Weekend Madness 2012

List of participants and projects:

stikpusher: 1:48 Hurricane Mk IIC

bufflehead: Tamiya 1:35 M5A1...DONE! 

pyrman64: Tamiya 1:35 M151A2

Ninetalis: Pegasus 1:48 V2

taxtp: Tamiya 1:72 Kawanishi Shiden Type 11

Borg RC-MC0: TBD

Cdn Colin: 1:144 P-47

tupperware av8r: TBD

corvettemike: TBD

Noah T: TBD

Kugai: Hasegawa 1:72 F-20 Tigershark...DONE!

razordws:  Dragon 1:72 Sherman Firefly V

I'm interested but as I stated in the other thread I am moving between now and the end of the month so I'll have to see how things go when we get to the new place. I'll look for a subject but I'd prolly get started like the last weekend of the year.

Oh I definitely want to partake! I have already selected a kit based off of past experience in this madness! Seeing how my days off are rotating to Thursday/Friday/Saturdays off my 48 hours will be in those time periods. But that weekend and Thanksgiving weekend are not good for me... well Thanksgiving weekend maybe, but the 16th/17th/18th wont work.

No problem on the waiting until December, corvettemike.  Given the circumstances you mentioned, I definitely understand.

Welcome aboard, stikpusher.  Looking forward to what you'll be doing.  By the way, I've been meaning to ask you how you got so many badges to show in 1 frame.  I can't get more than the 2 to show up.

Old Ordie made it up for me somehow. I sent him a link to my Photobucket Album that had all my GB badges and he came up with that and sent it to me. I had stopped using my GB badges because I could only get  a couple to show...

Oh and I have a Hobbycraft 1/48 Hurricane Mk.IIC picked out. It will be in a "Blitz" era anti night raider overall black scheme. I have done 1/48 jet, a 1/35 tank, and a 1/35 gun jeep here for the past Weekend Madness's so I wanted to try my hand at a 1/48 prop job and this one fit the requirements. Easy interior, mono-color main paint scheme, no engine to paint and detail, and fairly simple straightforward construction.

Yeah!  Count me in Kugai and thanks for getting the GB going!  I just looked in the stash and picked out a kit that I think I can get done in 48 hrs....Tamiya's 1/35 M5A1 U.S. Light Tank.  Last year I tried a Monogram 1/35 M48 Patton and it took almost twice the allotted time....so something smaller, with fewer parts might work...

Here you go:

I'm good to go for the weekend of the 17th/18th, but will check in often to see if anything has changed!

Hi Kugai,

Thanks for hosting this, I'm very happy to support your continuing this GB.

I'm in, I think that weekend is OK for me.

I'll have a little bit of a think before I declare my entry.

Cheers

Tony

Hmmmm...sounds like fun.  I'm good for just about any weekend , although my weekends are Fri/Sat.

Put me down for Tamiya's M151A2

This is my kit choice

I'm still gonna look for a date to make my entry and what will enter, but I think it will be the 1/48 V2 by Pegasus, but this can still change.
I can't see until the start of my weekends if I'm going to have a 'free' weekend.
If you want, I can make a badge for you but you'll have to wait till this weekend or so before I can start on it, I really have a lot to do (design) this week, maybe I'll find a little spot to design a little thing!

With regards, Ninetalis.

I actually found a little time gap just now so I made something quick for ya,
Hope you like it!

With regards, Ninetalis. 

OK, here is my entry. It's a crossover that I need to get done by year's end anyway. It's the 1/72 Tamiya Kawanishi Shiden.

Cheers

Tony

Ninetails, I LOVE the GB badge!!!

stikpusher

Ninetails, I LOVE the GB badge!!!

Thanks Stikpusher, I was a bit concerned since I made it in such quite short time span and all,
I'm very glad that you like it!

With regards, Ninetalis.

stikpusher

Ninetails, I LOVE the GB badge!!!

Good job on the badge, and thanks for getting that together for us!

I'll be adding it with the updates tomorrow, after the current craziness is over.  Something fun to help decompress.

Also, still trying to decide on something for the GB.  Originally, I was thinking of doing a few of the small Star Blazers kits, making up for small kit size with numbers.  After seeing some of what you guys are committing to, though, I'd hate to be seen as starting this thing and wimping out or something.

Maybe that F-117 that's been sitting in the stash?  Trying to remember if I cut any parts from the sprue...

Great job on the badge Ninetalis.

I have really enjoyed this GB when I've done it in previous years. I think its my favorite annual GB. I hope we get good take up on it.

Cheers

Tony

I would like to participate in this GB. I have not done a Weekend GB since the 2005 Matchbox Madness GB but I remember it beeing fun.I am not sure what I will be building. probably a 1/72 aircraft.

The second or third weekend in december is probably going to be the best/most feasable for me since all my spare time in the weekends in November is taken for the Sinterklaas preparations.

en.wikipedia.org/.../Sinterklaas

Borg R3-MC0

... since all my spare time in the weekends in November is taken for the Sinterklaas preparations.

 I hope the 'The Good Holy Man' will have a small box for me in store, lol.

Same here. I have several modelling items on my Sinterklaas wish list.

pyrman64

stikpusher

Ninetails, I LOVE the GB badge!!!

. Same here!   on the badge!

I'd like to get in with a 1/144 P-47. I'll build it over the Christmas holiday.

Count me in for late December/ early January.

Going to a real challenge as I normally take aaagggeeees to build  a kit! 

I'm looking at a few figures. Can I use one figure from a 4 figure DML set and have it still count? Also looking at a Dark Knight 1/25 scale Batman, or possibly doing another Revell AG 1/72 Fokker Dr. I. I got my first one done in 72hrs so cutting 24hrs shouldn't be an issue. I most likely will do a figure though because I'm not used to operating in snow so I'm leaning toward something I can brush paint.

Apologies for taking so long with the updates, but I have gotten the list of participants and projects put together and ready to show completed pics.

corvettemilke, I'm not going to be picky about the figures you mentioned, but I'd be really interested in seeing the Fokker!

If I understood everyone right, it looks like we have a few who will be able to make it next week besides myself, so between that and the kids here participating I'm going to call the first "main" weekend as about a week from now as mentioned in the GB startup.

Again, the main thing ( besides having fun  ) is the 48 hour challenge, so consider the "main" weekend thing as nothing more than a time when we'll have the most people working at the same time.  Overlap for starting early or late, as well as scheduling making another weekend better for you is no biggie.

Speaking of the "other weekend" thing, if some of you who aren't going to have a weekend free this month, would you be interested in a second "main" weekend in December?

I've managed to acquire an Eduard mask for my 1/72 George. Anything that gains me a few minutes in the 48 hours has to  be a good thing.

