Regia Aeronautica GB II (06/15/09 to 06/15/10)

Well worth the wait for the finished photos Aaron. Shes deffo a honey. Front page ammended. Sometimes the photos dont show up the weathering as best as they can. But its sure looking good from here. Kudos on being 'The 1st'

Frank, Great news. Youve started LOL. Id love to try a quicky build but you know me, i just cant help myself. I have to admit, that weekend Gb was sooo refreshing, so you never know, i may even do one, one day LOL.

On mine, ive got the fuzz glued together and the cockpit area ground away. The pit will go in after the fuzz has dried through the bottom. From what i can see, its not going to be too bad a fit but with this kit. Nothings as easy as it first appears LOL.

...Guy

I just looked back. Looks like I broke sprue on the 18th PM and finished up on the 23rd AM so that translates to about 5 days of hellish work. That PC model is not one that my 13 yearold would get together to be sure.  The secret is I was off work and had the kids in school wife at work. Lots and lots of uninterupted bench time which is rare.  I don't think a whole lotta sleeping was involved either.

I have to finish up on my Halftrack over On Dupes GB. The one Guy finished last year. Then I believe I have built at least one for every GB I am in. I have many CHristmas Presents  to build yet before I am totally back on track but I plan on making all the rounds on the 109, PBY and of course here once again before things close.

Guy that is great work so far! You summed it up well when you described nothing on the Pacific COast kits are quite as easy as they first appear!  Seemed like everything was a chore and nothing worked without doing something extra as your pics are showing!  BRACE YOURSELF! My friend as I fear the worst is yet to come. Don't get frustrated when wingus and dingus take more than a couple days on that one!

Frank!  When do I get to see a propeller picture? I love thoughs! Do like that wire work though! Very cool! Like to hear more about your 1/32 Me109 woes sometime as someone talked me into a few of those...

I hope SC got his new AB today! Anxious to hear all about it!  Amazing how much your RE 2000 looks like a P-35!

Dave! Still your fault absolutely!  I took Dee out to Red Lobster ( not a biggy thing but it was reliving our first date) Nothing to romantic like Alex does. I tried to take her to the Hobby Store and buy here a model but she liked the first date idea better. Go figure!  WOmen Jeeze!

Thanks Guy!  A little behind the curve but that's OK.

Aaron- I think a lot of the problems were self-induced.  A man of your talent could whip one of those into shape in about 4.5 hours.

Daywalker wrote:

(like those Corsairs!)

Frank - I cant even begin to tell you how that made my day to see someone else say that other then myself.    Tell the truth, you have most likely aready sneaked a peek back at them.

Aaron - It was a Pleasure watching your Build come together so quickly even with a few derailments.  Terrific Job

SC- Yours is looking mighty good, I really like the Red Cowl. That right there just says  Fast

Guy - Sorry about the Jam I will be more thorough from now on. Nice Job on the repair !

Well I have been working on my Macchi's , to tell the truth I am almost embarrased to show my pics compared to your superbuilds. 

Look at that detailed IP

No Wheels

Summit wrote:

Daywalker wrote: (like those Corsairs!) Frank - I cant even begin to tell you how that made my day to see someone else say that other then myself.    Tell the truth, you have most likely aready sneaked a peek back at them.

LOL, glad it made you feel better Sean!  To be honest, it made MY day that someone noticed that.  Mentioned my difficulties in a couple of GB's but only crickets so far.  Haven't looked at them since I put 'em away, though the case I keep my on-going builds in looks very empty without the little guys.

Cool little Macchi you have going there!  That's 1/72, correct?  Matchbox?

Sean! those are cool!  I mean those are kits you aren't gonna see everyday! May not have the details of a new wonder kit but wow!  There is something about them that Nostalgic dont make em like that anymore look that needs to be shown! I say they are cool and challenging in ways long forgotten.

Frank I saw your post on the Corsairs and the 1/32 Me-109 but I thought it best not to mention that 7 letter word. Sean's on a roll! No flashbacks for either of you!  Maybe I should try a Corsair! ?  Whoops there I've gone and said it.  Gotta help Dee out maybe I'll build a tag along?

Guy when you wake up I was just looking at my PC 1/32 202. It looks like almost exactly what your building with just a few diff resin bits. The same even down to the pits and PE. The plastic on this one is much rougher than on the 2005. I hope it isn't as much a headache for both our sakes!

Where is SC? did he get his new AB and vanish in psi extacy?

And Dave?  I hope I have not offended his Canadian mist?  Moose meat! 

Many others being quiet. Idle minds can mean only trouble!

