Kicking Back and Relaxing for a Few Days

The weeks leading up to a big show can be extremely stressful, involving long days and little sleep in preparation for the event. Telford is the biggest show of the year, and the biggest pain to get ready for, as I have to pack up half my business and take it with me. Makes for some ponderous travel.

The show is over, and I'm finally working on catching up on my sleep and getting past my jet lag, only to do it all over again shortly in the other direction.

A funny anecdote. After posting my last blog from the hotel lobby, I went off to have coffee with the boys from Pittsburgh IPMS. While we were having coffee, Bill Dedig was reading my new blog post about me having coffee with them! Disaster was averted somehow, as the incident failed to rip a hole in the fabric of the space/time continuum.

I look forward to getting home and reading up on others experiences of the show, and seeing pictures of the competition models. I had very little time to wander around, as I was either talking with customers, or talking with other people in the business. Really enjoyed myself, despite the rocky start.

I promise to post some pics from the show and blog more about it when I get home.  Thanks to all who stopped by to say hello. Thanks to all for the kind words and ideas and thoughts for future projects and directions.

Now, I am going to get back to my micro-vacation (holiday) already in progress.

Happy modelling!  Roy

Post Show Post Mortem

Hi Guys.

Another quick blog to catch you up on whats been going on with the man from BS.

I am in the hotel lobby fighting with this funny UK keyboard. Some of the keys are in different positions, and I keep mistyping caps like this:  |telford.  Arrrgh. :-)

The show wrapped up at 4PM yesterday. It is amazing to me how quickly it can go from bustling show to empty hall. It was a great show, and I had the pleasure of meeting and catching up with old friends and new. Made some great new connections that should translate into some interesting products down the road. More details of the show later.

My product showed up finally, and we started setting up at 1PM on Saturday. It was crazy for about 2 solid hours as modelers were grabbing product as we were pulling it out of the boxes! The show went well for us, and the new Blenheim wheels (which some have questioned as extremely esoteric and coming from out of the blue) went very well.

Anyway, lots to fill you in on later when I have more time. I am now off to have coffee with Hyperscalers Barry Numeric and Bill Dedig. More soon with pictures from the show.

Happy modelling!  Roy

The Case of the Missing Case

Hi guys,

If you have been following the Blog for the last few posts, you will recall that a dramatic setback, in the form of all of my product for the show being lost (creatively routed as the airlines might like to describe it) in transit, had beset my best laid plans.

I arrived in Birmingham Airport yesterday afternoon to find that my bag with all my resin had not arrived. I filed a report with the airlines. As of 8PM last night, Air France could find no trace of it. I was becoming resigned to thinking it was gone, and unlikely to be recovered.

After a good solid eight and a half hours of badly needed sleep, I called the airlines to see if there was any news. I was greatly relieved to hear that they had located the bag and would be sending it on to the hotel as soon as possible.

I went over to the exhibition hall, set up what little I could, then decided to take some time and walk around and see the show as a civilian for an hour or two. Rarely get a chance to do this anymore. I can't post images right now, as the card reader on this computer does not seem to be working. I will post in more detail on the show later on.

Long story short, the bag arrived at the hotel around 12:30. I ran over (literally) to pick it up. I got back and the Barracuda Studios stand became a hive of activity as myself and my very good friends Lee Coll, Robin Powell and Linda frantically tried to get the stand stocked, while enthusiastic modelers swarmed the stand. It was about 2 hours of very intense model related fun.

Well, thats about all for now. I have some friends waiting down in the bar, and there is a beer or two with my name on it.

Happy modeling!  Roy

Barracuda Studios arrives in one piece!

with one important caveat.

I am at Birmingham airport, waiting for my friends Robin and Linda to pick me up. Flights were fine... BUT!

One of my bags did not arrive. You have two guesses what the missing bag contains, and the first guess doesn't count.

Not sure when it went astray, but the Airline is saying that hopefully I will have it before the end of the day. Possibly tomorrow morning.

Now the show STARTS tomorrow morning. No point in getting wound up about it, although its going to be a pretty awful show business-wise if it doesn't arrive in time.

Here's some shots of the A380 what brought me here. Nice airplane, and Air France does a great job with food and service. No charges for beer, wine, champagne.

That's all for now. More news as it happens!

