The RCAF Group Build Birthday Party

GETTING A BARGAIN: I was in my local art supply store yesterday and they had a sale on pastels ($3.50 a pack), and a similar sale on those little plastic cups ($2.25 for 12) so I bought both, came home and went at the pastels with a #11 blade and scraped them down to a fine powder (actually - it could be finer) and made myself a handy-dandy little weathering kit for under $6 bucks. I tried it out today and it seems to work Ok - Pics coming later this evening.

Poppies Pics: Ok guys, here's what I'm asking right off the top; a)Remembering that I've only been modeling for about 8 months now ( I did a few when I was 11 - 13, then stopped for over 50 years!!!) I'd really appreciate it if you guys took on the roles of teachers. I will not be at all offended when you say "You blew it Poppie" or "You screwed up!" just as long as you tell me how I could have done it better. I have so darn much to learn, I'm spending all my allowance on 'how to' books' DVD's etc, but what better place than from you chaps given the total years of experience you all have. So, with that being said, here are a few pics of my work on my pit before I go much further. I will say though that I'm still getting used to having the use of my hand back and the where the stitches were itches like CRAZY: Remember, constructive criticism is very, very much appreciated:

Forgive this shot, it's not actually part of this build as I set the rule to discourage aftermarket parts. But, someone gave this to me as it had a hole in the bottom that I filled with CA and did the best I could.

These next two are pics of the side panels.

This is the IP I had so much trouble with. I finally used coloured pencils on it but I got too much white mixed in with the black so nothing stands out like it should. After four attempts I guess I got a bit discouraged. (a lot)

Thanks for taking the time to examine these guys and remember, I do take your suggestions to heart. I think by the time I've finished this build, I might just know what I'm talking about.

Poppie

From what I can see Poppie, it looks decent form here. I have always had a problem with white colored pencils, that is why I always use silver as in the IP pic I posted on the previous page. I find the bare metal foil idea very interesting......might have to try that at some time. I believe Poppie that once you get the right dry brushes, you will notice a massive relief to your frusterations. Check out this site, every modeling tool you could ever imagine,

www.micromark.com/

and they have a set of specific dry brushes as well, although the price seems to have gone up.

 www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=81082

 All I use for my dry brushes is I go to Michaels craft stores, and go to the painting area. They have packets of red handled brushes for under $5 and they have worked well for me. Look at the brushes on the micro mark site, and then go and try to find them at Michales. Also, great find on the pastels........now if you need a certain other color, just go to Michaels again and buy the idividual color, grind it on 150 grit sand paper, and there ya have it.

Brent

Thanks for the tips Brent. I always thought Michaels was more in line for amateur Flower arrangers, with ribbons and lace and such. At least, thats what my wife always goes there for. I didn''t know they carried artists supplies. I'll check them out this evening while doing the weekly shopping. I saw the 'weathering brushes' in Michaels but was hesitant to put out the money on something new and untried until I had got an endorsement. I'm gathering that thats what your doing - endorsing the product. Either way, $24 bucks for a set of 4 brushes is a little steep  - I'll look out for the red handled brushes at Michaels, and while I'm at it I can buy a good quality silver pencil and give it a try - I'd forgotten that I'd heard it was silver pencils that gave the best outline and not the while.

I just love getting my hands on those catalogues from Micro-Mart and other places. Reminds me of reading the ads in comic books for x-rays goggles and submarines that really work (actually they really did) _ I used to sit by the hour and browse through the Eatons and Simpsons catalogue tool and art sections - not the toy or clothes mind you, just the Sears tools and Artists supplies.  Its amazing how our basic incliniations come out at an early age.  My favorite mag for many, many years was Popular Mechanics until they changed the layout and somehow it lost its appeal. You guys enjoyed the old catalogues when you were younger(er)?

