Fleet Air Arm Group Build

Spike, the Hellkitty cockpit looks STUNNING!!!!!!!!

Brian

sfcmac wrote:

Ahhh, where do I report for this duty station? LOL...

Richie- Corsair pics, WOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!   Looking good there mate.

Mike- I would go for a wash on those 'belts, dirty them up a bit and they'll look perfect.

 Well been long enough of a break.  Cpt Bondo and the XO are crackin the lash again.  Really can't have a good complete FAA 1940 flight deck with out a Sea Gladiator.  We got a few of those around somewhere? By Roden the newer kit. But all I have is the Old Lindberg 1/48 dinosaur!

What a cool kit ! Actually goes together great and looks good externally. But the pilot has more parts than the pit!

That won't really cut it with what I want it to represent. So I found one of these on sale for $4 a while back.

So lets see what we can do with a $7 kit and $4 resin set.

Hack grind dremel cut!  Yadda yadda yadda!

Paint paint paint! No film or PE panel here not even a decal! Gotta paint and paint somemore!

I thought my quickie paint job looked good on the IP. When you zoom in you can tell I did it without an optivisor!

But in a regular size view and closed in the fuselage it looks pretty sharply detailed! A Picasso of an IP! LOL! Maybe Monet with the colored dots I dunno! I am happy with it.

This kit actually comes with either an open or closed canopy so there ya go!  I think it needs a pilot!  Well closing her up!  Thanks for looking!

Hmmmm? There's a joke in living color on the right side of the girl pic happening!!!!!! Anyone get it? Aerodynamically speaking of course!

Aaron, as with your recent builds, you know sometimes you have to beat them into submission!

Thanks Frank!!! Lots of lil things I had forgotten about Corsairs, the shark fin on the pitot tube being one. On the -4B the outer hardpoints had the second from the inbd staggered, actually directly below the outer gun port. The Italeri kit had provisions for 10 stations on the outboard wings there were only 8 and staggered not abreast of each other. This kit is EXACTLLY the same as the Revell -5, which there are extra parts for in the -4B kit. So some compromises had to be made I reckon. Now my delimma when I get around to building the -5, with PE again, is that the side exhausts are going to have to be moved up. Not looking forward to doing that, but that will be much farther down the track!

Aaron- By thunder, 'bout time you got to work on your next build!  No rest for the wicked my friend!  I also seem to recall a couple of Roden Sea Gladiators around, haven't seen hide nor hair of either one!

Richie- Sorry, didn't get what you meant about the photo.  Would you mind explaining for us slow folks please?   Great work on the Corsair, love seeing another one here!

Thanks Frank! Ummm it's a blonde joke I heard years ago! The answer is, a wind tunnel!

I don't get it either, and I'm the snorkel tip in the piccie! Nice clam bank down here! Haha a pun.

A blonde a brunette and a redhead get arrested in a banana republic (don't listen Kelly) and get convicted and sentenced to death. The brunette is held against the wall; order "ready, aim,..." she yells "earthquake!". The squad drop their rifles and run off. She does too.(Aaron, please don't listen).

So the redhead gets dragged up, "ready, aim..", she yells "Lightning!", same results.

The blonde gets tied to the post. "Ready, aim...". She yells "Fire!".

 Well Wind tunnel huh?  May need them to help fill the sails an get underway! Too bad Cpt Bondo and all his flatulence jumped in the pool! Not nekid of course he had on a suit. Just not a swim suit. More of a Leisure suit from the 70's me thinks.

Anyhow He started bubbleing away in the pool as the Cpt often does after a nip or twelve O rum and the girls got all excited thinking it to be a giant jacuzzi! All woulda been well exceptin when the bubbles popped the resulting fragrence of stale ale and exotic San Franciscan bean dip not only cleared the pool house but resulted in a HAZ MAT team being rushed to the scene effectively ending the party and puttin us all back to work.

 The only real memorable moment was when during the mass exit it became apparent that the XO had tied all the bikini tops together which sprange free simultaniously in a violent flap of elastic and underwire which unfortunately struck lewbud head on knocking him unconcious face down in the water. 

As if this weren't bad enough the now freed ample (er) bosums of the lovely ladies all splashed into the pool in a modest panic( yeah right) causing a  minature tsunomi which swept poor lewbud atop the rock faced piller spitting out the now fouled water from his nose.

 All the time Richie was screaming something about thar she blows and testing out his torpedo building skills in the kiddie pool?  Dunno you'll have to ask him the details, My view was blocked by Brian and Spike who for some reason had come prepared with a resparator apparatus and were happily recovering the Bikini tops.

