RAAF, RAN, Australian Army Group Build

  Wow Mr. Skinner, that is really a nice build. I find the Gannet an unusual aircraft. It is ugly but beautiful at the same time. I have wanted to build one in 1/48 (i just don't like 1/72). Is this a nice kit to build, or should i wait for the review in FSM...... ? I was reading a short story in Aeroplane Monthly about a Gannet that had a double engine failure. The outcome was obviuos.....but the crew survived. They are so bulky. The one at the RAN Museum at HMAS Albatross is huge!  Again, that is a great build. I love it......

  Good luck on the Blackhawk. My builds are way behind too. A move (going for a seachange) coming up, xmas, a model my girlfriend wants built for xmas, etc, etc, etc. You know how it is......

  Boomer...

Daryl Huhtala wrote:

First Boomer question...... Where might I find some good cockpit reference? The LTD 'pit is pretty sparse. Though I'll leave the canopy closed I still need to spice it up with some sidewall details and an appropriate harness.

  Hey Daryl, here are some pics i have saved for my own reference. I have the Kiwi Wings Boomerangs and they are pretty sparse in the 'office' as well.....

   These last two are from Matt Dennings restored Boomerang. I have seen it fly many times and it is such a beautiful aeroplane with such a spine tingling howl in a dive. The howl comes from the air flowing over the gun ports apparently.

    Hope these help Daryl, and anybody else building a Boomerang....

    Boomer...

Boomerang wrote:

Is this a nice kit to build, or should i wait for the review in FSM...... ?   Boomer...

It certainly is a strange one, but anything with a roo on it looks good to me!

Chris

For all those that live in Australia, Aussie Modeller International is running an internet modelling comp to be drawn by christmas. You can enter one image each of up to two models that you have made. The model can be of anything you like as long as it's a model. The comp is judged by a panel of judges and there is also a 'Readers choice' award that goes on the results of votes by AMI visitors. For further information go to the link below:

http://www.aussiemodeller.com/pages/Readyarticles/xmas2007.html

On a separate note, I have finally finished the PR16 Mosquito and will have some images of it on here in the next day or two.

What if you are an Aussie that doesn't live in Australia like Aaron and I?

Cheers, Chris 

No probs mate, just wanted to ask.. Anyway, I will consentrate on this GB and see how I get along.. Although the thread hasn't had alot of attention of late.. Being in Japan, I forget that Xmas time can be a pretty busy time for everyone back home..

As for here, they love the marketing of Xmas and the pretty lights, but its business as usual and the world still turns..Plus when its freezing cold and snowing outside, we have more time to sit in front of a computer instead of enjoying the warm weather..

Cheers, Chris 

Here are a few images of the 1/48 Tamiya PR16 Mosquito in RAAF colours that I have been building for a few years now. The time taken has been due to the frustration of using the CMK conversions and cracking the kit canopy whilst trying to do the ludicrous conversion of it to the PR canopy. The amended article on the build will be on Aussiue Modeller in the next week or two.

harvs73 wrote:

Here are a few images of the 1/48 Tamiya PR16 Mosquito in RAAF colours that I have been building for a few years now. The time taken has been due to the frustration of using the CMK conversions and cracking the kit canopy whilst trying to do the ludicrous conversion of it to the PR canopy. The amended article on the build will be on Aussiue Modeller in the next week or two.

I'll be watching for that article.  My father was in the 652 BS 25 BG 8th AF in Watton England. He used to watch the 654 BS Mossies and was fortunate to get a 1 hour hedge hopping ride in one when it went up for a maintenance flight. I have the Airfix Mk XVI to work with but I'm sure the article will be a help to my project.

Is there room for another Yank in here? I've picked up some cool decals for a RAAF Beaufighter Mk. 21 in Green Ghost Squadron markings and am hoping to join in with this build.

Either way, can any of you gents point out the differences between a Beaufighter Mk. VI and the 21? THe decal sheet says its possible to base a 21 on the Mk. VI kit that I have....

mucker,

I cant speak on behalf of the build because I dont know it I have been entered as yet either.. There seems to be dribs and drabs when it comes to posting.. I understand its the holiday season, so I can understand why.. In Japan it's business as usual, so I tend to forget that fact.. But I am sure another Yank will be welcomed whole heartedly!

Cheers, Chris 

Thanks, Chris. I'm looking forward to this one, as I finally have the markings I want. This will be my first Aussie aircraft and a good chance to learn a little more about our long-time allies and brothers from Down Under.

Enjoy your Holidays and make sure to bring home the Christmas Cake.

With regards,

Charles

Here are the two Mosquitos that i'm doing using the Aussie Decals markings for RAAF Mosquitos.

E*NA is painted using Xtracolour paints and the decals have gone down buetifully. I stuffed one side of the letters but these are being supplied by a kind hearted individual.

