tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71180673123880452202024-03-12T19:04:44.576-04:00The story of my aircraft and ship modelingA place to document my model building.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-77099431817286136482022-09-30T15:37:00.002-04:002022-09-30T15:37:29.199-04:00Navy Cobra<script>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-81407648659654142612020-08-31T12:00:00.005-04:002020-08-31T12:00:03.667-04:00Preview: Starfighter Decals 72-164 B-10s in USAAC Service<script>
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I don't usually do reviews or previews but I think this is an important enough sheet to get "out there". I have 3 of the <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/williams-brothers-72-210-martin-b-10b--159428" target="_blank">Williams Brothers kits</a> that have been patiently waiting for some accurate decals. They finally arrived. <div><br /></div><div>The decals are meant for either the older Williams Brothers kit or the newer <a href="https://www.specialhobby.eu/en/our-own-production/frrom/b-10-export-1-1-wc-wan.html?force_sid=nedflmm9c9fk5k1p86cjb7mmg1" target="_blank">Special Hobby kit</a>. <br />
<h3><br /></h3><h3>The Subject</h3><div><br /></div><a href="https://www.starfighter-decals.com/72164-b10s-in-usaac-7216410.html" target="_blank">Decal sheet 72-164 by Starfighter Decals</a> has unit markings for 12 aircraft, but only enough common decals for 2 models as there are only the 2 sets of “U.S. Army” markings for underwing, two sets of rudder stripes, and 2 sets of wing walkways. There are national markings for 3.
There is a single Olive Drab 22 with Yellow 4 wings, 9 Blue 23 with Yellow 4 wings, and 2 NMF to choose from.
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<h3><br /></h3><h3>The Markings</h3>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->YB-10 “200” of the 7<sup>th</sup> BG, Hamilton
Field, 1935. Olive Drab 22 and Yellow 4.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->B-10B 34-72 “100” of the 7<sup>th</sup> BG,
Hamilton Field. Blue 23 and Yellow 4.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->B-10B “166” of the 96<sup>th</sup> BS, 2<sup>nd</sup>
BG, Langley Field. Blue 23 and Yellow 4 with Insignia Red cowls.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->B-10B “164” of the 31<sup>st</sup> BS, 7<sup>th</sup>
BG, Hamilton Field. Blue 23 and Yellow 4.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->B-10B “155” of the 11<sup>th</sup> BS, 7<sup>th</sup>
BG. Blue 23 and Yellow 4 with Chrome Yellow scallops on cowls.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->B-10B “20” of the 1<sup>st</sup> BS, 9<sup>th</sup>
BG, Mitchell Field. Blue 23 and Yellow 4 with Red/White/Blue cowls.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->B-10B “PA 2” of the 94<sup>th</sup> PS, 1<sup>st</sup>
PG, Selfridge Field. NMF with Insignia Red cowls.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->B-10B “PA 168” of the 27<sup>th</sup> PS, 1<sup>st</sup>
PG, Selfridge Field. Blue 23 and Yellow 4 with Chrome Yellow cowls.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->B-10B “51 4MB” of the 28<sup>th</sup> BS, Clark
Field, Philippines. NMF.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->10.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->B-10B “75” of the 7<sup>th</sup> OS, 6<sup>th</sup>
CG, France Field, Canal Zone. Blue 23
and Yellow 4.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->11.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->B-10B “56” of the 25<sup>th</sup> BS, 6<sup>th</sup>
CG, France Field, Canal Zone. Blue 23 and Yellow 4.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->12.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->B-10B “44” of the 5<sup>th</sup> BS, 9<sup>th</sup>,
BG, Mitchell Field. Blue 23 and Yellow 4.</p></ol>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM19buMVsGg6FFoqxzpSGoYqBLr9Yenvy9tgqMg4LEN9CLslNjWNjEOjpVmS35IblD_amlzZe9mt6678FtDj7J7B2L7dJ3C5awqaQqqYyIWHZJlHFHqy1EyKzgCi8pPevZHogXt2FSvKIf/s1680/Page+6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1680" data-original-width="1107" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM19buMVsGg6FFoqxzpSGoYqBLr9Yenvy9tgqMg4LEN9CLslNjWNjEOjpVmS35IblD_amlzZe9mt6678FtDj7J7B2L7dJ3C5awqaQqqYyIWHZJlHFHqy1EyKzgCi8pPevZHogXt2FSvKIf/s640/Page+6.jpg" /></a></div>
<h3>Summary</h3><div><br /></div>
I’ve used Starfighter Decals before and these look no different, being quite thin and laying down well under just warm water. Rarely do I have to use a setting solution.
Many of the markings are subtly different, the yellows and blues being a little different between individual subjects to obviously reflect the variations Mark has found in his research. Mark even provides varying sizes of aircraft numbers for some subjects.
I’m looking forward to finally getting to my B-10 kits. This sheet is a good motivator.<div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYM-R4lJuqdBxrH5IxQRrp2LASJkAIjjs3Uq735DfNboCWafvBhnvfRRuJlQiIvpNTdsPq7Lo-zEojtj6YPUqm81E3TNfG6r_q4b8qzTF9xMa3RoTCtTl5uuvk_4zLnOnAan5O1TNl_FKY/s1592/Sheet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="1384" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYM-R4lJuqdBxrH5IxQRrp2LASJkAIjjs3Uq735DfNboCWafvBhnvfRRuJlQiIvpNTdsPq7Lo-zEojtj6YPUqm81E3TNfG6r_q4b8qzTF9xMa3RoTCtTl5uuvk_4zLnOnAan5O1TNl_FKY/s640/Sheet.jpg" /></a></div>
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Thanks for looking...
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<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-32136256861228459012019-02-28T01:00:00.000-05:002019-02-28T01:00:11.339-05:00P-400 Airacobra<script>
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<i>Bell P-400 Airacobra, BW156/12, 35th FG, New Guinea, 1942</i>
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This is another "shelf of doom" build. When I started this kit, my choices for a P-39 variant were the old Heller P-39Q or the Revell P-39D, neither of which are as accurate as I'd prefer today. I got as far as the paint scheme and had Microscale's sheet #72-134 with a plan to "build them all".
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8BlvJoC9cU-jjVlh18vvjk0hFQGu2oEkgPjE4fnJL0-E4tJmi4F4qtBnIQDa8CH6831QwffuQeuPy3S8heujUiCVPNo8e-2Az8erlwZW2N9jRnirXRhe8JlPwEr-V2vE5bCevD3173Tg/s1600/fullsizeoutput_354.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8BlvJoC9cU-jjVlh18vvjk0hFQGu2oEkgPjE4fnJL0-E4tJmi4F4qtBnIQDa8CH6831QwffuQeuPy3S8heujUiCVPNo8e-2Az8erlwZW2N9jRnirXRhe8JlPwEr-V2vE5bCevD3173Tg/s320/fullsizeoutput_354.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
The Subject</h3>
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The P-400 was the USAAF designation for RAF Airacobra I aircraft taken from the production line and quickly sent overseas when war broke out. Originally destined for the UK the RAF eventually got their aircraft, however by that time they'd decided the underpowered (for the European theatre) Airacobra could be redirected to the USSR, who loved the type's central large cannon.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlceQZrh8p5nD_QLCe_reEfGbNxr12Ttznuqj-TWaK11x-BlEYEmvD7uVP1I9DeDCfLm8aTfk8eka4a99mz0aaSzjrbE4OHpVGedh5IqYT84HsZpc6EK8nRpEBZ94xwYbon18-IK1SmoG5/s1600/fullsizeoutput_355.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlceQZrh8p5nD_QLCe_reEfGbNxr12Ttznuqj-TWaK11x-BlEYEmvD7uVP1I9DeDCfLm8aTfk8eka4a99mz0aaSzjrbE4OHpVGedh5IqYT84HsZpc6EK8nRpEBZ94xwYbon18-IK1SmoG5/s320/fullsizeoutput_355.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Fancy Nancy</i> was a P-400 quickly repainted with USAAF national markings and sent to New Guinea in early 1942. The external differences between a P-400 and P-39D were a 20mm cannon + 2x .303 inch guns in the nose versus 37mm cannon + 2x .50 inch guns in the nose, respectively. Okay, to be completely accurate, the .303 inch guns in the wings were .30 inch in the P-39D. The P-400 also had a 12 exhausts per side, not the 6 exhausts on the P-39D.
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<h3>
The Model</h3>
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This is the very old Revell P-39D kit from 19-forgotten. The instructions date the kit from 1965. "When I started" is not something I remember, but in the 90's during my "understand the correct colors" phase I acquired some (poor at the time) knowledge of US substitute paint. But first about the "conversion."
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Converting (backdating actually) any P-39D kit to a P-400 isn't exactly straightforward:
<ul>
<li>Replace 6 exhausts with 12 exhausts - source from Quickboost 72-145</li>
<li>Replace the 37mm cannon with thinner rod to represent the longer 20mm cannon barrel. I wrapped it in Tamiya tape to represent the recoil spring.</li>
<li>Drill out 2x holes and insert barrels to represent the .30 inch guns in the wings</li>
</ul>
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I only did the 20mm cannon barrel simply because (at the time) the other 2 mods were just beyond my abilities or not available. Could I have done them today? Certainly the wing guns but the exhausts would have required surgery and I just didn't want to put that much work into an old Revell P-39D when a P-400 kit exists today.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgiHBsigxbldD3wuIm_atFwR3MAnpgF2r4buknoAiUQA8hIkaXNrvGsxIFi9_QvAIpmYP6uSZ0VHoIKB4GC5YwV88m4fTpRejUbxxS5ZbSONcoSg88uBl7Gp-42dtap-_TiqHrq4RNHiT/s1600/fullsizeoutput_356.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgiHBsigxbldD3wuIm_atFwR3MAnpgF2r4buknoAiUQA8hIkaXNrvGsxIFi9_QvAIpmYP6uSZ0VHoIKB4GC5YwV88m4fTpRejUbxxS5ZbSONcoSg88uBl7Gp-42dtap-_TiqHrq4RNHiT/s320/fullsizeoutput_356.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The colors are my understanding, at the time, of paints used by US makers of RAF aircraft. I knew the P-400 was in the RAF scheme of Dark Green and Dark Earth over Sky (known to me today as the Temperate Land Scheme) and the colors were "off" slightly. I had read the Dark Green was bluer, more like the US Medium Green and the Dark Earth was lighter, more like Sand. So I chose a darker shade of green (not sure which) and a lighter shade of desert yellow from somewhere, and then chose (I believe) RAAF Sky Blue because for some reason I was convinced the underside was a blue color.
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Yeah, I was way off! I've learned that in reality paints used for contractual requirements for MAP production (aircraft paid by UK gold) were very close to the MAP standards because the contract required it. I've found the paint charts for DuPont and supposedly the paints used were nearly identical to RAF MAP standards. There is a difference, but it's almost negligible and very hard to see. Today I'd use some paints matched exactly to MAP standards for Dark Earth and Sky, however I'd definitely use a slightly bluer Dark Green. For my next attempt at a P-400/Airacobra I.
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<br />
<h3>
Summary</h3>
<br />
While this doesn't look "bad" it's not going to be on my shelves forever. I have the RS Models P-400/Airacobra I kit and while it's not perfect it is much better than this one as a starting point.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelc_wy4TWEocD6hsH3HdhfTEIAU7civRE5JVSM0pWnr14yGWcDDqqueUWxG0Ze7Q98q52mOfn3LkUxbIbeyNhNIR3ZfqjVCnvClh8PFpy7DZYgFZY8InLUPdL1DYo5my6INFrwzQGR45j/s1600/fullsizeoutput_357.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelc_wy4TWEocD6hsH3HdhfTEIAU7civRE5JVSM0pWnr14yGWcDDqqueUWxG0Ze7Q98q52mOfn3LkUxbIbeyNhNIR3ZfqjVCnvClh8PFpy7DZYgFZY8InLUPdL1DYo5my6INFrwzQGR45j/s320/fullsizeoutput_357.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Thanks for looking...
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-76359441879854941012019-02-25T01:00:00.000-05:002019-02-25T01:00:08.990-05:00Air-Sea Rescue Defiant<script>
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<i>Boulton-Paul Defiant ASR Mk I, V1121/BA*O, 277 Squadron, RAF, August 1942</i>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhGQB1nEUixctZjTfdB5YJ887IcqZb82qBibwMbtrCdAogP3YQYGGJo0vYO19yd2afdwBe-IX8UazucwavYbq7WJWFMXZ6EOD4SckH109OpWYB0YzRPkpAZBS7ipHFSHnmosrJkcBdJb3/s1600/fullsizeoutput_374.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhGQB1nEUixctZjTfdB5YJ887IcqZb82qBibwMbtrCdAogP3YQYGGJo0vYO19yd2afdwBe-IX8UazucwavYbq7WJWFMXZ6EOD4SckH109OpWYB0YzRPkpAZBS7ipHFSHnmosrJkcBdJb3/s320/fullsizeoutput_374.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
The Subject</h3>
<br />
The Defiant was expected to intercept bombers and with it's 4x .303 Brownings easily get close enough to...oh who am I kidding. It was a really dumb idea regardless what it was designed for. Strap a heavy turret onto a fighter and then expect 2 men to take it into combat.
<br />
<br />
Ultimately the Defiant found uses after being disastrously used during the Battle of Britain. Certainly the men were brave but when the RAF quickly realized the planes were outclassed, the Defiant was immediately switched to a more reasonable mission. As a night interceptor it was better suited, but eventually it was relegated to second and third line duties.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF12i1HZX7iFr9H804DZSrvphj9jMK-tRIP2KuNB11XEI07a6MRckIPjH5mZpdFfiwvklmYRqn1C5t5wyN8GelGPbbszNVinwcXmRjydXByLLAhnlwcljY8NX8b6wf6NwpO9BKZI4ihstW/s1600/fullsizeoutput_375.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF12i1HZX7iFr9H804DZSrvphj9jMK-tRIP2KuNB11XEI07a6MRckIPjH5mZpdFfiwvklmYRqn1C5t5wyN8GelGPbbszNVinwcXmRjydXByLLAhnlwcljY8NX8b6wf6NwpO9BKZI4ihstW/s320/fullsizeoutput_375.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One duty was that of Air-Sea Rescue (ASR). As crews returned from Northern Europe, whether bomber or interdiction, some would end up in the Channel or North Sea. The Defiant ASR replaced less capable aircraft and was able to nominally defend itself if it encountered Luftwaffe fighters.
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<br />
The aircraft was a standard Defiant but with small bomb carriers under the outer wings, each carrying a dingy to assist crew when found. Eventually these aircraft were replaced by war weary Spitfires and Thunderbolts.
