The RCAF Group Build Birthday Party

Yeah Brent, I sure didn't mean to 'put the guy down'. It was just that one area of 'weathering that really touched my eye, mainly because I'm such an amateur at everything that I noticed the old and new really quickly.  There is stuff in that book that it's going to take me a very long time to even get around to it, I do give credit where credit is due - the guy is undoubtedly a master builder.  I'm looking forward to his second book, actually I think that wou;d be his first (that was recommended to me) so I can bury my nose into it for awhile. I do that - whenever I get a new book on techniques, I go through my stash to see what I have that is applicable or that I can apply, then I sit myself down with a little book of hasti-notes and start making some notes. Then I compare my 'hasti-note collection,  and see if I "have a technique that speaks to me"i  I remember in graduate school when there were times when I had books that had more hasti-notes in them than actual authors ideas.

Fantastic Decal Sheet!!

I was more than a little bit skeptical when I ordered this decal sheet from Victory but I was was really happy with what my postie brought me this afternoon.

I imagine some of you have already found this beauty but I thought I'd pass it on to you lot as there may be some who haven't made this discoverey yet. It's an absolutely beautilful, full coloured, collection of 41 different Spits from which you should be able to make 16 - 17 different 1/48  different Spits from the   colours of the 41 Allied Forces displayed.  The colours are superb, the stories that go with them are fascinating, they tell of the heroes and the odd balls and the 'odds and ends' of fighter command.  As far as campaigns go...this decal sheet includes Spitfires from; 1939, Dunkirk, B.O.B., Dieppe, South Pacific (Australian) Campaign, North Africa, Malta, Sicily, D-Day Striped Spits, European campaign (St. Croix-sur-Mer and Holland). I've never come across anything like this before.  Take a peek at http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Rev1/201-300/Rev289_VPD48006_Victory-Models/rev289.htm  just to 'wet your whistle, and from there take a long look at Victory Models - you won't be able to take just a 'quick peek' believe me.  Hope you enjoy this selection of decals.  The only drawback is, is that there all 1/48.  Enjoy looking at this one even if yoiur not a Spitfire fan. Poppie

SORRY GUYS -  I just read the little note that was included that said that the copy I received was a copy that was found 'kicking about' the shop. They are all out and there are no reprints scheduled at this time.  I'm really sorry guys. This is a beautiful set - now that I look at mine closely, I can see that it is a bit yellowed around the edges so it must have been hidden away for quite some time. Shame on me.

Oh ya, thanks Popie!!!  Get our hopes up and then squash 'em. 

Speaking of decals.  Does anyone know where I could get a sheet of late war code letters for Lancasters with the yellow outline on them.  I've seen sheets with the red code letters but not with the yellow outline.  I'm not sure if one was ever availalble.

razordws wrote:

Speaking of decals.  Does anyone know where I could get a sheet of late war code letters for Lancasters with the yellow outline on them.  I've seen sheets with the red code letters but not with the yellow outline.  I'm not sure if one was ever availalble.

I'm looking for the same thing, guy, - I was really disappointed when I went up to the Warplane Museum - I thought for sure, that, given they have one of only two fly 'Lancs' in the world, they would have a wide selection of goodies.  Heck, they don't even have a set of decals for the Lanc they have on the tarmac!!! I sent in a letter to the director of the museum and one to the National Heritage Foundation (they fund our small museums) and asked "What gives".  It just seemed awful strange that they had lots of American planes and US decals for sale in a Canadian Aircraft Museum and liltch for Canadians in a Canadian funded, owned, operated, themed, museum!! I'm some ticked off!

