B-26 Marauder
We’ll start here. A colour photo of the nose art. Gives a dimension to the weathering and scheme.
And here are some of those brave lads. And their gal!
Many crews seemed to have used this plane, despite Witherbee's name on it. The tragic night saw First Lt. Robert C. Barnard at the controls.
Many crews seemed to have used this plane, despite Witherbee's name on it. The tragic night saw First Lt. Robert C. Barnard at the controls.
First conundrum- interior colours…
Apparently B-26s didn’t have a standard green/aluminium/grey - Martin factories could vary how they decked them out
Apparently B-26s didn’t have a standard green/aluminium/grey - Martin factories could vary how they decked them out
I’ll work some artistic license into the build, and will open a side window in the canopy to allow some voyeurism!
May pose these guns internally
I think I’ll do the seats this yellow-buff colour
Noting the plumbing in the bomb bay. Some wire will be added
There looks to be some fried egg weathering on the uppers- as seen in a few photos . I will try to incorporate.
More references
A cold winter NW of Paris, 1944-45 “oh how I miss sunny California”
More views
She seems a popular girl!
Obviously smoking near a fuel-ladened, bombed-up plane was not in the Health and Safety Manual in 1944....but sending young men into battle was.
Obviously smoking near a fuel-ladened, bombed-up plane was not in the Health and Safety Manual in 1944....but sending young men into battle was.
By pure chance,
……a post script to this tragedy - the hamlet of Ham is located next to a couple of lakes about 3-4 miles South of the airfield in the larger town of Cergy.
……a post script to this tragedy - the hamlet of Ham is located next to a couple of lakes about 3-4 miles South of the airfield in the larger town of Cergy.
I did an audit of my paints- and noted an unused 20 year old ex-Floquil USAAF neutral grey, I tried it undiluted through the H&S Infiniti and it went on well over the Vallejo primer. So I’ll save myself £3 and not bother with a replacement. I will however be using Tamiya LP for the olive drab if I can get it.
Vallejo’s zinc primer is awful to spray, always spitting and not pulling through the airbrush despite thinners and flow improver. I decided to mainly do the interior this way, despite the instructions showing aluminium/green/grey sections.
Top invasion stripes were over painted olive drab, but still need some definition beforehand. Lower stripes left alone. So I’ll try to get them on at this stage, knowing there’s some future touching up to be done
Main wheel bays done. Dunno why I started here, but I did. Will add some weight into the void behind the engines to add to the forward weighting- should reduce any chance of tail sitting.
Invasion stripes- always an art to get proportions right in this scale. The uppers were overpainted- but stripes still need to be demarcated.
Not sure - and not stated- how much weight is to go in here. I read that behind the nacelles and in the wireless room were the best places.
Not that the photo does it any justice- the cockpit has been subtly dry brushed and I’ll pick out some details.
Both sets of propellor blades have a single, stunted one, I believe it’s the moulding, as they reside on two separate but identical sprues …not sure whether to leave as is, or ask the manufacturer to send another
More touch ups required on the stripes, grrr
Squeezing as much out of the moulds as possible, I have only added some (non-USAAF) belts.
Other side view
Interiors washed and dry brushed with AK Xtreme dark aluminium
Details picked out with the venerable toothpick!
Bomb bay started- I want to add suitable piping and make it look busy and purposeful
D day stripes nearly finished after many many re trims and over coats. Now generally happy with their proportions.
Sides mainly covered- will finish once they’re together and seamless
It’s useful how the photos show the overall look. I will make these a little more opaque. I have added Olive Drab 2 to the leading edges
The upper and lower invasion stripe look.
Added hydraulics and other pipes plus the control lines. Looks suitably cluttered
Bomb-bay alternative view
Added some gunsights and arming handles to the M50s - it may not been seen but I wanted to test my fiddly PE technique
The front nose piece had a de-mist pipe and the M50 had a hawser attachment. I will add the gun and the ammo feed later.
I did these because I can….