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<br />
<h3>
The Model</h3>
<br />
This is the Airfix Defiant kit, new tooled and released in 2015. I picked up 3 kits and the Xtradecal sheet X72217 as I wanted to have the standard day fighter, night fighter and ASR variants on my shelf. I decided my first one would be the ASR.
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<br />
This is a very easy kit to build, I found it had no vices and even the turret was quite easy. I sourced the dinghy packs from overseas, but unfortunately they were incorrect. While technically a dinghy pack, they did not have the aerodynamic shapes on the fore and aft ends. Obviously these were meant for a bomb bay, not under a fighter. So I scratched up the shapes from old bombs and drop tanks in my spares bin. I do have another set as I want to make the Thunderbolt ASR someday.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhJhJAkDpNd-tngwtdOZPaRKNaW0RpQuobmhYPBllj05sEY0yD5M-g3f-svUYje0vY8DOxwhpPG0bgFr1MCyfG_YFpxzOL0RJboHwUOwC74tH4sCV97MSTxSktuINNE0UzZ9IAGgnAKU0/s1600/fullsizeoutput_376.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhJhJAkDpNd-tngwtdOZPaRKNaW0RpQuobmhYPBllj05sEY0yD5M-g3f-svUYje0vY8DOxwhpPG0bgFr1MCyfG_YFpxzOL0RJboHwUOwC74tH4sCV97MSTxSktuINNE0UzZ9IAGgnAKU0/s320/fullsizeoutput_376.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I used a Peewit mask for the canopy and turret, which frankly is a must. I decided to finally give my Hataka FAA paint set a solid try as in small uses the paints didn't seem quite right, working neither for brushing or my airbrush. Eventually I determined I wasn't mixing the paint well enough as there is a steel ball in the bottle and it wasn't moving about. I stumbled on it when shaking the Interior Grey Green and suddenly the ball came loose..long story short once I got it moving about and tried it the paint worked well with both a brush as well as my airbrush (thinned of course).
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I also cut away the wing tip lights and replaced these with clear sprue. I must say this makes the model anymore and I find myself doing this more consistently.
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<br />
<h3>
Summary</h3>
<br />
I'm looking forward to putting the others on my shelf. I really need to complete my Battle of Britain "set" as I've collected all the kits. I never seem to get past doing just one more Spitfire instead, however.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74fZMj5zjKe6jNTjThb8cLl4R2aC4Cp1y-j9ty3Ny0PZ-jt7Ec7a-IlUFwvuWXUFFVJ_xKYUFm0eBAHYbmzLrcWKFACYIQQkbZZ5rAXX16BdetWtAp9nsjEaDjR_xk5aOSACnm0IcS0g6/s1600/fullsizeoutput_379.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74fZMj5zjKe6jNTjThb8cLl4R2aC4Cp1y-j9ty3Ny0PZ-jt7Ec7a-IlUFwvuWXUFFVJ_xKYUFm0eBAHYbmzLrcWKFACYIQQkbZZ5rAXX16BdetWtAp9nsjEaDjR_xk5aOSACnm0IcS0g6/s320/fullsizeoutput_379.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks for looking...
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-15561026488433931302019-02-21T01:00:00.000-05:002019-02-21T01:00:04.202-05:00Aussie Kittyhawk IIA<script>
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<i>Curtiss Kittyhawk Ia, serial unknown/U, Sqn Ldr Richard Cresswell, 77th Squadron RAAF, New Guinea, 1942</i>
<br /><br />
This is another one of those "started over a decade ago, not sure when, but pulled off the shelf and finished!" Completed in December 2018.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMzJs6rxahxKWx9Tm3nHVkcOy4C6glImYBQT_ua9HS5bG25IB-FBCUHy2vt8d4zydMsbObuwE9pgrr-upmJ8mvE33f8yIr4KdFLwyGhfKbUYiEfwLMBExkwQ_CUVITeOsle3jq5lY9e0C/s1600/fullsizeoutput_35a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMzJs6rxahxKWx9Tm3nHVkcOy4C6glImYBQT_ua9HS5bG25IB-FBCUHy2vt8d4zydMsbObuwE9pgrr-upmJ8mvE33f8yIr4KdFLwyGhfKbUYiEfwLMBExkwQ_CUVITeOsle3jq5lY9e0C/s320/fullsizeoutput_35a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
The Subject</h3>
<br />
Before knowing <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Cresswell">Squadron Leader Cresswell's history</a>, I chose to model this subject because I like the coloring. I also have a thing for P-40's as I think they deserve better recognition for their contribution. They are as the Hurricane to the Spitfire when it comes to a P-40 versus the P-51.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8A28Y0nu23fbK4X5Z_vWB1ONwktkDix52vfLY0WZMqwHl8bzRfJd-aNuEoi663at1XIMrmfbK9lWwaCoVt1OexNY4x1zPLATrWDYP5TDbRBN-xlMgAi01N2j_KNNTLEkW0HggUA0-swe5/s1600/fullsizeoutput_35e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8A28Y0nu23fbK4X5Z_vWB1ONwktkDix52vfLY0WZMqwHl8bzRfJd-aNuEoi663at1XIMrmfbK9lWwaCoVt1OexNY4x1zPLATrWDYP5TDbRBN-xlMgAi01N2j_KNNTLEkW0HggUA0-swe5/s320/fullsizeoutput_35e.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
The Model</h3>
<br />
This is most likely the Academy P-40E kit, from which these decals came. The model had been built and painted and literally only needed the canopy and decals. Well, to be fair, just the decals but the canopy quarter lights had gotten glue underneath and were ruined which is why it sat on the shelf so long. I wanted to replace them with something better and just never got around to it.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zns5zh467X3ySvMmfWPQh5XWn8m5j5WRq6GjFKHekDXWDEOuBT_FPTmGiuvCOEGRrmXbqzrXbwLuszRWg94bBJ4U2eho1KJi8ctiwbaPZfpSn4KfEgqNhdO_5czaplefHFsovd-xvWdf/s1600/fullsizeoutput_360.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zns5zh467X3ySvMmfWPQh5XWn8m5j5WRq6GjFKHekDXWDEOuBT_FPTmGiuvCOEGRrmXbqzrXbwLuszRWg94bBJ4U2eho1KJi8ctiwbaPZfpSn4KfEgqNhdO_5czaplefHFsovd-xvWdf/s320/fullsizeoutput_360.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Ultimately I scrounged a spare canopy from my spares box (from what kit?) and these fit closely but not perfectly. I used the original windscreen and canopy but trimmed the quarter lights and finally just said "close enough" as it'll never go on a competition table.
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<br />
<h3>
Summary</h3>
<br />
My P-40 collection is building, I've got quite a few more in the stash to build.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-q0l2QbNRaGE1XyDRI25lubNcmCABxhcwkM3M5DGI9lCQU54SvYV8GmxT0dLrBbio6WgT9rFKP3zX558lWWvn2b0DTZthgnu8nzxA6sTxdRNFP1RAxMLrLTHx8cpBIXzxG4MJDRKGQqi/s1600/fullsizeoutput_364.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-q0l2QbNRaGE1XyDRI25lubNcmCABxhcwkM3M5DGI9lCQU54SvYV8GmxT0dLrBbio6WgT9rFKP3zX558lWWvn2b0DTZthgnu8nzxA6sTxdRNFP1RAxMLrLTHx8cpBIXzxG4MJDRKGQqi/s320/fullsizeoutput_364.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks for looking...
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-53490576154531959452019-02-18T01:00:00.000-05:002019-02-18T01:00:02.715-05:00Delta<script>
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<i>Kfir C7, 543 Zohar, Arava Guardians Squadron, IAF, 1990</i>
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I have a thing for delta aircraft. While my blog doesn't show it, yet, this is my third delta winged aircraft. Completed back in January 2018.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHRdzCdvotGRD-UHiEPwOmVjdCJTDAMK7EIcZ0IYWIhegLsRoqp3WbMrFFOKf6dJvMTl8tEESdIB53w7VpD-_MZEGzBgSy8FX4lp7ki-qCEh555nrGDCGuPQpsKnM9BAH7-0GbN238RYY/s1600/fullsizeoutput_336.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHRdzCdvotGRD-UHiEPwOmVjdCJTDAMK7EIcZ0IYWIhegLsRoqp3WbMrFFOKf6dJvMTl8tEESdIB53w7VpD-_MZEGzBgSy8FX4lp7ki-qCEh555nrGDCGuPQpsKnM9BAH7-0GbN238RYY/s320/fullsizeoutput_336.jpeg" width="320" height="213" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
The Subject</h3>
<br />
I'll paraphrase this wrong but as I understand it, the Isreali Air Force procured some French made Mirage III fighters and unable to get improved variants they decided to reverse-engineer the design while also improving upon it. The result was the Kfir series which eventually competed or export sales with Dassault's Mirage series. Besides avionics a big improvement was the use of the American made J-79, also used on IAF F-4 Phantoms and for which the IAF had quite a few spares.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1pDMaBS2VaNPrRmBc3051GG17vrf8zFCLottYFO1FXnL4UipZ8dx2eI95U4m6rCiiZysF0UTJBSfHwn714IMDl6Mifon-ECOR4YJFAV1lUohptLlhl35jNjuhcBrF2hTNU1zWQztzFEo/s1600/fullsizeoutput_371.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1pDMaBS2VaNPrRmBc3051GG17vrf8zFCLottYFO1FXnL4UipZ8dx2eI95U4m6rCiiZysF0UTJBSfHwn714IMDl6Mifon-ECOR4YJFAV1lUohptLlhl35jNjuhcBrF2hTNU1zWQztzFEo/s320/fullsizeoutput_371.jpeg" width="320" height="213" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
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By the 90's the IAF was using the F-15 for interception and air superiority, relegating the Kfir to an air-to-ground mission. Side number 543 is representative of this mission. By 2000 the KFIR had been replaced by the F-16.
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<br />
<h3>
The Model</h3>
<br />
This is the AMK kit of the Kfir C2/C7. Detail is extensive, fit is very tight (the thickness of airbrushed paint causing me problems). I determined quickly that I needed to study the build sequence and carefully dry-fit every part.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQsZ_WBkwjVKGFOIFk5MMdBe7aDq6LSm0PHtBDE39w5IW-xt6JrpzJeHngGUXCqRLQvkFqIqtwgWIqRkwotqtybdSBjebzxDPMEpLGsEx64-0VECeJ8uaoB0ti7YXH9t0wwnrlO2YL-70/s1600/fullsizeoutput_372.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQsZ_WBkwjVKGFOIFk5MMdBe7aDq6LSm0PHtBDE39w5IW-xt6JrpzJeHngGUXCqRLQvkFqIqtwgWIqRkwotqtybdSBjebzxDPMEpLGsEx64-0VECeJ8uaoB0ti7YXH9t0wwnrlO2YL-70/s320/fullsizeoutput_372.jpeg" width="320" height="213" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
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Five options are available, 3 each C2 variants, 2 C7 variants and 3 of the variants are exports -- the USA (used by ATAC as a contract aggressor unit) , Ecuadorian and Colombian Air Forces. All are quite colorful and weapons options includes early/late load outs of both American-supplied weapons and indigenously developed weapons.
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Care has to be taken with some of the weapons markings. The air-to-air missiles are painted as training rounds (blue tubes with no warhead nor rocket motor); to be accurate they should be a medium gray. The gravity LGBs are correctly a dark olive green.
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I had to break out my 0.15 Harder and Steenbeck airbrush for the camouflage scheme. It's been quite a while since I had to paint a scheme with noticeable overspray. I got the hang of low pressure, thin paint, build color in layers, quite quickly. Decals went on with no trouble at all using just Micro set/sol.
<br /><br />
<h3>
Summary</h3>
<br />
This was an enjoyable build. As noted above the fit was a very tight, so work slowly to ensure no misalignment issues. Sometimes a light swipe of a sanding stick makes a huge difference.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8EHQyMO8GnuxW2Fk40Cc07H0ZxiPcFRhl_3skO6XPsJ7Wt6TsbG6IkPJjJl221C25tki-LrmRAhqSfWzY6p4NyEVtLIvbpAoFN8CwrA8f0G6B_MB8xiw8ltpdBfWhlLlLevF9S-_ycAG/s1600/fullsizeoutput_373.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8EHQyMO8GnuxW2Fk40Cc07H0ZxiPcFRhl_3skO6XPsJ7Wt6TsbG6IkPJjJl221C25tki-LrmRAhqSfWzY6p4NyEVtLIvbpAoFN8CwrA8f0G6B_MB8xiw8ltpdBfWhlLlLevF9S-_ycAG/s320/fullsizeoutput_373.jpeg" width="320" height="213" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
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Thanks for looking...
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-43446230021986244262019-02-14T01:00:00.000-05:002019-02-14T01:00:14.879-05:00An old Marauder<script>
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<i>Martin B-26B-2-MA Marauder, 41-17903, 37th BS, Tunisia, July 1943</i>
<br /><br />
I started a B-26 back in the early 90s while on deployment, and I remember sanding off all the detail, epoxying the clear bits and then polishing it all. Then I had to put it away for a move back to the USA where I then unpacked and put some paint on it. Then I moved at least 2 more times before I decided to finish it this last Summer since I had all the bits and the old Revell decals.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0odiqjYwMpDHTx7qw8ncanwKV11MaGMJfxHCyFRTlHO32QiLrHtOHZeF0fJd2jDzwipoO6EkYk7WSX6Xvd_5K4HpNurgCp4Xc4PhpaOLz3a4i4_2D9N_cYl-A_P6McMYnppzyzgbDczoo/s1600/fullsizeoutput_36d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0odiqjYwMpDHTx7qw8ncanwKV11MaGMJfxHCyFRTlHO32QiLrHtOHZeF0fJd2jDzwipoO6EkYk7WSX6Xvd_5K4HpNurgCp4Xc4PhpaOLz3a4i4_2D9N_cYl-A_P6McMYnppzyzgbDczoo/s320/fullsizeoutput_36d.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
The Subject</h3>
<br />
"Hellcat" was an early B-26B operating out of North Africa with both the 37th and 319th BS. Apparently Hellcat was the mount of Captain David Taggart who was the first to complete 50 B-26 missions.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_3MeXjuyuVSkOT_sk57EPcR6bmT2RF3wt-j4fqxTDLCsvQxllNne8QKb-vyJi4Oi9ORAXu7oMHRw0vvVSxyYLHfiJdSudqQ47pwQhyphenhyphenY2nmlB4PFO_Bx6i0zj8uOQhoE9OyyrO8uvdLkv/s1600/fullsizeoutput_36f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_3MeXjuyuVSkOT_sk57EPcR6bmT2RF3wt-j4fqxTDLCsvQxllNne8QKb-vyJi4Oi9ORAXu7oMHRw0vvVSxyYLHfiJdSudqQ47pwQhyphenhyphenY2nmlB4PFO_Bx6i0zj8uOQhoE9OyyrO8uvdLkv/s320/fullsizeoutput_36f.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
The Model</h3>
<br />
For years I assumed this was the Revell snap-tite kit I spent hours sanding away rivets from. Nope, it's the Airfix kit. I did sand away at it, and I DO remember building the Revell one, and getting to the same point as this one. I'm not crazy...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jC4KBUbQSi0Pep9Kzbt8iNAzGlcii57NIskcN3z9DQ1_K-XjJj3FQEEp-sVuqC61lfN0Gtv0PD4lfhCJ3-m_o74uth8hNuWTkJLYC61XZvlUStIdMD4_2EEFXRl9vI8vL4z4sVh4ZOyx/s1600/fullsizeoutput_36e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jC4KBUbQSi0Pep9Kzbt8iNAzGlcii57NIskcN3z9DQ1_K-XjJj3FQEEp-sVuqC61lfN0Gtv0PD4lfhCJ3-m_o74uth8hNuWTkJLYC61XZvlUStIdMD4_2EEFXRl9vI8vL4z4sVh4ZOyx/s320/fullsizeoutput_36e.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I painted it during my enamel years. So these are likely AeroMaster enamels as I went all in when these came out and replaced all my Testers and other enamels with them. It was my first try at the scalloped edges in Medium Green 42, with Olive Drab 41 and Neutral Gray 43. Since I was approaching this as a "just finish" project, I didn't scribe or weather. I did apply the Revell decals, but only because the Airfix decals were for a completely different scheme.
