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

Thunderbolt, I think Matchbox's mad trencher may have moved to Hasa for the He111!

Like you say the panel lines on most1/72 kits are overstated, but the ones on this kit are even more so. Still, it will make applying a wash very easy.

I remember building the Matchbox kit when I was about 9 or 10, if memory servers me it was moulded in brown, blue and green, a very attractive combination!

Karl

Mad trencher -- GRIN!

I think the copy I have is in blue but I don't remember the other colors. I bought it in the early 90s I think. I remember Matchbox's clear parts being good, maybe a little thick but usually a good fit and acceptably clear.

I might have a Matchbox 109 in the stash, but again it's probably not the right variant for BoB.

Cheers,

TB379

I think their He111 is an H series machine, and seeing as H-1,2 & 3s participated in the BoB, it would be pretty easy to backdate to one of these.

I built the Matchbox Me 109E when I was about 13 or so. I mounted it on a dio base, as a crashed landed 109 on a typical south coast peble beach, after seeing a photo of an Emil in a similar predicament.

It would certainly be suitable for this GB.

Karl

Hi Karl,

I just checked my log and while I don't seem to have a 109E I definitely have the 111, though I didn't list the exact subtype. I also have a Do 17, the Z-model -- not appropriate, I believe, though I could check for a backdate conversion. Then I'd need appropriate decals, though there must he heaps available.

I take it back, the Z- was there in 1940!

And I have a Hasa 109 F, if she's the right variant she'd be appropriate too...

TB379

The Dornier 17Z definitely participated in the BoB.

Karl

Hey Karl, I think the key to panel washed on the 111 is to not use black. That would be just too stark. Im going to go for a more neutral grey and ensure i get a fair bit of it out. If you look at the panel lines on our kits. Scale for scale they are about as wide as your index finger. Imagine that on the real deal LOL.

Ive got an idea about pre-shading tha im just about to post on the general Airplane forum. Have a look and see what you reckon.

...Guy

Guy, I was going to use burnt umber for the panel wash on this one, as like you say, black would stand out like a sore thumb.

Heading over to the A/C forum to read your post.

Karl

Back again.

I tried using a Sharpie a while back on the edges of a 109 cockpit canopy, rather than paint it.

Bad idea, nothing would induce that thing to stay stuck to the reast of the airframe.

I ended up wiping it off, and painting it.

I must admit I prefer post shading, using both variations in the base colour, which is what I've done on this build, followed by a very dilute application of Tamiya Smoke along the panel lines once all the decals are on.

Karl

Hi Karl,

I pulled the Do 17 from my stash and it's a Z-2, which is an appropriate variant for BoB. The panel lines are raised but fine, and there are relatively few of them -- I could rescribe them. Squadron produce a vacform clear parts set and there are weighted tired from True Details. The only real problem is the decals -- the two options supplied are '41 and '42, so I'd need to locate something appropriate.

Not sure if I'll have time, but it's a good extra string to the bow!

Cheers,

TB379

Gentlemen,

Tally ho, the RAF is here!  I finished my Tamiya 1/48 Spitfire Mk.I today, yahoo!  She is done up in the markings of Wing Commander Bob Doe, 234 Squadron during the Battle of Britain.  This aircraft is the center piece in the painting "A Time For Heroes" by Robert Taylor, seen below in my signature.  Last year, my girlfriend bought me this print and since seeing it I have wanted a model in the same markings as the one in the painting.  Painted with Gunze acrylics, markings are a combination of kit roundels, painted squadron codes, and homemade serial numbers.  I left off the red tape gun port covers as the print doesn't show them.  I want to thank those who helped me with this one, namely Darren (Tango1), Aaron (sfcmac), Mark (ModelNerd), Greg (gzt), hope I didn't miss anyone! 

A Time For Heroes by Robert Taylor

And posed next to the Mk.I I built last year:

Daywalker --

Superb build! Light on the weathering, they didn't have time to get grubby that summer. A clean, precise build, I especialy like the neat camo divisions and rigging. This is a kit I've always wanted but never managed to add to my stash -- I really must!

BTW, is the paintjob enamels or acrylics, and are you using topcoats? After some of the disasters I've heard lately, I'm even more wary of trying to use them.

Cheers,

TB379

 Wow Frank that is something else! You would never think that you had any issue with the lower roundals from your pictures. She looks just perfect! You made that painting come to lifr in a spectacular way! Congrats on one awesome looking Spitfire!

Frank that is Awesome. Camo, paint, decals, glasswork, rigging. Faultless. Stunning build fella.

...Guy

P.s. I even got wind that JWB (Jon, the resident Spitfire lover) is about. So go post it on the general Aircraft forum. Youll make his day.

Frank- Simply stunning work my friend, I'm not worthy!!!

Guy- I hear you on the black being a little too stark.  I use Pro Modeller wash which is more of a dark gray, a little bit more subtle which I like.

TB379- If you decide to a 1/72 Do 17Z I may be able to help with some decals, I don't see myself building another BoB Dornier in the forseeable future.  Let me know.

Frank, that is one georgeous looking looking Spitfire.

TB379, hope you are able to sort some decals out for that bird.

Progress Update

The Heinkel is about to get a coat of Tamiya's Nato Black, I'll try and post some pics later.

On a completely different note, I was sitting at home yesterday evening when something fast and jet powered roared over the house. 

