Feb 24, 2008 I asked Garet to send me the B-25 drawings from the gallery. Not wanting to hurry into a project, it only took three years to start on the B-25C. As per the Beaufort, drawings come from the ID Recognition Models in the gallery and other I found here and there. She will be a B-25C in 1/72 scale. I have compared the drawings to a couple of plastics I have and the drawings come out pretty good. I have done the block cutting and will start the contours shortly. The Mitchell is very big in comparison to the P-51 and other single engine models in the collection.
Lou
The one piece wing is cut and shaping the airfoil contour will follow shortly.
Lou
The Mitchell is at the top of the priority list. The wings are contoured and await some final sanding. The green tape is just masking tape as Frog tape(also green) is way to expensive for general use.
I like the assembly photo, complete with rubber bands, string and pins.
Thanks Dave, whatever works!!!
Lou
The B-25 is done. I used decals from a plastic kit rather than make my own. This will not happen very often, however the kit had two sets. Paint was Krylon rattle can except for the glass which was Model Master Ghost Grey.
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pid=5745
Construction was at a fairly rapid pace as little else was a priority at this time.
Lou
Almost forgot!! The paint edges were achieved using "Frog Tape". It worked very well when applied to smooth surfaces even if they are matte. The key is to ensure the edges are firmly pressed to the painted surface. Removing and replacing for alignment purposes did not affect its bonding quality. So for now, this product is recommended if you have problems with regular masking tape. If your tape work well, keep using it as "Frog Tape" is approx 2 & 1/2 times the cost of regular green or blue masking tape. I will keep a roll on hand for doing edges. The long term effect of storing the tape is unknown at this time but it does come in a air tight sealed container.
Lou
Very nice Lou! I always think the Mitchell is the nicest looking of the American twins. Had the opportunity to work on a real one once or twice, long ago now. You've made a beautiful job of it.
Mark
Thank you Mark. I recall seeing some being disassembled for scrap in 1958. Of course, taking a picture with my mom's Brownie was out of the question.
Lou
She looks good, Lou, and a striking paint scheme. It was such an enjoyable model to build I am building two in a row!
Ken Pugh
Lookin' good. Years ago, I built several of the Revell and Monogram 1/48 versions of the B-25. One of my favorites.
Thank you Ken and Dave. The Mitchell is a nice aircraft to build and I have a thing for twin fins: Ercoupe, Nord 843, Expeditor & Skymaster. Now on to the next project???????????????
Lou
Lou your B-25 Mitchell has turned out great,I also like the invasion striped paint scheme,well done.
Barry.
Thanks Barry. I like invasion stripe. They set things off in any aircraft and they don't even have to be sharply done as many were just hand painted at the last moment. Huuuummmmmmmmm how many days to 6 June??
D Day build. A quick one perhaps. I have a partially completed P-51! But that would be another topic.
Lou
My latest WWII ID + model stands below ready to jump out of the wood. I may give this one Russian markings!!
Lou
Top wing dihedral cut and very rough fuselage.
Lou
Time for primer to be applied.The P-39 lends itself to many paint schemes most of them olive drab plus identifying colours.
Lou
Very nice project Lou.
Barry.
Thank you Barry. Production is rather slow this winter. Here is the latest addition to my WWII ID + fleet.
Lou
P.S. I am eyeing a Devastator for this series.!!!!!
The collection of ID + stands at 14 so far. Just another 76 to go.
Comparison with other WWII aircraft the P-39 appears to be smaller than most.
Lou
Better pictures added to 2nd above post.
Lou
Again a very nice model Lou. But I especially like the prop. Have you ever given any consideration to cutting away part of the plastic to make it possibly even more realistic? I had thought of this but that's as far as I got.
Cliff.
I did think of it and will try it.
