Any model related goals?

Yes, I do have some project goals, collections for which I've aquired kits:

Every type of US aircraft used during the Battle of Midway, whether deployed from the carriers, other ships (eg, SOC's aboard cruisers), and also, USAAF aircraft deployed against the separate Japanese attack on the Aleutians

A "Doomed at the Start" collection of US aircraft in the Philippines at the time of the Japanese invasion

A collection of yellow-wings aircraft

A "Haze gray and underway" collection of US ships in the mid-Thirties, in 1/700

Each of our first 9 carriers in 1/700

A collection of 1/1200 waterline models

A couple of kits bought to use for "what-if" subjects

A couple of Maschinen Krieger dioramas

This is one way a stash explodes in size....

Well, my first goal is to clear a path to my workbench downstairs and start building again. My Dad passed away a couple years ago and our basement is full of stuff that came out here.

After that I have several:

o Continue building the planes my dad flew and are in his logbook in 1/72 - PT-17 (have kit), BT-13 (need kit), AT-6 (have kit), P-40 (done), P-47 Razorback (done), P-47 Bubbletop (done).

o Build my set of WWII airfield vehicles, I have the tower, emergency set, refueling set, recovery set, bomb tractor and carts (from the Stirling), British bomber set, American bomber set.

o Try to make a dent in my stash of 1/72 kits.

Well one of my goals is to build more then im buying 

Finnish up started projects.

Trying my hand at diorama to put my builds in for a better display.

Also scratch building extra detail. I have mentioned it before but some of the builds I see here in forums is just amazing !

I would like to build the B-17 in this photo.  My father is in the front row, 1st on the left.  I have to look through family photos to see if I can find a larger version of this picture, as I can't make out the name of the plane.  He was a belly turret gunner.  Wish he was still around.

Just used a mgnifying glass.  She was call Full House.  Two stencils for the name, but no nose art.  At least not on this side.  34th Bomber Group stationed in Mendlesham.

D

a turret belly gunner  , man those guy's were special .

steve5

a turret belly gunner  , man those guy's were special .

 

I think technically it is called the ball turret, but he always called it the belly turret.  He always said he had the best view on the plane. 

1.)  B17, B24, B25, B26, B29, B36, B45, B52, B58, B66, B1        2.) Every twin engined prop aircraft offered in 1/32 scale. Some of them (P61, B25) are pretty expensive, so may rely on me winning the lottery.

Great topic Keyda. Thanks for bringing it up. Yes, I do indeed have some goals in my modeling.

First is to build as many of the types of USN aircraft that my father flew. He was a flight instructor out of Pensacola NAS during WWII and in the reserves after. As such, he flew most everything the Navy had but, he was mostly instructing on multi engine. He flew the PBY Catalina mostly. Yet, he had time in Corsairs, Hellcats, Venturas, PT-17's and AM-1 Maulers as well as others. I have most of these in 1/72 & 1/48. 

Second is to build the Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon for HM-14 that my brother flew. He retired as commander of the squadron. Also have this in 1/72 & 1/48.

Lastly has been to hone my skills over the past 9 yrs in such a way that I would be able to put my very best effort into these builds.

I should add that building ships & figures also are goals of mine.

ManCityFan

I would like to build the B-17 in this photo.  My father is in the front row, 1st on the left.  I have to look through family photos to see if I can find a larger version of this picture, as I can't make out the name of the plane.  He was a belly turret gunner.  Wish he was still around.

Just used a mgnifying glass.  She was call Full House.  Two stencils for the name, but no nose art.  At least not on this side.  34th Bomber Group stationed in Mendlesham.

D

 

I have never seen a B-17 with those numbers on the nose before, any idea what they are for.

I am woundering if that pic was taken in the US.

Bish

 

 

ManCityFan

I would like to build the B-17 in this photo.  My father is in the front row, 1st on the left.  I have to look through family photos to see if I can find a larger version of this picture, as I can't make out the name of the plane.  He was a belly turret gunner.  Wish he was still around.

Just used a mgnifying glass.  She was call Full House.  Two stencils for the name, but no nose art.  At least not on this side.  34th Bomber Group stationed in Mendlesham.

