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Hi. I'm dipping my toes back into the world of model making for the first time in quite a while with some 1/144 scale aircraft. The project I'm about to attempt is an Op Grandby RAF Tornado GR-1, the only problem is that the load-out that comes with the kit isn't right for the time and theatre and whilst I can find some of the appropriate equipment on Shapeways, there's some stuff that's missing.

1/144 scale accessory sets are quite hard to come by, so it seems like sites like Shapeways are going to be the place to go (And I've already placed a small order for some pilot figures). I was wondering if anyone had any experience with similar sites they'd care to recommend? If anyone is able to help out with sources for the specifics I'm after 1/144 Skyshadow ECM pods, Paveway bombs or JP-233 dispensers and possibly the larger size external tanks. I can find some Paveway bombs on Shapeways although they're not quite the correct type, but for the Skyshadow and JP-233 I'm drawing a blank.

Thanks.

I think you're going to have a hard time finding things so specific. unfortunately its rare to find things you want to create to exact specifics, as the modelling companies will usually just make the most common items of equipment/kit etc, and then if you do find them, they're usually at the wrong scale for your project. 1/144 is not a particularly common scale, especially for aircraft.

if youre dead set on 100% accuracy, Your best bet is probably to sculpt or 3d print your own

Thanks, that was the conclusion I was rapidly leaning to myself. I have contacted one creator on Shapeways who has added the Skyshadow and JP-233 to his project list, but admitted they couldn't offer a timeline of when they might be available, so I may end up just making the aircraft bare of underwing stores and add them if they appear for sale or my skills get to the point that I can scratch build them myself. (3D printing would be beyond my IT skills and budget at the moment)

1/144 isn't that uncommon for modern and cold war era aircraft though since they're a similar size to a 1/72 WW2 fighter and are often sold as starter or low-ish skill level kits in the same sort vein, they accessories are definitely not out there in that scale though, if it wasn't for the fact that space is a limiting factor for me it would have been cheaper and easier to do the same project in 1/72.

yeah I tend to see 1/72 or 1/48 scale aircraft.

I haven't heard of this shapeways.. what is it? do they make accessories for armour in 1/35? thats what I mainly do my scale modelling in.

It’s a 3D printing service