lawman56

Just an observation I've recently made and wondering if it happens to anyone else. Firstly, I'm quite fortunate, in that my job allows me an almost unlimited amount of time to surf the internet, which means I do all my research at work, and pretty much none at home. I've often found myself just browsing through old archive pics on line for future builds. That's where the trouble starts..... Lately I've been working on my M7 Priest and had done so much research on it, that it became overwhelming. I found a plethora, (always wanted to use that word ), of material on it! Every model, configuration, modification, paint scheme, national markings, etc... Not to mention a gazillion pics! Apparently, the M7 Priest was the "ornament of choice" for many VFW and American Legion buildings. And then there's the stuff that us soldiers just LOVE to strap all over our vehicles! From trophies to extras. Need a bucket? Got one! Need a tarp? Got one! Need a left-handed smoke sifter with monkey wrench attachment for use in Korea during the monsoon? Gimme a minute.....got one! Which brings me to my point. I had gotten so wrapped up in what was "accurate", that I forgot. IT ALL IS!!!!!! One of the joys of a vehicle in a combat environment is that nothing is really right or wrong. All vehicles were built to certain standards, and all were equipped with basic tools and equipment. Key word here is basic. Once the vehicle was mated with a crew, it was a different story. With that new revelation in mind, my Priest is fine with what I have. However, my crew....... Anyway, am I the only nut-job here, or are there others that take the research a little too far sometimes?

Interesting topic, and one I've been mulling over myself lately. I currently have 3 more projects to, (hopefully), finish by the end of this year. I've ordered most of the AM I'll need to work on my HK B-17, so that will be started by the Dec-Jan timeframe. I also plan to get the HK B-25H, whenever that gets released, so there's that as well. My other main projects will be; Special Hobby G.50 Freccia in 151 Gruppo livery Me109E4 in JG 2 "Richthofen" livery, (probably Helmut Wick's mount) Phase 1 construction of my HO model railroad My goal, starting this summer, is to construct a few WWI dioramas each year until November of 2018, as a personal tribute for the centennial. Although, I have been known to toss a schedule to the wind and blindly strike out on a whim!

Thanks I can't post anymore, until I've done more! I plan to start on it again this weekend, as I spent this past week finishing my 120mm Verlinden Roman Legionnaire. I wonder if I could post that here? Technically it IS armor. And large scale. And finished.......

Stunning work! I love the subtle shift in colors between camo shades!

As requested, here's a few pics of my M7 work in progress. All in all, the Academy kit went together quite well. Fairly good detail, but it can be nit-picked as to whether or not it's exact. I choose not to do that, but rather use aftermarket items to bring it to a standard I enjoy. With the exception of a few resin trinkets and baubles to mount on the hull, most all my AM is Eduard PE. Still not sure if I'll stick with the kit supplied track, or get a better one. Btw-I apoligize in advance for the pictures being somewhat out of build order. I never actually intended to show it as a WIP, so I just took shots as I saw fit. Here's the hull floor with the diamond plate attached. The finished driver's compartment and transmission. Here I've mounted the driver's compartment and hull floor to the hull, along with the lower portion of the guncarriage for the 105. To the left you'll see the inside of the front hull/glacis plate. The engine deck with pioneer tool attachment points Right side of hull. You'll notice I needed a little putty to mate the side and front hull. The same was needed on the left side, as well, but very minimal compared to other armor I've built. Initial assembly complete. Now for the base coat of paint! Shot the entire thing with Model Master Green Drab. It seems to work best for me on WWII U.S. vehicles as a base. Of course, by the time I'm done weathering it, it sure won't look this pretty again! Decals added. My only complaint, is that Academy only supplies enough "bumper numbers" for either the front, or rear. I've used Archer Fine Transfers for the rear, but the US Military is pretty anal about unit IDs being on both ends, so I'm surprised only one set Here's a shot of some of the accessories in the process of being painted. Lastly, (for now), a test fitting of some of the trinkets and baubles. I still have all the weathering to do, attch all the accessories, build crewmen and a base, so I'm far from finished. Thanks for looking!

Absolutely stunning!

Thanks, Ironically, I do have plans for a "jug" or two in the works, but I need to finish my other stuff in order to clear enough room for that HK B-17! I've also been leaning very heavily towards getting a G.50 Frecca from Special Hobby, thanks to Doogs!

I posed this same question in another forum, and am awaiting a reply, so I thought maybe I'd throw it out here as well. If you were to build the HK B-17 with bomb bay doors closed, what would be the minimum amount of Eduard aftermarket you would need? In other words, what areas would be most visible, and benefit most from the detail? I already plan to get the Brassin wheels, and am still on the fence on the .50 cals, (brass vs. resin), but I hate to spend more on aftermarket than I did on the model, if it serves no visible purpose. Key word being visible. I plan to go all out on the B-25H/G, (if it ever gets released), but I want a well represented B-17 as well. Any thoughts?