Very suspiciously the CAG and Sean were prepared with an arm load of  fresh soft towels and nose plugs to greet the poor frightened girls as they escaped the  churning whirlpool of now muddy colored water.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water!  Allthough We believe there was a recent sighting of CPT Roy! near the cape.

Ive not seen anything like it since the BOB GB!

Somebody get Guy out the water the poor fellow seems to be in shock!  Probably from an Englishman playing a US Navy Sailor!

Bondo -  Dont be digging for clams in the "Grotto" Great Joke

Had a call from  Capt. Roy today. He has been spending his leisure time "Brewing Beer" and making "BBQ Sauce from scratch....  No Doubt getting ready for all the Crew when we get "shore leave". He said to say Howdy to all the Crew

Myself - other then having a Hidden Grotto in the Backyard now has been working on the Roden Sea Gladiator again. The engine is complete and mounted inside the cowling. Pictures to follow as I have not been able to find the "camera program" to load on the new system.

I've put you up for Commander, Mr. McNeal and I'd say you deserve it. Very nice Jaws gallery, very nice. A good Robert Shaw movie, certainly better than the "Battle of the..." maybe not quite up to par with "The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3" and certainly not in a league with "From Russia With Love". Oh not the Scot oh no, but I still am in love with Daniella Bianchi after all these years...

Your twins from Blackburn are best in show. First of all, only the truly literate on the Norway/phony war campaigns even have a clue, but in their hundreds, and at Dunkirk, we see that the FAA/ RAF was not born with a Spitfire in their mouth. Bruce McCall had a nice drawing in "Zany Afternoons" which I'd have to go find, but it's a cartoon of Mum in her kerchief and slippers listening to the radio during the Blitz, while Da' installs the turret into a Defiant fuselage in the sitting room, suspenders down over his white shirt and color undone. Sorry, you'd have to see it.

Second, hard, hard kits. I'd say you captured the spirit of the things just right. As I mentioned before, i used to have a bio by a British test pilot that had a bunch of good stuff aabout the Roc and Skua, but long lost. So, you should build a Bucaneer.

My favorite counting sheep exercise, while she snores next to me, is can you name a British a/c company, from a to z. Yes, you can. Except for Q and Z

How is D? I really hope that all gets back to normal.

I bought a bushel of gun barrels from Mega Hobby per your tip, he's a nice guy, and will have enough for the Whitley and Sunderland, plus 16! .50s for the Privateer! But now I'm committed to a Mariner as well. Look round at Darrens newest GB; War in the Pacific. John Eaton and I have agreed to go hand in hand into the darkness with the Mach 2 Mariner, although it's not going to be as challenging as any FM merde.

I expect you to present yourself up on the Quarterdeck at 4 bells of the second dog watch on Friday for application of a stripe. Roy is off to wherever and the XO doesn't seem to be about much, but I've got the ratings and the boys up for deck croquet, drink if you miss, with the 9 pound balls that we found in the locker.

Orders given.

Captain Bondoman, RN

Aaron, that Gladiator will be one FINE example when completed!  Bravo matey!!!!

Brian

 Bondo thank ye fer the kind words. I am glad you approve so far! Thanks to you as well Brian I am actually pretty far along with it. It is yet another unannouced unlisted build that struck me as to Honor our fellow crew man Summit the Mountain man who is on a shaving sebatical!

 I am anxious to see his progress as to see how the newer kit compares to my quickie attempt.  I expect mine will seem very simple in comparison but I think it is coming along and has character!

Here is the Engine work and a little added to the cowling to represent a simplified exhaust channeling from the pistons!

For the price of this kit which is usually $10 or less it is really quite an enjoyable build. Externally the detail is good. We fixed the pit so as to bring it up a lot in detail.  The parts fit is top notch!  Dryfitted with no glue it fits tightly. No gaps or seams and really is a joy!  For an old cheapie kit it is putting those  modern pricey special hobby beast to shame. 

I decided to try a bit of an experiment as Cpt Bondo mentioned earlier about the blue tape pulling off his Tamiya acrylics!  I mummified the whole smoe in it during the painting process and sure enough I got some small spots on the Tamiya black pull up where I had not used the dull coat. Oddly it pulled off only from the spots where I used Tamiya Primer. 

