Fleet Air Arm Group Build

Aaron-   OMG!  One day into the Gb and you have something finished already.  Well done!  I had the story about the 40 mile taxi, but I did not know it was Eddie Rickenbacker aboard!  Thank you for the history lesson.   Now, put down that triple espresso you've been drinking to stay awake all night building and have a glass o' rum!  You've earned it. 

Oh, and to make it even better, a 109 in the background-

sfcmac wrote:

Bizarro Nam sez all done Ugh ! Ugh!!!

Daywalker wrote:

Gentlemen- 'Tis the weekend!  Time for good rum (or root beer!), good cheer, and comraderie.  Raise yer glass gents! Cheers!

I bespyin masterjeaton abord the hatcha anis nibs dancin a jigana playinthe saw wit a bow!!! Rum Tum Tiger I say an' dance til dawn. Me'n mac be draggin' out the carronade later'n go fishin!

Billbondo

 Thank you all been a model building freak this week! 

  If you notice the last pic of the Kingfisher the right tail fine is not glued on. Their should also be some exhaust staining on the lower sky finish. However in keeping with the LtCmdr Nam's tradition I chose to leave it unfinished until his return. Of course it is only 2 secs to finish but tradition is tradition in this man's navy! As we fish an sound the cannonade!

A couple profiles of some FAA style Kingfisher I's in case someone is taking notes!  Capt Bondo is a stern but fair man and refs and research are the order of the day!

 On to the next adventure!  A true pleasure to serve with you gentlemen!

Edit Oh ha hahahhahahahaha !  I just realized Cpt Bondo made li'l Nam into a Sumo wrestler! Look at that custom thong!  Oh HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Actually that is amazingin 1/72 scale Bondo!  Look forward to seeing more! My gosh I am glad he did not paint the blue parts a flesh color! Oh HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Go spot some boxcars in Galveston; you've served your watch. I'm thinking tho that the yellow trim on that roundrel bespeaks an allie. Rum thing that, and slurp!!!

Jeaton put down your bow and lend a thought, seems the Kingfisher may be,  Canadian??

Drownin me thoughts in Rum, off to the paint shop for the next coat on the SuperCat, and damn their eyes where's NAM and DesertRat???

Summit come aboard and mind the Harlots goin' ashore down the Gangway; the XO be callin it a day. Time to do your duty boy.

Aye it's a fine nasty night hereaboots wit a squall and me'n Ms. Bondo alone while the kid is off doin' mischiff wit' underaged ratings.

XO, pardin yer nibs as a superior, but please get yerselfishness up and off of that Corsair and stand a fair watch wit' a true "Bag. The Empire needs you.

LtCmr. Sfmac and Jeaton (wot needs a ratin' an' the CAG'll address that issue) already been strippin' fer a swim ahead of the ship and return with boasts of efficiency and forebearanceness, damn their eyes always ahead of the regiler builders here. Next thing you know the Lt. finishes an Ark Royal for his little bird, an John is scratchin' an Airspeed Oxford!

Heave to the rest o' ye lot and row like hell to catch up! As for me, Nam be restin' while I finish off his GB this weekend- the SuperCat.

Your friend, although I don't work for a pay rating, Captain Bondoman

Roger that Cap'n, even the XO needs a lil' prod now n' then.   I pulled the Stringbag out of the stash this very eve, and plan to get started on it at first light!  The rum has my hands a shakin again.

I missed Nam the sumo wrestler too!  I like it, and I agree- glad he painted the bottom half in blue rather than flesh.  Great idea on the fur lined boots BTW, hate to have Nammy with cold feet!

Seems the Rum and RB be flowing freely tonight.  More gabbing than a room full of old hens.  Ah well, I'm more than a day late and I'm always a loonie short but I figured I better post some updates of the Corsair before the XO gets his knickers in a knot. 