Happy modelling! Roy

On the big silver bird!

Well, I'm at LAX, waiting for this A380 to finish boarding.

Heading across the pond. I'll be in Telford tomorrow. Hope to see those you attending on Saturday at the convention center.

Will try to blog again at the show, but I'll have to hop on someone's computer with Internet access.

Gotta fly... Literally!

Happy modeling. Roy

Barracuda Studios Downsizing... Mustang Parts that is!

Ron O'Neal's superb 1/32nd scale Tamiya P-51D Mustang serves as eye candy to help announce the new P-51 wheel sets in 1/48th scale.

Hi Guys.

That scary title is nothing to worry about. We are just releasing P-51 Mustang mainwheels in 1/48th scale. Two styles with different tread patterns. More info below...

A real quick update tonight as I have way too much to do still before I jump on an airplane bound for the UK. A bit too stressed and short on time right now for more, so.... I will supply you with a link to an excellent website run by my friend Adam Norenberg that has just posted the information I'd like to share with you, soooooo.... without further ado (what IS that anyway? I don't recall getting any "ado" before this!), here's The Modelling News.

http://www.themodellingnews.com/2012/11/barracuda-studios-excellent-new-wheels.html

Happy modelling!  Roy

Bristol Blenheim gets some Long Overdue Attention!

This classic air to air shot of the Blenheim I shows its unique and (to some) attractive lines.

Hi Guys. I have really been lax about posting here on the blog. It takes time and energy, and I have been pretty busy keeping this ship afloat and moving forward in the last 6 months. Still, I enjoy writing for it, and I must make a real effort to make this a more regular thing.

Now, the Scale Model World 2012 show in Telford, UK is this weekend, and time is very short, so I will keep this brief. If you have never been to this.... blah blah blah. GO! It's great. It's huge. It's model-tastic.

Barracuda Studios will be there at our booth and we invite you to stop by and heap praise on us and drop some serious coin while you are at it. My good friend Lee Coll will be there with me, working the table and charming the ladies. Speaking of Lee, we have a couple of new products with a Blenheim-y flavor to discuss. Lee mastered these new parts and they are really beautiful. They certainly fill a big need for fans of this Bristol twin.

The first of these is BR72057 Bristol Blenheim Mk I-V Mainwheels. These new resin wheels replace the undersized and inaccurate main wheels found in any 1/72 Blenheim kit currently available. Below, you can see the new resin wheel compared to the mainwheels found in the very nice Special Hobby family of Blenheims. These new wheels are designed from photos and measurements of surviving Blenheim mains, and are detailed down to the raised logos on the tires. A simple, cheap and very noticeable upgrade for all of your Blenheim kits. Also notable as our first of many resin sets in 1/72nd scale.

The second set is BR48058 Bristol Blenheim Mk. I-V Mainwheels, this time in 1/48th scale. These new resin wheels replace the undersized and inaccurate main wheels found in the Classic Airframes Blenheim I, IV and V kits. They will also work for the old Arba (Jaguar) resin Mk IV as well as any vac kits you may feel crazy enough to tackle. 

Below, you can see the new resin wheel compared to the tiny mainwheels found in the Classic Airframes family of Blenheims. These new wheels are designed from photos and measurements of surviving Blenheim mains, and are detailed down to the raised logos on the tires. They are the correct diameter and proportions. Yes, the tire was that big compared to the hubs! Some minor work will be necessary to make them fit to the gearlegs, but the result will be worth it.

More new release info later today, with 2 new products for the P-51 Mustang in /48th scale. Back to the bench!

Happy modelling!  Roy

Best British Fleet Air Arm Aircraft Award!

Jens Haakon Brandl's beautiful Seafire FR 47 in 1/48th scale from the Airfix kit is a great example of a beautiful model built to a Fleet Air Arm theme.

Hi Guys.

Barracuda Studios is proud to announce the return of our special theme award, presented by us at the IPMS/USA National Convention, being held this year in Orlando, Florida during early August. That gives you about 2 months to get something together if you plan to compete.

The rules are simple.

