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Hi all, this is one I finished recently for our Bomber Command table in time for the Telford SMW show. It's the venerable Monogram B-24J Liberator from way back when finished as an RAF Heavy RCM (Radio Counter Measures) Mk VI of 223 (Bomber Support) squadron RAF Oulton Norfolk. I really like these old Monogram kits, they have so much potential to become great representations of the real deal being generally accurate in shape and easy to work with, in some instances putting modern manufacturers to shame. The model was completely rescribed, the canopy replaced with the far more accurate Squadron offering, interior fully detailed, engines detailed and engine cowl flaps removed replaced with card and fitted in the open position.The model was extremely back heavy even with a lot of lead in the front so a small wooden plinth was made up from scrap resin. Apparently the real thing was also tail heavy when unloaded and needed shoring up with said block so it's not really an issue as seen here.... 223 squadron RCM Liberator The excellent Special Ops Liberators book by Steve Bond and Richard Forder was an invaluable source of information on this clandestine side of Bomber Command ops.... Quick History The perceived threat from the Luftwaffe of ground controlled intercept HF and VHF frequencies and the possible connection with the V2 program led to Bomber Command requiring specially configured aircraft capable of early detection and jamming of these signals. After much debate it was decided to opt for the B-24 aircraft which were duly supplied as surplus from the US 8th USAAF, 28 aircraft in all, a mix of B-24 J' and H's all war weary veterans with more hours on the clock than was healthy. The aircraft had a raft of specialist equipment fitted including the massive Jostle IV transmitter/receiver used for spot/barrage jamming, (which required the removal of the ball turret), Airborne Cigar (ABC) an R/T jammer and Monica an active radar which gave rearward facing active warning of approaching night fighters. As far as long range nav/bombing aids the aircraft were fitted with GEE, Oboe (extension of GEE upgraded for pathfinder missions), G-H a combined GEE/Oboe variant and standard H2S as a ground mapping radar, which unfortunately being an active radar had the nasty habit of attracting unwanted attention from marauding night fighters. 'Window' and 'Tinsel' were also carried, Tinsel being a very basic jamming device, in fact a microphone carried on one engine which picked up the sound and transmitted it through to the frequencies carried by the German night-fighter controllers, quite deafening I should imagine !. The aircraft were modified in other ways most noticeably the front turret guns and equipment were removed and the whole thing sealed and doped over before being painted Night Black as forward defence was deemed unnecessary with frontal attacks becoming increasingly rare at this time. As an added bonus it also totally eliminated the freezing draughts caused by the airflow at altitude. Also on most aircraft the nav's astrodome was removed along with the large side windows which were plated over to reduce light from entering the compartment. The bomb bays were retained but all bombing equipment except the racks was removed. The aircraft were either finished in conventional Dark Earth/Dark Green and Night Black or overall Night Black. The aircraft served well in the role until being replaced by the B-17 Fortress at the end of the war... The model features, Eduard cockpit set with scratch-built flooring and bulkheads, scratched bomb-aimers station, plumbed and wired, fuselage ribbing added, Squadron vac canopy Eduard surface detail PE set Upper turret scratch built details, all ancillary equipment and plumbing, full turret interior and gunners seat. Special operators positions in the upper fuselage over the wings and one behind the upper gunners position. Engines, kit supplied bases, scratch-built wiring looms, push rods scratch built crank cases, props from the kit but reshaped, cowl flaps opened Rear turret scratch-built interior, QuickBoost barrels, Monica aerial added to the lower section. Bomb bays, scratch-built interiors, bulkheads & roof, heating pipework and ducting Little-Cars lenses passing light in left wing Undercarriages brass reinforced, ribbing added, retraction struts moved inboard as they are too far out as provided, lead wiring for hydraulic lines Waist gunners positions fully detailed interior, oxy bottles, all side wall ribbing, floor and Jostle equipment scratch-built, all gun barrels replaced with QB items Jostle, ABC and Monica aerials added from scrap. Decals 1/48th 100 Group RAF, DK Decals, for TS530 'Gremlin Heaven' of 223 squadron, based at RAF Oulton, Norfolk circa 1945....(the aircraft was a B-24H). The set includes markings for many other 100 group aircraft including a Halifax Mk III ! Finished using Mr Hobby Aqueous acrylics, various artists pastel powders, oil paint washes and blown over Tamiya Smoke....Alclad Klear Kote Matte top coat. This was great fun to build and adds something a bit more unusual to our display table.....next will probably be a 100 group Fortress III. Cheers all Melchie