This is A52-3 of 1 APU, May 1944. Painted using Humbrol for the top colours and Pollyscale for the lower.

Same to you Charles.. Hope you and your family have a good holiday break. I know I will enjoy the time off and get some building done.. Today infact I am going to the hardware stor for supplies as I will be building a new work bench.. With the new baby arriving, we have the space, but not enough storage, so I will be killing two birds with one stone and building my bench and propping it up with extra draws and storage for the wife.. I normally build upstairs as I have a work room with paint booth. But in winter it gets too cold here in Japan, and our houses are not very well insulated.. SO to keep the heat and energy to a minimum, I have decided to turn our entertainment room into a work area on one side and tv sofa on the other.. That way we keep all the heat downstairs and have no need to go upstairs.. Oh how I miss central heating..

Chris 

Looking good Dave!

Chris 

After time spent completing a Mustang Ia........

 http://public.fotki.com/DarylH/ww_ii_fighters/dsc04844.html

I've now come back around to my Boomerang project. I've used bits of a Monogram AT6 cockpit to dress up the office of the LTD Boomerang.

The engine has seen some detailing with push rod housings made from wire. The mis-shapened prop hub and backing plate have been carved away and a new backing plate made to better match the shape of the spinner.

It appears that Boomerang seat belts were pirated from the AT6 so I will duplicate this style with tape belts. Mike Grant decals will dress up the instrument panel. I'm hoping to finish detailing the cockpit so I can close the fuselage this week end.....

   I just thought i would drop in and say that none of what i had planned for this GB is going to schedule. I have accepted a new job in Melbourne and am in the process of moving. Most of my projects are being shelved at the moment and i don't plan to be doing much till end of March come April.

   What has everyone else been up to with this GB? Where has our venerable host gone?

   Nice one with the Boomerang cockpit Daryl. It sure makes a difference.

I have run into a poblem with the 2 Mossie's. I was soaking some air brush bits in thinners to clean them a bit overnight and the container leaked! Unfortunately the green/brown mossie was on the table with it. It has now been affected by the thinners and bits of it are very 'plasticy'. Iam hoping that it will dry out and I can resume the paint job. The other Mossie is ok tho and just waiting for some decals.

 Boomerang, where are you off to in Melbourne? I live on the northside near Watsonia.

   G'day Harvs. Actually i used Melbourne in a pretty broad sense. I will actually be moving to Seymour. Don't laugh, it is not that much of a hole. I will be moving as to a change in career and hopefully a whole new direction for myself. I have scored a job with a company that (they have facilities in Watsonia too) that contracts to the ADF. I will be employed as a mechanic. I will now be working on all the good stuff.....Landrovers, Unimogs, Macks, ASLAVS and hopefully get to do some work on the Abrams. Will be one heck of a change for me. I can't wait for the new challenges.

   Boomer... 

Boomer, my unti deals regularly with Seymour/Pucka and the repair agency there. At least you will be able to go to the odd model show when you get down this way as it isn't far to the big smoke from Pucka.

harvs73 wrote:

Boomer, my unti deals regularly with Seymour/Pucka and the repair agency there. At least you will be able to go to the odd model show when you get down this way as it isn't far to the big smoke from Pucka.

   The pros outweigh the cons on the move i am making. My new job will be working solely on ADF vehicles. From the simple towed trailers to the ASLAVS and Abrams. I am pretty excited!

   I am looking foward to exploring more of Victoria. I have been there many times and it is a beautiful place. Living there will open it right up. And yes the model shows are bigger and better down there too. When i sort myself out i want to try and get involved with the tank museum at Pucka. They have an active model club there also. There are so many things i am looking foward to!

   What are the best hobby shops down there? I have dealt with Snowy Mountain Modles and Hobby HQ online before. But what are the best shops for paints, accessories and all the small things?

   What do you do for work, army?  If you can't say on here, send me a PM. Maybe we will run into each other somewhere down the track.....

   Boomer...

The hobby shops vary depending on what you are after. I deal a fair bit with Snowy Mountains for kits and aftermarket but get my paints from there and PJ's at Mooney Ponds. Hobby HQ is also great to go to for cheaper kits(plus not far from work and home). Vic Hobby Centre in the city is another good place to visit for some variety (can be expensive). There are heaps I have yet to visit in Melb but hope to prior to leaving the place.

As for my job - nothing secret squirrel about it. I am the Operations WO for an ARES CSSB (i'm a Reg tho) at Broadmeadows. Currently tho i'm on Long Service Leave until April.

kinda quiet in here........so here's a little Boomer

I have the basic paint scheme on the LTD Boomerang. It will be Recce Robin when done

 Did this aircraft have the external ring and bead sight?

A good week end at the bench has finished off the Boomerang