1. The subject must be an aircraft (yes, we will even allow those odd looking contraptions with the propeller on top!) model.
2. The subject must be a British designed and built aircraft. No lend lease aircraft such as Hellcats, Avengers, Wildcats and the like. Spey-engined Phantoms are OK, as they are a very different animal that only served with the British. Why? because I want to see something different from the usual remarked Hellcat!
3. The model can be any scale and media. It can be from any era, from the FAA's inception in 1924 to the current day. It must be in RN Fleet Air Arm Markings. No Ethiopian Fireflies please.
4. The judging will be performed by an experienced 3 man team consisting of myself and 2 others of my choosing. Judging will be to IPMS standards. In other words, all the detail and fancy paintwork in the world won't help you if you have basic assembly and finish problems such as silvered decals, seams showing, misaligned components, etc.
5. No full time Barracuda Studios employees are eligible to compete. That means I cannot enter. Dang!
6. You do not have to use any Barracuda or Cooper parts or decals in your build, and no special consideration will be given if you do. Bribes are another matter! :-)

Contact us if you have any questions about eligibility.

Ian Robertson's beautiful Fairey Swordfish in 1/48th scale was built from the superb Tamiya kit.

Just about 2 months til the show, so you better get building! Not enough time for you? Build at a Geologic pace? No worries, mate! We will be sponsoring this trophy again next year in Loveland, Colorado.

The trophy will be presented at the show, and will be something pretty special. Previous awards were well received, back in the Cooper Details days.

This is a category that used to be a bit of a challenge to build for, as the amount of really nice kits was very limited, but the last 5 years or so have seen a proliferation of really nice kits of a wide variety of FAA subjects, so I expect to see some nice work.

OK. GO! ...What are you still doing here? The clock, she is a-ticking! That model ain't gonna build itself, you know.  :-)

Happy modelling!  Roy

The P-40K in 1/32nd Scale is Back!

Hasegawa has just re-released their beautiful Warhawk kit in 1/32. This

new boxing has parts for both the P-40E and filleted tail for the P-40K.

Hi Guys.

 The Hasegawa P-40K was only available for a short time when it was initially released a few years ago. As with most Hasegawa kits, the decals that come with the kits are well researched and beautifully printed, but are very thick and sometimes difficult to work with.

Barracuda Studios followed up the release of this kit with a dedicated P-40K decal sheet in 1/32nd scale. It may well still be the only aftermarket decal sheet available for the filleted K model Warhawk. The sheet contains markings for 3 interesting and important aircraft.

http://barracudacals.com/proddetail.php?prod=BC32007

Curtiss P-40K Warhawk “White 13” 
64th FS/57th FG. Flown by 1st Lieutenant Robert Johnson ‘Jay’ Overcash
Based at Hadi Main, Tunisia. May, 1943.

Curtiss P-40K-1 Warhawk “White 171”
75th FS/23rd FG; Flown by Major Elmer Richardson
Hengyang, China. Late 1943

Curtiss P-40K-1 Warhawk “White 29”
7th FS/ 49th FG; Flown by 2nd Lieutenant Arland Stanton
Port Moresby, New Guinea. March 1943

Overcash's P-40 White 13 has been done before in decal form, but this is the first time that the markings have been complete and correct. Note the Fez on the rudder with the inscription SAVOY, and the unique scorpion marking on the nose, which is different from all the other similar markings on aircraft in this squadron.

Note the morse code "three dots and a dash" signifying V for Victory and the white outlined black scorpion on the nose. The detailed and decidedly evil looking skull and 5 swastikas under the windscreen round out Overcash's personal markings. The dull, dusty, sandblasted camouflage of Sand over Neutral grey makes this a very different and interesting P-40. 

Just a heads up for those of you who have been lamenting the lack of availablity of the 32nd Hasegawa P-40K. It's back, and the decals are here, waiting for you! They won't be here forever. Once they are sold out, they are gone for good, then you will have to pay some yahoo on eBay $395 for the sheet. Don't say I didn't warn you. :-)

Another blog update will be posted here tomorrow. It will be announcing the start of presales of 5 new products from Barracuda Studios. Yup. For reals!  This will be followed by another batch of new products in about 3 weeks. 

Happy modelling!  Roy

A Great New Feature on the Website!

Its true, Barry! Barracuda Studios now takes Plastic.

Yes, in addition to Paypal payments, we now accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Discover... just... like... before! So, whats the big news? 

Well it seems that the credit card payment option was not very obvious, and many have missed it.

