Yankymodeler

Thank you! Construction was long ago, but I don't recall any special construction techniques, just careful alignment. I think perhaps I epoxied a section of square brass tube to the inside of one of the wing surfaces in an attempt to keep it from drooping too much as the model got older. Just looking at the kit in the case it seems to have been successful! The finish was lightly polished as the model represents the Dash 80 on it's first flight and would have been as clean and shiny as it ever would be. Eric

Thank you, really nothing special, any modeller could do the same or better

Thank you! Based on a Monogram 1/48, the build had its moments. If you're interested here is a link to the WIP: BoB Movie Stars CASA 2.111 WIP

I noted the roundels as well, had to try and replicate that when I built my CASA "Movie Star" years ago. Eric aka The Yankymodeler

Looks like it was inspired by a top-feed airbrush. Eric aka The Yankymodeler

The Ertl kit is a KC-135, which is a different airframe than the 707. The KC-135 had a fuselage width of 144 inches compared to the 707's 148 inch width. The 367-80 was quite a bit more narrow at 132 inches. It may seem surprising, but to my eye the difference between the Ertl KC-135 and the Heller 707 is discernible.

Colors were custom mixed, unfortunately I did not make note of ratios or even the exact paint used! The red is a mixture of red and brown and the yellow has a lot of white, all Model Master enamels as I recall. Eric aka, The Yankymodeler

Thank you David, This is one of my most satisfying builds.

A KC-135 is a much better place to start. Depending on how fussy you are the fuselage needs to be narrowed 12 scale inches. This conversion is based on the ERTL 1/72 KC-135 with the narrowed fuselage. Eric aka The Yankymodeler

All CW-20/C-46 had a 'crease' in the fuselage, it was a structural characteristic of the two-lobe design originally intended for pressurization. The crease is at the point of the floor. Some of the early examples had a fairing covering the crease but this was soon omitted as it provided no discernible drag reduction.

I work across the street from the NASM. If there are any particular pictures you'd like let me know Eric aka The Yankymodeler

True. The 'real' Howard 500 had a re-engineered and a completely new build fuselage to handle the stress of pressurization and a new center section with an expanded span and increased fuel capacity. I assumed the discussion is of modelling the aircraft and a Ventura base is an appropriate starting point for both the H500 and the unpressurized earlier variants. Dee Howard's brilliance was in refining the basically good aerodynamics of the Ventura into what was needed in a new era. So, for modelling the H500 a Ventura can be a good base to begin. Eric aka The Yankymodeler

Although difficult, I think a conversion from a Ventura is well within reach. There are some major changes (fuselage extension and nacelles) and a lot of nuances but the basic airframe is a solid starting point. I've been making plans for just such a project, a Howard series consisting of the H250, H350, H400 and H500. I got started on an On Mark Marketeer/Marksman/Tempo II project first, but the Howards are next in line. Eric aka The Yankymodeler

I was presented with a wonderful opportunity to observe fellow modeler Allan Buttrick (Allan31) work on his latest project which he claimed was responsible for his absence from these hallowed halls of miniature craftsmanship. As Allan indeed had not posted for a while, I thought it a good opportunity to not only meet a fellow modeler but also find out what he was wasting his time on rather than model building. So, with an exchange of emails arrangements were made with Allan insisting on meeting at the Summit Point (WV.) racetrack. Despite thinking this was indeed an unusual place to talk modeling, I readily agreed as Summit Point is less than a 30-minute drive from my home and it is after all…a racetrack!!!. My son Curtiss and I set out at the appointed time, as we ventured onto the bridge over the track in to the infield, a trio of vintage sports racers swept into turn 10, exhaust popping and crackling under lifted throttle. In addition to getting our blood pumping, (aerobatic airplane guys and racecar guys are cast from the same mold) I was thrilled to jump to the conclusion that Allan was going to demonstrate a new method of weathering and use real racecars as reference! Now that is attention to detail, no wonder his builds are so realistic! We rounded the corner into the paddock area and as advertised the trailer was in place just as Allan had promised. But what caught my eye was that sitting in front was the largest scale Formula Ford racer I had ever seen, gleaming in a pristine British Racing Green finish and seemingly perfect in every detail. We were warmly greeted by Allan and Su, and immediately felt at ease. Allan said he would provide a detailed description as soon as he came in from the morning practice section. This was about the moment that I began to suspect we were not going to talk too much about models this weekend. Our first view of Allan and the Lola on the track. Since this is a modeling site after all, it is necessary to discuss a few modelling points: After the session, Allan graciously removed the cowl to allow close inspection of the engine installation and the rear suspension. Front and rear suspensions are multi-link with full adjustment for caster, camber and toe. The anti-roll (commonly called “sway bars”) are also adjustable. This set up allows the car to be tuned for ideal handling characteristics. Note how authentic the weathering is on the nose. This was achieved by Allan placing the nose of the Lola in position to capture scrubbed off tire rubber during cornering More scrubbed off tire-rubber marks on the coil-over springs and dampers. Note the built up ‘kingpost’ or ‘upright’ and the stones and grass stuck to the sticky racing tires. The adjustable anti-roll bars can be seen to good advantage here. Exhaust manifold received a subtle heat discoloration by running between 5000 and 7000 rpms for about 20 minutes. Allan and Curtiss discussing the design of the Lola. Warming up in the paddock, water temp coming up, oil still cold. (note the high oil pressure) Su is definitely a jack-at-all-trades! After assisting Allan strapping in, waiting time to head to the staging grid... The Scuderia Buttrick crew chief (Su) minute instructions on race strategy to the team’s premier driverproviding same last- The hallowed Scuderia Buttrick Crest. More information is available on the website https://scuderiabuttrick.com/ An attempt at recreating an artistic shot of the starting grid worthy of the 1966 movie ”Grand Prix” If you haven’t seen the film, I highly recommend it. Traffic is heavy early in the heat before the field stretches out. Race 31 is closest to the camera on the outside setting up to pass on the outside of the turn leading into The Carousel. Despite a very strong emphasis on safety, this is a serious racing series and incidents do happen. Fortunately, all drivers are unharmed. A couple of glamour shots showing off the classic lines of the LolaT202 Green Flag racing Recovering after one of the heat races. Ambient temperatures were pretty high for May high humidity Race 31 is a 1971 Lola T202 Formula Ford that is raced in the Historic Ford class. Powered by a 1.6 liter inline 4-cylinder engine (similar to that in the Pinto!) the Lola’s light weight of just over 900 lbs provides exhilarating performance. Transitioning between the classic "cigar" styling of open wheel racers in the sixties and the "chisel" styling of the early seventies, and is in my opinion one of the best-looking Formula Fords. Allan’s beautifully maintained example raced flawlessly all weekend requiring nothing more between sessions than fueling, a check of tire pressures and wheel bolt torque. Curtiss trying on the Lola for size to Allan and Su’s amusement. Neither of us fit, our shoulders being much too broad although we did find we fit into a Crowsley…barely Thank you to Allan and Su for your hospitality, Curtiss and I cannot thank you enough for a great experience! You may very well have recruited two new novice vintage racers, now I just have to find a buyer for the Acrosport… Eric aka The Yankymodeler

Love it! Great idea and excellent work!!! I have a soft spot for 'Battle of Britain' and have built a series of the movie 'stars' myself including the mount of S/L Edwards!