Group Build feeler: Reich Defenders V: Hunters of the Dark

Hi guys, just to let you know, the main GB thread has been posted in Group Builds, so RD V is definitely go!

Have fun!

Mike/TB379

Nathan I hear ya! I've done a few of these Dragon 88's and that canopy fit is a bear to say the least! BTW that was a sharp looking build !

Brandon -- yes indeed! The GB main thread should have been up by now but a few unexpected things came along (it was Halloween here last night...) so I'll try to get the thread posted in the next couple of hours -- If I fail to, it'll be tomorrow, I'm afraid, but November 1st is the official launch date!

M/TB379

Thanks for welcoming me aboard.  I have made the decision and ordered the Eduard bf 110 G-4.  Plus some aftermarket goodies.  

Moose

So, are we off an running tomorrow? I'm gonna try and get started, time permitting as long as it's a go.

TREYZX10R

I'm in for sure with a 1/48 JU-88G6 Dragon kit,time allowing also the PM 410 in 1/48

Hey I built that same kit in the last Night fighter GB. All I can say is good luck, and go easy when handling the canopy!

Welcome aboard Moose and Treyz! Yes, it'll be a year, and the launch date is next week, but you can start at any point during the year that's convenient -- I won't be starting till next year myself.

Cheers, M/TB379

I'm in for sure with a 1/48 JU-88G6 Dragon kit,time allowing also the PM 410 in 1/48

Hello,

I am interested in this GB.  Would be the first in a long time and first in an aircraft.  I am looking for a year in length.  Namely because of family commitments.  I am thinking of either the JU88 G-6 from dragon or the Bf 110f from Eduard.  

After market will be included.  I can't do a build without it.

Read the threads she said!!!! OK I see it's a 1 Nov start, i'll have to hold back until some time next year before I commit, need to see if I can get through the GB's I've already committed to - sure i'll make it though.

I could be in - got load on my plate but I was planning to start an Arado 234 /N anyway. If this could start Jan for 12 months, i could do.

SS -- any of those would be great! I'm doing the 262 2-seater but the Dragon issue of the Trimaster kit in 48th -- it'll be a challenge, if the Trimaster Ta-152 is anything to go by.

JJ -- sounds great! I'm looking forward to lots of spectacular night camo jobs!

M/TB379

I'll jump in on this but i'll probably start with my first post on Nov 01 but then i'll have to put it away until about April while I finish up what's already on my plate. I'll be doing Revell's 1/48 Arado Ar 234 B/2N "Nachtigall"

I'm not too sure about my entry for this one. It's probably going to be the He 219, but I got some other neat birds in my stash as well:

• Dragon's Bf 110 E Nachtjäger (1/32)
• Eduard's new Fw 190 Nachtjäger (1/48)
• And I'm thinking about getting me that big Trumpeter Me 262 two-seater... 

Yeah, I'm thinking if I can pull that camo off in 1/72, I can do just about anything with an airbrush.

That'll be a most unusual beast, Steve! The camo will be a challenge, and so will the radar in 1:72.

Come on, November!

Mike/TB379

OK, I'm ready. I received my FW-189 today. It looks like a very detailed kit for 1/72 scale. It has separate seatbelts and a very detailed office

Looks like a fun build. I'm excited to start.

I got the 109 I am planning on doing for this GB. It uses a fuel tank that was a wing tank for a P-47, as a belly tank. Interesting. The model is late war, April '45. I suppose the Luftwaffe was using recovered tanks on some planes for longer range?

By all means, any changes you like are fine.

A fortnight from go-time, and counting!

M/TB379

Just noticed I have a ME410B-6/R-2 in my stash from PM. I guess I should probably build that one rather than purchase another and not hit my stash. So, I am changing my kit to the PM Me410-B-6/R-2, if that is allowed.

Yes, I'm excited about it.

That'll be a most interesting project!

M/TB379

I just ordered Kurt Tank's Focke Wulf Fw 189A-1 "Night Fighter"  in 1:72 scale from MPM for this build.

I know, and it made me laugh. I can't recall where I read it, but it was all to do with how primitive the radar was and how it indicated the location of other aircraft. And I would guess that often the pilot would never see his target as it was a black underside against a black sky.