Reload wrote:

Poppie wrote: hoto's of so called 'weathering' - FSM magazine has samples that outshine his work by miles. In a competition with the mailed in models to FSM, Ashley wouldn't get published today unless his work and styles have kept up - he seems to rely on a pencil and a 'touch-up' brush   Actualy Poppie, Mike is published freaqently within the pages of FSM, the latest being a few months ago with a ship he did. I have yet to find a book today that shows how to scratchbuild and do some of the removal steps for parts the way he shows them. If you had wanted a book on weathering, you should have asked specificaly for that. Mike may not weather to today standards, but his builds are top notch. His kits may be old, imagine what he could do with a kit of today. Besides, his passion is for old and out dated kits that he re-vamps and turns into great models. Everybody's idea of weathering is very different. Brent

Brent, Mike's book came in the mail today and I started reading it (as usual I started from the front - something I learned in college - ) turns out that the first book I bought was indeed the first book he wrote.  In the preface to the second book he wrote:"I began that book because I saw a need for a basic how - to detailing book, that could help any skill level modeler, from youth to adult, build better models by using common tools and materials and without breaking their bank account." Well, it seems my expectations were a little too high because he did meet his target audience and his goals.  His second book, is way more detailed, and a lot more technical.  I'll be keeping an eye out for his articles in the future.  Thanks for the 'heads-up' about the guy.  Poppie

* Calls in - - low, high speed pass in full burner---------------------*

 Hi guys! I'm not dead yet! Been away for a spell and will be for a tad longer. When I get back I'll start working shortly after

Cheers
Drew

*--------------- Pulls verticallllllllllllllllllll---------------disapears in to the high clouds*

Hey, Poppie!

I goofed and forgot to mention the dish soap in the sludge wash - it greatly improves the adhesion of the wash to the substrate.  What a dunce !  Ashey's books (I have both) are good basic refrence materila, but the very best I have seen are Swanny's DVD how-to manuals, they are great for beginners and experts alike.  I don't know if he has any left, you might contact him.

By way of update, I am trying desperately to clear the bench of my Shorts Sunderland and Mk IX Spitfire builds, so I can start on the Avro Arrow for this group.  Given the level of detail in that $60 cockpit, I wanna devote my FULL attention to this build and not be distracted by other projects.  I should be in build mode by the first of the week, maybe sooner!  Thanks for the email, btw!

Poppie, we all understand completely, and we all wish you well!  I, for one, respect your determination not to let anything get in the way of living well, and I thank you and all your family members for your service and sacrifice!

Brian 

brain44 wrote:

Poppie, we all understand completely, and we all wish you well!  I, for one, respect your determination not to let anything get in the way of living well, and I thank you and all your family members for your service and sacrifice! Brian

Thanks Brian,  that means a lot. Believe it or not, it makes it a lot easier too.

In response to Poppie's email as to where we are on the build. I am still trying to find a Lysander, and am going to be aquiring a Catalina model soon. I have 2 other builds on right now, the Hurricane GB, and the plane for my co-worker. That's why I liked the time frame on this build.

As of lately, I am tiling the front enterance, putting up bamboo blinds in the seasonal porch, painting the bathroom, and landscaping the yard. Good grief.....I still have to fit in flying, fishing, archery, family vacation, and my other hobbies on top of work............I think I need to re-group.....LOL

Brent

Reload,

Here's a little blurp from Veterans Affairs on Canada's Victoria Cross that I think you might find interesting. We're doing up two of them in this build, Hammy Hampton, and your man - both are naval airmen:

Victoria Cross (VC)

Canadian VC Recipients

Click on picture for larger image (170K).

Terms

For most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.

Bar

A bar is awarded for additional acts of bravery. Only 3 have been awarded, none to a Canadian.

Description

A cross pattee, 1.375 inches across, with a dark brown finish. Made from cannons captured from the Russians during the Crimean War.

Obverse

The obverse displays the Royal Crown surmounted by a lion guardant. Below the crown, a scroll bearing the inscription: FOR VALOUR.

Reverse

Raised edges with the date of the act engraved within a raised circle.

Mounting

A straight bar (ornamented with laurels), slotted for the ribbon, has a V-lug below. A small link joins the V-lug to a semi-circular lug on the top of the cross.

Ribbon

The crimson ribbon is 1.5 inches wide and a miniature cross is worn on the ribbon in undress. The ribbon was dark blue for naval recipients until 1918 with Able Seaman William HALL, RN, being the only Canadian VC winner to wear the blue ribbon.