D

 

 

 

 

I have never seen a B-17 with those numbers on the nose before, any idea what they are for.

I am woundering if that pic was taken in the US.

 

That is certainly possible, but I remember talking to him about this photo, and that is definitely his crew, and the B-17 he flew in.  I am also curious about the numbers on the nose.  I think I have the original picture in my attic.  The back may have notations about where it was taken.

This was not the original crew.  This crew flew in a brand new 17, and were assigned this one when they got to England.  My father said the pilot was not a happy camper, but they flew 23 missions over Germany and got home every time.

To stop buying new kits and build what I have!  Yeah right! 

ManCityFan

 

Bish

 

 

ManCityFan

I would like to build the B-17 in this photo.  My father is in the front row, 1st on the left.  I have to look through family photos to see if I can find a larger version of this picture, as I can't make out the name of the plane.  He was a belly turret gunner.  Wish he was still around.

Just used a mgnifying glass.  She was call Full House.  Two stencils for the name, but no nose art.  At least not on this side.  34th Bomber Group stationed in Mendlesham.

D

 

 

 

 

I have never seen a B-17 with those numbers on the nose before, any idea what they are for.

I am woundering if that pic was taken in the US.

 

 

 

 

That is certainly possible, but I remember talking to him about this photo, and that is definitely his crew, and the B-17 he flew in.  I am also curious about the numbers on the nose.  I think I have the original picture in my attic.  The back may have notations about where it was taken.

This was not the original crew.  This crew flew in a brand new 17, and were assigned this one when they got to England.  My father said the pilot was not a happy camper, but they flew 23 missions over Germany and got home every time.

 

Ye, if you can find the orginal pic, that might have something useful on it.

The resean i am woundering if this was taken in the US is because the 34th BG originally trained on B-17 and then spent some time in the US defending the west coast. In late 43 they re-trained on B-24's and this is what they brought to England with them in April 44. They flew about 60 missions in those before switchong back to B-17's in late summer by when the 17G was being used.

The number made me think of an aircraft in a unit in training, so its a really curious one.

Yes, the nose number markings are the type commonly seen on stateside training aircraft. Not consistent with any 8th or 15th Air Force B-17 marking practices.

ManCityFan

I would like to build the B-17 in this photo.  My father is in the front row, 1st on the left.  I have to look through family photos to see if I can find a larger version of this picture, as I can't make out the name of the plane.  He was a belly turret gunner.  Wish he was still around.

Just used a mgnifying glass.  She was call Full House.  Two stencils for the name, but no nose art.  At least not on this side.  34th Bomber Group stationed in Mendlesham.

D

 

I don't know if you're aware of it, but the 34th Bomb Group has an outstanding website. There are lists of original crews, by squadron, planes used, both B-17s and B-24s, missions flown, photos... a very well researched site.

http://valortovictory.tripod.com

ManCityFan

I would like to build the B-17 in this photo.  My father is in the front row, 1st on the left.  I have to look through family photos to see if I can find a larger version of this picture, as I can't make out the name of the plane.  He was a belly turret gunner.  Wish he was still around.

Just used a mgnifying glass.  She was call Full House.  Two stencils for the name, but no nose art.  At least not on this side.  34th Bomber Group stationed in Mendlesham.

D

 

D, are you sure that says Full House. I just found an aircraft by that name, a B-17G of the 388th BG which was shot down over the netherlands in Dec 43.

Stik, the number on the nose, is that the radio call sign which users the last 4 digists of the serial number. I have been going through Joe baughers site and can't find a B-17F with that code. Though i did find 2 others in the 42-2 batch, 9928 and 9930.

Hey Bish, I am pretty sure it says Full House...twice.  I went to the website, and couldn't find my father listed as a crew member.

I am going to have to dive deep into my attic.  I am almost positive this picture is a smaller copy of an original.  I think the original lists the members of the crew, and if I can find the name of the pilot, that would be helpful.  I also know my dad kept a diary during the war, and if I could find that, he listed the missions he was on.