Bish...LOLOLOL... that would be a great indicator of how close you were!  A good pilot would likely use that before anything else! Funny...

Doug

Steve, looks like you have caught the bug.

Its 1st Nov and will run for a year.

Thunderbolt,

I'll be in with something, I don't have a clue with what just yet, but something.

When was the start date? I didn't see it in the posts yet.

Steve

Mike, i'll keep my eyes open for it. I try to stick to just one, maybe 2, builds for any GB as there are just so many out there I want to join and I like to try and vary my builds as much as p[possible.

TREY, glad to see you getting back into it. Always look forward to your builds, I will be really keep my eyes open for the 88.

Welcome aboard, sounds great!

M/TB379

I've got a 1/48 Dragon JU88G-6 that I would like to join up with and maybe time permitting a1/48 Pro Modeller Me410 as well . Love the variation in schemes these subjects offer, so many different Mottle combos on the Nachtjagers. Not to mention the later Radar and Schrage Music configurations to choose from! cheers Trey

Bish -- I'll launch the main thread on the GB forum on October 31st, for a November 1st start -- that might be a day early considering the dateline, but that's okay!

In the last week before launch I'll go through this thread and compile a participants list with proposed builds to list in the inaugural post, and which can then be modified as needed.

Tom -- four? I'm considering building at least six for the 109 GB alone! :-) I'm currently on completions 8 and 9 for this year, with several more well through production...

Cheers, M

I am down for 10 GB's that end next year, with end dates that run through the year. So I just try and build for which ever GB ends next.

I do rather like the German NF mottle scheme. But I have not tried it yet. So I figured trying it on one of the Dragon kits first would be a good practice. And there are indeed some very interesting subjects out there.

I recall reading one account which said the pilot knew when was close enough to the bomber when the radar operators voice suddenly went up several pitches as they were suddenly close to it. The upward firing guns must have been very unnerving for the British bomber crews.

Bish

Only 4 Tom, you got plenty of room for more yet. That big 110 would be nice to see. I would like to do the 32nd He 219, but I want to practice the scheme at a smaller scale first.

Good point! You are an enabler . I mean, it is a full year, and at least a few of the GBs end mid year. Doing a bit of research, over time, for nachtjagers has been interesting. It would be easy to just paint a plane black and be done with it, but there are so many shades of "black" out there. Mixed in with dark greys, etc. it seems possible to make quite a presentation.

Only 4 Tom, you got plenty of room for more yet. That big 110 would be nice to see. I would like to do the 32nd He 219, but I want to practice the scheme at a smaller scale first.

Thanks, Mike.

I look forward to this. It will be my 4th GB obligation for 2015. I have some kind of modelling fever and need help. I just ordered another 109, with this build in mind. A 1/32 hassie G-10 nachtjager. Not sure if that will be my build yet...TBD. it would be a good crossover (if allowed) from the upcoming 109GB. That big 110 in my stash, painted up in black(ish) shades would be fun as well.

Mike, when do you plan on putting the build thread up.

Brandon...

I also have that kit, I have no plans to build (yet) but in my opinion, the ICM/MPM kits are among some of the best detailed kits I have ever built. For the price range they occupy they are hard to beat. Ive heard some say ( not doubting) that they are "flashy" but like  Mike, I have several in stash, and have not noted this problem on any that I have. When examining my 215, I found it a very nicely detailed and molded kit.

Maybe a set of AM decals would be all I would want to look into. But thats just me...

Take care, and cant wait to start this one, I have a CyberHobby Ju88 just begging to be built.

Doug

Hi Brandon,

Yes indeed, that looks like a great subject and quite an unusual one! here's the Wiki page for it:

en.wikipedia.org/.../Dornier_Do_215

ICM is a company that has developed a good rep for having well moulded parts, very crisp surface detail and generally good assembly, though some of their early offerings were quite fiddly. I have lots of ICM in my stash, Spits, Mustangs and so on, so I say bring it on!

Cheers, Mike/TB379

Ok, I found, not bought, an ICM Do-215B-5. Two questions

1. Is this an allowed aircraft for the build?

2. Has anyone had any experience with ICM or this kit?

I can always find another kit but this one intrigues me.

Tom, Doug and Brandon, welcome aboard! It'll be a great GB, for sure!