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<h3>
Summary</h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kfbRdlAg4MAmhTQBounkHuJ_yHVpAXFUP6J2PdrBf2VE40KBYARF4meiZHf81wJvdpHulglY1sWU3L1jMk4bHpRwXXL-FT0l9LEBs9PCXzGIFBKb7wa7N5W0tv67bMZ2fbEthg7KiDvw/s1600/fullsizeoutput_370.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kfbRdlAg4MAmhTQBounkHuJ_yHVpAXFUP6J2PdrBf2VE40KBYARF4meiZHf81wJvdpHulglY1sWU3L1jMk4bHpRwXXL-FT0l9LEBs9PCXzGIFBKb7wa7N5W0tv67bMZ2fbEthg7KiDvw/s320/fullsizeoutput_370.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In all likelihood I got the markings wrong for this machine. I don't know my Marauders well, and this may be the only one I ever actually put on the shelf. But it looks nice and the few fellow modelers who've looked at it only said nice things.
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Thanks for looking...
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-67051771365001935172019-02-11T01:00:00.000-05:002019-02-11T01:00:01.790-05:00Paint it Black<script>
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<i>Douglas P-70 Havoc, 39-737/68, Training Unit, USA</i>
<br />
<br />
This was an unplanned completion. A neighbor who is 12 came over to build a model and I offered him a choice of Hobbyboss, Airfix, Revell or Matchbox...the latter three being of the older generation. He chose a Revell Havoc/Boston and and had lots of fun with his first glue bomb. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsBoNNNCwbIogPzYuse8Uc-FWgioJfW00xsEDOAxO8ZHeSMU_EgE7YAmTULHMghK5uMX1aXCR-v_3edk2I9p67D6zAGzebPzQMfWEUwLMW_BHREcuPfUh7tOIcFBOnyq1UwMC71Td8CMj/s1600/fullsizeoutput_33f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsBoNNNCwbIogPzYuse8Uc-FWgioJfW00xsEDOAxO8ZHeSMU_EgE7YAmTULHMghK5uMX1aXCR-v_3edk2I9p67D6zAGzebPzQMfWEUwLMW_BHREcuPfUh7tOIcFBOnyq1UwMC71Td8CMj/s320/fullsizeoutput_33f.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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He was obviously interested in multi-engine types...so I pulled a few more and opened the Revell P-70. Turns out it was started! The wings and fuselage had been glued and prepped and really only needed to be assembled and painted. Even the canopies were on, blended in and ready for masking.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Subject</h3>
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Only 59 P-70's were manufactured, based on the A-20A attack bomber, chosen because it had sufficient excess power to handle the weight of the radar and guns.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Vg1GxfNKid536bx4aRltw61HD9QPQHLQY-RONXaHjJktyJxE4blNBtD1dW2n2HCzQcmcfiG6sP1kILzpgdTFL3G-BoYmA2BdP4YCWdBev51ZU3O8UiFS2Me5J7iDVZAGrpD3VleYsqLY/s1600/7914L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="750" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Vg1GxfNKid536bx4aRltw61HD9QPQHLQY-RONXaHjJktyJxE4blNBtD1dW2n2HCzQcmcfiG6sP1kILzpgdTFL3G-BoYmA2BdP4YCWdBev51ZU3O8UiFS2Me5J7iDVZAGrpD3VleYsqLY/s320/7914L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
There were other variants of the P-70, based on later variants of the A-20 series.
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<br />
Most P-70's were used for night fighter crew training in the USA, but a few were actually assigned overseas until more capable night fighters were available. 9737/68 is one such example of the P-70A variant used for training crews.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7z9XZEqmAILmtIOIy0od-RLyrA2yeicwWwkdqCyrb8SScOk5wz9E9dlcOt4nEis3KkV-dnUR_OCsmuqYsJeeRc187snqlDA6PMX736XVeUHRiFxKTgunY5uUhWDgDP2cv_V3GIBUlFctD/s1600/fullsizeoutput_341.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7z9XZEqmAILmtIOIy0od-RLyrA2yeicwWwkdqCyrb8SScOk5wz9E9dlcOt4nEis3KkV-dnUR_OCsmuqYsJeeRc187snqlDA6PMX736XVeUHRiFxKTgunY5uUhWDgDP2cv_V3GIBUlFctD/s320/fullsizeoutput_341.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
The Model</h3>
<br />
This is an old kit. I have no idea where I picked mine up at. Likely a model shop sometime back in the 80s when they existed and it was on sale. At the time the Revell A-20/P-70 was the only kits of the early type, with the Matchbox being the only late variant as the A-20G.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5k52BK_S0V2iAbssudvpQrdmx-9y9673HqTu0w_dGX4V_GYNvPS-V9N3JTPcEJ0QcmVU41kkNAxf8tWx4qqHxPv4o3prNwna6ex7LYk6m6XSSTcbADlKBJ0uIwYnkF3MEsAFjNyYN-g4/s1600/fullsizeoutput_340.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5k52BK_S0V2iAbssudvpQrdmx-9y9673HqTu0w_dGX4V_GYNvPS-V9N3JTPcEJ0QcmVU41kkNAxf8tWx4qqHxPv4o3prNwna6ex7LYk6m6XSSTcbADlKBJ0uIwYnkF3MEsAFjNyYN-g4/s320/fullsizeoutput_340.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I honestly do not remember ever starting this kit. However, given I'd sanded off all the rivet detail and polished the canopies in situ, I can reliably time this to the early 90s while aboard USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) as something I would mess with for about 30 minutes before heading to my rack. I remember working on an Airfix B-26 (more on that in another post) at that time and after I had a port visit to South Korea and acquired a lot of Academy kits with finely recessed panel lines, and was able to get cheap Hasegawa kits in Japan I decided to step away from sanding rivets...<br />
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With the modern internet I was able to not only find a photo of a P-70, but one of this subject. It looks natty and one quirk was the antenna pole was not vertical, but at sort of an angle. Now that's different. <br />
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Other than weight, and thinning the radar antennae to look slightly less telephone pole sized, the only challenge I made for myself was weathering all that black paint. How boring can an all black model be?<br />
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After priming with black Mr Surfacer I put a coat of RAF Night (Mr Color Midnight Blue with some black added) on the upper surfaces and some Tamiya NATO Black on the undersurfaces. I made sure the overspray was quite wide so the colors blended. I then put a coat of X22 Gloss Clear on and applied the kit decals (not bad given they were pushing 30+ years old). Another coat of Gloss Clear and I used Tamiya Panel Line Accent Color Gray on what panel lines existed, giving the entire model a bit of a wash and wiping in the general direction of air flow. <br />
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I also added a bit more exhaust staining but that's not visible in the photos.<br />
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<h3>
Summary</h3>
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I had fun!<br />
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Not something I'll win awards with, but I like the look of it on my shelf.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SLJr-54P_hoZ1NHO7vhkG-XnEd3u3QRE6CN6NLCVr8M9IrzDANKC0Kbo7XemKwohF0tCtW0VMFFWArSeBF-t8xVJn4puROFrzLTB5iMXE-QeetSxg0jdWxv7QlLFH5E7gInzxHQOORaV/s1600/fullsizeoutput_342.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SLJr-54P_hoZ1NHO7vhkG-XnEd3u3QRE6CN6NLCVr8M9IrzDANKC0Kbo7XemKwohF0tCtW0VMFFWArSeBF-t8xVJn4puROFrzLTB5iMXE-QeetSxg0jdWxv7QlLFH5E7gInzxHQOORaV/s320/fullsizeoutput_342.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Thanks for looking...
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</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-73155657320478176702019-02-08T01:00:00.000-05:002019-02-08T01:00:05.291-05:00Vengeance Dive Bomber<script>
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<i>Vultee Vengeance II, AN709/DB*V, RAF, Khumbirgram, India, 1942</i>
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This is from my shelf of doom. I started this at least 20 years ago, if not longer, when I was able to find the kit for a small sum...somewhere. As part of a "junkyard dogs" group build I finally finished it.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9PAWA-lBmxaBGXSLFp-8USpnC3bsTOcUjfekVUxkCgAx6M7w25Zhc98vS7o54RNvBrvoxXQbEIoc1nYIWQchxdaEjf7JuBVR31B8ZUdwafiFR4t1jHLUqEkXDxRNabUD7wD5uSF483wg/s1600/fullsizeoutput_350.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9PAWA-lBmxaBGXSLFp-8USpnC3bsTOcUjfekVUxkCgAx6M7w25Zhc98vS7o54RNvBrvoxXQbEIoc1nYIWQchxdaEjf7JuBVR31B8ZUdwafiFR4t1jHLUqEkXDxRNabUD7wD5uSF483wg/s320/fullsizeoutput_350.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
The Subject</h3>
<br />
The Vengeance was produced as a response to the success of the Stuka, but by the time it was ready for service the dive bomber was no longer in vogue given most fighters could carry the same bomb load, more accurately, with less crew at risk, do additional missions, and in a smaller package. Given the war situation Vultee was contracted to produce the Vengeance I and II by the MAP and most were delivered to either India or the RAAF.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJaZ4YjIu6hGHhrI1PSXcQjgIxeKOzL51H7-Z-ACW-Id258CwG7jN6XoT5Y4USw5tTLLzqUoSTWnZA3e7HG0TXkrMDdc5aWamdnAVXwIqI0Qo-iyumFbcBoMPrGrQKvWlAX4nOatUDYas/s1600/fullsizeoutput_351.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJaZ4YjIu6hGHhrI1PSXcQjgIxeKOzL51H7-Z-ACW-Id258CwG7jN6XoT5Y4USw5tTLLzqUoSTWnZA3e7HG0TXkrMDdc5aWamdnAVXwIqI0Qo-iyumFbcBoMPrGrQKvWlAX4nOatUDYas/s320/fullsizeoutput_351.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The key difference between the Mk I and II were the wing incidence. The Mk I had a near zero incidence whilst useful in the vertical dive for stability meant that in cruise flight it was nose high and the pilot had difficulty seeing ahead. The Mk II fixed the incidence but the loss of accuracy and inability to make the dive vertically meant the aircraft was less suited for its intended role. Many were used as target towing tugs.
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<br />
AN709 represents a Mk II used in India. However some online references indicate it may have operated out of Australia or New Guinea.
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<br />
<h3>
The Model</h3>
<br /><br />
This is an old Frog-spawn kit released by Smer in the 90's. The decals were actually quite good so I was able to use them. When I first started the kit I used a dark green that was more olive drab and a brown that was more light earth. The actual colors should have been a Dark Earth and Dark Green uppersurface to MAP specifications (meaning a quite close match) and a lower surface that was close to Sky. After arrival it would have received a repaint in local colors as required.
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I'm a bit all over the place with the references for this aircraft so I decided to use a Foliage Green and Earth Brown (very close to Dark Earth) over an RAAF Sky Blue (darker than RAF Sky Blue, but not by much). I did this because the national markings are the RAAF colors, not the FEAF colors used in India.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eu9nBwcKWhC48mmnnM4V4eRFgBogGuZxPhBRkL9euBB4sHOB3TmJAFBmZK74jOIzOkZF9d-uh70p8ccR3RLVbsiioMmItS-loc6as5Q5AEgWoC4BD9Eu29hjBV6qLjihxcMO300LrPUg/s1600/fullsizeoutput_352.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eu9nBwcKWhC48mmnnM4V4eRFgBogGuZxPhBRkL9euBB4sHOB3TmJAFBmZK74jOIzOkZF9d-uh70p8ccR3RLVbsiioMmItS-loc6as5Q5AEgWoC4BD9Eu29hjBV6qLjihxcMO300LrPUg/s320/fullsizeoutput_352.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The canopy is overly thick, and needs a vacform replacement. I may replace it soon as I acquired a nice vacform machine earlier this year and need to practice. I instead decided to focus on figuring out how to create a split radio aerial that is 3 lines from wingtip to tail to wingtip with a center wire to the post. Then a fourth wire runs from the center wire to the starboard side of the fuselage where a junction is located. My solution was to use Uschi 0.001 thread, three lengths joined at the one end with acrylic glue. Once cured it was a bit stiff, so I drilled a small hole in the vertical tail, applied CA and dipped the Uschi end in accelerator, then touched it to the hole. That set the one end. Next was the center to the post, then I took each of the two wingtip lines and cut them slightly shorter and glued them. The last bit was applying some glue to the central wire and fuselage attachment point, then running a bit of Uschi between them. Frankly it was much easier than I thought and I like the appearance.