Naming

The recipient's rank, name and regiment are engraved on the reverse of the mounting bar.

Dates

The medal was instituted on 05 February 1856 with awards retroactive to 1854. The first award to a Canadian was in February 1857, to Lt. Alexander DUNN (Charge of the Light Brigade).

Issued

There have been 1,351 Victoria Crosses and 3 Bars awarded worldwide, 94 to Canadians (Canadian-born or serving in the Canadian Army or with a close connection to Canada).

Here's a personal note on my grandfather who, legend has it, single-handedly man-handled his 18 lb gun field piece into close action against the German machine gun corps, and, under a hail of bullets and firing over 'open sights' - that means a range of 50 yards - knocked out four guns and kept up a hail of cannon fire sufficient to  force the enemy to retreat, thus forcing a hole in the line. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Vaughan_Gorle Crazy old koot wasn't he.

Guys,

I've been so busy - processing wedding photos and being on-call for work hasn't given me much time to continue my kits or even take photos - thank goodness this build is a long one

I hope to be somewhat "back to normal" (whatever that is) sometime late this weekend... 

Cheers,
Dave

P.S. Poppie.. thanks for sending out that email/message.. it reminded me that "all work and no play makes Dave a dull boy"

Hi all!!  Thanks for the reminder Poppie, I was getting distracted with other projects. I am currently finishing a 1/32 Hurricane Mk.IIC in desert colors, and I am elbows deep in a diorama project as well building a 25 pdr. field gun with a Quad Gun Tractor, ammunition limber and a recce vehicle and all the related personel to go with them. THEN I can start on this one.

Since I started doing some research for this one I found myself constantly looking for any details on 410 Sqdr. and last night my "Better half" piped up about how nice it would look if I built one of every aircraft they flew and put them all on a scale runway together. I really don't think she fully understands the scope of that project. But it did get the wheels turnin' and me thinks she may have started something.

I am still researching the fine details for correct markings for my aircraft, but it will be a 1/72 Mosquito Night Fighter from 410 Sqdr.

DaveCS wrote:

"all work and no play makes Dave a dull boy"

hmmmmm.....that is a great song......

Bullet21 wrote:

last night my "Better half" piped up about how nice it would look if I built one of every aircraft they flew and put them all on a scale runway together. I really don't think she fully understands the scope of that project.

• Defiant
• Beaufighter
• Mosquito ( x 4 Marks)
• Vampire
• Sabre
• CF-100 Canuck
• CF-101 Voodoo
• CF - 18 Hornet ( A + B)

and then just to be on the safe side we should throw in the planes those guys trained in like a Tiger Moth or two, a Harvard, ............  Isn't it lovely when a spouse brings up these new and novel ideas guys?  My girl had me replace both the toilet seats in the house this evening - they didn't match!  So, don't complain Bullet, just send her out to buy the planes and tell her that you'll 'get to them all' for her just as soon as you can.  This could turn out to be a LOooong Build for you guy.

Poppie wrote:

DRY BRUSHING:  This is the third, repeat third time I've had to put my IP in a Windex bath and scrub it clean because I loused up on the dry brushing. I know how to do this!!!!  What's happening?  I put on a base coat of flat black (acrylic), let it dry overnight, then I use a dedicated make-up brush (real soft and fine, cost $20) just 'touch' it in flat white, brush it off on paper towel until there is barely anything there and then 'very lightly' dust the IP.  Things look Ok until everything has dried and then I see that the white is 'outside' the rings for the instruments, or is on too heavy - as in it STANDS WAY OUT. I'm getting ready to do this thing for the fourth time and I'm getting just a little bit frustrated - I've done em before and they turned out not to be disasters.  I have noticed that in this Hasegawa Spit kit the IP impressions are really quite faint compared to some other mfg's.  If that's the case, ie, I don't have enough of a 'ridge' to 'grab' the colour, is there a 'work around' (other than giving everything a good smack with a Waldron punch!)