Start date will be November 1st and the build will run for a year, so there's plenty of opportunity to come aboard during 2015 with whatever, or as many, projects you like.

So, three weeks out from the official launch, hopefully we'll have cleared a few items off our benches and be able to tackle something new in the run up to the holidays, or whatever timing is best for us individually.

Cheers all,

Mike/TB379

I would be interested in this GB, but I cant spare the time until January as this time of year is my busy season which ends mid December plus I have to work in some hunting also. I will have plenty of bench time then, just none now. As far as which one, I have nothing of this type in my stash. Time to start looking around. Let me know what the start date and length of build time will be. If you start in November but give it a year, I can start late and still be done in plenty of time.

I have a Ju88 just begging to be built! Please count me in.

Doug

I'm interested. I have a 109 or a (big) 1/32 Me-110 build I could toss into the fray. Early next year?

LOL... Bob, I was finished at 1! BUT... Two "Slip ups" later... Oh well, they're all grown now. but have added 5 grandchildern  between them and lest we forget my step daughter... LOL... Congrats again my friend...

Doug

Congrats, Bob, you're a brave man -- as I'm sure your wife would agree, it's too bad you can't assemble *those*from a kit too!

Okay, a couple of votes for a year -- it's looking like a full year commencing either October 1st or November 1st. It may be time to start gathering the gear!

Cheers, Mike/TB379

I am interested in this group build with either, or and the ZM UHU and Horten when released in October. It depends on what they make available to pick up at Telford.

James

Thanks BIsh! When we were trying and our son was having a bad day (he'll be four on Tuesday), I'd have to ask her if she was sure she wanted another. 

silentbob33

Thanks Rigid! This will be our second.

Now that what you call a brave man. Even after one, he goes for another.

Congats Bob.

Thanks Rigid! This will be our second.

I alays think 6 months is just not enough. Anywhere from 8 to 12 months is good.

Congrats Bob!!! Best wishes and Good luck to you and your wife!!! Oh and the precious new addition to the family.

Doug

Full year sounds good to me.  My wife is due in December, so I won't be getting a whole lot of bench time around then.

Silentbob -- I'm thinking a full year -- or would folks prefer a six-monther?

I'm sure looking forward to it too!

M/TB379

Interested Mike, assuming I can get my fall schedule straightened away!

I'm still in, October sounds good to me.  How long were you thinking it will last?

Would love to do this one... any start date is fine with me

Doug

I'm looking forward to building it, I had been actually been looking for a a NF version of a Bf 110, but at $15 USD, I couldn't pass this one up.. one good thing about not getting to start until next year is hopefully I can watch Lew build his and pick up some pointers!

Hi ajd3530 -- excellent, a heavy nightfighter with lots of firepower!

I'm thinking October might be a good target start date -- what's your preference, gents? Start of October or end?

Cheers, Mike/TB379

Lets bing this back up! I'm in withe the Promodeler Ju-88C. Probably won't get to start till after the new year though

Sept or Oct sound good to me too.

Steve

So its a holiday, well that's not so bad. I havn't been to Bovvy for a few years, must get back there again some day. I did go to Duxford a couple of years back, they have really done a lot to that place since I first went, nice to see the aircraft in doors now, including that huge B-52.

I'll stay in London most of the time (with the family) and I'll spend a day or 2 in Duxford to visit the aviation museum there. Maybe I can treat myself to a day at Bovington too...

I have to agree with you, travelling is bad for my modelling time, but after that week I'll stay in Vienna for quite a while with lots of bench time every day...

Getting plenty of miles under your belt, not good for the modelling, especially with all the builds you have committed to

Where about in jolly old England are you going to.

I'm glad to be back! I'm not home yet however... I'll get back on friday, but I'll be off to England for another week starting on Saturday..

IT'S ALIVE!! =]  Clemens, glad to have you back.

I'm with Bish on this one. September or October sounds good...

Mine hasn't changed, still got plenty of room next year for a few builds. Sept/Oct sounds good to me.

Wow.  Well, I've really bit off a lot this time.  I'm in a P-40 GB that wraps up at the end of the month. Pacific Carrier Aviation GB that ends at the end of the year.  A VietNam and USMC GB that both end in April of next year, and the WW1GB that ends in November of next year.

