Mud Movers GB - July 1st - Dec 31st 2008

arki30 wrote:

Andrew, fantastic job!  I think of all the builds you've posted on the forums, this is your best one yet.  The assembly looks good, painting looks clean and the extra effort in weathering is really nice.  And bonus points for displaying the ordnance!   Every build you have continued to improve.  Thanks for participating in this GB.  Cheers BTW, who's Don?

Thanks Arki, Whoops! I misspelled Done! All this time away from school made my brain lazy.

Bueller....?

Bueller....?

Bueller....? 

arki30 wrote:

Bueller....? Bueller....? Bueller....?

err....uh....Mr. Bueller is out cruising in a red Ferrari.....but I'm here....in spirit if nothing else.

My work schedule has gotten a little crazy & with my son's soccer practices starting (Dad's Taxi service) along with standard issue family committments,  my plastic time has gotten a little scarce.  And the Tamiya P-47 is much too nice a kit to be rushed.  Therefore, I'm thinking about utilizing a Michael's 40% off coupon and finding a nice (well, that's a relative term) Revell-o-gram kit that fits the bill here and go for a 'quick win'.  If time allows later in the fall, maybe take a shot at the Thunderbolt.  I'll let you know.

Hey Dupes....I just figured that you would down a couple of cups of coffee and be back up to speed....just kidding.  Hope you had a great time.

A question for the resident experts-I'm assuming that the bf109 G-10 could have and did carry a bomb with the same rack that was used to carry the drop tank.  Reason I ask is that my LHS has the 1/48 Revell bf109 G-10 for less than $10.  I have a spare bomb and based on the reviews on www.modelingmadness.com, it should/could be a quick/easy/fun build.

Any thoughts?  My other option is the Revell 1/48 Huey Hog.  Cheap and appears to be a quick/easy build.  Dunno for sure...I can't find any build reviews.

Thanks

Good question Bob.  I can't recall off the top of my head, but I can check my references once I get home from work.  Unless someone else beats me to the answer!

Don't get me wrong in regards to my thread bump, I'm not pushing anyone to start a build they are not ready to start.  I was just hoping someone somewhere is working on this GB! Maybe?  

I can at least say I am getting closer to starting my F-15E for my own GB.  I think.

Kevin - I think Wingnut has a page on his website on hoe to do PE without PE folding tools.. look halfway down this page

http://wingnutmodels.com/tools%20&%20tips.html

Andrew - Nice job! For sure you are getting better with each build... Only thing I see is the seam on the leading edge, a hard one to get rid of for sure...cheers!

arki30 - yeah, I have not gotten as much done this summer as I wanted (modelling that is!    I wont start for a couple months at least... :(   

You can use that Michaels coupon for the Revell A-10! :)

arki30 wrote:

Good question Bob.  I can't recall off the top of my head, but I can check my references once I get home from work.  Unless someone else beats me to the answer! Don't get me wrong in regards to my thread bump, I'm not pushing anyone to start a build they are not ready to start.  I was just hoping someone somewhere is working on this GB! Maybe?   I can at least say I am getting closer to starting my F-15E for my own GB.  I think.

Thanks arki. 

Didn't take your post as 'pressure'.  I just happen to have two builds, one 40% complete and the other 10% complete and I've lost interest in both.   At times like this, sometimes a quick/easy build can rekindle the fire and then I can go back to the other projects.  And I really want to give the P-47 the time and attention that it deserves, so I can either come back to that one towards the end of this build or maybe someone will start a D-Day GB that stays alive.  And I have time to devote to it.

I have a set of decals for a bf109 G-10 flown by the Russian Liberation Army (or something like that) that I think would make an interesting scheme and I've been looking for a place to use them....

Bob, according to Histoire & Collections Messerschmitt ME 109 Vol. II and Squadron Messerschmitt Bf 109 In Action Part 2, the G series was designed from the beginning to accept various Rustsatze (field conversion) sets. 

R-1 and R-2 were the two bomb conversion sets, ETC 900 rack with SC 250 bomb and ETC 50 rack with (4) SC 50 bombs respectively.  

So, the G-10 could carry bombloads.  I have the same Revell kit but I don't recall seeing any ordnance in the box.  Great Models has a Jabo resin bomb set from Sam Accessories for the 109 E & F versions in 1/48.  I wonder if it could be used on the Revell G-10? 

Edit: I can't tell if the fuel tank pylon is the same as the bomb carrying pylon.  My references just aren't clear.  Also, one reference calls the pylon ETC 900 while the other states ETC 500.  I dunno who's right. 

Thanks Arki.  I was rummaging around in the spares bin last night and found the bomb, bomb rack and drop tank rack from an old Hasegawa 109 E4 kit.  I also spent some time on line,

http://www.1999.co.jp/search_e.asp?Typ1_c=102&scope=0&scope2=0&urikire=1&itkey=109+hasegawa+1%2F48&kensaku=Search

 checking out Hasegawa instructions for 109's but didn't see any that showed how to install the bomb rack.  But some did show the bomb in the 'do not use' section. Just looking at the parts, it looks like the bomb rack mounts to the drop tank rack and there are braces for the bomb.  I need to research some more. I also may run to Michaels later and use that 40% off coupon....