Lou
Three more on the bench. A Devastator, Mosquito and a Wildcat all in WWII ID +. Drawings were taken from the WWII ID plan section on SMM. http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/index.php?cat=13 I did not realize that the Devastator wing was almost a big as the twin engine Mosquito. Regardless, templates have been printed and glued to cardboard. The Wildcat templates have been cut out and the basic blocks marked and cut out.
Lou
Looks good in the Ruskie scheme.
Barry.
Thank you Barry. Here are some progress shots.
Lou
You know Lou, I really wish you would just write a how to book! It would make it easier for the rest of us.
Peter
I just love the Mossie as you have portrayed it so far,a classic in the making.
Barry.
Is that what we call minimum recognition features Lou !! looks like a dinosaur at the moment,you are a tease !
Barry.
The current shots do not show much more than before, however sealer has been applied and sanded and putty has been added to smooth out certain areas. Thread is being used to simulate the corrugated wings on the devastator.
Lou
Hi Lou. Thread to simulate corrugated wings? Hmm. I wonder! Do you think your method could also be used on any 1/72 scale model? An idea I haven't thought of. Also in the long run do you think that the thread might be subject to deterioration due to it being under paint?
Cliff.
Cliff speaking from personal experience the thread should be fine after a long period of time,I have used cotton thread with success and the models are still in god condition,modern synthetic threads should have even better longevity,the clear dope encapsulates the thread which seems to protect it much the same as tissue does over thread as well.
Another way of simulating corrugations which takes a bit of practise is to use a comb,for the carrier you use thixotropic acrylic medium,you need to prepare the surface in the usual way then spread on the medium with a brush,the comb is drawn through the liquid and with care a good simulated finish can be achieved,you can even use rubber graining combs but these are difficult to get hold of these days,these were used to simulate wood grain effects onto various items including car dashboards.
The secret behind the thixotropic medium is to attack the corrugations at just the right time as the medium starts to cure,once mastered it will hold its edge nicely simulating the most difficult to achieve effect on our models.
Barry.
Thanks Barry. Your method for corrugation is very similar to what I was planning - still in the back of my mind so to speak - in that while thinking of the single engined Junkers J54 CF ROM which was very famous in Western Canadian bush lore I thought if I incised the corrugations after a dope primer had been applied I might be able to establish their being or essential features sufficiently at 1/72 sale. As this aircraft has it's corrugations at various separations over the entire aircraft it is poised to be a significant problem.
At the moment or in the pre-planning stage I hoped to incise the corrugations - and their various numbers per given area - with the tools at hand and from photos.
Cliff.
I have used thread in other application and other than it takes forever, I have had no problems. My Devastator is 1/72.
Lou
A good tip when laying thread onto a wing is to make a pre-notched jig that the wing will slide into,by using the notches you can wind away with accuracy then fix the thread with clear dope,then run a blade to remove it from the jig and tuck in the surplus.
To do selected corrugations as on the Junkers W.34 etc with the liquid method you can mask off the non corrugated portions first before applying the build up thixotropic medium,once cured simply remove the tape to reveal clean breaks where the metal is flat.
Barry.
The first to make it to the paint shop is the Martlet in light azure blue. I quote Wings Palette http://wp.scn.ru/en/ww2/f/574/9/0
Unit: 805 NAS, FAA
Serial: F (AX730)
Sidi Haneish (LG102), Egypt, September 1941. Forming one flight of Royal Naval Fighter Squadron in Western Desert, No 805's Martlets finished light azure blue overall.
Lou
Interesting colour choice Lou,did you use ready mixed paint ? if so is it cellulose type or enamel,this is a very difficult blue to pre-mix a bit like PRU blue used for photographic recce aircraft,I think the Azure shade is what is termed non specular.
Barry.
I have/had a tin of Humbrol azure blue but it was dried out after so many years sitting on the shelf. I used DecoArt acrylic with a bit of mixing to get what I thought was the correct shade.
