Orion

hello Alan, Thanks for your kind response. The staining is done with oil chalk colors. For lining panel lines I use the cheapest oil tubes mixed with thinner. For staining large areas' the already mentioned color chalks. Regards, Orion

hello there, thanks for your kind response. The kit construction is without major problem. (Tricky) (1) The placement of the nose turret has to be done after construction of the main airframe. (2) The flaps are rotating on a fragile small rod construction. These have to be placed by joining the wing halves. No problem here, but the day after by handling the big model. Only to be handled at the wingtips. Regards, Orion

Hallo Janneman, beste Jan, Thanks for your kind response. The diorama will include the DHC Beaver (Kroonduif) and the Fairey Firefly MK IV.(MLD). hartelijke groeten, Dirk

hallo Sergei, Dank je wel. Leuk dat je gereageerd hebt. Met vriendelijke groet, Orion

Hello Hawk, thanks for your kind response. Much appreciated. I did the best I could. But there is always room for improvement. Regards, Orion hello Zigomar, My pleasure. Thanks for your kind response.

Hi Pete, barrel glued in place with slow drying wood glue. Had to wait before I could manoeuvre the second one in place. But well noticed. Thanks for your kind reply.

THE MARTIN PBM-5A MARINER IN DUTCH FAR EAST SERVICE (1955-1960) The island of Papua New Guinea is the second largest island in the world. From 1949 until 1962 the former Netherlands New Guinea belonged to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In 1962 the territory was handed over to the Indonesian Authority. RECENT MAP OF NEW GUINEA WESTERN PART. In 1949 the island was divided into an eastern Australian part and a western Dutch part. The Royal Netherlands Navy was responsible for the defense. Infrastructure was extremely limited. Road’s inland was almost non existing. Most transportation was conducted by sea or by air. Airports also were sparsely, and mostly (Re) constructed (1942-1945) by the Imperial Japanese Navy/Army or after the landings from General MacArthur by the American Armed Forces. The main Dutch air base was located on the Island Biak. (See map) MARINERS PARKED AT THE APRON ON BIAK ISLAND. As mentioned, limitations made the Catalina Flying Boat the most important asset in the inventory. All places were located on the coastline and were accessible by Catalina. When the Catalina reached the end of its service time and under high (political/military) pressure to get replacements, the choice fell on the Martin PBM-5A Mariner with floats and landing gear. In comparison with the Catalina, the Mariner could load more cargo, more offensive firepower and could carry more marines to troubled spots on the island. Not to mention, the fair price the Government had to pay to the US Navy. Seventeen airframes, plus spare parts were obtained. Also included was crew and technical assistance in the United States. Contracts were signed and in 1954 the Mariner subsequently became operational part of the Netherlands Navy. Thirteen airframes were air ferried to the main Naval air base on the island Biak. Four airframes were air ferried to The Netherlands. These long flights over large ocean areas had to be carefully planned. Besides technical problems causing delay along the way, all airframes made it safely to their respective destination. The mariner was initially designed without a landing gear. Later development, saw the installation of a landing gear. The weight of the airframe by the Dutch type went 1880 kilo’s up, but the engine power remained the same. To reduce weight, the top turret was removed. From the start, flying with the Mariner was to be more problematic than anticipated. To make it even more complicated, it was decided in the Defense department, that the Mariners in Papua New Guinea, were to fly to The Netherlands for their complete overhaul. A trip around the world. The stage for disaster was set. Due to condense and elevated temperatures, there were technical problems that kept the aircraft grounded and unreliable. Fatal incidents gave the aircraft eventually the name “Crew Killer.” In total, eight Mariners crashed, taking the lives of thirty-two persons. This all happened in a brief time. It is on record, that flying officers refused to fly with the Mariner. A profoundly serious offense in an organization, which was on high alert due to the Indonesian policy of (military) confrontation. The air frames were registered from 16-300 till 16-316. (16 stands for P from PAPPA) P300 / 1955-1960 demolished Biak P301 / 1955-1960 demolished Biak P302 / 1955-1959 crashed Papitibaai Papua New Guinee P303 / 1955-1958 crashed Abadan Iran P304 / 1956-1960 demolished Biak P305 / 1956-1958 crashed Haringvliet waterway The Netherlands P306 / 1956-1959 crashed Goa India P307 / 1956-1957 crashed Naval Air Base “Valkenburg” (near The Haque) P308 / 1957-1960 demolished Aviolanda technical Aircraft Center the Netherlands. P309 / 1957-1960 demolished Biak P310 / 1957-1960 damaged during water landing, demolished Biak P311 / 1957-1960 demolished Biak P312 / 1957-1957 crashed merauke Papua New Guinee P313 / 1957-1960 demolished Biak P314 / 1957-1959 written off after water landing. P315 / 1957-1958 used for spare parts. P316 / 1957-1959 written off after hitting a reef. Notes. The airframes were manufactured after the second World War, and fairly new when they were handed over to the Royal Netherlands Navy. Eventually, the airframes were grounded and removed from registry in 1960. They were replaced, by the factory fresh, P2V-7B-Lockheed Neptune. It is worth mentioning that the US Navy operated quite successful with the Mariner during the second world war. Commodore Leebeek, former Flag-Officer Fleet Air Arm Royal Netherlands Navy concludes, after studying all the small and fatal accidents in his book, that human error by pilots and technical personnel was the gross factor for the accidents. Due to the time pressure by introducing the aircraft to the fleet, education, crew training on all levels of the organization were not what it should have been. The complex airframe systems, electronics, shortage of spare parts did not help. Supplies had to be shipped from the The Netherlands to the area of responsibility. The maintenance in the hot and very humid climate was a constant headache. The quick rotation (technical experience) from squadron personnel with new members coming in from The Netherlands. The leadership from the Navy also bears responsibility. For instance, the long overhaul flight from Biak to the Netherlands. (Biak-North Borneo-Singapore-Malacca-Ceylon-Karachi-Abadan-Athene- France- The Netherlands) This is one of the routes that could be followed. After reading the full history in articles and books, I decided to build the Mini Craft scale model in scale 1/72. I used Eduard metal sets for internal and external use. AK Duralium paints. Dutch Decal waterslide decals. Eventually it will be part of a diorama, depicting Jefman Air Strip, also located in same area. Directory. IPMS The Netherlands. Onze Vloot. Martin PBM-5A Mariner by Retired Naval Flag Officer Commodore Drs. Kees Leebeek. ISBN 978-9-081-89365-7 www.geromybv.nl (Netherlands Language.) Regards to all, Orion.