I'm going to get a couple of those brushes from Michaels, as long as I can get them both for under $10. I really went overboard today. I'm now so broke I couldn't finance spats for a humming bird - and thats not a big layout!! I tried posting my pictures today and my camera. as you can see,  is for the birds. It's a real old job- 1.2 meg and it's Ok for wallet size pictures but for pics of my work I have to  crop the area I want, blow it way up, then lighten and sharpen the image Iwant. As you can see, I was really disappointed in my pics - it didn't show the work I had done at all. This isn't a cop out, but my work was a heck of a lot better that showed on the pics. So, I checked Future Shop and Black's on the internet and went shopping with the idea of spending June and July's allowance and ended up spending Aug to Nov as well. I bought a Cybershop DSC-S750 - I don't know why but some of the higher end cameras they make now  will take a  goood close up shot while others keep you back about 1.5'. This camera lets me get in about 1.5" and produces a really clear, crisp shot at the full 7.2 Mega Pixels. Then of course I had to get a new disc - my old one was only 256 meg and this time, I got a full 8.0 megapixels at photoshop for $69. Course, my new camera needed a protective case, even if it was only $20 but in the end it added up to a whopping bill. I will definitely be doing 1/72 and probably 1/144 kits for the next 6 months but at least the pics of what I ain't doing will come out great!  I don't know dick about digital camera's - I did my teething on 35 mm and had some good developing equipment and such that I just got lazy and sold when digital came in.  Hope I'm not sorry about this when I got to buy that super model that's going to be released next month - don't know what it is yet but boy, will I want it. I guess that will be after I buy the spare battery for the CyberSpot Digital. God am I weak, weak, weak.

Hey guys! Life has finally calmed down some. Work had me dissapear for a spell and now it's back to normal for a few months.

I started (and decided on ) my build. I have pulled out Italeri's 1/48 Boston III from 418 Sqn 'City of Edmonton'  late '42 early '43. I have not decided which plane I will be doing. I have a decal sheet from the Northern Wings contest two years ago in Edmonton. It has three a/c on it, two in night fighter black and one in day camo (rare).

Not to be bogged down on one project, I have two on the go at all times. I am just finishing one and will be starting a RN Corsair (Tamiya 1/48 converted -1D to a Corsair Mk II) and marked as one flown by a Canadian pilot. It's for another GB too, but I will post here just because

Cheers
Drew

Poppie, try as I might, I can not find a 1/48 Lysander to save my bloody life. 1/72 is just too small for my interest, so saddly, I believe I am going to have to just to the PBY -5A.

Brent

Drew Looking forward to seeing the Corsair if it's anything like the last one of yours I saw it's going to be great.  A 1/48 Boston sounds pretty big, how big is it?

Poppie your IP looks ok to me as well as your side panels.  I'm not a big weathering fan.  I like my planes relatively clean

Cheers

Bear

Hello Poppie, yup I'm still in for a 104. I actually spent last night organizing the 'man-cave' and getting ready to start another kit...too bad starting the things is a lot easier than finishing them, I have a Mig19, Mig29, Tu95 and a M109 on the go!! My bottle neck is airbrushing because I'm just no good at it and I always seem to put it off. No excuse though...gonna start the 104 today...as soon as I shovel that big dump of snow we just got.

Cheers 

UUGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!  SNOW! Just when I thought winter was long gone.

Looking forward to seeing your 104 moskit. 

moskit wrote:

too bad starting the things is a lot easier than finishing them,

superbear wrote:

Poppie your IP looks ok to me as well as your side panels.  I'm not a big weathering fan.  I like my planes relatively clean

Poppie wrote:

RELOAD - ABOUT THEM BRUSHES!!! I went into Michaels last night and took a look at those Red Handled Jobbies you spoke about - I wasn't impressed - especially since they want $6.95 apiece for em. Then you still have to break em in.  The Micro-Mark brushes average that running from $8.85 to $5.50 and $24.90 for the set of four. So, after Hmmmmin and Hawinnnnn I figured I was bankrupt this month anyway and bought the set of "Mongolian Hair, just the right shape, with hardwood handles 'professional' weathering  brushes". If they work, they look like they'll last me forever - if they don't work, they-ll last me forever!!

You do not want the individual brushes Poppie!!!!!!!! I said to look for the "PACKETS" of red handled brushes!!!!!! They are cheap, come in packets of 4 to 6 brushes!!!! If you can't find them ASK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I buy them all the time so I know they have them!! You were looking at high quality brushes and for 5 apaiece, I wouldn't be impressed either.........just make sure you have the right ones before tossing me on the fire. IMHO mongolian hair brushes for dry brushing is a gimmick and a waste of money.

