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Fleet Air Arm Group Build

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  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: South Central Wisconsin
Posted by Daywalker on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 6:27 AM

Some excellent work fellas! 

Darren- Great to see your WIP pics again! Approve [^]  Thank you for the news about the Harrier squadron, glad to hear they are home.  Welcome home lads!

Neu- Looking good mate!  I'll be looking forward to seeing that Wyvern. Thumbs Up [tup]

Mmmmm... Bond girls! Evil [}:)]  Never saw a Bond girl I DIDN'T like!  But my favorite has always been Famke Janssen (Xenia Onatopp):

 

 

Frank 

 

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Naples, FL
Posted by tempestjohnny on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 5:42 AM
Ahhhhhh!   I'm awake

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: A secret workshop somewhere in England
Posted by TANGO 1 on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 4:41 AM

I say chaps........its been an absolute age since we played "who's your favourite bond girl?"

I'll start! 

This is Olga Kuryenko from the latest bond outing Quantum of Solace. Mmmmmm..................Pirate [oX)]

 

That shouold wake the troops up!Big Smile [:D]Big Smile [:D]

Regards, Darren. C.A.G. FAA/USNFAW GB
  • Member since
    May 2009
Posted by -Neu- on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 4:34 AM
 TANGO 1 wrote:

Thanks Neu,

I see you are making good progress there on the Seahawk.Thumbs Up [tup] I like the Suez markings on these birds so I shall enjoy watching this one come together.Thumbs Up [tup]



Thanks... I'm actually going to do the entire set of aircraft; the Wyvern and (when I can find a kit and the willpower) a Sea Venom.
Weekend Madness GB tag
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: A secret workshop somewhere in England
Posted by TANGO 1 on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 4:23 AM

Thanks Neu,

I see you are making good progress there on the Seahawk.Thumbs Up [tup] I like the Suez markings on these birds so I shall enjoy watching this one come together.Thumbs Up [tup]

Regards, Darren. C.A.G. FAA/USNFAW GB
  • Member since
    May 2009
Posted by -Neu- on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 4:10 AM
Hi guys.

Tango 1: Good to have you back and thanks for the update on the Harrier force. I especially like the photo of Kijaki. To think of all the blood that has been spilled for that landmark in the dust and heat... and yet from 20,000 feet you would never have known. It actually looks beautiful.

Spike Thats a gorgeous Hellcat. I dont' know why but its my least favorite grumman plane, yet your model makes me like it a slight bit more. The blue hue you've got makes it particularly awesome. I could only hope to have the same quality of finish as yours.

On that note I've been working on my Sea Hawk... alot. I find with Czech models they take an in-ordinate amount of time in the construction, particularly the final fitting and gap filling. This one was no different.... the nose and engine intakes taking the longest. I also had one of those seams that no matter what I did with it I couldn't get rid of it. Its still faintly there despite two coats of Mr Surfacer and Tamiya putty. I guess it can't be perfect. A week or so ago I finally got to doing some painting. I started with the pre-shading.



Which was followed by the bottom sky. Then I did one of my patented dirty tape jobs.




Finally I did the top dark sea grey... which leaves this:



Anyway, the next is the invasion stripes and some touch ups. I left a smudge on the horizontal stabs, and one of the wing-tips needs more paint. Its finally coming together a bit... and the light is at the end of the tunnel.

Weekend Madness GB tag
  • Member since
    June 2009
Posted by cropredy on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 12:41 AM

Aaron -- I can only marvel at the 1/32 Pegasus on your Trumpeter kit (when I compare to the various 1/72 versions I have on my workbench).  I opted against scratching the exhaust tubes from the engine into the Townend on the 1/72 (otherwise I'd never finish). The ACE interior bits are slow going enough.

Anyway, you said: "The color I have read depends on who manufactured it. Blackburn manufactured  Swordfish had the more brassy look. While Fairey had a dark copper look.  So much to learn as I go."

Where are you finding this nugget of information?   Thanks

BTW - Next week I get my hands on four more Swordfish books checked out from the Library of Congress no less - friend of a friend...don't ask <g>. If I see anything super cool, I'll be posting to the extent I don't feel like I'm abusing copyrights.

