Clunkmeister

A bit of work on this today. Some washing of parts, cleaning of the bench, and painting components. This looks like it will be a very nice build. Not too many parts, and like most WW1 models, half the work needed is in the cockpit.

I’m calling this finished, or at least close to it, but once I finish the PE flaps, I will mount them. As the weeks go by, I’ll finish the brake lines, soften a couple hard edges, DUST IT OFF! Install a radio antenna, etc. VB-83 was deployed on CV-9 USS Essex and starting in March 1945, was fully engaged in the attacks on the Marianas Islands VB-83 and their SB2C-4 Helldivers also played a very large part in the attack and sinking of IJN Yamato.

I feel the same. I thoroughly enjoyed my Helldiver build. It was a challenge and more so because I decided to add to it, but the feeling of succeeding is a nice feeling. Quite honestly, the resin kit is an easier build if you want to go all in like I did, but if you want a closed up aircraft or have the wings folded, Infinity is the way go go.

Cool! I just ordered 2 Junkers D1’s and a Roland 2 seater.

Excellent! One thing I’m thinking about here is creating a special area for workarounds such as this. That way, they can all be moved there and anyone who has one can post it and help others.

It could very well be one of those French Helldivers on one of their postwar African cruises…. They sure got some good use out of them

The twin 50s are kit parts. I doctored them up a bit for sure, and still need to add the ammo belts from the feed trays to the breeches, but other than that, it’s pretty much done.

I know. I need an anti static desk.

I’d say they turned yellow and ran, but that’s simply my opinion. I don’t believe in coincidence.

I say it’s time to set her aside for a bit.

Looks better to me.

Yep, I bought it and it’s a GREAT book. Some very good builds in there, as well as a finished HPH C-47

There’s been a new one standing on end under the bench for a year or so. Time to swap ‘em out.

There’s not enough room on his uniform for all his decorations.

When you get older, the SECOND thing that goes is the memory 🤣 If I recall, the Egyptians sound bones not far from the crash site but little to no effort was made to identify the body? It makes you wonder how many more wrecks are out there. Both Allied and Axis.

OK, I remember. That’s the one where they totally butchered the restoration?

Can’t leave well enough alone. Let’s revisit those guns! Make some new armor plate for the rear guns, thinned appropriately to somewhat closer to scale thickness. Plus, some Master barrels. Once this is finished, it’s time for a new mat

That Czech bird looks incredibly cool! Martin, do you have any idea what happened to them after the Soviets moved in?

I’ve never heard about that P-40, but what a find. Question: was the pilot with the aircraft? Was he ever found? I’m sure he’s not the only guy still out there. US, British, German, I’m sure the desert will give up more secrets in the future

One more thing: the wingtip lights. Don’t assume they fit. (They don’t). I took about an hour per side sanding this things to shape. That might be a less heart stopping job is one test fits them BEFORE paint. 🤣 I was fixin’ to have kittens.

Infinity have both the Kate and the Val coming fairly soon. The Kate will be within 2 months, with the Val to follow after that. I’d venture a guess that both of those kits will be an absolute MUST build for me, as well as for many others.

I’m going to call this one done, at least for now. I’m still working on the PE lower dive brakes, but honestly, I’m burned out on them. There are literally 10 sections of upper and lower dive brakes, plus all actuators, and I’ve finished 6 and seeing cross eyed. So I rigged up the drilled out kit parts and put them in place for now. They look quite fine, but are nowhere near up to the quality of the rest of the build. So into the case it’ll go alongside my other finished stuff, and I’ll come back to the flaps in a month or so. There are a few minor touch ups to finish, but more or less of the type where after you step away for a few days, your eyes then see the obvious you missed before. A few observations: A. I’ll redo the rear gunner’s armor plate on his twin .50s. That plate is about 1 scale foot thick on the kit part. 2. Wireless antenna needs to be run. Masts are in place but I need to verify how it’s rigged. 3. Sliding canopy channels need weathering/chipping/wear. 4. Finish dive brakes and install. They MAKE the Helldiver, and in my opinion, unless mounted closed, the kit parts, while adequate, are nowhere up to the standard achievable throughout this kit 5. Find the various little missed things that pop out at you long after it’s done HPH did a great job on this kit. It’s a very complicated aircraft, much more than you’d think. They should be commended RFI pics to follow.

Excellent

TB-2? I’d gladly take a 1/32 Tu-2. Completely overlooked, very important type. Or a TB-3. 🤣