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Hi all, here is my new 1/72 MPM Douglas A-20G Havoc "la france libre": Construction: MPM has created a superb kit in 1/72 for the Douglas Havoc / Boston variants. In 2008 i brought the D-Day Havocs kit variants with the solid gun nose. At first, I wanted to build OOB, but after a while, some details were added scratch: Cockpit: Life raft and details Nose: Brass MG barrels (accessory), fuselage reinforcement, MG ejectors Fuselage: Rudimentary fuselage installation, rear exit Turret: Entire tower structure, brass MG barrels (accessory) Engines: Cables, valve lifters, exhaust pipes, slightly opened cooling flaps Charger: Inlet details, open outlet Gear: Brake lines, resin wheels (accessory) With some creative breaks, I worked on the model for almost 6 months. Original aircraft: My model, the "la france libre" was the first Havoc in Europe with 100 successful mission missions and was called "Miss laid" for a long time. The plane was sent to Paris in the autumn of 1944 for the French liberation celebration as a part of an exhibition and renamed for this reason. Most of the Havocs were heavily weathered. Source: worldwarphotos.info Finish: I wanted to transfer the impression of the original photo above to my model. The paintjob was started as standard for me on an Alclad Airframe aluminum primer. After that preshading, three glazing layers per colour, painting scratches with a silver pin, masking and painting of the walk-ways, masking, painting and weathering of the invasion stripes, intermediate finish with future, decals, washing, painted exhaust gas traces, dust oil paints, chalks etc. etc. Walkaround: Bottom: Details: I hope you like my model. Criticism, notes, and comments are gladly welcome. Kai

One of my more recent work, the immaculate Skyraider. Here seen in the colours of VA-176. Modelled in Modo with very little Photoshop post render work needed on this one, more or less just changed the contrast and added a tiny bit of grainy 'noise' to the image.

Calling all Invader experts! For a TB-26 was the gun laying apparatus in the rear section removed? Where the turrets blanked over with circular flat plates? I think from memory that the Airfix kit includes these plates? What are the gun arrangement options. Many I am looking to build have them set in a horizontal plane rather that the two vertical sets of 4 in the Airfix and Italeri kits. Thanks. Martin

Came across this recently. I thought it was an unusual subject. Thusly one model was purchased The box, shows it with wheels; However, included in the parts are floats as well as wheels; The decals. The box says you can build any of of the 5 of these; but you can't really. Each was named for a US city [Boston/Boston II/Chicago/New Orleans/Seattle] and the name 'Seattle' is not provided. The red centre dot on the star is printed off-set so I'll have to replace them with decals from the files. I'll probably paint the rudder stripes too. Instructions are on two sides of a B3 sized page. One side has the history and detail information, the other has the building/ marking/rigging details. Two tiny bits of thin clear plastic are provided for the cockpits' windscreens, circled here Four Douglas World Cruisers set off in April 1924 to fly around the world. Only two made it back. 'Seattle' crashing early on, and 'Boston' crashing on part of the last section across the Atlantic. 'Boston II' was the original un-named trainer for the crews and was hurriedly sorted and named and joined 'Chicago' and 'New Orleans' for the very final section. The last two are preserved in museums. The DWC started off with floats, then changed to wheels for about half the flight, then back to floats then back to wheels. This kit allows you to mainly build one of the two preserved DWC. The instructions are clear on that and advise on a few small changes if you want to build a DWC as they started out. Thats what I'll be doing - well thats the plan anyway First job, maybe tomorrow, is to drill the holes for the rigging. I use the monofilament fishing line in holes right through the wings method. It suits me well. Some flash needs removed from parts too. Here I would like to publically thank the people who have taken photos of the preserved DWC and posted them on the internet. I have save some to my reference file for this and those photos show me rigging details, fuel lines etcetera PS; What Humbrol green would be best/closest/nearly right for the green on this? Instructions says 'Khaki'. Any suggestions?

