God Damm volcanoe's !!

1
June 6, 2015
The Revell kit has not changed at all in all the time it has been around, and the late 60's was when it first appeared. But now, there are a number of aftermarket manufacturers that have done something about that.
2
June 6, 2015
As I will be using quite a bit of the update material that is available, I had to start with the cosmetic surgery to effect all the improvements I am going to do. Starting with removing hatches and opening door access.
3
June 6, 2015
Using a deburring tip, I ground away just enough plastic where the doors are so I could actually have these doors and hatches "Open".
4
June 6, 2015
Scoring with a sharp needle along the recessed lines of the doors and hatches, it was easy to have them out and put aside for later use.
5
June 6, 2015
6
June 6, 2015
If you do detailing, do it properly or not at all. So, as this aircraft will have a lot of it's internals showing, and the provision for air scoops are there, then these would not escape my eye either.
7
June 6, 2015
I did this opening up of all the air scoops and vents that are all over this aircraft.
8
June 6, 2015
You have to start somewhere, so with a pilot hole, a sharp scalpel and a firm hand, anything is possible.
9
June 6, 2015
I also used the deburing tip (Small) on removing some of the plastic from behind where the vent would open out too.
10
June 6, 2015
To make it easier to remove the bits I will be replacing with the Eduard items, I ground off enough plastic along the demarcation lines and set to work.
11
June 6, 2015
When you get enough removed, the other side starts to become evident and it is possible to then scribe the other side and remove the flaps.
12
June 6, 2015
I kept grinding until there was a clear line appear, and making the plastic as thin as this helps with the scribing of the line to get a clear removal.
13
June 6, 2015
As you can see, I drilled out all the area where the plastic had to be removed from
14
June 6, 2015
from the inside view of the previous image.
15
June 6, 2015
It's like whittling, just removing enough without taring it apart.
16
June 6, 2015
As I will be building the landing flaps by Eduard, I scribed the line until I broke through and made it possible to access the entire area.
17
June 6, 2015
Done and ready for the clean up and the new open landing flaps. At this stage, I have not started on the drain slot or air scoops on the engine area.
18
June 6, 2015
Both the stbd and port arelons were removed as well.
19
June 6, 2015
The front mountings for the standard kit engines were removed, ready for the new plastic card adaption plates and all their holes and fixtures.
20
June 6, 2015
All cleaned up and "Squared away"and it will be here that the engine mounting walls will be fitted.
21
June 6, 2015
The fun bits here are Four "Aires" resin 'Cyclone' radials and the complete Eduard upgrade system
22
June 6, 2015
The PE 'louvers' need somewhere to sit, and to do that, I had to remove all the cylinders from the frame and make it as neat and as thin as possible.
23
June 6, 2015
The engine cowlings I have thinned out so much you can read the instructions when they are on their sided
24
June 6, 2015
The early stages of building these perfect little engines by "Aires", replacing the cast resin push rod covers with steel wire.
25
June 6, 2015
The back side of the "Cyclone" has it all, generators, starter motor, carby, fuel pump , and also, where the inlet tubes come out of is also the attachment point for the frame and firewall mounts.
26
June 6, 2015
And this is why I thinned out the cowlings so much, as the engines would not have fitted otherwise.
27
June 6, 2015
All the bits except for all the PE bits that fit between the cylinders. Over 60 pieces for each motor. 🙂
28
June 7, 2015
Here are my 'ground crew', and with some scraping and chopping bits off and repositioning limbs and heads, They will certainly look the part.
29
June 9, 2015
I have put some clear paper glue in the face of each instrument to create a glass effect.
30
June 9, 2015
On the right side of the console, there are three red "T" handles I had to fit, and each one is the size of a little brown house ant !!!
31
June 10, 2015
You wouldn't believe just how small these parts are, but fully worth the time it takes
32
June 10, 2015
There is a lot of "Saw" dust from making the crates, but that will all be gone by the time it is ready for assembly.
33
June 10, 2015
34
June 12, 2015
The bombadiers seat, and so hard to get it 'Just right' Lol.🙂
35
June 13, 2015
The Verlinden "Updat kit" is basically pretty old but relevant, and I start with the superchargers.
36
June 13, 2015
The PE is almost like armour plating, no finness, just chunks of thick brass, but I has what I need, and the rest of my B-17 will be Eduard dressed.
37
June 13, 2015
The "Instructions/guess it at times"
38
June 13, 2015
The impeller disk for the superchargers are really well detailed and will represent that actual part quite well.
39
June 13, 2015
The usual treatment by Verlinden, and the detail is really good.
40
June 14, 2015
I love making holes where holes are meant to be, like here, on the turbine blade cover.
41
June 14, 2015
Holes to scale is what I say.
42
June 14, 2015
Ah, ! I found them, all dressed up and just looking for a crate to sit in.
43
June 15, 2015
There is a 'facia' plate I have made for the back of the supercharger so that there is no gap showing.
44
June 15, 2015
All four superchargers will be in crates on the ground near the model.
45
June 15, 2015
This has had me pulling out vernier calipers and all my metal fabricating skills to get this right and to scale. Tripod cranes were used all over the place during the war, but so few good images are around.
46
June 16, 2015
Milk cartons have so many uses. 🙂
47
June 16, 2015
At the back of the engine, there is a big fat pipe, into which, all the exhaust pipes from all nine cylinders empties into, and this exhaust gas is then directed to the supercharger as seen in the lower part of the pipe.
48
June 16, 2015
This is the thickest and to scale rod I have, and extremly hard to curl and have it maintain a shape, so I decided to pour boiling water over the rod that I have finally managed to curl up tight, and this will allow me some leeway with unbending.
49
June 16, 2015
EXACTLY what I wanted, as I can now manipulate the curve and bend the ends to meet the supercharger pipe that it will connect to, as well as marry all the exhaust stubs that normally connect to the motor.
50
June 16, 2015
As I had imagined, the scale is good and the shape is obtainable. The smaller ring of plastic rod is the engine mounting ring, to which a series of rods are welded to that is all then attached to the "Fire Wall".
51
June 16, 2015
The size of the wheels for the work platform presented some dificulties, as I didn't want to go to the shop and not find what I needed, then I remembered the thick spru from the B-17 I am building and this is what I came up with.
52
June 16, 2015
All eight, and strangly, the holes in the 'middle'were allready there. !
53
June 16, 2015
These wheel will have to be attached to the workplatform somehow, so I made my own.
54
June 16, 2015
Just to make sure they will fit, and when completly dry, I will trim and shape these styrrups to the correct length and shape then drill all necessary holes
55
June 17, 2015
From something we normally toss in the bin. Everything is usable in scale modelling and I had a lot of fun doing this, and I did it because I had to prove something to myself, That nothing is unfixable I guess. 🙂
56
June 19, 2015
These are scratch built engine mounts that are attached to the "Fire wall" and the fastening ring at the back of the motor.
57
June 19, 2015
The air flow louvers are now glued to the cowling, but I am not all that happy with the look.
58
June 19, 2015
The engine mounts I made were a tad large, so with some trimming of the strut lengths, it all worked out OK.
59
June 19, 2015
Just a different angle.
60
June 19, 2015
The size and position are good, and I will leave it at that for the time being.
61
June 19, 2015
All excited. My "Chain Hoists" for my "A" frame tripod have arrived and these little things come with D shackles, Hooks and shackle pins no less.and a whopping great length of 'pull chain'. 🙂
62
June 19, 2015
These are all the bits that go to make up the Chain Hoist.
63
June 19, 2015
And with the instructions. :-0
64
June 19, 2015
I went to a place that specializes in Trains and I was looking for some extra chain for my chain hoist, but I found these little gems and the eylet will now replace the resin one on the chain hoist and be a lot stronger.
65
June 19, 2015
This is the finest chain I have ever seen and it goes through the hook here.
66
June 19, 2015
And shackles with the pins out if you like it out. :-/ And 'turnbuckles for the wires on the "A" frame that will hold the chain hoist.
67
June 19, 2015
All these Verlinden tool boxes ($5.00)for all the guys working on the engines.
68
June 19, 2015
Slightly overscale me thinks........Yes ??
69
June 20, 2015
Well, the previous image says it all, as the shackles looked like they were for something Massive.
70
June 20, 2015
But now, I think they are more to scale.
71
June 20, 2015
It is hard to find thread that you can replicate steel wire roap from, but I have found this and I will be multiplying the strand for better scale definition.
72
June 20, 2015
4 ply. even lengths, tye a knot, place the knot end in a pin vice, twist and twist until it is all one strand, smear the full length with superglue without letting it unravvel and you have a SWR that looks to scale.
73
June 20, 2015
Bombs away. !!!! The bomb bay doors are next. The first part is always the most exciting, and to tell the truth..............I am terrified. :-O
74
June 20, 2015
I have given the brass the "Heat" treatment so I can shape them to fit properly.
75
June 21, 2015
This is like working with sheet steel, as its all so "clunky" and hard to work with.
76
June 21, 2015
My camera only want's to focus on what It want's to. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr
77
June 21, 2015
Well, that makes two bomb bay doors with reinforcments and hinge attachments.
78
June 24, 2015
The PE frames from Eduard, these are going to replace, totally, the kit clear parts, and I a have cut some clear plastic sheeting to match the frames.
79
June 24, 2015
It took a lot of fine work to get uit all to match perfectly, but it worked.
80
June 24, 2015
A work in progress.
81
June 24, 2015
The reason all things are being changed, as the kit clear is 1mm smaller than needed.
82
June 24, 2015
Here is a tip.Cotton buds have a hollow tube and fit perfectly over the barrels of 1/48 B-17G gun barrels, so f you need to paint after installing the guns, just slip one of these over the barrel and that's it. !
83
June 24, 2015
Do you mean like this. ???
84
June 24, 2015
Close up never is kind to "In the build mode" as there are some bits still to be added, like the bomb sight and a touch of putty for a couple of gaps.
85
June 24, 2015
86
June 24, 2015
The zinc chromate is ised as a base coat here, as when the turets are seen when all painted and the Parrafilm mask is removed, the inside frame looks as it should, with chromate frame inners.
87
June 24, 2015
The parrafilm will be removed when all painting is finished and the barrel protectors insure there is no 'overspray'.
88
June 26, 2015
I have stuffed tissu paper into the areas i want to keep clear of any overspray before the mqain coat on the upper surface is applied.
89
June 26, 2015
Thunderbird had analmost olive/tan upper surface, not as dark as all the others used.
90
June 26, 2015
All the de-icing boots have now been masked off and painted matt black, and I will soon paint the whole upper surface with clear for better application of the decals.
91
June 26, 2015
The belly is done, and when it is thoroughly dry, the oil stains and dirt will follow and then she wont look so pretty. 🙁
92
June 27, 2015
93
June 27, 2015
94
June 27, 2015
95
June 27, 2015
First, the tips and Hubs
96
June 27, 2015
Then the decals..............finished and now, onto the diorama. 🙂
97
June 28, 2015
Well, I had to make sure they were somewhere safe until they are needed. 🙂
98
June 29, 2015
Oil and heat streaks are done.
99
June 29, 2015
landing flaps are in, both sides.
100
June 29, 2015
101
June 29, 2015
And the bomb bay doors.
102
July 2, 2015
This is how I make the pilots air hose. Wind thin copper wire around a needle, coat with 'clear fix' and let dry.