I will be building on the so  called 'main weekend. Our time zine is ahead of most of the world (except NZ) here in eastern Australia, so I hope I'll get the ball rolling.

First pic will be a photo of the unstarted kit that will show the date and time on the camera.

Cheers

Tony

Thanks for the reminder.

I think it was standard to have the parts on the trees as the 1st pic before getting into the WIP on the previous builds.

Kugai, is it OK to wash the sprues before the start of the 48 hrs?  No cutting of parts, painting, etc.....just a quick dunk in warm, soapy water and then allowed to air dry?  

I'll also post a pic of the trees at the start time.  For me that will be 9 PM Friday, 11/16 (California, U.S. time!)

bufflehead

Kugai, is it OK to wash the sprues before the start of the 48 hrs?  No cutting of parts, painting, etc.....just a quick dunk in warm, soapy water and then allowed to air dry?  

My call would be "soapy water bath" is okay, but nothing more, such as soaking in bleach to strip chrome.  The reason I say that is that the former seems like it's no more affecting the parts themselves than having the paints you plan to use lined up ahead of time or reading the instructions to strategize, while the latter is an actual alteration.

Looks like I won't be doing the Tamiya M151A2 TOW, I managed to find a Testors issue of the Sd.kfz. 234/2 Puma.  I'll be starting in the morning after I get off work!

I'll look forward to it Greg.

I'm due to start in about 10 hours or so on my 'George'.  That will make it about  8.30pm on Friday evening here, depending on other plans that may come into play.

This thing actually gives me a bit of excitement.

Maybe I need to get out more :)

I'll try to get the cockpit done, fuselage together and wings on tonight if I can.

Cheers

Tony

Good luck, Tony.  Looking forward to seeing the end results.

George Update 1 :Here we go, fellas ! About to open the bag.

Cheers

Tony

Tony: you beat me to the starting line!

But I'm off the line now....here's me first pics:

That Puma will be good Greg, I've got a couple of their 1/48 ones.

THis is the bedtime update for the George. Started later than I wante dto, so didn't get as much done. WIll let the paint dry overnight.

The batteries were dead in the camera, so this was taken with the phone. Sorry no timestamp, but it's 12.47am.

I watched 'Flying High II' on cable whilst doing most of this. I'm sorry to say it hasn't got any better.

Nighty night !

Looking good, Tony.  I wasn't as lucky, too tired to get any build time in.  Took a nap and now I'm off to my LHS for a couple hours of build time with friends.

Good to see things starting up!

I need to get everything lined up for posting WIP pics, but should be starting in a few hours and have pics up while cement on sub-assemblies is drying.

I'm hoping to be ready for getting primer on before calling it a night, since I'll have to use enamels for the FS colors and will need plenty of time between coats tomorrow.  I'd originally thought I'd be able to save some time by painting this as one of the MiGs in Top Gun in black with decals from an abandoned Flanker, but found out that they used F-5s and not the F-20 ( been a while since I've seen the movie ).

Maybe I'll do that anyway, as a "variant" of a fictional MiG?

Here's the next update on the George. Approximately 11am Saturday. Cockpit done, fuselage ready to close.

Cheers

Tony

Tony: The George is looking great...nice cocpit detail

I'm soooooo far behind where I'd like to be right now!   Nothing was accomplished this morning before my nap and I didn't get anything done at Hobbyland either.   But when I got home, I sorta got down to business.  I managed to complete STEP 1 in the last 5 hours...I took a break to eat and watch a bit of Police Women on Cincinnati   So here's a couple of pics:

 Now on to step 2....

Nice Greg, keep it going. I haven't seen that show, hasn't made it out here.

I've done a little more. Although the clamps are on it, it's dry. Some gaps at the wing root. I think I'll sort out all the seams now, and prime the prop with yellow that I can mask off later for the high vis tips.

Cheesr

Tony

Great start here guys!  I just got off work and am ready to start on the Tamiya M5A1! 

For some reason I can't get my camera to add the date to the photo.....tried for over an hour and just gave up, but here's the pic I took at about 9 PM San Francisco time:

Log my official start time at 10:15 PM as I spent too much time with the timestamp issue and also with Photobucket problems (I hate the "new" PB!! )  I'll try to post a midnight photo for my next update!

Good to see you up and running Ernest. Get stuck in !

Cheers

Tony

bufflehead

For some reason I can't get my camera to add the date to the photo.....tried for over an hour and just gave up...

Same here.  I started at midnight and have been trying to get what I can done before bed.  I'll be posting pics either as the last thing before I crash for a few hours or first thing once I get up.  The goal for now is sub-assemblies and as much exterior assembly as feasible with the cockpit primed and drying.  from there, I plan on using Tamiya acrylics as much as possible for the interior since their quick drying time will let me get the fuselage together within a couple of hours.

Still trying to decide on the fictional "MiG-28 variant" idea from Top Gun or the regular Prototype 2 scheme for the F-20 ( or something that would be, as the Pythons used to say, "completely different" ).  One thing that got me considering the fictional scheme was the fact that I didn't check the decals until today and they're pretty badly yellowed, even the clear sections, and too small to effectively trim to just what can be lightened up by putting in the window for a few weeks later after it's done.

Oh, well.  Improvising to deal with such things within the 48 hours is part of the fun, right?

If it doesn't matter to you I already built one of the figures long ago, I have a Dragon USMC in Khe Sahn set with 3 figures left in it. I might try to do a small vignette with that or build one of the high command officers from a Tri-Star set I have laying around. I've been watching the Penn Valley weather and it's looking like I won't get a good spray day so I'm looking toward something that can get hit with a brush. I haven't counted out the Mobieus Batman but I'm just bawking at popping the $14.95 on it when I need a Trumpeter M1 5 in 1. For the time being put me down as "Figure TBD"

Ernest, what camera are you using?  I had the same problem with my Canon A75 PowerShot, even after reading the manual.  Then I figured out I had to have it on the "postcard" setting to turn on the date/time stamp.

Update: finished STEP 2 - more suspension fiddly-bits.  Finished STEP 3 - interior, I just added the floor and rear firewall that supports the side walls..

corvettemike

If it doesn't matter to you I already built one of the figures long ago, I have a Dragon USMC in Khe Sahn set with 3 figures left in it. I might try to do a small vignette with that...

I'm using an old 2004 Nikon Coolpix 5000.  I read the entire manual and there's nothing about enabling time/date on the actual image itself, just setting both so its recorded with the image data.....  I also tried my back up Vivitar Vigicam 7340 (a cheapie) and it will allow date, but not time.

Anyway, 3 hrs of work and this is all I've managed to do...

Suspension components done.  Tomorrow morning they get putty sanded and then installed on the hull!   

Time now for some

Ernest: your Stuart's coming along nicely.  Looking forward to the updates.

