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Could that engine have been more fiddly to do? While doing all that piping where did you get the extra hands/fingers to hold stuff in place?

With the fuselage and wing in the filling/sanding/priming stages, I turned my attention to the engine and the prop..... For those of you old enough to remember when Saturday Night Live was funny, as Rosanna Rosannadanna said: "if it's notta one thing, it's a somethinga else"! Turns out the engine I had wanted to use (and every other engine on hand) was `1/4" too small in diameter. That's a scale foot too small! Since no one makes a resin P&W R-1690 that meant I'd have to "enlarge" the engine on hand. It was enlarged by first removing every cylinder from the crankcase and then installing thick punched discs at the bottom of each one. This pic shows the plastic sheet used to make the discs and the half round rod used to detail the tops of each cylinder. I used my trusty (and now rusty) old Waldron punch set to do the job! Since the cylinders were now longer, the original push rods had to be cut away from the crankcase cover and individually installed to fit. Since they'll all be covered by the oil cooler cover, those gaps at the bottom of each one won't be seen. Once the engine was the proper size and the front and cylinder tops detailed, I worked on the rear side.... The white intake/exhaust manifold ring was made by first drawing it on paper in order to get its 9-sided design and then copied onto sheet plastic laminated to the proper thickness. Holes were drilled in its top edges and into the rear or each cylinder for the intake and exhaust piping. Solder wire was then bent to shape and cut to length to make each set of pipes. Drops of superglue where pipes join will resemble "welds" after painting (I hope!). By the way.... as for the exhaust pipe arrangement.... I've seen at least 3 different "ways" in various pics and so felt free to make this design with 2 sets of pipes for each side of the plane since I couldn't pin down any "one" accurate design. The 4 pics above show how the finished engine and exhaust piping looks when mounted. I may add a few more small bolt heads here and there for additional detailing, but it's essentially done. I had no prop of the proper size either in my spares box and couldn't find one to order either so I "Frankensteined" one from spare prop hubs and blades. It still needs some cleanup here and there (the blades will be chromed!) and I may also add some counterweights for detail, but it's also essentially done. I have to say I was a little bummed out when I realized I'd have to modify the engine, but it went much smoother and faster than I thought it would in the end, all of the above work (including building the prop) taking about 4-5hrs. Now back to the fuselage! As always, critiques, comments, and questions are welcome! Gil

First I'd like to thank you for following my WIP , it's quite appreciated ! Here another space related project I been working on , its the COLLECT-AIR BOEING X-20 DYNASOAR ! (MAY 12th) today ,I I repair the panle lines and gave another coat of primeur !! If you like to view the complete WIP , just follow this Google link to my personal page: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Rjsjms9BhTrbnhYDA If you like to view the other space related project I have done so far , just follow this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ov2R8HFSA26iDpms5 Enjoy ! Jmarc

First ,I'd like to thank you for following this WIP , it's quite appreciated GLENCOE 1/48 USCG 36 FOOT RESCUE BOAT ! (MAY 12th ).....Today , I start the side decals ! If you like to view the complete WIP of this one , follow this GOOGLE link... https://photos.app.goo.gl/EfNcXnQDo6g2vL5B7 If you are curious and like to see the other 1/48 ship ,I have built , just follow this Google link to my personal page : https://photos.app.goo.gl/cpC5Q6puZkJTQ2mHA Enjoy Jmarc

First I'd like to thank you for following this post ,it's quite appreciated ! BOEING INCITUS MQ-27 / CU-169 SCAN EAGLE 1/48 ( 3dPRINTED +MODIFICATION) (MAY 11th ) Today I continue adding the details !! If you like to view the complete WIP on this project , just follow this Google link : https://photos.app.goo.gl/jrWyBiNZSJHCUknZ9 If you like to view all the DRONES I have done so far in 1/48 , just follow this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/mjGm69hDKYaDuFNX6 Enjoy ! Jmarc