Obviously I rushed out of the house to take a look, only to be confronted with a Hawker Hunter pulling into a near vertical climb after beating up the local glider club, based at ex-RAF Bicester, and roll off to the West.

It's the first time I've seen a Hunter, and it was a sight to behold, especially as it was in full RAF markings.

And last week this flew over the house at 500ft!

Karl 

Hi Lufty and Karl --

Lufty, I'd be most interested in those decals! What unit, what colorscheme? National insignia too? I can order the canopy and tires along with some other accessories I need, they'd be here in a couple of weeks, so a 17Z for this BoB is certainly a possibility. Many thanks for the offer!

Karl -- I was lucky enough to see, photograph and videotape one of Singapore's last Hunters in action at Avalon Airshow 2003, she was a beauty! I remember running outside to catch a glimpse of a fast-departing F-18 many a time in the 80s and 90s, usually during the airshow for our late-lamented Grand Prix (I was a photographer at the last event in 1995, before Melbourne got the race away from us in Adelaide and has kept it ever since).

I'm not up on British airliners of the 50s -- is that Vickers Viscount?

Cheers,

TB379

Thank you very much fellas!  I appreciate that. 

TB379- I painted her with Gunze acrylics, then a couple of coats of Future in preparation for the decals.  After decalling, I gave her another coat of Future then the panel line wash.  The final coat is Polly Scale satin, thinned slightly with distilled water.  HTH!

Luftwoller wrote:

P.s. I even got wind that JWB (Jon, the resident Spitfire lover) is about. So go post it on the general Aircraft forum. Youll make his day.

Funny you mention him!  He was part of my inspiration for starting this kit last November. 

I was reading through an old 'Flypast' mag and cam across this picture. Its one of the 'Pedros' used in the Battle of Britain film. Stiring inspirational stuff. Seeing as it has Merlins in it!

mmmm, yummy. Can anyone spot the mistake with the photo? (You have to be fairly Luftwaffly anal)

(Karl Keep quiet LOL. I posted this in the wrong place 1stly)

...Guy

TB379, it's a DC 6, I only know that because I read a peice on the self same aircraft in a copy of Aeroplane the other month.

Imagine my surprise when it appeared over head!

The Hunter was certainly a stirring sight.

Guy, I'll keep my trap shut.

I've applied the black to the Heinkel.

As you can see I've gone for distressed look!

This is a development of a technique I came up with for replicating IJA field applied camo, which was somewhat subject to wear and tear.

All I did was apply the Nato Black, over a base coat of Future, and let it cure for around an hour while I watched Combat 360 on the History channel, not to confused with Combat 18!

I then attacked it with a 3600 grit Micromesh cloth, rubbing in the direction of airflow. The actual finish is based on a number of photos, including one great one in the The Luftwaffe Album of a 111H on it's back providing an excellent view of the underside.

Now off to paint some more details.

Karl

 Yawn up again and off too work! Guy if I was to take a guess thru my tired eyes I would say that the upper paint camo does not wrap around the front edge of the wings as how you and Karl have painted yours. Probably not right.

 I am loving both those He 111's. I am surprised no one is doing a monogram 1/48 version.

 Frank still amazed at the Spit. I think it even has the gravity bound carborator! Put a metal plate over the top as this will help when the 109's are making those4 inverted maneuvers with their fuel injected hemi's!

Well done Frank .  That's an excellent Spitfire.

Regards,  Rick

That Spitfire is amazing Frank. One of the best I have ever layed eyes on. I made a good start on my second Hurricane. I've got the cockpit all assembled and painted. I can't wait to finish mine so I can fly off your wing in that beautifull Spitfire!

                                                                                   Soulcrusher

sfcmac wrote:

Yawn up again and off too work! Guy if I was to take a guess thru my tired eyes I would say that the upper paint camo does not wrap around the front edge of the wings as how you and Karl have painted yours. Probably not right.

In truth it varies from machine to machine.

Some had the wrap over style camo, while others had the upper colours finish at the mid point of the wing.

There is also a degree of variation on the rear fuselage demarcation line, with at least unit having it level, rather than below the level of the rear stab. 

I only know this because of the Airdoc book I picked up, and can recommend for insights like that.

As we know camo is a minefield, even on early war Luftwaffe aircraft.

Karl

I think its time for some stirring pics to enthuse the Luftwaffe into crossing the channel.

And heres the colours you should have painted your Spit ,Frank,

...Guy

I can't quite put my finger on it but there is definitely something wrong with that second picture.

Karl

Guy- I think the photo is printed in reverse- the nose glass should be offset to starboard, not to port.  Is that right?

SC- Thank you very much, you are too kind!

Luftwoller wrote:

And heres the colours you should have painted your Spit ,Frank, ...Guy

That's profane, I say!  LOL...

Karl- Nice work on your -111, I like the distressed lower colors.  That Tamiya NATO Black is awesome, isn't it?

Guy, that is a very nice underside tech you did. I like it a lot.

Frank, congrats on completing a buitfull build, the Spit looks fantastic.

Steve

Daywalker wrote:

Guy- I think the photo is printed in reverse- the nose glass should be offset to starboard, not to port.  Is that right?

Spot on Frank, the image is reversed for some reason. All 111's were left hand drive. The nose bulge was for the guy on the right not the pilot. There are a few more pics of the Pedro's in that mag. If you like i might take a couple more pics. Theres also some of the Buchon's (Merlin engined 109's)

...Guy