Also, I'm not sure what you are talking about for breaking them in. All you do is scrub them against 400 grit sandpaper for a few seconds and they are good to go. I have done this for over 10 years since starting dry brushing and it works.

Brent

jssel wrote:

Hey Drew, I just finished reading "Terror in the starboard seat" by McIntosh and it is about 418 Squadron.  They had already converted to the Mossie.  One interesting read.  I may do a 418 Mossie next after I finish KH*R

Yes, I found it a good read.  Always wondered about Mossie crews and how they got along in such tight quarters.  Inspired me that is for sure.  Didn't think the book was still available.  About every three to four years I travel to Maine going across Ontario and Quebec from Sault Ste Marie to Derby Line VT.  Always on the lookout for RCAF related books.  I have found a picture book called "The History of the RCAF", "A most dangerous Sky, "Malta Spitfire" and a book on Canadian Pilots in the RAF.

Jeff

Reload wrote:

Poppie wrote: RELOAD - ABOUT THEM BRUSHES!!! I went into Michaels last night and took a look at those Red Handled Jobbies you spoke about - I wasn't impressed - especially since they want $6.95 apiece for em. Then you still have to break em in.  The Micro-Mark brushes average that running from $8.85 to $5.50 and $24.90 for the set of four. So, after Hmmmmin and Hawinnnnn I figured I was bankrupt this month anyway and bought the set of "Mongolian Hair, just the right shape, with hardwood handles 'professional' weathering  brushes". If they work, they look like they'll last me forever - if they don't work, they-ll last me forever!! You do not want the individual brushes Poppie!!!!!!!! I said to look for the "PACKETS" of red handled brushes!!!!!! They are cheap, come in packets of 4 to 6 brushes!!!! If you can't find them ASK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I buy them all the time so I know they have them!! You were looking at high quality brushes and for 5 apaiece, I wouldn't be impressed either.........just make sure you have the right ones before tossing me on the fire. IMHO mongolian hair brushes for dry brushing is a gimmick and a waste of money. Also, I'm not sure what you are talking about for breaking them in. All you do is scrub them against 400 grit sandpaper for a few seconds and they are good to go. I have done this for over 10 years since starting dry brushing and it works. Brent

Anyway, I've got to go over Ancaster way this week so I'll drop into Michael's and look again (I'll put my glasses on this time) and I promise, I'll ask for that which I seek.  I have too much to learn not to and to great a need for friends to run in silence. Forgiven???

Poppie wrote:

Reload wrote:  Poppie wrote: RELOAD - ABOUT THEM BRUSHES!!! I went into Michaels last night and took a look at those Red Handled Jobbies you spoke about - I wasn't impressed - especially since they want $6.95 apiece for em. Then you still have to break em in.  The Micro-Mark brushes average that running from $8.85 to $5.50 and $24.90 for the set of four. So, after Hmmmmin and Hawinnnnn I figured I was bankrupt this month anyway and bought the set of "Mongolian Hair, just the right shape, with hardwood handles 'professional' weathering  brushes". If they work, they look like they'll last me forever - if they don't work, they-ll last me forever!! You do not want the individual brushes Poppie!!!!!!!! I said to look for the "PACKETS" of red handled brushes!!!!!! They are cheap, come in packets of 4 to 6 brushes!!!! If you can't find them ASK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I buy them all the time so I know they have them!! You were looking at high quality brushes and for 5 apaiece, I wouldn't be impressed either.........just make sure you have the right ones before tossing me on the fire. IMHO mongolian hair brushes for dry brushing is a gimmick and a waste of money. Also, I'm not sure what you are talking about for breaking them in. All you do is scrub them against 400 grit sandpaper for a few seconds and they are good to go. I have done this for over 10 years since starting dry brushing and it works. Brent Hey Brent, Sorry if it seemed I was tossing you on the fire - furthest thing from my mind and intent friend. I was talking about the brush I was looking at "yeah, 'brush' as in singular - by the time I made my way through all the unfamiliar territory I screwed up your instructions and forgot to look for 'Packets' - in my own defence I have to say that they are re-arranging the 'Art Dept' at the store here in Ancaster and things are in the middle of aisles instead of on shelves at the present moment.  Thanks for the tip about 'scrubbing' a new cheap brush on 400 grit sandpaper to get what we're after. I really do appreciate the lesson. Again Brent, I'm feeling really bad that I may have ticked you off - I really do try to live by my signature line, but, every once in a while this darned humanity thing gets in the way and I end up putting the emfasis on the wrong syllable and the mords come out bass ackwards. I feel like a real jerk Brent for not proof reading what I've written before I hit the 'post' button.   Anyway, I've got to go over Ancaster way this week so I'll drop into Michael's and look again (I'll put my glasses on this time) and I promise, I'll ask for that which I seek.  I have too much to learn not to and to great a need for friends to run in silence. Forgiven???