Daywalker wrote:

LOL, glad it made you feel better Sean!  To be honest, it made MY day that someone noticed that.  Mentioned my difficulties in a couple of GB's but only crickets so far.  Haven't looked at them since I put 'em away, though the case I keep my on-going builds in looks very empty without the little guys. Cool little Macchi you have going there!  That's 1/72, correct?  Matchbox?

Frank - to be Honest , that line jumped out at me like flashing red lights. Profane words and Corsairs go like Coffee and Pie to me.

It does sadden me to see that you had to take a break from them. You are the Corsair Extremist here.

The little Macci C.202 pictured is 1/72 , made by Super Model  I also am working on a C.205 ! You know me - a closet full of old kits.  

Need me to send you a Matchbox Kit for a quick easy build to take your mind off other problem kits ?

Aaron- Thanks for thinking of me, and now you HAVE to build a Corsair!  And if you don't already have one, just say the word.

Sean- LOL, had some canopy issues with one of them and decided to give them a break.  'Sides, I have so many other current GB's going I had to get to them quickly!  The little Corsairs will be waiting for me in a little bit.   No worries, I WILL finish them in a bit and they will go smoothly the next time I work on them.

About those Matchbox kits, have never actually built one of them.  Perhaps I should consider getting one as a quick build.  Although, a "quick" build for me is about two months!

sfcmac wrote:

Maybe I should try a Corsair! ?  Whoops there I've gone and said it.  Gotta help Dee out maybe I'll build a tag along?

Aaron - I have a 1/48 Hasegawa F4U-4 that the wrap has not even been broken on (Imagine that ) You want it ? Just say the word and I will send it your way. I even have a few extra reference books .

Hey, I'm glad you like the little Macchi's - the coin was there for your amusement. 

Sean there is never any need to apologise for a build. We only have a couple of rules hear. Build models, post frequently and the most important harass othe GB members any chance you get. Besides we all do not build like Guy and Frank. Some of us make plenty of mistakes. I have had to strip and repaint plenty of models myself. Just hang out and have fun with the rest of us crazy people! Oh almost forgot the one other rule. Always give Wingus a good cleaning before returning her to Guy. He gets quite perturbed when she comes back all sticky.

Aaron still here. Just working on boring stuff like future coats and painting wheels. Nothing exciting to look at. No airbrush today agian. Supposivly it is scheduled for delivery tomorrow from Fed Ex. When I get some decals onto tomorrow will post some pics for you Aaron. Well its almost 2 EST. Going to try to sleep now I hope..

                                                                                    Soulcrusher

soulcrusher wrote:

Sean there is never any need to apologise for a build. We only have a couple of rules hear. Build models, post frequently and the most important harass othe GB members any chance you get. Besides we all do not build like Guy and Frank. Some of us make plenty of mistakes. I have had to strip and repaint plenty of models myself. Just hang out and have fun with the rest of us crazy people! Oh almost forgot the one other rule. Always give Wingus a good cleaning before returning her to Guy. He gets quite perturbed when she comes back all sticky.

Oh, I make PLENTY of mistakes!  As a matter of fact, that is often the cause of my "spontaneous creativity".   LOL  I have stripped my fair share of builds, and helper elves.   Speaking of which, looks like Wingus is here for another body-painting session.

sfcmac wrote:

The more I study the Italians the more I realize that they were much more capable than history shows. I have concluded that the true spirit and talent of that country was not exactly one with Nazi Germany or Mussolini.

In Italy, think before you act. My wife's mothers cousin is in this picture.

In Italy, Il Duce built the first public schools.

In Italy, you can have a good time.

Wow, this GB is starting to come alive and Aaron is about to depart for GB pastures new. Dont go big boy!! Stay with the 'In' crowd.

I think your right about the similarities between my kit and yours. I think they are one and the same Theyve just reboxed it and put the extras in to convert one into the other. The plastic is deffo not Tamigawa. I think the answer is to give the whole thing a polish with some micromesh or 1000 grit wet and dry. There are a few panel lines on mine that deffo need a fettle or 2. I havent even looked at the clear parts yet. God only knows what calamities await me there lol.

Sean. I personally think people who model older kits or small 1/72 stuff are proper modellers and not assemblers like my good self. The work youve put in so far is great mate. Are you going to do an inflight model or attempt to scratch some landing gear?

