Battle of Britain GB 2008 - 21 June to 31 Oct 08

Thx Frank, I represent those remarks

As for my 109, i just shot the RLM 02. Ill give that a day to cure and then mask and spray the camo. Then, future, decals and weathering....Woo hoo... Then He 111p with loads of resin and PE.

You can just make out the preshade.

I love this hobby.

...Guy

Looking good Guy.

Regards,  Rick

Thanks for the comments guys.

Frank- Looking good!

Guy- My Do-17 is the venerable Monogram kit in 1/72, almost pre-dates the BoB.

Your Emil is coming along quite nicely!

Looking good there Guy. What color are you using for the underside. Hellblau or Litchblau? I think the Hellblau is a cooler shade of blue. I've been trying to find info on where the less popular Hellblau was used so I can build something that utilises that shade of blue. Looking foward to seeing here with all here colors and decals. I am fighting the urge to pull out my 109 E nightfighter but everytime i see some pics of the 109's being built here I have to open up the box and drool over the parts! First must... fight ...urge to ...start another kit....must finish other ...commitments first.....help! I think I have Me109itis!

                                                                                      Soulcrusher

Luftwoller wrote:

LOL. sorry Aaron, that lump under your bed isnt me! Its your enormous stack of alternative gentlemens magazines, Like Suzanna York Appreciaters Bimonthly LOL. Mike, Your Dornier looks great fella. Im Loving it. Whos kit is it? CA? ...Guy

 Guy..... An old soldier like me with girlie mags under the bed? Really that is like acusing a Dalmation of having spots!  I actually did find one such mag under there (while searching for a hub cover. It is a Playboy mag from Nov 1965 that I had as a prop for the we were soldiers movie. It is pretty safe by todays standards as you can see more skin in a womens cosmo mag today. You can buy a new Ford Mustang for $3000 as well.

 Great work on the Emil Guy ! I am looking forward to seeing this neglected Heinkle III come back from the dead. Sounds like you got all the goodies for it. Wish there was such things for my kit but alas I am left to my imagination. ( Scary thought )

 Thanks for the well wishes Karl the bite is ok but that neurotoxin is nasty. Once over the headache and nausea you get this achy feeling now its a back ache.  It's almost as bad as having 109itious. Back to searching for my hub. Meanwhile here is an off topic pic.

Loyalty to petrified opinions never yet broke a chain or freed a human soul. - MARK TWAIN

Guy, Aaron, Frank, excellent progress guys! Mikester, simply stunning work on the Dornier!! Two enthusiastic !!

Darren, I'm relieved that your wife is home and on her way to recovery! Been there myself and I know how nerve wracking it can be.

As for myself, the garage is still taking up most of my free time, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. I'm really enjoying looking at what everyone else has done so far. Simply great work fellas!

 Ok let me say working with ity bitty parts while spider venom is attacking your nervous system is way cool! I highly recommend it along with forgeting your parachute. I did want to get some pics up of the scratch work I have done. Even put teeny tiny brass photo etch circles and pins on the MG's all six of them. Ack! The pitot tube is fuzzy but I mean how excited can one get about a pitot tube?

Wow I am just a post hog! I just wanted to give an update that I have found my hub cover! Oh joy now I can finish the task!

 Some odd fellow under my bed with an English accent handed it to me? Not sure who he was but his hands had freshly sprayed RLM 65 all er them. Also said he was enjoying the library down there Cheerio!

soulcrusher wrote:

Looking good there Guy. What color are you using for the underside. Hellblau or Litchblau? I think the Hellblau is a cooler shade of blue. I've been trying to find info on where the less popular Hellblau was used so I can build something that utilises that shade of blue. Looking foward to seeing here with all here colors and decals. I am fighting the urge to pull out my 109 E nightfighter but everytime i see some pics of the 109's being built here I have to open up the box and drool over the parts! First must... fight ...urge to ...start another kit....must finish other ...commitments first.....help! I think I have Me109itis!                                                                                       Soulcrusher

The blue is Hellblau and i agree it is a nicer shade. For a good reference for what 109's used it get this book.

