Back in the bad old days of modeling, there was limited selection and a lot of that was not very good. But the REAL modelers out there (you know who you are) persevered and managed to build some pretty decent models.

What gets overlooked in this day of computer controlled molding, resin detail parts, and enough kit selection to satisfy even Tom Long's desires, is that thee were nice kits back then. Some of those kits are still the only ones available for particular aircraft. Just because the mold is old does not mean you can't build a decent kit. Here are a couple of examples from last year's "Bomber Command" contest:

The Airfix Stirling is STILL the only game going for this aircraft. To make matters worse, it hasn't been re-issued in a long time, making them difficult to find. Mine was actually missing the clear bits, making me find an alternative. Fortunately, Falcon makes a replacement set that allows building either the Mk 1 or Mk III versions. After filling seems and sanding off 99% of the rivets, you can get a decent looking model. This build even used the original decals.

Valom will be issuing a Hampden kit, but the old Airfix issue is still acceptable. The same sanding and filling issues apply. You can use a Falcon replacement canopy set or the originals as I did. This time, except for Popeye on the side, I used after market decals.

Bronze cowlings are part of the exhaust. Exhaust gas was routed through a bronze ring around the cowling to cool it before being piped out. Why? I'm not entirely sure...