Hi Tailwheel, No worries. Regards from The Netherlands.

Hello Tailwheel, You have a choice off; sky-Aluminium and interior green. I would go for sky. Regards, Orion.

Hi Mike, Just spend some time to go trough the whole sequence of your WIP. I admire you for keeping this project going. Incredible task to carry out. Good to read, that you did take some time off. I got some more info from your work, regarding the elevators, colors and the arrester wires. With the measurements and all other info, I can start with the project. Starting with the after elevator. By the way, most favorite picture is the one with the whole squadron of Phantoms lined up on the deck. I will be following this WIP with most interest. Regards, Orion (Dirk) The Netherlands. Admirer of the RN and the RN FAA.

Hi Mike, You are a great man. This will help me definitely on the right track. I will study your color chart regarding the scratchbuild. What a great bunch of fellow modelers on this great BM site. Highest Regards to Mike Dirk The Netherlands.

Hello Bootneck, Dear Mike I am specifically interested in the flight deck (colors) of HMS Ark Royal. My aim: Forward elevator and part of the launching platform with blast deflectors. Aft elevator with the arrester wire right in front of it. If I make it a little larger, I could position a second AC (HAS 1) on deck. That would make the effort more acceptable. Thanks for your assistance. Much appreciated. Highest Regards from The Netherlands. Great fan of the FAA RN. Orion. (Dirk)

To All fellow members reaction to this topic, Thank you very much for all the information. Much appreciated. Interesting was the fact that the Gannet was brought down on the aft hangar elevator in the video.. I have the dimensions and lots of elevator shots, only thing missing is some (top) deck views of the deck itself. I need this, so that I can make some additional space around the elevator in the diorama. The book on my shelf "British Aircraft Carrier" by David Hobbs has none of the detailed photo's I am looking for. Highest Regards from The Netherlands. Orion.