The Corsair is all but done.  Just needs a wire and some lights painted.  I found a stack of cabinet blanks at a clearance store for a buck each.  I think they are for the false fronts in front of the sink where you can't put the drawers.  All stained and finished to boot and perfect size for a 1/72 craft and a support vehicle so I will have a go at making a base thanks to the Cagg's inspiration. The jeep and drums etc are from an Academy set and I'll need to order some figures...  1/72 scale that is not the kind of figures the XO keeps in his cabin.    Jeep still needs some final touches on the headlights etc. too.

Nicely done Dave. That's the kind of thing I like, it turns a motley assortment (in my case) of models into a collection.

Everyone is taking heart in the ship has sailed, so now you're all finishing. There'll be an Anson back to shore for the likes of you latefinishers, piloted by the able Ritchie, so look sharp, thro up before you board and get yer new projects inline. Its no secret that the CAG will want an inspection when he returns from Northern Frenchland.

just a sober moment, (hic)

http://s295.photobucket.com/albums/mm150/6134rdm/?action=view&current=MVI_5396.flv

Superb build Dave!!!!!!!! Very nicely done!!!!!

Aaron, that old Kingfisher looks great!!! I am going to get this Buccaneer finished before the deadline, I am going to be building mostly out of the box, maybe a few scratch bits. Not going to worry bout anything but concentrating on basic techniques and hope for advanced results. Besides, with the exchange rate with the Aussie dollar I can't afford to get all the eye candy!

Capt. Bondo sir!!! Very nice lil video! Didn't realize the aforementioned Sunderland was of that vintage!!!!! I have the Airfix Sunderland as well but th eboxing is much newer!! The Whitley will be a treat to see for sure!!!!

Hey guys! I have the pictures of the Corsair from the now-gone Navy Air wing GB. All of the dates and times WERE actually the times they were taken, I didn't backdate my camera. Here they are...

before paint...

Painting is done...

and finally, after decals.

Now this is where my decal ripped. It's hard to see in the pic (I must have lost the pic somewhere, but from a distance, it's not too noticable. Anyway, That wraps it up!

I won't be joining the current FAA one, but maybe later. I need a kit first. Good luck to you all! Root beers for everyone on me!!!!!

Boba Fett aka Graham

Dave- Indeed, a superb looking Corsair!  Looks like she should be finished very, very soon!  Your AB skills never cease to amaze me, and putting them to work on a Corsair=

Cool video Cap'n Bill!  Great to see another Sunderland, and that Whitley is one I am very excited to see.  Don't get to see that one very often, so yours will be a special treat.

Graham- Nicely done!  I must have been a good boy to get so many Corsair pics this morning!  Really makes me want to work on mine some more.  Sorry you won't be joining the new FAAGB just yet, but I do hope that we will see you back at a later date.

Hoooo eeeeee. Aaron, how the heck did you get that built in 2 days? You are in a different league to the rest of us swabs . The glasswork looks great, im deffo after one of those pic things. I generally use a sharpened cocktail stick but that looks far better. The 109 and the HT look Stunning. How have you been able to keep this relentless pace going?

Dave, that Corsair looks fantastic. I love the faded look to the camo and the blended in lower colours. Vert nice indeed.

Bondo, I swear ive seen that video before. Either that or im getting the worse case of De ja Vu EVER!!! Thanks to you, I cant wait to start the Sundy.

Frank, what are you throwing at the swordfish? Ive got extras coming out of my ears for that one. Looking forward to seeing what your Meisterlyness (Is that a word?) can do with it.

Dont want to alarm anyone, but i swear i just saw Bondo running nekid through the lower decks with Nam on his shoulders singing something rude. Nam was covered in Peanut butter. Wierd? Oh hang on, i thought those Shrooms looked a bit funny dont worry, aah here comes Paul MaCartney and Leon Trotski holding hands........Cuckoo.

...Guy

Well done Graham!!! That looks superb!!!!

Sorry John, didn't read back far enough at some point and missed your post of the fang!!!! That is starting out VERY well!!!!! Can't wait to see more!!!!

