72modeler

The F4U-1 Corsair had 13' 4" props, but would have to check to see if the direction of rotation is the same. The two-inch difference would not be apparent in 1/72 scale, and the Corsair props would just need some reshaping towards the tips. The only airplane I can think of that had a 13' 6" 3-bladed prop was the Boeing XF8B-1, but its props were counter-rotating. There might have been a set that size from Aeroclub, but good luck finding one. PBM-2 and early B-29 three blade props are too long, at 17' Mike

I was afraid of that, JWM, as it would pretty much need to have new tooling for the wings and fuselage, in addition to props, engines, and cowlings, and after I examined how the B-10 kit was sprued when I got mine earlier this week, it was pretty obvious that the molds weren't engineered for that version being a possibility. Separate sprue for the outer wings and fuselage would have worked, with the continuous greenhouse being on the clear sprue, ala Eduard kits, and the other detail parts being on their own sprue, but it's not a well-known variant, nor was it used by any other service, but d

Doesn't appear to be- wasn't there a thin yellow surround to the roundels on aircraft with night undersurfaces? It looks like maybe the uppersurface camouflage has been wrapped around leading edge to the underside of the wings I do know the yellow outline wasn't always applied, though. It's kind of a handsome flying boat- looks like an early PBM-2 Mariner, except for the single fin. Can't wait to see how this one turns out! Mike

For some reason I just can't get past a Hurricane with no spinner and a Hamilton Std. prop...just looks so wrong somehow! Great photos, though- thanks for posting them! Mike

Yes, those are rear-view mirrors; they are frequently seen on razorback Jugs. Mike

Bet the Germans didn't know whether to look up or down when they heard one coming! Now, if our M4 Sherman had only been fitted with a Merlin.... Mike

@Martian So glad to hear from you! I would write a congratulatory note, but they don't let Naughty Corner residents have any sharp writing instruments! You will get through this! @corsaircorp CC- Was there an airplane in the background of your posted photo? My retinas were scorched from looking at the birds cavorting in the foreground.

Is that a Sturgeon Mk 1 or a Spearfish? Mike

Thanks, Kari! Have ordered one set from H! Mike

So that's where the ammunition tanks were! That SBC would be a mutha to do in 1/72 scale! Great photo- thanks for posting it! Mike

Getting back to the standard/tropical radiator discussion, and after reading all the posts and looking at all the diagrams/photos, I am going to make two observations: firstly, there might have been different inlets/openings, with there being visible differences in the size of he Mk 1, Mk II, and Mk IV/V opening. Secondly, it doesn't appear that there is a difference in the depth/height of the radiator housings, but the strap-on armor plate saddle does give a deeper profile to the housing when fitted. It does look like in photos, that the two Mk V conversions and one Mk V that was actually f

Very nice Hun, and as the others have said, the map really adds to the effect! As you stated, the F-100 was a real workhorse in SEA, and not surprisingly, had a high loss rate, but they were usually down in the weeds and the VC gunners were as deadly as the German flak crews in WW2. Well done! Mike

Reminds me of the super smooth and shiny finish on the solid wood models that the Japanese made for the pilots of the 8th FBG when we were at Itazuke AB in the mid-fifties! Lots of coats of hand-rubbed lacquer as only the Japanese could do! You have done a fine job with this old classic- those gaps around the fin/rudder and intakes were veritable trenches! Love the napalm tanks, and the external fuel tanks and napalm tanks did take a real beating from the uncrating and handling- by the time they got mounted, they looked like h---! Mike

@StevSmar, The photo and enlargement show the armored radiator as fitted to Mk IV and Mk V's; the armor, as seen in both photos, consisted of a 'saddle' that was attached at two points on each side by bolts/washers anchored at the base of the radiator housing. There have been a couple of photos of the saddle detached from the radiator that have been posted by a couple of BM'ers that show the strap-on armor saddle and the 'ears' on each side that the attachment bolts pass through. Nice photos! Thanks for sharing them. Mike

I'm not a big scale fan, but I would be sorely tempted by a 1/32 No. 111 Squadron Gauntet- been in love with that scheme ever since I saw it in the old Ducimus Camouflage and Markings! So, so pretty! Mike History and serial for every Gauntlet built http://mmpbooks.biz/gauntlet/AppendixGauntlet.pdf