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<br />
<h3>
Summary</h3>
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This is one of those odd aircraft I wanted on my shelf decades ago, but just never got around to finishing. If I ever do another it will be a modern kit to replace this one.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKddYHwvV2Vk5N5KumbdQj8lbjnYrlxFL9IRqbcGe5Rh0bwLxvcTPyFeuBWGAw0Uvchhu_4H78tITU5DUQmXEYu4UzJWBjp8EjgG8t622C_aKkzQdrpGak9I7lZMY7s5ODWrDjp8wbXD38/s1600/fullsizeoutput_353.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKddYHwvV2Vk5N5KumbdQj8lbjnYrlxFL9IRqbcGe5Rh0bwLxvcTPyFeuBWGAw0Uvchhu_4H78tITU5DUQmXEYu4UzJWBjp8EjgG8t622C_aKkzQdrpGak9I7lZMY7s5ODWrDjp8wbXD38/s320/fullsizeoutput_353.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks for looking...
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-5735665397820053712019-02-04T14:13:00.001-05:002019-02-04T14:13:18.057-05:00Naval Camel<script>
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<i>Sopwith Camel, USS Texas, 1919</i>
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This was part of a group build in our local club, “1/28th Scale Revell Biplanes”. Most guys built theirs in a typical WWI scheme, but I had this subject on my bench in 1/72 so decided to scale up and be a bit different.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispaCMc9k0G130yxjYlAirULWnZ2BWLNpPfqk8jtBEJsUumarrnmvIJS3ghyrcU75nc91xMgafIkWPb5NMqCVIX0LhxsGSYeDua5Lpuz2Aie-c1aK-l2Dg7Z5pvmqISuKSSMhFA5pgd9L2/s1600/fullsizeoutput_33d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispaCMc9k0G130yxjYlAirULWnZ2BWLNpPfqk8jtBEJsUumarrnmvIJS3ghyrcU75nc91xMgafIkWPb5NMqCVIX0LhxsGSYeDua5Lpuz2Aie-c1aK-l2Dg7Z5pvmqISuKSSMhFA5pgd9L2/s320/fullsizeoutput_33d.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
The Subject</h3>
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When the war ended there where a huge number of surplus aircraft, both allied and German. Most were simply burned in place in Europe but a few were brought back for evaluation and the better ones used instead of the poorer allied aircraft in these roles.<br />
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This particular Camel was part of a group of 6 acquired by the US Navy to be used for evaluating aircraft use aboard battleships as scouts and for spotting the shots from battleships. Other aircraft were also evaluated, including Nieuports. Battleships were modified with flying off platforms over the turrets, with the ramps hinged and attached to the gun barrels. Aircraft were “launched” with gravity assistance and ditched next to the ships when the mission was completed. They were then hoisted back aboard.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNONHzHTpc28CnVpWY44beDOLc9XpdUPrYqTh3WFuinrnA08SAJGXo84lTxfXNDu-d8EA3hfk6Ba7f1BrVMkt8oTb0QnC344rQhlN8NSTNhEM3ppZYL4f-GAUy_Q8RE_L29qa19CjXjUH7/s1600/fullsizeoutput_33c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNONHzHTpc28CnVpWY44beDOLc9XpdUPrYqTh3WFuinrnA08SAJGXo84lTxfXNDu-d8EA3hfk6Ba7f1BrVMkt8oTb0QnC344rQhlN8NSTNhEM3ppZYL4f-GAUy_Q8RE_L29qa19CjXjUH7/s320/fullsizeoutput_33c.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The aircraft were modified with a hydroplane attached forward of the landing gear to aid in keeping the aircraft from nosing over when it ditched, and flotation gear under the lower wings to keep the aircraft afloat long enough to connect the hoisting gear.
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These aircraft didn’t last long, and neither did the concept of using landplanes on battleships. Ditching a wooden and linen aircraft into the sea tends to deteriorate them quickly. After about a year, they were discarded and replaced (hey, lots of surplus aircraft still!). By 1922 the Navy was starting to fly floatplanes from battleships, these simply being the same fighter or observation types but with a single or double float underneath.
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<h3>
The Model</h3>
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This is the 1957 issue of the kit, and to a 1/72nd scale modeler, this is a HUGE kit. However it has very few parts and most of the detail is on the outside. There are some details visible internally and these look nice, however they don’t appear accurate when compared to the restored Camel at the National Air & Space Museum. I decided not to correct these details, but I did add PE seatbelts from Copper State Models.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUdQVuegGbKn7cyKs_FbeWKdNLusLTetza2xEP1vWXclGNmjZp9-DtS152TWKQNxyPnZxLq3zkxOAJmPoAXj8kluJwWlZ-sOJoNzo7e5h3GNzf2NtQfRYsVxSbxvWVsThuONY4iItxvxv/s1600/fullsizeoutput_33e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUdQVuegGbKn7cyKs_FbeWKdNLusLTetza2xEP1vWXclGNmjZp9-DtS152TWKQNxyPnZxLq3zkxOAJmPoAXj8kluJwWlZ-sOJoNzo7e5h3GNzf2NtQfRYsVxSbxvWVsThuONY4iItxvxv/s320/fullsizeoutput_33e.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There were a huge number of mold release marks that I filled with a mixture of super glue and baby powder, then sanded smooth. There were also pre-drilled and oversized holes for the provided rigging thread that I filled because they were in the wrong locations and as noted, oversized. While at it, I drilled additional holes for the other rigging and control wires.<br />
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The hydroplane is simply styrene rod in airfoil shape I picked up in a variety pack for biplane interplane struts. Based on photos I built up the frame and attached it using regular glue. Once on it was surprisingly strong.
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I cut a piece of clear acetate for the windscreen, turns out these Camels had multiple types of windscreens so I could pic and choose one that appeared easy to make. Control horns are PE from the same Copper State sheet as the seat belts. There were some additional parts I decided not to use, simply because they would not be visible.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07VoceJ0QRs880nVca2uT_veQzO7k98DZ0ybO80MC5o4PUHWoluIV6T3HBgSEQc6Mjgn-5TAv2l1PJvtfOHKivWOQW62kqSGc99L80bS7dENF6Tnj9B-AUTRSCBOG53QiQQ37Cx8fVqUS/s1600/fullsizeoutput_33b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07VoceJ0QRs880nVca2uT_veQzO7k98DZ0ybO80MC5o4PUHWoluIV6T3HBgSEQc6Mjgn-5TAv2l1PJvtfOHKivWOQW62kqSGc99L80bS7dENF6Tnj9B-AUTRSCBOG53QiQQ37Cx8fVqUS/s320/fullsizeoutput_33b.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For the rigging I used 3 different diameters of elastic thread. The thickest I used for the flying and landing wires and is EZ-Line thread. The other rigging wires are Uschi 0.005 diameter thread and the control wires are Uschi 0.003 diameter thread.<br /><br />
<h3>
Summary</h3><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TeWKL7KwknoXe1hFWSQ6FBLApezsmikjf4Zi4yBknYRT2HJFdMcW8zW7s1wZxuNQsFj_Ou_Gw0TsI3Wo7lSONESMn8DXEphTM1SO0u2BdOQG4k3nt-84NLBsNInz4Nk-NwPAt3YJlKvm/s1600/fullsizeoutput_33a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TeWKL7KwknoXe1hFWSQ6FBLApezsmikjf4Zi4yBknYRT2HJFdMcW8zW7s1wZxuNQsFj_Ou_Gw0TsI3Wo7lSONESMn8DXEphTM1SO0u2BdOQG4k3nt-84NLBsNInz4Nk-NwPAt3YJlKvm/s320/fullsizeoutput_33a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was a fun build, and definitely a conversation starter. Most observers don’t realize it’s a Camel at first, because it’s not camoflaged in the typical PC-10 and linen colors.<br />
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Thanks for looking...
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-43239976851043937032019-01-04T11:06:00.000-05:002019-01-04T11:06:54.730-05:00I have returned<script>
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<i> </i>
<br />
Where do I start? It's been roughly 18 months since my last post. I've continued to build models and collect new kits. I've also reduced the stash a bit and I <i>think</i> I have the whole stash in <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/" target="_blank">Scalemates</a>, albeit probably not corrected statused as to what's a work in progress and what's finished.<br />
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I've been active online, just not here. I shifted over to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/501095680043128/" target="_blank">Grumpy Old Scale Modelers</a> on Facebook for a bit, but had to delete my FB account for a number of reasons I won't go into. Grumpy is run by a very good friend who lives local to me (just down the road about 10 minutes) and his site is what I'm about when it comes to modeling. I just could not do FB any more...<br />
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Grumpy also has a dedicated website -- <a href="https://grumpymodeler.com/" target="_blank">Grumpy Modeler</a> -- that I want to be more active in, but we cannot seem to get much cross-over interest from the FB folks. Darrin and I also found out quickly that generating content for a website takes time...and we both still have jobs that are a jealous mistress.<br />
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I still post over on <a href="https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/forum/23-wwii/" target="_blank">BritModeller, mostly on the WW2 forum</a>, but also sometimes in other places. It's my goto place for research/details before I look elsewhere online as most questions have been asked there already.<br />
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My first check of the day online is with <a href="https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/72nd_aircraft/" target="_blank">72nd Scale Aircraft</a>. Dedicated to the One True Scale, they have forums for other genre, so long as it's 1/72. If I'm going to post a WIP it'll be there.<br />
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I also recently joined <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/modelmakers/" target="_blank">Reddit Modelmakers</a>. Obviously a younger group of modelers (we need younger folks to join, so anything that gets them interested), and it seems a good cross section of genre. The armor seems to get the most upvotes which tells me that's the majority of modelers there. I think they cross over from World of Tanks, World of Ships and World of Aircraft as there are references to "I played that ___ over at Wo[x] and it was so cool!" Some guys, and gals, appear to want a model of the machine they're gaming with. Cool, whatever keeps this hobby alive.<br />
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I actually completed about 25 models over the last 18 months. At least I think I did, certainly feels like I got a lot done. I've started work on the posts for here, but it's a combination of photos (good ones, not just quick ones) and authoring the content. I sometimes wonder if I take my posts just a bit too serious, trying to make them an easy read that includes something of potential interest to the reader? I know when I "lighten up" a bit on my models I do enjoy it more.<br />
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I also, with the help of some local Grumpy Modelers, started having "social modeling" or as we typically call it, "nerd nite". 4-10 of us in the local Southern Maryland Scale Modelers get together every 2 weeks or so, the host provides the vittles and it's strictly BYOB. Plus, we have our travel kits of tools, glues, paints and a model or 4 and work on them while chatting about work, life, history, whatever. In the background is either a game or a movie/documentary (about model subjects, of course!). At around 6pm here on the East Coast of the US one member (Vince) opens up Facebook Live on Grumpy and we chat about our models, or something modeling related. Folks around the world join us and some even ask questions about techniques. Pretty cool stuff.<br />
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So look for some new posts as I catch up. <br />
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Thanks for looking...
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-77882617205993926642018-02-23T01:00:00.006-05:002022-09-30T15:35:31.902-04:00Burma Banshees<script>
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</script>I've posted a new blog entry over at <a href="https://greenshirtmodeler.blog/2022/09/burma-banshees/" target="_blank">greenshirtmodeler.blog</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-90376568387769628482017-07-27T01:00:00.000-04:002019-02-03T18:07:23.035-05:00Swedish Spitfire<script>
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<i>Supermarine S.31 Spitfire, 31040/60 of Flottilj 11, Swedish Flygvapnet, Nykoping, July 1955</i>
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This is the second part of a 2 part effort to clear my shelves of the MPM PR XIX kits I have. The <a href="https://greenshirt-modeler.blogspot.com/2017/07/mk-xix-for-d-day.html">first part</a> was the interim and unpressurized PR XIX (Type 389) delivered in mid-‘44. This is one the standard pressurized PR XIX (Type 390) sold to Sweden post-war.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6k1ZUktQwxR43cinYeO_cgU-rB4bq8_pKYKVZ0OnkBaP-GlQECOq2aNSMCxSqV5d5PaXFLPjFMEhBH4GPNyyQ_XgXT64WU1HuvRNhh-FUx1e0eTahQnwcBTwexWNTUWeEMy9UiCZOLo25/s1600/fullsizeoutput_35f.jpeg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6k1ZUktQwxR43cinYeO_cgU-rB4bq8_pKYKVZ0OnkBaP-GlQECOq2aNSMCxSqV5d5PaXFLPjFMEhBH4GPNyyQ_XgXT64WU1HuvRNhh-FUx1e0eTahQnwcBTwexWNTUWeEMy9UiCZOLo25/s320/fullsizeoutput_35f.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
The Subject</h3>
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This is one of the 203 pressurized PR XIX (Type 390) delivered from late Summer 1944. Post war the RAF did not need so many PR Spitfires and began selling them off to foreign air forces, replacing them with jet aircraft.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1mikjyBzjuhA3STpYejivEXhFZn525LcveBzBsxCyomFC0UGGutGoWkHe6oNOZt5qytuKxRZJTJDFSkG7cGDBhH2gspqCCcpVeVmwPK-X6HWYXbCwlfCMJ4b-ZyPLXaZ1xUzMtOYQj5c/s1600/fullsizeoutput_35d.jpeg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1mikjyBzjuhA3STpYejivEXhFZn525LcveBzBsxCyomFC0UGGutGoWkHe6oNOZt5qytuKxRZJTJDFSkG7cGDBhH2gspqCCcpVeVmwPK-X6HWYXbCwlfCMJ4b-ZyPLXaZ1xUzMtOYQj5c/s320/fullsizeoutput_35d.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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"Spitfire The History" lists 31040 as originally procured as PM499. This was part of an original contract order for the Mk VIII, which was modified for PR XI and PR XIX. There is no history listed for PM499 with the RAF, one web source indicates all the Swedish Spitfires were from Maintenance Unit stocks, having never been assigned to fighting units.
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Sweden attempted to procure Spitfires during the war, and ultimately received 50 of the PR XIX version. These were designated S.31 for Spaningsflygplan (Reconnaissance Aircraft). They were operated from 1948 - 1955.
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<h3>
The Model</h3>
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I'm going to repeat myself here, this is the MPM limited run kit. It comes with photo etch for the landing gear bay and a very crude (okay, none really) cockpit. If installed per the instructions, the floor would be about where the pilot's waist should be...I cannibalized the cockpits from Academy XIV kits, given the shape of the Academy offerings are too far off to be worth it, and I can pick them up for less than the price of a resin cockpit set. Bonus for the price you also get a much better prop, wheels, landing gear and horizontal stabs. All of which I used on both of these MPM PR XIX kits.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixK8-jebE8N5Eod4EADeY7rOdXx1etBscrOaR9eCmuW3Pqv70V5_dP_TPfyf7ka_XhiBuuOe-MPBNw05dUc0q_vK-4tFyefK9Vma-R9K9YKsHkbu_B2CXTfKUlv0wXGG1SK9Zztcjxu8e8/s1600/fullsizeoutput_361.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixK8-jebE8N5Eod4EADeY7rOdXx1etBscrOaR9eCmuW3Pqv70V5_dP_TPfyf7ka_XhiBuuOe-MPBNw05dUc0q_vK-4tFyefK9Vma-R9K9YKsHkbu_B2CXTfKUlv0wXGG1SK9Zztcjxu8e8/s320/fullsizeoutput_361.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used decals from the Airfix PR XIX kit. The MPM decals had a much lighter yellow that just did not look right. I've found photos online that seem to indicate this aircraft may have had a yellow spinner, but at some point also a red spinner. I chose red because it was a nice contrast.