Okay...I've finally finished STEP 4....

Next step is adding the fenders and then Step 6 is adding forward hull/fender stuff (water/fuel cans, tools, front bumper, etc) - I'll be replacing all the tools with Tamiya OVE parts.  When Household-6 awakens, I'll be able to put paint on the inside of the fenders before installing them.

I'm still undecided about what unit to mark this PUMA as.  I know of five (5) units that were issued 234/2's:

• 1.Kp/PzAufkl.Abt.130, Panzer "Lehr"
• 1.Kp/PAA2, PzDiv.2
• 1.Kp/PAA7, PzDiv.7
• PAA20, PzDiv.20
• 1.Kp/SS-PAA1, SS-PzDiv1"LAH"

I think I'll add the inner stowage pins and call it a night.  Michigan plays Iowa and I'd like to catch the game at noon.  GO BLUE!

Good progress on the armor guys. I hope you can get it done.

It's half past midnight here, so I have 21 hours left.

I've just finished construction, and will give it a quick wash before hitting the sack.

It's gonna have to be a big day tomorrow.

Cheers

Tony

Tony - The Shiden is coming along nicely!  Looks like that kit builds up pretty well!

Greg - Your Puma is inspiring me to get one of those kits!  Maybe for the next Weekend Madness GB?!?!  The suspension for those 8 wheels does look a bit intimidating though....  BTW, about that "postcard" setting on your camera....what does it do?

After a 5 hr snooze and a quick breakfast of cold cereal, I was back at the bench at 8 AM!  I noticed that there were some noticeble gaps that needed filling before mounting the bogies so spent some time on that issue.  While waiting for the putty to dry I started working on the upper hull and managed to get a bit done.  After sanding the putty it was back to mounting the suspension assemblies, but those bogies defied my efforts to mount evenly, requiring a lot of plastic surgery to make straight (sort of).  After that, I needed a break so here I am with the update!. I'll post pics in a bit!

Looking good, guys!

Okay, after sleeping through the alarm and getting a later start than planned, here's the "on the tree" parts pic and the primered sub-assemblies.  I also had the intakes on the fuselage halves, but forgot to get a pic.

And finally, the decals that may cause an issue.  Veeeeery yellow.  The letters on the big "F-20" ones and #5 and #6 are supposed to be white.

Looks like you had a rough start this morning Kugai, but it seems you have things well in hand!  All's that left is to "git er done"!

Making progress on the M5A1!  Lower hull done (except for a couple of fiddly bits that I'll add at the very end), tracks assembled using the hot nail technique ( and fitted on, upper hull started:

The upper hull just snaps onto the lower hull....a neatTamiya feature (due to the old motorization molds).  This will come in handy for the tracks and those sand shields!

Good progress chaps !

The only filler on the George is at the wing to fuselage join, and a couple of little tidy us with CA for ejection pin marks and the like.

Like Buffle, I took a six hour break for some zzzzzzzzz.

The morning spray session is done. The underside grey is on, the prop has been sprayed orange-yellow. The undercarriage has been sprayed aluminium. There are only four parts remaining on the sprue now.

I don't have a photo right now, things are a bit wet. That was a useful 3 hour session anyway.

Cheers

Tony

I think we were both typing at the same time Ernest, that's looking great. Good progress.

Kugai - what colour is the aircraft under those 'yellow' decals ? I hope its not white !

Cheers

Tony

taxtp

Kugai - what colour is the aircraft under those 'yellow' decals ? I hope its not white !

Mostly Light Ghost Gray, with FS Light Gray on the belly.  The letters are supposed to be white over that and I could deal with letting the sun lighten them up after this weekend, but the fact that the area around is also so dark is what has me contemplating an alternative paint scheme of some type with decals pulled from another kit.  I doubt the discoloration on the clear part of the decals will fade.

I'm waiting for the masking to dry on the cementing surfaces of the cockpit, to be followed by glosscote, decals and wash to add depth before closing up the fuselage, so i still have some time to mull it over.

Ernest: your Stuart's coming along nicely! BTW, the old Testor's Puma is actually Italeri's and not quite as accurate as Dragon's recent release.

Tony: your Shinden/George is looking good.   Maybe next Weekend GB I'll pick a 1/72 kit.

Well, I've been delayed...again.  Took 3.5hr nap, got up for the Iowa/Michigan game & promptly went back to bed after setting the DVR.  I got up a little before 4pm, got defunct, ordered dinner from Outback and watched The Raven with Household-6 while we had a nice dinner.  After that, I watched the Wolverines devour the Hawkeyes 42-10!  During the game, I made some progress on the hull and turret.

I pre-painted the suspension and the underside of the fenders before installing them.

Currently watching Von Ryan's Express on the Military Channel while adding the fiddly-bits on the hull.

Looking good Greg!  Can't wait to see the Puma all done!

24 Hr Update  10 PM San Francisco time has assembly of the M5A1 almost done!  I just need to add a few more small parts.  Some weren't on the instructions but in the photos just now I noticed some open holes....???

I'm going to replace the kit 30 cal MGs with some AM parts I have in the spares box.  I"ll add those last.   If I have the energy to complete assy I might get the OD base paint on tonight!

Kugai

corvettemike

If it doesn't matter to you I already built one of the figures long ago, I have a Dragon USMC in Khe Sahn set with 3 figures left in it. I might try to do a small vignette with that...

Are you talking about making the vignette with just the remaining 3 figures or including the built one?  If you're going to only use the 3 that are unbuilt, especially in a vignette that would involve more than straight-from-the-box work added, I guess I would consider that to be no different from having parts left over ( the built one being like unused weapon pod options in a plane kit for the GB ) that are set aside and used for something else.

corvettemike

I wouldn't use the built one, he's been a stand alone on a base for a long time now. I'll figure something out, I'd try the Tamiya 1/48 M8 Greyhound but I build so dang slow due to my disabled back (sitting for long periods kills me). 99% even though I hate to spend the $$$ I'll probably do the Mobieus Dark Knight Batman. My LHS is getting a shipment on Thurs after next and I need boxes so I'll grab it then.

The 3 remaining in the vignette would be good, since you haven't started them, so if you decide on that idea then .

Had some setbacks dealing with the cockpit, but it did help me decide on the paint scheme.  Since the decals for the consoles proved that the film was discolored as well, I decided to go with the Top Gun "MiG-28 variant" idea using decals from a Foxhound kit that vanished.  Instead of the all-black look, I'll add some touches from the Russian planes I've seen, such as the green radome and tail marking, along with one of the belly colors used on the recent MiGs and Sukhois.

Pics coming once I get a little more work done.

I'm 90 minutes from my deadline, and I know I can't finish in time. I haven't been able to get back to the bench since my morning update. Lots of family time today, whish is a good thing anyway.

