Fleet Air Arm Group Build

Cap'n- Thank you very much!  Although, this one was for the 2008 FAWGB.

Guy- Thanks mate!  Much appreciated.

Congrats to ye Bondo.  Tis one lovely young lass Miss Bondo be, and ye look like one proud Papa!  Now hopefully she don't take after her father as a lawless pillager and plunderer o' the virtual high seas upon which this here GB floats on!

Brian

P.S. As a side not, I decided to put the Sea Harrier on hold and move on to the Douglas Boston for a change of pace.  Will g back to the Harrier at some point, but fer now it is back to props and greenhouse canopies!

Sorry for my tardiness here at the GB. Im not saying i wont be building anything. Hopefully when things settle i will be back. I hear the Swordfish calling me in my sleep.

Frank, what a stunner of a corsair my friend. You definately have those things off to a T. It looks faultless from where im sitting. I love the camo and the markings. The weathering is just about right right. Top marks all round, big boy.

Aaron, youve finally finished that HT. Geez man, its bin nearly a year LOL. Its not as if youve been building anything else, is it? Joking aside, she looks fantastic. Seeing it from conception to finish just goes to show the work and efforts you put into it in order to get the thing to look right. I think you've nailed it.

...Guy

Well thanks for making me Coxwain of the Admirals barge Im not sure if I need to do anything but thanks anyhoo.

Aaron, cheers for the links, plenty to keep me going. I found a couple of good photos myself, hope to get going on my Hellcat asap as all my paints are in order .

Can I put the group badge on or should I wait till Ive posted some WIP?

Cheers fellas...

The XO is to be exalted for his, um, exaltedness and of course his modeling skills. The ship of course likes a fine hand with the airbrush, no matter how bloody long it  takes to see the results. Gentlemen, the Corsair is of course the 2007  Naval Air Wing entry. Bless his nibs though, he's a great one. Well done sir!

Your Admiralness, mind you I'll never lay hands on another man's dinghy, longboat or barge for that matter, but be pleased to man the watch at the helm. We have ratings for that, to wit Summit or Ritchie,... ah the new conscript Mike.

Mike, you are now coxswain of the Admirals barge, man.

One more image from the week that was.

MotherofBondo, WifeofBondo, Miss Bondo, FatherinlawofBondo, Bondo, FatherofBondo

Small side note. The father in law is 89 next week, as you all have been reminded ad nauseum flew Beaufighters and P-61s in that recent unpleasantness. I asked him about collector rings on Bristol engines, to wit the color. Now mind you if you've all ever had a similar conversation with vets of the war, ask them the color of say their corsair and they really don't remember because it wasn't exactly their focus that day. But as he had to burn the hairs off his arms working on the things, and spending 4 hours looking at them on the way home from a fracas, the definitive statement is... no yellow, bronze or copper. Hot, metal, silver and bluish.

Thank you very much guys!   I am chuffed that you like this one.  I must admit, it's my favorite one so far.

Admiral- I shall take that extra ration, thank you very much Sir!

Aaron- Yah-ha!  A target for tonight!  Well done, but I don't know about that sand.  Doesn't quite look like North Africa sand to me. LOL...

Carlos- to what Aaron said!  You never quite know what is going to show up on these pages.  And, we will not have it any other way.

stikpusher wrote:

That is a beautiful F4U-2N Frank! It sure seems like ther is a lot more going on in here than just FAA stuff... quite eccentric almost... I LIKE IT! In the meantime I am partaking in some sprits and relaxig ona pleasant Sunday evening here...

Oh give it time... then it will grow on ya!  JUst like a fungus! You all enjoy your evening as I am off to work! Again....

That is a beautiful F4U-2N Frank! It sure seems like ther is a lot more going on in here than just FAA stuff... quite eccentric almost... I LIKE IT!

Well, I picked up the Eduard Zoom set I ordered from my LHS this afternoon... construction on my Sea Harrier will be commencing shortly...

In the meantime I am partaking in some sprits and relaxig ona pleasant Sunday evening here...

 Try these Spike.

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

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

GZT made a really nice looking one the CAG put on page 1 as well!

Ritchie that model looks like it is the best on the table to me. I held a 1/72 torpedo in my hand today and still am in wonderment at all your detailing!

Frank What a beauty!  I have to say you just keep on outdoing yourself!  I don't have enough good things to say about that Corsair! times 3 fer sure!

Not much going on today had to finish up the Halftrack as I ran outta time. Builds up tomorrow.

 Misplaced my figures that I was doing to copy the photograph but I'll do that when I find them at my own pace.

 Not too Shabby hope Dupes thinks so.

All I really got done on my twins today was try step one in windshield fixin.  Kinda set them aside to think a bit today but I have three thoughts in mind. Home made vacuform. Replace the glass like you would a broken window in your house or just wait and see if a new one can be ordered. Sometimes these limited run kits don't have the customer service to do that and I think these are from Czechoslovokia?  I dunno!  Try em all and see what happens I guess.

