Following are my efforts to reproduce my uncle’s B-24J, The Chambermaid, 42-100227, 7th AF, 30 BG, 38 BS. My uncle, Mel Harms, was the bombardier. They were hit by flak and shot up by Zeros over Iwo Jima, but were able to limp back to Saipan. Although several crew members were wounded, all survived.
References: “One Damned Island After Another”, chapter 22, “The Log of the Liberator”, pg 289-295, B-24 Nose Art Name Directory, National Archive.
Decals and stencils by Mike Grant (http://mikegrantdesign.com/decals/). Additional detailing with Karaya .50 cal. barrels (http://www.karaya.ceti.pl/eng/browning.htm) and Aeroclub .30 cal. machine guns in the bombardier position.
Paint & weathering: Tamiya Acrylics – faded, undercoated with flat aluminum, chipped with scotch tape, washed with Grumbacher acrylics, staining with pastel chalks.
Thanks to everyone on this forum for all your support and advice.
Jim