 Well I have the upper wing attached well. There are pre made tiny holes for the rigging already in the wings and tail. Bonus! Just letting paint dry to finalize the construction and add the rigging and decals. Shouldn't be too bad.

After this one I have one more aircraft to build that you would see on a British carrier in 1939-40 does anyone know what that may be?  Anyone? Ritchie?

sfcmac wrote:

...I have one more aircraft to build that you would see on a British carrier in 1939-40 does anyone know what that may be

A Lancaster?  I would love to see one of those  on a carrier.

Daywalker wrote:

sfcmac wrote: ...I have one more aircraft to build that you would see on a British carrier in 1939-40 does anyone know what that may be A Lancaster?  I would love to see one of those  on a carrier.

Now don't be silly!.......Lancasters don't have arrestor hooks!

Brian

simpilot34 wrote:

A Stringbag!!?? Aaron I will try and get copies of stuff to you for that one as well!!!! The Sea Glad is looking great Aaron!!!!! This is a build you have needed, it goes together with no fuss!!!

A Ha! Right you are Ritchie!  Man Frank have you been dippin into Bondo's stash?

Brian make him a pot of coffee and don't add water! We gotta get the XO feeling right!

 Well speaking of Capt Bondoness you all know that each build I do is a journey in learning and comraderie here and I have been thinking real hard on how Bondo would approach this build!

 CPT Bondo Likes 1/72 and the Swordfish that Rowdy Ritchie has done is above reproach!

 Look at the size of the Torpedo he did all that scratching and PE with!

Now I have the 1/48 Tamiya Swordfish as well. Very impressive kit. Used the crew as masters for the Skua and Roc builds. And like Cpt Bondo sez it has a bigger torpedo to size up yer machoness!

 But then The Xo and Guy both are going to do a Mark I and Mark II with all the frills bells and whistles.  So why overkill?  Still I need something appropriate to show my er attitude of testosteroniness with this crazy group of Pirates. Haligan and Dee excluded of course.

 So I need a Torpedo about this size! To better represent!

So there you have it! As Cpt Bondo would say! There are men and then there are MEN!  Think he has been watchin too many Bow Flex commericials!

 Somebody pass the CAG a vitamin cuz it's gonna be a bumpy ride!

"Now that's a knife!"-Crocodile Dundee. CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE THAT ONE COME TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!!! I saw the test shot for that at the model expo and I was drooling!!!!!! I have neither the funds nor the space for such kits, but if I did..... Classic Fighters have plans in place to make a 1/24!!!!!!! So, Aaron if you testeroniness prevails, let us know will you when that one becomes available. Honestly waiting with baited breath for the breaking of sprue for your 'Bag build mate!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Sea Glad really is taking shap quickly!!!

Oh btw, is UPS flying F-117's now??? Don't know how that 'Bag got past Dee to be honest!

Okay, first of all.  He's already got paint on the bloody Gladiator!!!

sfcmac wrote:

Then he pulls this out of the stash!!!    

sfcmac wrote:

Your right Aaron, there are modelers and then there are real modelers!!!  We know which one you are!!!

sfcmac wrote:

AAAAACK!!!   That's a lotta plastic, how's the kit look inside?

 Wow some of the compliments you fellows come up with are  making me blush! Thanks Dave and Ritchie. 

Frank here are a couple decent reviews. It seems to be almost a blown up copy of the Tamiya kit. Minus the Figs BOO! and the cool 250lb bombs and smoke floats/flares. Only has the Torpedo as a choice of ordinance.  It has an extra fuselage in clear plastic and the Markings are for the Channel dash or HMS Ark Royal flight that went after the Bismark.

 Looks like a really well made kit. A Tamiya blown up to 1/32.

http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/kits/tru/kit_tru_3207.shtml

http://www.modelingmadness.com/reviews/allies/cleaver/gb/tmc32swordf.htm

Dave sorry to be so slow with the Gladiator. The Resin pit I used wasn't made for the kit and took some extra time to tweak.  I'll try and do better.

Aaron, the speed your going I thought maybe I'd been asleep six weeks or so. Great progress on the Gladiator and as for that Swordfish wowzers! I'm looking forward to seeing that get started.... prob sometime before I wake up in the morning the speed your going!

Thanks everyone for the kind comments about my Hellcat office. Cap'n I'm ashamed to say I aint got no optivisor although I was wishing I had one when I was struggling to see. Will be seeking one out for my next build.

Thought I should post some more pics.

After the Interior Green I lighten with yellow and then pick out the centre of panels etc.

