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Fleet Air Arm Group Build

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  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: A secret workshop somewhere in England
Posted by TANGO 1 on Sunday, August 16, 2009 9:09 PM

Hello Chaps!

Yes, I'm back-with seventeen days shore leave to play with! Pirate [oX)]Make a Toast [#toast]

As by way of smoothing things over with this gallant crew I bring you the following.........

Now, as is tradition around here, I have to reward those who have kept this fine carrier cruising the high sea's. Word has spread throughout the Admiralty about our prolific plastic production unit, I am of course referring to Cdr. McNeal, whose tireless dedication to the cause of modelling beautiful Naval Aircraft and generousity have earned him the rank of Captain. Captain [4:-)]

I would also like to thank the ships X/O for keping my seat warm and for steering the ship in unsteady waters, plus listening to my rants from time to time!Big Smile [:D]Approve [^]

It should also be said that the rest of you posting here deserve a big thank you for keeping this GB going, I have missed an awful lot so give me time to catch up OK? Wink [;)]

I'll look forward to sharing my hobby with you lads once more! So here's to us and those like us-CHEERS! Pirate [oX)]Make a Toast [#toast]

Regards, Darren. C.A.G. FAA/USNFAW GB
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: A secret workshop somewhere in England
Posted by TANGO 1 on Sunday, August 16, 2009 9:32 PM

So, why the long absence?

Well, life and work on the whole and of course the sad news that The Secret Workshop Somewhere In England (TSWSIE) had to shut its doors for good after the damage to the building during last years winter storms. Still, your CAG is nothing if not resourceful, and handy too! 

Gentlemen, 

may I present The NEW Secret Worshop Somewhere In England! This place has been totally re-furbed and is good to go!

The workshop comes with its own security patrol too, meet my good mate "Dirty" Harry.........

Well, tonight was the first time I broke sprue in a long time, my first build here will be this:

I'll be using the 1/48 Airfix hawk T.1 kit with Ally Cat decals, kind of apt for this GB I thought!Wink [;)]

I'll be posting pics as I go along, right now I'm off for a drink..............CHEERS! Pirate [oX)]Make a Toast [#toast]

Regards, Darren. C.A.G. FAA/USNFAW GB
  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: Carmel, CA
Posted by bondoman on Sunday, August 16, 2009 9:33 PM
 TANGO 1 wrote:
Word has spread throughout the Admiralty about our prolific plastic production unit, I am of course referring to Cdr. McNeal, whose tireless dedication to the cause of modelling beautiful Naval Aircraft and generousity have earned him the rank of Captain. Captain [4:-)]

Congratulations, McNeal. I get to keep the remote control for the telly, but welcome to the Officers Lounge. The XO no doubt will host you to tea.

Welcome back CAG. The men have been a fartin' bunch, but with Capt. Roy back, McNeal taking a watch and the XO at full strength, the ship is ready for action.

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: Carmel, CA
Posted by bondoman on Sunday, August 16, 2009 9:37 PM

Beautiful Quarters, Sir. And that Harry's a fine lookin' bloke, here's a little tribute to'm.

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: South Central Wisconsin
Posted by Daywalker on Sunday, August 16, 2009 9:42 PM

Sign - Welcome [#welcome] back Darren!  Good to have you back aboard.  TNSWSIE looks spectacular, I must admit I am quite envious!  If you didn't live halfway around the world, I'd probably set up shop in there myself and you would have to kick me to get any time inthere! Tongue [:P]

I am very excited to see that hawk come together.  I also bought those decals for the 100 yr celebration, and when I looked at them more closely last month I saw that one of the "100 Years" logos had the top portion of the "100" cut off.  So, I emailed the company and explained my predicament, and they apologized profusely and sent a perfect replacement set.  Now THAT is good customer service!

Cap'n Mac- Glad to see your promotion, just be sure to ALWAYS sniff your tea cup before drinking from it, the lads here love to spike it with all sorts of foul things... Dead [xx(]

Frank 

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: A secret workshop somewhere in England
Posted by TANGO 1 on Sunday, August 16, 2009 9:49 PM

Thanks for the warm welcome lads!Thumbs Up [tup]

I've whacked thy Hawks bang seats together and will set about the I/P's tomorrow......for the hour is rather late...........or is it early now? At 03:30hrs who gives a hoot! I'm off to my rack.

"Night lads!"