Lou
A difficult colour to mix. But you've done a very good job, Lou. When searching for a similar colour for one of my F6Fs I was amazed to discouver that, according to Model Master's colour chart for enamels, the colour I was looking for was listed under the "blues" but called "grey" with a grey SF number? Something for modelers to watch out for.
Cliff.
I found that blue and grey cross each other's line quite often.
Lou
The Martlet is finished and gives time for the Mosquito which is next in line.
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pid=6781
Lou
Props spinning away,very effective.
Barry.
The Devastator and Mosquito are still rumaging in the background with the TBD wing almost finished corrugation and will be mated to the fuselage later this week followed by the large fillet. The Mosquito wing is glues and only await a bit of sanding before attachment of the wings.
Lou
The corrugation is completed on the main wing of the Devastator. The glistening on the blue side is due to the paint still being wet. The Mosquito is ready for painting after several trips to the primer shop for make overs.
Lou
Lou as I was building today I was thinking about our two busy workbences some thousands of miles apart,your Mossie looks really good,one of my al time favourite aerpanes.
Barry.
The Mosquito has a special place for many. The movie 633 Squadron was my first movie while at basic training in 1966. I just watched it again about a month ago. To bad they destroyed so many Mossies during the making of the film.
Lou
In actual fact Lou that is not entirely true,the press have expanded on this over the years,this is what happened-
A scene was needed where a Mosquito was required to tax into a fuel bowser and explode,a wooden mock up was used at first but the film director was not happy with the effect,as it happened Group Captain Mahaddie who was responsible for the location of surviving Mosquitoe's which were the last ones in service with the RAF arranged the loan for filming,one single aircraft in poor condition was also purchased by the film company for making props and plaster casts from,it was decided to drag this along the ground on a stout cable into a burning bowser,if you look carefully at the film you can see this sequence,the Mosquito was wrecked,but this was the only aircraft damaged,as it happened a few months later one of the aircraft suffered an engine failure and made a forced landing,this is now in the Imperial War museum collection at Duxford having been rebuilt to static codition.
I hope that you do not mind me pointing this out Lou in the interests of historical accuracy.
Barry.
Busy busy with building gates for the deck and still getting things done down here.
Lou
Thats what I like to see plenty going on.
Barry.
First gate done on front porch. One more to go. I may have a few hours of peace doing what I love best later tonight.
Lou
The Mosquito paint has been applied and now masking for the glass parts is next. I misplaced a spinner somehow and will have to do a thorough search to find it or make another.
I really like this Mossie,it is really coming to life now with the camouflage.
A Mosquito is on my to-do list for the future.
Barry.
Progress report on Mossie and Devastator as per May Ping comments.
Lou
The Devastator was rolled out this morning with the following results. I was afraid the decals would not sit onto the corrugation but my fears were for not. This is the fourth 1/72 naval subject from the WWII ID plans on site.
Lou
More photos in the next post.
The 1/72 naval fleet is growing.
Lou
Ther wing corrugations on the Devastator have turned out really well Lou,quite a fleet of miniature Naval aircraft you have there.
Barry.
Thank you Barry.
The DH.98 Mosquito is hot on the Devastator's tail and rolled out this afternoon.
Some things are beyond my skills and beyond my budget to purchase. In this case the Code letters should be "Sky" rather than black. I may try to paint over them as some point, but for now my apologies to 105 Squadron.
Lou
The twin engine group is up to 4.
Lou
Superb display Lou,represents many hours of joy and passion carving,sanding and painting.
Barry.
Definitely a passion for both of us.
Lou
A really neat Mosquito, Lou. A wonderful group.
Cliff.
Thank you Cliff.
Lou
Two great additions to your airforce Lou, excellent work. What programme do you use to make your decals? Regards Paul J.
Thanks Paul. I just use MS Word to make my decals and images downloaded from the web.
Lou
Two new subjects: A Hellcat and a shelved Mustang. The Hellcat was started from scratch but the Mustang was carved to block shape before I put it away last year.