Comments

6 June 2015, 01:31

Christian Bruer
Well I'll take a seat, it looks like an interesting story and project.

6 June 2015, 10:26

Kerry COX
It will be the most intricate build I have ever done Christian, but I am trying to get hold of a couple of "Chain Hoists' from a Dutch site (scale-world.nl/e-store/products/298/4235/) for the top of the mobile gantry used by the ground crews for hoisting the engines up and down from the air frame, but I can't get them as they don't have Australia in their list, as they have every other place on earth, but no Australia, so I cant complete the order. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr(Mad as hell).🙁

6 June 2015, 10:29

Christian Bruer
It seems to me too Kerry that this is an ambitious project but because of the old Revell kit you use. But that is what I like on modelmaking and what it makes it worth when you take a look to your later finished work!

Mmhhh, Australia is not to oversea when you take a look to the southern hemisphere and a lot of modelmakers come from down under. May you should send an information to the shop to take a look to Scalemates and the 150 listed modelmakers from Australia!

6 June 2015, 10:38

Thomas Bischoff
great documentation and great work! I'll take a seat as I have this kit also in my stash.

7 June 2015, 10:47

Kerry COX
Don't forget the beer Thomas, and welcome to my mish mash. LOL. 🙂

7 June 2015, 11:11

Gerald
Nice build and great ideas 👍

7 June 2015, 13:38

Kerry COX
Hi Gerald, and I hope it turns out like the picture I have in my head mate, but Mr Murphy may have a hand in this yet. LOL 🙂

7 June 2015, 19:39

Hanno Kleinecke
Wow Kerry,this is a great subject ! I ' curious on how you make this scene materialize out of your head onto the dio or vignette ! 🙂

7 June 2015, 21:18

Kerry COX
Mate, that's the thing I am really having some serious thinking about.

7 June 2015, 21:24

Hanno Kleinecke
I really love this little, or in this case not so little story telling sceneries, and there is not even the slightest doubt
That this one will be a most inspiring one. So, I' m in the first row. 🙂

7 June 2015, 21:30

Hanno Kleinecke
Ah , here we go ! Lots of gear involved, great and atmospheric picture !
I have found a picture that you might find usefulor at least interesting.
I 'll put it in an album, as I seem to be unable to paste a pic into this posting on my tablet.

7 June 2015, 21:35

Kerry COX
I have really bitten a big one here, and looking at what others have done with the B-17 over the years, and especially with the amount of update materials that are on the market today, I just wanted to get past that "B-17 on an airfield apron somewhere in the war", so I had to make it visual in so many ways.

Yeah, and I have the truck by Tamiya, and some resin chain hoists by Tiger , a Verlinden set of superchargers, as they would have been damaged by the ash as well, so I do have a lot to do. 🙂

7 June 2015, 21:39

Ulf Petersen
Hi Kerry, that's a kind of project matching my taste.👍 I'm in.🙂

8 June 2015, 10:03

Kerry COX
Ulf, Thanks for looking in and wanting to hang around. I can tell you, the more I get into what I am doing, the more it scares me, as I think I may have overstepped the mark. :-/

There are just so many things to consider I had not thought about before, but poor planning has always stuffed me up.

But I take heart, after looking at your magnificent dio you have just finished, I see just how much is in front of me and no short cuts either, so I will be asking you for some advice along the way mate, as I am sure you will have answers for me, and some hints as well.

I am just now, sorting out the internals of the Fortress, not that there will be much of it visible, but it's the frame hoist and ladders and creating that "Feel" visually like your masterpiece I am aiming for, no "Stiffness" but a 'fluid' look, of motion and activity. OH!, You know what I mean. 🙂

Back to it for now.