All this talk of Corsairs is getting me a bit jumpy. Ive never built one and wouldnt know where to start. Whats a good kit? Just out of interest. Incase i was passing a model shop or something. LOL

...Guy

Guy- If you're looking to build a Corsair, the Tamiya 1/48 series is hard to beat.  They have a couple of quirks and a few bits to know ahead of time during assembly, but otherwise a great kit.  Nothing a Modelling Master like yourself couldn't handle!  I bet you could throw one together in about 3 days LOL. 

Ah I am going no where except to finish some unfinished business. Pretty close to finishing that Half Track. Just was waiting on some stuff for figures and base.

Bondo I love you Italy pics! I bet your ready to go back already!

Frank and Sean! Even in the realm of fast Italian planes comes the Corsair Storys!  I have about 3  1/48 in the stash there Sean. I think I built the Hasegawa one really nice and left it in the car during a move. It melted beyond recognition. Kinda looked like that Trumpeter pic you had with the droopy wings!  I was going to do that one but you have convinced me it is an over priced headache. I guess I should look for an old 1/32 Revell. I liked them. Had on that got smashed in a tornado. I do have to help Dee get her's going that was the CHristmas gift from lewbud.

This is all Franks Fault. Which means it really is Dave's fault talking about 202 and 205's when he shoulda mean't Corsairs!  SC? you done yet?

Luftwoller wrote:

Stay with the 'In' crowd.

Yeah, and us too!   I have a '109 question...

The Hasegawa G-4 kit comes with a resin cowl top with the rounded gun troughs, but it appears to be intended for a different kit (Academy maybe?).  Looking at it, I am not sure how well it will fit even after modifying it.  The kit has the G-6 style cowl top with the squared off gun trough inserts.  Were there any G-4's with the later style G-6 gun troughs?  I mean, the bird I am modeling has the later G-6 tailwheel and all.  Would I be ostracized by the masses if I were to use the later cowl?

Bondo - Fantastic pictures, looks like everyone was having a Great time. I bet Dinner was beyond words that describe. Makes me hungry for Italian just thinking about it and I have not even had breakfast.

Aaron - Strike one one in the HaseG kit, I do have the 1/32 "Pappy Boyington" corsair hid away and a resin cockpit - your cup of tea maybe ?

Guy - The Macchi has gear, I opted wheels up. That is my thing for 09 was to build a few in flight. One of my others I am working on in flight is a 1/48  B-29   Since Aaron did not bite on the Hasegawa 1/48 F4U-4 Corsair you are welcome to it. 

Frank if it was me I would use what ever part actually fit better. I am know for not always being politically correct though. You won't ge any guff from me about it buddy. I'm not really sure to the correct answer to your question. Where is Stan when you need him. He must be off in some other GB. I sent an email off to Ken last night about the airbrushes. I hope he can take care of the seals. I so I will owe you one buddy! I have alot of OOP kits in the stash so if you can't find something your looking for check with me. I might just be able to help you out buddy.

Aaron decals tonight buddy. Just giving the Future a chance to cure properly. No repaints on this built for me! Pictures tonight for sure buddy. Still no airbrush! !

                                                                                        Soulcrusher

 That's the exact kit I'm thinking about Sean! Whatcha want for it just let me know!  I got a box with your name on it already and it's growing. Wife should be thrilled.

 Did you say your working on the huge B-29?  In Flight? Wow that is a beast of a kit!

 Frank! It ain't gonna work ! Your just trying to get me to look at 109 kits aren't ya?!

I can't believe Hasegawa put a part in there that is so off. WOW! Sorry bout that. I don't thingk anyone would chastize you for any reason except maybe Wiscosin weather.

I opened up the Hasegawa F-4 1/48 kit. It is the Priller version that was on sale. It has a two part cowling

Does this look right? Are they interchangeable?  I'd use the other if it were me and the fit is nutty but I know the need to make it as close as possible!  Let me know if this looks right?

SC? I think Guy is paying off your mailman so you don't get to far ahead! Looking forward to seeing some pics of that red nosed wonder you got!

SC- How did you apply your future coat ? Did you brush it on ? I have read and seen where a lot of guys over in the UK do this and it looks great. (UAMF forum) I myself cant brush paint worth a hoot.

I am with you on Frank's part, which ever one fits the best with less headache.

sfcmac wrote:

That's the exact kit I'm thinking about Sean! Whatcha want for it just let me know!  I got a box with your name on it already and it's growing. Wife should be thrilled.

Fantastic - you want the matching 1/32 Black Sheep enemy Japanese Zero also ? No charge on them

Oh No ! You mean I get to see another Kodak moment on T's face again

Sean if you did that I would have to stop what I am doing and get right at them!  My boys and I stayed up and watched History Uncover The real story of The Black Sheep Squadron just last night. It's on You Tube in 5 parts and we just went nuts! That is an incredible offer. You are making me relive my entire childhood here. Awesome!