Lou
All major carving has been done with sealing and sanding coming later tonight. The first Mustang IV was done some time ago. I have started the exhaust pipes by slant cut to a 1mm bamboo stick from my place mat. Super glue ties it together and then sanding will bring it down to the size needed.
Lou
An accident on the assembly line lead to a cracked P-51 tail assembly. The operator forgot that the tail was only tacked in place and added putty before finishing the glue job. That allowed the Hellcat to take the lead and move to the spray booth first.
Lou
Primer applied and leaving for holidays tomorrow. Not much more to report until my return next week.
Lou
With the addition of the Hellcat and new Mustang, this brings my WWII ID + Squadron numbers up to 19. Some are not true WWII ID planes, but they were built in the same fashion and level of detail.
Lou
Excellent pair Lou, I like the colour schemes and your decals with the nose art. The exhaust look very effective, there are so many tips and methods used on this site to pick up.Regards Paul J.
Thank you Paul. This is the BEST site for solids.
Lou
Starting another WWII ID + Model namely the Lancaster. She is big in comparison to single engine fighters. At 17 inches of wing span and just over 11 inches long, she will barely fit in the new display case. Next to it will be a Halifax Mk III. Lanc drawings are printed but the start date is not yet set. I am using the ID plans from the site.
Lou
She will take up quite a bit of space, however the stand is high enough to allow the smaller single engine models to fit under her wing.
Lou
The Mustang Squadron now has a P-51 Mk I, a P-51 Mk IV, a P-51 Mk.23 and a P-51D.
Lou
The Mustang squadron has an another addition within a short period of time and one more Mustang is on the bench. Although a bit hard to see from this picture, the RAAF Mustang roundels have been replaced with properly oriented Kangaroos.
Lou
The 6th Mustang joins the Squadron.
Lou
Good work Lou, Looking great!
Thank you Biggles.
Lou
Royal Canadian Air Force 410 Squadron Defiant was built for the 2014 year end quickie build.
Lou
Royal Air Force No 2 Squadron Defiant was built for the 2014 year end build.
Lou
ROKAF P-51D makes the 7th Mustang to date. The sole Mk I is absent.
Lou
My production of ID + models has been still far too long. I hope to make more after this Petlyakov Pe-2.
Lou
Loovly! my great grand dad built one of these at about 6cm WS whilst on anti aircraft duty in the northern territory AU. one of about 30 models of that size.
Biggles, are any of those still around?
Lou
Just over a month for the Yak 4.
Lou
Well done Lou!
Peter
Thank you Peter.
Lou
Yes they are, I have got photos somewhere on mums phone, I will have to dig them out for you!
Just discovered a terrible error in my first Vought Corsair. I glued the vertical fin on backwards. Will have to sort that out. I found out by comparing old 2011 photos to the current Corsair I am building with Rick.
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/SMF/index.php?topic=599.msg5309#msg5309
Lou
F4U Corsair built as a tutorial for a new member. Details at http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/SMF/index.php?topic=1581.0
Robert Hampton "Hammy" Gray, VC, DSC (November 2, 1917 – August 9, 1945) was a Canadian naval officer, pilot, and recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC) during World War II, while flying with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm HMS Formidable.
Lou
Just about to start an ID+ Hawker Hurricane in 1/72 scale. I fear any bigger scale would be problematic for me to simulate the fabric covered rear fuselage. The RCAF No 1 Squadron took part in the Battle of Britain and that will be my colour scheme.
Lou
Hurricane major components in block shape.
Lou
Wings and fuselage are glued and rough sanded. Filets have been added and puttied.
Lou
Looking good Lou, regards Paul J.
This is my first Hurricane. I have always been afraid of making one because of the fabric rear fuselage ribbing. I decided to ignore that feature and leave the area smooth. U am using the SMM USN ID drawing & plan.
Lou
Looks great so far!
Gordon
Thank you Gordon.
Lou
All components attached requiring just some fine sanding.