Well I finally got a little done on the Hobby Boss Apache. Here is the cockpit, not much opportunity to get colorful here, 2 shades of black, and dark grey.

JMart wrote:

Kevin - I think Wingnut has a page on his website on hoe to do PE without PE folding tools.. look halfway down this page http://wingnutmodels.com/tools%20&%20tips.html

Thanks for the link JMart! Lots of good stuff there.

Actually, what I am already doing is exactly how it's done on that site: piece of glass, cork-backed metal ruler, and a razor blade. I asked around and was advised to give that method a go. Thank goodness for forums like this one, or I'd be one lost puppy!

I've also come to realize that the main ingredient in successfully doing PE is a healthy dose of patience - regardless of tools or methods!

Kevin

MIflyer wrote:

I've also come to realize that the main ingredient in successfully doing PE is a healthy dose of patience - regardless of tools or methods!

Amen!

Ok, by the beginning of next week I should be able to start my F-15E for this GB.  So, here's a little preview of what I'll be jumping into. 

Revell 1/48 F-15E (apparently the best F-15E out)

Avionix cockpit

Cutting Edge intakes

Wolfpack Operation Enduring Freedom airframe update

TwoBobs Mountain Home Avengers decals from Operation Enduring Freedom

Shawn Hull GBU-38 JDAM's

Hasegawa weapon set D

Mike Grant jet cockpit decals

Obviously, I'll be doing an F-15E from Operation Enduring Freedom although I haven't selected the exact markings from TwoBob's sheet yet.  I'll have this particular loadout configuration, thanks to f-15estrikeeagle.com.

The Revell kit actually doesn't come with any ordnance other than missiles, so the majority of ordnance will be provided by weapon set D with the Shawn Hull resin JDAM's filling in the rest.  I won't be installing the ACMI pod, instead a Sidewinder will be installed, just because.  Also I'll use the standard AN/AAQ-14 Targeting Pod (Wolfpack upgrade from kit) instead of the Sniper pod as I just don't want to have to buy another resin upgrade.

I'm looking forward to getting started on this build.  Jets always seem to take more logistical effort to build, so the challenge will be fun.

Cheers! 

Arki-looks like you're gonna be busy.  Should build into a great model.  Looking forward to following the progress.

I picked up the Revell Apache for $10.  Not sure that I'm thrilled with it though so I'm still in a holding pattern.

Just let me know when you make up your mind, Bob.

Next profile is the P-40E Warhawk.

Length: 31'-8"

Height: 12'-4"

Wingspan: 37'-3"

Powerplant: Allison V-1710-F3R w/1000 hp @ 2600 rpm

Weight: 8377 lbs max gross weight

Speed: 362 mph @ 15,000 ft

Range: 525 miles

Armament:

Six .50 Colt-Browning machine guns with 280 rpg.

(1) 500 lb bomb on fuselage centerline

(2) 100 lb bombs under wings 

arki30 wrote:

Ok, by the beginning of next week I should be able to start my F-15E for this GB.  So, here's a little preview of what I'll be jumping into.  Revell 1/48 F-15E (apparently the best F-15E out) Avionix cockpit Cutting Edge intakes Wolfpack Operation Enduring Freedom airframe update TwoBobs Mountain Home Avengers decals from Operation Enduring Freedom Shawn Hull GBU-38 JDAM's Hasegawa weapon set D Mike Grant jet cockpit decals

Arki, do you ever build anything OOB?

Sure!  The Bf-109F-4 I built for your Winter Warriors GB was OOB!

In all seriousness, most of the kits in my stash have some level of AM accessories.  From a simple resin seat & wheels or decals to heavy-duty resin and PE upgrades.  What can I say?  I like the extra detail, although an accuracy hound I'm not.   

Next profile, one of my favorite aircraft, the Tornado IDS (interdiction and strike).  There's just something about that ginormous tail and overall aircraft shape that give it such a kick- presence.

Length: 54'-10"

Height: 19'-6"

Wingspan: 45'-7" @ minimum sweep

Powerplant: (2) Turbo-Union R.B.199-34R MK103 turbofans @ 16,075 lbs thrust each in afterburning mode

Weight: 61,620 lbs max take-off

Speed: 1,453 max level

Range: 750 nm combat radius

Armament:

(2) Mauser 27mm cannon*

19,841 lbs of ordnance on 4 underwing and 3 underfuselage hardpoints**

*Reduced to one for certain versions

**Exact ordnance depends upon each nationality.  Great Britain, Germany and Italy are the major users of the Tornado. 

Arki,

Those are some cool pics of the Tornado.  One of my favorite pics off airliners.net is a German Tornado at one of the recent Tiger Meets (if not there, it was still in Meet livery) going full tilt boogie, burners blazin, gear up and the centerline tank is about 2m (if that) off the deck.  One question, I noticed a lot of soot around the base of the tail, is that exhaust from an APU or something.  Oh, gotto see if decals are available for the plane in the last pic, it is way cool

There is an heat exchanger exhaust duct at the base of the tail, on both sides I believe.  Why it leaves such sooty residue I don't know, but it is a grimy after-effect that is distinctive to many Tornados.

