1944 Group Build

Thats a really cool LCVP!  Nice progress!

Rob that Lance is terrific, it looks like she's on the runway and ready to go. The wires are very taught, I would think in a build like this that would be one difficult job. Very nice detail to that Zombie, great build.

Terry

Bob, looking nice, be nice to see this on the front page.

Great looking Lancaster!

I got my decals on, stowage finished, lights painted, and a wash to start the weathering done over the past couple of days.  Got so caught up I forgot to take pics as I was doing it.  

Rob - super job on the Lancaster. 

Interesting variation on the salt technique, so in essence you've added salt stains to surfaces?

regards,

Jack

edit... forgot to ask, but do you add a clear coat afterwards to protect the salt staining?

Bish, here`s the method: I use a thick brush to brush warm water on the surface (in sections depending on the size of wing surface). I prepare a dish with salt cracked out of a salt mill (best, you get a better variety of salt sizes and shapes). I sprinkle it on over a cookie sheet and then move it around with a smaller brush to conform to whatever shape I`m looking for (for the Lanc, I moved the salt away from the panel lines). I then use a hair dryer on low air and high heat and start with the air blowing a few feet away (you`ll see the moisture evaporating). After that, I shake the surface over the cookie sheet to relieve the loose stuff, then start airbrushing. Sure, you`ll blow off small amounts but the salt has had enough time to melt a bit to adhere to the surface. It will stick for the most part. The best part is if you are not happy and want more, you just repeat.

Rob, now that's really nice. But I have never seen salt used like this before. So, have I got this right, you just sprinkle it on and leave it. How long does it stay on for.

I got her added to the wall of fame!

I`m thinkin` the 3rd shot. Thanks!!

Allen: Great work on your Tiffie! I love those gun bays!

Rob: You nailed the finish on that one! Very impressive work! Just tell me the picture you want to see on the front page and I'm gonna add put her up there!

So, after a couple hours  this build is done!!

First off, here's the WIP on the final salt weathering:

Starting on the wing:

Fuselage salting:

Top salting:

Results:

Final addition of delicate parts that surely would be broken off if I had installed them at the step in the instructions:

And, here she is, war weary and ready for action:

In conclusion, loved the Airfix version of the Lanc. As I started off saying, i did the Revell B.I earlier and it really cannot compare to the Airfix offering. Airfix offers finer detail (antennas, guns, engines, weighted wheels), better build dynamic (strong through fuselage spars), better wheel well detail, superior decals, better molded clear parts. My only critique is the rough textured plastic and no clear plastic windows for the ventral portholes. Really enjoyed this build and I have several more Airfix 'new tooling' kits in my stash. Moving on to the 1:72 O'Mania GB and the 100th Anniv of WW1 GB. Will keep on cheering on my mates here on their finishes. 

You certainly can Cody. Just let us know what kit and scale and Spartan can add you to the roster. Welcome aboard.

Nice work there Allen, some nice detail there. after seeing your armour builds, I'm looking forward to this.

Super work Allen. You have done a great job so far. Nice job on cutting out the gun bay doors and the guns look great also. How did you cut the panel out? I too am a fan of NATO Black. Great for tires and props.

 Now for the amazing coincidence. I had just finished cutting out the oil cooler exhaust ports out on my Hellcat in order to install the PE replacement in the open position, when I caught your post. You see, that was the first time I had ever actually done some major surgery on a model also. I slowly cut mine out with my UMM razor saw. I've got some evening out to do to get the new PE part square. Funny huh?

I did up the spinner and prop last night...

Then primed tonight.

I'll have a look tomorrow and see what I need to go over again, but hopefully will be able to start with colour soon.

Thanks for looking!

Allen

Well, I got steaming along through the week and was having so much fun with this little kit that I forgot all about snapping pics along the way!  This is my first Airfix kit (have only built Tamiya since returning to the hobby, and Monograms as a kid) and I really like it...so much so that I've ordered another one that I plan to do up as Pulverizer II.

The cockpit is going to be next to impossible to see so I didn't spend a huge amount of time in there.  The I/P is a decal, which is probably just as well.  I'd need a microscope to see what I was doing otherwise.

As I mentioned earlier, this is the first time I've ever cut away panels on a model, so I was a bit nervous.  The kit includes the gun bays so you can show 1 or both if you like.  I've opted for both....what the heck.

After following the directions and painting the gear bays medium grey, I did some internet searching and learned that they were actually aluminum...D'oh!

Here they are corrected, and dirtied up a bit.  I need to remove some errant yellow that found itself in places other than the Oxygen bottle.  (coffee probably didn't help me while trying to paint)

I sprayed parts of the lower wing that will be visible through the gun bay, and grunged it up a bit too.  I really like the way they marked the locations to drill for either the rocket rails or bomb racks...no guess work!

Popped the wings on...

...and took a blurry photo.

The wheels and propeller I did with Nato Black.  It isn't quite as harsh looking to me as flat black.  They flattened and bulged the tires a little which is nice.

Hello there!  Just wondering if I can get on this one.  Thanks!

That's the one.  It is an amazing sight (and sound) !

Is that the same one they fly out of Hamilton each year for the Rusty Blakey show? I live in Toronto and have yet to go see this famous Lanc fly!! Maybe this year...

King - Welcome aboard, looking forward to watching your progress.

Rob - Your Lanc looks fantastic and is really motivating me to order one.  What a great job!

I would love to build the "Mynarski" Lanc, as I grew up looking at that airframe everyday in my hometown (Goderich, On) until it was removed in '77 to be restored.  We occasionally see it flying around here in Trenton, and it was just here for 424 Sqn's 70th celebration last fall.

Allen

Nice start king.

Great to see my fav tank (for obvious reasons!!! ). Always love seeing this tank being produced. Interestingly, since I`ve gotten away from armour modelling, I don`t even have one in my collection. Gotta rectify that!!

Joe - When I was younger, all I modeled was cars & planes.  But after discovering a game called World Of Tanks, I got hooked on armor.  So it will be armor for the time being.

Looks like you're off to a great start, King!

Great start king. Is armor your favorite subject to model?

King: nice start on your Sherman.  I'm working on the same kit for this GB.

Hey kingbobyjr, Welcome to the GB. It's great to have you join us. Like you I returned to the hobby about 6yrs ago and immediately joined the forum here. I cannot begin to tell you how much my modeling improved by jumping into some GBs and just simply building. Do not hesitate to ask any questions as everyone is more than happy to help out. I am definitely looking forward to your Sherman. Most importantly, just relax and have fun.

Bish is right, I got you added to the build list!

I'm looking forward to seeing your Sherman (the Tamiya kit should be a nice and simple build)!

You most certainly can, and don't worry, its a great way to pick up ideas and improve your building. and don't worry, all levels are more than welcome and encouraged.

Any questions on GB's or anything else, feel free to ask. I know Spartan will ad you to the roster as soon as he pops back in.

Hi Bish...

I was wondering if I could take part in this Group Build also.  I just got back into modeling after a 30 year layoff.  I picked up a Tamiya M4 Sherman (1/35) kit over the weekend and just started constructing it.  Although looking at some of the finished models, I don't think mine would be up to par but it would be fun trying!