Aaron - The old Monogram Kingfisher turned out to be a Diamond. I am amazed at the speed you built this. I would be wary of that English Tea Guy sent. The camo blends in very well and  The canopy looks like it was a dandy to mask    And I really like the 109 and the halftrack you have been working on also

Dave - Wow , even though the A/C is not one of my favorite subjects I like the way it looks. Your painting skills never stop amazing me . I would Never Guess form the photos that is 1/72 scale.  I checked my figgures in Coffee cup prison, All I have are bomber crew and some rouge pilots. The Jeep is Way Cool

Graham - Exellent work on another Corsair (yep I said it you guys happy)  I really like the color and the Markings, I did an old Hawk Bearcat several months ago with similar color and Markings. Even though the decals gave you a challenge you whipped them into place and they look terrific. Fantastic Job on a front shelf display.

 Wow Corsair extravaganza!!!!!!

Grahm that paint and decal markings really brought it to life! Those are Black sheep markings aren't they? Cool! It looks really loaded for war!  Excellent job!

Dave! How you can pull of such authentic looking aircraft and spectacular paint jobs in 1/72 really always amazes me!  I have a hard enough time in 1/32!  Amazing stuff!

Sean it is kinda funny how I got a bad case of the munchies after finishing the 109?

Guy what exactly was in that stuff?  Nevermind I am better not knowing...

Cpt Bondo!  That video may have been  a repeat but is still very cool! That Whitley and Sunderland look huge in 1/72! I think the Whitley is indeed a rare bird! Maybe Fonderie Minatures will make one in 1/48?  ACK!

lewbud and Ritchie are waiting in the wings with builds in progress and looking fine an A-7 and a Swordfish! Lord only knows what the Xo has planned! 

Then when the Cag returns? Oh boy I bet he has big plans as well!  

Thanks for the kind words all ! This GB is off to a fast and exciting start!  Most excellent!

Hey Graham, don't give up the ship mate!  There are a lot of great FAA options!  I just picked up a nice, inexpensive Airfix kit, the 1/72 Douglas, which can be built FAA out of the box!  In fact I am also probably oing to build a third vintage Airfix kit with some aftermarket decals for their TBM Avenger.  GIve the old Airfix kits a look see (since the compamy is British it is no surprise many options for FAA are available ).

Either way I hope you stay on board fer another tour of duty!  You fit in might right with this rowdy croo!

Brian

Yes indeedy! Those ar Black Sheep markings, '51. I really liked the red tail/ nose, and the polka-dots around the cowl... not the most masculine marking option! I must say, aside from size differences, the Revell decals preformed rather well, thought Solvaset made all the difference in the world. I don't know HOW I lived without it...

About joining the FAA GB, the only thing I have right now is a Hasagawa Hellcat in RAF markings, that really doesn't qualify, does it? I will make an effort to acquire a kit, I must admit I had a lot of fun here! LAbel me as a "tenative" builder. Any more questions/comments!~

Boba Fett wrote:

About joining the FAA GB, the only thing I have right now is a Hasagawa Hellcat in RAF markings, that really doesn't qualify, does it? I will make an effort to acquire a kit, I must admit I had a lot of fun here! LAbel me as a "tenative" builder. Any more questions/comments!~

Yes, actually it does.  During WW2 the Lend-lease program saw a huge number of American produced aircraft pass on to British hands.  Wildcats, Avengers, Hellcats, PBY's...a whole host.  And the beauty is almost all virtually remained unchanged design-wise when sent over.  So dig out that hellcat and throw some FAA decals on her!

Brian

 Sorry fellows time to break sprue again! Got too many models to put together!

 Today I am working on the Special Hobby 1/48 Albacore. No one day wonder here fellows! It is quite complex!  Has all those limited run kit flaws that I have grown to love as well!

 How a Monogram Kingfisher from 1966 can go together so well and look hunkey dory at $6 and these new kits are such nightmares at 10 times the price I dunno?  Guess it is apples and oranges.

 Anyways the detail is excellent. Really too good IMO as it leaves little to the imagination.  27 steps to do and I am on the 1st page still.  No rush though I want it to look good!

