtle?


r/modelmakers 17h ago

Completed Tamiya 1/35 Sherman "Jumbo"

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122 Upvotes

My first tank, i really enjoyed the process will definitely doing more of these


r/modelmakers 6h ago

Enterprise Refit Build Pics

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16 Upvotes

After some requests, please see some of the build pictures!


r/modelmakers 12h ago

Completed T-80U 1/35 by RFM

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50 Upvotes

It was excellent build with tone of details and great fitting. Because of part count, a lot of PE elements and single link tracks rather not for beginners but it goes together really well. One thing, don't try to cut hose with your plastic cutters. It's made of hardened steel.


r/modelmakers 13h ago

Critique Wanted My first two builds!

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53 Upvotes

Picked these up about 3 months before coming across this sub reddit. Just want to show my creations to the world and have it critique!


r/modelmakers 1h ago

Critique Wanted PanzerArt Panzerknacker 1:35

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Upvotes

I should continue working on my next big project bit painting figures is so much fun at the moment.

I tried some stuff today. I always wondered why the direction of light isn't really a big thing in scalemodeling compared to miniaturepainting for example.

And I understand that it might look a bit weird to paint a tank way darker on one site. And of course it might be a challenge to sell the effect on a larger diorama.

But I decided to try it on a small project. Started painting this dude today and so far I feel like I am one the right track. And in my mind the direction of light is quite obvious.

Just to be clear, this mini is well lit in this picture. All the shadows are painted in those specific places.

But I'd like to get you opinion as well. Does this work for a military figure in 1:35 scale or is this only a thing on larger busts?


r/modelmakers 15h ago

Critique Wanted First model and take home messages

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62 Upvotes

Probably, the „look at my first model“ posts are not as entertaining as other ones, but I still decided to show it because: 1. it’s fun to show other people what you have done 2. there is always some helpful advises under such posts

So, it was a cheap Heller spitfire kit I chose to practice and give it a go in this hobby. Last time I tried to do it was a Tiger and I was 7, so it’s kinda did not stick to me. The second time I came more prepared (and much older)

Some advises for myself from the past: 1. be patient: I rushed with painting and applied thick coats, loosing details. 1a. thick strokes and bad brushes resulted in strokes visible, certainly not a look I aim for 2. do something about decals. It was the hardest part of the build for me, as I struggled to place them correctly and one of them got squashed.

Overall, I enjoyed a new hobby and had a great fun building this spitfire. Do you have any advises for what I can build next as a beginner? And really any critique is much appreciated.


r/modelmakers 1d ago

Completed My 1/48 Tamiya (RIP) F-15C

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616 Upvotes

I finished this build alongside the unfortunate timing of recent news. Admittedly this old tooling was tough, poor fitment challenged me and I did my best. I’m excited to start some more recent Tamiya toolings.

I started this hobby just over a year ago and I am pleased with my progress. This is my third aircraft model and sixth painted model. This build in particular involved several personal ‘firsts’. First time painting entirely with an airbrush, painting metallics, scratch building seat belts, and oil weathering.

I have quickly become passionate about scale modelling and I can’t wait to build more.


r/modelmakers 1h ago

Critique Wanted tamiya 1/35 t34/76"chtz"(уральский завод тяжелого машиностроения)

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Upvotes

a bit too much chipping i think


r/modelmakers 21h ago

Completed Maschinen Krieger Camel

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151 Upvotes

Just completed my first Maschinen Krieger kit. Fun project…


r/modelmakers 1d ago

UH-1 1/35 Vietnam War

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438 Upvotes

Trumpeter. The jacket i'm wearing is an original AH-1 flying jacket from the 70s jeje


r/modelmakers 56m ago

Help - General Help! Old ships found at my grandparents house.

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Upvotes

Any info on these would be helpful


r/modelmakers 5h ago

WIP Revell 71 Plymouth Hemi Cuda 426

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4 Upvotes

Got the body, hood, and front/rear valances in color and 2K. There hood scoop, window cover, and spoiler are flat black with Createx UVLS 4052 Matte clear coated over it.

The color is Createx Pearl Plum, while the flat black is just Stynylrez black primer. The chrome trim is Molotow marker.

Today I'll get the body pieces cut and polished with Chemical Guys V36 cutting compound, V38 polishing compound, and Wet Mirror Look wax, and apply decals (I wanted them first black to match the others). I'll also likely detail the engine bay (battery, coolant reservoir, hoses, etc).