I love this diorama! The "Wolf" of the air, now prey for the wolves! Can't get much more ironic than that! Personally, as a diorama builder, I take note of any "problem areas", only to keep them foremost in my mind should I attempt something similar. When a diorama is well executed, or of a novel idea, such as this, I'm able to look past any issues and enjoy the idea being conveyed. The use of subtle tones of whites, blues and greys, has me thinking it must be really cold. Very interesting idea. As much as I love dioramas, it's the unique ones that stick with me.

Maybe it's just me, but the look on the drivers face, coupled with the doors all being open, leads me to believe the gunner may have gas.

I've never really been a fan of the Tempest, I always thought the intake gave it a "Catfish" look, but I have to say, this looks really good! As does your custom mixed cockpit green. I guess I'm one of those universal modellers, in the sense that I've learned from building model railroads, armor, aircraft, figures, dioramas, etc... and one thing is certain, I still have more to learn! I love looking at other peoples builds, whether they be from an experienced builder or not. Just using this build by Cees, for example, I may never build a Tempest, but I am considering some other PCM models, (mostly the Italian stuff), and now know what to expect in quality and ease of build. I also love a good Tamiya kit simply because sometimes I just want to paint and weather! Btw-if not for how easily my Tamiya Spit went together, I may not have tried my hand at larger scale aircraft. On a side note, does anyone younger than 30 even know what a soapbox was used for?

Firstly, welcome! Very nice Shinden! I especially like how you painted and weathered the prop. Unique weathering for a unique aircraft!

Thanks guys. Since my surgery, my fingers have temporarily lost their finer motor skills, so I've had to shelve the WNW Albatros. Meanwhile, maybe I'll finally finish my M7 Priest diorama, or my 120mm Roman Legionnaire, (120mm is large scale, right? ), or plan my HK B-17 assembly. Maybe even work on my new HO railroad layout plan.... Can you tell I like to multi-task? Actually, it keeps me from getting burnt out on any one project. Once my fingers start to behave again, I'll be able to get back into the detail work I love so much.

Beautiful pics! Thanks! I noticed that not only has she been on 55 missions, but 2 movies as well. At least that's what I assume by the movie camera icons above the nose art pin up's head!

As I mentioned before, the only issue I had was with the exhaust. Not a big fan of having to glue each manifold in place. The only thing I added were True Details weighted wheels and Barracuda decals. Otherwise, it's OOB. Very impressed, and pleased with the engineering of this kit. Here's some more pics as promised. Of course the obligatory right, left, and overhead views. Here's a look into the cockpit. The PE came with the kit. Thanks for looking!

Thanks for the kind words! @ Jamme & Harv, I have a couple more I'll try to post today. @Geoff, very smooth build. Just a couple minor hiccups I've learned from. One is I'm not fond of the individual exhausts. I had a hard time lining them up, then they would fall off if bumped too hard. I even used superglue! Besides that, and somehow losing the antenna mast, a fun aircraft to build.

Although I still have a little "tweaking" to do, (namely re-fashion an antenna mast and add an IFF antenna), here is the first 1/32nd aircraft I've built in almost 30 years! I've named the diorama "Falcon At Rest". It depicts the last model Spitfire flown by RCAF pilot George Buerling during the defense of Malta.

Thanks guys. That has helped me immensly! I'm doing a 1/144 B1 for a friend who was an electrician on one from the 28th wing. It was named "Lone Wolf" and hit a mountain while training in Texas with a loss of all hands. Sadly his pics show the nose art, but that's it.

Thanks Mikester! This is exactly why I asked on this forum! I knew somebody out there had the info!

Hi Cees, I realize the forum is for 1/32 or larger, but I was hoping someone who may have built a large scale A-10 or late model F-4 might have an idea of where I could find the info regarding the paint pattern, since it was a common paint scheme at that time. I've put feelers out through Hyperscale, among others, but thought I might get a better response here.

Hi all, I'm having a difficult time finding a paint pattern for the B1 bomber in the early to mid 90s. I know they used the generic green/green/charcoal scheme, but I can't find any good pics of how the pattern was laid out. Any help would be great! Thanks.

Thanks for the kind words, Matt. The irony of the V-100, is that it's been resurrected as the M-1117. First time I saw the M-1117 Guardian, I knew exactly where the basic design came from! Of course now it sports 3 weapon systems in one turret, far cry from the gun jeeps and 1st generation Humm-Vees I had as an MP!

I would, but I've heard the Grumman kits are really hard to assemble.

Thanks, I knew there was more than PCM, but my mind was drawing a blank. I do wish more Soviet aircraft were being built. Or at least the decal and aftermarket to create the "lend-lease" versions.

Ever since yesterday, I've been wondering who, besides PCM, makes 1/32 scale Italian aircraft? I've been slowly compiling a list of aircraft, (with aftermarket), that I'd like to construct, and realized the Italians are poorly represented, even though they had some pretty good aircraft and a few aces of their own. Any help pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated. I'm not picky as to the material. Injection molded, resin, vac-formed, etc... Thanks,