 Got to step 2 before I had to break out the dremel this time. A multimedia work of love this is. Look at the size of the levers! These are the big ones!

Wasn't kidding these are the small ones!

 I dunno how you fellows do your PE stuff, but I take tiny drops of the testers clear window maker cement on the end of my hobby knife and put the glue drop where the part goes. Then I put the part in the glue drop and manipulate it into position using the knife or a small wire or pin. After I get it where I want it I place a small drop of thin CA  in place again with the hobby knife or stirring straw tool and apply acclerator.  Very precise work and I am no brain surgeon!  But it works for me. 

 Hard to get the camera to zoom in on the small parts as it tends to pick it's own focus point but there are 5 levers in place here. What fun!

Gonna call it quits for now and take my nap for work tonight!  Not a lot to show for a lot of time spent but it will come together soon ! The Bi-plane wing should be cool!

See y'all soon!

Nice Aaron!  Luckily my tiny PE parts were at a bare minimum.  Speaking of which it is time for my WIP update.  I have the cockpit assembly done and painted.  I used all the PE parts from the Eduard set and added a few touches of my own, namely I tweaked the control stick by adding a piece of styrene to make it shaped more like the real deal, plus I used styrene rod to make a fire and selector button to add to it.  Plus I used styrene sheet to add seat cushions which the kit part did not have.  All in all I got a very nice looking cockpit to replace what was a ;aughably inferior pit.  Not nearly as nice as the resin cockpit I was looking at (which would have required some fidgeting since it was actually made for a different company's Sea Harrier), but thats fine with me since all I wanted was something better looking than what came OOB...and believe me that ain't saying much since bubble gum and sticks would have been better!  Anyways, here is the results of my first run in with PE:

I also have the engine painted up, but did not get any pics.  I painted it completely just for fun and practice since honestly the ONLY thing anyone will see of it is the fan blades.  THere is an access panel with detail on the inside I could make to be left open, but it had 3 ejector pin marks I don't want to deal with, plus I don't want to ruin the sleek look.....

Brian

WOW! you guys are realy doing some great work here!

Do you guys mind if I join?? I don't know if this would work for the build since I know almost nothing about aircraft but I have an 1/72 Academy Minicraft F6F-3/5 Hellcat that I got secound hand and it came with 2 AM decal sets that both say Fleet Air Arm on them so I'm assuming that thay would work on this aircraft?? evon though the kit is missing the canopy I'll try to scratch one.

I have'nt finished an aircraft kit yet as both the ones I started where involved in 2 separate acedents. So if it works for this build I would be needing lots of advice as I go. lol 

stick man wrote:

WOW! you guys are realy doing some great work here! Do you guys mind if I join?? I don't know if this would work for the build since I know almost nothing about aircraft but I have an 1/72 Academy Minicraft F6F-3/5 Hellcat that I got secound hand and it came with 2 AM decal sets that both say Fleet Air Arm on them so I'm assuming that thay would work on this aircraft?? evon though the kit is missing the canopy I'll try to scratch one. I have'nt finished an aircraft kit yet as both the ones I started where involved in 2 separate acedents. So if it works for this build I would be needing lots of advice as I go. lol

Attention on Deck, attention on Deck!  Capt. Bondo, this here gent wishes to report for duty.  Signal the CAG and X/O that he have a keg o' the finest rum and a willingness to come aboard!

Stick man, your Hellcat with the FAA markings is indeed a credible build for this here Group Build.  Welcome aboard and lets see them WIP pics when they come out!

Brian

Summit wrote:

...Exellent work on another Corsair (yep I said it you guys happy)

LOL

Guy- I have the Tamiya PE rigging set, Quickboost resin exhaust, and Eduard PE set.  This will be my first time using a full PE set!  I have only used bits and bobs here and there up till now, can't wait to have a go at it!

Now, about Bill and Nam... Glad to hear they are getting it outta their system before the CAG (what would the FAA equivilent to that title be?) arrives back on deck.