Lou
Nice Job!
Gordon
Thank you Gordon.
Lou
Moving along. I had a slightly different cam pattern until I realized that I had two aircraft profiles. I painted while looking at one and somewhere I switch over to the other. It made for a weird cam pattern. All fixed now.
Lou
Good job on the brown and green
Gordon
Thank you. I had to revisit the scheme again and I am now ready for the gloss coat prior to placing the decals. They have been printed and coated.
Lou
Started a Mitsubishi Type 00 with the intent of finishing it for the 2018 poster. More commonly known as the Zeke or Zero, my version will be the same as the WWII ID plans in the gallery that appears to be a model 21. The colour scheme has been selected as a trainer type with features a black engine cowling and an orange fuselage and wings.
Lou
Look forward to the finished model.
Cheers
Gordon
Glad to see your spark has reignited. Regards Paul J.
I would call it an ember for now.
Lou
Maybe an ember. You have tweaked my interest. I'm looking around for a plan I know I have of the Type 96 Claude.
In the event of an unsuccessful search I'll go with the ID plan.
Cheers
Gordon
Wings 2 has this http://richard.ferriere.free.fr/3vues/mitsubishi_a5m2_3v.jpg
Lou
VARS has this http://www.airwar.ru/other/draw/a5m2.html
Lou
Thanks Lou,
I didn't think of the richard ferriere site. I've downloaded them.
See how I go for time.
Cheers
Gordon
Waiting for primer coats to proceed wit sanding. I added main wing filets which are not listed in SSM gallery plans.
Lou
Looks great. Good progress.
Cheers
Gordon
Looking good Lou, regards Paul J.
That you Gordon and Paul.
Lou
Dressed up in prototype colours as displayed in Wings Palette. With exception of the one piece wing, the models is as per the Gallery WWII ID model. Decals are spares box, paints are Model Master black and DecoArt pumpkin.
Lou
That looks great Lou, you certainly made short work of it. Regards Paul J.
Thank you Paul. Now I am trolling the WWII ID drawings for another year end project.
Lou
An inspired model. - Looks great - ken
Well done Lou!
I like the look of the decoArt pumpkin.
Cheers
Gordon
There are a few orange Zekes but they have a second cockpit for training and the associated longer canopy.
Lou
Just finished reading a story about a Canadian airman hoping to become a fighter pilot. After having done all his training he was posted to SEAC assigned to the A-31 Vultee Vengeance for dive bombing duty with RAF Sqn 110. Drawings have been printed from the WWII ID section and glued to the wooden block that will form my latest WWII ID+ model.
Although other drawings are available, most are not suitable for my needs.
Lou
A new beginning. Hope to have done by end Jan 2019 and it being the first off many models next year.
Lou
Will watch with interest. RAAF had a couple of squadrons of these for a short time.
I might copy cat ( if thats Ok)in the New Year.
Cheers
Gordon
This might be of interest.
http://aussiemodeller.com.au/Images/History/Lang_Vengeance/1.-EZ-999_V.jpg.
They used to push this out the back and start her up occasionally.
Cheers
Gordon
Thank you Gordon.
The chips are flying.
Lou
When I copy cat I might do 1/48th
Cheers
Gordon
Major components to the Vengeance. Might finish before by year's end???
Photo 1 Parts
Photo 2 Rough sanded and puttied
Photo 3/4 Rough sanded ready for primer and some fine sanding.
Lou
RCAF Flying Officer Sebisty's log book lists his having flown EZ-860 "V" several times while assigned to RAF 110 Sqn operating in India and Burma.
Lou
Great job Lou, Regards Paul J.
Thank you Paul.
Lou
Another great model Lou.
Gordon
Thank you Gordon.
Lou
The Blenheim is taking shape. The wing is the second since my over eager chisel took to much off. I will be careful with this one.
Lou
Good to see Lou.
What plan are you using?