On the home page, we have now added a little graphic showing that we take credit cards. Underneath it, there is a link in blue stating: Click for more information. Guess what you do next? Yes! Right! You click on that link and it takes you to this page:

http://www.barracudacals.com/creditcard.php

This will walk you through the very easy credit card payment protocol. Please note that you do NOT need to have a Paypal account in order to pay via credit cards. Our shopping cart is encrypted and secure. Shop with confidence. Your credit card company also has you covered for anything nasty that could possibly happen. But relax, we have completed thousands of transactions without a problem. If you ever have a problem, email us and we will do whatever we can to get it resolved. We stand behind our products, which is probably not a good idea if you work for a company that makes wood chippers or jet engines.  

Also, please be aware that we now can accept most credit cards in person at shows, so if you are a little short on cash, no worries!

Finally, a quick note about new releases. We have 5 new 1/32nd products that will be going up for presale in the next few days. There are a whole pile of 1/48th scale products coming in early June, and the Hell Hawks decals in all 3 major scales are coming soon as well.

Thanks for stopping by, and happy modelling!  Roy

Important news regarding 1/32 P-51 Cockpit sidewall set

BR32012 P-51 Mustang Cockpit Sidewall set.

Hi Guys.


It has come to my attention in the last few days that the installation instructions for the above mentioned BarracudaCast set are missing an important assembly note.


The kit cockpit floor needs to be slightly modified to fit to the new resin starboard sidewall properly. Without the modification, the fuselage sidewalls will be spread too wide, leading to problems when installing the wings.

The above image shows the extent of the modification to the kit floor.

The modification is quite simple and can be done with side cutters and a sanding stick in about 3-5 minutes. Just test fit the sidewall as you go, when the ribs on the sidewall meet with the bottom of the slots in the floor, you are done. You might want to slightly bevel the edge by scraping with a hobby knife to impart a slight radius to the top edge. Easy peasy.

The rest of the installation then follows the installation instructions for the Barracuda sidewalls and then back to Tamiya's kit instructions.

This view shows the modification complete and the two parts assembled.

What to do if you already have the fuselage assembled

If you have already past this point, do not panic. With some careful work, you can fix the resultant fit problem. Carefully mask off and cut along the line shown in the figure below. This may take a few minutes. Work carefully and slowly. When you get close to cutting through, you may wish to switch to a hobby knife and carefully score repeatedly until you just break through. Carefully break free the purple section and gently carve away any excess plastic until the ribs on the sidewall fit all the way into the slots on the kit floor.

You can download the complete instructions, including the addendum on the Barracuda Studios website. The link can be found on the P-51 Cockpit Sidewall product page, near the bottom of the page.

http://barracudacals.com/proddetail.php?prod=BR32012

We pride ourselves on producing parts that fit, and we hope that this correction will allow anyone who has already assembled the fuselage to get the build back on track so that you can enjoy the superb engineering of Tamiya's gorgeous P-51D Mustang. For those of you who haven't started yet... what are you waiting for?

Happy modelling!  Roy

Barracuda Studios Enters the Great War!

The modelling public is gobsmacked by our new direction, but fear not, we have not turned our back on WWII subjects.

Helloooooo modellers.

We are proud to announce that we have two new products up on the website and available for sale now. It is our first foray into the Great War. To paraphrase Yoda: Great War? Wars not make one great! Yes.....

Wing Nut Wings turned the modelling world on its head a few years ago with the launch of a growing line of absolutely heart stoppingly beautiful kits of World War One aircraft in 1/32nd scale. They are not only state of the art, but they have set new standards for quality, detail and accuracy.

So why are we doing parts for them? Because, like the Tamiya 1/32nd kits, there are always things that can't be done in injection molding, and many of us love to gild the lily. So, in that spirit, here are two new products that will help you make your masterpiece, even more masterpiece-ier. If that's not a word, it should be. Here's what we have wrought, or more accurately, my good friend Mike Braun, who did the lovely masters, has wrought:

BR32021 Pfalz D.XII Late Exhaust Price $6.95

This super-detailed resin exhaust manifold directly replaces the kit exhaust manifold in the gorgeous1/32nd scale WNW Pfalz. D.XII. Once removed from its casting block, it directly replaces the kit part. It has been upgraded with the addition of weld beading at the junction of its component parts, and the opening has been deeply hollowed out for a more scale appearance. A very quick and easy upgrade to your late production Pfalz model.

