Dolf

The Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden. Dolf

Now for the Japanese. Starting with the famous Mitsubishi A6M5C Zero. Dolf

The Macchi MC.205 Veltro. This one, from the "360? Squadriglia (51? Stormo)" apparently joined the Allied Forces. Southern Italy, Summer 1944. Dolf

The Macchi MC.202 Folgore. This one was based in Voroshilovgrad (USSR) in September 1942. Dolf

The only 3 Italian aircraft among the 50. The Fiat G.55. After 1943, the "Regia Aeronautica" divided in two factions, one that kept fighting for the Germans and another that joined the Allied Forces. This one, from the "1? Squadriglia (1? Gruppo di Caccia)" of the "Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana", based on the Reggio Emilia Airfield on northern Italy, in the Summer 1944, apparently remained on the Axes side. Dolf

The Dewoitine D.520. This one, based in Algeria, on April 1941, was flown by Lieutenant Pierre Le Gloan. It has the Ace mark on both sides, the long French flag behind the "6". Dolf

A couple of French birds. On the entire 50 pieces collection only 3 French, so just missing one (apparently #50, a Morane-Saulnier). The Bloch Mb 152. This particular aircraft, flown by Lieutenant Maurin, was hit (I have no indication if by anti aircraft fire or in a dogfight) while on a patrol flight on May 15 1940, and later captured by the Germans. Dolf

I couldn't agree more Rick! Anyway, these are 1/72 scale, and one thing that is easy to get is the right decals for them, so I guess sooner or later I'll have them politically "(in)correct", but certainly more accurate Dolf

One more pic of the Bristol. Dolf

And the Bristol Beaufighter Mk X, of the 404th Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force, based in Wick, Scotland, June 1944. A funny bird. Dolf

The Blackburn Skua Mk.II. This is one of the aircraft that on April 10 1940 participated in the attack and sinking of the German ship K?nigsberg, anchored in Bergen, Norway. Dolf

A few British birds also missing. The Hawker Typhoon Mk.IB. This one participated in the Battle of Falaise, in France, August 1944. Dolf

The collection is growing, only 6 to go. So just a few more pics of some of those I haven't posted yet. Starting with the only Soviet already received but not yet posted. The Yakovlev Yak-9. This one was flown by Commander Ivan N. Stepanenko (33 confirmed kills and 8 not confirmed), of the 4th Fighter Regiment. Kursk, Summer 1943. Dolf

And one of his aircraft, a Bf 109F-2 "Special". I heard rumors about why it was "special", but not sure if that's a fact or just rumors! It seems it had a lighter for his famous cigars!... It seems it was also better protected (the armour on the rear of the seat!) and apparently it had a more powerful engine than the other 109F aircraft! All these 3 pics come from a very old Jane's book, "Messerschmitt Bf 109" Cheers, Dolf

But of course could not miss the opportunity to post a pic of another well known pilot, General Adolf Galland. See also this thread, Post #1: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=5816 Dolf

Yes, Sir By the way, here is a picture of Oberst Erich Hartmann, wearing some German Award (not my field but it seems to be a Knight Cross with Oak Leaves?!... Please correct me if I'm saying anything possibly absurd ). Cheers, Dolf

Last one (can't resist ) wheels down, landing in the evening... Dolf

Two more views. Dolf

Preparing to take off, last minute checkings... Dolf

Hi paddywhack, Got mine today (man, that was fast, left the UK before yesterday, delivered today! ), not a low number as yours (mine is 0684) but the same beautiful bird! As you already posted pics of yours I'm just posting a "couple" of mine... Cheers, Dolf In flight...

Since I recently saw one for sale with the inverted "B" at 5 o'clock (sadly I forgot to copy the pic then and can't find it again now ) I also don't know anymore what to think about that! The theory seemed convincing and logical, but now I just don't know! Well, that one with the "B" at 5 o'clock is the only single piece I've ever seen without the "B" at 12 o'clock (for those pieces who have the "B" of course), so it could have been an error, a mint mistake, who knows. And after all, just one exception don't makes a rule, but it could help questioning the usual 12 o'clock rule! Just my 2 cents, Dolf

Yes, a fantastic site indeed. Have had it in my favorites for some time (the link was posted on another Forum a while ago) and watch it from time to time as it is indeed very well done! Dolf

Wonderful story Chuck! Thanks for sharing! Please let us see your pictures when you'll be able to post them. Dolf

Absolutely! Happy Victory Day, with eternal gratitude to all those who gave their blood to liberate the World from the "hitlerites"!!! Dolf

Many thanks once again Mike! If someone could translate the names and ranks (if available) of the people listed on these Docs it would be greately appreciated! Thanks in advance. Dolf