So catch ya later mate.
Kezza. 🙂

8 June 2015, 10:30

Ulf Petersen
HaHa!😄 Well, Thanks! I am curious to see how I could be helpful. The requirements of your project are quite different to what I have done as last... But of course I would be glad!

8 June 2015, 10:47

Kerry COX
The surroundings are my biggest concern, like with your dio, all spaces were 'filled' with something, but with the parking bay on an old Italian airfield, I will have to limit the 'background' so that I can make the activity that is going on around the aircraft the centre of attention, even though there will be a bloody huge B-17 right in the middle of it all, I am wanting the 'focus' on the 'activity'.

Even though this aircraft has flow through a volcanic ash cloud, I am not really trying to replicate any 'effect' it may have had on the B-17 it's self, but, as I said, 'the job at hand', and all the equipment in play that all these guys will be surrounded with, is where I am aiming all my effort.

I guess 'spacing' will be important, as I don't want to overcrowd it and create a logjam, and this is where I need to hear what you have in your head about a way to do that. :-/

8 June 2015, 11:18

Holger Kranich
Now thats a Project right to my favor! You will be busy for month, i presume! "Someone pass me a beer, please!" I´ll stay here and watch, Kerry!🙂

8 June 2015, 11:20

Ulf Petersen
Very interesting! All right, tell me when you get to the point that you need input.👍

8 June 2015, 11:28

Kerry COX
HOLGER. !!! G'day cobber, how are you. ?

Ulf and I are having a chat about what I can do here, and I will be needing some help from all you master dio builders on how to get some good results, as I have never done a dio as complicated as this will be, and being a virgin, I will want some help, (he He He)/

I will repost the image of what I am trying to replicate.

8 June 2015, 11:30

Holger Kranich
Kerry, `ol sailor, i´m fine thanks! 😄
I´m more than curious how this here will turn out! Is there any aftermarked you didnt bought? LOL🙂 How are you?

8 June 2015, 11:34

Holger Kranich
Just found this on wiki:

At the time of the eruption, the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) 340th Bombardment Group was based at Pompeii Airfield near Terzigno, Italy, just a few kilometers from the eastern base of the mountain. The tephra and hot ash damaged the fabric control surfaces, the engines, the Plexiglas windshields and the gun turrets of the 340th's B-25 Mitchell medium bombers. Estimates ranged from 78 to 88 aircraft destroyed.[57]

Ash is swept off the wings of an American B-25 Mitchell medium bomber of the 340th Bombardment Group on March 23, 1944 after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
The eruption could be seen from Naples. Different perspectives and the damage caused to the local villages were recorded by USAAF photographers and other personnel based nearer to the volcano.[58

[img1]

8 June 2015, 11:37

Holger Kranich
[img1]

8 June 2015, 11:37

Rui S
Hi Kezza,
I'm really learning how you do it (with or without old kits), but as usual in your projects, Great Detailing work Kezza. 👍
Keep your good spirits high about it and I'm sure you will present us another piece of Model Art 😉
@Hanno, excellent colour photograph mate.

8 June 2015, 22:23

Kerry COX
Rui, Thanks for the vote of confidence mate, and I think I do get a little lost in the detail at times. :-/
But to NOT do it would be worse, if you get my drift. ! 🙂
And I just got an email that the bits I ordered to help me finish the Pratt and Whitney "Wasp" are on their way from the USA, so I will be able to finish at least one project. Doh! 🙂

8 June 2015, 23:34

Rui S
You will finish them all Kezza. 👍 Wow, and I sure get your drift mate 😉

8 June 2015, 23:45

Kerry COX
LOL, yeah, maybe when hell freezes over mate. 🙂
Oh well, back to the pit.
Cheers mate.

Kezza. 🙂

9 June 2015, 02:25

Choppa Nutta
how did I miss this one, some great efforts being made on this so far and no expense spared by the looks of things 🙂

9 June 2015, 02:48

Kerry COX
Welcome to the bottomless pit of update kits and imagination Choppa. 🙂

9 June 2015, 04:13

Rui S
"Welcome to the bottomless pit of" - Detailing, Upgrading very old but beautiful kits 😉 "no expense" - or time to spare 😄 hoo, and a new job on hands? a nice DIO this time 👍

9 June 2015, 12:08

Kerry COX
Rui, You certainly can 'read between the lines' mate. LOL 🙂

At the moment I am doing the cockpit interior with the PE and there are little levers and switches that NO ONE will see, but they are there. Duuuuuuuuuh !

9 June 2015, 12:57

Holger Kranich
Please make a load of pix from the pit! Not only for us, make some for yourself!

9 June 2015, 13:09

Rui S
Thx mate, yes, there are one or two things I can do hehehe. but they are there, so you see them,... I get your drift, Good luck, kezza 🙂

9 June 2015, 13:18

Vegard Øksenholt
Great progress 🙂 You got some sweet attention to details. This is going to be your winner in august, right?

11 June 2015, 23:06

Kerry COX
Vegard, I am getting through it at a snails pace, but I really have to make haste as I have got stuff to do I haven't even thought of yet, but that's always the way.discovering something vital is not done yet. !!! But thanks for your reassuring words mate, I need them. :-/ LOL

11 June 2015, 23:28

Rui S
Hi, Kezza. I wonder what kind of electronic microscope do you use hehe, keep on the good work mate 👍

11 June 2015, 23:33

Kerry COX
It certainly seems to get that way Rui, but I wear the jewellers magnifying goggles and a pair of glasses that would help a blind man see. !!!

12 June 2015, 00:24

Rui S
Hehe (((😄))). I saw it in the photo but the jewelers magnifying is just for one eye, is it easy to work with?

12 June 2015, 00:30

Kerry COX
Three lenses, The third one (Small circular) is for the one eye if needed, but there is an other lense folded back behind the fixed twin lense in the front.
The small round one is vey hard to work with, as you lose you 'depth' looking through just one eye. :-/

12 June 2015, 00:52

Hanno Kleinecke
Wow, fantastic work on the seats, cockpit, engines and these wonderful crates Kerry ! A real heap of work ahead of you, but there's no doubt you will make the most of it, as well as stun us !

12 June 2015, 05:48

Kerry COX
Hanno, I really appreciate your enthusiastic encouragement mate and it means a great deal coming from you mate. 🙂 👍.

12 June 2015, 06:26

Bart Goesaert
Nice work on this one... interesting story and diorama...

12 June 2015, 14:22

Soeren R.
Nice work so far Kerry 🙂 Like always!
Im really looking forward to see the finished project.

15 June 2015, 14:16

Rui S
Lot's of drilling hey Mr. Kerry...🙂 and the Tripod cranes look great mate👍

15 June 2015, 15:01

Cristian Bordina
I'm very interesting in your job...that regards a page of history of my Country. So far, you'are doing an exceptional work. Carry on !!! 😄

15 June 2015, 15:29

Kerry COX
Soeren, Rui and Christian. Thank you for the enthusiastic following and support for my efforts.

It is a most demanding thing now, as every time I finish something, I have to backtrack and make sure it's still on track, because new pictures pop into my head about more I can add, so I do the new thing and spend hours catching up on what I had to leave.....................But look who I am talking to. LOL. Three guys who I am sure have done the exact same thing 🙂
Christian, I noticed the tri-colour flag, and from what area do you belong ?

The tripods have really been a most interesting part of the build, as the more I study the images, the more detail I notice, and the platforms that will be positioned at the engine area. Mmmmmm
Keep on truckin'.
cheers. 🙂

15 June 2015, 16:05

Christian Bruer
A Wasp in a box, that looks amazing Kerry. And all the other extremely fine details and sub assemblies in progress. Very nice and convincing work mate! By the way, the working platform shown in photo no. 48 seems to have a canvas cover instead of a wooden planking?!
Cheers mate and keep on the fine work on this!