Thanks for doing the research,

D

Yess'm

 To build a Beehive Enterprise - IF I can find one I can afford .Has to be 1/350 .My daughter flew a A-6-E off of her . Not just crew .She was the first or second female Aircraft Commander to fly off the Really Big " E "

ManCityFan

Hey Bish, I am pretty sure it says Full House...twice.  I went to the website, and couldn't find my father listed as a crew member.

I am going to have to dive deep into my attic.  I am almost positive this picture is a smaller copy of an original.  I think the original lists the members of the crew, and if I can find the name of the pilot, that would be helpful.  I also know my dad kept a diary during the war, and if I could find that, he listed the missions he was on.

Thanks for doing the research,

D

 

I enjoy doing stuff like this. In fact, i have just come across somtyhing i had not seen before. Another B-17G called Full House but of a differant BG and this time in 1944. I had not known aircraft to carry the same name, i always thought they would add a II. So, it seems there were at least 3 with that name.

It would be interesting if you could find your dad's diary. But i am going to take a guess here. You didn't mention that your dad spoke to you about flying in B-24's. If thats the case, it could explain a lot.

The groups of course needed replacments, for those lost in action as well as those who had gone home after their tour. So i am guessing that your dad didn't come to England with the 34th, but joined later, as a trained B-17 crew most likely after Sept 44.

Its likely that the aircraft in the pic was what they trained on in the states and may have been a Vet of the 8th AAF itself, sent back home after being replaced by a newer model.

Been interesting to see what your dad's diary says.

Bish

 

 

ManCityFan

I would like to build the B-17 in this photo.  My father is in the front row, 1st on the left.  I have to look through family photos to see if I can find a larger version of this picture, as I can't make out the name of the plane.  He was a belly turret gunner.  Wish he was still around.

Just used a mgnifying glass.  She was call Full House.  Two stencils for the name, but no nose art.  At least not on this side.  34th Bomber Group stationed in Mendlesham.

D

 

 

 

 

D, are you sure that says Full House. I just found an aircraft by that name, a B-17G of the 388th BG which was shot down over the netherlands in Dec 43.

Stik, the number on the nose, is that the radio call sign which users the last 4 digists of the serial number. I have been going through Joe baughers site and can't find a B-17F with that code. Though i did find 2 others in the 42-2 batch, 9928 and 9930.

 

Looks to me like it might be "Fun House".

Bish, that could be the last four of the serial number/radio call sign. Or it could be a "plane in group" number, which were assigned like squadron codes and have no relation the the call/serial number.

The B-17F in the photo, Full House, is from a fairly early F production block, but not one of the initial F blocks. It has the later raised navigator astro dome window, instead of the early flush square window. But the cheek gun windows are the early flush style, and not the later protruding/angled type. It may be a fiscal year 41 serial number.

Doubt I'll get to it anytime soon but my 1/350 Tamiya Enterprise has been waiting since the mid 80's. Patient old gal, she is. I pretty much grew up with her; we were both born in 1961. But I don't think I'm going to the scrapyard just yet.

Got the GMM PE set for her, decal sheets, extra aircraft to fill the deck, and I see Toms Modelworks does an aftermarket hangar bay.

Ok, I went down the Joe Baugher serial number route like Bish. No luck ther, but there were B-17's with serial numbers 42-29928 and 42-29930 listed (B-17F-75-BO), so I figured he missed that airframe, because the Army does not randomly skip serial numbers. So I googled "B-17 42 29929" and boom, up came that aircraft here at Avaition Archeology:

http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/src/dbaat.asp?theAT=B-17&offset=750

That B-17F was lost on June 14,1944 due to engine failure while assigned to 222 CCTS (Combat Crew Training Squadron?) out of Ardmore Army Air Field, Ardmore OK, while at Smoky Hil AAF, Salina KS.

So then I googled up 222 combat crew training squadron and came across these photos of B-17s at Ardmore AAF with the same 4 digit nose numbers. 

Based on all that, I'm gonna say that photo of your dad with 9929 was taken   stateside while that aircraft was a training ship 

Wow!  I need you guys to do my research!  Lol.  I suppose it helps in knowing where to look.  Google and Wikipedia are my go tos for now.  I have scrounged up quite a bit of info lately.  I have some pictures of most of the aircraft, but not all.   A lot of the pictures are in black and white too, so how do you guys go about finding out what colors things were?

