For 2021 , I went to my modelling mates and asked them to select a number from 1 to 241 which is the number of kits in the stash.

Each chosen number was then matched to a particular kit in my spreadsheet.

The selected kits were pulled from the shelves. Leaving me with the below selected kits. The phantom was my wildcard choice!

Before I could commence these though, I had a leftover build from 2020 to complete . For readers who may have forgotten previous episodes, 2020 was the year I designated “USN year” Well, that worked well. I think this was the only kit of the 5 built that year connected to the USN

So the first kit to cross the line in 2021 was the Kinetic 1/48 E-2C Hawkeye 2000

Now that was out of the way, the real 2021 builds could get under way.

My mate Mick had picked the Thunderchief out. A purchase inspired by seeing the real one during a trip to North America.

Darren picked out the next kit. The Dragon 1/35 SdKfz 7/2 + Bronco 1/35 Sd.Ah. 52 Ammunition Trailer

The Kinetic Harrier picked by AP followed, but this is where things got a little crazy. Why make one harrier when you can make three!

The first kit to be completed being the Kinetic 1/48 Bae Sea Harrier FA2 I wasn’t really happy with this one, and in fact, based on my build experience, would have flogged the FRS1 if I had not already started it .

Already broken by the FA2, I turned to something easier, the Iconicair 1/32 David Brown airfield tractor, a 3D painted resin kit, which was a very enjoyable build that will find a use on some airfield diorama.

Meanwhile, back at the harrier factory, the AV-8A crossed the line

Whilst the third harrier was inching to completion ( I was starting to tire of kinetic Harriers) the Riich Models 1/35 Universal carrier MkI was completed, followed closely by Calum’s pick of the Airfix 1/48 Folland Gnat T1

Prior to finishing these two I realised I could probably crack a double digit completion rate for the year. Blinded by this, these two kits were completed in a rush with a view more to a quick completion rather than quality. Well as much as you can rush sticking together 348 metal track links!

That left the third Harrier to complete, and I had completed my Kinetic Harrier triple build

The third harrier being the Kinetic 1/48 Bae Sea Harrier FRS1

So, ten builds. I’m pretty happy with that, as my usual rate is 5 a year.. of course the lockdown helped as it meant interstate holidays were off the agenda. Looking back, the 105 is probably my favourite. I really took my time with this and I think it paid off. A lesson there I think. I didn’t get to the Hornet or the Phantom due to going a bit off-piste with the harriers and universal Carrier. There was also a dalliance with a Blenheim that ended badly.My

Spreadsheet tells me I purchased 20 kits and sold 10. Next years builds haven’t been decided yet. There’s an Eduard Spitfire and Accurate Miniatures B-25 to finish first. See you all next year

Bruce