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<h3>
Summary</h3>
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As mentioned on the other build, this is accurate in shape but requires a bit of work to look nice. You need to add some details either from resin or using the Academy F.XIV kit which would be the cheaper option and likely make it worth the effort to build this one.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtrb59gBxZ96gFfhWFj_xbf5PfFsThNJ4ySwJzOzVgZBMXv1mJHpwXXdg3WPo1HYnuUizaCeL2QTtlVSltUgc6dfrYM6cxOqlH1xiQLG4Wn7UMS_rIX5HTXkql95AkrmQc6u_ImKSRDX8/s1600/fullsizeoutput_363.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtrb59gBxZ96gFfhWFj_xbf5PfFsThNJ4ySwJzOzVgZBMXv1mJHpwXXdg3WPo1HYnuUizaCeL2QTtlVSltUgc6dfrYM6cxOqlH1xiQLG4Wn7UMS_rIX5HTXkql95AkrmQc6u_ImKSRDX8/s320/fullsizeoutput_363.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks for looking...
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-21246256314012761322017-07-03T01:00:00.000-04:002019-01-13T12:09:52.145-05:00Mk XIX for D-Day<script>
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<i>Spitfire PR XIX, 541 Squadron, RAF, RM643/Z, 1944</i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxYNmLj_3J87uddAsk81lyWrt6Hw3JJRV4Ch5FHnn69SjK3LHeUjNmvMozEnRW6aakhqrljW4hHHXnZM2ztC4vFgu8j0GraiHOHZGidA_5r4C7PRq3kIwSm4F_IaE0ZIBg5u6rJ1JkhoP/s1600/fullsizeoutput_23b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxYNmLj_3J87uddAsk81lyWrt6Hw3JJRV4Ch5FHnn69SjK3LHeUjNmvMozEnRW6aakhqrljW4hHHXnZM2ztC4vFgu8j0GraiHOHZGidA_5r4C7PRq3kIwSm4F_IaE0ZIBg5u6rJ1JkhoP/s320/fullsizeoutput_23b.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was part of a 2 kit build where I decided to take the two MPM PR XIX kits I had and build one as an early unpressurized type 389 and the other as the pressurized type 390.
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<hr>
<br />
<h3>
The Subject</h3>
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By 1944 high altitude PR missions flown by the Spitfire PR XI, even those fitted with the Merlin 70, where unable to fly high enough to escape interception. Therefore the Air Staff began demanding a PR Spitfire based on the Griffon engine which could achieve higher altitudes.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBiHcdlOCWNp8cE_tgq16oMZ7MoRCpVXYAv7yEnIQpr1689VBNmQyS9odgqoD5AWRXhUT-S1D91SDvXQiz8ldRtKVpP54Y3sGdS_oIBG8_Kj6L1pWZobsNhwm6AkYXbDq2KBA-IL77tZd/s1600/fullsizeoutput_23c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBiHcdlOCWNp8cE_tgq16oMZ7MoRCpVXYAv7yEnIQpr1689VBNmQyS9odgqoD5AWRXhUT-S1D91SDvXQiz8ldRtKVpP54Y3sGdS_oIBG8_Kj6L1pWZobsNhwm6AkYXbDq2KBA-IL77tZd/s320/fullsizeoutput_23c.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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RM643 was part of the initial batch of 22 unpressurized PR XIX that were delivered as early as May 1944. The remaining 203 PR XIX had pressurized cockpits. This aircraft operated out of Benson until mid-1953.
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The fuselage identification stripes time this aircraft to Summer 1945 after wing stripes had been removed.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUn5Xzu21e4CBax2zUbJVYwYIgi-vZpkFqze62haQ_oolEdAn5N9xItQWjqviCHjVVFbjl5eWMbWqFZyniN3OUq0knjLu7NjNBM8rgbeBcfJMFHu7iydRtoH4Q2rzGoR_nS64jn4li9AP/s1600/fullsizeoutput_23d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUn5Xzu21e4CBax2zUbJVYwYIgi-vZpkFqze62haQ_oolEdAn5N9xItQWjqviCHjVVFbjl5eWMbWqFZyniN3OUq0knjLu7NjNBM8rgbeBcfJMFHu7iydRtoH4Q2rzGoR_nS64jn4li9AP/s320/fullsizeoutput_23d.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<h3>
The Model</h3>
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This is the MPM limited run kit. It comes with photo etch for the landing gear bay and a very crude cockpit. If installed per the instructions, the floor would be about where the pilot's waist should be...I cannibalized the cockpits from Academy XIV kits, give the shape of the Academy offerings are too far off to be worth it, and I can pick them up for less than the price of a resin cockpit set. Bonus for the price you also get a much better prop, wheels, landing gear and horizontal stabs. All of which I used on both of these MPM PR XIX kits.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvaQcrK8HOoNOzQveRG1B8uaDV8CqvecDTEj_tKrmXOpuDl__cH3rf67DXMDjtCkGBNEzJXRyRSjxK5eXxlA2nZ4HMcIxTUk4NbDwAYo7a9XFLuULaqQ_-Qifia_-LU54MUsbylTLyhlT/s1600/fullsizeoutput_244.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvaQcrK8HOoNOzQveRG1B8uaDV8CqvecDTEj_tKrmXOpuDl__cH3rf67DXMDjtCkGBNEzJXRyRSjxK5eXxlA2nZ4HMcIxTUk4NbDwAYo7a9XFLuULaqQ_-Qifia_-LU54MUsbylTLyhlT/s320/fullsizeoutput_244.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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While the basic shape is pretty spot on, most of the details are very crude. This is one of those kits that requires lots of dry-fitting and patience. It does return well on your efforts. I had to re-scribe key control surfaces as the mold must be showing some age because my kits both had some plastic in there. Not a difficult job and frankly a fairly easy thing to do.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1aMLoxOinR7AUMXdj01_mZT-ng1WVm6o9zRRkm3Ji3lDVlfB3c1MMn3w0g8c8Huau7EIh14k-E2-tjjqky1IrYWJ9JY8D8lv_RalWNqxsNJ9nKzFGlER_1chpUyZmniaEp830_5w4eV1/s1600/fullsizeoutput_245.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1aMLoxOinR7AUMXdj01_mZT-ng1WVm6o9zRRkm3Ji3lDVlfB3c1MMn3w0g8c8Huau7EIh14k-E2-tjjqky1IrYWJ9JY8D8lv_RalWNqxsNJ9nKzFGlER_1chpUyZmniaEp830_5w4eV1/s320/fullsizeoutput_245.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Making an upressurized PR XIX is really simple: remove the compressor intake on the nose, and paint the rear (non moving) part of the canopy a bit higher up at the bottom. I used the decals from the Fujimi kit, which I plan to put Turkish decals on.
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<h3>
Summary</h3>
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As a kit this is not an easy build, certainly not as easy as either the Fujimi or Arfix XIX kits. I did lots of sanding and polishing to get them right. I've built both the Fujimi and Airfix and they have much better details. However, this MPM offering is more accurate in shape and I received both for a great price (free) as the previous owner did not want to bother with them.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TOkxLIbmUpIq_ZpEbg8bpE-yf-96N9DlgQ1zKwCZoA7bsVIDxJtV5fd-ePOh714h4oB9hkBxwicgnjrdW27olDdwjFb0RPiTY86PAtYDnWWW0rEP6MmF_nyeS2qj1ttx4R-4o928sD3X/s1600/fullsizeoutput_246.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TOkxLIbmUpIq_ZpEbg8bpE-yf-96N9DlgQ1zKwCZoA7bsVIDxJtV5fd-ePOh714h4oB9hkBxwicgnjrdW27olDdwjFb0RPiTY86PAtYDnWWW0rEP6MmF_nyeS2qj1ttx4R-4o928sD3X/s320/fullsizeoutput_246.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks for looking...
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-55227556682499736392017-06-29T01:30:00.000-04:002019-01-04T11:38:33.312-05:00American Hack<script>
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<i> </i>
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<i>Spitfire F.VIII, JF470/HL*R, 308th FS, 31st FG Italy 1944</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCuvGfS8ByZ3Mree_b1rFGYZJ5QVXngOSAP25dKja5DfcPv4fMOtQC-b0_QhJSiDTF7YtqvzmbE4Di73FTW-yNhDcBKLZWJ_4Fev11NGoHxRWS6oQTDJRj9q5CHCzJ19iKzFVK5EQ5Hf8/s1600/fullsizeoutput_23e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCuvGfS8ByZ3Mree_b1rFGYZJ5QVXngOSAP25dKja5DfcPv4fMOtQC-b0_QhJSiDTF7YtqvzmbE4Di73FTW-yNhDcBKLZWJ_4Fev11NGoHxRWS6oQTDJRj9q5CHCzJ19iKzFVK5EQ5Hf8/s320/fullsizeoutput_23e.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
The Subject</h3>
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This is an early Mk VIII, first flying in May 1943. By June it was in North Africa and moved to Fano, Italy in late 1943. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXb0oXd01ImrglUSkFJ4BXUuTdMbcNIz_sTnRCEUweZwSD2pg85I0ypzqll-4NDZQ8zuON7gnUoWB4sPZIwiXwA8ME6UtPGW1S0LVNXJb3BTHgcq6savvmzJzBFD4pj98Z7ExJIJt9hFs/s1600/Spitfire-LFVIII-USAAF-31FG308FS-HLR-JF470-Fano-Italy-1944-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="1000" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXb0oXd01ImrglUSkFJ4BXUuTdMbcNIz_sTnRCEUweZwSD2pg85I0ypzqll-4NDZQ8zuON7gnUoWB4sPZIwiXwA8ME6UtPGW1S0LVNXJb3BTHgcq6savvmzJzBFD4pj98Z7ExJIJt9hFs/s320/Spitfire-LFVIII-USAAF-31FG308FS-HLR-JF470-Fano-Italy-1944-01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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According to records, it had the standard Merlin 63, which means it was not an LF.MkVIII even though some folks erroneously assume clipped wingtips equates to a low flying Spitfire. It was likely delivered with extended wingtips and operations quickly noticed the extended wingtips were not necessary, actually reducing roll performance at the altitudes typically seen operationally. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcl3wNJdfq5kQuweI2Py7n88w2bzlBSCTLPGIa9GRuTR9aMaIyPnVJ7k4K3dRnJaLZnoiHVLof8ILnSz6BfgbH8JbgCoHCk6oSHNuiKf8296NdtRUZH1E6K0L-tciPbClpihkQDgfTK9l/s1600/fullsizeoutput_248.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcl3wNJdfq5kQuweI2Py7n88w2bzlBSCTLPGIa9GRuTR9aMaIyPnVJ7k4K3dRnJaLZnoiHVLof8ILnSz6BfgbH8JbgCoHCk6oSHNuiKf8296NdtRUZH1E6K0L-tciPbClpihkQDgfTK9l/s320/fullsizeoutput_248.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The 308th FS flew Spitfires in North Africa and covered the landings in Sicily. By August 1944 they had re-equipped with the P-51D-5-NA and were escorting bombers flying north from Italian bases.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjRYQpBSX0f9mDeBD209U7rlHnJ5UmGEIv1iSBCTvIsG3R0MMMA2GygAkqEkd1EpabHSSePtZNdAXyi-XSu3CA4wME7qVYeWBFWZYpX1LSdxHRIQ7Ei6LUsnOLJNRjlfyBhlR-8xQ_WXf/s1600/fullsizeoutput_24a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjRYQpBSX0f9mDeBD209U7rlHnJ5UmGEIv1iSBCTvIsG3R0MMMA2GygAkqEkd1EpabHSSePtZNdAXyi-XSu3CA4wME7qVYeWBFWZYpX1LSdxHRIQ7Ei6LUsnOLJNRjlfyBhlR-8xQ_WXf/s320/fullsizeoutput_24a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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JF470 was kept as a squadron hack until about October 1944 when it crashed on landing at Fano, presumably due to flak damage.<br />
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<h3>
The Model</h3>
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This is the Hasegawa kit, number 00723 titled "Spitfire Mk.VIII 'U.S. Army Air Force'". <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxf0pHpCXh4TErOrNjjfATKBmJo3WmgRGM9P7RA4SFf59m42QGcFqFEfBxrc8NuF_cptd4zJxigvPta9J1Hw08WmLN9khmxpUQiTbzb9L21ixuMConlHmfwnKaQOoY9SjE8i9o3iGwila/s1600/fullsizeoutput_241.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxf0pHpCXh4TErOrNjjfATKBmJo3WmgRGM9P7RA4SFf59m42QGcFqFEfBxrc8NuF_cptd4zJxigvPta9J1Hw08WmLN9khmxpUQiTbzb9L21ixuMConlHmfwnKaQOoY9SjE8i9o3iGwila/s320/fullsizeoutput_241.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Typical Hasegawa quality, the model went together quite easily and is almost a weekend build. I did not use the kit's stripe decals, but painted them instead as I generally consider stripes an easy improvement on the basic kit.<br />
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Of note, the Hasegawa late Merlin Spitfires are essentially all the same basic kit, but with differing sprues for the boxed variants. The fuselage and wings support building a VII, VIII, or IX with the "c" wing and later narrow cannon bulges on the upper wings. <br />
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Accuracy-wise the Hasegawa Spitfire is anemic in the fuselage, mostly just aft of the cockpit. I don't find it noticeable unless the model is placed next to an Eduard Spitfire of the same mark. <br />
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<h3>
Summary</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSg0C69BBKodBOqbBiU4FjPyRDq1ccWDHWarVU0o8hjv3up2vnySm3H9-lUyTjdBAM3R350eaZX2_vfhyphenhyphenVAvAqzRg8ZmXO6YckY2pDl2ch0jw-Sm5i8x_RSSaWjVjzDzEJyEw9r2-JxCU/s1600/fullsizeoutput_247.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSg0C69BBKodBOqbBiU4FjPyRDq1ccWDHWarVU0o8hjv3up2vnySm3H9-lUyTjdBAM3R350eaZX2_vfhyphenhyphenVAvAqzRg8ZmXO6YckY2pDl2ch0jw-Sm5i8x_RSSaWjVjzDzEJyEw9r2-JxCU/s320/fullsizeoutput_247.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've got a few more of these and I'll certainly build them given the ease and the fact that I've got so many decals. They make a great "batch build" effort if one wanted to knock out 4-6 models quickly and use up those decals.<br />
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Thanks for looking...