Welcome to a quick build of the Monogram 1/82nd scale Douglas RB-66A Destroyer. The Douglas RB-66A Destroyer was supposed to have been a straightforward adaptation of the A-3 Skywarrior for the U.S. Air Force to replace the RB-57A Canberra. There were to be three versions of the B-66; an RB-66A recon platform, an EB-66 ELINT version, and a WB-66 weather recon version, and it was believed that no prototypes would be required. In practice the aircraft produced was an almost new design which was overweight and underpowered. Five pre-production RB-66A aircraft were produced and none of these were used operationally. The first aircraft was serial 52-2828. The kit itself was first released by Monogram back in 1955 and was scaled at 1/82 to 'fit the box'. It originally had a mechanism to open the bomb bay doors and release a bomb, it had heavily raised detail including rivets but was spared outlines for decals. This version is dated 1995 and was purchased in a model shop in Minneapolis. The build belongs here because it is marked as 52-2828 and the kit contains a non-standard nose boom which would only have been used for test instrumentation. The parts of the kit come on one long sprue, I have already removed most of the main parts and sanded them. The instructions are contained on one page! These old kits fascinate me and I look forward to seeing how this one turns out. I am between almost finishing the new Airfix H.P. Victor B.2 and starting an FB-111A for the F-111 STGB so I just want to have a bit of quick fun with this oldie Thanks to TonyT for helping me with the detail. Michael

Olimp Models is to release a 1/72nd Douglas TBD-1 Devastator kit - ref.P72-007 Source: http://www.olimpmodelsgroup.com/ Box art + sprues CADs V.P.

Hi, I'm calling this done. It's the new tool Airfix kit with Rocketeer decals (I didn't get on well with these). Thanks to Paul J for the blister window, though I have come to realise it should be tear drop shaped, please don't chastise me! Finished with Tamiya acrylics. Untitled by bryn robinson, on Flickr Untitled by bryn robinson, on Flickr Untitled by bryn robinson, on Flickr Untitled by bryn robinson, on Flickr Untitled by bryn robinson, on Flickr

Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless 1:48 Eduard Limited Edition The Douglas SBD Dauntless was a Naval Dive Bomber and Scout aircraft developed by Douglas for the US Navy. The SBD being Scout Bomber Douglas. Design work on the aircraft was started back in 1935 by the then Northtrop Corporation under the designation BT-1. Northrop being taken over by Douglas in 1937. The design was modified to become the BT-2. This was ordered by both the US Navy and Marine Corps. The original SBD-1, and later SBD-2 (with increased range and different armament) were the first two types deployed. The USMC getting the 1 in late 1940, and the USN the 2 in early 1941. One of the main features of the aircraft were the split flaps, more commonly referred to as Dive Brakes which were designed to stop tail buffeting in dives. The SBD-3 was to follow in 1941 which had increased armour, self sealing fuel tanks, and four machine guns. The SDB-5 followed and was to become the most produced variant with 2965 being built). This aircraft had a 1200 hp engine, and increased ammunition capacity. The Royal Navy was to evaluate the SBD-5 but not take it on. As well as use by the USMC & USN the SND-5 would be used by the Royal New Zealand Navy, and the French who used them against the Germans in Western France in early 1945, and lastly in Indochina in 1947. The US Army would use the A-24 Banshee of which the A-24B was equivalent to the SBD-5, but with the tail hook removed. The A-24s survived long enough to be incorporated into the new USAF inventory where they would become F-24s. The Kit The kit is a Boxing where Eduard have taken the Accurate Miniatures plastic, added two sheets of photo etch; brassin wheels & guns; and a full set of cockpit/wheel masks. Construction starts in the conventionally enough in the cockpit area. The Instrument panel (which is on the clear sprue) has virtually all of the raised detail replaces by PE parts. This is ten added to the main cockpit floor. Various side control columns and linkages are then added. Once this is done the floor is put aside for later. There is then an extensive set of parts which need to be fitted into each side of the main fuselage. First the rear bulkhead goes in, along with all of the control levers for the engine and bomb release gear. All of these are replaced by PE in this kit. Other control, boxes, radio equipment and ancillary gear is installed. Again a lot of this is enhanced by, or replaced by PE. The rear gunners seat is made up, again with PE enhancements and installed. The pilots seat and armoured back is then installed. PE belts are provided for both seats. Once all of these parts are in the main fuselage can be closed up and the cockpit floor can then be added from the underside. The wings can then be attached to the main fuselage. These are a conventional one part lower wing with upper left/right parts. Once the main wings are on the instructions would have the modeller attach the tail planes, though I suspect most will leave these until later on. Depending on the version being modelled the tail wheel can be replaced and the arrestor hook added. Construction then move onto the front of the aircraft. The front fuselage parts (left & right) are glued together and the forward firing guns to the top are added. The engine is assembled and added to the front of the aircraft. Once this is on the cowling can be added. The modeller then moves onto the underside of the aircraft. The landing gear legs are added along with the gear door. The kit wheels are replaced with resin ones. Here two styles of hubs are provided for the wheels, but Eduard make no mention of which style is to be used for you preferred building option (I guess its back to doing your research). The main dive brake is added along with the bomb racks and their bombs. Wing antenna are then added along with the wing mounted dive brakes. We then move to the rear gunners area. Complete new resin guns along with mounts are provided, with the gun armour being in PE, along with some smaller parts, and the ammo belt. The rear guns are a small model kit in their own right. Care will be needed with the parts but when done the par of guns should really look good. The last parts to add to the model are the external aerial antenna, propeller and the glazing. A one part canopy is provided, as is a multipart one. With all the effort and PE going into the cockpit are it would be a shame to box it all in. Full masks are supplied in the kit for the whole canopy. Decals The decal sheet provides 5 sets of markings for the diverse users of the aircraft. The sheet is printed by Cartograf and should pose no problems. No. 25 Sqn Royal New Zeeland Air Force, Piva, Bougainville, April 1944. US Marine Corps Sqn VMS-3, Virgin Islands, Spring 1944. US MArine Corps Sqn VMSB-331, Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands, Spring 1944. USAAF A-24 Banshee 407th Bomb Group, Amchitka, Alaska, Summer 1944. French Navy or Aeronavlae, 4°Flotile, Western France, Early 1945. Conclusion Eduard have taken what is already a great kit and added the right level of embellishment to make it into an excellent kit. Highly recommended for this one. Review sample courtesy of