I did build a bomb from the 1/48 Wellington kit.  A 500lb Gp that was supposed to be what the Skua was armed with.  Looks a but small to my eye but hey if that's what it carried who am I to argue.  Have to paint it .... Yellow?  Early war color for British bombs! How cool!

Can anyone point me towards a good site for some FAA Hellcat reference pics etc?

Cheers...

Hiya,

Richie Ive had a little look about at the work youve done on the swordfish and I think the result is outstanding, it looks more than good enough in amongst the rest of em. Well done on a great job and good luck.

Frank yet again I find myself asking 'how on earth does he make paint look so good', its simply beautiful, really smooooooth .

cheers...

Thank you very much Sean, Frank and Buddy!!!! Buddy, words well spoken mate!!!! As I've said before, we are our own worst critics sometimes! Thanks for those words really!!!

Frank, that is an amazing build!!!!!!!! Truly stunning!!!!!! WELL DONE!!!!!!! One to be proud of!!!!

Thank you as well Brian!!!!!

Richie, the Stringbag looks like the clear winner to me, but I may be biased!

Frank, dear lord man, that Corsair s simply a work of art buddy!  WELL done.  WELL done indeed!

Brian

Richie,

Thanks for the pics, looking forward to more.  Don't ever count your model out until the judges come back.  You know where all the mistakes are, they don't.  Good luck.

Sorry I missed the drinks in the wardroom last night, but I was at the bench hoping to finish the Corsair last night.  Almost made it, but decided to put it aside and do the final bits this morning.   Couple of little things I would do differently next time, but isn't that always the case?  Overall, I am happy with the way she turned out.  Here are some pics, hope you like!

Richie- Gorgeous, simply GORGEOUS!!!  Love that little Stringbag.  Foloowing along with the build has been a treat, thank you for sharing!  I shall keep my fingers crossed for you at the contest.

Richie- I never logged in to tell you how well I liked your Swordfish I am Even More Impressed that it is an  Airfix Kit Some nice looking entries, I would have to say the Tamiya Enterprise would be my favorite. I have always wanted to build the 1/350 version myself. Thanks for sharing the pics and I am looking forward to more. Your Build sure looks like a Winner to me.

Aaron - Can you get a replacement canopy through Squadron ? Or better yet it looks like you could make even a better one with come clear packaging and styrene strips for the framework. Great job on the builds and the figure castings are out of this world. Got any German Pilots to clone ?

Aaron, your casting skills are almost as good as your modeling skills!!!!!!!! They look great!!! Really coming together now, pardon the pun! Pitty bout the windscreen!!!!!!! Maybe heat form one over the other??!! Or make a mold and vac form if possible??!! I know you will come up with something!!

Brian, excellent video mate!!!!

Well can't stand it!!!!!!!! have to share a few pics of Model Expo '09!!! Will be going up tomorrow for the swap and sell, and to pick up the 'bag. After having worked on it for so LONG, I sorta felt like I was leaving a child in someone else's care for some reason. Anyways, here's a few pics. wWill be getting close ups of the finished 'bag after the weekend. Enjoy!

Here's the 'bag on the contest table!

....and here is why I said I didn't have a chance!

and another....

and another...

One of the two Albacore's

One for Frankie

Massive Trump 1/32 Thud

Awesome flames

one last one tonight, Tamiya's 1/350 U.S.S. Enterprise, no joke there are a few open canopies on the Tomcats, Hornets, and Intruders!!!! trust me lol

Will be getting more pics tomorrow!!! Enjoy!!

Gentlemen, enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdF5Yiiwn8Q

Brian

jeaton01  Sorry I was distracted by our all slickered up CPT Bondo and his wonderful Ladies.

 Great job on that fortress! That paint job scheme is just too cool for words! Really, It is very well rendered and you actually can see the effect!

 I need to do an update myself. Been slacking,

 Done loads of little stuff that just takes a lot of time.

Cut and added a very thin strip of Bare Metal foil around the metal cowling / exhaust cover. Gives it a look closer to the pics I think.

Wanted to duplicate the Tamiya Swordfish crew.  I really like the looks of them and see myself using them often in the future.  Made a better mold. I have a 2 part putty that takes 5 minutes but for crisper detail I use the latex high strength stuff. Takes 48 hours to cure and you get a flexable mold kinda like a rubber ball.

After curing I remove the orignals. It is a soft enough material to work and push them out. Couldn't get them out if it didn't stretch. Then To get a good resin pour I put the mix into a baby medicine squirter thing and inject it with a bit of pressure. It squirts back too be careful!

The resin mix cures quick. Liquid to solid in about 2 minutes and the last fellow was a victim of the thickening goo. I save the mistakes for future modifications though. Thought you may like to judge the results.

 I still don't quite understand the complexity of some parts. The lower air intake was 3 pieces that are ill fitting and take a lot of work to turn into an air intake. Seems over complicated. Must be like how Bondo said just too many diff sub contractors involved in the final kit.