…not that you’ll ever see them inside!
Pre-close finals
Mid ships
That’s enough for now
Quite proud of my 2 M50s- stored for later combat
After much dry fitting, the final close was a bit of a disappointment. Much persuasion was involved with rapid and Zap, and the ubiquitous use of Kabuki. End result pretty good- some Mr Surfacer and a little sanding should give us a good seam
Front 50 cal with new gunsight, and spent bullet sack underneath.
Looking purposeful
The bomb bay worked well in the end with the suitable clutter of hydraulic pipes and wires. The location of the bombs and their ladders were a little fiddly.
Finally got the look I wanted on the lower invasion stripes and it all is coming along easily now, top marks to Hasegawa’s tooling- very little needed to be remedied
The mid turret is done - well, nearly. Transparency to follow….
Starting the undercarriage/s and adding hydraulics
All the parts went together well, tolerances are excellent
The decals are terrific- but needed a scoring or two to conform to the armour plates on the sides. I’m hoping I don’t get too much silvering on the matt varnishing
I decided to spray the white triangle and that seems to have paid off.
Final addition of gunsights and aerial masts
Short finals into Air Station-A59
Another 1-2 hours and we’re done
Pleased with the nose section- the ammo belt, hawser, demisting pipe, ammo bag and gunsight are clearly on display
Rear three-quarters
Pitot tubes to be finished- propellers are a late issue….
And this is the sting in the tail…..I have emailed Hobby 2000 on several occasions about these mis-moulded prop blades. On both sprues the same one is short by a few mm. I have asked the company for comment, hoping for a replacement to no avail. So in the interim I will have to form a new blade, as it’s pretty obvious. If you’re watching this Hobby2000….get your finger out and solve your customer relationship issues!!!
test shot I of B-26 [EOS 5D-4, 24-70mm f2.8L at f8]
test IV
test II [70-200mm f2.8L c.f22]
test III
test V
test VI
test VII: really pleased with the underside/s
Think I’ve remedied the stunted blade issue. Just the spinner and blade decals to add, and then we’ll lower the gear, check the outer marker and land on 27L
Air Station A-59, (in what became Cormeilles-en-Vexin airport), NW of Paris, winter: Jan 1945.
This B-26 has completed many missions, been overpainted since D-Day 1944...the invasion stripes on the fuselage uppers are over-painted with Olive Drab. Not completely opaque.
The plane is shared by many crews, although it is marked as Witherbee's.
Valkyrie is her name, and the Ride is taking the offensive to the enemy.
Martin's bomber shows signs of technology to come, smooth lines, a tricycle undercarriage. This naturally means the landing speeds are higher than a tail-sitter. Handling can still be problematic to an inexperienced crew.
The front bomb bay was typically used, the rear not filled to save weight, and speed.
Mid-turret guns in the lower position
Purposeful three-quarters view.
ventral mid-ship guns are in stowed position, but could swung into action whenever needed.
the battered paint look shows her experiences.
Her end is documented in my project.....
Her end is documented in my project.....
Komentarzy
100 2 February 2023, 12:34
Neil PatrickGreat choice of subject Andy. Looking forward to seeing how it comes together. Mine has been on the shelf for 15 years waiting...
2 February 2023, 20:05
Andy BallThank-you all for setting up your collective eyeballs. My goodness that's a tough, scrutinising audience! I hope to please.
I've done some more digging about regarding the crew- hence the subtle change of title to Last Ride of Valkyrie. Poignant.
2 February 2023, 23:08
CuajeteOh! I almost missed this interesting project. Are there still free seats?
4 February 2023, 20:02
Andy BallBernd, Pietro, Jan, Cuajete, thanks for coming along on this ride.
Thanks all for those 'likes' too many to mention-you know who you are! Thanks!!
6 February 2023, 09:33
Andy BallThanks AndreasK…did some more work this evening on her. Post some more pics soon….
Thanks for the visit Ian
7 February 2023, 23:00
CuajeteBy not commenting anyone I have not noticed the progress.
