lawman56

First, sorry it took me so long to post this, but between work & family, I seemed to be lacking time. Anyway, here it is, my pride and joy: My M1 Carbine, manufactured by the Underwood corporation in April of 1944. Here's the Technical Bulletin that was issued with the rifle. Only thing I'm lacking, is the M4 bayonet. Maybe someday. I do know that my grandfather carried this rifle in WWII, and landed in Normandy on D+1. He grew up in a German speaking neighborhood in New York City, so he became an interpreter for Army Intelligence. I'm not sure if the TB came with this particular rifle, or if he picked it up later. He was an avid gun collector, both before and after the war, so either is possible. Upon his death in 1984, this was one of 3 guns willed to me, and the only one with historical value. As you can see, I keep it maintained to a high standard, and still shoot it quite regularly. I do know that he replaced the flip type aperture sight with a graduated ramp style towards the end of the war, just prior to his return. Some sort of deal he struck with a supply guy and involving a Luger. If, at any time, anyone would like better pics as reference, let me know. I'd be more than happy!

Beautiful work! The minor weathering is fantastic, I love the subtle way the black paint has worn off the rivets on the upper wing.

No worries Dave. Let me take a pic and load it to my photobucket tomorrow, then I'll post it.

I only have one true artifact. An M1 Carbine that can be traced to my grandfather in WWII. I've had it authenticated, and have the rifle, sling, oiler, magazine and Tech manual, all original. I take it out once every couple of months and pop about 50 rounds or so off in it. Still works beautifully! I've actually used it as a reference in some of my diorama builds. I'll post a pic of it, if anyone is interested. Other than that, I have the distinct advantage of living very close to 3 museums, which are well stocked with artifacts from WWI to the present. I also work in a major command building that not only has equipment and uniform displays built into the walls, but a very large archive containing items from the mid 18th century to the present. I spend a lot of time talking to the historians, who are more than willing to show me what they have.

One thing you don't see often, and I positively LOVE, (especially since I've spent some time behind the M2), is the paint blasted off the aircraft under the twin .50 barrels for the top turret! Anyone who has fired, or seen the M2 in action, knows that there's a terrific rush of air from the muzzle of that beastie! Fantastic work!

I love the worn leather look of the headrest and cockpit coaming! Fantastic work!

Maybe a deed to an unused airstrip? Then you could display all the eventual B-17 and Lancaster variants! In seriousness, though, I have a feeling HK has taken a lot of the comments about the B-17, both good and bad, and applied it to the Lancaster. It's possible that's why it has taken so long to release.

Wonderful cockpit & engine detail, Guy! I have to echo what Johnathan Reed said about clubs. Had a few run-ins with some "mega rivet counters" that left me quite irritated to say the least. Sadly, it wasn't just models, but model railroad clubs as well. One of the many reasons I like these forums. I especially like the radio wiring you've done. Very clever! Can't wait for more pictures!

Question for those who may know, I'm getting ready to paint the wings and fuselage, (once the weather co-operates), of my D.v Albatros, and was wondering what type finish it would have. Gloss, Matte, something in between? Reference photos aren't easy for me to distinguish from, and not having access to any replica or museum aircraft of that era, I was hoping someone here might know. The markings I'm planning to use are of Otto Kissenberth, Jasta 16b. Since this is my first WWI aircraft, I'm not really familiar with how they were painted. If I'd picked something that was varneshed wood, it would be so much easier, but I've never been known to do the easy thing... Thanks, Joe

Iraq was kinda like that, Guy. 3 months of rain and cold temps, followed by summer, followed by hell. I remember quite a few days of continuous 135-140F temps. As for your crazy Canadian cold, my neck of the New York woods was about 3 hours south of Montreal down the Champlain & Hudson River Valley. No fun. We measured snow in feet, not inches.... For the record, I hope an admin doesn't smack your hands, as cold as it is, they might shatter!

You sure that's not a picture of my work area? I think we ALL do that. Or something similar. I have multiple models in various stages of completion. Then I have my "time out" shelf. If they don't want to behave, they go in time out.

I'm quite fortunate, living in what's generally referred to as a "temperate zone", (North Carolina), however, we seem to have a never-ending, unusually cold, winter this year. Based on posts I've read by others, I'm not the only one. Originally I hail from upstate New York. The real Upstate, as in Adirondack mountains. Not the "pseudo-upstate" that lies south of Albany, so I'm well aware of what a true nasty winter is. It just seems like the bad weather refuses to go quietly. Of course, the coldest and nastiest days seem to coincide with the days I'm off, which means little, to no, model building. Yesterday, it was 70F and I got my Albatros wings prepped and ready for a nice coat of sky blue to paint to apply on my next day off. Well that day is tomorrow, and it's supposed to be rainy, windy and a high of 40F. It figures.....

I'm guessing it's 1/1 scale.

Very nice photo! Aircraft looks good!

Not camo, but it IS heavily weathered.......

I got a bunch of new parts for my 1/1 scale lawn tractor, does that count?

Good to hear, Dries! Since my workbench is in my garage, and once late December rolls in, I can't do much, as the temp rarely gets above 45F. So instead of wishing I could build, I decided to re-model the garage to accommodate both my model building, and my HO model railroad. This included insulating, running some new electric and painting. In another month, I should have the garage done and be able to work out there year round!

Kevin, If possible, you might try a Google image search and see what you can find, but primarily the splinter shields and basic frame would have a hasty whitewash applied. I've seen some pics where only the splinter shields, and others where everything except the ammo was whitewashed. So I guess it would depend on where you wanted to portray it, and what unit.

My first kit was a Monogram car I tried to paint with water colors when I was 6 or 7. Boy, was that a mess! By the time I was 15-16, I was building mostly 1/72 aircraft, and 1/35 armor. Then I found girls and real cars! Started a Tamiya 1/48 Phantom when I was 18, but joined the US Army and put my model building on hiatus until my kids grew up. Started back into building close to 5 years ago, and boy was I surprised at the changes! Btw-watercolors are not really recommended.....

My only complaint about ALL the reviews, is that all of you do such a great job, you make me want to buy more stuff! Aircraft that I may have given a cursory glance at, I now feel like buying! In all seriousness though, thanks for the reviews. Even though I may not ever purchase a Ju 88, (or any of the other aircraft, armor, etc...), I will purchase aftermarket for another. By reading the reviews for this Eduard Ju 88 self-adhesive photo etch, I'll know what to basically expect from my Eduard B-17 self-adhesive. Keep up the great work! And that goes to all who take the time to review and post!

My apologies, Rick. You're right, it was another modeller. I had just been looking at that build again, when I posted my response. I really need to drink more coffee sometimes.......

Anyone willing, and brave, enough to turn a 1/32 B-17 intos a fascinating recovery diorama, deserves all the accolades they get!

This is fantastic work! I will definately be referring to this once I get my H model!

Great review! This is the kit I've been drooling over since it was first announced! Can't wait to get my hands on one. If Eduard, et al., do as usual, we should start seeing some AM for the cannon and cockpit soon. Especially the IP.

I can attest to the fact that armor can be very addictive! So much so, that I've reached the point it's burned me out. My M7 Priest has taken me months, and will probably take at least a month or so more. Not to mention all the details, diorama ideas, etc.... Now is when I start switching gears and go with the wingy things! My Spitfire was such a pleasant change. Now I'm working on a WNW Albatros D.v, (although I seem to have developed an obsession with trying to carve my own prop!), and have created a list of aircraft to add to my stash. Funny how a change of pace can make a hobby exciting again.