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-87783765502776457402017-05-29T01:00:00.000-04:002017-05-29T01:00:09.072-04:00A build from my youth<script>
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<i>Fi 156C3, 5F+YK, Luftwaffe, North Africa, ca 1941</i>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-8ElN0XpowWogOvU27gRDh7UNrd0KFA2DBXyiAz7vNCwX44RDBnDrWxCRvZTIV6WaNKrcMHBSpMcf7EhMpgYghbUpCBoaGWixPRsE5O2hBTi_VGU1N02Va5L4dZCieXpes4SybY8PeZY/s1600/fullsizeoutput_21d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-8ElN0XpowWogOvU27gRDh7UNrd0KFA2DBXyiAz7vNCwX44RDBnDrWxCRvZTIV6WaNKrcMHBSpMcf7EhMpgYghbUpCBoaGWixPRsE5O2hBTi_VGU1N02Va5L4dZCieXpes4SybY8PeZY/s320/fullsizeoutput_21d.jpeg" width="320" height="213" /></a></div>
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This is the first Heller kit I was able to buy, I think from about 1980, but maybe earlier. It has the hallmarks of my building preferences from 1975-1980: hand painted with enamels, OOB decals, and a bit overzealous with the glue.
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<h3>
The Subject</h3>
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I know little about the subject, albeit I did a quick search on the internet. Idleweiss unit in North Africa, circa 1941. I chose this subject because it wasn't green/green like all the other Luftwaffe models I could get my hands on at the time. THAT, I remember.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJby3jfWTaNkPfvkMJ_QexhQrKcf8rxqhNXBdFUhqRWaXG-zuWkB8YI1Df4CuD2lGlmd6xYzFb4BrLqCMs1QaPWCH-ekYyCqrw4wHWdSiTIbii4cn8fcDZ6s6y-97A-Vbi2nu2xm7UVAv6/s1600/fullsizeoutput_212.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJby3jfWTaNkPfvkMJ_QexhQrKcf8rxqhNXBdFUhqRWaXG-zuWkB8YI1Df4CuD2lGlmd6xYzFb4BrLqCMs1QaPWCH-ekYyCqrw4wHWdSiTIbii4cn8fcDZ6s6y-97A-Vbi2nu2xm7UVAv6/s320/fullsizeoutput_212.jpeg" width="320" height="213" /></a></div>
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Some photos seem to suggest this was used by Rommel. Possible. He certainly moved around in a Storch if he wanted to see the battle field from the air. Not quite so sure he was in THIS particular Storch.
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<h3>
The Model</h3>
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What I remember of this build is that I took a weekend to finish it. Purchased on a Saturday (I'm certain, as the rest of the week I would have been either in school or at work). Construction was pretty much done by the afternoon. First bits of white, light blue and green paint on by midnight. Sunday morning I put on the tan squiggles. By Sunday evening I was putting decals on it. Apparently I sprayed it with a coat of flat lacquer (Testor's Dull Coat??) because the finish is dead flat and the glazing is a bit frosty.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45_penp6mobPcp7D_UdLhBPVcDPe4LHydoHPfEJwHSvis8rIUm4t_1nUFjaraxefAsYzF5NJw9OVUzm_xn4-ifk5ZOWk9zCcbO5l7Ou-LOxJGOKVfaNjEfEhh07anU8DJQZ1pXU7fbsGv/s1600/fullsizeoutput_226.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45_penp6mobPcp7D_UdLhBPVcDPe4LHydoHPfEJwHSvis8rIUm4t_1nUFjaraxefAsYzF5NJw9OVUzm_xn4-ifk5ZOWk9zCcbO5l7Ou-LOxJGOKVfaNjEfEhh07anU8DJQZ1pXU7fbsGv/s320/fullsizeoutput_226.jpeg" width="320" height="213" /></a></div>
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The decals have yellowed over time. Noticeable on the white backgrounds. At one point it had thread of some sort because I rigged the antenna per the instructions (had never done that before!). I remember it being a royal bear to get the thread to stick...likely I was using the only glues I had on hand, like Testor's tube cement. That did not survive 11 moves around the world while I was in the Navy.
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<h3>
Summary</h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0t97cr1bRBbhrc3pVRFztXTeJxW8lEaPQ4CV5z3C0auYeNA_ijZHk15V5sN0N8BECZVIdBJF-3FqoVirNcLIen2Ebz144UQeF5mT9zp2yDyHFEUPvPjpJgXcYkwpzoBE0rpfRrnG-01HX/s1600/fullsizeoutput_231.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0t97cr1bRBbhrc3pVRFztXTeJxW8lEaPQ4CV5z3C0auYeNA_ijZHk15V5sN0N8BECZVIdBJF-3FqoVirNcLIen2Ebz144UQeF5mT9zp2yDyHFEUPvPjpJgXcYkwpzoBE0rpfRrnG-01HX/s320/fullsizeoutput_231.jpeg" width="320" height="196" /></a></div>
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I remember being quite proud of this one back in my teens. First "real" model, the detail was awesome and it went together so well I just had to find more Heller kits. I went right out and got a Tempest the next weekend. The Tempest did not survive the moves at all. I still have the canopy and wheels in my spares box.
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Thanks for looking...
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-52799111341310223422017-05-24T01:00:00.000-04:002017-05-24T01:00:21.509-04:00Model Photography<script>
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<i> </i>
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Ha ha! I just realized after typing in the title that this post will likely crop up on a lot of searches having nothing to do with 1/72nd scale aircraft or plastic models...er...never mind. <br />
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I've been struggling with photographing my models for the last few months. Set up the booth and lights, take pictures, then tear down the booth and lights and pack it away. It wasn't helping with my ability to post here as I would delay taking those photos until I could do a batch.<br />
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And then suddenly the quality of the photos was crap. I mean the lighting was bad, exposure bad, focus poor, depth of field all out of wack. You name it, it was not coming out well. I also decided to start putting my builds on line as Works-in-Progress (WIP) and that needed a faster method of photography...too many folks online seemed to be able to quickly take photos (daily) and post them easily on the forums.<br />
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So I asked questions. My biggest hurdle seemed to be hosting the photos. I could host them here but I'm not sure how long Google will allow that. I guess, technically, none of us really know how long any of our photos will be hosted given the fine print in the agreements we quickly click through to get on with our lives essentially say the hosting site gets to decide everything unilaterally in the future. Whenever that future comes.<br />
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So I shifted into using my iPhone6 for WIPs and my trusty Canon DSLR (Rebel T3) for the final photos for this blog. And I started asking for help. Lots of help.<br />
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What have I learned?<br />
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Firstly, my background is not quite right. Mid-blue. Why mid-blue? That's the color that came with the portable booth. Then I realized my white balance was all off. So I tried using auto white balance but that seemed to make it worse, not better. Just to my eye, BTW...my wife couldn't see a difference. <br />
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I'm looking into a homemade frame made of ??? (PVC pipe from DIY store?) that I can attache a roll of white-ish barrier paper to. The advantage of the DIY frame is that I can size it for my larger models...the Lancasters, Sunderlands, Liberators and Flying Fortresses. I won't then be so afraid to build them given I can't photograph them. Additionally, I can change the background out, if I want.<br />
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But until then, I'm watching Paul Budzik's outstanding <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrdcVbQE5fUvTKxMbhnN_KQ" target="_blank">videos on Photographing Models.</a> I've already created a gray card for standardizing my white balance for each session / model. <br />
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I've set my ISO to 200 to better balance speed and exposure. <br />
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I got a remote shutter release to eliminate camera shake. Okay, turns out the shake is still there from the mirror moving, but I haven't yet figured out how to lock my mirror open. <br />
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My f-stop is set to 29 to create a larger depth of field.<br />
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I've moved my camera away from the model, and the macro-zoom allows me to frame the subject, capturing enough to allow me to crop it for display on this blog.<br />
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I'm still learning, but the photos have already improved. I still can't move quickly, but it's better.<br />
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As for my iPhone6...I'm finding that a strong light on my work surface (already there for modeling) is "good enough" for WIP photos if I position the phone just so. <br />
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I'd love to have a dedicated corner of my work room just for photography, but that won't happen. I'd rather have it for display at this stage. There is a spot "over there in the other basement room" that would work...but my wife owns that room.<br />
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Thanks for looking...
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-1772196124557127142017-05-21T13:00:00.000-04:002017-05-21T13:00:27.464-04:00NMF Spitfire<script>
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<i>Spitfire F Mk VIII, 307th FS, 31st FG, Italy 1944</i>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuUngTvARHh_Oo5jo7lHdc4b7vBSD4nvkbCSFQE7JldgywWecbYH5Uw9b7Ia8t8BIkmU71_mz-yjCfkwSVUheV9TGDfbILUXQAH7la-xls5db8PTHqLgiYbN6PjvPFK33NJAbuCJgHVPe/s1600/fullsizeoutput_230.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuUngTvARHh_Oo5jo7lHdc4b7vBSD4nvkbCSFQE7JldgywWecbYH5Uw9b7Ia8t8BIkmU71_mz-yjCfkwSVUheV9TGDfbILUXQAH7la-xls5db8PTHqLgiYbN6PjvPFK33NJAbuCJgHVPe/s320/fullsizeoutput_230.jpeg" width="320" height="207" /></a></div>
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This may have been easy, but it still took me 3 months from start to finish!
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<br />
<h3>
The Subject</h3>
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The 31st Fighter Group used Spitfires for hacks during the last year of the war. As I understand it, they were flying P-51 Mustangs and retained a few reverse lend-lease Spitfires for the squadron CO's (or Operations Officer I would presume) to run about the theater when a critical meeting of leaders was needed face-to-face.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIu17phONZutuUiDhOy8QafHcbpxqRaI5xaFDdTbfFlWJAHV9w3K_SnNq0Ft-l3YMKlC8DXj9261wkYeW3rMeOgegIXPuhDOxZkKLimSaA2OH_LoP6vG9VY4KUT0NfbMmWo8XnvUlJpxTQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_21e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIu17phONZutuUiDhOy8QafHcbpxqRaI5xaFDdTbfFlWJAHV9w3K_SnNq0Ft-l3YMKlC8DXj9261wkYeW3rMeOgegIXPuhDOxZkKLimSaA2OH_LoP6vG9VY4KUT0NfbMmWo8XnvUlJpxTQ/s320/fullsizeoutput_21e.jpeg" width="320" height="213" /></a></div>
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"MX" was stripped of paint and unit markings were applied. In my view, it should have been given an aircraft-in-squadron letter or number, but apparently it did not. Maybe the only known photos are pre-application of that letter/number so we are making an assumption that it never had them. Anyway, that is what this subject represents.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglodpy7mp_mUEhiElWKXThjAhcBe3nXsrupIfZuidvPKcFcKsN4JjiygQCJg7ng-2ZXZbCqEvdf1pggo5ck5OFdVu7sXNSK3ugs9bV1Ap8j93tsgp9fGy4ptVHhrmEblKxis2krEL2ZiTn/s1600/fullsizeoutput_213.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglodpy7mp_mUEhiElWKXThjAhcBe3nXsrupIfZuidvPKcFcKsN4JjiygQCJg7ng-2ZXZbCqEvdf1pggo5ck5OFdVu7sXNSK3ugs9bV1Ap8j93tsgp9fGy4ptVHhrmEblKxis2krEL2ZiTn/s320/fullsizeoutput_213.jpeg" width="320" height="213" /></a></div>
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I also wonder if the aircraft would have retained it's 20mm cannon. I left them on for this build because it was simpler. If they access to spares to keep the bird flying they probably had access to the appropriate ordnance.
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<h3>
The Model</h3>
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This is the Hasegawa late Merlin Spitfire kit, in a "U.S. Army Air Force" boxing of the Mk VIII variant. Kit number 00723 from 2004. The sprues are engineered to offer a HF Mk VII, F Mk VIII, or an middle or late F/LF Mk IXc. This particular boxing did not have the VII bits in it, but had everything to build either the VIII or IX. These kits are quite expensive nowadays, unfortunately, as they suffer some inaccuracy and the Eduard Spitfires beat these kits hands down for both detail and accuracy.
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I decided to start WIP stories for each of my kits, which I'll document on the <a href="http://z15.invisionfree.com/72nd_Aircraft/index.php?showtopic=8960">72nd Scale Aircraft forum</a> instead of here. I will discuss what I've done uniquely about this kit.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vs1KxJJCA0wmxi8Zny8fyTpyozBP-MoQvTMADO5OJnhfrb9axMHX9EO_o-1jBqHYWeCjo-Nti0VCw4bMdQa-kBeneq8VVNt6UIydrALz-Vmmc6ym77n83mb3GUOqqEw89gB6qoChWX-5/s1600/fullsizeoutput_223.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vs1KxJJCA0wmxi8Zny8fyTpyozBP-MoQvTMADO5OJnhfrb9axMHX9EO_o-1jBqHYWeCjo-Nti0VCw4bMdQa-kBeneq8VVNt6UIydrALz-Vmmc6ym77n83mb3GUOqqEw89gB6qoChWX-5/s320/fullsizeoutput_223.jpeg" width="320" height="213" /></a></div>
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I decided to attempt the natural metal finish on this model because I hadn't done one in years and even then it was simply paint the entire model a silver color. Lately I've been building models that required an aluminum paint over either metal or fabric, and some are in the queue that have both fabric and metal painted aluminum...and there is a difference in the tone. So instead of simply painting it all one shade of Aluminum I decided to get some of the recent acrylic metallic paints and give them a try.
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In this case, I started with Model Master Aluminum enamel as the base coat. I then masked off areas that I wanted lighter and sprayed them Vallejo White Aluminum. Then I did the same for Vallejo Dark Aluminum. I had no idea "what" would be each shade but I decided to experiment a bit and try to be symmetrical. I knew the cowling got hot so wanted to make it darker, but otherwise kinda let my imagination go. After the White Aluminum I was quite pleased with how it was progressing and frankly if I'd stopped there could have been quite happy. So for the Dark Aluminum I hand painted a few removable panels as well as the cowling. Yuck! Way to contrasty and the look was terrible. After lots of contemplation I did a combination of misting lightly the MM Aluminum enamel over the cowling and then misting it over the entire model to "tone down" the effects. Voila!