I think there are lots of us here that were Hooked on that Robert Conrad TV show!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQCYG0C89uk&feature=related

I haven't completely ruled this one out. I'm not much use with an air brush and it will be months until the weather will let me use it anyway, but I recently ran across someone selling smoke ring decals. Has any one used these? I have been making a lot of my own decals successfully so if decals work ok for this I think I might be able to finally finish off a couple of the fighters I started 3 or 4 years ago.

Thanks  

sfcmac wrote:

I think there are lots of us here that were Hooked on that Robert Conrad TV show!

That's the reason I love Corsairs so much!  One of my favorite memories as a kid was watching that show with my Dad.  Last year, I bought season one of the show on Amazon.

Thanks for the feedback on the cowl!  The Hasegawa "F" series kits have a different parts breakdown, with the cowl panels split down the middle where the fuse breakdown is.  Tougher to align, but works well in it's own right.  The "G" has the lower part of the cowl molded to the fuse sides, with a top insert.  Easier to assemble, just have to make the seam disappear.  Thanks for looking at it my friend!  Also, you're right about the RA using more G-6's, and switching cowls around on aircraft.  When I paint this beast, I shall remember to weather the cowl differently to show it's not originally part of the aircraft.  That should quell the nay-sayers!  

OK, it's unanimous then!  I shall use the G-6 panel.   Thanks everyone!

SC- STILL no airbrush?  That's really a bummer.  I can't even imagine not having a working AB.  Probably couldn't even set foot into the shop if there was no way to paint anything.

Anybody have any color references on the Regia Pilots ? My guys are just sitting around waiting for color.

  Frank it will look all the better for it I am certain!

 Aaron ( luv that name btw) Guy did some work with those here is what I stole from his post a few pages back.

and the after...

Heres my table of stuff ready and a friggin great pile of struts waiting for paint. They took the best part of an hour to clean up and de-nub LOL.

Oh and i sorted the screen out. I held it between finger and thumb and used a lighter, held at a distance untill i felt the plastic just start to give, and yes my fingers are made of asbestos LOL, in the close up you can see the crazing that was present before i did anything. Also the quality of the smoke ringed decals.

More soon,

...Guy

 ----------------------------------------------------------------

Guy has struts now so should be almost done!

 Sean has inspired me to try to do another grass roots build. To achieve the full effect I think I have chosen one of the most horrible kits so it should be fun!

Yes the Smer 1/something or other think it's 1/50? Probably closer to 1/48 in places. 

MA 200 Lightening. Saetta, Stavebnice, Blitz, pick your langage as I don't read Czech anyways.

The instructions are all in Czech and the history. My mind just makes up the facts anyways!  Where's Dave? It's his fault!

Look at the crisp detail! They did not scimp on the plastic! Plenty of extra!

 After minmal and hassel free clean up parts are carved or revealed to show a level of detail that Hasegawa and Tamiya could only wish for!

I mean the pit! Wowzers and that cowling! Three pieces! Cut right in half through all the blisters!  Very considerate as they don't line up anyways. I did not realize that the MA 200 had off set blisters on the cowling.  Well it doesn't get any better than this! Let me tell you! Thanks Sean!

Anybody got any good ref pics of the pit and engine on one of these babys?  Frank? Don't you have a PC kit of this?  Hope yours is as detailed!

Summit wrote:

Anybody have any color references on the Regia Pilots ? My guys are just sitting around waiting for color.

I was gonna ask that same thing!

That looks just like Guy with the stick and everything!

Daywalker wrote:

I bet you could throw one together in about 3 days LOL.

Why? Are they really tricky then? LOL. If there are any freebie Tamiya Corsairs floating about, just send em Englands way!! God save the queen!!

Aaron, i was going to do this post about an hour and a half ago. Thx to you i followed your youtube link, didnt recognise the programme. From there i followed the you tube link to the history channels 'Real Pappy Boyington', Very interesting. I was hooked and sat through all 5 parts LOL. You next project looks Fantastic , it looks like the swarf i cut off this big burger im doing. With your exceptional talent though, im sure you'll make a 109 out of it.

...Guy

sfcmac wrote:

Summit wrote: Anybody have any color references on the Regia Pilots ? My guys are just sitting around waiting for color. I was gonna ask that same thing! That looks just like Guy with the stick and everything!

What stick? What do you know that i dont LOL. To me, he looks like a very naughty boy!!

...Guy