 

 

cropredy

  • Member since
    March 2006
Posted by simpilot34 on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 10:33 PM
CAG she is a very nice looking bird so far and it will only get better!!!! Looking forward to more updates!! Will look stunning in black!!Thumbs Up [tup]Make a Toast [#toast] Thanks for the good news bout the Harrier force coming home and for the accompanying pics!!Bow [bow]
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 9:47 PM
 sfcmac wrote:

Oh yeah Darren we old FAA GB vets have been around.  Known throughout the world for our rum guzzleing abilities! Pirate [oX)]

You got that right mate!  Pirate [oX)]Make a Toast [#toast]

The torture devices are from the local DIY store, very handy. Also good for attaching to enemy personnel when enquiring as to where they keep their booze...........................Mischief [:-,]Pirate [oX)]

Regards, Darren. C.A.G. FAA/USNFAW GB
  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: League City, Texas
Posted by sfcmac on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 9:33 PM

Oh yeah Darren we old FAA GB vets have been around.  Known throughout the world for our rum guzzleing abilities! Pirate [oX)]

 Nice work on the Hobbycraft kit I especially am fond of the medevil torture devices you are using on it. I just saw a thread on those clamps where a fellow would CA bits of cut rubber band to the gripping porton and it would prevent slippage on the uneven parts.

 So good to see the unit coming home. 5 years in such a lovely place. The homecoming is most welcome and I think of all those still remaining behind.

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: A secret workshop somewhere in England
Posted by TANGO 1 on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 9:11 PM

 Gentlemen,

as this is a Group Build of Her Majesty's Fleet Air Arm I thought an update of current news would be in order. Our Harriers have recently returned home from Afganistan after a five year deployment, here's a few words and photo's from the Joint harrier Force webpage:

Harrier over Kijaki Dam

Harriers Come Home After Five Year Tour De Force

After a deployment lasting five years on operations in Afghanistan, the Joint Force Harrier’s last remaining squadron returned home today, Wednesday 1 July, to their base at RAF Cottesmore in Rutland. Personnel from 1(Fighter) Squadron returned to base to be greeted by their families, friends, the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, the Rt Hon Bill Rammell MP, and senior officers from the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.

Mr Rammell applauded the efforts of the Harrier Force. He said:

“Over the past five years Joint Force Harrier has played a crucial role in Afghanistan, flying thousands of sorties to provide vital Close Air Support and reconnaissance information. Joint Force Harrier has made a significant and acclaimed contribution to coalition air operations and all those personnel involved can be proud of their many achievements.

“As they now hand over their responsibilities to the Tornado GR4 force, I am delighted to welcome the men and women of Joint Force Harrier back to the UK for a well-earned and deserved break from operations.”

The Joint Force Harrier fleet is a combined Royal Air Force and Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm unit that first deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan in May 2004 in support of the NATO led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Since then the Harrier Force has flown in excess of 22,000 hours on a total of over 8,500 sorties mainly supporting ground troops in the southern province of Helmand.

As well as flying ‘show of force’ and reconnaissance missions the Harriers were most noted for their very successful Close Air Support role support to ground troops. Fitted with rockets and a range of guided bombs the Harriers flew over 2,000 Close Air Support missions during the deployment.

Commenting on five years of high intensity war-fighting the RAF Cottesmore Station Commander and Harrier Force Commander, Group Captain Ken McCann said:

“I must pay tribute to the outstanding and unflinching contribution the men and women of Joint Force Harrier have consistently delivered in providing peerless Close Air Support during this extended period. The Harrier Force has undoubtedly saved the lives of countless personnel, service and civilian, on the ground throughout the country – a magnificent effort.”

The Officer Commanding 1(F) Squadron, Wing Commander Dave Haines, described the impact the Harriers had on the enemy:

“Taliban fighters would flee in terror when they heard the deafening roar of Harrier jets giving shows of force when the troops were under fire.”

On Close Air Support he added:

“After ensuring we’re not going to harm civilians, we can fire our missiles from such a distance that the insurgents don’t even know we’re there; sometimes the last thing they hear is the crack of a missile’s sonic boom before it hits.”

 Pictures from the deployment:

 

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
  • 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 8:34 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 8:29 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
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