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

Seani found a pic of a P-51 model in the Markings of the Tuskegee Airman,
They used a wide variety of Mustangs and even used the P-47 ......
They are most remembered for never losing a bomber to enemy fighters....


I know that you like building different types of A/C but you have to admit a P-51 is a must haveThe one i'm working on at the moment is an Aussie Mustang, It's not as colourful as the American Mustangs but hey i'ts Australian and so am I.......
As far as old Red Nose goes i'm biting at the Chaff to build that one, i may even stash the 109E-4/7 i was doing for this build and save it for the Nth African GB, that way i can make a start on the F-4......
I was thinking the Dates for the Nth african GB should be May 1st to Aug 31st, and i have to admit i'm a little stuck on the badge design, i was thinking of useing the Africa Corps Palm tree but having the desert rat of 7th armoured in the middle instead of the Nazi swass stika, if any one has any suggestions i'm all ears

BTW Tweets what 109 are you doing for this GB It sounds unusual.......Jules......

whew!!! a lot of messages today! I guess I'll go in reverse order...

Rick - that's the way it is with me... even when I plan it out and have every color and tool in one box for this one build, I always come up short!!!

Tweety, if you wanna join our Tuskegee build AND if I get 3 sets of markings on the decals I am waiting for, I can send two to Jules and he can forward you the other one...

Jules - Tenative July it is Jules, I am also interested in a N Africa build so we'll have to keep an eye out for that one too!

Darren - thanks for the info! I have that color as well so it will be no prob to modify my scheme! Luckily mine is just the port wing to paint, I would have to try to mask AND keep everything in order over half the fuselage!

Got the interior of my 109 ready to paint & found the bottle of RLM 02 I thought I had, I didn't ! Have to get to the LHS & restock some paint I guess. Oh well, I can get some more parts off the sprues & cleaned up.

Regards, Rick

I'm kinda curious on this Tuskegee thing

I am so yearning to build a Mustang, but have little/no idea under which group to model it after.
I have the DVD for the 'D' model for research, but that is where the enthusiasm died
What the hell, I'll build anything, so long as it can fit in my display cupboard!

Jules, I sooooo wanna see that 109 in red!!!!!!
As if that wouldn't have been a giant marker for Spits to line up in the crosshairs

Ooooooooooohh, don't forget people, we gotta strike up a North African GB some time this year!!!
Got my kit planed, Hs 129 with 'squiggle' camo.
Go the airbrush skills!!!

Back to this topic, I drew out the camo for my 109, and starting to think I may have bitten off a touch more than I can chew.
Masks aren't an option, to complex a scheme to keep tidy, so might have to re invent the wheel me tinks

Bobbaily they just add that on the outside for your sanding pleasure

Tom yeah mate all in good time, we have the whole year to build, i think you July idea would be the go just to give us slow old fellas a little time to get some prior commitments finished

Tweety you said it mate, I'ts going to be a great year for GB's, good crowds and good subjects plus some enthusiasm to keep churning them out, i reckon i'll probably get about 10 or so done this year including the Big U-boat, i'm also planning on doing that 109 G6 which we both have but built as an F-4 in Hahn's red dress
Looking forward to it
Cheers jules............

QUOTE: Originally posted by tho9900 Darren it is called Fighter scheme 18, I imagine the same as the other fighters in 1940. Dk Sea Grey with Slate grey and undersides in Sky. The port underwing is in black though, one diff... although I do seem to remember some Hurricanes being in this scheme. I just have to find out if it is a gloss,satin or flat black... I imagine flat but you never know! It's called R.D.M.2 Special Night (the color) ---edit--- oh yeah, it is 804 Sq, RNAS Hatston, Orkney Islands, Scotland in 09/1940 I am doing it as... Luckily I dug a little into the history and 804 Sq was one of two FAA squadrons which actually participated alongside RAF fighters in the Battle of Britain. Got lucky ordering this decal set! And I just now found the RDM 2, it is a matte black finish... http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/Squadrons/804.html

Hi Tom,
Well it's 1:50 in the morning and I can't sleep so here I am, fortunately I don't have work tomorrow. I was doing a little research before when I came upon an article on the FAA camo that said this.
"With the coming of war, the FAA's aircraft were quickly done up in camouflage colours. Initially they were in Dark Sea Grey and Extra Dark Slate Grey (a greenish colour to you and I and the undersurfaces are in Sky Grey (not Sky)"
Depending on what your research and references say you can either take this or leave it.

