Floats and Boats GB 2022, extended to end of 2023

Sergeant

Hello Brandon, Jack, Piers, PJ, Ferg, and John. I see a lot of great work is getting done while I have been away.

I finished repainting the camouflage pattern on the wing. It is not a perfect replica of the reference photograph, but it looks a lot closer than it did before. If you see something I missed, please let me know otherwise tomorrow I will mask the top surface of the wing and paint the lower side. I will paint the outboard side of the floats and top side of the engine nacelles with camouflage Dark Slate Gray and Extra Dark Sea Grey to match the wing.

You may see a shadow line on the Dark Slate Grey where I touched up the camouflage pattern if you look very closely. That will go away when I give the paint a couple of coats of varnish. The varnish will also darken both the Dark Slate Grey and Extra Dark Sea Grey to match the hull. I use a 3,000-grit sanding sponge before varnish to soften the camouflage pattern lines, as you can see on the hull there is a very soft transition from one colour to the other.

Harold

 

 

 

 

 

 

BK

Hello Brandon, Jack, Piers, PJ, Ferg, and John. I see a lot of great work is getting done while I have been away.

I finished repainting the camouflage pattern on the wing. It is not a perfect replica of the reference photograph, but it looks a lot closer than it did before. If you see something I missed, please let me know otherwise tomorrow I will mask the top surface of the wing and paint the lower side. I will paint the outboard side of the floats and top side of the engine nacelles with camouflage Dark Slate Gray and Extra Dark Sea Grey to match the wing.

You may see a shadow line on the Dark Slate Grey where I touched up the camouflage pattern if you look very closely. That will go away when I give the paint a couple of coats of varnish. The varnish will also darken both the Dark Slate Grey and Extra Dark Sea Grey to match the hull. I use a 3,000-grit sanding sponge before varnish to soften the camouflage pattern lines, as you can see on the hull there is a very soft transition from one colour to the other.

Both looking very sweet BK, especially the Kingfisher. I have spent all day cutting and folding photoetch. Tomorrow I will be glueing it together for priming. fuselage halves glued together and awaiting sanding. Photos tomorrow.

That used look on the fisher interior looks really good Brandon. Looks like you made some nice progress on that Cessna interior as well.

Good builds going on in this thread guys!

Now for a quick update on the Cessna. I have the interior done on it also and it is closed up now. I am working the seams and installing the high wing. Paint is not far off on this one.

BK

Well, gents. The interior is now complete and I have closed it up. Man, that was a ton of work. I chipped it up a tad for eye appeal and some minor grime to show use. She should clip along at a tad faster pace now that the interior is done. I am going to set it asside for a few weeks while I jump on my SS gift and get it started. I need to get the upper hull asssembled and zimmeret applied so I can get these both done on time. More to come.

BK

Jack, the PBY will look at home on water, looking forward to it. I need to get myself to do a waterbase. I just can't seem to get going on one. Someday.

Dodgy, the plastic does look like the older Airfix kits, thick and clunky, but builds out nicely. Looking forward to seeing this one.

BK

This is an old Eduard kit, from 94, I think. It has a lot of PE, but very thick, clunky plastic and lots of flash. There are no locating pins and the instructions are a little vague in places, but it's cleaning up okay. The amount of PE is a bit daunting, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. So they say...... Virtually the whole cockpit is PE with multiple folds on some parts. Also it's not easy differentiating between the Sopwith and Blackburn versions as the sprue/parts diagram does not match the sprue layout. However I'm enjoying the process so far.

Looking forward to seeing the completed diorama of the cat Jack.

So, a start on the Sopwith Baby.

The PBY is looking good.  We've been in Goodyear for 2 weeks and I understand it's a particularly hot summer.  

It's that time of year in Phoenix where I don't enjoy the outdoors so I have been building. Checking in here with the start of water my base. I have decided the craft will be landing and I have my cutout concept done. I found some old scultplamold in the stash and I think I will use that to make my water effect. I will try to get some work done this week. 

Dodgy

As for me, well the Sopwith Baby is turning out to be a real challenge and I haven't even started glueing yet! It turns out there are 3 variants that can be built from the kit and there is no colour guide. The instructions are confusing at best and I am going to be doing a lot of research to match a scheme with the correct variant. Markings appear to be for an Italian machine, a Norwegian machine and an RFC machine, but there is nothing in the instructions to confirm this, or show the placement of decals. The box top art shows a plain linen covered machine with plain wooden floats, whilst the side of the box shows a machine in RFC green with a chequered cowl. I intend to do the version shown on the box top, but there are no specific decals for this version. Confusing, but not a major problem.

