Official Natural Metal Finish Group Build

Generally people post the major bits of their build, but there really are no minimums or maximums, just what you feel needs showing.

I find GBs fall into one of three types,

Historical where many builders give a lot of history about the subject they are building (WW2 carrier based planes, Mig Killers, supersonic bombers etc).

Technique where the focus tends to be tips and tricks of a particular kit or method of building / painting. This could be a particular kit (Revell 1/72 P40 Warhawk), a type of kit (resin, vacform etc) or technique (natural metal finish, splinter camoflage etc).

Just for fun, what ifs, sci fi, story based (WW3) etc. Really all GBs should be fun, but these seem to be more about the set up, and less about the building.

Of course most GBs include some of all of these bits, its really more where the focus of teh build lies.

As a natural metal finish is basically about different was of doing a natural metal finish, you can kind of think of it like writing a how to article. Show off how you are getting your finish, and offer the good / bad to the particular method you have chosen.  

Lancair

The start date is May 1st. Partial starts are ok as long it is only the cockpit no airframe work will be accepted. You shouldnt post pictures before May 1st, the idea is to start together. As far a WIP goes its pretty much up to you I would sugest checking out some of the other GBs and see what most seem to do, thats how I figured it out. There is really no set rule but the more you share the more sugestions you get and others get some from you also. The group build is a matter of sharing methods and ideas to achieve a higher skill level in our hobby. Oh and to make a few friends along the way. Hope this answers your question I just dont wish to load us up with a bunch of rules, want to keep it fun.

PS What Aaronw said. Thanks Aaronw.

HawkeyeHobbies

You are in, and welcome. I cant wait to see this badboy build !!

Pavlvs You are in and welcome. Cant wait to see that big Razerback.

Drdull You are also in. Welcome to the group. Love those 29s in NMF. BTW what kit will you be building ?

Propfan Come on and jump in the waters great ! That DC3 will be a nice subject.

drdull wrote:

Hi - Oops, forgot to say what I'll be using.  My build will be the 1:72 B-29A from Academy.  The kit is #2154 and boxed as "Enola Gay" though I'll be modeling a different aircraft with custom markings and a few AM bits and pieces.  Barry

Drdull

Thanks the list is updated. Thats gonna be a sweet build ! Are you going to use Alclad or foil or ?? I got to tour the Enola Gay once must have been 15 or so years ago at Van Nuys airport. It was HUGE on the outside but not much room on the inside at all. Quite suprising really. Of course I am 6'3" and 260 lbs so that might have something to do with it

If this is truly a 1 year group build, can I build 2?  Maybe a 1/48 B-29 Superfortress?

Cheers

Lancair IV wrote:

If this is truly a 1 year group build, can I build 2?  Maybe a 1/48 B-29 Superfortress?   Cheers

You bet you can build 2 Lancair IV or more if you like The rules don't place a limit on the number of aircraft that can be entered in the group build. Let me know if you want me to add your B-29 to the list. I was thinking of doing 2 if I can make the time. Maybe an F-82 or P-61. I think a NMF P-61 would look really nice and I havent seen it done. 

vetteman42 wrote:

Lancair IV wrote: If this is truly a 1 year group build, can I build 2?  Maybe a 1/48 B-29 Superfortress?   Cheers You bet you can build 2 Lancair IV or more if you like The rules don't place a limit on the number of aircraft that can be entered in the group build. Let me know if you want me to add your B-29 to the list. I was thinking of doing 2 if I can make the time. Maybe an F-82 or P-61. I think a NMF P-61 would look really nice and I havent seen it done.

What the heck...Sign me up for the 1/48 B-29 Superfort as well.  I have a year.  Pleanty of time right?  Famous last words.

I for one would like to see the P-61 in NMF.  I dare ya....

Cheers

Lancair IV wrote:

vetteman42 wrote:  Lancair IV wrote: If this is truly a 1 year group build, can I build 2?  Maybe a 1/48 B-29 Superfortress?   Cheers You bet you can build 2 Lancair IV or more if you like The rules don't place a limit on the number of aircraft that can be entered in the group build. Let me know if you want me to add your B-29 to the list. I was thinking of doing 2 if I can make the time. Maybe an F-82 or P-61. I think a NMF P-61 would look really nice and I havent seen it done.    What the heck...Sign me up for the 1/48 B-29 Superfort as well.  I have a year.  Pleanty of time right?  Famous last words.   I for one would like to see the P-61 in NMF.  I dare ya....   Cheers

Lancair IV You are now signed up for a B-29 also they look so nice in NMF.

