AIRCRAFT - Accurate Miniature Group Build

STILL MASKING THE CANOPIES ON THE SBD

They do take a lot of masking. Right up there with a Stuka. Take your time & all will work out well.

Regards, Rick

DONE. I've finished my avenger. It's done in over-all gloss sea blue in the markings of composite squadron VC-10, that flew off the USS Gambier Bay (a casablanca class escort carrier).

Here she is:






But that's just on my shelf... it looks better in it's "natural environment"...

Very nice build & WOW!, that is one huge diorama setting. Must weigh a ton.

Regards, Rick

Thanks, Rick! Actually, it doesn't... Two people can lift it since it's mostly fiberglass and plastic sheet.

I say WOW to the Avanger too!

I hope its not too late to get in on this build. I am doing the F-6B Mustang OOB with the kit decals. Hope to have some pics soon JOHN

Oooo! I was torn between an A-36, F-6B, and P-51A a few weeks ago... i eventually walked away with the A-36.

I suppose it's okay, but you should get the nod of EasyCo. By the way, EasyCo! Do i get to use the AM GB badge yet?

Starting the tri-color paint job on the SBD tonight. Wish me luck. This is the third time this year I'm doing it, first two on Corsairs, and every time I do this paint job, I get the jitters. I thought of chickening out and going all blue, but I don't know of any SBD 5s in that color scheme.

Doing it with artist acrylics from Deco Art. They worked really well with the Corsair. Really easy to mix and spray. Dried nice and flat and took very well to Future overcoats.

Scott

I had goofed and posted the final finish of my AM SBD-3 on the main group build forum not specifically on this one as I should so in a nutshell here are the images again. Though I do not know what the final date is to complete this group build I'll post it anyway. Though I was finished with the Dauntless last September, I just recently replaced my wayward camera.
Quickly in review before she was painted:

Using Aeromaster, Polly S and Model Master paints to shoot the finish.
Blue/Grey over Lt Grey paint scheme. I will be using the kit decals to depict the featured A/C on the box cover.

Interior Green with a wash of Burnt Umbar and Silver drybrushed details to enhance the cockpit. I do like what AM does the clear instrument panel. I know some people don't, to each his own.

This is one heck of a kit, it is not as hard as I thought it would be when I first popped the lid and saw all those little parts. This where patience is a virtue and the end result is very satisfying.


more images to follow.
Chuck
Fly Navy

When your satisfied with a finish the way this one ended up. I sure hated to shoot the gloss clear to prepare for the decals.

But it is a necessary evil. I sure wish the Aeromaster and MM Acrylics would not clog the nozzle so quickly. i didn't have that problem with the Polly S paint. And have the same luck with Gunze. It gets tedious when your doing a multi color camo scheme. Fortunately this was a simple 2 color scheme.


Normally I would install all the canopies at this time, but only attached the windscreen and left off the other panels. I would show this model with the canopies stacked. So careful masking was in order here.

AM did a credible job with the powerplant. Including the ignition harness, though a little thick and did hide most of the engine. Using MM Metallizer Aluminum and Steel for the cy heads. Ghost Lt Grey for the crankcase. Black and silver for the details. Again using an Umbar wash for the grime.
I didn't care too much for the LH/RH design of the cowling. The seam is not easy to hide.
one more set to follow.

Chuck
Fly Navy

Here we go as I finally finish a group build for the 1st time.


This was indeed an excellent kit. It is nice to see AM come back and repop this kit and the other ones in the series.
And hopefully we can soon see the Vindicator to sit next to this Dauntless and the other USN WWII carrier birds that shared the flight deck.


This particular kit is from the original batch popped in the 90's. Didn't run into any problems with the kit decals. Though I've heard others have. I guess I was lucky or just patient. Anyway there she is.

Chuck
Fly Navy

Man, I love how your's turned out. I now just have to install the landing gear, some other minor details, and decals on my SBD-5 and then hopfully get some pics posted.

Scott

Very nice build Chuck. I've been waiting for the Vindicator as well, but so far NaDa. Hopefully next year, but with AM you never know.

Regards, Rick

I agree about the Vindicator and though it a cruel punishment that Great Models is offering to take orders on it. I want it, along with the USS Lexington by Trumpeter, NOW!!!
Scott

Thanks Scott and Rick:

Yes as I patiently await for the Vindicator, just looking at the flight deck over my left shoulder, a Hellcat, Dauntless, Wildcat and a Corsair occupy that part of the shelf. Still need to add a Helldiver, Devastator and the Vindicator. Pretty much what served in the PTO. Thanks for the comments.

Chuck
Fly Navy

Hello EasyCo and fellow group builders!
I'm finished! Am I too late? Did I beat the Jan 1st deadline, it's only 10:30pm now!
Here is my Accurate Minitures IL2-3 Stormovik two seater. It seems forever since I signed up for this build. I used MM and humbrol colors. I utilized many tips and hints from many of you to make this kit a reality. Thanks for letting me share with you. I hope you enjoy it. It was great fun building it, and I enjoyed seeing the examples you and Pixilater built much earlier this year! Thanks again.

Excellent job on the Storm. Very nice build. Thanks for sharing.

Regards, Rick

well still not finished, still needs a coat of future then decals. really didnt have time to work on this. nice build of the il2!

Nicodems, nice build

Thad

Josh, the Yak is close & looking good. Hope you get her done.

Regards, Rick