Still no upper surface green etc. My problem now is drying time. I need to spray the green let it dry, clear coat, let it dry, apply decals, let then dry, flat coat, let it dry, finish weathering and attach undercarriage etc.

I had planned to get the green down in the early afternoon, but it's just after 8pm and I've still got to finish masking.

I'll keep going, maybe I can still finish tonight.

Cheers

Tony

Ernest: Looks good.  Wish I was that far along.  Uhm....looks like you're missing the forward lifting lugs on the front-sides of the turret.

Tony: I know what you mean, I was thinking of a 3-tone camo, which will take 4-5 hours to do, including drying time.  Then I'll have to let it sit for a day before putting on the turret, national and unit markings from Archer Fine Transfers.

Okay, here's more WIP.

Cockpit with paint, followed by decals and sludge was done...

Fuselage, wings, and tail assembled...

And close-up of the cockpit before and after adding the Interior Blue-Green for that "russian" touch...

More to come soon.

Kugai: coming along nicely.  I always thought the F5/F20's were cool looking aircraft.

Good progress on the Tigershark, Kugai. That will be interesting when its done.

I've finally got it masked and got the green down. I was going to stuff about trying to mix up some Kawanishi Green, then tanked it and went for Tamiya IJN Green, as per the instructions. It's certainly a dark green.

I'm going to try and mask the stripes on the prop and get the sprayed tonight, but that will just about see me out. At least all the colour is sprayed then.

I'll try to get the clear coat done before work in the morning and come back tomorrow night for decals et al.

It might mot be to schedule, but at least its in the spirit of it.

Cheers

Tony

Here's the midnight photo. That's it for tonight.

The green is darker than this shows.

Cheers

Tony

Looks like there's more progress going on with Kugai and Tony!  Gan we get it done on time?!?

Last pics on the M5A1 before paint.  All the parts installed except MGs and antenna, lots of small gaps that needed filing with Mr. Surfacer 500.  Once cleaned up its hitting the paint booth  to get sprayed with exciting U.S. Olive Drab!

Oh, when I was removing the tracks I remembered that Tamiya did a crap job with the M3/M5 vinyl tracks....the guide honrs are positioned wrong!  The guide horns (teeth) should link each rubber pad to the next, but with Tamiya they're just at the side of the pad without linking to anything!  In real life this would just fall apart!  So I stole the tracks from an Academy M3A1 since I have some workable AFV Club tracks for that kit.  

I tried the Academy tracks and they not only fit the sprockets and suspension, they fit much better overall than the Tamiya kit tracks!!  YAY!

Those tracks do look a lot better Ernest. Lucky that you had a set that you could use. It's coming along pretty well, hope you make it.

I did get the clear coat done before work this morning, and also managed to paint the wheel wells also.

All set to do the decaling tonight.

Cheers

Tony

Thanks Tony!  I would have used the kit tracks, but why waste a perfectly good set from another kit?!

and she's got paint on!!  Straight Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab.   Its dark, but its only the base coat.  In a couple of hours it will look totally different!

Good to see that everyone's moving along.  I've got a little over 4 and a half hours left and, as usual, it will be close.

On to the WIPs...

Final assembly and primer...

Flanker Medium Blue on the belly...

And getting the final colors lined up.  Tamiya Flat Green on the nose and to be added to the tailfin to add more to the "MiG" look, Tamiya SG Black will be the topside color to tie it in to the look of the Top Gun movie MiGs.

So, from here I'll at least have time for the decals.  We'll see how that goes before I commit to a sludge wash on the belly and maybe some weathering powder on the engine nozzle.

Got the painting done except for a little touching-up and have started the decals.

I'm going to give these a little more time to dry and see if the film clears up a bit.  Hopefully I won't have to add the extra step setting solution, since that would add more drying time and delay adding the dullcote.

Great work guys, keep up the intensity. Every step is that bit closer to completing.

Cheers

Tony

40 minutes to go for me.  Looks like I'll have my traditional "last shot of dullcote at the bell" thing going and have to give a few minutes to dry before posting pics.  Got the wash done and cleaned up, so just a little weathering powder on the engine to go and then the dullcote.

Okay, here it is, with a few minutes to spare, posted after midnight only because of relaying through PB.

How are everyone else's projects coming along?

By the way, some of you may have noticed the parts for the old TIE interceptor kit in the background.  As I mentioned, one of the boys wanted to participate this week and the other will be later.  While I had parts for the GB drying etc. I was helping by doing a parallel build to show him the steps on my copy of the same kit instead of just verbally giving instructions on how to start using the techniques he was interested in trying, so that almost ended up being a 2-fer on the GB.

He didn't get it done in the 48 hours, but given that he hasn't even really tried much in the way of painting a kit let alone doing any masking before this project, I'd say he didn't do badly at all.

Oh my gosh Kugai!  Talk about finishing at the bell!!  I added the last part, the antenna, at 10:15 PM, exactly 48 hrs after starting!!  WHEW!! 

25 minutes to take photos (I took a lot, but only posted a few), cleaned my airbrush (can't have paint drying in it) and then uploaded to Photobucket....here you go!

Wow, is my workbench a total mess!!  Its a DISASTER!  Guess I know what I'll be doing tomorrow after work!!

Kugai, looks like you posted just before me!  The last post I saw before I posted is you saying you had 40 minutes to go!.

Great work on the Tigershark!  I LUV the black paint job and the panel wash!  Sweet looking jet dude!

BTW, I didn't know the Tigershark was used by communist countires....

bufflehead

Great work on the Tigershark!  I LUV the black paint job and the panel wash!  Sweet looking jet dude!

BTW, I didn't know the Tigershark was used by communist countires....

Bufflehead, And here I thought I was the only one!  I literally finished removing the mask from the canopy  , took the final pics, and walked over to the computer to see the clock at 11:59.  Adding yours to the "done" list.

Thanks for the compliments!  You may want to review the earlier posts to explain the odd results.  Long story short, I found out that the decals were too badly yellowed to get decent results, couldn't think of another paint scheme that could be planned out quickly that would be more "real" for an American plane, and with the leftover decals from a Foxbat that I never finished I decided to make a variation of the MiG-28 "Fantasy" aircraft ( yes, I know they were actually F-5s ) seen in Top Gun.

That's 3 years in a row that I've had things not work out as planned on this 48 hour thing, but I guess it's a good reminder of what one of the guys here used to have for his signature quote...

"Done is better than perfect."

DOH!  Yeah, I missed that post, sorry Kugai.  Now it makes sense, and its also a great save switching to the Top Gun antagonist!

Am I beat!  I knew I shouldn't have watched that Top Gear show this morning on Bond cars!  Otherwise I would have finished a couple of hours before the deadline!  Ah well, now for some well deserved shut-eye!