Pirate [oX)]Zzz [zzz]Zzz [zzz]Zzz [zzz]

Regards, Darren. C.A.G. FAA/USNFAW GB
  • Member since
    March 2006
Posted by simpilot34 on Sunday, August 16, 2009 10:15 PM

Aaron. now that's what I'm talkin' BOUT!!!!!! Glad it wasn't too hard to fix!! If I didn't know it was only 1/32, that thing is big enough that I swear it was an R/C plane!!! WELL DONE!!Thumbs Up [tup]Bow [bow] CONGRATULATIONS on your VERY fitting promotion!! You finally received your RR tracks!Big Smile [:D]Party [party]Make a Toast [#toast]

CAG Welcomw back sir!!!! TSWSIE II looks very comfortable and an inviting environment to while away the hours. A very nice looking security system as well!!!Thumbs Up [tup]

Cheers, Lt. Cmdr. Richie "To be prepared for war, is one of the most effectual means of preserving the peace."-George Washington
  • Member since
    March 2009
  • From: Wirral. UK
Posted by Spike190 on Monday, August 17, 2009 3:28 AM

Welcome back CAG. Thats a fine looking workshop and a very fine looking Harry Smile [:)].

Congrats to Aaron firstly on finishing that mighty swordfish so well and also for your promotion, well done Big Smile [:D].

Cheers...

Mike  Toast

 

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • From: Wirral. UK
Posted by Spike190 on Monday, August 17, 2009 5:51 AM

Hi everyone.

Finally gonna call this Hellcat MK2 finished Big Smile [:D]. Had real good fun doing this Eduard kit, some of the PE stuff nearly drove me nuts and the ariel gave me a real headache at the end!

This was flown from HMS Khedive in the area of Sumatra and Malaysia in 1945, pilot was Oscar Lorenzo from Argentina.

Thought the all over blue would be good practice with the airbrush plus the white stripes gave it something extra. Paints are gunze acrylics.

So some pics for you all (seem to be a bit bright today Confused [%-)])....

Thanks for everyones kind words during this and I've really enjoyed being part of this GREAT group buildBig Smile [:D]

Cheers...

Mike  Toast

 

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Naples, FL
Posted by tempestjohnny on Monday, August 17, 2009 6:07 AM

Welcome back CAG Sir.  Congrats Cap'n MacNeal. 

 

Spike awesome build

 

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: South Central Wisconsin
Posted by Daywalker on Monday, August 17, 2009 7:20 AM
Mike- That really is a stunning Hellcat mate!  The weathering is very well done, and it looks just right in my eyes.  Well done Sir! Bow [bow]

Frank 

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: A secret workshop somewhere in England
Posted by TANGO 1 on Monday, August 17, 2009 12:15 PM

Mike,

your Hellcat looks amazing! It will take its rightful place in the GB Gallery, I am very impressed with your painting and finishing.Approve [^]Thumbs Up [tup]

I also have this kit in my stash and I hope it turns out as good as yours-good job mate.Thumbs Up [tup]

Regards, Darren. C.A.G. FAA/USNFAW GB
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Northern California
Posted by jeaton01 on Monday, August 17, 2009 12:49 PM
Oh yes, a great Hellcat, Well Done!

John

To see build logs for my models:  http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/mymodels.html

 

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Vernon, BC, Canada
Posted by razordws on Monday, August 17, 2009 3:39 PM

CAG, glad to see the shop back up and running.  Hasn't been the same around here without your input.  Now lets see you dirty up that new shop a bit!  Wink [;)]

Mike, outstanding work on that Hellcat and a really nice camo that you don't see everyday too.  Definitely deserve the TTUP award in my books.  Thumbs Up [tup]Thumbs Up [tup]Thumbs Up [tup]

Dave

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: League City, Texas
Posted by sfcmac on Monday, August 17, 2009 6:52 PM

Gentlemen I am overwhelmed. I awoke to quite a e-mail box of messages and the little Bruno dog attacking the mailman.  What a great day.

 Thanks to the CAG and crew for the promotion and congrats! Then Mike finishes this wonderfully sharp Hellcat to just make it a grand page!

Darren your shop looks fantastic. You have Dee asking me why I am not so organized and  where my dog is?  I am truly envious of  such a dedicated work area that you have worked so hard to create! Just spectacular builds and souvenirs add such a great touch. The 1st Cav coffee mug really caught my eye as that was my last unit before retiring in Jan 2005.

 So Ritchie the Capt in the Army is an O-3 pay grade with the double bar RR tracks but in the Navy it is an O-6 Eagle which is equal to an Army Full bird Colonel. just one under General. Navy rank structure always confused me.  I always just looked for scrambled eggs on the hat brim.

