AIRCRAFT - Battle of Britain Group Build (Jan 1st 2005 - May 31st 2005)

whytwolf and JayB, real nice looking work you've both done there and whytwolf as a fellow IT PM I hope you find something soon.

I haven't seen Pix's hurricane yet so my next stop will be the aircraft forum to check it out, his work is awesome.

Tom, how's the Martlet going any further progress?

Jules, have you made a start on the stuka, because that is one I am hanging out to see.

Darren

Whytwolf Hope the job situation improves quickly, I'm from the other side of the IT fence, Change Management, we love IT PMs

Jay B I'm building the same kit. I've only had a play with it, taping the fuselage and wings together, I can't see me needing much in the way of filler.

Are you going with the Ultracast wheel well and cockpit updates? Got mine last week, and am seriously impressed, especially at that price.

At this rate work on my Hurri should start about March!!!!!!!!

What can I say, too many builds and a slow builder to boot!

Karl

Glad you liked the Ultracast parts. Whenever I endorse something I'm always a little concerned that someone will get a bad piece & blame me .

With my 109E nearly done, I may start looking at the Hasegawa 1/48 Hurricane. Think I have time to get it mostly done for this GB.

Regards, Rick

KJ200;
I am just getting back into modeling so I I am not going with any AM (OOTB for this one) but man, I think maybe on my next kit look out! I was actually quite impressed with the level of detail in the stock cockpit and I am just adding a few little scratch things in the pit. I think if I ever build this kit again, I will have to go with some AM!

So, what sqdn are you thinking of basing your hurricane on? Amazingly there seems to be a lot of interest in RCAF 1sqdn (Whytwolf, me and Aurora-7 are planning to make representative aircraft). With all the participating RAF sqdns out there, I was surprised three people were looking at a Canadian group (as far as I could tell in my research the only true RCAF group in the BoB, RAF 242 had moslty 'Canadians' but still part of the RAF)

This question is to anybody
Last night I was trying to paint the instrument panel and had to start over several times is there any easy method to do this? I kept screwing up in trying to paint the raised detail (white running all over the place - capillary action is good , sometimes!). I eventually want to try adding future to give the dials a glass look once they are painted.

You guys have been great, thanks for letting me join this build!

Dry brushing the raised detail in the dials is easier for me than trying to actually paint the detail.

For my Hurricane, think I'll do the Hasegawa 1/48 Mk I in the markings of 242 Squadron, RAF, flown by the Canadian W. McKnight. One of the few RAF birds to actually have some nose art.

Regards, Rick

Thanks for the encouragement on the job front my fellow ITers

Is it me, or do I sense a lot of interest in Canuck pilots? Guess it's just that when you grow up north of the 49th in all this ice and cold you end up with a decent stock of the 'right stuff'

Jay: I'm with Rick on this one, I usually drybrush my consoles and instruments to bring out the detail--after giving them a nice wash too. You're right on the money with Future though--I used it to give the right feel to a F-35 'glass' cockpit and it turned out to be the best looking part of the model! (Damn Italereri and their inacurate kits!)

HTH

Sean

Thanks for the tips guys, Rick you should see this Hurricane made by a guy in Edmonton (Alberta). I've seen other aircraft of his and he really kicks a$$

http://www.ipmscanada.com/models/mcknight/mcknightmodel.html

QUOTE: Originally posted by jboutin This question is to anybody Last night I was trying to paint the instrument panel and had to start over several times is there any easy method to do this? I kept screwing up in trying to paint the raised detail (white running all over the place - capillary action is good , sometimes!). I eventually want to try adding future to give the dials a glass look once they are painted. You guys have been great, thanks for letting me join this build!

Jay, I agree with Rick that drybushing the instrument panel followed by a drop of Future in each dial is probably the easiest way to go and achieves very nice results. If you find that you are actually starting to bleach the instrument panel itself with your drybrushing overflow, just touch it up when you're done.

Cheers
Darren

QUOTE: Originally posted by darson whytwolf and JayB, real nice looking work you've both done there and whytwolf as a fellow IT PM I hope you find something soon. I haven't seen Pix's hurricane yet so my next stop will be the aircraft forum to check it out, his work is awesome. Tom, how's the Martlet going any further progress? Jules, have you made a start on the stuka, because that is one I am hanging out to see. Darren

Darren not yet mateonly added some PE to the pit parts, I'll be sending you some pics via post in a couple of weeks so you'll be the first to see them

QUOTE: Originally posted by jboutin Thanks for the tips guys, Rick you should see this Hurricane made by a guy in Edmonton (Alberta). I've seen other aircraft of his and he really kicks a$$ http://www.ipmscanada.com/models/mcknight/mcknightmodel.html

Yep, that is a beautiful Hurricane. Also the same bird I'm planning on doing for this GB when the 109 is finished. Maybe mine will be half as good .