For more info and images: http://barracudacals.com/proddetail.php?prod=BR32021

BR32020 Mercedes D.III/D.IIIa Intake Manifold Price: $7.95

This simple two part resin upgrade set replaces the kit intake manifolds for the following kits:Roland D.IVa, Pfalz D.III, Pfalz D.IIIa, Albatros D.V and D.Va, Pfalz D.XII, Fokker D.VII. The parts are designed specifically for the above listed WNW kits in 1/32nd scale, but will work with Roden and others with a small amount of modification. The manifold has been detailed to include the asbestos cord insulation wrapped around the intake pipes. The sheet metal shielding has also been modelled and the mounting clamps are petitely reproduced. Castellated couplings, and additional details round out this simple upgrade. Once removed from its casting block, it is a drop fit for the original kit part. A quick and easy upgrade that will add a lot of detail to the already beautiful engine in these amazing kits.

For more info and images:

http://barracudacals.com/proddetail.php?prod=BR32020

We are accepting orders now, and will begin shipping by Wednesday. More resin is likely for this series of kits, depending, of course, on the popularity of these sets.

The onslaught of resin will continue shortly, with a number of releases in 1/48th scale, and more resin for the Tamiya P-51D Mustang including FOUR sets of new resin tires with different tread patterns.

For those of you that remember the old Cooper Details days, relax. We have not forsaken our first love. There are a number of 1/72nd scale sets in the pipeline. The next few months are going to see a definite upturn in the release of new resin for all scales.

Better get back to the workbench. This stuff ain't gonna do itself.... although it would be great if it did!

Happy modelling! Roy

The Reviews are in!

Large, well printed photos, like this one of Lt. Robert Thoman posing proudly on his P-47D-22 "Ma Cherie", most never published before fill the pages of this book. Interesting sidebars, like this one about a landing mishap, add human interest and a sense of being there.

Hi Guys.

"Thunderbolts of the Hell Hawks" has been on sale for a few weeks now, and the reviews have been universally excellent. Here is what the pilots themselves have been saying:

Wow!!! What a book ! I expected to see mostly photos of planes and pilots but didn't put it down until I had completely thumbed through the whole book. I read mostly the highlights so I could get to the next page. You guys have done a masterful job with the info supplied and I thank you for the time, energy and dedication to get this book to completion.

- Jay Harrington, Hell Hawks, 388th Squadron

I got the copy of the book yesterday, haven't hardly put it down!

It is really great: the way t is put together is inticing; can't just read a page and put it down.

And all the photos! My Gosh they're great!

- Ralph Kling, Hell Hawks, 388th Squadron

The book arrived yesterday, and what a book it is. FANTASTIC is a gross understatement, but my vocabulary is limited. I'm truly Honored to see ELSIE at the beginning of the book. THANK YOU.

- Dave Harmon, Hell Hawks, 365th Group Command

Here are three more of the 98 color profiles found in this book. Don Barnes spent hundreds of hours pouring over photos, trying to match up hundreds of shots of aircraft to put together the incredible 98 profiles, all complete down to serial numbers, codes, crew names and mission marks. All aircraft are also attributed to a pilot in the unit.

Modelers and aviation history buffs have also been weighing in:

" I consider the book an indispensable source for 365th FG Thunderbolt documentation"

- Gerry Asher

I got your book today. All I can say is wow. It is very well done. I guess I am going to order a second copy to actually read and keep the signed copy for the future (not for sale). Thanks for putting out such a great reference.

- Rex Driscoll

If you treat yourself to just one aircraft book this year make it "Thunderbolts of the Hell Hawks". I received my copy today and can tell you this book is a first class effort.

Last year I read "Hell Hawks!" by Robert Door and Thomas Jones. A great book, highly recommended. But despite the well written text it left me wanting for more pictures of the men and machines known as The Hell Hawks.

Roy's new book answers the mail! It is packed with photos of the pilots and their P-47s, artifacts, nose art, maps and best of all, beautiful color plates of the Hell Hawks' P-47s. From a modeler's standpoint, Roy's book fills in the blanks and answers all of the questions I had after reading Door and Jones' book.