Then some PE,

After A wash of raw umber I pick out details and add highlights with even more yellow mixed with the Interior green. I dont have much success with drybrushing, at least with acrylics.

.

Some pics of how it all fits in the fuse.

I gave the harness a wash (used that pro-modeler stuff)

Sorry if I'm a little late for second dog watch Cap'n Bondo.

Cheers folks...

Get er done Carlos! We need Harriers cuz all I got has props!

Should be quite a show from the sounds of it!

Speaking of shows some great pics there Spike of your procedure! I like it. Usually I end up just picking out details with a wash of burnt Sienna or something like that but your extra efforts are showing some very sharp results!

 I am just watching paint and future dry so I can get on with decaling and rigging. My fav part is watching the paint dry I think!

Great job again Spike and Carlos I think that Harrier kit may surprise you and dress up pretty good!  Especially with your experienced efforts!

 Well I am not quite as far as I wanted to be.  I discovered the Elastic repair thread I was using for the rigging doesnt play well with enamel paint or laquer dull coats. Gotta save it for last. I really pummeled the model paint wise and have only a few small items left such as the canopy Crew figure , exhuasts and oil cooler. All painted waited to be put on at the end. Used my pin vise to hollow out the exhaust pipes and MGS on the fuse sides to really make them pop out!

A little trick I learned from Frank is by simply drilling out and opening a few holes and vents it adds so much to the look of it with just a bit of effort. Also Used the dish soap in the future to let it lay smoothly and it works well!

Got a few streaks and touch ups to do but nothing big. Did a lot of test on the lower wing and it shows but an easy fix.

Also spent a lot of time researching the markings, As my choice is not available in the kit.

This is  Hope. One of the 3 famous Gladiators of Malta circa 1940 when the three sisters Named Faith, Hope and Charity fought off the Italian Blitz alone against incredible odds and really inspired the populace of the island who were busy carving out shelters in the rock caves and stone.  Can you imagine? WOW.  Again storys of Valor abound in the early days of the FAA. Feats all accomplished with aircraft that really were classified as obsolete. Incredible.

Aaron, simply stunning mate!!! Hope looks beautiful!!!! I have purchased the 1/72 Airfix kit and the sisters markings are included. Plan on doing Faith one day!! The story of the sisters defending Malta is definately one of valor!!!!!! I can't help but have the utmost respect and admiration for those pilots!!!!! True FIGHTER PILOTS in EVERY sense of the words!!!!!!! Not just guys that knew how to fly, but guys that truly knew the art of flying and FIGHTING with an airplane!!!!! A real tribute to them Aaron!!! GREAT WORK!!!

Mike, Your Hellcat office is topnotch!!!!! Looking forward to seeing this one finished as well!!!!

Sfmac said:

"A trick I learned from Frank is by simply drilling out and opening a few holes and vents it adds so much to the look of it with just a bit of effort."

I tried that with my 73 Vega, didn't work...

Glad you finally settled on the proper scale. it's Friday men, and suddenly there's a flotilla, a flock, a shoal of flotsam if you will. Never before on this forum have I looked forward to summer so much...

This Capital GB, War in the Pacific GB, Guadalcanal GB, with recommends to the RA GB II of course,

But I'm looking forward to awakening most Saturday mornings with a boar tusk necklace, on a matt of palm fronds, smelling of rum, while the island girls gently sway.

Life is good. May have to get a tattoo.

Oh, 411 and thank you Commander, tho that's not official yet until the CAG wakes up: got the quick Boost gun barrels today, 16 in all .303 for the Whitley and Sunderland. I also was appraised of the state-of-the -art in Coastal Command color references, and they are that coming from Chris Hall.

Humbrol paints, have shipped from Squadron. Interesting thing- there was a "shadow effect" color palette for the upper side of the lower wings of CC biplanes- see Stranraer, one shade lighter. Also, despite a comment on another thread recently, white gloss bottoms versus matte white sides are ideal, but probably not anything that held up.

More later, including this weeks TJ recipe over on WIP GB. And I'll have pics of that necklace.

Captain Bondo

Mike- That wash on the 'belts did the trick!  Looks much better to my eyes.   Well done!

Aaron-

Painted, decalled and ready for action already!  Man, you do not disappoint!  Glad you liked that tip, and the one with the dish soap/Future as well.  Really helps it lay down, doesn't it?

Cap'n- Your weekend sounds blissful!  I shall spend mine in retail hell catering to all of the young lasses coming in to look at jewelry.  Wonder if any will let me help put it on?