The Props are interesting. Silver fronts with black backs. Yellow tips only on the backside.  First I have heard of that.

Think I have been reading too much of Frank's threads. I hollowed out the solid flat exhaust and then kept going doing the same with the fuel dump pipes and the intakes on the nose top.

Think it is all starting to pay off. The Engine looks pretty good. The little things are really making a diff in details.

 Got the Skua on it's gear already and the Roc close behind.

Had one really big disaster! I dropped one of the windscreens which gives these birds a real uniquie look and rolled my chair right over it.  Pulverized it right down the middle.

Never had done anything like that before. Usually I just loose them for a day or 2.  Well have to see what I can doo to fix this mess up? Hmmmmm. More brain power. Better take a vitamin!

The fallen will never be forgotten!!!!!

John, excellent looking paint on the Fort!!!!! Have always thought the CC colors to be quite striking!!!!!

Bill congrats!!!!!!! Ms Bondo Jr's achievements are something to be proud of!!!!!

Just got back from Model Expo and my 'bag is on the table!!!!!! When I arrived there today and placed my lil mate on the table, I looked around it, and just said to myself I a'int got a chance!! LOL I just was happy to be there and have gotten it finished just in the nick of time to leave here and get up there to enter with 15min to spare. I also didn't have time or knew to include as much documentation as possible!!! Staying back tnight and helping Darren aka darson judge a couple of categories was VERY educational as far as what is needed to score higly in competition!!! Plus all entrants gets a pass for the whole weekend!! Lots of GREAT looking stuff!! Aaron, there were TWO of the SH Albacores there!!!!!! Looking at them and knowing the  issues you had with the kit, made me appreciate how they got them lookin so well!!! Will be going back up monday to pick up my lil bird and go to the swap and sell!!!!! Always bargains there!! Today managed to get the old Hasegawa 1/72 Emily flying boat and an old friend, the 1/72 LS Pitts Special!!!! Snagged the Pitts for $7!!! Will defanately do better the second time around!!! Will post some pics after the weekend!!!

Morning gentlemen (and Dee )

Tis, 5:10 of June 6th here in New Hampshire of the god ole U.S.A.  Here is to the brave men of that fateful day!

We asked ye to go and save Europe.....and you did.  Cheers mateys!

Brian

Signal from Fort Stranraer (code FS).

Admiral Jeaton sets the stage, First kit on the estuary, rest will follow. The Officers Mess has a fine view of the Loch, and a dance will be held.

The list so far:

Admiral Eaton: The Fortress 2

Captain Bondoman: Armstrong Whitworth Whitley and Short Sunderland

Bosun Luftwoller: Short Sunderland.

And that's it. Lot of U-boats out there, not many men here.

I've sent a couple of pressgangs out and will do more but a/c are needed, chaps.

FS out.

sfcmac wrote:

Man o Man what a fine looking bunch!  And proud you should be of such a wonderful family.  Hearty Congrats to your daughter on this my #2 son's 18th Birthday! A fine accomplishment on all counts not to mention her many other honors that you have mentioned along this year.  A fine congrats to her indeed! I feel your pride through the photos and a neer a more well earned moment it is! For you all!  Speaking of me cleaning up a bit that outfi is da bomb!  I really like the blue tie as well. I don't get to wear them near enough now days but I do like the looks of it. Maybe I shall put on me tux and raise a glass with ye and  hope some of the greatness of the day wears off on me as well!  Congrats again Bill! and a toast to Ms Jr Bondo's new begining and great success in her future!

That tie is a vintage Hermes, found it in a seconds shop. Her colors be white and blue, so it seemed appropriate.

I will be building two front turrets with twin .303s and two rear turrets with quad .303s for the pair of white under gray avions. Awaiting barrels, will use the Falcon vacs for cleary stuff and the rest of the innards be scratch. Aarons gun belt idea is a good one.

Boulton Paul was a Brit co. that made turrets, like Sperry statewide, for all of the major a/c manufacturers. Any of you crew that can cheek up and offer B/P info, or better yet aquit yourselves in the fine fashion of Mister Mac, with Boulton Paul infact modeling, about whatever they made will get an extra ration.

The 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions depart from 17 airfields in Britain.

2215 June 5, 1944

Membury Airfield, Berkshire

 Man o Man what a fine looking bunch!  And proud you should be of such a wonderful family.

 Hearty Congrats to your daughter on this my #2 son's 18th Birthday! A fine accomplishment on all counts not to mention her many other honors that you have mentioned along this year.  A fine congrats to her indeed! I feel your pride through the photos and a neer a more well earned moment it is! For you all!

 Speaking of me cleaning up a bit that outfi is da bomb!  I really like the blue tie as well. I don't get to wear them near enough now days but I do like the looks of it. Maybe I shall put on me tux and raise a glass with ye and  hope some of the greatness of the day wears off on me as well!

 Congrats again Bill! and a toast to Ms Jr Bondo's new begining and great success in her future!