Those interiors and invasion stripes looks great, Andy! 👍
11 February 2023, 21:37
Andy BallAlso!, welcome Stefan and Cuajete- thanks for your observations and comments!!
12 February 2023, 08:28
Bernd GrünWell researched Andy. Very nice implementation of the weathered colors. Following with interest. 👍
17 February 2023, 07:48
Andy Ball@Bernd: the little research I've done shows quite a number of crews used this plane in its career. I don't know if the USAAF were more prone to these rotations compared to RAF and Luftwaffe procedures. The testament of the veteran in a US shopping mall was equally poignant
17 February 2023, 22:30
Neil PatrickHi Andy that bomb bay looks awesome with all your added details. Bomb load to go in or not?
18 February 2023, 07:08
Łukasz GlińskiLacquers are v.cool A., other brands too (e.g. Hataka,you know why, don't you?) 😁
19 February 2023, 08:25
Andy BallIf only I could pick them up in the local model shop?, I knew they did acrylics, but not lacquers?….
19 February 2023, 17:00
Живко ДжаковIt's unique. I wouldn't dare paint the outside like that before putting the body together.
19 February 2023, 21:26
Andy BallThanks Jeff
@Zhivko: I gambled on a good fit meaning little after spraying-and the invasion stripes were better done at an early stage of construction- all this I hope to reduce the amount of handling- the wings are pretty tight too - so again can be handled I a prefabricated fashion. Thanks for having a look!
19 February 2023, 21:47
Gary VictoryNice work Andy. Love the interior details and the painted over D-Day Stripes.
Following.
21 February 2023, 07:10
Edward MacKenzieabsolutely amazing... You got skills i never will have! Congrats for this so far!
25 February 2023, 16:20
Nathan DempseyFollowing with great interest! These aircraft are well known in my area. I always love the history behind your builds.
25 February 2023, 17:15
Andy Ball@Edward: thanks for you compliment- but I think you're doing yourself a disservice my friend! I'll keep on plugging away!..
25 February 2023, 22:45
Andy Ball@Nathan: I hope we allow a bit of the America we love to shine through on this commerative build. I note you have your own to build in the 'other scale'- good luck with it!
25 February 2023, 22:47
Andy Ball@Cuajete, thanks for holding on in this build! See you on the other side of it?!
25 February 2023, 22:48
Patrick HagelsteinI have to agree with Zhivko, very brave to paint the exterior before gluing the two fuselage halves, but you definitely pulled it off! Kudos to that! 👍
25 February 2023, 23:59
Andy BallThanks James!
@Christoph - well it helps when your model is great in the first place (same applies to photography I believe 😉😂)
26 February 2023, 08:28
Andy BallThanks Patrick- it was a technique I tried because of those tricky invasion stripes. It does help to build the wings in parallel to the fuselage too- easier handling. My gamble is an easy fix for the wings at the near-end. Appreciate your motivation too!!
26 February 2023, 08:30
James CLooking fantastic and following. 👀 👍
I can't wait for the new ICM kit in 1/48 scale coming out later this year. A newly tooled version is well overdue.
26 February 2023, 17:52
Andy Ball@Shar: my pleasure!, I hope to complete in a few days.
@James C: in 48th it will be a treat! This 72nd'r isn't mean on the details. Exterior is crisp, and for me the scale allows more display space as an inevitable compromise
26 February 2023, 18:27
Живко Джаков@Andy, the model is becoming more than good. Thanks for sharing your crafting process with us!
27 February 2023, 12:57
Andy BallBughunter- an honour know you've taken a look!
@Cuajete- decals are Cartograf and you know the rest….
@Jan- yes, I feel this one is somehow different in my catalogue of builds…
27 February 2023, 17:59
Andy Ball@István: thanks, it's a great kit in the first place!
Thanks Eelco, and Hobbyzero!!