Hello RR (Chris). Thanks for your extra effort in getting me the measurements of the elevator. That saves me a lot of work. Almost there. Highest Regards from The Netherlands. Orion (Dirk)

Dear RoofRat, Thanks for your response. Much appreciated. Indeed a very clear story concerning the operational use of the elevators. As you described it was a "Pain" to handle the Gannet on the forward elevator. I received a message from a member that handled the Gannet for four years on the Ark Royal. (849 Flight) This is what he wrote to me: "I was on 849D flight for 4 years and can't remember a time when we ranged or struck down a Gannet on the after lift, it was always the front lift, always." I was confused, because my plan was to put the AC on the aft elevator in diorama 1/72 scale. Although it was good to read that both could be used. With your operational experience I can go forward with my plan of the aft elevator. I am still looking for the area directly around the fore and after elevator. This gives me a chance to make the baseplate larger. Highest Regards from The Netherlands Orion

Hello CJP and bootneck, Appreciated your contributions. These are of much help with placing my Gannet COD (1/72 scale) on the aft elevator. It was also good to read that the Gannet could be brought down on both elevators. So no limitations regarding the size of the aircraft. I also contacted the builder of the 1/200 scale HMS Victorious. Hopefully this good man has some pictures from the area directly surrounding the elevator. Like the first arrester wire.This should be right in front of the aft elevator. Again, thanks for your thoughtfulness. Highest Regards from The Netherlands. Orion

Hello David, As mentioned above, exceptional craftmanship on this historic model. Regards, Orion

Hello CJP. Wow, this is the kind of pictures I was looking for. Thanks so much for the effort of putting it on line. Much appreciated. I like the combination of the F-4K and the Gannet AEW. It rolls of the printer in seconds. Highest Regards from The Netherlands. Orion.

Hello Ewens, Thanks for your kind response and explanation of the handling of this very special aircraft.. Much appreciated. If by coincidence, you find some additional pictures, please contact me. Highest Regards from The Netherlands, Orion

Dear Fellow Modelers, For the realization of a diorama, showing the Fairy Gannet on the aft elevator of a British Large Aircraft Carrier, I am desperately searching for some detailed pictures of the elevator area and if possible, some pics with the Gannet on the elevator. Important are dimensions of the elevator in connection with the Gannet. A gentlemen, that had worked with 849 Flight told me, that Gannets were only brought down or up from the flight deck on the forward lift. If so, can some specialist explain to me what was the reason for this sequence. To me, the aft elevator looks larger than the front one. As for pictures: I did search the internet and even a fellow modeler came by to bring his 4+ Publication. Hundreds of beautiful pictures, but none of them on the elevator. Any comments are most welcome. Highest Regards, Orion The Netherlands.

Looking forward to the 1/72 scale Rivet Joint from the USAF/RAF.

Hello Faraway, Thanks for your kind response. Highest Regards from The Netherlands.

Hello Faraway, thanks for your response. let me start repeating, that your model does not looks OK, it looks superb. Historically: "On the 22 May 1941, in Korsfjord the swastikas and the top of the main and secondary turrets were painted over." Areal identification was of most importance during the operations near Germany and the Norwegian coastal areas. On departing for the operation "Rhineübung in the Mid-Atlantic this aerial identification for "own troops" was no concern anymore. So on the 21 or 22nd of May 1941 the swastika's and top turrets of main and secondary armament were painted over, while anchored in the Korsfjord. It could be very well, that overtime, on the sea bed the top layer of this hastily done job, has become undone. Is this important, for me personally it is. But at the end, I agree fully with you. Modelling is a hobby that gives us all a lot of joy. I am looking forward to your next project.

Thanks for sharing this perfect ships-model with us. It looks great, especially taking in mind the scale. One question. The swastika on the fore and after end. Was this painted on to the deck in the last voyage? To my knowledge this was removed during her last and final operation in the Atlantic.

Stunning model. Thanks for sharing.