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1/48 Tamiya Spifire MK. Vb (FINISHED)...

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  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Friday, February 20, 2015 10:09 AM

Just beautiful work and paint on that Spit. fantastic work on the painted markings too. Beer

Those Tamiya kits just fall together right out of the box. I recently did a Tamiya Spit as a commission and it was a pure joy to build and detail.

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    May 2006
Posted by Edgar on Friday, February 20, 2015 5:17 PM

During WWII, Squadrons did not have the facility for balancing ailerons (or rudders.) With today's technology, things might be different, but not 70+ years ago.

There was a standard formula for producing wing-top roundels; measure the wingspan and divide by 3, then measure that distance out from the centre of the fuselage. This marks the centre of the roundel, which should fill the available space, without encroaching on the aileron (or yellow leading edge in the case of fighters.) This is why upper wing roundels are all different sizes; under-wing and fuselage roundels were set sizes, as were the fin flashes.

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Friday, February 20, 2015 5:38 PM

It takes basic tools to balance a control surface. Squadron mechanics would have to check balances after a repair.

However that being said, the formula for roundels is interesting. I was unaware of how they calculated sizes. That would explain the size differences.

Thank you for bringing that to light.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    June 2013
Posted by RobGroot4 on Friday, February 20, 2015 5:58 PM

Beautiful bird, I always enjoy watching your builds.

On the weight and balance discussion, if the ailerons were cloth covered, being concerned about the weight of paint makes some sense.  Currently, if a US Navy aircraft gets repainted, it gets reweighed to add the weight of the paint (consider how many gallons of paint get used, not to mention, it isn't exactly lightweight acrylic!).

Because the aileron is probably the farthest point from the center of gravity of a wing, being concerned about the relative weight of paint makes a lot of sense.  It's like a board balanced on a rock with neither end touching the ground.  Putting a quarter on it near the rock may not do anything to it, while a quarter at one end of the board may push that end to the ground.

Groot

"Firing flares while dumping fuel may ruin your day" SH-60B NATOPS

  • Member since
    February 2011
Posted by knox on Saturday, February 21, 2015 9:03 AM

  Every time i see WIP and lawdog114 in a new post,  I know that modeling nirvana is waiting.  I nominate you for modeler/entertainer of 2014,  and you are off to a great start in 2015.  Thanks for taking the time to post your work.                            knox

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Saturday, February 21, 2015 10:38 AM
Interesting info....thanks. Knox, thank you but modeler if the year is a stretch. I'm just an average modeler with a few tricks, nothing more......and your welcome.

I did fix the roundel issue..pics soon.

Joe

 "Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Saturday, February 21, 2015 10:46 AM

Lawdog,

I didn't quite understand some of you explanation. How did you make the masks for the roundels? I would really like to try that trick on both British and Japanese AC.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Saturday, February 21, 2015 11:18 AM
I took a circle template, the green kind a mechanical drafter would use (I got mine at a crafts store) and I traced out the appropriate sized circle into Tamiya tape with a brand new Exacto knife. Just lay down strips of the tape on glass until its wide enough to accommodate the circle ...

 "Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Monday, February 23, 2015 9:48 PM

Alrighty............. Roundel painting part deux..........

After the discussion of paint on the ailerons, I initially decided not to mess with it.  Then it started bugging me.  Perhaps to justify myself (I'm as stubborn as any human being can be), I got to searching the internet to see if any pictures existed that showed roundel/aileron encroachment.  Well.....Murphy's Law would not allow me to find any.  I concede.....I must repaint.  I taped off half each wing and (holdng my breath) resprayed it using the same process as before (red-tape-blue-tape...then scheme).  It was a total PITA but I muddled my way through it.  I also fixed the walkway line issue which no longer cuts though the roundel. 

Before......

After......