Geromy has recently released a 1/48th Douglas DB-8A resin kit The model is available in limited supply Source: http://www.geromybv.nl/epages/61575298.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/61575298/Products/1503 V.P.

Whilst scrapping more plastic I was listening to the HHGTTG audio books - a valiant attempt at all 6 books of the trilogy - it struck me I've never even heard of, let alone seen, a Heart of Gold... Does one exist, either the 81 or 05 version, however improbable it may seem? ..... For the uninitiated: HHGTTG Heart of Gold (1981) http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/powerlisting/images/e/e8/Heart_of_Gold.png/revision/latest?cb=20140802061622 Heart of Gold (2005) http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/hitchhikers/images/9/9f/Heartofgold_exterior1.jpg/revision/latest/top-crop/width/195/height/195?cb=20080507001801 Infinite Improbability Drive http://science.howstuffworks.com/10-fictional-spacecraft-we-wish-were-real4.htm If there isn't then...

Deciding what to do for the future EB-66E build once I have cleared a space - its a big lump for a 72nd scale kit! Looks like a backate to a RB-66B is out due to lack of clear references to the camera positions and details, so OOB EB it is. Decided to go with the sharkmouth 54-438 simply because you don't see it often on such big birds. Nice picture of it p22 of the Aerofax monograph - but in 4 colour not 3 colour camo the kit instructions say. In itself not a problem except theres lack of an overall set of pix to complete the scheme. Can anyone help? .... It wasn't a one off panel or partial repaint as there are ages scattered shots of others with similar light+dark tan & greens but limited to partial side shots. If I could get a look from above then I could guesstimate the pattern using the standard 3 tone tan/field green/dark green. Note: appears to be JW coded birds only from what I've seen with the ref pic being 42nd TEWS/388TFW and maybe a Vietnam mod removed during a later stateside repaint (iaw with standard + kit scheme)

I've always fancied making an all black Korea bird, or a late Vietnam Electric wizzy, wither USN or USMC. (Also used by the US Army too, but details are scarce to say the least. I suspect test aircraft only?) Can I safely assume the Sword release has been abandoned? So that leaves: 72: Matchbox or 48: Encore A choice between an old kit in my preferred scale) or an expensive one. I know there are issues reported with the fit of the matchbox canopy, and lack of cockpit detail is pretty much a given, so a rare trip to the aftermarket will be likely to achieve food results. Have I missed anything? If I stumble across a MB kit is it still worth the effort considering the lack of competition (note: whilst I don't mind basic detail I don't want to be filling trenches)

Lone Star Models is to release a 1/48th Douglas (N.A.) O-47 resin kit in 2016 2018 2022 2023 - ref.?? Source: http://www.lonestarmodels.com/completekits.html V.P.

C-47 as used by Pionair Air Charters, pics by Graeme H. This aircraft is now retired to The Ashburton Aviation Museum in New Zealand.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.859839390730689.1073741846.134774536570515&type=3 V.P.