1 March 2023, 08:27
Neil PatrickLooking magnificent Andy! Especially the undersides. Mirrored base or hang from ceiling? 😉
3 March 2023, 21:15
Andy BallThank-you Neil, (combined both…mirrors on the ceiling 😉), no, this one's for the cabinet initially, then decide.
@Mainstream- thanks mate!
3 March 2023, 23:07
Andy BallThank-you Marius.
Appreciate those words from the "meisters" Daniel und Thomas!
6 March 2023, 23:35
Maciej BellosThat's a top secret Marauder version with jet engines Andy... 😄
Having this half blade is a bummer.
Looking great!
13 March 2023, 11:34
Andy Ball@Treehugger: thanks again!
@Marciej: yep, we suffer for our art...a 2mm shortened prop blade is simply not good enough!...so improvise it is!....
13 March 2023, 13:07
Jan PetersShame about the crappy prop blades Andy🧐
I'm sure you'll sort it out, with or without the help of hobby 2000.
13 March 2023, 15:47
CuajeteOh Andy, you're just one step away from finishing. I hope that shovel does not prevent you from accomplishing the great work you are doing. I'm sure you'll manage to fix it somehow.
This is the Hasegawa tool. Maybe you can request a replacement from them?
13 March 2023, 20:46
Patryk S.Your pace and finish are always something to behold. Congratulations in advance!
13 March 2023, 21:19
Łukasz GlińskiFingers crossed for the prop. The test shot looks fabulous, much better than the white backdrop 👍
13 March 2023, 22:10
Andy BallHello Jan, Cuajete, and Lukasz: the offending prop has been scratch-built. I've just shot some X-1 over it, and they'll pass. If ever Hobby2000 do come back, I will be giving them some feedback!
@Lukasz: yes, my next trick is to really up the game on photos, I love my camera kit, but surprisingly finding photographing these subjects difficult.
@Patryk S: thanks again for keeping my mojo afloat!
@subotai: thanks!
14 March 2023, 17:43
Shar DipreeHi Andy. I check my Hobby2000 kit from the B26 (72057) and my kit of Hasegawa (00552). The Hobby2000 kit has same mistake at one propellerblade. It affects both frames. *arg*
The Hasegawa is okay.
I made some picture, if you need it, feel free to contact me.
14 March 2023, 21:14
Andy BallIt seems that the moulds commissioned by Hobby to Hasegawa are the culprit. I hope Hobby2000 aren't hiding their head in the sand, as they know this. I doubt Hasegawa would want to be involved in a replacement. If I get the motivation to chase Hobby 2000 again, may I incorporate your remarks and any photos you have? My remedial work is acceptable IMHO, and I'll post better pictures soon! Thanks for checking Shar!!
14 March 2023, 23:12
SlackbladderHi Andy, great work.
Just a couple of tips that may help with the photos if you're not already trying them. Tripod and a remote shutter release (failing that use the timer release) so you don't move the camera at all taking the shot. f11 way up to f22 for the wider shots will give a better overall focus of the whole model. Use manual focus whenever possible so that you can really focus on what you want to rather than the camera deciding for you. If you have a longer zoom lens try moving as far as you can away and zooming in to frame the shot, this will limit the distortion you can get when being too close to the subject. ISO 400-800 on Aperture Priority and let the camera worry about exposure length. As with anything practice makes perfect and that's the beauty of digital.
15 March 2023, 00:21
Andy BallThanks Slackbladder: I'm using my Canon EOS system, and surprisingly finding the images not so crisp despite the "L" lenses. I have switched to tripod, and feel this gives a better definition as it practically eliminates handshake. I think I need to play with lighting, and may purchase Canon's excellent 100mm macro in the near future. I'll check the ISO on my next shots too...I think mine are around 12800.
thanks @Helio & matrixbadger for the like
15 March 2023, 10:46
SlackbladderHi Andy, yeah if your ISO is that high that's what is creating the 'noise' / grainy look. The only way to eliminate that is to use a lower ISO, 400-800 is the sweet spot ideally and you will get crisper, sharper images. On the flipside if you want to create that WWII black and white grainy look high ISO gives you that. I also use a 7D and 5D, so similar set up. Best light is always natural light on a bright but overcast day (very little or no shadows), if that's not possible then a flash gun pointed up at the ceiling (to avoid nasty flash shadows) can help.