Regards, Rick

ok... I am finally kind of back... been sick going on 4 days now... nothing real bad... but just the same felt too bad to model and too bad even to come here much!!! I *think* I am getting better... I figure if Sat I am ok I can switch between the SBD and Martlet and get a full day build in!

Rick - looking forward to the pics!!!

Fellow IT'ers ... kinda wierd we all ended up in the same build.. and cover almost every end of the spectrum from planning to maintaining.. now all we need is a PC Tech and we'd have a company!

Welp... Jules bad news for ya... well for Sean actually... Kremps got fired... ends up they caught her in the cookie jar so to speak... she was skimming off money from our ice cream allowance accounts... serves her right! I know Sean will miss her but good riddance all the same! Hmmm wonder if she is gonna take back his Xbox?

well this tired body is going to try to figure out what I want to do tonight.. roll over and die or just go back to sleep...

awwwww.... feel beter tho. hehehe. no seriously, i do hope you feel better...

hey Tanky, you building anything for this build? just curious... anxious to see more stuff from ya... that F-4 looked pretty good!

Yeah, Tanky. If you're gonna post, you gotta build. One of the cherished Rules of GB's. And NO, there weren't any MIGS in the BOB .

Regards, Rick

QUOTE: Originally posted by jboutin KJ200; I am just getting back into modeling so I I am not going with any AM (OOTB for this one) but man, I think maybe on my next kit look out! I was actually quite impressed with the level of detail in the stock cockpit and I am just adding a few little scratch things in the pit. I think if I ever build this kit again, I will have to go with some AM! So, what sqdn are you thinking of basing your hurricane on? Amazingly there seems to be a lot of interest in RCAF 1sqdn (Whytwolf, me and Aurora-7 are planning to make representative aircraft). With all the participating RAF sqdns out there, I was surprised three people were looking at a Canadian group (as far as I could tell in my research the only true RCAF group in the BoB, RAF 242 had moslty 'Canadians' but still part of the RAF)

JayB The thing with the Ultracast stuff, is that although it is AM, it generally just replaces a kit part, so no cutting, thinning or general faffing as you often have to do with oyher AM resin. The wheel bay is just a straight swap, and looks the same as the Hasa part, just without ejector pin marks and batter detail.

I building the same machine as Pix did for his recent Hurri, only mine will represent the machine slightly later in its life, when it was an all black nightfighter, still flown by Ian Gleed though.

Tom Strange how we've ended up with so many IT 'Professionals' in one GB! And I used to be a PC technician too!!!!!

Karl

QUOTE: Originally posted by tho9900 Welp... Jules bad news for ya... well for Sean actually... Kremps got fired... ends up they caught her in the cookie jar so to speak... she was skimming off money from our ice cream allowance accounts... serves her right! I know Sean will miss her but good riddance all the same! Hmmm wonder if she is gonna take back his Xbox?

Tom, Mate i heard the news in the Sunroom yesterday during our weekly fingerpainting class We in the East wing we're going to have us a little partyto celebrate until we heard who was replacing Kremps................Head Nurse IVANA LUNCHALOT formerly of the Ukraine......She won Gold for the Russian Team during the 70's for ...........yep you guessed it Shot Put Forget billiard balls this one plays with Bowling Balls[:0]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tho9900 Fellow IT'ers ... kinda wierd we all ended up in the same build.. and cover almost every end of the spectrum from planning to maintaining.. now all we need is a PC Tech and we'd have a company!

Tom-hope you're feeling better.

Small world, ain't it-I'm a software support analyst (ERP pacakge).

As far as the He111, I ended up painting the whole thing flat black followed by dull coat. My plan (as if I had one) is to apply poster putty over the upper surfaces and then paint a mid-grey. If it doesn't work, then back to plan B-paint upper sufaces grey and then grab the brush.

Sean (Tweety)-hope your life gets back on track soon. Miss your wit & wisdom.

QUOTE: Originally posted by rjkplasticmod Dry brushing the raised detail in the dials is easier for me than trying to actually paint the detail. For my Hurricane, think I'll do the Hasegawa 1/48 Mk I in the markings of 242 Squadron, RAF, flown by the Canadian W. McKnight. One of the few RAF birds to actually have some nose art. Regards, Rick

Rick,

I have some interesting photos of not necessarily nose art but an equivalent. It is from the book "Fighter Boys". It seems that pilots did in fact personalize thier aircraft. Granted the Brits are much more subdued then Americans or even Germans. However, around the cockpit, either forward or immeadiately aft there are some interesting markings. I wish I could elaborate more but I am at work and the book is at home. May not be helpful with a Hurri seems most of the art was on Spits. For example a shamrock on a Irish pilots mount, believe his name was Finnacune. If I had an internet system that was worth a tinker's dam I would scan and send them to you...I will try and get out the publishing info if any one is interested in the book.