15 June 2015, 16:38

Cristian Bordina
Kerry I'm of the north of Italy (40 Km south of Milan)... but my wife was born in Naples...she knows Vesuvio well 😄

15 June 2015, 16:38

Kerry COX
Christian, er, sorry, Hawkeye, you are spot on with your super keen observations mate !!. In fact, it is a translucent sheet like plexiglass, as you will also see a strut that is attached to it right in the middle, with an adjustable inner, and the hooks on each corner too. The whole platform is mounted on wheels too, and I may have a problem finding something that will suit.
Your location for somewhere to live is a place that half the world would give their right arm to be. You are most fortunate mate, and I 'googled maps' your location as well, Spectacular is one word !! :-8.
I live near the beach on the east coast of Australia, and I love it too. Great weather all year round. 🙂 👍

15 June 2015, 21:45

Kerry COX
Christian, I have tried to rectify the "opaque" plank/walk way on the platform by using the flattest piece of a plastic milk container, and for me...............It worked ! 🙂.
Let me know your opinion to please guys. 🙂 👍

16 June 2015, 06:00

Holger Kranich
lets have a look what up here. Uhhh, These Wasps in the crate Looks extremely awesome!8)

16 June 2015, 12:06

Kerry COX
I am posting some pics here of how I hope to make the "Collector" pipe.
It is the main "ring" exhaust pipe that collects all that is normally wasted and feeds all the exhaust gasses to the supercharger, and as there are NONE available as a kit, I am attempting to make my own, otherwise, some rivet counter will see that it is not anywhere around and downgrade the whole build.

16 June 2015, 13:45

Hanno Kleinecke
I think you found a convincing solution for the platform, once the paint is on, it will look authentic.
Were they made of wood or metal originally ?

16 June 2015, 13:59

Kerry COX
Originally, I really do not know Hanno, but the ones used in the latter part of the conflict were all quick storage type of thing, but the opaque plexi glass is a new one for me. !! And like everything the yanks pointed a spray gun at usually turned drab khaki green.

16 June 2015, 14:43

Christian Bruer
Hey Kerry, the platform looks very nice and comes absolutely close to the original one. Have you thought to use wheels of cars in scale 1:160 or 1:220. This is a common scale for small model railways and there is a lot of extra next to the rolling stock, like automobiles, lorries etc. May you'll found something that will fit?!
Cheers, Christian

16 June 2015, 18:06

Kerry COX
Christian, Thanks for the tip on the wheels mate, and I will go and talk to the Train guy just over the back from me here and in fact, it is a shop that deals in all miniatures for doll houses and I shop there for my plastistrutt items. The frames are so fragile and they always break with the slightest handling. I am wanting everything to be as accurate as possible, so I will see if there are wheels first.

16 June 2015, 18:20

Kerry COX
I think I may have solved the 'wheels' issue by using some of the spru from the B-17 kit.

16 June 2015, 23:09

Camilla Øksenholt
Great progress here Kerry! 😄 As I've said before, I just love the crates for the engines, gonna copy those one day for sure! 😉
Looking forward to seeing how the brilliantly made scaffoldings will look in this dio. You know how I love such stuff! Smart job on the wheels, I'm convinced this one is going to blow everyone away!

16 June 2015, 23:40

Kerry COX
I can only hope Camilla.
I will do a pic series on the crates for you too. 🙂

17 June 2015, 00:00

Camilla Øksenholt
You can continue hoping, but I already know!! 🙂 yes please! 😄

17 June 2015, 00:08

Kerry COX
Good to have your keen eye on my work again Mike, and thanks for your kind words, I really appreciate them.

17 June 2015, 01:33

Kerry COX
Mike, I have thought about you down there and wondered how you are. Good to chat again my friend. 😉 👍

17 June 2015, 03:31

Kerry COX
Well my work platform are done. FINALLY. 🙂

17 June 2015, 05:23

Kerry COX
Good on ya Michael. 👍 🙂

17 June 2015, 05:24

Ulf Petersen
Great scratch job, Kerry!👍

17 June 2015, 05:59

Kerry COX
Yes mate, The painting will start as I get to the stage of not handling things so much, as at the end of the work platforms comes the 'A' frame tripods, for which I have two chain hoists coming from Tiger, newtmd.com/, similar to the ones in the images, the manually operated type. But the tripod has some interesting aspects to it in the way of securing cables and guide wires that keep it all from collapsing when loaded up, like with a motor or such, so I am going to be engrossed in that for a bit.

17 June 2015, 06:01

Gareth Windsor
You don't do things by half Kerry. Build is looking great and love the story behind it. Some great pictures of the 1944 eruption on line. I can't believe they were still flying around it over the next few days. Need must I guess.

17 June 2015, 15:27

David polak
wow. this is amazing project, you are a brave person Kerry 😉

17 June 2015, 15:36

Kerry COX
Crazy more like it David, as the further I get into it, the more I find I am doing, and factually, I had better get it right. !!
Gareth, when I see pics of the eruption, I am amazed too that they flew through it, but I guess they knew nothing about what the contents of the clouds were doing to their machinery, until it was too late. LOL . !!!
Thank you both for your comments, they are much appreciated and encouraging. 🙂 👍.

17 June 2015, 15:42

Torben H.
One of those Cyclone engines would make me itch, but four of them??? You must be insanely motivated, Kerry! 🙂
Great project, I really like it when old kits were brought back to life with loads of scratch work.

17 June 2015, 16:07

Kerry COX
Torben, I thank you for you comments mate, but I must tell you, it takes about 30 minutes to put one of these beautifully detailed engines together, and I had it all sussed out by the third one and I will eventually have seven of them, with the old being replaced by the new..
And, over the years I have built about four or five of the "G" model, and I have always been motivated by the original diorama by Shep Payne, with the coloured leaflet that came in the box with the model, and has been that way from day one of its issue. 🙂
Cheers. 🙂 👍.

17 June 2015, 16:17

Hanno Kleinecke
The platforms look great with these sprue sourced wheels Kerry, grand idea ! 🙂

17 June 2015, 17:45

Kerry COX
Thanks mate, I am really pleased with the platforms and as for the wheels, I just KNEW there was something I already had that would come in handy' LOL 🙂 👍

17 June 2015, 21:18

Erwin BOVYN
Hi Kerry, just saw this build and I'm looking out for a seat so I can follow. Too early for a beer but a cup of coffee will do.
Things a bit slow my side, missing some mojo. Convinced this will be another stunning build.

19 June 2015, 06:09

Kerry COX
Ah, Erwin, 🙂!! Flattery eh. ??? OK, but the coffee is decaf LOL. G'day mate, pleased to meet you, and there is plenty of room, and lots of chat, so hang around and we can sort something out, now I will see what albums you have here so I can have some common ground so to speak. Edit time. 🙂. Well, you certainly have a mixed bag in the album dept, I am impressed with the diversity. Cheers. 🙂
Cheers 🙂 👍.