 So Capt Bondo I get to join along with you an Capt Roy in the Officier's mess now? I am pretty good with the mess part of it.

 I did notice the XO still hasn't let me get hold of that Rum locker key yet!

May thanks to all as you all make the extra efforts really worth it! Make a Toast [#toast]Pirate [oX)]Bow [bow]

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Goffstown, NH
Posted by New Hampshire on Monday, August 17, 2009 7:32 PM

Ar, I go on vacation for a few days and come back to find Mike has turned a hunk o' plastic into a beautiful work of art!  Congrats matey on one fine looking build!

Brian

  • Member since
    March 2006
Posted by simpilot34 on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 1:23 AM
 razordws wrote:

Mike, outstanding work on that Hellcat and a really nice camo that you don't see everyday too.  Definitely deserve the TTUP award in my books.  Thumbs Up [tup]Thumbs Up [tup]Thumbs Up [tup]

Sign - Ditto [#ditto] OUTSTANDING!!!!

Aaron, oh yes that's right!! My apologies! It has been a while for me as well.Big Smile [:D]

Cheers, Lt. Cmdr. Richie "To be prepared for war, is one of the most effectual means of preserving the peace."-George Washington
  • Member since
    March 2009
  • From: Wirral. UK
Posted by Spike190 on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 1:23 AM

Thanks everyone, really pleased you all like her Big Smile [:D]. I will have to do the MK1 sometime but will need a few bits & bobs to replace those that the carpet monster got on this one! I will certainly get some new barrels as I did think the kit one's a little iffy

CAG Im sure you will enjoy this kit when you get round to it. It seems to look the part straight OOB, apart from the barrels...Smile [:)]

 

Cheers everyone...

Mike  Toast

 

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: Carmel, CA
Posted by bondoman on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:02 AM

Here's the Stranraer, over in Matchbox GB:

The Stranraer has one big problem to solve. I've spent three days working on it in bits, and while not complete, here's a synopsis.

Several weeks ago, absent a front view drawing, the lower wings were attached at a suitable angle based on the box art, and several built kit photos on the www. Well and good.

From right to left- the upper wing installed on the interplane struts, all the rest of the struts installed, and the center and left sections upside down in order to show the mounting points.

There are 12 interplane struts, plus a pair of aileron coordinators. These all are in either slate grey or dark sea grey depending on the surface from whence they spring. All were painted accordingly and detached, then taped to a diagram. I had to make one that was short shot in the kit. Mind, they're not paired, slotted or in any way other than sticks of plastic.

So equipped; the challenge.

There's a set of four on each wing, but they cant outward dramatically and at a pair of angles. And the four in the center that engage the nacelles, from the root of the lower wing, are each at an angle.

Now the hooter- the four in the center, upon which the center section rests, and which must be installed first, are adjustable- the struts go up into a slot without a length defined. But the end sections set the height above the lower wing. Oh but wait, due to the extreme cant of the struts on the outer wings, it wont fit up/down, in/out never the darn mention of fore/aft until the outer is fitted, the center is positioned, the outer is fixed and the center is adjusted. All and so on, seems like the Choir of Saint Martin -in-the-Fields. Therefore I devised a left/ right strategy. In the photo, one outer section is fixed, the center has been the bridesmaid-come and gone, and the other outer has done the same but not until the struts were positioned.

 

  • Member since
    June 2008
Posted by lewbud on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:56 AM

Mike,

Lovely job on the Hellcat.  Nice thing about this build is seeing familiar planes in unfamiliar schemes, as well as aircraft not normally seen on this side of the pond.

Aaron,

Congrats on the promotion.  You've got one in divine and ungodly scale, when you gonna do one in 48th?  Nice job on taming the Trumpeter.

Bondo,

The Stranraer is looking good.  Don't envy you trying to get everything lined up and then rigged.  I know you'll do a bang up job on it though.

Has this happened to anyone or am I the only one?  Normally I would expect to find a partially finished model around my workbench, but when cleaning up my couch I found a partially finished P-51 under a pile of stuff.  All she needs is the canopy attached, some paint, decals and the landing gear and she'll be good to go.  Makes about 8 I have in this condition.  Man, I really need to finish something.Sigh [sigh]

Buddy- Those who say there are no stupid questions have never worked in customer service.