Also, on the RDM 2 front there is a nice article here from Hyperscale on achieving the black portion of the wing in which they say. "The lower fuselage was then masked along the centre line and the remainder of the bottom of the aircraft was painted with a 50:50 mix of Flat Black and Red Brown. This mix actually looks like black, but permits additional shading and weathering in black. Also, it is not as unrealistically stark as 100% black can appear when applied to a large area - especially adjacent to white!"
The link for the full article is here
http://hsfeatures.com/spitfiremkibg_1.htm

Cheers
Darren

Started painting the interior on the he-111 yesterday-the 1/48th bombers are MUCH bigger that the fighters! That and I really need to break down and get an airbrush!

Searched for 15 min. for one part attached to the spruce-the molding was very thick, attaching it to another part-the two combined looked like one item.

The Monogram kit is nice-my first experience with recessed panel lines. I especially like the Monogram instructions identifying what each component is-not like the Tamiya Sherman that is in progress. However, the Monogram name $ "made in China" are on the outer wing surface. How hard would it have been to mold that in the inner wing surface? Go figure.

Jules: cool! We'll get a bit more into this one and maybe start feeling people out for another! Of course I guess there was rumor of a N Africa build so that would come first I guess... maybe around June or so would be good to start something like this... or July... Hopefully the decals will be in today so I can let ya know if it indeed has 3 sets of markings...

Tweety: yeah I got a bit done on mine today... had a mishap of sorts so threw in the towel early. Somehow I forgot to put the top back on the RAF Interior Green I was working with and of course I need tell you no more... the model was in a safe place bu the floor wasn't (good thing I am planning on putting wood floors in my hobby room this summer! the green spot in the carpet is nice but underappreciated by the non-modeler!) Got the fuselage assembled, working on the cockpit... I really like this kit and may build another... it's got some good detail in it.. nothing as nice as the AM SBD but VERY crisp markings on the instrument panel, well defined hoses etc on the walls... it would be a good step up for someone new to modeling wanting to expand more on their skills... and even fun for the more skilled.

Well I gotta run try to get some things done... I woke up at 2am and couldnt go back to sleep... and am due at work in an hour...

Great too see so much enthusiasm this early on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bodes well for this being a fantastic crowd to GB with this year

Well, have to wait till Tuesday too see if my PE is in the post box. This time of year is great, unless your waiting for mail

This should be a good year for building I reckon, should be able to top 6 by July, and have a lear run through to Dec to go GB mad.

I have trimmed the flash from my Emil, and started drawing out the camo scheme so I can practice my freehand a/b, this is not going to be an easy one to do.

Too nice TomI wasn't planning on doing another mustang but since the mishap with the canopy on the Aussie Stang I'm doing which means i have to by the Hasegawa kit again( cause it has 2 canopies) I've been looking at different scheme's and i'm kinda partial to those red tailed one's used by the Tuskegee airmen

Well i couldn't help myself, i pulled the Stuka out of it's box and started cutting the c/pit parts off the sprue, i figured i might as well paint a little RLM 66 after i preshade the Matilda11, and then maybe some RLM 02 after i paint the first top colour on the same tank..........Jules......

QUOTE: Originally posted by j.s.harrison Tom weve been talking Tuskegee in the Mustang GB but i don't know if there's a GB for it, but if there is i'm interested.......