As you hear from them government types: I cannot confirm or deny that report either..... after checking several of my books...... I guess it may boil down to how much do you trust the researchers at Eduard? The last thing they'd want is to put decals in a kit that they could be gigged on by the modeling community. If you trust them, you can use them and always fall back on the "fault" lying with the manufacturer IF and when someone questions the insignia. The red surround star/bar was not in use for a long time, and generally added around existing stars, so the lack of white in the star portion of the insignia implies this was a totally fresh painting and not an addition to an existing insignia. BUT, the gray/white Atlantic scheme was also relatively new then too, so a repaint of the entire plane and then also of all of its insignia isn't all that odd sounding. Operations may have dictated the plane getting flown before painting the white in that last insignia was finished, but then it would've been nice for Eduard to specifically mention that to allay suspicions like yours. Unless someone here can provide a better answer, my only suggestion is to email Eduard and ask them what specific reference they based their kit markings on. Best of luck! Gil

First I'd like to thank you for following this post , it's quite appreciated ! 1/48 CONSOLIODATED B-24J LIBERATOR (MONOGRAM) (MAY 12th ) Today I continue the modification ! If you like to follow the complete WIP on this project , I have set up an GOOGLE page, just follow this link .. https://photos.app.goo.gl/NtNSgh1zJgx9jRSx5 If you like to view the other BELL UH-1 HUEY projects I have done so far .,just follow this link : https://photos.app.goo.gl/DqxAFqjkYiFPMMY47 Enjoy ! Jmarc

Show Shout Out and Bench UpdateView the full article

They did--in 1944. The markings in question were in 1943, when VC-13 still flew F4Fs. VC-13

If I remember right....and that's big IF, VC-13 had FM-2s.

The Gateway Chapter of IPMS will hold its 20th annual Invitational model contest and swap meet on Saturday, September 19, 2026. It will be held at the Madison County Fairgrounds, located at 2025 Park Hill Dr. in Highland, Illinois. This is a new location for the Invitational. The show opens to the public at 9 a.m. and runs to approximately 3 p.m. (All times are Central Time.) Admission is $5 for adults and free for children aged 12 and under. Admission plus unlimited model registrations are $10 for adults and free for children aged 12 and under. Model registration and viewing are from 9 a.m. to noon. The contest has 35 categories, including juniors, and there will be 10 "Best of" awards. The Special Contest Category is "Red, White, and Blue," for any model with a paint scheme or markings including those colors. This references America's Semi Quincentennial Anniversary. Additionally, there will be hobby vendors, a display-only area, and a model kit raffle benefitting the club. Show chairperson Bill Wagner may be reached at 314-951-4936 or at startechbill@gmail.com. For more show information, please visit the Gateway Chapter IPMS Contest website: https://sites.google.com/view/ipmsgatewaychapter/contest Show flyer is attached. (NOTE: The 51st anniversary on the flyer refers to Gateway Chapter, NOT to the Invitational.) 2026 gateway.pdf

I have the Eduard 1/48 F4F-4 Wildcat late Weekend Edition kit (item #84204). One of the four markings options is for a Wildcat of VC-13 on USS Core (CVE-13) in August 1943. This aircraft has the ASWN I scheme (dark grey, light gray, white) for the Atlantic. The decals include US national insignia with the red border, with the option for the blue border. According to the color scheme and decal placement notes on the instruction sheet (pg. 13), the upper wing insignia is blue and red with NO white for the star and side bars; this insignia is directly on the dark gray upper wing surface. (The same insignia is used on the lower wing surface which is white. Is this really correct? I am quite sure the US national insignia of the time had the white stars and bars on all placements 9upper left wing, lower right wing, fuselage sides). The fuselage insignias are red, white, and blue, but the wing insignias are red and blue only. My scan of this instruction sheet page is attached. Can anyone prove or disprove these markings? I have had no luck so far in trying to confirm or deny this via references I have checked to date. Thank you in advance for whatever help you can give me in this matter. Bob

I seldom use Testors Dullcoat anymore due to its tendency to yellow over time, but do have some on hand and can give this a try (the same method may work on other brands as well). Interestingly, this may help with the "yellowing" too..... I was probably spraying MORE Dullcoat on trying to get a "flatter" finish and all of that extra coating allowed for the yellow to show easier. Using this method may give me the flat finish desired with a minimal of clear coating and eliminate any yellowing down the road! Thanks for the tip! Gil