19 June 2015, 06:27

Martien Lourens
This is incredible what you make of this model again. Kerry. Fascinating to see to build step by step. 👍👍👍

19 June 2015, 07:52

Cristian Bordina
Kerry, I'm following your job as a serial 😉

19 June 2015, 09:06

Kerry COX
Welcome back folks. ! 🙂And now, in the next exciting chapter of today's drama !!!..................."Chain hoists", YES !!!!, chain hoists, and watch as they come together and be amazed by Kerry's outburst when things don't go right. !!!! So, don't touch that channel changer folks, and we will be right back. 🙂 👍

19 June 2015, 10:06

Gareth Windsor
Never mind the chain hoists, when do you start work on the volcano? 😉

19 June 2015, 11:54

Kerry COX
There are so many facets to this build, I keep asking myself when I will be getting to that as well. LOL 🙂
I am having concerns that I will not have it finished in time as I have just started doing the prep for the actual model assembly. !
Cheers. 🙂

19 June 2015, 13:21

Wim van der Luijt
I have managed to miss this build so far.....It is very entertaining and I'm pulling up a chair to see the rest of it

19 June 2015, 13:42

Hunter Cummins
Looks great so far, will be following closely as I may learn a few things 🙂

19 June 2015, 14:23

Kerry COX
Wim, Gareth and Hunter, thanks for looking in guys, as this is really an exciting part of this build for me, as all the things that were in my head are now starting to appear, and just now, I have learned to twist thin copper wire to make it look like a shackle as the ones I had used just before looked awfully over scale, (check the previous images with the Chain hoist it's self)and desperation encourages you to do things you never dreamed of, so I am learning, and I can certainly pass on all my knowledge to those who have a need to know.
Cheers. 🙂 👍

19 June 2015, 15:25

Hunter Cummins
I'm one of them!! It's like I'm in a modelling school 😄

19 June 2015, 15:32

Christian Bruer
Holy Moly that looks nice Kerry. I like your idea with the wheels – this is a real modelers way to tackle a problem – made it from scratch!
The chain hoist's look nice and the small shackles are impressive even in that scale!

Cheers, Christian

19 June 2015, 16:25

Kerry COX
Thanks again guys, and today, I really must make some progress on the actual B-17, as I have been so engrossed in all the 'outside' of the dio, I may run short of time, so I am pushing like hell to get it 'looking something' !!!
Cheers. 🙂
👍

19 June 2015, 22:40

Hunter Cummins
Lol. Hey if it takes a while to make it "look something" then so be it 🙂 Looks phenomenal

19 June 2015, 22:53

Kerry COX
Well, I have altered the size of the white metal shackles by making my own from copper wire and dressmaking pins, and I do believe they are more to scale that the original ones I had. 🙂

20 June 2015, 00:13

Hunter Cummins
Looks great, I really need to learn your scratch building abillities

20 June 2015, 01:16

Kerry COX
Hunter, I have a pair of the finest tipped tweezers for the copper wire, and the wire is "telephone' wire when the world was connected that way..
I first 'anneal' the wire to make it more manageable (heat it up) and that way it is like putty.
After you have heated it, use a nylon dish scourer to polish off the oxidation and use it as you need.
That tip is $5.00 please. 🙂 👍 LOL

20 June 2015, 01:23

Choppa Nutta
j£$U$ !!!
I knew inflation was bad but to go from 2 pence to $5 is a 10,000 % mark up !!! 😄

20 June 2015, 02:00

Hunter Cummins
I have some of that electrical wire your talking about but it's used on the wiring for snoopers and just vehicles in general lol. Where did you get these fine as check tweezers? Lol. I will send it through pay pal lol

20 June 2015, 02:05

Kerry COX
Ah, a question has been asked....debt cancelled. 🙂 I will source the make of the tweezers and post it for you Hunter. 🙂 The copper wire I am talking about is the thickness of a dress makers pin/needle. (Hunter, Don't mind Chopper, he has been asking exorbitant fees for his advice, mush worse than mine 😉) 👍

20 June 2015, 03:12

Kerry COX
Hunter, there are two I can find for tweezers, but I will look further.
"Proedge" and "Eclipse"

I have looked on Google and mine are by "Eclipse"

20 June 2015, 03:19

Hunter Cummins
Oh I see now haha I will have to go buy some! Haha I would have never paid his ridiculous fee 😉 😛. I will do some research on both and decide which is best and find a dealer

20 June 2015, 03:49

Kerry COX

21 June 2015, 12:26

Camilla Øksenholt
Nice progess Kerry, both the tripods and the scaffolding looks awesome! 🙂

21 June 2015, 16:18

Kerry COX
Thank you Camilla.
Today is a milestone as I paint all the little black boxes, oxy bottles, fire extinguishers, and place my hand made breathing tubes. I also bought a display base for the dio that I will start mapping out "Places everyone" !!!
I can see some light at the end of the tunnel finally. 😛

21 June 2015, 21:33

Vegard Øksenholt
Good to hear, Kerry 😄
You've inspired me and Camilla to start on 1 of our Revell 1/72 B-17s. Now we've just started building the Memphis Belle together 🙂

21 June 2015, 21:49

Kerry COX
The "Belle" ! 🙂, How wonderful mate, and you will thoroughly enjoy it too.
Just go and "Google Images" the whole lot for reference pics.
Doh ! 😛 But I shouldn't have to tell you that ! 😛. Darrrrrr
Yet, if it wasn't for all the images there, I would never have seen my dream diorama images.
Have fun. 🙂 👍

22 June 2015, 00:41

Camilla Øksenholt
Sounds great Kerry! 🙂 Ooh, I'm so excited about your build! Me and Vegard are at the front row! The "Belle" has been fun so far, building more on it tomorrow.

22 June 2015, 00:48

Kerry COX
Youtube Video

23 June 2015, 00:53

Kerry COX
The Video is on how to create battle damage using a dremel power tool.
I hope you like it.

23 June 2015, 00:54

Hunter Cummins
Thank you Kerry!!

23 June 2015, 01:10

Kerry COX
No worries mate. 🙂 👍

23 June 2015, 01:58

Hunter Cummins
😄

23 June 2015, 02:29

Vegard Øksenholt
Ahh, so that's how it's done! Thanks for sharing 🙂

23 June 2015, 09:40

Kerry COX
Shep Payne, the famous American Modeller was the one I saw do it many years ago.🙂 Google him.🙂

23 June 2015, 09:55

Vegard Øksenholt
Sheperd Paine - "American Master Modeller" indeed. The production hall dio is my favourite.
sheperdpaine.com/gallery/aircraft/index.htm

23 June 2015, 10:03

Kerry COX
We all should take a leaf out of his book and think the impossible.
I just hope my dio will look half as good as Sheps, and I will say I have achieved something.
Thank Vegard for posting this for all of us to see.
Most inspirational. 🙂

23 June 2015, 10:25

Vegard Øksenholt
I have no doubt that you will make something that could compete with Sheperd's models, Kerry. Seriously 😉

23 June 2015, 10:29

Kerry COX
That is one hell of a compliment Vegard. !!
Now the pressure just increased 1000%. :-8
I will try and do my best.
Cheers. 🙂

23 June 2015, 11:24

Urban Gardini
Looking great mate and a wonderful idea for the diorama! Shep was probably the best back in his days and he hadn't the luxury we've got today with better aftermarket goodies and a lot of research plus he didn't have the internet as well. Today with all the better stuff and gear we've got you'll find quite a lot of builders that match or is far better than Shep. But he made most of his stuff from scratch back in his day and that still warrant him his status as the modeller we look up to and try to better. But you Kerry is one of those builders that can match Shep today.