Jules, I am definitely interested!!!! Depending on if this Latin American GB gets off the ground (only 3 people interested so far but who knows?) MArch or April is looking pretty good for me... May is fine as well... Actually all summer because in summer I work 4 - 10 hour shifts instead of 5 - 8's... so every Friday is a build day!

Those red tailed Mustangs look GREAT! As a matter of fact if you are interested I am waiting on the decals for my Mustang (1/48) I am retrograding a P-51D to a C for it.. I *believe* there are decals for 3 birds on it... if so I would be willing to ship one of em to ya gratis! I'll let you know when they come in!

Osher, I have part of your solution... they were .303 guns... in this link:

http://www.csd.uwo.ca/~pettypi/elevon/gustin_military/db/br/M24MASTE.html

unfortunately they don't show WHERE they were mounted, although somewhere of the vicinity of where they are on a spit or hurrican would be a good guess... unless we find a reference I guess it's open to speculation..

WAIT! I didn't even think about it... let me go back and research but there are supposed to be two surviving static displays in England...

ok one is at this companies museum: Dumfries & Galloway Aviation Group

and great luck! here is a veritable treasure trove of Miles photos from the Museum of Berkshire - Aviation, I think they have the other one...

http://fly.to/MuseumofBerkshireAviation

from all the trainer models and reference color prints indeed they were earth and dark green on top, the trainers were this scheme, with yellow undersides so I imagine switch this to sky and you are set!

I did see some in the FAA scheme but don't know if they were converted...

and a book type reference pic of the Master:



I'll keep looking as this has me interested... on the Berskhire Museum page check out the film and video archive menu selection, they have a streaming movie in color of a Master...

Tom weve been talking Tuskegee in the Mustang GB but i don't know if there's a GB for it, but if there is i'm interested.......

Tweety you ol bugger you finished 6 and i only finished 5 in 04, i kinda fell behind the after the Old Guns GB, but with 3 at the moment close to finished 05 looks like it will be a GOOD YEAR

Anyways i'm happy you fellas are getting into your builds for the BoB GB, I planned my build schedule around the original Feb start date so I'll be starting the Stuka about that time..............Jules.............

Thanks for the info Tom! The designation of the Miles Master Fighter was the M.24, but sources seem to vary as to how many trainers were converted, numbers are 23, 24, or 26. At any road, they were all re-converted back to normal trainers. The alterations seems to be: adding 6x .303 machine guns, and removing the rear seat. I assume they would have had the standard RAF green/earth/sky camo applied, and not a training scheme. I'm assuming too that the rear seat and equipment was just removed, so, nothing need actually be there (i.e. an 'Airfix' type cockpit!). Still not sure where the guns were actually located, but, being 1/72 scale, some latitude can be expected. I might need to leave out all stencilling, as I can't find any pictures on the internet.

I'm going to head to TAHS in the next week or so, and see if they have any books with pictures (unfortunately the Aviation Bookshop has left London. Pity!)

I'm looking forward to this build now! Just worried about the vacform canopy (once bitten, etc), and the resin (never used it before). Oh well, a good chance to learn.

I only found a little on it Osher,

The Master was basically outfitted with 6 machine guns (assuming they were .303) and the extra seat was removed. The M.20 was the same airframe but modified at the factory for the FAA with what it would need to be a fighter, but at that point the BoB was essentially at a close so any orders for them were canceled.

here's the FAA link to it:

http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/Aircraft/Master.htm

What is in the link is what appears to be a training scheme, I would think they either retained this or were given the rough of what the standard camo was at the time which probably would have been the Sea Gray and Slate Gray and Sky bottom... for one I would be interested to see it done up for this build.... however you finally decide on after research. It adds a bit to the picture of the BoB.. I was going to do the Fulmar but the only kit I found was really bad, so opted for a MArtlet.

Oh yeah, that Miles M.20 was actually faster and more maneuverable and had a higher ceiling than the Martlet, which the arrival of cancelled the M.20 production... I think it might mention it in that article...