KJ200, I lied! I just bought me the squadron vac-formed canopy so I guess I got some AM after all. But thats it!
Yes those ejector pin marks are a real SOB. I've started sanding mine and I think it is working, but very carefully so as to not sand off the rivets and other detail close by the marks. I'm not to worried as it will be on the bottom and I'm just taking it easy in this build anyway .

So are you just going to use the Kit decals? I'm thinking of trying to use the custom decal sheets that you can put in your printer so I can get the right code letters and serial for a YO*B or YO*J hurricane.

Rick and Sean, the future works awesome. I'll have to post some pics of the the cockpit once it is assembled. Inlaws are in town so not much will happen this weekend.

Joe, thanks but I have the book in my reference library. Yes, there were some personal markings on RAF birds, but nothing compared to the Yanks. I think RAF command discoraged the practice.

Regards, Rick

Agreed...I would assert however that it may have been more specific to Fighter Command. There were plenty of bombers that did have some art work...i.e. "City of Lincoln" etc. Granted these may have been purchased by certain municipalities to aid the war effort.

I would liken it to the attitude taken by the US Navy during the war, The VF-27 Catmouths not withstanding...

That and the maintenance issues. Also, painting personal markings was probably a low priority during the heat of the war. Some of the Eagle Squadron aircraft did have some pretty cool markings, however. Of course the Brit's were defending their homeland, while the US flyboys were just helping out.

Regards, Rick

Rick brought up a good point..>EAGLE SQUADRON...I looked but did not see anyone putting one of these in on the build...Anyone out there got one on the bench? If not I may give it a try...Our preseason training starts up next weekend...time may be tight though...

Joe, did a brief google search and found that the first eagle squadron (RAF 71) was formed in sept 1940 but didn't fly its first operational mission till Jan 1941. That is assuming the website got it's source correct. This is the link I read.
http://www.fourthfightergroup.com/eagles/es.html

Thanks !!! I was worried about rugby season starting and getting projects on my bench finsished or set up for the next off-season...but strangely I find myself thinking about staying up late on Saturdays and Sunday to do an Eagle Squadron Spit...

The Eagle Squadron had some nice aircraft to model, but alas, as noted, they showed up shortly after the "official" dates for the BOB.

Regards, Rick

Just to add to the nose art discussion--in my research I've seen more examples of nose art painted on birds by Canadian pilots, or Canadian squadrons than Brits. It may have simply been a cultural thing as well.

Another example of that sort of thing though was a squadron which painted a bumblebee in the midde of the fuselage roundels. not nose art per se, but customization nonetheless.

Jay, glad to hear the Future worked for you, and am looking forward to seeing pics of the bird (BTW, is the YO-X in your sig the one you're modeling?) BOL this weeken with the in-laws Oh, and let me know how the custom decal printing turns out.

Sean

QUOTE: Originally posted by jboutin So are you just going to use the Kit decals? I'm thinking of trying to use the custom decal sheets that you can put in your printer so I can get the right code letters and serial for a YO*B or YO*J hurricane. Rick and Sean, the future works awesome. I'll have to post some pics of the the cockpit once it is assembled. Inlaws are in town so not much will happen this weekend.

Above is what I hope to make Sean (the pic in my signature is just one I found on the net which happens to be a mk1 from the BoB), I am still several weeks away from needing decals but I will definitely let you know how it turns out (I'm a slow builder and I also have a Typhoon Mk1B I have to finish sometime too). I noticed you picked YO*S, perhaps it is for your initials?, Also what does 'BOL' mean? I've heard of LOL! I also noticed that you have used the flipped camo pattern as the one in the pic, how did you decide? also the tail insignia is different than some other pics I have. In some it shows thin bars as below and in others it shows the rudder insignia as covering the whole forepart (excluding the movable part). Do you know which one you will choose?

Jules - OMG!!!! [:0] I dated her in high school! ended up in a body cast after the senior prom dance! She put me in a head lock and spun me over her head... she called it "break" dancing.... well, I guess I can put the flask of castor oil back under my matress.... no need for a celebration...

Sean -- hang in there! haven't seen ya in awhile but hoping you get time to read this now and then... it's not all over since Kremps left, I heard old maid Lunchalot has an eye for Aussies as well!

To everyone else! Thanks for your kind words during my bout with feline leukemia (it's the only thing that fit my symptoms in the medical dictionary) I think I am back now... got my Martlet almost all the way futured tonight... gotta do the bottom but having too much fun being back in the swing of things a bit tonight! Going to take Darren's advice and have a scotch Irish whiskey to help me feel better maybe... actually I think this meeting I went to today on thin-client PC replacements bored the germs to death... it's the only explanation!!!

Bob --- ok now I am really scared... I gave up wondering who else was in IT by the third person or so to "come out of the closet" now I am wondering who ISN'T in IT in this build now!!!

Glad your'e feeling better Tom. Looking forward to seeing the Martlett in all her glory.

Regards, Rick