Graham- Glad to hear that you will be sticking around!  This GB is really gonna be fun.   I added your Hasegawa Hellcat (1/48 I presume?) to the roster.

Aaron- What can I say?  You ARE A MACHINE!!!  I see you have comandeered Wingus and Dingus to build for you- no mortal man could build that fast!   Well done, those levers are tiny!  What am I getting myself into with this PE stuff?

stick man- By thunder, aboard!  Have a mug o' rootbeer, and get ready for some fun!  Be wary of Captain Bill, he's the onry one looking make an example outta someone!  I added your Hellcat to the list, and for that canopy-

I am not certain how well it would fit, but here's a 1/72 F6F Hellcat  canopy from Squadron for the Hasegawa kit:

Click here!

Great to see so much work being done around here!  The CAG will be most happy upon his return.

New Hampshire wrote:

stick man wrote: WOW! you guys are realy doing some great work here! Do you guys mind if I join?? I don't know if this would work for the build since I know almost nothing about aircraft but I have an 1/72 Academy Minicraft F6F-3/5 Hellcat that I got secound hand and it came with 2 AM decal sets that both say Fleet Air Arm on them so I'm assuming that thay would work on this aircraft?? evon though the kit is missing the canopy I'll try to scratch one. I have'nt finished an aircraft kit yet as both the ones I started where involved in 2 separate acedents. So if it works for this build I would be needing lots of advice as I go. lol  Attention on Deck, attention on Deck!  Capt. Bondo, this here gent wishes to report for duty.  Signal the CAG and X/O that he have a keg o' the finest rum and a willingness to come aboard!

Stick Man, yer either a pilot or a self gratifier, an' we'll bloody find out which. Report to Lt. Summit, who's the Master Gunnery Officer and he'll measure you up and send me a report.

XO, a little boldness down there abt the finest rum etc. which I aver you've got under control, but we appreciate the offer and will test it in the Wardroom first. We've accommodated John Eaton into the Wardroom, have Roy and I, and reccommend he be assigned a watch and presented to the CAG, whenever he comes back from Normandy, for a fitting of a frilly shirt and a clean glass of his own. He kind of scowled at the chipped mug I wiped out wit' the tail o' me shirt.

This Jeaton fellow I know well, although he's not a man o' the cloth and therefore can't be our long absent Chaplain, nor do I fancy him a sawbones, nor do I reckon he's a fighting man; ahh I've got it! Please recommend him to the CAG when next you go play skittles on the quarterdeck that he be made Ship Expert on cockpit research. He's knows an uncommon lot about what all those fiddly little levers and switches do, once I saw he caught out a fellow who had his artificial horizon decal in upside down, till it was pointed out that it was a model of Nam's Sea Fury after he, um, landed from leave.

Mores the merrier I say and a Rum Saturday for all. I looked at the situation of the crew up top in the Whitley, and unfortunately the fellas wot came in the kit don't have the scale of little Nammie, kind of like baby Airfix baboons, but fear not the Captain has plenty more to search thru in the spares shipping container. Figures are hereby decreed to garner an extra ration of our favorite beverage, should they be included.

And last a little bit of unfinished business, prompted by the impertinance of the new Bos'n Luftwoller, and not excused by the pail of sand thrown on him by our LtCmr: yes it's a repeat video, as is the one the XO has asked me to make mandatory every Sunday noon at assembly concerning various rashes from Singapore on your...oh never mind, but the point is that not all of this scurvy crew are in the Regia GB, tho I think a boarding party might be appriopriate, with dirks, and therefore the FAA fellas might benefit from a little wisdom from the Wardroom.

Men, the Group Picture is just back from the censors.

End of Message, God Save The Queen.