Poppie, I have never used a soft makeup brush before. I always use an old, med bristled flat brush for my dry brushing. ( the scruffier it looks, the better it works) I dap a little paint, and scrub it off on paper until it does not show, than lightly dust the object. Works very well. Another trick I are quality artisits colored pencils. I sharpen to a very fine point and can pick out details that way. Here is a pic of my Hawker Hurricane IP I am doing for the Hurricane GB, I used the pencil methos here with very slight dry brushing to the edges. THis is a Hasagawa kit as well and I am marking this Hurricane as one of the 12 Hurries sent to the Rumanian Air Force.

Since this is an RCAF GB, here are some pics of a rather well know Canuck's MKIX I did a few yrs back. It is the Ocidental kit, and trust me, it took almost 2 years between me swearing and giving up on it. It is "THE" worst fitting kit I have ever built.....but I managed.

Brent

Poppie, just a thought here.  I have several "drybrushing" paint brushes of varying widths.  One thing they all have in common is that the bristles are soft but only about 1/4 long.  That shorter length keeps the bristles standing tall during the drybrush montion.  Good luck, I'm sure it will work out. 

Also check your Private Messages reference a Hasagawa Spit Mark V.

Poppie wrote:

Hey Bear, I'm really intrigued. Your using 401 Sqn.'s Crest as your Avatar. That would normally signifiy a close relationship.  For instance, as I've served in all 3 services before and after unification and as I have a 100% Veterans Disability Pension plus a Superannuation Long Service Pension, I use the Canadian Armed Forces Insignia (the Cornflake) as my Avatar to show people that I have a very close, strong, relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces. What is your story Bear? Why do you use the 401 Crest? There's a story there that I'm sure the rest of the Group would like to hear.  You also mentioned that you were on duty for some of the 401 and 63 (?) Sqn reunions. I knew a few serving fellows who made a few extra shekels as bar-keeps and waiters and what-nots in the Officers Mess for special functions. Were you active Air Force? In what capacity? Share the wealth Bear, we're all interested. BTW - post a picture if you have one. We're building a close-knit group here and pics help.

Hi Poppie got your pm sorry I've not been around much work has taken up alot of my time of late (I just love those technical calls at 04:00) plus the requirement of the missus.  Also I have'nt forgotten your request above here is a short Bear story.

  I served 12 years with the Air Force trained as an Instrument Electrical Tech qualified on CH-135 twin Huey & CH-136 Kiowa so I spent most of my time assigned to Tac Hel Sqn, I guess that makes me an Air Grunt.  I've also worked transient servicing and as an Instructor before moving on to civil aviation (Airline) where I've worked the last 20 years and still going in various positions.  I started my service with 401 & 438 sqns and finished with 401 so I have quite an interest in both Sqns.

As for mug shot it took a while to find a pic that I dont look to stupid.  Here is a pic of My wife Kay & myself taken a couple of years ago.

Thas it for now.

Cheers

Bear

DRY BRUSHING: Hey guys, I took a really close look at the IP last night before I started anything and even used my scope. I wasn't imagining things, the impression on the IP are not as clear as on other parts. I opened a couple of my other Spit kits (I have 7) and compared two others to this one. Sure enough, the impression is not as deep. I have no idea why as I have no inkling at all as to how these things work - plastic extrusion I mean, and I gather thats how these are made. I followed your advice and fell back on a trick I had used when I first started doing IP's and that was to use quality, very sharp, coloured pencils. They were a lot better, but I still had trouble getting a really solid white line. I put some CA in this morning and it looks a wee bit better.  I have to go out to Wal-mart and get some re-chargables as mine wont,  and I'll get a pic off to you and I think you'll see what I mean.

BB's In Paint: While I'm at Wal-Mart I'm going to pick up a couple packages of BB's. I was reading Mike Ashley's book last night and he had a little tip worth passing on. He suggests that once you've got your paint stirred the first time ( as when it's sludge at the bottom) put a few copper BB's into the jar before you tighten it back it up. Then when you go to use the paint, give the bottle a bit of a shake and the rolling BB's will mix the paint for you.  Sure sounds better than stirring with a toothpick each time I want to use a bit of colour - It's a tip a thought was worth sharing with you guys so, get out your old Red Ryder Pump Action's and see if you've left any copper BB's in it. Oh  yeah, he mentions copper BB's. Don't use metal as they will rust and discolour your paint.