To do better with each build.

Keyda81

Wow!  I need you guys to do my research!  Lol.  I suppose it helps in knowing where to look.  Google and Wikipedia are my go tos for now.  I have scrounged up quite a bit of info lately.  I have some pictures of most of the aircraft, but not all.   A lot of the pictures are in black and white too, so how do you guys go about finding out what colors things were?

 

Colors are not too hard if the aircraft is in a standard scheme. Most military aircaft are painted according to whatever regulations are in effect at that time. But an aircraft may wear several schemes during its' service life. So knowing the type of aircraft and time and location of service will narrow down your colors. And of course squadron/unit markings have their own guidance as well. Example 67th Fighter Squadron- that squadrons color is red.  So any trim color on that squadrons aircraft is red. 555th Fighter squadron is green. Etc. Within a Wing or Group only one squadron has that color. Group/Wing leaders aircraft will have trim or stripes of all squadrons. I am talking USAF practices here, which go back to AAF and Army Air Corps.

stikpusher

Ok, I went down the Joe Baugher serial number route like Bish. No luck ther, but there were B-17's with serial numbers 42-29928 and 42-29930 listed (B-17F-75-BO), so I figured he missed that airframe, because the Army does not randomly skip serial numbers. So I googled "B-17 42 29929" and boom, up came that aircraft here at Avaition Archeology:

http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/src/dbaat.asp?theAT=B-17&offset=750

That B-17F was lost on June 14,1944 due to engine failure while assigned to 222 CCTS (Combat Crew Training Squadron?) out of Ardmore Army Air Field, Ardmore OK, while at Smoky Hil AAF, Salina KS.

So then I googled up 222 combat crew training squadron and came across these photos of B-17s at Ardmore AAF with the same 4 digit nose numbers. 

 

 

 

 

Based on all that, I'm gonna say that photo of your dad with 9929 was taken   stateside while that aircraft was a training ship 

 

Wow Stik, thanks for the research!  It is very much appreciated. 

So this was the training plane.  If I can find the name of the pilot in his crew, I might be able to track down some more info.

Thanks again,

D

For some time, I have been wanting to build a 1:350 scale model of the ship I served on while in the Navy, as well as the vessels my father and grandfather served on during their time. 

I served on a Spruance class destoryer, USS Paul F Foster DD-964, the only Spruance class still afloat (all the others have been used as target practice and sunk or sold for scrap). I have a Spruance class model already, and it's going to need quite a few minor modifications to turn her into the Foster.

My father served the bulk of his time on a Natick class tugboat, the Cheraw YTB-802. I have found a 1:350 scale resin model of a Natick tug. It will look tiny in comparison at only about 2 1/2" long.

The ship my grandfather served on will be the problem. I don't know what ship he was on, nor does my mother; and unfortunately, neither he nor my grandmother are with us any longer. I do know that he was enlisted during and possibly witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor; he never really talked about his service, but mentioned that he was in the Pacific Fleet and saw Japanese planes attacking US ships. That doesn't necessarily mean he was at Pearl Harbor, but he definitely saw combat. We found an old ship's pin in his desk a few years back, the USS Mifflin; but the Mifflin was commissioned and launched after my grandfather would have been discharged; so I'm not sure where that one came from. I'll likely have to visit the National Archives to figure it out, which as it happens, military records for WWI to present are stored in NPRC in St. Louis, fairly near where I work. Of course, there's always the chance that the ship he served on does not have a respective model, so it's still up in the air.

You're quite welcome D. I'm quite happy to help. Good luck on this. I always love builds that have a personal connection. 

My friends uncle or great uncle, I can't remember which now, was a ball turret gunner on B-24s in the MTO. He had some interesting tales form his wartime experiences. IIRC, their aircraft was shot down, he bailed out and ended up with the Partisans in Yugoslavia. 

http://www.americanairmuseum.com/aircraft/3875

https://home.brightok.net/~gsimmons/memorial2.htm

Here's more reference to the same aircraft.

AR for Ardmore Army Air Field, Ardmore OK. I don't think this particular aircraft ever went overseas.