Thanks for hosting the GB Kugai!  I'm so glad we were able to get this going, I remembered my failure last year and wanted to have another crack at the 48 hr marathon!

Hmmm.....if this runs to the end of the year I wonder if I should try a second kit?

bufflehead

Thanks for hosting the GB Kugai!  I'm so glad we were able to get this going, I remembered my failure last year and wanted to have another crack at the 48 hr marathon!

Hmmm.....if this runs to the end of the year I wonder if I should try a second kit?

Thanks for signing up!  If there is enough interest, I'm figuring on continuing these each year as long as I'm here or until razordws comes back to pick it back up.  I'll definitely get things started earlier so that we can start planning and coordinating earlier.

As far as the second kit, I'm planning on that myself.  I'm hoping that something could be coordinated with some of us that are participating next month so that we can maximize the "mutual support" element.

bufflehead

That bottom set...I don't even....just wow

Ernest - that M5A1 is a credit to you. I can't believe that's a weekend job. I'd like to know more about how you weathered it, looks great.

Kugai - nice work on the Tigershark, does look very Top Gun ish, still a great movie.

Although I missed out this weekend, I think I'm inclined to have a 2nd go to redeem myself. Anyway, decals on, all glossy and toy like. Everything else is done and ready to go on.

It's past midnight, and I've got a busy one tomorrow. might be Wednesday here before I can apply the flat coat and finish it.

Cheers

Tony

corvettemike

 

That bottom set...I don't even....just wow

LOL!!  corvettemike, that is SOO funny! 

Tony, too bad you didn't finish the Shiden in time.  Still lets see it when its done!

As for the weathering on the M5A1....maybe weathering isn't the proper word.  More like a "distressed" paint job!  Sorry, I forgot to take photos of the paint progression, but here's how I did it.  I'll use some photos of a previouis build to help describe it.

First, the paints I used:

Base coat of Tamiya Olive Drab.  Then I darkened all the panel lines, crevices, nooks and edges with MM Flat Black.  I had just mixed this with MM Schwarzgrau and used for the vinyl tracks so the paint was still in the AB cup, but any very dark color wouild work.  Then I switched to Lifecolour UA 223 Faded Olive Drab 1 to highlight all the upper panels, large raised areas (like the periscope covers) and then did a little color modulation to the tops of the verical sides.  I avoided the running gear and hedgerow cutter.  When done it looked pretty crazy...this BT-5 I completed a few months ago illustrates what it looks like at this point, although there was more contrast between the light and dark OD on the M5A1.

Finally I thinned Lifecolour UA 221Olilve Drab quite a bit and applied several light, mist coats over the model to blend it all together.  Another pic of the turret of the BT-5 depicts a before/after using this process.

The last step was a wash using Flory Models Black Weathering Wash, which is a process very similar to panel washes on aircraft models.  However I didn't bother with a gloss coat as I wanted a bit of staining to remain...to give it a grungy look.  Application was simple....shake bottle very well and use a large, soft brush to glop the wash all over the place!!  This product is simply water with a chalk based pigment that doesn't react with acrylic, enamel or lacquer paints.  I used a hair dryer on low to accelerate the drying time and in 30 minutes I started to remove the excess wash.   I used a damp paper towel to remove the wash from larger areas; I used a cotton swab to get to smaller areas and tight corners.  

I love this stuff for quick builds as its simple to use and achieves pretty darn good results.   I still use oil washes when I want more finesse or with a kit that has delicate PE parts, but this stuff rocks on simple, rugged builds like older Tamiya kits!

That's it.  Sorry for the long winded explanation!

WOW!!!  There are some great lookin' models in this GB!  That's some awesome work done in 48 hours!  Maybe I need to give it a go.

taxtp

Although I missed out this weekend, I think I'm inclined to have a 2nd go to redeem myself. Anyway, decals on, all glossy and toy like. Everything else is done and ready to go on.

Sorry that the George didn't get done in the 48, it looks great.

No problem if you want to try again.  I'm also thinking of trying again, maybe crossing over with the Saab GB to get that done by the deadline at the end of the year.

Scorpr2, feel free to join in!  Just state what you're doing and what weekends you'll have available, and I'll add you to the list.  I'm still hoping that we'll have enough of us with the same weekend to have another "main" round.

I usually do 1/48 for Australian subjects, and 1/72 for everything else, mainly due to cabinet space.

Here's the latest progress shots. It's had a wash, all the bits added except the undercarriage doors and prop, barrels drilled and some touch ups.

I'll get it as far as the flat coat tonight, then finish with the weathering tomorrow. I bit overdue, but still quick. Once you're back at work, it stretches out.

Cheers

Tony

Tony: your George looks great

pyrman64

Tony: your George looks great

Yes, looking very nice Tony!  Better late than never!

Kugai: I'm free every weekend, so just let me know when.  Not sure what it'll be yet.

That's a good lookin' george!

Here it is, the 1/72 Tamiya Kawanishi N1K1 'George'.I've tried to show it as the paint just begins to show wear and tear, rathr than the fully dilapidated state you sometimes see.

It eventually took me a full week. Although I missed the 48 hour target this time around, I feel like I've achieved something. Thanks for hosting it Kugai, I hope I can support you again.

I'm still thinking about round two. If I'm free on the next 'main' weekend then I'll find something else to miss the deadline with !

Cheers

Tony

Really nice Tony!  Beautifully painted and weathered!   I couldn't do that in a month, let alone a week! . Hope to see your next weekend build, if you can join in.

BTW when is our next "main" weekend for the GB?  Any thoughts Kugai?  I can do any weekend except this weekend (I'm out of town) and the weekend before Xmas.  I'm trying to decide what the next build will be.....

Tony: your George is outstanding!

Looks like I need to try this Weekend Madness a second time.....despite not completing last weekends Puma.

Here's this weekend's subject.....[drum roll].....

 Box art, obviously

 Sprue A

Sprue  E

Construction will commence once I get to Hobbyland for the usual friday evening get together.

Tony, that's a great looking george!  What colors did you use?  I really like the paint chips!

Hi Scorpr2,

The upper surface is Tamiya acrylic XF-11 J.N. Green with a panel line wash of Raw Umber and Lamp Black oil paint thinned heavily with Humbrol enamel thinners. The lower surface is XF-12 J.N Grey, with the same panel line wash, but thinned even more heavily so as not to be too stark against the paler grey. The chips are done with a Metallic Silver Prismacolor pencil, which is a really easy way to go.

I did start to do some panel shading with a ground up chalk pastel, but this time I just didnt like the look so I washed it off. Maybe it wasn't quite the right colour.