Special Hobby is to reissue its 1/72nd Douglas Digby Mk.1 kit (https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/SH72251) - ref.72252. Source: http://www.mpmkits.eu/search?updated-min=2015-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2016-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=2 A German in-box review with pics : http://www.ipmsdeutschland.de/FirstLook/Special_Hobby/SH_Douglas_Digby_Mk_I/SH_Douglas_Digby_Mk_I.html V.P.

Squadron Model (http://www.squadron.com/) brand Encore Models has just re-released the much demanded 1/48th Czech Model Douglas F3D-2 Skyknight kit in limited edition (1000 ex) - ref.EC48004 Source: http://www.squadron.com/1-48-Encore-Models-F3D-2-Skynight-p/ec48004.htm V.P.

Hello Guys, Below are the images of my "Final Reveal" for the Tamiya 1/48 Douglas A-1J Skyraider. After the images, I will include some notes regarding this build; my opinions of the kit in terms of quality, cost, value for money etc and any points to look out for if you decide to buy and build this kit. I hope you like the following views, and, forgive me for all the photos, but I always have a problem trying to decide what to show! I bought this kit for $32.00 from Hobbylinc.com last year, but it is now for sale from their website at $33.29: http://www.hobbylinc.com/tamiya-douglas-a-1j-skyraider-usaf-attack-aircraft-plastic-model-airplane-kit-1:48-scale-61073 Quality of molded product: The parts are molded well, zero flash on the majority of parts and if there was flash, it was very little. There were no warped parts and ejector pins were away from seen surfaces. The parts are molded with finely recessed panel lines to aid highlighting them when painting, and every parts details are crisp and faultless. The clear parts were very clear, not thick and there were no blemishes or distortions to disrupt the visual transparency. I give the Quality of molded product a score of 10/10 Quality of Engineering/Fits: This kit literally falls together, and without a shadow of a doubt, this has to be the best kit that I have had the pleasure to put together, out of the 15 I have built to date since starting modeling in January of 2014. The molded parts come loaded with nice details within the cockpit, on the undercarriage and the exterior surfaces. I give the Quality of Engineering/Fits a score of 10/10 Assembly and Painting Instructions: The assembly instructions come in black and white and they are clear, concise and easy to follow with each part clearly numbered along with the Tamiya color code for that part to be painted in. There is a separate sheet for painting guides for two Squadron markings. A full size view sheet is included that can be used as a paper mask for when painting your model. I always take a few photo-copies of this sheet and use the copies for this task. I give the instructions a score of 10/10 Decals: There is one sheet of decals that do not include the smaller stencils such as "Danger", "No Step" "Caution" etc and therefore, there are only 28 decals to put onto this model. That includes the 4 decals that go onto the propeller- one on each blade. The decals are thicker than normal, take a long time to release from the backing paper and some are delicate when applying to the plane. I had one tear on me, but I managed to position the two torn parts together to hide the tear. Be careful and patient when using these decals. I give the decals a score of 6 out of 10. Packaging: There are four bags of light grey/beige sprues and a bag with a clear sprue inside. These are within a card exterior box base and lid which is pretty sturdy, has great artwork and some images of the finished model in the two different color/marking schemes on two opposite sides of the box. I give the packaging 9/10 Value for money: 10/10! Would I recommend this kit...a resounding YES, ABSOLUTELY!! It offers a great looking build with two full sprues of weapons/ordnance and options for layout of those weapons. It includes a nicely detailed cockpit that looks great built OOB! There are options to have the rear canopy open or closed, the two fuselage and one ventral air-brake doors open or closed, the ailerons posed up or down, a detailed radial engine and a Pilot figure to finish it off. There are after-market extras that can be purchased for enhancing this kit, such as resin cockpit tub and ejector seats, PE parts and resin bombs and undercarriage, should you feel the need to "enhance" this kit further, although in my opinion it looks great built OOB. My only two "issues" with this kit are; 1) The decals; if Tamiya were to include Cartograf decals into this kit, it would have a perfect score of 10 out of 10. 2) The artwork on the box illustrates a "Whip Antenna" on the port-side of the fuselage next to the rear sliding canopy, but this isn't included in the kit. I therefore scratch built the Whip Antenna" mounting block by carving/sanding the end of a piece of sprue and cutting it off. I then stuck this to the end of a cocktail stick and painted it black. I then made the Antenna by using the "Stretched Sprue" method and cut a piece to length, stuck it to the mounting block and painted that black. When it was dry, I mounted it to the plane. If you're thinking of buying this kit, think no more, go ahead, make your day, you won't be disappointed!! Below is my "Final Reveal" YouTube video link for this build: https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=hzqeA71uvB4 Thanks in advance for taking a look and commenting, much appreciated! Cheers, Martin