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<h3>
Summary</h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrsFzQ-RS1MuPRCbfB1EggogWSy3UaNromHgNUP38dBS4g7aSs2zs9EwIDFqE5DjrsRtlyajomlvEQb15dIXwKbkzNHBSmJ61TOu0AkkSAWk6LqANbJZHnTlir8EDlgo4lOlz6xE40_Yw/s1600/fullsizeoutput_22e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrsFzQ-RS1MuPRCbfB1EggogWSy3UaNromHgNUP38dBS4g7aSs2zs9EwIDFqE5DjrsRtlyajomlvEQb15dIXwKbkzNHBSmJ61TOu0AkkSAWk6LqANbJZHnTlir8EDlgo4lOlz6xE40_Yw/s320/fullsizeoutput_22e.jpeg" width="320" height="213" /></a></div>
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I'm quite pleased with this model. Yes, it's not accurate but frankly the Hasegawa late Merlin Spitfires are extremely easy to build. As a kit they are great, if expensive. I got lucky and acquired mine online as part of a "lot" and got a few of them for about $3 USD apiece. That was nearly 10 years ago and now they fetch well over $30. Not worth it IMO given the much cheaper Airfix IX and the extremely high value for money for the Eduard kits. Since I have them, I'll build them.
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Thanks for looking...
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-41201852787423788282017-03-20T01:00:00.000-04:002017-03-20T01:00:15.678-04:00Low and slow<script>
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<i>Nakajima B5N2 "Kate" torpedo bomber, B1-310, Lt. Joichi Tomonaga, at Midway; 4 June 1942</i>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3r7oX2DmxV1uPE4v4VA1VRqJ20zhgYFF2bRdS7UtE4sjq3B1sKoDMjbuK_KUipJ9yE7vlCmponnMAe9fnrf4VMaaUgqVXvXa5x430Ta45SqzTTo2wLrVhOHmnxs9TPscAQiQQd9glvNY/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1dd.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3r7oX2DmxV1uPE4v4VA1VRqJ20zhgYFF2bRdS7UtE4sjq3B1sKoDMjbuK_KUipJ9yE7vlCmponnMAe9fnrf4VMaaUgqVXvXa5x430Ta45SqzTTo2wLrVhOHmnxs9TPscAQiQQd9glvNY/s320/fullsizeoutput_1dd.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the second half of a "dogfight double" by Airfix that I completed for a theme build focused on "Low and Slow" subjects. I tried the salt weathering method on this one, otherwise it was an OOB build.
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<h3>
The Subject</h3>
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During the Battle of Midway, on 4 June 1942, a section of Kates attacked the USS YORKTOWN (CV-5). LCDR Jimmy Thach, the CO of VF-3 which was assigned to YORKTOWN, was part of the CAP and attacked the Gates. Tomonaga's Kate was one of those shot down by Thach that day.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjuxSWQWruoaYDhrAzOMgo_7IHRZTnWBgklwAtYFGmNCGlcPu0iiXf5oBRP6CE6hF5baenLM_H8C8MiTl5y6_w4N-AKJb9As46s68eHGi-FNAO8UmsHBGqyb5d2Brju7eUIXeHWBIND9u/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1e9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjuxSWQWruoaYDhrAzOMgo_7IHRZTnWBgklwAtYFGmNCGlcPu0iiXf5oBRP6CE6hF5baenLM_H8C8MiTl5y6_w4N-AKJb9As46s68eHGi-FNAO8UmsHBGqyb5d2Brju7eUIXeHWBIND9u/s320/fullsizeoutput_1e9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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B1-310 was one of a group of Kates assigned to Hiryu and participated in the attacks on Pearl Harbor on 7 December, 1941. These Kates were originally (factory) painted in Ameiro, or a caramel gray color overall just like the A6M Zeros and D3A Vals of the typical IJN pre-war carrier air wings. En route to Pearl Harbor the Kates were given a coat of dark green on their upper surfaces to help conceal them from above over the waters of Pearl Harbor. By the time of Midway, survivors were showing wear to the green paint, even though the underlying Ameiro was still holding up well. Factory new B5N2 aircraft by this time were painted green on their upper surfaces, and the paint was well adhered to the airframe, so these examples would appear much more homogenous in their paint schemes.
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<h3>
The Model</h3>
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I've always wanted this aircraft on my shelf, and while I have an old Hasegawa B5N2 Kate it was made 25+ years ago and reflects not only my knowledge of IJN aircraft schemes but also the available knowledge in the modeling community. In other words, that old kit is in the absolutely wrong colors! I was able to find some photos from Nick Millman who graciously shared them and while it appears that B1-310 does not have any surviving photos, photos of similar B5N2's at the time have survived and indicate a rather natty appearance. This both gives me freedom to weather it as I see fit but also mandates that the ameiro color show through in that natty appearance or it just would not be right.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMVVRIr4RpBERjiEQ2DIewEmTDy4HTnYasUbXt4ReeBKXFjS8YPjSdpxhjD94F3IALDpHfhT-R8zw3VbEluG8zUZoX14LPcsj8VuFZ3vO-V8a1dESoKxnHOSw0M0NrVqaR7YudQQ5SnbW/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1f9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMVVRIr4RpBERjiEQ2DIewEmTDy4HTnYasUbXt4ReeBKXFjS8YPjSdpxhjD94F3IALDpHfhT-R8zw3VbEluG8zUZoX14LPcsj8VuFZ3vO-V8a1dESoKxnHOSw0M0NrVqaR7YudQQ5SnbW/s320/fullsizeoutput_1f9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Construction was straightforward; with the new Airfix kits accuracy is quite good and the engineering is amazing. Unfortunately it really does mean the modeler must follow the instructions as fit is so tight that any mistakes will result in a very poor looking model. After painstakingly painting the cockpit interior all the right colors, I closed up the fuselage and not a thing was visible! The olive green used in the interior (Tamiya XF-71 Cockpit Green) is not dark, but with the small openings it all comes out as just a single dark shade. I did add seat belts from masking tape, painted a bronze green color to give it a solid contrast.
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The basic ameiro color is described as "grey poupon" or a "brownish RLM02". Huh? I found a recipe using Humbrol paints that was well like by Nick, specifically 8 parts Hemp (Hu168), 1 part Khaki (Hu159) and 1 part Midstone (Hu225). Since I had Gunze Hemp, and Tamiya Khaki plus my own recipe for Midstone, I tried this mix and it came out to a yellow-brown RLM02, but I didn't want to quibble at this point. My color mixing skills are not yet where I'd like them and while I know I can add some color and get brown, I have enough pots of brown mixed from various shades of other colors. I don't need to risk making another...
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After painting the model overall ameiro, I then glued the canopy on, applying Eduard masks (which are nirvana when it comes to painting a canopy like this one!) and then gooped some salt, dampened with some water, onto the top of the model. After it had dried thoroughly (it turned white to confirm it) I sprayed XF-11 IJN Green on the topside. I purposely did not spray it evenly. I also lightly misted the tops of the ailerons, flaps and elevators, and the rudder to ensure they were a different tone, being fabric. After the initial clean up of all the salt I realized one side looked like it had been mistreated so I reapplied the ameiro and salt and tried again. Much better.
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The other colors I used were a mix of black and Gunze H77 tire black to get a "blacker blue-black" for the cowling, as Nakajima used a "blacker blue-black" than did Mitsubishi. For the metal interiors such as the cowling and gear bay I first sprayed aluminum and then lightly misted metallic blue. This color should be more green but I'm not prepared to mix up that color.
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Decals went on fairly easily with Daco soft and sometimes Daco medium. I had to be patient because initially they didn't behave, but eventually with multiple applications they finally tamed. Then I coated it overall with a misting of micro scale satin to seal everything in.
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<h3>
Summary</h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg206gr-H0UJ3eNtAT-mEKjTT5fLxjaPpb07JQKX_BVj51IvAnX21Q2jUBBhKyLzkQiGcSZLEZ6bZhZxlNYhbq90ubGCqnpafs-7aK0x0aO5AkPdQ3pRgLd14cgb-A4TJJmQOjduCH2WRho/s1600/fullsizeoutput_207.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg206gr-H0UJ3eNtAT-mEKjTT5fLxjaPpb07JQKX_BVj51IvAnX21Q2jUBBhKyLzkQiGcSZLEZ6bZhZxlNYhbq90ubGCqnpafs-7aK0x0aO5AkPdQ3pRgLd14cgb-A4TJJmQOjduCH2WRho/s320/fullsizeoutput_207.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was a very easy build, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've got two more as well as the B5N1 with the earlier cowling. I'm looking forward to completing at least one with folded wings.
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Thanks for looking...
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-53404127822103625812017-03-17T11:14:00.000-04:002017-03-17T11:14:00.978-04:00Space<script>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3ou3f7sQa4qT9Rtfc5Sswe-TozztCvDk25lGzBmlLL6hxeglRxjYeKj2bSljdCHtpWTjrKfChdNcHdWJ8LwQRJeD_nKdJGx5epmiSHmXU5tSiMOX9iWgAn2gK6TziMkbD6i7zH5jSRjL/s1600/IMG_1054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3ou3f7sQa4qT9Rtfc5Sswe-TozztCvDk25lGzBmlLL6hxeglRxjYeKj2bSljdCHtpWTjrKfChdNcHdWJ8LwQRJeD_nKdJGx5epmiSHmXU5tSiMOX9iWgAn2gK6TziMkbD6i7zH5jSRjL/s320/IMG_1054.JPG" width="320" height="240" /></a></div>
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This is not meant to be a show-n-tell of my hobby room, but a near term dilemma: how to display my models when completed? While I have many shelves, about half of them are filled with my stash. Yes, I could temporarily move them to a hidden closet somewhere, but I'm likely to forget about them. That HAS happened in the past!
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<br>
So I was over at a friend's house lately and he was describing his philosophy on display: 1/72 goes on a stick, 1/48 on its wheels. But he does not mix scales on the same shelf or even the same cabinet. So as he approaches the same challenge of "where to display and how" his solution is to shift to a "1/72 on its wheels and 1/48 on sticks" approach. His idea is that he can fill in above the 1/48 scale subjects, and fill in below the 1/72 scale. What a brilliant idea!
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<br>
I've purchased some acrylic rod in 1/8 and 1/4 inch diameters -- this stuff comes in 6 foot lengths! I also have some display stands I've picked up over the years just to have on hand for some projects I had not thought of yet. I now need to start planning for some "in flight" displays. As my <a href="http://greenshirt-modeler.blogspot.com/2017/03/sometimes-you-just-have-to-take-it-easy.html">Airfix Firefly V</a> shows, one option is to ignore the cockpit and just paint the interior, the other is on my <a href="http://greenshirt-modeler.blogspot.com/2014/10/high-flying-spitfire.html">Airfix Spitfire VI</a>, where I found a pilot and gave him a proper uniform.
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The likely path forward is a mix of both, obviously, and I think I'll focus on cockpits only in the more modern kits that actually have a cockpit...presuming I have a suitable set of aviators to sit in the seats. Since my collection of kits is made up of about 50/50 old/new kits, that's not going to be that hard. I also have a bag of aircrew in various sizes laying around somewhere...
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Thanks for looking...
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<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-57367973065178167952017-03-13T01:00:00.001-04:002017-03-13T01:00:24.555-04:00Sometimes, you just have to take it easy.<script>
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<i>Fairey Firefly FR.5, WB351/202/K, HMAS Sydney, RAN, Korea, 1951-52</i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cLFncT2M9j_339UaxAuY0G_tES9O3fQsGZBfG-S_bKilGGO3ZPTN8oAncIh7aeOkth12zgdrfs_mdWC3CtctBvXmdovpoGZ3xar4UBEyQC4YMgwP7s880iQyrPmA3K9TJA7_WJdl3NDC/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1de.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cLFncT2M9j_339UaxAuY0G_tES9O3fQsGZBfG-S_bKilGGO3ZPTN8oAncIh7aeOkth12zgdrfs_mdWC3CtctBvXmdovpoGZ3xar4UBEyQC4YMgwP7s880iQyrPmA3K9TJA7_WJdl3NDC/s320/fullsizeoutput_1de.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This was a "free to me" kit found on the spare parts table at a recent club meeting.
<br /><br />
<h3>The Subject</h3>
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The Royal Australian Navy had a few Firefly FR.5 aircraft just prior to the Korean war but these were in a modification program to upgrade them to FR.6 standard. So the Royal Navy loaned a few to outfit the RAN carrier HMAS Sydney. WB351/202/K represents just one of these Fireflys.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdouEm0aYWwi3NZSdZigXaCrpT4a5q-UTqz56VkP0xc00BXGAeZrsyB9pl9SKXHk6a4aYcHiXEidyOCRlpBJVailVapFXuSyPh1FvkMVLeatTb2p8C2Ew9B4IAb3P7J1HbPIWB6TyG64W/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1f0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdouEm0aYWwi3NZSdZigXaCrpT4a5q-UTqz56VkP0xc00BXGAeZrsyB9pl9SKXHk6a4aYcHiXEidyOCRlpBJVailVapFXuSyPh1FvkMVLeatTb2p8C2Ew9B4IAb3P7J1HbPIWB6TyG64W/s320/fullsizeoutput_1f0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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RAN aircraft support strikes against North Korean supply lines; I suspect this subject is supposed to represent 1 of the 3 Firefly's that supported the longest helicopter flight at the time. This was the flight of a USN UP-28 Dragonfly on a rescue mission over North Korea; the Firefly's providing escort to "Uncle Peter" which was rescuing a downed crew from a RAN Firefly and returning at their extreme fuel range.
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<h3>
The Model</h3>
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This is an old kit. Very old...not as old as myself, but it was released in 1966 by Airfix as part of their "red stripe" series. That's about the same time I started modeling. Lots of rivets had to be removed and because the cockpit was sparse and missing some bits (hey, it WAS on the free/parts bin table) I decided to not only close it up but not put anything inside and just put it on the stick with a clouded interior.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-3dzszCZ2GRPRywT52-bmELpXSaUlJTm__5lpIDAhdaCnvHRbUyl6to23ygNmEZ9Wv2zSXW3qaP4tVZXWeTLm8FK-wNsy36qZu-kFet3TNVmavsF7LzII3Mn2v4HnaMYhjmHEgqK9h3v/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1f2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-3dzszCZ2GRPRywT52-bmELpXSaUlJTm__5lpIDAhdaCnvHRbUyl6to23ygNmEZ9Wv2zSXW3qaP4tVZXWeTLm8FK-wNsy36qZu-kFet3TNVmavsF7LzII3Mn2v4HnaMYhjmHEgqK9h3v/s320/fullsizeoutput_1f2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I took 3 weekends of 2 hours each weekend to pull this one together. I did ensure alignment, cleaned up the seams and generally focused on fit/finish. I tried 2 new things for this kit: Hataka acrylics and "spinning prop" by simply filling the spinner. For that latter bit I wanted to see how it looked. I kinda like the look...