Its a cracker and has possibly every different colour scheme of the early 109's.

Aaron, as for the English chap that was under your bed.. I dont think it was me. Im fairly sure of my whereabouts last night, but to be on the safe side, did he look like this...

Me!!! (With now departed beard)

...Guy

 Maybe not Guy I never got to see his face. Only the painted fingers and the voice. Don't think I could forget those eyes though.  Kinda F4U Corsair blue. Here is one of me with the now departed uniform. I am the tall bloke in green. Hands on hip frowning as usual.

I have both those books on the 109 they do have about every profile and info you can think of. I think Frank has one on the Stuka which I hadn't seen before. I agree they are a most excellent reference.

 Update Got a pic of the elusive under the bed fellow. I don't know if you compare the photos do you have an alibi Guy? Hey that rhymed! I sure hope he has a sense of humor he looks like a large fellow.

Well fellows I think it is time to call this one completed. Tried to snap a few pics before the sunset so they are a bit rushed but I think you can see most of it. The only remaining question I had was on the wire ariels. Looks like there may only be one single wire to one tail fin but I put on two as it is just a snip fix if wrong. Touched up the paint and here it is!

Looks a little off huh? Sorry wrong folder..... try again! Drum roll please..........

 Then I had a little fun and used the BOB movie as a background.

  I wanted to include a brief history I borrowed from a review by Steven Eisenman this is a great story worth reading that is not included in the kit.

F1+FH:  1. / KG 76, September, 1940.  This aircraft was piloted by Oblt. Robert Zehbe.  This is the Do 17 that has become the subject of a great and glamorous myth as a result of a T.V. show.

Intending to bomb Buckingham Palace, Zehbe's aircraft was rammed at the last minute by a Hawker Hurricane piloted by Sgt. Raymond Holmes.  Zehbe and Homes both floated to earth on parachutes and Buckingham Palace was spared and the King and Queen saved.  "Long live the King!"

Now for the actual history.  On 15 September 1940, Zehbe was on his way to bomb Central London, approaching from the South-East, and then a dog-leg west.  On route he encountered engine trouble and lagged behind the formation by about a half-mile.  The Hurricanes of 310 Squadron quickly jumped the straggler, but failed to shot down Zehbe's aircraft.

As Zehbe approached South London his left engine was on fire. He was jumped by Hurricanes of 609 Squadron and 504 Squadron.  The effort to bring Zehbe down was so intense that it seems 609 Squadron complained that 504 Squadron was interfering in its efforts.

Two of Zehbe's crewman bailed out, the gunner was dead.  Zehebe's aircraft was then attacked by Holme's Hurricane, and Zehbe bailed out.  Holme's wing may have struck the Dornier at that point.  Holmes bailed out of the damaged Hurricane.  The Dornier, engulfed in flames, began to spin wildly out of control.  The outer wing panels broke off and the fuselage broke in two.  A good part of the aircraft came down in Fulham, with other parts falling on Victoria Station.  It is believed that one of the bombs flung out of the spinning aircraft, landed on the grounds of Bucking ham Palace.  Robert Zehbe died from his wounds the next day.

 In conclusion I will say I really like the decals. Look good work good but as far as the kit goes I don't know if there is that great a diff from the old Hobbycraft one to make it worth 3 times more. If someone made some good after market guns and details the HobbyCraft one would probably get my vote as it is when you have to make stuff and research things to the level needed I have to ask myself why they want over 60 bucks for this beast. Enough griping I hope y'all like it!

sfcmac wrote:

I have both those books on the 109 they do have about every profile and info you can think of. I think Frank has one on the Stuka which I hadn't seen before. I agree they are a most excellent reference.

Yep, I love those books!  I also have the two '109 editions, the FW-190, and the Stuka.  I don't have any of the allied ones, though.