Ernest and Greg - thanks for the comments. Good luck this weekend, I'll be watching you all the way. I'm not quite ready to reload yet, and next weekend is already busy, so I'm thinking the one after that. Gives me a chance to finsh off some of these pesky unfinished builds beforehand too. For some reason, this speed building really appeals to me, maybe it pleases my short attention span :)

Cheers

Tony

bufflehead

BTW when is our next "main" weekend for the GB?  Any thoughts Kugai?  I can do any weekend except this weekend (I'm out of town) and the weekend before Xmas.  I'm trying to decide what the next build will be.....

I've been waiting for a little more feedback on when people are expecting to have a weekend available to avoid seeming "bossy" or some such, but I'll go ahead and make a suggestion and you guys let me know if it looks good.

How many think they'd be good for December 14-16?

I've managed to complete the trailer...ermmm, I mean the Sd.Ah.52.

I even closed off the opening under each fender box, with Evergreen strip (.015x.125)

Looking good Greg!  I'm eager to see it complete!

Kugai, turns out I didn't actually finish the M5A1 Stuart within 48 hrs!   As I was cleaning everything up I found the decal sheet for the kit...it got lost in the frenzy to finish!  Turns out I only put one decal on to see how it looked and never got around to the rest!  OOPS!   So I definitely need to do another build to see if I can really complete one in time. 

The weekend of 12/15-12/16 works great for me as it will give me time to prepare better for the weekend.  Also I don't know if I have anything in the stash that might work for the weekend.... I might need to buy a small, simple kit.  I'll let you know what I decide. 

That's good Greg.

As it turns out, I think the Christmas period will make my December weekends busy, so any weekend is just as good as another. Let's do 14-16 Dec.

I'm thinking about the new Airfix 1/72 P-40B at this stage, but I'll confirm later.

Cheers

Tony

bufflehead

Kugai, turns out I didn't actually finish the M5A1 Stuart within 48 hrs!   As I was cleaning everything up I found the decal sheet for the kit...it got lost in the frenzy to finish!  Turns out I only put one decal on to see how it looked and never got around to the rest!  OOPS!   So I definitely need to do another build to see if I can really complete one in time. 

The shading and details you had on there were impressive enough that I didn't even notice the lack of markings!  If I had, I guess I'd have figured it was something that had just been "delivered" and wan't given markings yet.

But, hey, far be it from me to discourage a second pass!

So we're up to 3 so far for that weekend.  I'm going to have to come up with a ready-to-go backup if the Saab I have in mind doesn't arrive at the LHS in time.

Bad news for me, truck day got pushed back to the 20th so it's gonna be a stretch to get the basics unpacked by year end. Worse comes to worst there's always 2014. I'd do something now but my kits are in a big oven box buried under a heap of other smaller boxes along with my tools and solvents that are spread between 2 big rubbermaid tubs and ??? smaller boxes.

Mike, sorry to hear about your moving woes.   Hopefully some time will become available by the end of the year for you to build something. 

Well, since I had some free time I decided to complete the markings for the Tamiya M5A1 Stuart.  Total time is well into 60 hrs as I decided to give it a gloss coat first, then followed with a coat of Vallejo Matte Varnish.  The matte coat killed the dark wash so I hit it again with the Flory wash.  Here it is:

Well, now that the Stuart is finally done I think I've decided what my next attempt will be for the weekend of 12/15:  Dragon's older 1:35 BMP-1, a 60's era Soviet infantry fighting vehicle. 

The kit seems relatively simple and the parts count is on the low side.  However it does have indy track links so I hope assembling them doesn't slow the build down too much.  I'll mull it over a bit more, so there's a chance I'll change my mind and do something different, but for now the BMP-1 is my choice.

Indy track links ? Thats a gutsy move Ernest.

I'm going for he 1/350 AFV Club Gato Class Sub from '42.. No canopy msking on that baby :)

Cheers

Tony

Ernest: Great looking Stuart!   Did you use MV lenses for the headlights?  Good luck getting that BMP done in a weekend.

My next Weekend Madness project is going to be something more simple....like Dragon's kleiner Floßsack, Tamiya Sd.kfz.223 or Kübel.

Tony - Yeah, I was hoping for vinyl tracks since there's no sag to worry about on the BMP-1, but alas it came with indies!!  Nice choice on the Gato sub, looking forward to seeing it built!

Greg - Yes, those are MV Lenses, # L116.  I have a few of them for some Shermans I was planning on building, but since they were just sitting around I figured it was easy enough to hollow out the headlights and pop those in!  and what the heck is a kleiner Floßsack?

Hmmmmm....seems maybe the indy links on the BMP-1 may be more than I'm bargaining for!  I have a few more smaller kits in the stash, like a Tamiya Japanese Type 95 light tank with even fewer parts and nice, simple vinyl tracks, but the camo paint job needed for it is a game killer!!  I figure the time gained with the easy build won't compensate for that camo!   I'll keep checking and if anything looks appealing for the 48 hr build I'll make the switch!

bufflehead

Greg - Yes, those are MV Lenses, # L116 .....and what the heck is a kleiner Floßsack

Ernest: yeah, I have quite a few of L116, seems to fit all US headlights.  The kleiner Floßsack is a small inflatable raft

Hey guys!  Having fun without me eh!!!  Haha!

Thank you Kugai for picking up the slack in my absence.  My work schedule over October/November sucked the life right out of me and I had no energy/desire to pick this up again.  I work as a landscaper and normally our season wraps up in mid-November (which is why I used to hold it at this time) but the weather is so nice this year that we are still going.  Should wrap up at the end of this week though so if it is alright with you guys I'd like to jump in on your second weekend on the 14-16.  Put me down for a 1/72 Dragon Sherman firefly V.

Love the badge by the way!  

Hey!! Look who's arrived!  Welcome back Dave!  We wondered what had happened to you as some of us were expecting to see you fire up the GB back in October.  Sorry to hear that your bench time took a hit due to your workload, but at least you're here and with a nice Dragon Sherman to boot!  Can't wait to start the madness again in a couple of weeks!  

Very glad to see you on board Dave.  I remember well the previous madness.

Cheers

Tony

Good to see you, razordws!

One week to go for round 2.  I'll probably be building something along the lines of 1 or 2 mini-kits, like the Nichimo 1:200 scale Macross kits or the little "Star Blazers" box-scale ships.

Thanks guys, I'm really looking forward to this!

Hey guys, I think I am going to go ahead and get started on this tomorrow morning.  I have some time off work right now and I want to avoid conflicts with the family on the weekend.

Go for it Dave.

BTW, my home PC has failed. I'm not sure if it will impact my ability to post pictures this weekend. I might use my work laptop so that I can keep going.

Cheers

Tony

No problem on the early start.  I left the flexibility that whatever individual "weekend" work allows for each of us is okay.

Sorry to hear about the PC, Tony.  Hope you can get it up and running.