October wouldn't be a bad vote.

Nope, nothing missed, bvallot -- we didn't actually elect a start date, "later in the year" was as close as we could agree on, so I'm thinking September, October, perhaps. How are folks' schedules/build lists looking? Would this be a good time to tie down a start date?

Cheers, Mike/TB379

Has there been anything going on with this GB?  I'm wondering if perhaps I've missed out on something.

Thunderbolt379

bvallot -- sounds great, I've heard those Eduard 190s are very sensitive to alignment, you have to be very precise with them, so it'll be most interesting to see one go together from scratch. Kit or AM markings? The one proviso is that it be a nightfighter, and it looks like dayfighter markings in the box, certainly the boxtop illustration option.

M/TB379

Oh! It'll definitely be AM stuff.  I might even skip decals and paint everything myself if I'm not satisfied with what I find in the way of decal sheets.  May not need to add much to the cockpit...but I might decide to dress up the engine/MG area.  I'm still deciding on whether to do one with either the FuG217 Neptun J-2 or FuG218 Neptun J-3 radar.  

I plan to take my time getting everything fit this time.  I've already had two strikes.  One was a Bf 109 E3 the other was a Fw 190 A8.  I'm hungry to get it right this time! =]

It's one of the better 1/32 kits out there. It has amazing OOB detail. No real fit issues. Builds up really nicely. Google for WIPs...there are a a few of them out there. I've followed a couple of builds of them closely.

I think that comment needs no more explanation LOL.

I'll have a look if they still ahve it in stock tomorrow...

The 1/32 kit? It's spec-friggin-tacular. I'd be all over 5 of them at 40% off.

no seriously... If you have any interest in that kit get it. You won't regret it. 

Does anyone of you guys know how the big Dragon 110 kits are? My LHS has the nightfighter version at 40% off ATM and it looks very nice in the box...

The HobbyBoss 262s are great little kits with a great amount of details and a pretty good fit all around. Some of them even have the nose gear bay cast in metal to provide the weight you need to put in there.

I don't have any of Eduard's 110s, but they look like nice (although very complicated) kits. They made a weekend edition of a night fighter 110:

The Revell 110 has issues. I don't remember exactly but I tried one years ago and it defeated me. I wound up tossing it out. This was at least 12 years ago. If you want a 110 Eduard's are nice, but not without problems themselves. However they apparently fixed them with the G variant...not sure if those are suitable for a night fighter.

The Hobby Boss 262 is really good from what I hear. It's a scaled down Trumpy and that's supposed to be one of trumpeters better kits

No I don't think it was the pro modeler just revell it seems like I read some good reviews along with same old revell issues glass don't fit this or that bent I just cat remember.

I thought I had one figured out in my stash it's a Dragon 110 and I have a decal set for a all black 110 with the blue owl and half moon decal for the nose. But then I realized it was for Tunisia 1943'

I'm thinking hobby boss 262 night fighter. I found one online for $ 20.00 us.

If you mean the Promodeller edition of the G-4, I've read some reviews, it builds into a pretty spectacular model, though there are some contour inaccuracies, especially around the engines. There's a correction set in resin, I believe.

M/TB379

Hey dose anybody have any info on the revell 1/48.  110 nightfighter ? There's 2 at my hobby shop.

By the looks of it -- and we have ages to go to gather recruits! Silentbob, i'll get you on the list right away.

M/TB379

Page 4 and ths is just the feeler.  This is going to be huge

Woohoo, another Uhu!!! Welcome aboard!

I picked up a Tamiya 1/48 He-219 A7, so I'll throw my hat in with that.

bvallot -- sounds great, I've heard those Eduard 190s are very sensitive to alignment, you have to be very precise with them, so it'll be most interesting to see one go together from scratch. Kit or AM markings? The one proviso is that it be a nightfighter, and it looks like dayfighter markings in the box, certainly the boxtop illustration option.

M/TB379

Thunder: Finally got it picked out.  Sign me up for a 1:48 Eduard Fw 190 (A-6 I think?) It was a part of the Wilde Sau.  Double checking which camo scheme I want to go with.