24 June 2015, 12:04

Kerry COX
Urban, !!! I am most humbled by your kind words indeed my friend. I totally agree with you about Shep's work and his skills, and there was and still is, none finer.
I will always remember opening my first B-17G kit and to be greeted by the Shep Payne colour insert and, right then, I was inspired to always do my best.
The after market stuff in my opinion, has made some of us 'lazy' in terms of creating, making, scratching and daring to be different.
My dad, (RIP) used to make the molten alloy aircraft and his own moulds to pour it into as well, and I still have a number of them, and it was his influence that got me interested in scale modelling, and he would come home with some wonderful kits, and we would build them, and he was always looking for something more to do with them, "To improve em'" as he said. !
This one when its finished will have it's own display case made for it.
I am just now, working out the visuals of the dio, placing bits and pieces for effect and impact, and I just bought from Japan Tamiya, a 1/48 Jeep, just to add to the busy clutter.
Thanks again mate🙂

24 June 2015, 13:14

Vegard Øksenholt
I see turrets! Does this mean we're getting close to fuselage halfes being joined together? 😄

24 June 2015, 14:20

Ján Hrabik
wow...great progress...

24 June 2015, 19:46

arne vd burg
I just love watching your progress Kerry 👍👍.

24 June 2015, 20:03

Vegard Øksenholt
Fantastic mate! and yes, great progress 😄 Looks like a lot of the interior details can be seen from the outside too 👍

24 June 2015, 20:57

Vegard Øksenholt
Just like that 😄

24 June 2015, 21:40

Kerry COX
LOL, I thought so too. ! 🙂
I have been able to make windows with the clear paper glue and it looks more like the real glazing than the stick on ones.
I am at the stage of cleaning up that HUGE seam/join line on the Fort' and going nuts thinking of how It will "look" in the sense of arranging all the service crew and their 'poses', so I bought a 1/48 Jeep by Tamiya to fill it up a bit more, but it's the 'ground' I am more concerned with, and I was thinking of dusty brown, being an Italian scene, and will love any feed back on your collective ideas guys.
Cheers. :-/

24 June 2015, 23:20

Hunter Cummins
Looks great Kerry!!!! How will you deal with the raised panel lines?

24 June 2015, 23:22

Kerry COX
Hunter, I have to give the whole aircraft a selective sanding with 1200 wet and dry, avoiding the small access units with the raised screw heads and such, but just enough to "Dull" the sharpness of them without going silky smooth.
I will be using the clear paper glue on all clear parts to stop any 'crazing'.
I will keep you up to date mate. 🙂
Cheers 👍

25 June 2015, 02:17

Hunter Cummins
Wow sounds laborious lol. So your not going to prescribe them?

25 June 2015, 02:22

Kerry COX
Wether the panel lines are recessed or slightly raised, They will be smothered in paint, in all, three layers and they would disappear, so I am not overly concerned and nor am I inclined to sit for hours just to put a scratch in a straight line to please some rivet counter at a model show. I like the hobby for the hobby's sake, but I am not all pedantic and perfection driven, like that is all that matters.
To each his own I say.
Cheers. :-/

25 June 2015, 03:10

Hunter Cummins
I understand and I agree with you and just like the hobby for what it is. Screw rivet counters lol

25 June 2015, 04:00

Kerry COX
Hunter, I have just spent the last hour or so researching the construction of the B-17 and I was fascinated and pleased and more relieved, to see that there are not any "recessed" panel lines as such, anywhere on the aircraft because the whole surface of the aircraft is totally the 'overlap and rivet' system of surface structure, and I am NOT going to sit here for how many days, weeks, months, years, replicating over 800,000 rivets.!!!!!! 🙂
So, I am relieved to find that out, as you really had me thinking of 'recessed' lines, and I will be happy to go with how it is turning out. 🙂

25 June 2015, 06:04

Erwin BOVYN
Haha, fun, I once build an old Frog Avro Shackleton that the British called: "40.000 rivets flying together in close formation" . Sanding them on the 1/72 kit was a job on its own, let alone creating them!!!!

25 June 2015, 09:32

Gareth Windsor
I can see your issue with the ground for the diorama. The aerial shots of the airfield from the 40's I found are; of course, black and white and look dusty, but up to date Google map shows the whole area green. I think you are going to have some texture fun with this mate. March time means the grass is green, but heavy use of the airfield means plenty of tracks over the grass and large worn patches and pathways. Plus the B17 would have been parked on a "Hard Standing" (concrete area) to be able to use the staging and cranes. Soil is quite rich and dark in most parts of Italy but the heavier worn areas would have become drier and dustier and overlap to some of the concrete. You need some 1:48 push bikes to go with that Jeep! You may have seen the picture before but below is a link to a B17 having a full engine change. I think one of the engines is being balanced upright with the prop shaft on a jerrycan.
[img1]
2ndbombgroup.org/2ndBombGroup.htm

25 June 2015, 11:15

Kerry COX
I have seen some push bike kits, and I will definatly look at what Tamiys have on offer. Great pic that is SO clear in detail too.
🙂

25 June 2015, 11:32

Hunter Cummins
Wow Kerry, I never knew that! So even the real ones has "raised panel lines". And dontvworryvabout the rivets, they look just fine! And I am pleased to hear that I put a bug in your ear

25 June 2015, 14:06

Kerry COX
Hunter, Thanks for that mate, and you certainly did put a bug in my ear. 🙂
I see on the HK models of the B-17G in 1/32, they say there are 'recessed' panel lines, but I have a problem with that statement.
I was looking for a web site that I could get this info and I found one that lets you go right through the whole service and maintenance manual.
avialogs.com/
Anything you want to know in the way of Aviation is there as I found to my amazement.

25 June 2015, 14:29

Hunter Cummins
Holy crap lol. I am so book marking that site!!!

25 June 2015, 16:10

Christian Bruer
Holy Moly all the delicate work with the PE frames for each window. That looks really sharp Kerry!
Cheer, Christian

25 June 2015, 19:27

Cortex
The kit is so old the box is turning yellow 😄 Tell me; do you like the smell of old kits cardboard boxes 🙂 ?

However, It's amazing what can be achieved with such old model with patience and dedication .. good luck.

25 June 2015, 19:36

Kerry COX
Hi Tex, I love the smell of turps in the morning, and anything else dealing with old kits. Ha ha ha. 🙂 But these models of the B-17G are the reissued kits, made in the late 80's in China with the original dies, so not so "Old".
Thank you all gentlemen, and I will, one day, reveal my secret as to how I managed to get each window's glass to the exact size. 🙂
Cheers. 🙂

25 June 2015, 21:31

Kerry COX
Does anyone know where I can obtain a couple of 1/48 push bikes ? As the only ones available are all in 1/35.
🙂

25 June 2015, 21:33

Ben STONE
Not really Kerry. Protar do some 1/9 push bikes but they're also more modern and I'm guessing not what you're wanting.

26 June 2015, 03:48

Kerry COX
Hi Ben, I was hoping to include them in my diorama, as there is a pic that shows two bikes in amongst all the engines near a work table, and 1/48 bikes would be so small, they could only ever be used in a dio setting. Pity. :-/.
I have seen one included in an Eduard kit of a 1/48 Japanese pilot standing next to one.

26 June 2015, 03:55

Ben STONE
Maybe it was a 1/35 and a small Japanese man 🙂
You've been a wonderful audience.

26 June 2015, 03:59

Ben STONE
shapeways.com/produc..1-48-vintage-bicycle
propaganda-kompany.c..man-bicycles-40.html

26 June 2015, 04:19

Kerry COX
google.com.au/url?sa..ust=1435379924007799

google.com.au/url?sa..ust=1435379924007799

26 June 2015, 04:39

Kerry COX
Ben, I just found out they are 1/72 !!!!!

26 June 2015, 05:01

Ben STONE
DOH!

26 June 2015, 05:16

Gareth Windsor
djparkins.com/acatalog/1_48th_WW_II.html

26 June 2015, 05:47

Gareth Windsor
Ta da. Flight Path 1/48 airfield accessories.

