Oh gee, I missed the finished photos! Super job and congrats on your well-deserved win. Even a bronze is pretty darn cool! 

wow fantastic 

Wow, you guys are just too much.

I had the honor of seeing JJ's beautiful build up close and I agree with PJ, should have took at least a silver!  Awesome work my friend!  Well deserved for sure... CONGRATS!  Have I mentioned that JJ has only been modeling again not even 2 years!?  Amazing work! 

Bobby

Thanks Buddy

LOL JJ! I'm actually more exited that you won a trophy for your first time entry at a show, and you only been actively modeling for 1 1/2 years. I remember the first time time I won something and it was very humbling to know that one's work is recognized.

Plastic Junkie failed to mention that his Submarine was awarded a GOLD MEDAL . Well deserved Ernie !

OH MY GOSH !  I can't believe the B-26 actually won a bronze !  The 1 1/4 hr. drive home took about 5 minutes I think . YEEEE HAAAA !  You all have a part in making this model a winner because of your valuable building tips and wonderful encouragement. I can't thank you people enough for the reads, replies and advice.

Congratulations, and well deserved, too.

Cheers to you J.J. Well deserved recognition on your excellent Marauder.

I want to be the first one to congratulate JJ on securing a bronze trophy. In all honesty, I thought a silver was minimum for this build. Still. Great job on your first model show victory. 

JJ - Toshi said it right away - a work of art! That came out really nicely. It's an amazing job both inside and out. Well done, sir!

-BD-

Well, I have seen this model in person at the Modelpalooza show and I'm even more impressed after closely inspecting JJ's workmanship. The chipping really looks like actual chipped paint, which he chipped with a dental tool. The paint and decal finish are simply outstanding, and that pit is a killer. Great job JJ!! 

I loved watching all of that detail go inside and now that it's all wrapped up and finished.. wel dang, that really looks sweet!

Love the finished product.  :D

  Wow!  Your model turned out great.  Knowing all the sweet detail that is inside makes it even better imo.                          

                                    knox

Outstanding work there!

Mike

I thank you for the encouraging words and your reply Joe.

Remarkable work J.J. You have done a really fine job on that older and rather challenging kit. You've done some nice stuff trying out some new techniques and it will only become better the more you practice them. Good Luck in Orlando!

WOW thanks so much for your great comments guys, I truly appreciate them

You did a pretty swell job on this bird, JJ! Including on those areas where you did a "first." Excellent work!

What a fantastic finish, you assembled an award winning piece of art.  Congratulations on a job well done!

Toshi

I finally got er done !

There where many firsts for me on this model, many of which I had to do several times to get semi-right ie. extensive PE additions, much putty work, Air brushing exhaust stains, opening up  cockpit windows, re-doing raised panel lines etc.  I finished 2 days ahead of the IPMS show in Orlando and I might just enter her in the contest.  I'm expecting no prizes but It will be good for the experience I think.  \Here's some pics.

great job on very big kit cant wait to see it finished  

Jay Jay, she looks terrific, great to see you making more progress! 

JJ, thanks for tip.

See more of my reply...

http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/2/t/167890.aspx

I've had a look on B26.com and found it useful, thanks for the second link to the book though as I've not seen that before.

The B26 groups were based in Essex (the county where I live) as it was closer to the continent, they didn't have the range of the heavy bombers which were based further away. I've cycled around most of the bases and they are in peaceful countryside now, at Matching Green the road now is what used to be part of the main runway and I always think of those airmen and what they went through when riding along there.

http://www.b26.com/historian/chester_klier/pdf/386th_bomb_group.pdf

here's another link to the history of the b-26