It was clear coated and after a few hours, I decaled it.  The Victory productions fuselage codes were nice, but I found the roundels somewhat thick and unforgiving, even under Micro Sol.  Then I remembered why I keep Aeromaster roundels in the decal stash, albeit too late here.  From now on I will paint all of these.  I used the kit stencils which gave me no issues.  I then robbed my Mk. I kit for the Dehavilland propeller and hub.  I also deepened the rivets at the base of the spinner with a needle in a pin vice. 

In the home stretch...

Joe

 

 

 "Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    June 2014
Posted by BrandonK on Monday, February 23, 2015 10:30 PM

Gawd that looks good!! Nice work, AGAIN !

On the bench:

A lot !! And I mean A LOT!!

2024 Kits on deck / in process / completed   

                         14 / 5 / 2  

                              Tongue Tied

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Monday, February 23, 2015 10:45 PM

Joe,

I believe you out did yourself. That really looks great man  Yes.

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    June 2013
Posted by bvallot on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 12:43 AM

Splendid save!! =] That can be a terrifying venture...so many things that can go awry. I hate having to back track over something I've already completed. I've always been so nervous about markings of all kinds and it's made me very meticulous to get it right. Early on when I first started modeling more seriously I noticed insignia creeping onto ailerons of models but never paid any mind to it. I always found photos of the actual aircraft to base a build on. Nowadays, some of these nitpicky things stand out to me better.  It's nice to hear some commentary as to why some things are the way they are.

Can't wait to see her finished. =]

On the bench:  

Tamiya F4U-1  Kenneth Walsh

 

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 6:46 PM

Thanks guys.  I'm in the final stages and getting ready to add the aerial wires.  I hope to have the finished pics up in the next few days...

Joe

 "Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Naples, FL
Posted by tempestjohnny on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 7:00 PM

Joe. Very very nice. A testament to your skill with an airbrush. Nice save too.

 

  • Member since
    June 2013
Posted by bvallot on Friday, February 27, 2015 3:29 PM

Joe, how's it coming there!? =]

On the bench:  

Tamiya F4U-1  Kenneth Walsh

 

  • Member since
    June 2013
Posted by bvallot on Friday, February 27, 2015 3:31 PM

Oh.  And I just remembered I wanted to ask you about your diorama bases you include.  What's the namebrand you go to for those?  I've been looking at some Woodland Scenics stuff.  But I'm curious as to what people in the 1:48 world prefer.

On the bench:  

Tamiya F4U-1  Kenneth Walsh

 

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Friday, February 27, 2015 9:58 PM

bvallot

Oh.  And I just remembered I wanted to ask you about your diorama bases you include.  What's the namebrand you go to for those?  I've been looking at some Woodland Scenics stuff.  But I'm curious as to what people in the 1:48 world prefer.

The bases aren't a brand, Its merely a cheap $2 wooden plaque I got from a craft store, which is then stained.  I then I tape off around edges and slap down Elmer's Glue. Then its a matter of pouring on real dirt with which I keep on hand.   The greenery is just that, Woodland Scenics.  I just add more glue and sprinkle it on.  I have all different shades and textures.   One of these days I'll do a step-by-step tutorial, but I always seem to forget.  

Joe

 "Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Friday, February 27, 2015 10:53 PM

........and we are done.  Here is Tamiya's 1/48 Spitfire Mk. Vb in the final markings of 611 Squdron's Eric Lock in August of 1941.  "Sawn off Lockie" was the highest scoring Battle of Britain ace (16 kills) but his war ended on August 3rd 1941.  Lock was returning from a fighter "Rhubarb" when he spotted a column of German troops and vehicles on a road near the Port of Calais in France.  He reportedy went down for a strafing attack and that was the last anyone had ever seen of him.  Despite exhaustive post war searches, neither his body or his Spitfire Mk V, W3257, have ever been found,  It was presumed he was struck by flak and crashed somewhere in English Channel.  Lock would be credited with 26 enemy aircraft kills. 