If you can find that pic, post it!  Seeing a Tornado thundering down on the deck is always a cool site.

Ooooh, two of my favorite pics from Nationals are a pair of Tornados. If anyone is interested, I can throw them up tomorrow morning.

Anyone know who makes a good Tornado in 1/48? I saw (also at Nationals) that Italeri has a new one on the way...but am not sure if it's just a re-boxing of some other kit. What do people build now? 

dupes wrote:

Ooooh, two of my favorite pics from Nationals are a pair of Tornados. If anyone is interested, I can throw them up tomorrow morning. Anyone know who makes a good Tornado in 1/48? I saw (also at Nationals) that Italeri has a new one on the way...but am not sure if it's just a re-boxing of some other kit. What do people build now?

Yes!  Post them!

Airfix and Italeri are the only two manufacturers who make the Tonka (dang, forgot to put that nickname in the profile!).  I have an Italeri ADV version in the stash.  

From what I remember reading, neither manufacturer nailed it.  Both have fit issues and accuracy problems, but they're not terrible.

Here is a review for the Italeri IDS:

http://modelingmadness.com/reviews/mod/grenecr.htm

One for the Italeri GR.1

http://modelingmadness.com/scotts/mod/gr1.htm

Couldn't quickly find a review of the Airfix kit but I know I've read it isn't much better.  

Bottom line, a lot of blood sweat and tears are involved with either manufacturer.  Currently Great Models is having a sale on Italeri, so the IDS version is marked down to $19.00 from the normal $34.00.  Just an FYI.

lewbud, Zotz Decals makes some pretty cool schemes for the Tornado, most of which are Italian schemes.  Check them out on Twobobs.net if you haven't yet.  

arki30 wrote:

dupes wrote: Ooooh, two of my favorite pics from Nationals are a pair of Tornados. If anyone is interested, I can throw them up tomorrow morning. Anyone know who makes a good Tornado in 1/48? I saw (also at Nationals) that Italeri has a new one on the way...but am not sure if it's just a re-boxing of some other kit. What do people build now?  Yes!  Post them! Airfix and Italeri are the only two manufacturers who make the Tonka (dang, forgot to put that nickname in the profile!).  I have an Italeri ADV version in the stash.   From what I remember reading, neither manufacturer nailed it.  Both have fit issues and accuracy problems, but they're not terrible. Here is a review for the Italeri IDS: http://modelingmadness.com/reviews/mod/grenecr.htm One for the Italeri GR.1 http://modelingmadness.com/scotts/mod/gr1.htm Couldn't quickly find a review of the Airfix kit but I know I've read it isn't much better.   Bottom line, a lot of blood sweat and tears are involved with either manufacturer.  Currently Great Models is having a sale on Italeri, so the IDS version is marked down to $19.00 from the normal $34.00.  Just an FYI. lewbud, Zotz Decals makes some pretty cool schemes for the Tornado, most of which are Italian schemes.  Check them out on Twobobs.net if you haven't yet.

Arki,

Found the pic, but have to wait til I get home and post it.  Actually I found about 10 of the same shot by different photogs with different POV's.  The low level gear retract at full burner seems to be a Tornado specialty as there are many shots like that.  In my wanderings through airliners.net I've discovered the Europeans know how to paint an aircraft.  Already know about Zotz, Daco, Twobobs, Eagle Strike and FlightDecs.  When it comes to fancy schemes, I try to limit myself to Tiger Meet Specials, although I have strayed a bit. 

lewbud wrote:

In my wanderings through airliners.net I've discovered the Europeans know how to paint an aircraft.  Already know about Zotz, Daco, Twobobs, Eagle Strike and FlightDecs.  When it comes to fancy schemes, I try to limit myself to Tiger Meet Specials, although I have strayed a bit.

Agreed.  The Japanese don't do too bad either.

Glad to know you are already aware of the other decal sources. 

Since I have yet to figure out how to post pics here are the urls of some cool Tonka pics:

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Germany---Navy/Panavia-Tornado-.../0569088/M/

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Germany---Air/Panavia-Tornado-ECR/0649815/M/

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Germany---Air/Panavia-Tornado-ECR/1278762/M/

For those of you who haven't been to airliners.net before, prepare to have fun while losing a lot of time.  My favorite is pic 2

arki30 wrote:

dupes wrote: Ooooh, two of my favorite pics from Nationals are a pair of Tornados. If anyone is interested, I can throw them up tomorrow morning. Yes!  Post them!

Well o.k. then. Here they is!

lewbud, crazy pics!  I've spent many a minute on Airliners.net but I missed those.  Thanks for posting those pics.  Speaking of posting pics, see here for how to do it:

/forums/654172/ShowPost.aspx

Dupes, those are two very nice models of the Tornado.  I've always liked the Tornado in the Desert Pink color!