15 March 2023, 11:37
Andy BallThanks Robert, it is a super subject which makes for an engaging build. Many many thank-yous. @ALF87, cheers too!
15 March 2023, 15:19
CuajeteThose propellers look great. I don't think I notice a difference between the kit blades and the repaired one. Big point for Andy!
@Slackbladder, thank you very much for the tips to photograph the kits. I'm sure they will be very useful for many of us 👍
15 March 2023, 20:41
SlackbladderPic 64 is a better version of your current teaser Andy, sharper image all over. Don't know whether you changed any settings or not.
15 March 2023, 21:01
Andy BallThank-you for all the comments, and the like OaklandStyle. @David "ta very much" for your advice on the weights, yeh, the props worked in the end. I promise I'll use a better ISO SlackBladder and will send the finals from Station A-59 very soon.
17 March 2023, 09:30
Andy Ball28th January 1945: NW of Paris a snow storm is starting. Valkyrie takes off with the crew of Lt. R.C. Barnard (pilot), Cptn. R.M. Mitchell (co-pilot), Lt. M.H. Seller (Bombardier), Sgt. R J. Collins, [and possibly 2 others].
The teeth of the snow storm grips the bomber when an engine fails. To avoid becoming disorientated and losing their way back to base, the pilot sees an open, frozen lake in a little hamlet known as Hams. He chooses this option to do an emergency landing. However the landing speed is so great that it careers the plane across the ice into a raised road bank whereupon it telescopes, breaks up, and with all that fuel on board, catches fire. All are killed.
I don't know these men, and I never will. I'm sure many crews met similar preventable accidents in this great conflict- like the two Lancasters that crashed in my village in January 1945 these men would have been young, and only 4-5 months from seeing the end of hostilities and possibly their lives ahead.
This is for you.
2 April 2023, 17:47
Patrick HagelsteinWell spoken Andy. I live close to the Margraten war cemetery and like to stroll around to have it all sink in once in a while. Every time I see an early '45 date engraved, I feel more sorrow as that person could have lived a couple of weeks longer and survive that awful war.
2 April 2023, 17:53
Andy Ball@Patrick- I dunno why these things motivate me as they do. In this generation of political correctness/woke etc., I want to remember those who gave it all so that we can have such freedoms of expression - whether we agree or not.
2 April 2023, 18:31
Andy Ball@James- thanks again, love a back-story. Keeps you motivated somehow.
@Guy- thank-you for seeing it to the end too.
2 April 2023, 18:32
CuajeteWow... impressive result and touching story with a deserved dedication. Indeed we owe a lot to all these brave men. You can be very proud, Andy 🙂
Congrats!
2 April 2023, 20:01
Nathan DempseyThat's an absolutely lovely finish Andy. I can only hope my 1:48 project comes out even half as well when I start.
2 April 2023, 22:56
Andy BallIf you're up a notch in scale Nathan, you'll have even more fun and less stress no doubt! They build into lovely subjects with all that ETO/MTO weathering and camo options. Good luck!!
@Martin: thanks for the like -and others I may have missed too.
3 April 2023, 08:13
Pietro De AngelisPerhaps this too will never be exhibited in the Uffizi Gallery but it is still another masterpiece,
congrats!
3 April 2023, 22:12
Andy BallGrazie Pietro. I will have to channel all my Michelangelo next time, and probably get a display in the IKEA cabinet!
@Skywalker- thank-you again!
3 April 2023, 22:49
Album info
I built the Airfix one in the past.
Now to give ex-Hasegawa a try.
Going to be grubbed up to represent the French detachment <<nord du Paris, l'hiver, 1944>>