26 June 2015, 05:48

Kerry COX
Gareth, I am in your debt mate, and I am so looking forward to them arriving now, lol.
and there is so much more I could look at doing now with what I see they have.
cheers 🙂

26 June 2015, 07:11

Gareth Windsor
you're welcome. Once you start looking it gets dangerous. Brengun is another good site.
brengun.cz/e-shop/1-..es-22/tools-set-908#!lightbox[product]/2/

26 June 2015, 09:21

Kerry COX
Gareth, You devil you. LOL 🙂
I am just so amazed at what is 'out there' for the scale modeller, and I know, that if I do start spending and doing, well, you know the rest. 😉

26 June 2015, 09:37

Holger Kranich
The colour of the bomb bay doors are splendid, Kerry! I hope they dont get sprayed zink chromate?

26 June 2015, 09:46

Kerry COX
The inside will be zinc Holger. I have not seen any that have not been zinc chromate as yet. :-/

26 June 2015, 10:32

Ben STONE
Good work Gareth. Is there nothing this site can't do?

26 June 2015, 11:16

Kerry COX
I barely have time for my build because of this place, as I am always fascinated by just how much help and support happens here. I love it. 🙂 👍

26 June 2015, 11:22

Gareth Windsor
It's always good to have somewhere you can go for help and support! My name is Gareth, I'm a habitual modelmaker, I have a problem. lol

27 June 2015, 08:59

Kerry COX
Is there an echo in here, in here, in here.? LOL 🙂

27 June 2015, 09:16

Gareth Windsor
😉

27 June 2015, 09:47

Kerry COX
You too......Mmmmmm🙂 👍

27 June 2015, 12:08

Bernhard Schrock
Great idea for an diorama and magnificent scratch-work Kerry!! I love you boxes for the Cyclones!

27 June 2015, 18:32

Kerry COX
Bernhard, I get the feeling that the shipping boxes are a tad 'over scale'. but I will leave it as it is for the moment. :-/
Thank you so much for your compliments, and your opinion, as it is of great value to me to know your 'in my corner' so to speak, as it is a big task I have taken on, and I am only now just realising I should have had this planned months ago, But, that's what we do at times. :-/
Cheers mate. 🙂 👍

27 June 2015, 19:30

Christian Bruer
Wow very nice and fast progress. Looks nice and I can't wait to see more!

27 June 2015, 19:42

Kerry COX
Christian, Thanks mate for your kind words of encouragement. 🙂
I have put myself "Under the hammer' now, and I am just waiting for some extra bits from overseas to give the picture in my mind some sense of contentment with what I am doing.
I am keeping some things 'under my hat' for the rest of the build, but I will post the odd 'progress' report. LOL 🙂
Cheers. 🙂 👍

27 June 2015, 19:48

Clifford Keesler
What can I say? Just totally awesome.

28 June 2015, 04:01

Kerry COX
Clifford, When I first opened my B-17G when I was a kid and pulled out the colour insert of the pranged B-17 by Shep Payne, I was inspired to one day, "Do something like he does", and this dio is my humble attempt to show that I think I have matured enough to 'have a go', and I am hoping I can do his inspiration justice.🙂

28 June 2015, 05:51

Clifford Keesler
It is looking like you will so far.

28 June 2015, 19:18

Choppa Nutta
Shaping up nicely 👍 🙂
Can you set your "teaser" to the beginner of your latest photo batch ? 😄

28 June 2015, 19:28

Ján Hrabik
Hi Kerry, i see picture 121 and my opinion is that better will be made color triangels with numbers, decal seems to "hard", mainly number 2 is unrealistic...

28 June 2015, 19:47

Kerry COX
Jan, I am wondering what your meaning by picture 121, as that is the whole decal and it is not made up of other decals, and this is the 'colours' of "Thunderbird".
google.com.au/url?sa..ust=1435608506197236

28 June 2015, 20:09

Kerry COX
The "Teaser". 🙂

29 June 2015, 09:57

Gareth Windsor
wow Kerry, this is coming on a treat.

29 June 2015, 10:10

Kerry COX
I need to have an opinion Gareth.
I am working out wether I should go with the larger base or the smaller one the teaser is on. ?

29 June 2015, 10:31

Gareth Windsor
Well Mr Cox, let's be practical about this. How big is the cabinet it going in? I was looking at the build thinking "where the bloody hell is that going". I think you could afford for the base to be a little bigger and recreate more of the scene from the photograph, but to be honest the size you have there now with all the goodies going is should be good. I think I know what you're thinking, danger of making it too busy, but the real thing wouldn't be too spread out and with a 4 engine change it would be busy……My final thought, go in inch wider all round so the plane isn't hanging over (less likely to knock her) and a little extra room at the front for the truck, bikes and tools. Might even be able to fit in a small field tent behind one of the wings used to keep tool, spare parts and paperwork dry.

29 June 2015, 11:38

Kerry COX
That is exactly what I wanted to see Gareth.
Overcrowding would "Choke" the whole thing, and the base underneath is just as you described, and the next pic you will see is the larger base with the 'spread' and I think the size will be what you are talking about.

29 June 2015, 12:11

Gareth Windsor
just read that back, should read "go an inch wider"

29 June 2015, 12:14

Kerry COX
Take a look at the new update, with a lot more room and easier on the eye, and you can "take it all in".

29 June 2015, 12:22

Choppa Nutta
Teaser still set to first picture !! 😄 😄 😄

Anyhow, moving along 🙂
My view on model bases is that the plan view of the diorama should be at least large enough to encompass the span of the model so nothing over hangs the edges such that each edge of the dio can be pushed up against a wall without touching any of the models on the diorama 🙂
So looking at the photo I'd say about another 15% larger would do it 😄

That is my penneths worth 😉

29 June 2015, 12:34

Choppa Nutta
yeah, just like the last photo, everything inside the frame 🙂

29 June 2015, 12:35

Kerry COX
I really appreciate the input guys, as I was not too sure if I was just going too big for the sake of it, but now that the stuff is basically all I have, it will have to be a reasonable spread, as it took a lot of ground crew to effect a full engine change, as the photos I have seen indicate.
Our build is looking good guy's. LOL 😉

29 June 2015, 12:40

Rui S
Hi Kerry, I think the main important thinking is, various focal points work better then a crowd spread around, so it will all depend on the right positioning of the main subject and the configuration of the base.
For example, in a square type base, if you position the main subject in a 45º angle in a way that the nose, tail and the wing tips, in direction to the corners of the base, might permit a smaller base with less residual (negative) spaces, even if the main subject is not in a central position.
A rectangular base with the same positioning (the main subject angled but not in a central position) will leave a bigger residual space to add other focal points with the right positioning.
You have to play with them to find the best result, because the height of the various subjects can also take a lot of protagonism, but I think you know all that, better them me 🙂

29 June 2015, 12:40

Kerry COX
Rui, I have moved the 17' around to various positions, and I see in the photos I have, there is quite a bit of activity in the back ground, like a mess tent and material from inside the aircraft on the ground, but I will get the 'balance' before too long, as it is a "canvas" and the strokes have not painted the stoty yet, but it will grow.
I really thank you for you observations and suggestions mate.
Cheers. 😉

29 June 2015, 12:48

Ján Hrabik
Hi Kerry, sorry, i wrote it bad...my opinion was, that number two is on wrong position in your model, you can see on linked sheet and all numbers are moved on one side...number 2 in your model is "in the air"...look on link you send, and you find, that decals in link are different that decals on your model...