Still haven't made it to the LHS to see if the kit I ordered arrived or if I'll be able to use it for a crossover build, so my contribution this weekend is still TBD.

All right Dave!  Looks like we'll get to see your's first with the early start!  Good luck buddy!

Kugai, I'm changing my 2nd entry.  Turns out the indy links on the BMP-1 have pin marks and the periscopes on the hull need major work...way too much work for a weekend frenzy project!  So I dug around in the stash and decided instead on another Tamiya classic!

1/35 M41 Walker Bulldog!  Low parts count, simple construction and vinyl tracks!  The only downside are the motorization holes in the lower hull....

I've got a couple of AM parts that might help out....an aluminum barrel from Barrel Depot and some AFV Club vinyl tracks.  Don't know if either will fit this kit, but it shouldn't take long to figure that out when building! 

Plus I have some generic dry transfers and spray templates I can use to eliminate the gloss coat application that slows down the build! 

YEAH!  Lets git er done!

Okay here's my obligatory start up photo.  Got pretty much a free day ahead of me today so I should be able to make some good progress.

i6.photobucket.com/.../01Firefly.jpg

Looks like they've changed things up a bit.  Lets try that photo again.

Oooh!  Looks good Dave!  I love those Dragon 1/72 Armor Pro kits!  I've got a few of those myself.... hmmmmm........

Thanks Ernest.  Looking forward to your Bulldog as well.

I have gotten a good head start.  The lower hull assembly is ready for paint minus the running gear.  Looks like that will have to be painted before assembly.  I also have the top hull about half done.  My goal is to get all the major sub assemblies together and ready for paint today.  If I'm really lucky I might even get to the paint too.  Pictures once the assembly is done.

Good progress Dave.

razordws

I have gotten a good head start.  

pyrman64

razordws

I have gotten a good head start.  

PICS.....or it didn't happen!

Okay, okay...  sheesh! 

I used some of the PE included in the kit but there was some stuff that was just crazy small so I passed on it.  I spent a lot of time on the floor with the styrene parts as it was.  Carpet monster got a feeding today.  Lost two parts but they were both small and easily replaced.  Construction is done except for the running gear which is all cleaned up and ready for a coat of paint before assembly.  Should be able to get it done tomorrow unless something comes up or goes horribly wrong.  Comments welcome.

Dave: it's looking good.

Thanks Greg!  

Got some paint on this morning.  After lunch I'll paint the road wheels and finish assembly!  

Oh yeah!  It's looking like a Sherman!  Keep going Dave!  

and don't forget the decals like I did!! 

And we're off!!

I liked Dave's cell phone date/time trick so I used it!!   I don't know why the sprue with the wheels doesn't have a bag.  I don't recall ever removing it.....

8:41 PM start time (U.S. Pacific time)....I''l try to post a midnight update!

Midnight update.

Those darn motorization holes.  I could have just left them, but they really bugged me!

.060 styrene pretty much matched the thickness of the lower hull so I traced the outlines to use as plugs.

Plugged and puttied!  Still need to sand a few more spots that I missed on the first pass.

As I was cleaning up the upper hull I noticed the open sponsons!     couldn't just leave it like that, so.....

and a look at how it will go together....

that's it for tonight....time to get some and hit the bench in the morning!   

Alright Ernest!     Lots of extra work I see just to clean it up.

So it's about two in the morning here.  I watched a movie tonight so I stayed up late to finish up.  Had to do some errands in the afternoon too so the day didn't go as planned.  That's okay though, I plan to sleep in late tomorrow. 

I'm calling this done for this Group build.  Still plan to do some weathering and what not but it is fully assembled and painted... and yes the decals are on! 

Ernest & Dave: Both your subjects are coming along nicely.

Started working on Italeri's RaupenSchlepperOst last night, while at the lsh for the usual friday evening get together.

 And this is what I've managed to get together so far...

I replaced the rear NoTek convoy light with one from a Tamiya Kubelwagen (used for parts on other kits)

Ok, 18-hours in and I've got most of the RSO cab to the point where I can assemble it

I need to touch up some parts.... 

Still need to hit this again with the dunkelgrau....I forgot to add the front engine hatch handle before painting

before adding the instrument panel, I painted it and put on Archer Fine Transfers instrument dials....it looks better than hand-painting them  I them put a few drops of Future over them to give them a glass covered look.

Now it's time to get some sleep....

Dave - Congrats on the finish!  That Dragon kit built up quickly and looks great! 

Greg - the RSO is coming along great!  At least you only forgot the front engine hatch....not all the markings!!

Been busy all day with the Bulldog.   Major assembly is done, just have to get all the little bits on her, make some wire handles for the hatches.  I tried to fit the kit vinyl tracks on but they were way too tight so I used the AFV Club tracks.  Had to shorten them by one link which took some work, but they look so much better than the Tamiya tracks!  With some modications to the mantlet I was also able to use the metal barrel. 

Goal is to complete assembly today.  If I push it I may be able to get the base coat on before I hit the sack! 

Ernest: looks great! Can't wait to see it w/paint.

Good to see everyone is making progress!

I have WIP pics in the camera, with the startup including the phone showing the time ( great idea, BTW ), but I'm still looking for the adapter for the camera's card.  The kit that I ended up getting is Italeri's 1:72 F-117.  So far I have the cockpit in place and sub-assemblies together, and have closed up the body.  Hopefully I'll be able to get the pics on here by a little after noon, but I gotta crash for the night.

Sorry to hear about your camera problems Kugai .  Hope to see some pics soon!

OK, last update for today.  Assembly is done, but its too late to fire up the compressor so that's it for today.  I took off the wheels and tracks in preparation for painting and was too lazy to put them back on for the photos.

One of the grab handles on the turret is missing because I thought I lost it, but it turned up after the photos!  Whew!

Ernest: looks good, so far.

Good going everyone. Well done on the Sherman Dave.

It's Sunday night and I'm just getting to the bench for the first time this weekend, so I haven't started the Gato. December does that to you !

I might try a mid week eekend build I think. Expect to start Monday evening.

Cheers

Tony

Good stuff is happening. 

The builds so far certainly don't look like 'rush' jobs! Well done all 

I'm leaning towards a  civvie for my build that I'll attack in the new year  -  the Azur  1/72 GAL St-25 Monospar

Mid-morning update.....

here's the assembled cab with divisional & tactical markings - both are Archer Fine Transfers

the rear of the cab

 the muffler....this is going to be a to get on

Ernest, Greg, looking good so far.  Especially that muffler Greg, nice and rusty!  

Kugai, looking forward to your pictures.

They're some great looking builds going on here!  I really like the sherman and the walker!  Keep up the good work guys!!!