Oh, well, the Miles Master Fighter does sound a more interesting build, but I can't find much information on it. The kit I have is the Pavla one, from Hannants. Can anyone recommend a good source for information on the Master Fighter, both changes to the Master trainer, and what markings/colour schemes it employed?

Anyway, thanks for letting me join the Bob GB! Looks like fun...

The best laid plans....

Luckily today somehow I talked the wife into being lazy and doing nothing till 4:30... so I can get some modeling done. Of course somehow I also got her interested in modeling ships. So yesterday we went and got her first "real" model. The 1/72 PT-109 from Revell... She tried a 1/700 HMS Victory but I talked her into something bigger her first time around. So she's in the other room checking it out as I type. I think she used the old "if you can't beat em, join em" maxim...

I got some of the interior details painted and am about to start some of the finer stuff before I join the fuselage halves. This is the first model I have built where you put the finished cockpit in AFTER the fuselage is joined..

Good luck to ya Rick! Hope you find a little time to get some building in!

Got the interior ready to paint. Wife just informed me today is the designated "Take down the Christmas decorations day", so might not get as much modeling time in as I had planned . But, SHE WHO MUST BE OBEYED, must be obeyed .

Regards, Rick

Darren it is called Fighter scheme 18, I imagine the same as the other fighters in 1940. Dk Sea Grey with Slate grey and undersides in Sky. The port underwing is in black though, one diff... although I do seem to remember some Hurricanes being in this scheme. I just have to find out if it is a gloss,satin or flat black... I imagine flat but you never know! It's called R.D.M.2 Special Night (the color)

---edit---

oh yeah, it is 804 Sq, RNAS Hatston, Orkney Islands, Scotland in 09/1940 I am doing it as... Luckily I dug a little into the history and 804 Sq was one of two FAA squadrons which actually participated alongside RAF fighters in the Battle of Britain. Got lucky ordering this decal set!

And I just now found the RDM 2, it is a matte black finish...

http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/Squadrons/804.html

Well I've made a start on the Spitfire by washing all the parts in warm soapy water and once dry giving the pit its initial coat of RAF interior green. Today I am going to future the canopy and set it aside to dry. So far, so good.

osher - to the BoB Group build, it's good to have you with us. I'll put you down for a bf-109E, and a Bf-110 for the moment, if you don't want to do both then just drop me a line.
A Miles Master, wow that would be unique, I didn't even know they made a kit for it. You are correct with the Miles Master Fighter in that it was the trainer adapted to be a fighter by having the second seat removed and six guns installed in the wings. 23 were built, but were never actually used. If you can find the kit and want to do it, then go for it.
Tweety is right on the hosting question, most people (me included) have a free photo bucket account that they use to host their badges and pictures of their work.

tho9900 - For some reason (read misplaced optimism) I am thinking the same way at the moment Tom. I am going to try and knock my Spitfire over as fast as I can so that I can maybe do something else as well. The only mods that I am going to add are:
Ultracast Rotol prop with blunt spinner
Ultracast Coffman starter blister
Mk.V enlarged oil cooler (pinched from an old Airfix kit)
Cutting Edge Spitfire seat with harness
Aeromaster decals
BTW, what color camo scheme are you going to use for your Martlet?

bobbaily - Bob I know what you mean, I picked up a 1/72 B-25J on special from Squadron the other day and now I'm looking at the canopy and thinking maybe I'll spend a couple more dollars on a pre-cut mask

Cheers
Darren

I opened up my F4F today and painted the interior... and I must say even though it is a LOT less pieces than the Accurate Miniatures SBD I am building, the interior is just fine... Looks like it could use a little sprucing up but I am planning on doing this OOB except for some home built mods...