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I had purchased a Hataka set of FAA paints consisting of Interior Grey-Green, Sky Type S, Extra Dark Sea Grey, Dark Slate Grey, Sky Grey and Insignia White. The verdict is still out from on these paints. I frankly like the colors and want them to work. I found these to be too thin to brush paint and too thick to airbrush. The package said they could do both well (first red flag) and the bottles indicate they are airbrush-ready. I had to crank the pressure up to 30 psi and add a drop of thinner to the cup to get it to spray through my Iwata airbrush. I plan to add some self-leveling thinner and experiment a bit before I give up. They covered well and were easily masked.
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The kit decals were yellowed and out of register. So I found some roundels in my stash and masked off the stripes. Instead of printing a new set of WB351/202/K black on decal film I decided to try experiment #3...add a thin film of Microscale Decal Film to salvage the original decals. It worked quite well, however even with Microscale's decal set/sol they didn't settle down, so I hit them with a drop of Daco soft and they settled right down. As seen in the photos, they still cracked in a couple of places, but they don't look bad. The yellowing nearly disappeared against the Sky paint, however the camera seems to catch the yellow better than my eye did.
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<h3>
Summary</h3>
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I had fun with this one. I have another kit in the stash, but overall it looks small compared to say a Spitfire. I would have expected a late war 2 seater to be noticeably bigger. The cowling looks like it could barely fit a Merlin, much less the Griffon they used.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkQl0EpgL_dOSEJJWQKxJIG-nIUCIPK1S0vUq8JpK2Nx_EbriwWWaByTK3tFEgm2ERSXShvU_a3L08pcChaUgyjfylXIh9WEzDPPvXd236L95u0XZu6liNCIDZ782PxOqSQIOsuEDibgb/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1e4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkQl0EpgL_dOSEJJWQKxJIG-nIUCIPK1S0vUq8JpK2Nx_EbriwWWaByTK3tFEgm2ERSXShvU_a3L08pcChaUgyjfylXIh9WEzDPPvXd236L95u0XZu6liNCIDZ782PxOqSQIOsuEDibgb/s320/fullsizeoutput_1e4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks for looking...
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-34145716082828527602017-02-26T01:00:00.000-05:002017-03-10T13:18:19.485-05:00That was easy!<script>
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<i>Spitfire LF Mk IXc, MH712/WX*D, No. 302 Squadron, 1944 </i>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62kabywp6jUPkECrXgryXSZVOwS6q0lVpUGqZ4j0Vl-XuuKutYXLUej2x1oRDHlBROlKkhzlfSHmIw50bZVU6M8OAT0rnWE1K1HJdaqSfXy41P_ypyie4Lwa5_FNbTv_Tbd_15yIwKU_v/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1dc.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62kabywp6jUPkECrXgryXSZVOwS6q0lVpUGqZ4j0Vl-XuuKutYXLUej2x1oRDHlBROlKkhzlfSHmIw50bZVU6M8OAT0rnWE1K1HJdaqSfXy41P_ypyie4Lwa5_FNbTv_Tbd_15yIwKU_v/s320/fullsizeoutput_1dc.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Too much has been written about this kit already. I figure it's my turn to gush.<br />
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<h3>
The Subject</h3>
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No. 302 Squadron was one of the first Spitfire squadrons to land at Normandy shortly after the invasion. MH712 is credited as the mount of Warrant Officer Henryk Dygala, a Polish pilot flying with the RAF.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcOfTdGuE4kEvi3MPvGQb6e4WytsWTNEVTvUqtF5VvBFSBdAcGQMDNW-1qnUVZztwv8r0P08ZAUfdLHO4l6Rv7VgmBSf6h81A5qFQABioBfO6hJRlrWgVXyS_QBq3UyKYJbuBmu3IUNRC/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1f7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcOfTdGuE4kEvi3MPvGQb6e4WytsWTNEVTvUqtF5VvBFSBdAcGQMDNW-1qnUVZztwv8r0P08ZAUfdLHO4l6Rv7VgmBSf6h81A5qFQABioBfO6hJRlrWgVXyS_QBq3UyKYJbuBmu3IUNRC/s320/fullsizeoutput_1f7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The timeframe is likely late Summer or early Autumn, as the upper surface recognition stripes of Night/White stripes have been removed per an order issued in late July. This aircraft also has the later pointed rudder that was likely a recent upgrade as the aircraft was used for bombing as part of 2nd TAF. Wing bomb racks are installed to carry a 250 lb bomb under each wing.<br />
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<h3>
The Model</h3>
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This is the Profi-Pack which contains the sprues for a late Mk IXc (but with all the bits for an early F Mk IXc), masks, and PE. Decals for 6 subjects. Enough spares to tart up at least two more Spitfire kits...<br />
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The most difficult aspect of these kits is one must follow the instructions to ensure one uses the correct wheel wells, landing gear and fuselage details for the specific variant being built. Order is somewhat important...you certainly can construct the wings before the cockpit bit don't attempt to insert the cockpit bits after closing up the fuselage. And you have to decide early whether the canopy will be open or closed; cockpit door open or closed.
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The PE was not really fiddly. This isn't my first attempt at PE but in the past it was all very simple stuff, usually just one or two bits and paint it all after construction. This one is pre-painted and there are quite a bit of items to work with. It was time consuming but looked beautiful once done. Is it worth it? Not for me, as once done the model goes on a shelf and other than me knowing the details are there it's all not too visible. When I showed the model to my wife she didn't "see" any of it until I pointed it out!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO82AgzuonSViiWN1tdQAKHunKdvuKn-NS7-oU7jBb1RC_vIHjXMGzXCw6k4_FI5_kiwizZiW9wSnbC49jAh2R1eCd7YIsrxh7H82ksB8tKpPyOuOs-aBW1-NPPIxDQ8c3pu0zHQRmK5LR/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1e8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO82AgzuonSViiWN1tdQAKHunKdvuKn-NS7-oU7jBb1RC_vIHjXMGzXCw6k4_FI5_kiwizZiW9wSnbC49jAh2R1eCd7YIsrxh7H82ksB8tKpPyOuOs-aBW1-NPPIxDQ8c3pu0zHQRmK5LR/s320/fullsizeoutput_1e8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Construction was quite straightforward. The plastic is crisp and hard, takes Tamiya extra thin cement well and it was no time at all I was ready for seam cleanup. Very little seam cleanup really. Mostly from my own mistakes. With more care on future builds of Eduard Spitfires they'll be cleaner.<br />
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Painting was typical for me and involved Tamiya paints, all airbrushed. First the White, then masked and followed by the Sky band, then the Ocean Grey, mask with maskol and then Dark Green. Pulled it all off, masked again and then the Medium Sea Grey. Pulled that mask off and then masked the Night stripes. Finally the Yellow leading edges. Cleanup where needed and after a long weekend the painting was finished.
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Decals took,longer but were equally a breeze. They settled down with Daco Soft on a clear coating of Future. Wrapped it all up with a coating of clear satin and a model was in the done column.
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<h3>
Summary</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A few modelers online have complained this kit is over-engineered and hence a difficult build. I did not find that to be the case, but then again readers here will note that I like to tackle limited run kits occasionally and they certainly require me to focus a bit more on fit.</div>
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<div>
I do believe this is yet another kit that requires the modeler to follow the instructions. Certainly until a few are under one's belt. Just knowing which bits are needed for the sub variant requires some focus. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ37RhhcRPj6vUS3DCcxciT_mrSPGA4jU8FEGkV8Yfp-ES2j7TzP-APn7Tj3cVeMSAEdf87DoaonfVCGemrtEBeZf3T4QjgKM7Dw2Y1LyXhVfBU3oqfQ8imX7aAy0_Awqq5nqZ3DJQAyMF/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1e2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ37RhhcRPj6vUS3DCcxciT_mrSPGA4jU8FEGkV8Yfp-ES2j7TzP-APn7Tj3cVeMSAEdf87DoaonfVCGemrtEBeZf3T4QjgKM7Dw2Y1LyXhVfBU3oqfQ8imX7aAy0_Awqq5nqZ3DJQAyMF/s320/fullsizeoutput_1e2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've got quite a few more of these kits. Royal Class, Mk XVI Profipack, Aussie Eight and at least 6 sets of overtrees. It's an enjoyable build, just enough to do to keep it interesting, but not enough challenges to want to shift it to the shelf of doom.<br />
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Thanks for looking...<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-37850214220173025142017-02-23T11:36:00.003-05:002017-03-01T11:54:09.807-05:00Where is my winning season?<script>
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<i> </i>
<br />
<b>Failures</b><br />
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Edit: I added photos as proof!<br />
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<b>0-2</b>...I've now binned two models after putting in quite a few hours trying to make a model out of them. That's not like me, I typically keep at it until it's tamed and at least looks like something I'd put on my shelf. Never a competition winner, but then again I don't build for competition; only myself.<br />
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<b>The first one was a TBD-1</b>. Limited run kit from AZModel, the detail isn't bad and I've built some of their other kits, so figured it wouldn't be too bad. I even bought a PE set for it that was pre-painted as a way to give a larger PE set a try. I'd read a couple of online reviews that panned the kit, but that was mainly due to accuracy, not build-ability.<br />
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After getting the cockpit in and getting the fuselage together, which required effort but nothing I'd not seen in other limited run kits, I tackled the wings. No much of a problem except one wing was slightly off in size as compared to the other. I compared it to both the fuselage and the old Airfix kit (noted for shape accuracy) and it turned out the larger wing was in error. Huzza! It's easier to remove than to add.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfoWiqaTItpcfsOp_A6994cc1K5LyrMJ0BjILx6aC8_KuIIKJWFncXZ9tEFOJ3jHdA8aaQMMPRz3H2s1jlCLXZJnH6Mg-GI8Iay6kiLqd4dzNDcqCOcxSGzwHKfoWnAH_j_Yd8vsTekRY/s1600/IMG_1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfoWiqaTItpcfsOp_A6994cc1K5LyrMJ0BjILx6aC8_KuIIKJWFncXZ9tEFOJ3jHdA8aaQMMPRz3H2s1jlCLXZJnH6Mg-GI8Iay6kiLqd4dzNDcqCOcxSGzwHKfoWnAH_j_Yd8vsTekRY/s320/IMG_1219.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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When it came time to marry the wing to the fuselage...not even close. The problem was thickness, not chord (which was the earlier error I'd fixed). I mucked with it for a week, and finally decided the only fix is to cannibalize the wing from the Airfix kit and conduct some major surgery...the wing break down is not even similar between the two kits. <br />
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After a week of evenings I gave up. Nothing was coming together and the "shapes" just kept getting worse. Not to mention fit.<br />
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<b>The second kit was a SOC-3.</b> The Hasegawa kit. I've build one about 20 years ago but it was before my rigging skills were developed. Still on the shelf albeit in the "damaged" area due to moves; I may need to repair it just to feel good.<br />
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The problems are of my own making as they just don't seem to be challenges I should not be able to overcome. One is short-shot struts. I've got plenty of strut material and have scratched struts before so I'm not concerned with it, but haven't gotten that far. The other is installing a resin AM cockpit. It's a beautiful set, made for the SOC-3 and can even backdate the kit to a SOC-1 (slightly different IP). My issue: I can't get it to fit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-qEqjwn2Q5RvvL4HR8OEZfFoeN9up2h_vmhPvkxwXUzTeBmm0BH1DtTdRJDGX9xzEa61JQT9iViF7uF48f55ScBUnwlI6DZPOdwXOsz7LCGI-l5PTbmEk_EjnWIh9fMjFgvV_tYnKXWM/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-qEqjwn2Q5RvvL4HR8OEZfFoeN9up2h_vmhPvkxwXUzTeBmm0BH1DtTdRJDGX9xzEa61JQT9iViF7uF48f55ScBUnwlI6DZPOdwXOsz7LCGI-l5PTbmEk_EjnWIh9fMjFgvV_tYnKXWM/s320/IMG_1218.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Carving, sanding, even used a motor tool (low speed battery powered) and as the dust accumulates the space to fit it does not. It does not help that the fuselage is warped.<br />
<br />
<b>To be fair</b>, I have not actually binned them. They are boxed and put away for a future attempt when my attitude is better...and if a better kit hits the market in the meantime they WILL get binned. Life is too short...<br />
<br />
So I'm rethinking my modeling objectives for 2017...after only 6 weeks! I should work on easier kits and only have that one difficult (aka long term) kit in the queue, while all the others are simple and satisfying. Hence, I've just finished a rather quick build of the Eduard IX, a simple build of an Airfix Firefly V, and started 2 Hasegawa VIII kits coupled with a comparison build against the Eduard VIII. All easy, quick, and very enjoyable.<br />
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Now I need to photograph them and get them posted!<br />
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Thanks for looking...
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7118067312388045220.post-1164214318460159322017-02-06T19:47:00.000-05:002019-02-06T19:58:49.732-05:00A fighter's scout<script>
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<i>Vought SU-3, 1-F-19, VF-1, ca 1935</i>
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<h3>
The Subject</h3>
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US Navy fighter squadrons, before the high quality nav systems of the post-war period made them redundant, had a two seat utility aircraft for navigation over great distances. They additionally were good for instrument flight training, ensuring proficiency in the inevitable likelihood the pilot found himself in the clouds.
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The Scout was an aircraft built by Vought in the early 30's to replace earlier SU-1/2 and OU/O2U aircraft used in the late 20's and 30's. Later variants had a more rounded vertical tail and a few were fitted with floats. They were typically painted just like their fighter counterparts, but were numbered after the standard squadron strength of 18 but without section leader stripes or section cowling colors.
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The Model</h3>
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The only SU kit I know of is the Esoteric vacform in 1/72. The kit comes with white metal parts, decals and strut stock, plus a single sheet of vacuum formed major parts. I built the kit to represent an SU-3 I found a photo of, with help from <a href="https://www.starfighter-decals.com/info.html">Mark at Starfighter Decals</a>, who also provided our group with some extra decals for the entire squadron.
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The kit was not difficult, but then again I build 1-2 limited run kits each year and this is no more difficult, once the parts are removed from the sheet. I did not rig this as it was part of a group build and we agreed to "no rigging or weathering".
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<h3>
Summary</h3>
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Unfortunately I did not take much for pictures of this kit when I finished it. It now sits with the other 18 aircraft from the squadron, all Monogram F11C-2 Goshawks, in a typical formation for the time period, at the Naval Air Museum at Patuxent River, Maryland. The SU-3 is in the back, in trail.
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Thanks for looking...
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