I do have a P-61 on the bench err TV tray for another GB now and was looking at it and thinking ......... well you know how that goes. However I do have another that just might end up here.

raptordriver wrote:

UH-OH Randy are you building monograms? If so you sure got a big challenge ahead!

Huh yup Andrew its the only 1/48 P-61 in town. Must be something wrong with me because I really enjoied building the first one and am having fun with this one, and am now planning on a third in NMF. Will have to see how things go I am after all a very slow builder ya know and I hear the Revell P-38 isnt all that good a kit.  In the year I have been back to the hobby I only managed to build 10 models wayyyyyyy behind all you guys.

drdull wrote:

Hi Vetteman.  I'd like to join too.  I've been wanting to build a 1/72 B-29 as V-Square-42 of the 499th bomb group 73rd bomb wing.  I'm planning on using Hawkeye's Talon acrylics.  Barry

Good morning,

I joined this group because I was searching around the internet for intormation on my Grandpa's WWII plane, besides I love models...Anyway, the model you want to build is the plane my Grandpa flew off of Saipan.  Is there a reasone you picked that patricular plane?  I have a picture of the plane and crew, I'd be happy to post it up if you're interested.

Smokinguns3 and Aggieman you are both in and welcome to the shiney group

 I love the idea of a NMF P-61, I may pick one up at the next contest!!!

 More than 1 build is awesome!!! I've got a few to do;

   2;F-104s

    4; P-51s

     F-86d/P-36/B-50/B-17

   Don't know which will be done?????

  And since the Enola Gay was mentioned, check out what I aquired awhile back!!!

Nothin special right?.......

   or is it????

 I think the date is worth noting!!!

Now that IS a find Fermis !!!!!!!!! You gotta hold on to that book I bet it is some good reading too. A P-61 would be interesting in NMF I have been toying with that idea for some time, actually shortly after I finished the P-47 in NMF. But then I think about that F-82 I got my mits on, just cant make up my mind. The F-104 would be a good one too Fermis and the F-86 and.........Me thinks you are in the same boat I am in LOL, what to build. Although the Starfighter does hold sentimental value for me. It was the first jet my Dad worked on when we came to California and was the first plane I made parts for when I went to work in a machineshop. The other was the F-14 Tomcat, I will build those one day. I set the end date a year off so people could do more than one build and incorparate ideas that one gets from the first build and or from the group.  So if anyone wants to build more than one for the group please do so.

 We had an airshow in town, and Tibbets was there, along with his nav. and surving crew from "Bockscar". The book was for sale, and he was signin. I figured, I'd jump at that chance. The book itself is a bit boring, a lot of "this was there, that was here". I prefer personal accounts...memoirs(sp?) But it's a nice little piece of history.

 1 full year.....maybe I'll build em all!!!!

fermis wrote:

We had an airshow in town, and Tibbets was there, along with his nav. and surving crew from "Bockscar". The book was for sale, and he was signin. I figured, I'd jump at that chance. The book itself is a bit boring, a lot of "this was there, that was here". I prefer personal accounts...memoirs(sp?) But it's a nice little piece of history.  1 full year.....maybe I'll build em all!!!!

Go for it Fermis I know you can do it.

One of the things I have learned in my life is "ya gotta get when the gettin is good" you did follow that rule with that book Fermis it is a great score :)  

Hey Randy. You can put me down for a 1/48 Monogram P-47 D Bubbletop done in the 56th FG colors. I hope it qualifies as only the bottom of the plane is NMF. The top has field applied camo of British Dark Green and Sea Grey. I will not be able to start probally until summer as I have two other GB to finish.. I really want to bone up on my NMF skills and I hope to learn alot from everyone else as their builds progress.

                                                                           Soulcrusher

Hey Fermis I think I have something that would go along perfect with that book. An original Airplane Commander traning manual. The paper sticking out of the top of the book are the hand written notes of the pilot who the book belonged to. The name of the B-29 was The Virgina Rose. I bought it at an estate auction about twenty years ago. I was packed away forever and I forgot I had it until recently.

                                                                             Soulcrusher

Can do Randy! Bottoms up!    I want to do a decent amount of scratch building on the old Monogram too so the long build date work for me. I might not start on the kit for a while but I will definetly be posting regularly.

                                                                           Soulcrusher

Carboncrew - are you serious?  This is amazing.  My late father-in-law was a member of that crew.  Personal message to follow.

By the way, the next reunion of the 73rd bomb wing is at the end of May in Oklahoma City.  I will be there with my wife's family.

Barry