I went with the RAF interior green as they were ordered and built specifically for them... for lack of a reference I went with it because usually the order maker specified what they wanted... (referencing a T-6 Texan vs T-6 Harvard post here) and all the AC in that order would carry it... if not it's just a faded interior from the sun, of US Interior green

Looking to be a good build and not take TOO long so maybe I can break out either the Ju87, or the Bf-110 I was working on... (hope that can count as I only got the cockpit floor and seats together before Jan 1 hit.. maybe I can make up for it by tying one hand behind my back for the rest of the build? )

Anyway really looking forward to getting into this tomorrow... had to have time for the paint to dry... will post pics through the whole build.. ESPECIALLY looking forward to the paint scheme... it's going to look funny for a Wildcat in RAF camo, imagine I will get some comments from the AC crowd on it haha

---edit---

hmm a new GB? "One Hand Tied Behind The Back GB - 2005"

Well, between painting the bedroom (baseboards, two coats of edge trimming and one coat on the walls) I did manage to get the He 111 washed and primed. Looking at the canopy more closely makes me realize that this is going to be a very challenging project. Hopefully the masks will help.
Second coat goes on the bedroom tomorrow, so maybe the interior of the bomber will be painted next weekend. Still got that Sherman in the Bulge build though....

QUOTE: Originally posted by osher Hi, is it too late to also join up? I have an Academy bf-109E, and a Fujimi me-110 (both 1/72) scale that are crying out for building. As for something a bit different, does the Miles Master count, or even the Miles Master Fighter? The Master Fighter is probably unique as the only aircraft especially adapted for the BoB, and then not actually used (am I wrong in this assumption?) Also, as a newby here, do the badges for the various GB need to be hosted seperatly, by everyone taking part? (I guess you just copy it onto your own webspace?)

Firstly osher
to the forums, you'll like it here, lots of knowledge and top people.

Secondly, Darson is the man for this GB, but seeing as we started officially today it wouldn't be too late to join.
Send Darson a message letting him know and tell him what you plan to build.
On the first page of this thread there is a list of a/c that qualify, anything else you would have too ask him, he is pretty clued into the BoB a/c.

The badges, most people just use there own webspace, like photobucket.com

Today will be devoted mostly to College Football, but I plan on getting the interior parts prepped for painting. Got Tomorrow free, so should start making some real progress.

Regards, Rick

Hi, is it too late to also join up? I have an Academy bf-109E, and a Fujimi me-110 (both 1/72) scale that are crying out for building.

As for something a bit different, does the Miles Master count, or even the Miles Master Fighter? The Master Fighter is probably unique as the only aircraft especially adapted for the BoB, and then not actually used (am I wrong in this assumption?)

Also, as a newby here, do the badges for the various GB need to be hosted seperatly, by everyone taking part? (I guess you just copy it onto your own webspace?)

QUOTE: Originally posted by rjkplasticmod Tisn't yet 2005 here in my corner of the world. Some of you guys are getting an unfair advantage . Happy New Year, Rick

I thought of that too Rick... but then again we get a few extra hours to rush to finish it..

Tisn't yet 2005 here in my corner of the world. Some of you guys are getting an unfair advantage .

Happy New Year, Rick

Well, here we are in 2005, and I can't start my Emil cause my PE didn't show up!!.

But at least I managed to finish my Zero before midnight for the Pacific GB, bringing my grand total of models built for 2004 to 6!!!!

I know it's a bit sad, should have been out celebrating the New Year, but finding a baby sitter for New Years round these parts is not possible.
Dun't matter, seeing as how my PE isn't here, I'll make a start on the KA-52 for the Attack Helo GB, till the PE shows up.

Happy New Year all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hmmm all this mustang talk.. could a Tuskegee airmen build be looming?

I got my decals ordered for one of those birds thinking about trying to fit it in... will be my first tangle with Alclad so we'll see...


hmmm... if it's 2005 as Darren said I guess there's no objection to me starting my build tonight? naww... think the neighbor is coming over so probably won't be sober enuff to model...

No worries Darren, thanks for looking into it I think I'll go to the LHS and buy another Has Mustang that way i'll get to build another as well as finishing this one......