New to me (but from 2010!), New Ware Space Kits Series (http://mek.kosmo.cz/newware/) proposes a 1/48th Douglas F4D Skyray (Tamiya kit - ref.61055) with NOTS 1958 US Satellite Launch Vehicle - ref.NW013 Source: http://www.aviationmegastore.com/skyray-with-nots-1958-us-sattelite-launch-vehicle--tamiya-nw013-new-ware-space-kits-series-nw013-model-conversion/product/?shopid=LH355008e014dba38dcc7f1b6102&action=prodinfo&parent_id=212&art=128822 V.P.

Douglas A-26 Invader. "Hard to Get" is an A-26 Serial Number 44-35710 displayed at The Cavanaugh Flight Museum, Addison, Texas. This is an airworthy aircraft. Pics thanks to GeorgeUSA.

Combat Models is to release in 2015 a 1/32nd Douglas C-47/DC-3 Skytrain/Dakota vacuform kit Source: http://combatmodels.us/ V.P.

After the One-O-Four (http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234965275-148-lockheed-f-104g-starfighter-by-eduard-hasegawa-rebox-released/), Eduard is to rebox in the same way (with their usual add-ons) the 1/48th Hasegawa's Douglas A-4 Skyhawk kit. Source: http://www.eduard.com/store/out/media/InfoEduard/archive/2015/info-eduard-2015-01EN.pdf V.P.

Hi, all This is my last completion for 2014 - a "Scooter" from Airfix in Vietnam war markings. I liked the construction process a lot - Airfix offering is really well engineered and requires minimum dry fitting and putty. Major modifications made to the kit: - Eduard PE set used wherever appropriate - cockpit, wheel bays, interior surfaces of dropped slats, released flaps, etc. - I armed Scooter with LAU-10 launchers from Hasegawa weapons set. I went for this option as I came across a photo of the prototype with LAU-10 being recharged on board of Intrepid - Bobtail fuel tank supplied by Airfix has a very slim rear part. Kit's standard fuel tanks with stabilisers have better shape. So I did some surgery by cutting standard tank and reshaping its fin to resemble what's seen on photos and drawings. - I added some extra panel lines on underside as Airfix omitted many of them. Not bad actually if you don't like Airfix's engravings.. Markings are for VA-15 'Valions' on board of USS Intrepid in 1966 from Xtradecal set for A-4B. Actually that is the only alternative if you do not like kit's 'Green Lizards' but want a Vietnam A-4B. From what I was able to find on the Web, no other squadrons were equipped with A-4B's in Vietnam. Should I wait for another couple of months - I would definitely buy a resin mod to get an A-4C which allows much wider choice of Vietnam war options. A warning note! Please do not even attempt to apply Airfix red stripes for intake! These decals should be longer and have curved shape to get into place smoothly. I failed to read about this issue in other posts of completed Scooters... So I ended up brush-painting red edges on my intakes trying to match with "danger" arrow color... Stupid oversight from myself and ridiculous error from Airfix The only suspicious thing about kit parts fit was attachment of speed brakes in extended position. Initially I wanted to make them fully extended. But if attached as is, they are visibly sloped down. I decided to avoid surgery and attach them in just slightly opened position as can be seen on many photos of Skyhawk standing still on the deck or airfield. Finally here are the photos: Happy New Year to everyone! Dennis

This Dakota is actually KP208, a C-47B built in 1946, this was one of the last two to serve with the RAF in 1970. It had been on display at the Airborne Forces Museum at Browning Barracks in Aldershot, Hampshire until the museum closed in December 2007. It is now at Merville Barracks in Colchester. KP208 represents KG374, a D-Day veteran that was shot down during Operation Market Garden at Arnhem on September 19, 1944. The pilot, Flt Lt David Lord, won a posthumous Victoria Cross - KG374 was hit twice by anti-aircraft fire with one engine on fire. Lord managed to drop most of his supplies on the drop run, but two containers remained. Despite the damage to his aircraft, Lord made a second run before ordering his crew to bale out. A few seconds later the Dakota crashed before Lord could escape. The Dakota fund is currently trying to fully restore this aircraft, if anyone feels they can help pls contact me for details. many thanks to Ruari for these pictures. Exterior Shots;

A-4C Bu No.147715 at the Fort Worth Aviation museum. Pics thanks to Nigel Heath.