Thanks for following the WIP on this project , it's quite appreciated !, here the latest update AVRO C.102 JETLINER (3D +SCRATCH) (MAY 11th ) Today , I sanded the work done last week ,and apply another coat of putty and sand it again , then I start to adjust the nose wheel well ! If you like to view the complete WIP on this project , just follow this Google link : https://photos.app.goo.gl/uvk6ymGqZHgpWDaR9 If you like to view what I have completed so far on the AVRO CANADA project , I have set up an GOOGLE page for them , here the link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/FpZs5m3ic3c3eL329 Enjoy and it's an 'rendez-vous' next week for more on this particular project..!. Jmarc

Thank you for following the 'WIP' on this project ,it's quite appreciated ! (MAY 11th)...Today I painted and continue adding the movable parts on the 2 wings ! f you like to see the complete WIP on this project , just follow this Google link : https://photos.app.goo.gl/1W6Eu6c7EvJeyLGT6 If you are curious and like to view the SCI-FI kits I have done in the past ,just follow this link : https://photos.app.goo.gl/D2FAQcJCoNhHNjkdA Enjoy ! jmarc

First I'd like to thank you for following this WIP it's quite appreciated ! (MAY 11th)...Today I continue adding the missing details on the ceiling of the sub ! If you like to see the complete WIP on this project , just follow this Google link : https://photos.app.goo.gl/EZKenssCafCXix326 If you are curious and like to view the other WWII GERMAN sub I have done in 1/48 , just follow this link : https://photos.app.goo.gl/BcwASAzLsZRq5mQf7 Enjoy ! jmarc

First I'd like to thank you for following this post ,it's quite appreciated ! BOEING INCITUS MQ-27 / CU-169 SCAN EAGLE 1/48 ( 3dPRINTED +MODIFICATION) (MAY 11th ) Today I continue adding the details !! If you like to view the complete WIP on this project , just follow this Google link : https://photos.app.goo.gl/jrWyBiNZSJHCUknZ9 If you like to view all the DRONES I have done so far in 1/48 , just follow this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/mjGm69hDKYaDuFNX6 Enjoy ! Jmarc

First I'd like to thank you for following this post , it's quite appreciated ! 1/48 CONSOLIODATED B-24J LIBERATOR (MONOGRAM) (MAY 11th ) Today I located the ball turret floor parts and start to modified it ! If you like to follow the complete WIP on this project , I have set up an GOOGLE page, just follow this link .. https://photos.app.goo.gl/NtNSgh1zJgx9jRSx5 If you like to view the other BELL UH-1 HUEY projects I have done so far .,just follow this link : https://photos.app.goo.gl/DqxAFqjkYiFPMMY47 Enjoy ! Jmarc

After messing with this a bit, my advice is to start slowly taking out carrier like maybe only 1/8 to 1/4 at first. Test it out and if necessary take out more or less to find the concentration you like. I have also found that each bottle of this stuff varies in the amount of flattening agent in it so you have to be conscious of that variable as well.

VERY cool job! Love the "box" diorama too!

New to me... I'm going to have to give it a try. I'm getting the same "symptoms" with the Vallejo matte. sometimes it is, many times it's not...

Looks terrific!

Thank you Tom! I'm pretty averse to building resin kits, so I'll hold off for now. Besides, as you said the postage would most likely break me!

During World War II, the concept of creating airfields in days, rather than months or years, came about with the use of what was called “Pierced Steel Planking”. These were segments of metal, linked together to form runways, taxiways, and parking areas, to name a few. Its modern day equivalent is the M8A1 Landing Mat. This is a fairly simple, straight-forward kit. Six sprues, each containing one section of matting, comprised the entire kit. The instructions show two different ways of creating a rectangular mat, and I build the 2nd version. The only downside I have to mention is that when I assembled the kit, there was a minute gap down the center seam – although I cannot discount the possibility of an erroneous assembly procedure on my part. View the full review