Clunkmeister

I had a few teething pains last year, because I had never done one before, made a few mistakes, and learned much. It was a cool event on the other site and I wanted to continue it here. Its a bit early to start it now, but we’ll move with it soon enough. Pretty much the same rules as last year, but possibly a couple minor tweaks. Mark and I had discussed it previously, and it is my goal to see that everyone gets something.

Plans are afoot.... I expect similar rules will apply as last year, but I’ll announce something towards the last week of November, after Thanksgiving in the USA.

I keep saying I’m going, and then life happens

This should be a great time. I’m trying for the B-36, but we’ll see. The Lanc will be there, plus a racer for sure.

Dale, a couple of pointers: ensure that the engine assembly is squeezed together as far as it’ll go. The pushrods tend to spring out and it causes the nose gearcase to project too far. If that happens, the prop governor will hit the cowl lip and you’ll need to carve away some of the Governor.

I’ve built 9 at last count. I built the very first OOB T-28B to be completed on the web, then did a full conversion to AT-28D-5 standards using AMS resin and AOA decals. I did several for clients and hobby shops, then I did a quick OOB of the T-28C for Glen at KHM. The kit’s a gem. I love it. It assembles beautifully OOB, there’s piles of AM available if you’re so inclined. Aires makes a really nice resin pit plus air rake, exhaust, etc, Eduard makes a full suite of goodies, and AMS makes correct B props, armor plate, yankee seats, armament, and low pressure wheels for Vietnam birds. Plus AOA makes a cool decal set. Like all KH kits, there’s plenty of ejection towers, some locator pins don’t line up with the holes, and a few parts are numerically reversed on the instruction sheet. BUT, it all lines up flawlessly if you take your time, and all the parts it like a glove. Be aware that these aircraft are usually parked with the flaps down so the pilot can use the built in steps to step up to the wing. The flaps need slight shortening and the flap leading edges need a bit of reprofiling to fit properly. Also, the canopy, if modeled open, needs the sliding mechanism scratched to be 100% correct. It’s a very easy fix. Also bear in mind that the fat prop in the kit is the short T-28C prop, and the other one is fictional. Harold at AMS makes a good proper B/D prop.

That’s the one big problem with using a T-6 warbird as a prototype. Most have been crashed and rebuilt multiple times throughout it’s life. Plus, many were literally built from the ground up from a pile of rubble and a mishmash of parts from various versions.

It blows my mind that we don’t even have a decent Clunk in 1/48. That was a seriously important aircraft through the mid 50s and along with its partner in crime the F-89, gets absolutely ZERO love from model companies.

Yeah we DO need a Hellcat in our scale. I thought a P-38 and P-39 would be a perfect fit for ZM, as the Old Man loves special engineering.

Carl just got points.

My absolute dream kit of epic need (whatever that means) is Sir Barnes Wallis’s masterpiece the Vickers Wellington, done by WNW. The subtle fabric and framing effects that WNW is famous for would be showcased to perfection on a Wellington. It’s an important bomber, and extremely overlooked. Next in line would be a C-46 by HK followed by a Norseman, Beaver, Otter, Caribou, and Buffalo by Kitty Hawk or HGW/HPH.

Mike, anyone who can see the good in a washed up, worn out old warrior like me is deserving of my friendship as well.

I suppose so. I also like the different.

All the ‘pit parts are primed and drying. I’m finding I itch like a fool when I sand fiberglass, so nothing’s changed there. But, only a bit more to do. I figure that there’s only going to be a handful of these kits built, so I might as well go all the way on it. The greenhouse is huge and plenty will be seen through it. I expect this is going to be a late production bird. Not sure yet, but am leaning towards an RB-36

I expect they found the workload to be more easily managed by two. Especially with the addition of four jets.

That’s awesome, Iain, yes. The only real difference is that the HPH kit is of the later B-36J with the dual engineers duty stations at the slightly wider console. But as far as I know, the lower level is identical.

So I took a bit of time last night and cleaned both decks of the front end resin parts. as resin kits go, this appears to be a fairly simple build, at least as far as HPH goes. One piece fuselage and wings that all mate up perfectly are all good things. But all the parts are truly massive. The fuselage alone is 3 ft long. I’ve been trimming the flight deck hole to mate to the big greenhouse and so far, it looks great. I expect no major issues other than handling issues.

It’s funny how trivial kits actually become when we’re face with the our own mortality. Nothing like a good dose of reality to bring it all into focus

Tony, we’re all competitive. That’s the nature of us all when we build. If we’re not competitive with each other, then we are with ourselves. It’s human nature, my friend. I compete with myself, and frankly, I love taking a neat model to a show at times. Im 100% convinced that, if done correctly, this Avenger will take all the marbles at the shows. It’s big, it’s bright, and it’s unique. Plus, it’s built by you, which is the biggest secret weapon you have. Looking forward to seeing this, one of my favorite Avenger schemes, come together.

Tony, I just spit up my coffee...

I just noticed he had some come out the nose as well. Great attention to detail.

SIR, YES SIR!