Let's try this again.  I started this build at 5 p.m. on friday.  Its the Hasegawa 1/48 scale F4U-4 Corsair!  <a href="s267.beta.photobucket.com/.../models12-12001_zps4cf5bc9c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="i267.photobucket.com/.../models12-12001_zps4cf5bc9c.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/></a>  This is the first time in years that I got so much work done in just 2 days!  Here's where I was when I quit fri. nite.  <a href="s267.beta.photobucket.com/.../models12-12003_zpse9f0902e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="i267.photobucket.com/.../models12-12003_zpse9f0902e.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/></a>

Hoo Wee!!  I am beat!!  Another one down to the wire and I've been working practically nonstop since 9 this morning.  My back is killing me!!  Anyway the M41 Walker Bulldog is done....finished at 8:35 pm.  The only problem is I can't find the .50 cal ammo bin/box.   Its done, but I couldnt' find it when the model was done.....  Spent 20 minutes looking for it, oh well it will turn up.

Here you go!  With markings this time!

That was fun Kugai!  Lets do it again next year!

Ernest: that's a nice Walker Bulldog, you built.

Great work Ernest. It's a real accomplishment to get one done so well in this time frame.

Cheers

Tony

Way to go Ernest!  Well Done!  

Sorry I was away so long, guys.  Some RW stuff came up that's kept me busy.

Unfortunately, I didn't get the Nighthawk done in the 48 hours, and still haven't found that adapter, so no pics yet of the attempt.  When I do get what I need together, I'll go ahead and post it here since it was an attempt.

Gotta get to work, so I'll have to wait til tonight to update things.

Thanks to everyone who's participated so far!

I wasn't able to finish the RSO, either.... Had a drive sprocket break while I was installing it.   Looks like I'll be working on Tamiya's Vierling 38 for attempt numba four - how appropriate.

Kugai, Greg, sorry to hear about your troubles.  Its tough enough trying to build in a frenzy, but if parts break, get lost or life in general gets in the way its darn near impossible to complete a build.    There's still time left for another attempt though....hopefully it will all work out. 

I'm off work the entire week after Xmas.   Dave's little Firefly is inspiring me to attempt one of my 1/72 Dragon Armor Pro series....  If I have time to fit another build in I'll let you know!

Oh, and I found the darn ammo box!  Somehow it wound up underneath one of my rolling drawers next to my bench!  I dusted it off and added it to the Bulldog.  BTW, that's not the kit .50 MG.... the kit MG was pretty lame, so during assembly I swapped it with one from a Dragon M4A1/76 kit I had in the stash which included the ammo tray and box.

Hi guys,

I'm going to attempt my Gato class sub this weekend, starting tonight or tomorrow morning, depending on when I get home tonight.

Cheers

Tony

Here's the start photo.

AFV Club 1/350 Gato Class Sub, 1942.

Cheers

Tony

After 5 and a bit hours of dedicated effort, the plastic construction is done. Etched brass to come, but I'm taking a break first. My strategy for completing this revolves around getting the first of two colours down tonight.

Cheers

Tony

Tony: the GATO's looking good, so far.

I started my Pak 40...then 5-minutes into the build, I realized I forgot to take the initial pics!  So I stopped and took these two:

The light grey & black parts are from a DML kit.  I'm thinking the open-wheels might look better.

Now back to the build....

I'll look forward to seeing your Pak 40 Greg, I've never built one. Almost at the end of day one, the construction is complete. I'll give it all some matt black before I go to bed tonight.

Cheers

Tony

okay folks...after 12-hours, here's where I'm at:

the trunnion is almost ready for the gun tube

The gun tube & partially complete shield

I built the carriage on the sprue for easier painting.  Still need to add the replacement shovel. This is the underside

and the top side

now it's bed time & I'll be up in 6-hours to give another dunkelgrau coat and head off to a pre-New Year's eve modelling party , where I hope to finish the construction phase.

Thanks for looks....comments always welcome

Good progress Greg, I hope you get through it all today.

Whilst researching the colour scheme for my Gato overnight, I found that USN Submarines were painted according to 'Measure 9' in 1942. Measure 9 was dull black overall, although the hull below the waterline could be in whatever anti fouling paint was current.

The profile of USS Wahoo in Squadron's 'Gato Class Submarines in Action' shows the whole hull to be in dull black, so in the absence of other information, that's the ship I am depicting. There ewere no hull numbers, so it's down to the weathering now.

The conning tower's of these Gato class boats evolved throughout their long service life, and were modified during their service career. THe conning tower of the USS Wahoo in August 1942 matched that depicted by this kit.

Cheers

Tony

Here's the finished model, USS Wahoo, August 1942. These AFV Club subs are outstanding, this is the 2nd one I've built and I've thoroughly enjoyed both.

In the end I've finished comfortably, which is largely due to a quietish weekend and an understanding family. I hope you like it.

Tony - Wow!  You banged that sub out in record time and it looks great!  Paint scheme and weathering are awesome!    Glad to see you finished another one!  It was a fun GB!

Greg - Nice choice on the PAK 40!   Looks like its coming along really well and I like how you built the carriage on the sprue...I'll have to try that sometime!  Funny, I was actually considering building this exact same kit for the GB if I had the time.

Well, its been fun guys!  With all the other GBs I'm trying to finish up by the end of the year, I won't have time to do another build for this GB before it ends.   Still I managed to get two in so that's something! 

Tony: Congrats on finishing the Gato!   It looks awsome.

I actually toyed with getting a sub....maybe for next years.

Ernest: thanks for the compliment.

Well, I actually got the Pak40 finished with a few minutes to spare!

After viewing these pics, I realized I need to touch up the tires and paint the tail light - but I'm calling this one finished.

Great job Greg, it looks the part.  I think it's a good challenge to accomplish that in two short days.

Have a Happy New Year too.

Cheers

Tony

Thanks, Tony...Happy New year to you, too.

Congrats on the completed kits and happy new year to all!

Apologies for being away for so long.  Just when I thought things were going to be calm for the holidays, things got really dramaful ( someone else's dipery, no other word for it, that caused a lot of problems for a lot of people ) and had to be dealt with.  Things are finally calming down and I should be able to take care of updates here tomorrow, as well as finally get some time at the bench..

Ready, Steady, Go!

I've gone for the Azur GAL Monsopar, not to many bits, and more importantly there's not much info out there about the Monospar which means i won't get sidetracked trying to add detail!

Uhmmmm.......didn't this GB end when the clock struck midnight, four days ago?  It's 2013 now

Looks like you guys had fun.  My puter kicked the dust late last summer so I haven't been around much, or felt like building since the Nats.  This would've been a nice kickstart.  Congrats to all who finished.

Well done Everyone! 

Superb work all round. Nothing  looks rushed!

And I oopsied and was actually to late for the group build ,