Roy, your book leaves me wanting for just one thing; DECALS. I have several P-47 kits set aside and waiting for Hell Hawks markings. I would love to add "Miss Dream Girl", "Ma Cherie", "Screemin' Weemie" and of course, "Turnip Termite" to my collection. How about it?

Thanks,
Rich from Mojave

Thanks for the kind words, guys! It's not really MY book. It's Don's passion and vision that made this happen. John and I helped, but none of this would ever have happened without Don's single minded drive to pay tribute to the men of the 365th FG. Don Barnes, John Crump and I are really thrilled that you find this book to be a worthwhile reference. Thanks also for keeping me from having to write more than a few sentences for this Blog entry!

Happy modelling! Roy

Warbird Radio's plastic modelling podcast.

Haven't had your fill of my BS? And by that, I mean, of course, Barracuda Studios. I was a guest on Gerald Voigt's show a few weeks back. Now you can relive it over and over again!

Hi Guys,

The new book is selling well, and it has kept me away from my blogging responsibilities. I will try to do shorter posts more often, to keep you up on what's going on over here in BarracudaTown.

Back in early March, I was the guest on Warbird Radios's excellent modelling podcast "The Plastic Scale Modelling Hour", hosted by my good friend Gerald Voigt. He of Hawkeye Hobbies and SNJ paint fame.

I believe this is the first and still only podcast on the subject of model building. He does a great job keeping it moving and making it interesting.

Gerald wisely invited me on (knowing what a fascinating public speaker I am), and the resulting show has been saved for posterity on the the world wide interweb thing. If you would like to listen, its a little less than an hour in length, and Gerald asks me about Barracuda Studios, Cooper Details, the state of the hobby, my work in movie model making, my days at 21st Century Toys, and my theory on dinosaur extinction (a dinosaur version of the internet that kept them all so preoccupied and distracted with funny prehistoric cat pictures, that they forgot to mate, and well, you can imagine). OK, I made that last part up.

It is actually reasonably interesting, and you might find it worth a listen.

Here is a link to the page:

http://www.warbirdradio.com/2012/03/the-plastic-scale-modeling-hour-barracuda-studios-ep-15/

Right above the little gold MP3 icon, there is a grey play button. Click on that button to hear the podcast.

There are, I think, 20 shows available now, including the latest one featuring modelling rock star Brett Green. He of Hyperscale fame. Brett has also written a surprising number of modelling how-to books. We have collaborated on the ADH "How to build" books on the 1/32nd Spitfire and Mustang from Tamiya. Brett is a great guy.

I said I would keep it short, yet once again, I've gone on too long. OK. back to what you were doing.

Drop Gerald a line and let him know what you think of his show. Tell your friends to give it a listen. I think you will enjoy it.

Happy modelling! Roy

The Wait Is Over! Pre-Orders are GO!

One of my favorite shots from the book. A reminder that these highly trained fighter-bomber pilots were, at their core, just young men who loved the same things we did when we were that age. It also demonstrates the team spirit crucial to the operation of the group in combat.

The shipment of the new book has cleared Customs, and we will be picking it up from the warehouse early next week! A more than 2 year labor of love finally comes to fruition.

We are now accepting pre-orders for all three editions at the Barracuda Studios website:

http://barracudacals.com/products.php?cat=28

See the listing for pricing information. For shipping charges, please use the shopping cart in the website. It will calculate your shipping charges before you have to supply your credit card information, so you can just abandon the order if you decide to wait until late.

For the Limited edition , signed, bookplated edition, though, I would strongly recommend that you do not wait long. There are only 365 of these available, and when they are gone, they are GONE! The hardbound version is also limited in number, although there may be a second printing if demand is there.

There are 44 full page, full color profiles of P-47s flown by the Hellhawks, that are accompanied by a photo of the pilot and a few paragraphs of backstory. There are an additional 54 fully researched profiles in full color, three to a page. A massive research effort, as 95 of these aircraft have never been seen before!

Please be aware that this is a pre-sale, and first shipments of Thunderbolts of the Hellhawks will begin on Friday, March 16th. The demand will be heavy, so it make take a few days to process the first wave of orders. Please be a little patient, although I understand how difficult that can be when waiting for a new book!

Another great shot from the book. Most of the images have come from the personal albums of the pilots and families of pilots of the 365th Fighter Group, without who's help, this book would not have been possible.