I served 12 years with the Air Force trained as an Instrument Electrical Tech qualified on CH-135 twin Huey & CH-136 Kiowa so I spent most of my time assigned to Tac Hel Sqn, I guess that makes me an Air Grunt.  I've also worked transient servicing and as an Instructor before moving on to civil aviation (Airline) where I've worked the last 20 years and still going in various positions.  I started my service with 401 & 438 sqns and finished with 401 so I have quite an interest in both Sqns. Cheers Bear

NOW HEAR THIS, NOW HEAR THIS, THE BEAR HAS SERVED WITH 401 SQN AND HAS 'QUITE AN INTEREST IN THE SQUADRON'.  you still here bear, bear, you listening....bear........

Yep I'm still here however my ears are still ringing

I have started work on my spit.  After looking over the kit I decided to do this one OOB so no pe bits for this build only a new set of decals for the Sqn code & SN.

 I started out with the usual bubble bath for the kit. Then proceeded to parts triming and painting.

Now I assembled the wings and did some dry fitting of the fuselage to the wings as well as the cockpit bits to the fuse.  So far I must admit I'm quite pleased with the fit of the parts.  If this keeps up I should have minimal filling and sanding to do and there will be much rejoycing.

Here is a pic of where I'm landed so far.

Cheers

Bear

It's the Revell 1/72 Spitfire Mk Vb.

Cheers

Bear

I just wondered. I didn't recognize it at all, and of course I never stopped to think that it might be a 1/72.  There are an awful lot of kits out there in 1/72 that I'd like to take a crack at, especially with my g/kids moving on up, but I find I just can't work that small anymore with this darned tremor.  Although, I guess that's kind of a lame excuse as there are a lot more 'small parts' to handle in a 1/48 aren't there. I guess the truth is, I just got to enjoy working with 1/48 and maybe I should get back to some 1/71 stuff.   Who do you find is doing the best job on manufacturing the 1/72 kits now.  I've found lately that I've been getting Hasegawa kits with nary a touch of flash and fits that didn't need need, well, hardly needed, glue.

Poppie, I build almost exclusively in 1/72 (the odd exception being 1/700 ships which are definitely more fidely than 1/72 aircraft) and as you would expect the Tamiya and Hasegawa kits are usually top of the line and also cost the most.  Some of the Hasegawa kits are pretty sparse in the office though. 

However Companies like Academy and Revell of Germany are giving the other guys a run for their money.  The newest Academy kits have awesome detailing but their prices are getting up there with the Tamiya and Hasegawa kits.  They have some older kits that also give great detailing for bargain prices but some of their older kits are also not so good so you have to do your homework and find out which ones are the good ones.  Their are only a few that I would not recommend (like the Avenger).  Thick decals that do not conform to curves even with buckets of solvent have been their only downside.

Revell of Germany also has some really nice new kits and in my mind offer the best bang for the buck.  I believe you said you had bought the new Lancaster kit and if so you have already discovered this.  The new offerings from Revell Germany have great detail and are at a price that is hard to beat.  The only thing is you need to be aware of is that they also rebox a lot of older kits (ex-matchbox) that are real dogs so again you have to do some homework and read the reviews.

Unfortunatly there is no one manufacturer that produces great kits through out.  Tamiya usualy is a good bet, Revell & Italari can be hit or miss depending on the kit.  Hasagawa I've also had some good kits and hit some bad ones i.e their F-105D Thunderchief was quite a Dog.  Here is a link to a site I sometimes use, the reviews are pretty good http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/portland/971/Reviews/72nd.htm

There are other review sites out there does any one else have some sites they'd like to share?   However I've come to the point if it's a subject I'd like to build I'll pick up a kit and give it a shot and if it turns out to be a dog then I'll do my best and with a bit of luck my skills will be the better for it.

Cheers

Bear

www.modelingmadness.com is another good kit review site