Captain Bondo, RAF Coastal Command and in command of his intestines, at least for now. Kidneys, another story.

bondoman wrote:

New Hampshire wrote:  stick man wrote: WOW! you guys are realy doing some great work here! Do you guys mind if I join?? I don't know if this would work for the build since I know almost nothing about aircraft but I have an 1/72 Academy Minicraft F6F-3/5 Hellcat that I got secound hand and it came with 2 AM decal sets that both say Fleet Air Arm on them so I'm assuming that thay would work on this aircraft?? evon though the kit is missing the canopy I'll try to scratch one. I have'nt finished an aircraft kit yet as both the ones I started where involved in 2 separate acedents. So if it works for this build I would be needing lots of advice as I go. lol  Attention on Deck, attention on Deck!  Capt. Bondo, this here gent wishes to report for duty.  Signal the CAG and X/O that he have a keg o' the finest rum and a willingness to come aboard! All well and good as we need a new landing deck crew, after the little incident where LtCmdr Sfmac attempted to land a C-130 on board in a gale. Could have been ok except that he jumped out and left the engines running... Stick Man, yer either a pilot or a self gratifier, an' we'll bloody find out which. Report to Lt. Summit, who's the Master Gunnery Officer and he'll measure you up and send me a report.

Thanks for letin' me aboard Captin.

I'll be able to start work on my Hellcat at first light tomarow.

stick man wrote:

bondoman wrote:  New Hampshire wrote:  stick man wrote: WOW! you guys are realy doing some great work here! Do you guys mind if I join?? I don't know if this would work for the build since I know almost nothing about aircraft but I have an 1/72 Academy Minicraft F6F-3/5 Hellcat that I got secound hand and it came with 2 AM decal sets that both say Fleet Air Arm on them so I'm assuming that thay would work on this aircraft?? evon though the kit is missing the canopy I'll try to scratch one. I have'nt finished an aircraft kit yet as both the ones I started where involved in 2 separate acedents. So if it works for this build I would be needing lots of advice as I go. lol  Attention on Deck, attention on Deck!  Capt. Bondo, this here gent wishes to report for duty.  Signal the CAG and X/O that he have a keg o' the finest rum and a willingness to come aboard! All well and good as we need a new landing deck crew, after the little incident where LtCmdr Sfmac attempted to land a C-130 on board in a gale. Could have been ok except that he jumped out and left the engines running... Stick Man, yer either a pilot or a self gratifier, an' we'll bloody find out which. Report to Lt. Summit, who's the Master Gunnery Officer and he'll measure you up and send me a report. Thanks for letin' me aboard Captin. I'll be able to start work on my Hellcat at first light tomarow.

Excellent  Frank sounds like you have nearly all the same stuff as me. Are the exhausts the long porcupine type? I also have the Aeroclub White metal U/C legs and prop and some other goodies. Ill post a pic drekly.

Aaron, I was starting to wonder where Wingus and Dingus had gone. They go nowhere without thier satin hotpants and they are HERE!! That means theyre absent without leave and i fear youve snaggled them. I cant believe how youve gotten to grips with the PE stuff. Your building like a pro...ell, you are a pro.

Brian, Great stuff. The cockpit is coming on a treat.

...Guy

Daywalker wrote:

Guy- I have the Tamiya PE rigging set, Quickboost resin exhaust, and Eduard PE set.  This will be my first time using a full PE set!  I have only used bits and bobs here and there up till now, can't wait to have a go at it!

Excellent  Frank sounds like you have nearly all the same stuff as me. Are the exhausts the long porcupine type? I also have the Aeroclub White metal U/C legs and prop and some other goodies. Ill post a pic drekly.

Aaron, I was starting to wonder where Wingus and Dingus had gone. They go nowhere without thier satin hotpants and they are HERE!! That means theyre absent without leave and i fear youve snaggled them. I cant believe how youve gotten to grips with the PE stuff. Your building like a pro...ell, you are a pro.

Brian, Great stuff. The cockpit is coming on a treat.

...Guy

Here you go Frank. Heres what im going to be playing with,

Ive just got a few finalities on a certain floater im building and im here.

...Guy

Guy-

Oh yes, I forgot about the CMK resin control surfaces!  Have those too.   I do have the porcupine exhausts, can't imagine trying to smooth out the kit parts.