So, the obvious next question is: when are the decals going to be available? The answer is April... can't give you an exact date. But there will be special release sheets in all three scales coming from BarracudaCals. There will be as many schemes as we can fit on the sheets!

Anyway, back to the workbench. I have a number of new resin sets in the works, and I have to get back to getting them ready for production.

Happy modelling! Roy

Going, Going... Almost Gone!

The first book in the Flightline series, featuring the unique and decidedly brutish de Havilland Sea Vixen, was released in November of 2010 to very favorable reviews.

Hi Guys,

After a little over two years, the Sea Vixen monograph is close to being sold out. Less than 20 copies remain. There may be a few left here and there at various online vendors, but after these are gone, its gone. This book will not be reprinted.

So, if you have been waiting to add this book to your library, there is very little time left. As before, if you order it from the Barracuda Studios website, you can get the book signed by the author (me!) if you like. Just include a note in your order letting me know how you want it signed. No charge for this option.

If you have not seen this book, it is an extremely in-depth close up look in full color of the Sea Vixen, including many reprinted manual illustrations. Exhaustive photographic coverage of the cockpits, landing gear, gear bays, dive brake and flaps, intakes, exhausts, radome, wing folds, droptanks and weapons, as well as a comprehensive look at the exterior, make this a very thorough reference. A detailed history of the Sea Vixen, written by noted aviation author Chris Bucholtz, and period photos, as well as a look at surviving airframes round out this book.

Just a heads up in case you were holding off til a later date to pick this one up.

Happy modelling! Roy

The wait is almost over!

A shot of an actual hardbound edition of the new book, sitting on my kitchen table, which, for once, is not covered in piles of Barracuda Studios related stuff!

Hi Guys.

Once again, its been too long since I last blogged. The 4 new 1/32nd scale P-51 sets have kept me away while I concentrated on getting them finished and released. Going to try and do better at keeping up with this blog. It's one of my New Year's resolutions for 2012. And we all know how well THAT works! :-)

The really great news is that Thunderbolts of the Hell Hawks has finished printing, has been delivered to the docks in Shenzhen, and is steaming its way to Port Oakland, California as I write this. It is due to land on March 4th. That does not mean that it will be ready for sale on the 5th, however. It has to go through unloading, Customs inspection, all sorts of clearance paperwork, then shipped to a holding facility. If all goes well, we should have it within a week of that date. If Customs flags it for inspection, add a week.

Pre-sales will begin once the ship has landed and the cargo unloaded. We need to know that the product has arrived and is in good condition before we release it for pre-sales. Last thing we want is to disappoint anyone. We will let you know when pre-sales are about to begin.

Note there are 3 versions: A softbound edition, a hardbound and dust jacketed edition, and a very limited run book plated, hardbound, dust jacketed version that is signed by three pilots (one from each Fighter Squadron in the 365th FG) as well as by the three authors. Here is a link to the website page for the book.

http://barracudacals.com/products.php?cat=28

The signed edition is expensive, but is extremely limited in numbers. There are only 365 available, and when they are gone, they are gone. Why 365? Think about it.... hmmmm.

This book is no weekend read. It is a book to be absorbed and savored. Unique among books of its kind, every pilot in every photo is identified by name. 21 surviving Hell Hawk pilots are still with us and have contributed hugely to making this book a rare and very complete look at a 9th Air Force P-47 unit in the final year of the war in Europe.

Note the very large size that many of the never before published photos are printed. Detailed captions identify each pilot and many of the crew. Over 550 photos detail every aspect of life in the 365th.

There are 98 color profiles of Thunderbolts from the 365th. Only 2 of these aircraft have ever been seen before! That makes 96 NEW airplanes. Every single airplane is linked to a pilot, and 44 of these are accompanied by a few paragraphs of history and background on the subject.

Yes, decals to support this book will be coming soon in all 3 scales. These will be special release decals, featuring numerous subjects and including some very cool extras never offered before (As far as I know) on an airplane decal sheet. Both Razorbacks and Bubbletops in OD/NG and natural metal finishes will be included. A mix of aces, leaders and colorful noseart will be featured. These sheets will follow in a few weeks after the release of the book.

I could go on about this amazing book that Don Barnes has created, but I will leave it at that for now. Suffice to say that it will be worth the wait. More to come.

Happy modelling! Roy