I get a lot of drawing from http://www.airwar.ru/other/drawe.html The Blenhein is here at http://www.airwar.ru/other/draw/blenh1.html
You must download and then convert must files to jpeg. Converting software is free on line.
Lou
Thanks Lou I'll check it out.
Gordon
Moving along with roughly sanded fuselage and wing center section.
Louis
Coming along nicely.
Gordon
Wing and fuselage notched for assembly. The Blenheim is currently third on the priority list.
Louis
Thanks for sharing the build pictures. It's always interesting to see your intermediate steps of the construction.
Frase
Looking good. The geometry of panels for the cockpit is wee bit of a challenge.
Gordon
Indeed. However there are many close up photos on line. I just discovered that the forward port area is panels and not glass.
Louis
A bit more done. All major parts are rough cut/sanded and test fitted.
Louis
Further advanced than mine. Work halted till the New Year
Gordon
Mine will not be done this year either. Although the Blenheim is first priority, I have a few other projects on the go.
Louis
Nacelles and tail plane glued and rough sanded. Need a bit more putty and final sanding.
Lou
A reasonable effort using carpenter's white glue. I should have built it up slowly. Some of the blisters caved in. I hope a slight application of more glue will hide my error.
Lou
Main wing filet glued as well as all other major components. Photos to follow.
Lou
Putty almost ready for sanding. I anticipate completion of my Blenheim by mid Feb.
Lou
Coming along nicely.
Gordon
Looking at your Blenheim I see that the shape of my nacelles is incorrect. I will have to fiddle with them to bring them closer to the shape you have done. The filet first attempt needs a bit of sanding.
Lou
The nacelles have been reshaped to conform with the actual shape. Primer has been applied. Now sanding and the final finish will follow. The only RCAF paint scheme found is for the totally black night fighter. I am not completely sure if I will do it that way.
Lou
Lou ,
I've done some searching and have come up with Pilot officer Joseph Carriere who was on 219 squadron RAF flying MK1F's Squadron code was FK .The is info of him having an accident in L8724 . There is a picture in an Osprey publication Blenheim aces which is L8726 coded "M" of 219 squadron.
Cheers
Gordon
I looked up PO Jean Carriere from 219 Sqn. I see he is Canadian and was awarded a DFC. Thanks for the tip.
Lou
Painted in Fleet Air Arm colours of extra dark sea gray and dark slate. The slate is eyeball mix as I am out of the slate and cannot find any reasonably priced on line. The port wing has a coat of clear gloss.
Lou
The image below is a link from Wings Palette. The colours are poorly shown.
A bit of research revealed that the Blenheim Mk I was replaced in 1943, so this model will not be featured in the 1945 75th anniversary group build.
Louis
Number eleven in my twin engine ID + collection. Colours are Fleet Air Arm circa 1943.
Lou
Excellent work Lou.
Cheers
Gordon
Thank you Gordon. I need to tweak the front glass area but otherwise I am satisfied.
Lou
Nicely done model, Lou. It must have been a vulnerable feeling sitting inside all that glass during a mission. Thanks!
Fraser
Thank you Fraser. I suppose the HE 111 crew felt the same. I always thought the very short nose would be quite the experience landing at night.
Lou
The Betty Bomber has drawings printed, measured, adjusted and printed again to attain correctly sized 1/72 drawings. Japanese Aircraft of WWII provided the profile below.
Lou
The Betty bomber will be my largest ID+ model. Here are the drawings I will use. The drawings in the gallery are not suitable for the particular nark I wish to make. The process and parts breakdown will be similar.
Lou
Blocks and templates have been cut. Nacelles are still in the wood pile.
Lou
Coming along nicely Lou.
Cheers
Gordon
Blocked parts.
Lou
The Betty has been permanently shelved. Additional WWII ID + models include a Curtis P-36 and a Messerschimtt BF-109.
Lou
A couple of WWII + from the 2020 build season, namely a Beaufighter and a Blenheim.
Lou