This all began with a classic Airfix blister pack 1/72 Hawker Typhoon a good friend sent me (thanks a million, hamsterman!).
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/4gh1zku9n/Airfix_Tiffie_blister.jpg)
You've got to admit, the art on that header card really captures the essence of this iconic aircraft. I felt a little guilty building such a great styrene time capsule. That card is pretty sweet and includes a nice paint guide on the back which I customarily ignored.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/8e4bok1iz/Airfix_Tiffie_card.jpg)
When you fold the card out, Airfix has very cleverly and thoughtfully provided instructions which were also customarily ignored.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/5wskhbzmz/Airfix_Tiffie_card_back.jpg)
A kit like this almost makes me feel sorry for those youngsters that can't appreciate a model of this vintage. While there aren't a lot of bells and whistles, it sure looks like a Typhoon when built and one would be hard pressed to find a Typhoon with simpler assembly.
Of course, mine was going to be a little bit different.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/whv3d3zi3/B355_xprog_001.jpg)
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/vscb0tjjv/B355_xprog_002.jpg)
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/nzln8ulaj/B355_xprog_003.jpg)
While this kit is pretty basic, I didn't see a lot of room to move given the way it's engineered unless I wanted to perform a lot of surgery and invite the Putty Monster to spend the weekend with me. However, I soon discovered a spare drop-tank half fit so well as a replacement canopy it'd be almost a crime not to use it.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/u0jc612sr/B355_xprog_004.jpg)
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/vfkwutoh7/B355_xprog_006.jpg)
I swapped out the kit prop for a more pointy one from a P-40K and added that incredibly intimidating, streamlined landing gear which was made by wrapping card around the bomb shackle fairings and sticking a wheel in the bottom.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/r7q4lux9n/B355_xprog_007.jpg)
That sounded far racier than I meant it to.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/no46w3zpn/B355_xprog_008.jpg)
I also replaced the kit wing cannon which will be hoarded for future use. Landing gear struts and sprue nibs were used instead.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/g84xag1rf/B355_xprog_005.jpg)
In a rare fit of conscientiousness, I puttied over the landing gear door seams.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/e64fvsqt7/B355_xprog_010.jpg)
Here's how it all looked before paint.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/xnz3btnrv/B355_xprog_009.jpg)
Speaking of paint, the old hairy stick made yet another appearance, loaded down with a lot of Model Masters Flat Black acrylic.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/vjeqattvv/B355_00_upper.jpg)
The canopy was painted Model Masters Jet Exhaust. I used a dab of cheap, craft-store metallic on the intake and the guns & exhausts were done with custom mixes.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/jhjcgqxiz/B355_00_under.jpg)
Decals were easy and all came from a sheet for an actual Avia but I can't remember if it's the B-35 or B-534. Before I forget, here's a couple of "money shots" (U.S. currency for scale).
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/csheeiraz/B355_money_01.jpg)
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/5ci4srlm3/B355_money_02.jpg)
The model took me about a week or so to put together and it all went very smoothly. I'd like to thank Bill for his generosity in sending me the kit. I couldn't have done it without you!
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/acfl0dbpn/B355_013.jpg)
I hope you enjoyed the Avia B-355 and reading a little more forgotten aircraft history even if some of it may not seem to Czech out.
![](https://s15.postimg.cc/cgzy1lq8r/B355_014.jpg)
Brian da Basher