BK

Hi Fellas. As some of you know I have been absent from the forums due to issues with my wifes health and problems with internet acess, so I'm starting late. The quality of work on here is amazing and I have gone back to the beginning of the GB and read every page.

Keavdog: Your H19 is stunning. To see an old kit like that so beautifully finished is amazing. I have no doubt you will do justice to the Rufe as well. I have also been struggling with Japanese interior colours in regard to the Kate that I am building for Gamera's Japanese GB.

PlasticJ: Wow. What you did with the Seamew blew me away.

Helo:The Seamaster looked like a challenging build, but you smashed it! Fantastic work mate.

Lost: The Curtis is looking sweet. Love what you did with the pilot.

Harold: What can I say about your Cat.... One of the most amazing paint jobs I have ever seen on a model.

JackN: I love the weathering you have done on your Cat. I'm very much looking forward to seeing how you finish it.

Brandon: Very sorry to hear about Goldhammer. I was gutted. I love that you're doing the Cessna for him. If I may make a suggestion, think about including it on the Absent Friends GB. Just a thought. As for the Kingfisher, it sounds like you have a lot of work in front of you, but in 1/32 it should look stunning. Incidentaly, I hope your back is treating you more kindly.

As for me, well the Sopwith Baby is turning out to be a real challenge and I haven't even started glueing yet! It turns out there are 3 variants that can be built from the kit and there is no colour guide. The instructions are confusing at best and I am going to be doing a lot of research to match a scheme with the correct variant. Markings appear to be for an Italian machine, a Norwegian machine and an RFC machine, but there is nothing in the instructions to confirm this, or show the placement of decals.

The box top art shows a plain linen covered machine with plain wooden floats, whilst the side of the box shows a machine in RFC green with a chequered cowl. I intend to do the version shown on the box top, but there are no specific decals for this version.

Confusing, but not a major problem.

Cheers all,

Dodgy.

Jack, that Cat looks well worn. Kinda looks like it was in Japanese service. The chipping looks really well done and she certainly looks well used. Love it.

LA, the Racer is coming along. I think this is gonna a be sweet little floater when done.

I'm making slow progress on the KF, but small bits and tight fit are slow going. I should have some more pics to show in the coming days.

Keep up the great work gents.

BK

Jack, that Cat has had eight hard lives to date! Interested to see how you bring this one together.

Harold, the cat is lookin great, the engines look great together (temporarily)

The curtiss racer is coming along slowly, got some white and yellow on board

I was on a family vacation and then got sick so I apologize for not checking in recently. That being said I was able to get a bit of progress done on the Black Cat. I am learning as I go with both the salt and vallejo. I was not in love with exactly how it looked with just the salt pulled off and decided to go deeper into removing the "black" paint. This is probably going to be weathered beyond what might have been in real service. I am not sure how I feel about the results yet but I think I have most of the paint chipping done now. Next step is to repaint the surfaces that are canvas to cover up the accidental chipping there. I will get some more done and check back soon.

Today is Independence Day in America, 4th of July and I believe it's important to remember what that means to our citizens. We celebrate by raising our flag, gathering with friends and family, watching fireworks, cooking hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill, and giving thanks to God.

For those of us who love freedom independence means sacrifice and responsibility. You have heard it said that freedom is not free it will cost you everything you have. Those words are true, many have paid for our freedom with their life.

The picture below is a dedication of our Veteran's memorial performed by the local Scout troop. Most of the adult men and women in the photograph are combat veterans and their wives or husbands.

Harold

Kinda looks like we are all inching along. I have made progress on the KF but work is slow due to so many PE parts and many many parts to assemblies. This kit has great detail but will test your parts count patience.

BK

BrandonK

Yes, Vallejo took me awhile to figure out how to mix and spray. It acts totally differrent than all the others. Once I got it I was good to go. Look like you had that same issues.

BK

 

I've been reading about all the work in progress and finished projects, very nice work.

Still working on the 1/48 PBY-5 Catalina. I completed as much of the wing and engine assembly as I can before I start painting. The next step is a little putty on a few places along the seams then a coat of primer. If all look right after the primer dries, then a second coat of primer and I can start the camouflage painting. The engines, cowlings and propellers are not glued together yet they will be painted separately from the wing. There are also several fragile antennas that will be added after the camouflage painting is completed to prevent damage.

Harold

Yes, Vallejo took me awhile to figure out how to mix and spray. It acts totally differrent than all the others. Once I got it I was good to go. Look like you had that same issues.

BK

I am shifting from MM enamels to Vellejo acrylics and think it was user error. I just had my mix too thin is all IMO. I dried it for 48 hours before recoating and it looks fine this time. I have moved on to my black/grey coats now (using Vallejo again) and I think I have the mixing figured out because my second layer of chromate and first layer of "black" came out nicely. Here are some pics to show you what I was talking about. Crisis averted and now that I am using the right mix I really like the acrylics.