Reference the kit, there's not much to say........simply fantastic in detail and engineering. The cockpit however could use some extra detailing, but on this one, I only added a Quickboost seat.  I also added Ultracast tires only because I had them on hand.  Lock's W3257 markings came from the enormous Victory Productions Aces of the Empire sheet.  On this project I painted on the upper wing roundels and fin flashes in lieu of decals. It worked well and I will continue to do so.  The figures are from ICM and were included with the kit.  They were okay, not overly impressive.

Take a gander, comments welcome an questions encouraged...

Joe   

 

 "Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Friday, February 27, 2015 11:05 PM

Joe, she looks superb brother!  Of course, just as expected.Bow Down   I think I'm most impressed by the rate at which you produce these beauties!   What's up next?

Gary


"All you mugs need to get busy building, and post pics!"

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Friday, February 27, 2015 11:22 PM

Thanks Gary.  I just started Zveda's Bf 109 F-2 for the Messerschmitt Group Build...

Joe

 "Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    August 2009
  • From: Borlando Fla home of the rat
Posted by TREYZX10R on Saturday, February 28, 2015 12:06 AM

Joe thats simply stunning! The Pilots look so animated you can almost hear them talking,you captured that perfecly! Very nicely done Sir!

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • From: Yorkville, IL
Posted by wolfhammer1 on Saturday, February 28, 2015 7:48 AM

Beautiful Spitfire! (although that is redundant)  Nice work, and I am amazed at the rate you can turn these out.  Awesome work sir, and I look forward to your next build.

John

  • Member since
    June 2014
Posted by BrandonK on Saturday, February 28, 2015 11:39 AM

Fantastic Spit. Your's came out great. Makes me want to try my Italeri Spit and see if I can improve any over the Airfix. Super nicely done Joe.! Toast

On the bench:

A lot !! And I mean A LOT!!

2024 Kits on deck / in process / completed   

                         14 / 5 / 2  

                              Tongue Tied

  • Member since
    March 2013
Posted by patrick206 on Saturday, February 28, 2015 2:47 PM

Joe -

It's another beautiful build, like your others. I know you don't associate your work with excellence, an admirable trait in a person, but in your case incorrect. However you perceive your ability is up to you, but every few weeks I see a build in progress, then the end product, dependably excellent.

Even more significant, the techniques, descriptions and build details you always are so willing to share, have been so instructional and helpful to your fellow modelers. I can say my modeling ability has been greatly benefitted by your post's, I'll bet many others have also.

I imagine you don't care much for recognition, so I'll just say THANKS!

Patrick

  • Member since
    May 2014
Posted by SubarooMike on Saturday, February 28, 2015 5:05 PM

What kind of camera do you use?   I keep wanting to post built pictures but all I have is an iPhone 6 and a 9-year-old Sony point and shoot thing.  

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Piscataway, NJ!
Posted by wing_nut on Saturday, February 28, 2015 5:46 PM

When I see "lawdog114" and  "FINISHED" in the same line I know I just gotta take a little looky.  Very tasty indeed.   Do I see a "Friedrich" in your future

Marc  

GAF
  • Member since
    June 2012
  • From: Anniston, AL
Posted by GAF on Saturday, February 28, 2015 7:06 PM

What can I say?  Inspirational!

Gary

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Saturday, February 28, 2015 10:22 PM

Thanks guys.  Patrick, yes, average modeler with a few tricks, nothing more.... but thanks for the kind words.  Mike, it's a Nikon P 500 "Cool Pix".  I got it at Best Buy about 5 years ago.

Joe

 "Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Northern California
Posted by jeaton01 on Sunday, March 1, 2015 12:28 AM

Nice model and presentation.  Surely that pilot thinks he has a confirmed kill!

John

To see build logs for my models:  http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/mymodels.html

 

  • Member since
    February 2007
  • From: Brunswick, Ohio
Posted by Buckeye on Sunday, March 1, 2015 9:19 AM

That is just outstanding work! Toast

Mike

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