And the September date sounds good for me too.  I have too many on my bench right now.  I need to make some room!!  =D

Thanks Joe and Steve, great to have you aboard!

M/TB379

I'd like to get in on this one too.  Not sure exactly what I'll build, but I have a Bf-110G-4, an Arado 234, and a Uhu-219 in the stash.  I'll decide once the build starts.  

Steve

I'm in.  1/48 Pro Modeller Ju-88 C-6.  I guess I'm up for more punishment. 

Joe 

This sounds like it would be a fun build.  I don't have anything as of yet, but I'm planning on going to a couple of different shows in the next couple of months and I'm sure I can find something that will fit.  

Hi Mike-I've missed (skipped) the last one or two RD GB's, but this one has me interested-once the start/end dates are set I'll decide.  

Welcome aboard! M/TB379

Thunder   sounds good I'll find something so count me in !

I would like to throw my hat in here with a Dragon Messerschmitt Bf110D Nachtjager

any time would be good for me to start

Great to see so much interest! It's Saturday morning here in Aus, I put the thread up last night and the teaser is already on page 3! I'll get the new expressions of interest onto the list right away.

DiscoStu -- if the Fw 189 served in an air to air combat role by night, it's in! I remember seeing this type in night camo, so if you can locate the correct variant and markings, you've got a starter!

Blackdog62 -- same applies, if it served as a nightfighter, it's in, but otherwise it's outside the scope of the GB.

It sounds like this will be an active, fun build! I was considering maybe also a Bf 110 G-4 myself, and I have Tamiya's Uhu in my stash too...

M/TB379

Nice, thanks. theres a couple of nice 72nd ones from Montex as well. Might have to try some of those.

LOL, damn crossposting again!

dflu: Joe only needs a few good pics/color profiles of the subject you need masks for. I ordered some P-47 masks (insignia, fuselage codes, serial numbers and some strips for invasion stripes) and they look beautiful. I wasn't able to use them yet because the Jug they are supposed to go on isn't ready for paint yet.

The Montex link seems to be a dead end BTW?

I don't use masks for generic markings. Vinyl has a tendency to shrink quite a bit over time, so you can't store those masks forever. I rather order some custom mask sets with all the stuff I need (including fuselage codes and serial numbers).

Joe from Scale Precision MAsks makes some really good stuff, but the masks come from the States, so you have to wait quite a bit untill they get all the way to Europe.

Mal at Miracle Masks makes very impressive mask sets. He is actually willing to try to cut me some masks for a complete nose art!

Another company would be Maketar, but I never ordered anything from them.

Joe and the guys at Maketar have generic Masks sets for sale, but they can cut you some custom ones too if you write them an e-mail. Mal only cuts custom sets AFAIK.

I've used two brands now:

Scale Precision Mask (Joe offers a few retail but he will also do custom masks, I've not had any made yet, so I'm not sure what material you have to provide etc. but when I'm ready to order some customs I'll contact him about it)

http://www.scaleprecision.com/

The other ones I've used are Montex. They are exact same vinyl material work the same:

http://montex-mask.com/ (They offer a lot more "off the shelf" you can view them here....if you're in the US you can order them from Victory Models....just got 4 sets from them...one had to be back-ordered but excellent service.

http://victorymodels.com/

5 Lancs? That's pretty impressive for one single sortie!

I have never come across any masks for markings, where do you guys get those from. I wouldn't mind trying those, especially in the larger scale.

SchattenSpartan

Bish: Thanks a lot! I think I'll still go with the A-0 paint scheme. The differently painted wings and crosses kinda grew on me and it sure is something different from both the normal scheme and the black/grey one. I won't use the decals though. Vinyl masks look like a more than acceptable replacement for such basic markings...

I hadn't noticed that the A-0 version had a black wing. That sure makes it unique. I don't think you can go wrong with that scheme. Now I'm really liking it haha...but if we are both going to be building the same kit for this I'm not going to steal your scheme.

Vinyl mask are pretty much a must for me these days...do you know of anyone making 219 sets of the shelf? May have to order some customs from Joe at Scale Precision.

o don't worry blackdog, if it wasn't for my spell checker, even I wouldn't understand my own posts.

failing that for this GB, that would make a nice WiP thread. Don't often see a 410 or a Meng kit.