29 June 2015, 15:26

Hanno Kleinecke
I couldn't explain why, but I like the bigger Base better. The overall proportions just look more harmonic to me. Great to see it all come together now. 🙂

29 June 2015, 15:48

Choppa Nutta
yeah the small base looks to cluttered, give it a little room to breath 🙂

29 June 2015, 16:17

Christian Ristits
Really great work Kerry, definitely like to see more of it!

29 June 2015, 16:34

Mike Grant
I'm going to be the voice of dissension here; I think the smaller base looks much better. I understand it's more crowded, but the visual tension created by the aircraft breaking the boundaries of the base makes it much more dynamic and dramatic.

29 June 2015, 17:29

Choppa Nutta
mmm I prefer the endless vista feeling and plus hanger rash might be increased with wings hanging over edges

29 June 2015, 20:32

Kerry COX
Ok, Now, I just might go "Middle ground" and look for a base that will be the in between of the two, and that way, I can address all the suggestions and comments and have a happy ending.
I really am not happy with either of the bases I currently have, and it's for all the reasons you have all said, such as exceeding the 'boundary' with the overhang into the dio next to me if there is one, And trying to 'fill' the spaces of the larger base with the possibility of losing the 'focus' on the engine work, as the focus I am seeking is on the 'activity' surrounding the huge amount of work and material that it takes to do such a huge job 'in the field' with no hangar or workshop in sight.
So, I am not rejecting any thoughts or ideas at all, if anything, I am taking all you have said and using it as best I can, having never built a dio like this in my life, it was why I turned to my scalemates for their input, and it has all been invaluable, almost like a group build.
Your all my hero's.
Thanks guys. 👍 🙂

29 June 2015, 22:35

Es-haq Khosravi
Great job!

29 June 2015, 22:52

Kerry COX
Es-Haq. !!!! G'day mate. Good to see you. 🙂 🙂 👍
Thanks mate. 🙂

29 June 2015, 22:55

Leif Adams
Hmm...I have a question.
So, folks in Australia actually do say, "G'day, mate"? This isn't just something Paul Hogan pushed on an adoring public?
At least you don't say "dude".
Build is coming along awesome, dude!

30 June 2015, 04:28

Rex
Leif, the Aussies are all saying it now so that they can be more like Paul. (LOL, sorry, all of you from OZ, but, I could not resist) I'll sit back now and wait for all the anti-Jarhead jokes from the Aussies that I now richly deserve. (But, Dudes, you gotta admit, it was too good an opening to resist)

30 June 2015, 05:09

Kerry COX
And thanks for your compliments too gents, I appreciate them. 🙂 👍.

30 June 2015, 06:12

Gareth Windsor
Another school day Sensei Kerry. Very good

2 July 2015, 19:27

Kerry COX
Gotta learn em' good mate. LOL 🙂

2 July 2015, 20:12

Rex
As I said, I was just taking a shot at you guys. Y'all oughta hear five old Jarheads in a group, taking shots at what each of them used to do in the Corps. "jump??, you jumped out of airplanes??,,,,,while they could still fly??, what is wronggg with you??" "Silly Ramp Roaches, scurrying around everywhere I try to land" "Try to land??, if you were any good at it, you would call it 'landing', not 'trying to land' ", and my own favorite "yes, we dragged the chains back out for your next landing, but, don't forget our case of Pabst"

2 July 2015, 20:36

Kerry COX
It is a "lingo" all of it's own in all the services, like my son who is a submariner hates "Skimmers" (surface vessels) and is proud to be a "Pusser" (Sailor), called that because in the early days of sail, there was an issue of rum given out, and the rum was made by "Pussers" distillery. !!And when submariners here get their 'Dolphins' they are handed them in a shot of rum, which they must scoff in one hit, including the "D's"
Great rivalry, no matter who or where you belonged. 🙂 👍

2 July 2015, 20:51

Leif Adams
Dudes! Another dialect question...
You mentioned Yanks saying "wadayasay"? When you say Yanks, do you mean just mean USA folks? Or Americans from the East Coast of the US? Really just curious. (My wife is a linguist and she loves this stuff.)
The reason I ask is, where I was a little one in Mississippi, Yank meant any whose state was part of the Union during the War of Secession. My family was from Illinois...we were Yanks. And the Whadayasay thing? I have never heard that and am surprised! Do tell...

2 July 2015, 22:54

Kerry COX
Yank is what the world calls Americans, and I know all about the Mason Dixon line and Yankees and the whadahyahsay was all I ever heard the Americans in Viet Nam say to each other or people they didn't know, like us saying'G'daymadeowyagoin' orite?"😭Meaning, Good day mate, how are you going.? Alright ??) When it's said quickly and it becomes one long word, as she is spoke.🙂

2 July 2015, 23:15

Leif Adams
Neat! I had never heard that...and AM a Yank. Very interesting. Thank you, Kerry!

3 July 2015, 03:09

Kerry COX
In Australia, we have a different 'twang' and accent in various places, but not as noticeable as it is with the American accent, such as the Brooklyn, or drawl of the south and the heavy 'r's' of the west coast, but it's there. As for the Britts, !! now there is a whole different kettle of fish !! :-/.
Cheers. 🙂 👍

3 July 2015, 04:40

Gareth Windsor
Hey, steady on there old bean, I say, what what.

3 July 2015, 06:15

Kerry COX
LOL, And I thought no one was listening. 🙂 👍.

3 July 2015, 07:05

Holger Kranich
I read this with interest. 🙂
A Yankee is someone who lives in the US. But especially in the southern states. But that is my cup of tea, dont know if this is right;)! This discussion reminds me of the rivalry of northern and southern germans. But thats another story😄😄

3 July 2015, 07:21

Rex
You have that slightly mixed up, Holger. You have the part that says a Yank is an American in the eyes of the rest of the world. But, as a Northern man that has moved to the South, I can categorically clear up any confusion of the North-South thing. I was born up North, in Wisconsin,,,,and to my new neighbors dowan heyah, I am *still* a Yankee after 23 years here. But, the sad part is that I have been down here in Dixie so long that I have "picked up the tune" enough that when I go back up north to see my Yankee family, my accent causes me to stick out up there too.

3 July 2015, 07:45

Holger Kranich
Oh what a dilemma for ya, Rex! Thanks for explaining this Yankee thing! 😄

3 July 2015, 09:10

Gareth Windsor
Well my poor wife has picked up the British accent (although she thinks she hasn't) which is a source of amusement to her friends when we go back to Canada. To make it worse she has picked up some of the Cornish slang and a few of my Naval words.

3 July 2015, 11:58

Holger Kranich
LOL!

3 July 2015, 12:09

Kerry COX
Not good, I think you better tell her to put them down and to stop picking things up that may be harmful. LOL 🙂

3 July 2015, 14:15

Album info

This B-17G was part of a group that had been bombing the Germans as they were retreating back up Italy.
But as they were making their way to home base, Mt Vesuvius had decided to throw an ash cloud into the afternoon sky, 23rd March 1944, and it was one of the biggest erruptions since it devistated Pompeii in 79 AD.
In 1944, as the allies were capturing more and more territory in Italy, the heavy bomber groups were starting to use the captured air fields and Amendola Airfield was home base for this bomb group, and the Amendola Airfield just happened to be about 100 miles East of Mt Vesuvius in a straight line.

at that point in time, all aircraft commanders were unaware of the ash cloud by not being able to see it, as it was getting dark, and as a result, a few of these bombers flew through some of the ash cloud, which had dissipated quite a bit but what was in the air was enough to damage the engines, and thankfully, their home base was a short distance away.

So, the resulting damage from the ash being ing

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