Poppie, I, like you, am a man, and pride, weather it be good or not at times, is part of who we are. I was just making a point a little clearer, ticked off?? not at the slightest, just a little baffled, that's all. No need to apologize, but it is accepted. Anytime you need help, I am here.

cheers

Brent

417 Sqn in Tamiya 1/48 Spitfire 'Trop'

Sometimes you don't know what treasures you have in your stash. I thought I'd checked out all the Canadian Markings for RCAF Spitfires when 'what to my wondering eyes should appear....?

I have two Tamiya Spitfire 'Trop' Mk Vb kits that show 617 Sqn markings on the box art with the planes in the short wing 'low altitude' configuration wings.  I've had these kits for almost 8 months. Today I was comparing them with the Hasegawa kits as I hadn't realized that the Tamy kit cockpit loaded from the bottom. I'm looking forward to doing this plane as I've not done a 'bottom loader before. I looked at the decal chart and saw that a full set of decals are provided for 417 'City of Windsor' Squadron, whose write up in rcaf.com reads thus:

"Its Badge, in front of a palm tree eradicated a sword and fasces in saltire. This squadron operated with the 8th Army in North Africa, in the Sicilian landings, and in Italy in close support of the Army. The palm tree suggests the desert, the sword air support to the Army, and the fasces the fighting in Italy."

The extended wing tips are, of course, provided along with two adjustable, extremely well detailed figures.  After my woes last week with the Hasegawa Ip I was really impressed with the Tamiya IP which is not only better detailed but has everything in 'sharp' relief. In the box, and on the sprues, this looks like a really neat little RCAF Spitfire kit.  If anyone is still considering joining but hadn't chosen a plane and wanted something OOB that was RCAF this Tamiya kit looks great.  It's Tamiya item 61035-2500 and I've seen quite a few of them on the LHS's shelves.  I'll be with this build to the bitter end - 2 whole years - so I think I just might just add this little fella onto the list of RCAF planes I'm going to build.  Nice to find a treasure in your own backyard once in a while that you've overlooked.

Man.. you guys post a lot

Still busy with work but hoping to get in some painting and such soon!!!
I've got, outside of the Anson project, two other kits that would qualify for this GB but only one that I've started since the GB was announced.

The Revell Hurricane MK IIc built straight out of the box is, really, probably one of the best Hurricane kits (fit and detail wise) in 1/72 for the money. At about $8 CDN maximum (if you're in your local hobby store) it's a bargoon!!!

I noted though, today, on Hyperscale's site, that Eagle Cals have just released (in 1/72, 48th, and 32nd scales) editions #114, #115, and #116 all for the Spitfire MK IX; each of which has at least one RCAF pilot !!

#114 has George Beurling's MK IX http://www.eagle-editions.com/decal114.htm

#115 has T.K. Ibbotson's mount along with Wally McLeod's aircraft  http://www.eagle-editions.com/decal115.htm

#116 contains the motherlode!! Lorne Cameron's, George Keefer's and Ian Keltie's planes are all included. http://www.eagle-editions.com/decal116.htm

So if anyone's looking for some nice Spits in the MK IX version... these ones are, imho, cool :)

Cheers,
Dave

Bullet21 wrote:

Hello Brent-Reload. If you're still looking for a larger-than-1/72 Lysander I just learned (my modeling buddy just bought one) Revell has a 1/32 Westland Lysander Mk. I/III. 11.5" long and 18.75 " wide, skill 5. Kit #04710.