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Naples, FL
Posted by tempestjohnny on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 6:46 AM

OK mateys here is the first picture of my Monogram OS2U Kingfisher.  Still have to work on the filling and sanding.

 

  • Member since
    March 2006
Posted by simpilot34 on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 8:42 AM

Bondo glad o see you are getting the better of it!!! Really looking good!!

Buddy, I've never found one on the couch in that state.Confused [%-)]

Johnny, Aaron will be proud!Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg] Looking good so far and can't wait or more!!!

Cheers, Lt. Cmdr. Richie "To be prepared for war, is one of the most effectual means of preserving the peace."-George Washington
  • Member since
    March 2009
  • From: Wirral. UK
Posted by Spike190 on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:07 PM

Thanks Buddy, pleased you like the all over blue scheme. I've not found any nearly finished kits under a cushion but then I really can only manage one at a time, anymore and I think I may go into meltdownConfused [%-)]. I do however have dozens of half finished books lurking about and quite a few household projects that need finishingBanged Head [banghead].!!

Johnny that looks great so far, i'm interested to see more real soon Smile [:)].

Cap'n Bondo thats gonna be a corker when finished, good job getting those wings sorted so far.

Cheers...

Mike  Toast

 

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: League City, Texas
Posted by sfcmac on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:12 PM

 A a KIngFisher! Most Marvelous Johnny! 

 This looked like a cool paint scheme!

  • Member since
    June 2008
Posted by lewbud on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 7:03 PM
 sfcmac wrote:

 A a KIngFisher! Most Marvelous Johnny! 

 This looked like a cool paint scheme!

Aaron,

You mean a red X? Laugh [(-D]

Mike,

I didn't find it under a cushion, but under a pile of stuff.  The only thing I can imagine as to how it got there was a couple of years ago, the local club I belong to did a build of the 357th FG.  Since it was close to my chair on the couch, the only thing I can surmise is that I was sanding on it while watching TV.  I set it down and forgot about it and it was covered by the passage of time.

Buddy- Those who say there are no stupid questions have never worked in customer service.

  • Member since
    March 2006
Posted by simpilot34 on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 8:09 PM
 sfcmac wrote:

 A a KIngFisher! Most Marvelous Johnny! 

 This looked like a cool paint scheme!

I like it!!! Sort of a britishy racing green splashed in mud!Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

Cheers, Lt. Cmdr. Richie "To be prepared for war, is one of the most effectual means of preserving the peace."-George Washington
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: A secret workshop somewhere in England
Posted by TANGO 1 on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 8:29 PM

OK folks as promised some WIP shots of my Hawk T.1....................

This Airfix kit is OK so I am building it OOB with the canopy closed, with a nice paint job and those markings she should turn out all-right.Wink [;)]

Regards, Darren. C.A.G. FAA/USNFAW GB
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: A secret workshop somewhere in England
Posted by TANGO 1 on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 8:34 PM
 razordws wrote:

CAG, glad to see the shop back up and running.  Hasn't been the same around here without your input.  Now lets see you dirty up that new shop a bit!  Wink [;)]

 

Hi Dave! Its been a while, I'm glad to be back again.Approve [^] I'll look forward to catching up with you.

Regards, Darren. C.A.G. FAA/USNFAW GB
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: A secret workshop somewhere in England
Posted by TANGO 1 on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 8:43 PM
 sfcmac wrote:

 

 Thanks to the CAG and crew for the promotion and congrats! Then Mike finishes this wonderfully sharp Hellcat to just make it a grand page!

Darren your shop looks fantastic. You have Dee asking me why I am not so organized and  where my dog is?  I am truly envious of  such a dedicated work area that you have worked so hard to create! Just spectacular builds and souvenirs add such a great touch. The 1st Cav coffee mug really caught my eye as that was my last unit before retiring in Jan 2005.

 

Thanks Aaron.Thumbs Up [tup] The hard work was worth it! I didn't know you were with 1st Cav, I have a unit badge somewhere too. I plan to build one of their Huey's in the future with the 1/35 Dragon kit in my stash. 

Regards, Darren. C.A.G. FAA/USNFAW GB
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: A secret workshop somewhere in England
Posted by TANGO 1 on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 8:46 PM
 Spike190 wrote:


CAG Im sure you will enjoy this kit when you get round to it. It seems to look the part straight OOB, apart from the barrels...Smile [:)]

 

Thanks, I got the double kit boxing so I plan to build them side by side, I am certainly looking forward to them.

Regards, Darren. C.A.G. FAA/USNFAW GB
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