I ment the meng 1/48 me-410 pop up for sale..I have to start proof reading it looks like I'm talking toss from star wars.  :)

SchattenSpartan

Bish: Thanks a lot! I think I'll still go with the A-0 paint scheme. The differently painted wings and crosses kinda grew on me and it sure is something different from both the normal scheme and the black/grey one. I won't use the decals though. Vinyl masks look like a more than acceptable replacement for such basic markings...

Ye, that is rather a nice scheme. I have the 4 Dragon 72nd He 219's, one I am doing in an all black, one with the black undersides and I think one has that mixed underside, but I am not sure. But I will probably do the A-0 G9+FB which carried out the first operational sortie by a 219 and destroyed 5 Lancaster's.

Well, guess what: I jsut had a look at the instructions for my 219 and ZM supplies you with decals for the same color scheme! I'll probably end up ordering some maks for the crosses though...

Bish: Thanks a lot! I think I'll still go with the A-0 paint scheme. The differently painted wings and crosses kinda grew on me and it sure is something different from both the normal scheme and the black/grey one. I won't use the decals though. Vinyl masks look like a more than acceptable replacement for such basic markings...

I don't think I ever even seen a 410   before x-mas the ment version piped up for sale and I thought it was such a slick looking aircraft  my wife told me order it as part of x-mas.

I did some research on them it seems most was in the north attacking the channel and they was involved in the second mission attacking England I can remember the name it was when they started sending single night bomber over there. Didn't see much in the way of night air defence.

Shatenspartan.  That 219 looks really cool  I have always liked them.

I have bf-109t -2 that has that same paint scream. I'm always thinking about spraying that pattern.

Clemans, I can't find any difference between the A-0 and A-2 other than the 0 was a pre production type and the 2 was the first production series. It just depends on the Rustsatze kits carried.

I was thinking about that black 219 as well, but it kinda like the one on top of the same decal sheet more:

That particular bird has one of the wings painted black and a small black area around the engine nacelle on the other one. Looks really nice if you ask me...

I am not that familiar with the 410, so I just checked the general reference I've got and there doesn't seem to have been a NF version, they were mainly used against day bombers.

Ya it has the radar on the nose but is for surface detection.  I can always start scouting for a different on. That's the only radar kit I have for now.

blackdog, I do believe the B-6 was intended as an anti shipping aircraft.

Count me in the time sounds good I will be building revell pro modler ME 410B -6/R-2 while typing this up I looked at the instructions and its surface radar anti shipping so is this  build qualified.

SchattenSpartan

Ooh, another 219!!! Welcome aboard!

I think you can make that 3. I will probably do one of my 72nd ones, I want to practice that scheme on something smaller and cheaper before I risk the big Revell kit.

Aww yisss. I really want to torture myself with that lattice camo. Just saw a decal set from EagleCals with one with a black underside. Sounds yummy.

Ooh, another 219!!! Welcome aboard!

Sold. If it's going to be later in the year you can pencil me in for a 219. ZM or Revell yet to be determined...depends if I decide I want to make the ZM pop my first build from them.

I'm in starting with a Dragon Ju88G-6. I think I'm going to need to stock up on paint for this one

Stu, I think the open box is ok, at least I hope so, all of my kits are opened as soon as I get them. Just resist the temptation to start putting it together. I will look forward to seeing that one.

It's a nightfighter, so I'm pretty sure it does qualify. I have one of those kits in my stash as well (the normal recon version though) so this is going to be very interesting for me to watch...

Question:  I just opened the box to the Great Wall FW-189 night fighter.  Would that be applicable to this GB?  If so I'd like to join.

I'll jump on board.

Plenty of time for badges, SS, though I'd be most interested in anything you come up with!

M/TB379

I noticed we don't have a badge yet. I could try to come up with one, but I won't make any promises...

I agree with Bish on the start date: Sept.-Oct. this year would be fine with me, but I'd prefer to start next year...

My entry would be that huge He 219 from Zoukei-Mura.

Welcome aboard -- will start a tally of members and their nominated start dates!

M/TB379

I would defiantly like to be in on this one. If it runs into the first half of next year, I should have no problem. My bench for this year is now completely full. So the later the better for me. I think Sept should work.