Yep,

That's the re-release of the old Matchbox kit - it was reviewed in this month's Scale Aviation Modeller - apparently the kit still holds up quite well.

Cheers,
Dave

DaveCS wrote:

I noted though, today, on Hyperscale's site, that Eagle Cals have just released (in 1/72, 48th, and 32nd scales) editions #114, #115, and #116 all for the Spitfire MK IX; each of which has at least one RCAF pilot !! So if anyone's looking for some nice Spits in the MK IX version... these ones are, imho, cool :) Cheers, Dave

Dave, thanks a lot from all of us for taking the time to post these little treasures. We might not be able to use them in this build but given our young, tender, ages, I'm sure the time will, come when we'll be saying, "Now, I remember someone mentioning some having decals for a 1/72 Spit - darned - wish I could remember that reference"

Because we don't have a 'search engine' on this forum, I decided to create a simple alpha-numeric notebook list of 'goodies' that you guys pass on to me. For instance, this will be filed in a WP file, ..../Spitfire/Aftermarket/Decals/file desc.wp  -  some other hints and tips you have passed on have been filed in my "HInts and Tips" Folder under.....Painting/weathering/description.wp  This way, I can keep track of all the goodies you have sent my way.  It's simple to set up a file system that suits your own  personality and only talkes a second to 'cut and paste' the tip, assign an file name, and 'poof' - Bob's your uncle. 

Am I ever getting a lot of info out of the Mike Ashley books - too bad their out of print, but to show the level of demand that exists for them, one shop, Albris, was able to ask $86 for a copy  of the book as a 'rare' or 'collectors edition'. (I didn't buy it) but I noticed on a follow up that it had been sold.  I paid $16 for mine and $24 for his second book, both were about $14 new, and I reallly consider them bargains. Ashley admits that his first book is designed to be a 'first' book introduction type book for detailing planes, and it is.......there's nothing that is exoteric or new and exciting for someone who has been at this for awhile,(or who has been doing a lot of reading and research for a year or two) but It's a great review and a great book for getting the 'creative juices going again.

Please pass on the Titles of other 'How To' books you have found helpful. I haven't found a book yet that wasn't at least worth investigating. 

TAMIYA KITS:  Man, have I got my knickers in a twist! If you read my 2nd or so last post you'll have seen how impressed I was with those Tamiya Spitfire kits I bought.  I got myself sidetracked today, and did a 'dry-build' and the fit of things really seems good.  Is this just a good solitary kit or is this a true example of the kind of work Tamiya is putting out. I have to admit, I've sort of (18 kits) got in a rut with 1/48 Hasegawa   since Christmas and have never built a Tamiya!   For Shame On Me!!!!

What's the scoop guys. Whats your impression of Tamiya over Hasegawa.  I can't wait to do this one, in fact, I may break stride and put the other plane aside and do the Tamy just because of the excitement. (What a nerd I can be, eh - Oh well, there's that humanity thing again).

DaveCS wrote:

Bullet21 wrote: Hello Brent-Reload. If you're still looking for a larger-than-1/72 Lysander I just learned (my modeling buddy just bought one) Revell has a 1/32 Westland Lysander Mk. I/III. 11.5" long and 18.75 " wide, skill 5. Kit #04710. Yep, That's the re-release of the old Matchbox kit - it was reviewed in this month's Scale Aviation Modeller - apparently the kit still holds up quite well. Cheers, Dave

Thanks guys!!

I have seen it, and have heard great things about it. I would have to get the boss's ATENTION..........heheheheheh....................the rules were stated as being 1/72 and 1/48 only................I can't ask Poppie to change the rules can I????/..........

I am going to aquire it, and will have to do it at a later time, but it sure looks real nice Poppie.........hehehehehehe..................I'm just pulling your chain Poppie.

Brent

DaveCS wrote:

Man.. you guys post a lot Cheers, Dave