JacknewbIII

That is over the top Brandon! I am not sure I spend that much time on most kits total.

So I added some salt and a coat of zinc chromate and I am worried I have a mess on my hands. This is my first time trying salt method and I feel like the vallejo acrylics didnt do well with the salt. I think I might have sprayed when it was still too wet. That being said it looks better now that its dried and I have to go ahead with my black/grey. No turning back now. I will keep taking pics and get some up soon.

 

BK

lostagain

 

PJ, the Seamew looks excellent, loves something out of the ordinary. Great finish, those canopies are so clear.

 

Jack, the Cat is looking good, the Academy kit is a nice one. I have built it as a post war air liner. I am interested to see how the salt and painting is going.

 

Harold, the Cat is going great guns, canopies look super!

 

Brandon, sorry to hear about Art. I have shared a few GBs with Goldhammer, I remember he did a superb Miss America in the Mustang GB a few years back. He would appreciate the Cessna.
That is amazing detail on the motor and bulkhead, your work has paid off there.

 

The Curtiss seaplane fighter has been part assembled, with the poor fit I decided to assemble the floats and struts and fill and sand them before priming as a whole. Adding the top wing to the fuselage enabled me to fill some ugly joins there.

 

 

BK

That is over the top Brandon! I am not sure I spend that much time on most kits total.

So I added some salt and a coat of zinc chromate and I am worried I have a mess on my hands. This is my first time trying salt method and I feel like the vallejo acrylics didnt do well with the salt. I think I might have sprayed when it was still too wet. That being said it looks better now that its dried and I have to go ahead with my black/grey. No turning back now. I will keep taking pics and get some up soon.

Okay, so I have about 10 ish hours in the engine thus far on the kingfisher. Every part needs to be massaged to make it fit but once done, looks great. Tons of small bits, 99 parts on the engine and forward bulkhead alone. I've spent most of my time thus far working under a 4x magnifier. This kit is not for the faint of heart or those wishing for an easy, quick build. It'll look great when done, but when I'm done I will be done in.

I built out the PE seat belts and added the lifting cable which Eduard and the kit fail to supply, and don't mention. But the kit has both ends there, weird.

The Cessna has the side glass installed so I'll mask that up and paint the interior. This one will go quick once I get that going. More to come on both.

BK

Sorry to hear about your friend Art passing Brandon. We look forward to seeing progress on the fisher and the cessna. 

After the input from the board here and then further research it appears the black cat should be "black" over a coat of chromate primer. That being said i have the first coat of aluminum on and it looks OK so far. It looks ready for the chromate coat. I will get some progress pics up soon. Thanks for the feedback on the scheme guys!

So, I've begun the Kingfisher. I've heard it has fit issues. Well, so far every single locating peg is larger than its corosponding hole. Everything lines up, just nothing wants to fit together. I've had to drill out every hole and ream out square ones. It looks good, super detailed. Just slow going. I'll post up some pics as I get more done.

I am also working on the kit for Art. Simple little Cesna floater. The glass is smaller than the openings, so that was fun. I'll post up some pics soon on it as well. This one will build out pretty quick. The Kingfisher is gonna take some time, alot of time it seems.

BK

For those not aware by now. Our good friend and long time forum member Goldhammer, Art Waugh has passed away. Art was always a great guy and always had kind words to say and great advise to give. He was truly a friend indeed. He will be sadly missed. My GB's will always be one man short now. Godspeed my friend, I have updated the roster. 

Before Art passed I had a chance to visit him this last April. He knew his time was limited then and he gave me his kit entry for this GB. In his honor I am going to build that kit for him in his absense. It's the least I can do for such a dear friend. Thanks Art!! 

BK

Sergeant

 

 

JacknewbIII

Harold I am putting one of these on the list for my next purchase. Thanks for that information I really appreciate it. 

Brandon I also appreciate the insight on painting it "black". This reafirms what I was thinking about really wanting to be dark grey. I have decided to try the salt method on this one and will apply the dark grey over an aluminum finish.

Knowing this is what I am up to do you think I have to prime it first or can I use an enamel aluminum as my "primer" and apply my salt and then dark grey from there? I get scared of losing panel definition with too many layers of paint. 

Thanks again fellas.

 

 

 

 

You are welcome, Jack.

 

I finished painting the canopies and glued them in place, so the only thing left on the hull is three Browning machine guns. The next task; however, is to finish the parasol wing assembly and camouflage painting.

Harold

 

 

BK