1/72nd. PBM-5A Martin Mariner Seaplane

This is a fine kit. I got it a couple Christmas's ago and put it together last year - until disaster befell me. I warn you to pay attention to the wheel wells. They are attached to the interior of each fuselage half. I apparently did not get enough glue (I use Tamiya's liquid solvent) on these parts. I had the entire kit assembled and painted in a nice rendition of the tori-color scheme. I was attaching there are struts, which had to be pushed into those wells, and both popped off. They were then loose inside the model with no way of re-attaching outside of fuselage disassembly. I did not have it in me to trash it but I also did not have the desire to open up that fuselage. Maybe one day I will get back to it. Be sure to ensure those wells are secure, and consider bracing them internally as well.

To GMorrison,

Yes, I'm guilty of pushing forward too much.  I've been like that since a child, I now must utilize my mind to calm down.  I'm always going at break neck speed as if the world was going to end tomorrow.  I purchased another kit from HL.  Apperntly, the digital coupon of 40% off can be used everyday, once a day, and like myself on a kit product.  Thank you for the critique and support.  I'll be building a RM P-38 Lighting at 1:48 scale.  You can view it on another thread.

Toshi

As mentioned the Mach 2 kit is terrible, I have one in the mariner stash.

The squadron book is 'ok' in my opinion. The Ginter book is the best reference book out there at the moment.

There is a lot of incorrect info in some of the books published.

I've been collecting Mariner information, books and pics for 12+ years now. Still incomplete but I've almost got everything published on the subject.

Still trying to get the full Martin blueprints, they're in storage at the NASM and they wont scan them :p

The Warplanes 01 PBM book has some great info, but a lot of wrong info too.

Looks like a fun build.  Enjoy!

Mike

I saw your post am I am really glad you did not get the Mach 2 kit, which was the only game in town for ever. Wouldn't be at HL anyways, but it's a piece of junk. I'll be interested to watch you build this.

Since you welcome advice, here's a couple of thoughts.

Mike Brindos made a seemingly simple comment that actually has a lot of experience behind it.

Take your time. Especially on your Hawk, I was amazed that you got three colors of enamel and clear down in as many days. I'd have probably taken as many weeks. Paint is funny stuff, sometimes it seems like it's never going to cure. there's nothing wrong with being enthusiastic and working fast and it seems like it's doing you good moodwise, so don't let me be a bummer. Just be careful about finish flaws as they can be a time waster to fix.

Also, consider starting a collection of reference materials. I know that Squadron has a pretty good edition of "in action" on the Mariner. Can be had for little money, and a good start on the basics.

great classic color scheme!

To Shawn M.,

I am going to apply the three color seaplane.  It's the one with the dark blue, sky blue, and white.  Thank you Shawn.

Toshi

happy to help, its a fascinating aircraft that lacks the notoriety of the PBY but has a rich history and combat record.

Good variety of paint schemes available as well if you dont build the amphibian version.

All Black, All blue, 3 tone, RAF costal colors or you can do the amphibian in all aluminum or many other schemes.

To Shawn M.,

Wow, that is so cool!  I will take you up in the offer if I get stuck somewhere in the build.  Thank you for the read and reply.

To Jay Jay,

See if you can pull the coupon information via the Internet, that's how Mrs. Toshi got her 40% coupons.  You can't print out the coupon, you must show that the coupon is on a smart phone and or tablet.  Then the cashier will punch in the four digit code.  Good luck and thank you for the read and reply.

Toshi

Toshi,

This is a subject close to my heart as my Grandfather flew them in late WW2.

if you have any questions about the kit or research for the aircraft, please let me know.

Shawn

My Hobby Lobby here in Florida has the same kit and by the looks of yours it is a very good kit.   As I love seaplanes I wanted to buy this one but alas, had no coupon.  I shall be watching your build with great interest ,and hope by the time I find a coupon, they will still have the kit so I can build one also.

To Mustang1989,

Yes, I agree as well as this model kit is superb.  Thanks for the read and reply.

Good mornin' Toshi!

Looking forward to this build there buddy!!! Looks like a great kit.

To MBrindos,

I'll definitely take your advice and apply it.  Why rush through, this made sense to me.  I have seen this kit at Hobby Lobby for almost two months now.  It seemed like nobody was building seaplanes nor did not like seaplanes.  It also could have been the cost related to the subject at hand.  Who wants to pay $87.00 for a PBM.

I was sticker shocked until Mrs. Toshi pulled the digital version of the Hobby Lobby coupon from her iPhone 6plus.  With 40% off, I was most excited.  The kit has little to almost non-existence of flash.  The spruce tree is as sturdy as the plane itself hence nothing was loose.  Just the parts alone felt like some strange version of carbon fiber.  It was absolutely gorgeous!  I can't wait to get this kit started.  I'll be looking into PE for this particular build.

Toshi

That looks like a great kit Toshi. Just take your time and ENJOY it.  :)