OK fellas, I managed to finish the paint work tonight on my '109.  I was really struggling with the mottle on this one, not sure what was going on but it was giving me fits to start.  All in all, I am happy with it and can't wait to put some decals down soon!

Aaron, that is one sweet Dornier. She looks fantastic. Any chance of snapping a few pics outside? It may be my monitor but the pics look very dark. Also great story on your plane. Not heard that before. Thx for posting. And as for the chap under your bed. I think thats my mum.

Frank, shes looking nice, my friend. Mottling looks cool beans too.

Ive got an hour before i go to work. Im going to try to get the splinter done before. Wish me luck LOL.

...Guy

Help me understand the whole German marking system!  I've noticed looking at the different Stuka units, they all have a specific letter and number before the cross...for instance..2./Stg.77 would use S2 + EN.....any rhyme or reason for the EN..is it a random designation for an individual aircraft...because another in that same group might be S2 + HL...any info to help me understand their system would be apprieciated.

Mark

Aaron,  Very nice work on the Dornier.  I'm impressed with the fit if the glass parts you achieved.  I built one eons ago & never got the glass as nice as yours.

Frank,  Looking good.  The mottle looks fine from here.

Regards,  Rick

mark983 wrote:

Help me understand the whole German marking system!  I've noticed looking at the different Stuka units, they all have a specific letter and number before the cross...for instance..2./Stg.77 would use S2 + EN.....any rhyme or reason for the EN..is it a random designation for an individual aircraft...because another in that same group might be S2 + HL...any info to help me understand their system would be apprieciated. Mark

The first two letters denote the Geschwader (Wing), the third letter is the aircraft identifier (bombers used letters rather than the numbers fighters used) and the last letter is the Staffel identifier (fighters would use different color numbers to designate the Staffel).

Aaron- Well done, really like the way that came out! 

I see your decal sheet went with the pink ID markings theory.  Kind of interesting, the sheet that I just picked up for mine had them pink on the placement sheet but white on the decal sheet.  Somebody must have changed their mind at some point.  I think your placement of markings on the wings is correct too, I made a guess based on what info I could find but I think I blew it, oh well...

Anyway, great work!

Frank- Nice mottles my friend, shaping up to be another beauty!

Luftwoller wrote:

soulcrusher wrote: Looking good there Guy. What color are you using for the underside. Hellblau or Litchblau? I think the Hellblau is a cooler shade of blue. I've been trying to find info on where the less popular Hellblau was used so I can build something that utilises that shade of blue. Looking foward to seeing here with all here colors and decals. I am fighting the urge to pull out my 109 E nightfighter but everytime i see some pics of the 109's being built here I have to open up the box and drool over the parts! First must... fight ...urge to ...start another kit....must finish other ...commitments first.....help! I think I have Me109itis!                                                                                       Soulcrusher The blue is Hellblau and i agree it is a nicer shade. For a good reference for what 109's used it get this book. Its a cracker and has possibly every different colour scheme of the early 109's. Aaron, as for the English chap that was under your bed.. I dont think it was me. Im fairly sure of my whereabouts last night, but to be on the safe side, did he look like this... Me!!! (With now departed beard) ...Guy

I thought it was the darker of the two but sometimes exposures and screen displays can make a color appear lighter or darker. I have to agree with you about that reference book on the early series of 109's. I bought it about a year ago and it is one of my favorite reference books. In my opinion it is one of the most complete and well put together refernce book i have read on any  plane. By the way Guy was that your missing beard i found under my bed when i flipped the matress the other day or is the misses taken to shaving? If you want it back I would be willing to ship it by postal if you whish!

Aaron that is a damn fine job there on that Do 17. it seems a shame that I'll have to fill it up with holes  from my 8 .303 in my  Hurricane. Unless your escort planes come to the rescue. i better finish my Hurricane before you get to much help!

Frank looks like she is coming along nicely. that mottleing on the fuselage is always the toughest part of the build. it can make or break the model. With your patience and skill I am sure you will nail it. Do'nt take to long though Aaron out there with his six exposed and I'm getting closer to flight status!

                                                                            Soulcrusher

luftwaffle wrote:

mark983 wrote: Help me understand the whole German marking system!  I've noticed looking at the different Stuka units, they all have a specific letter and number before the cross...for instance..2./Stg.77 would use S2 + EN.....any rhyme or reason for the EN..is it a random designation for an individual aircraft...because another in that same group might be S2 + HL...any info to help me understand their system would be apprieciated. Mark The first two letters denote the Geschwader (Wing), the third letter is the aircraft identifier (bombers used letters rather than the numbers fighters used) and the last letter is the Staffel identifier (fighters would use different color numbers to designate the Staffel).

Thanks Mike...that helps...me gets it now!!

Mark

 Hey thanks fellows. Guy I was in a bit of a rush last night as the sun was setting and my camera stinks with the shop lights. I also like you did what I could before leaving for work so here are a few more pics. The ones on the diorama grass our outside on the Bar-B-Q table under the intense Texas Sunshine. As far as your Mum? Well I would like to shake your Pops hand........ Still think it was you that found that missing part. 

I'll start with the worst pic 1st. Took it with a flash under the monitor light to try to get a peek inside and at those tiny gunsites. I don't know how successful I was.

rjkplasticmod ? Love mad magazine... The clear parts were indeed a bear of a task especially the one with the bombsight on the lower nose. If you have followed Chucks Hell diver thread I use a lot of the same filling techniques. On clear parts once mask I fill the edge with testors clear parts cement and the primer coat of Mr Surfacer 1000 over ot when dry blended and smoothed it out nicely. Really effective for those nasty vacuform canopies as well. But what me worry?

razordws  Thanks a bunch how long was it time wise Like from June 22nd. More work than I thought.

mark983  I don't understand the marking system either.

 Soul Mender er I mean crusher the history I posted clearly stated that it took way more than just one Hurricane to down this baby. Better get busy and I am glad you like it!

 Frank !!!  Did you already finish the Spit? That mottleing looks well done and sounds difficult. I have seen pre-cit mask for mottleing has anyone ever tried them.  I like the blended look of yours Frank I wonder how well a mask would capture that look? Any ways Sc is out for me Hurry!

Mike! Yep went with the pink. I believe that the white on yours is correct. If you notice the swastika  on the tail is also centered which is an older scheme. I have and old magazine somewhere that explained the bar markings and the pink color as being a result of the originals being painted red but then not being visable enough for use in establishing position in the formation. I think most were in fact white as you have portrayed. Only a few Do-17's and JU-88's were listed as having pink markings as far as I know.

 Lastly I wanted to get this one in to let Darren know I'm still thinking of him and his wife. Missing you here guy but understand you are taking care of business!  Continueing hope and prayre for her speedy recovery and your sanity. Have to save ye a spot o rum or 12. I hope you get this pic before guy... gets to it.

Thanks to all who follow along and are participating. Looking forward to seeing some really good stuff to put me to shame.

I missed a few days and you guys have made some excellent progress.

sfcmac she came out real good. The splinter camo looks great.

I see frank and the others are moving right along. Looks good frank the molt looks excellent.

Mike What can I say you always bring t hose 1/72 models to life. Thanks for the info. I was not 100% sure about spine line on the A thur D's.

Thank you fellas!  Glad you like the mottle, it was sketchy for a while but overall I am happy with her.

Aaron- Excellent pics!  Watch out for thse Spits, they're comin for ya!  SOon, I'll be ready for escort duty.  I haven't worked on my Spit for a while, still deciding on the weahtering process I want to use.  Soon, hopefully!

Frank, very nice job on the motteling. I still dont have the controle skills to do it that fine yet. Great job.

Steve