Rob Probert Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 I am a big fan of flying boats, and here are a couple of large ones from my collection. The first is the Combat Models vacform 1/72nd scale Martin Mars, which I completed back in the mid-1990s. This was an absolute pig of a kit, with the cockpit having to be scratch-built, a comprehensive series of internal bulkheads and bracing needed to be installed to keep it rigid and give it some much needed strength, engines and props were 'borrowed' from a donor 1/72nd B-29, and the beaching gear was made from scratch. The decals came from the spares box and generic decal sheets available at the time. Martin JRM-2 'Caroline Mars' The second is one I finished a few years back and is another Combat Models vacform; this time one of the most beautiful flying boats built to my eyes: the Boeing 314 Clipper, also in 1/72nd scale. This was again, you guessed it, a real pig, and once again lots of internal bracing was needed as well as lots of re-scribing to bring it up to acceptable standards. I used Aerolclub white metal engines and propellers, and used home made decals as none existed at the time. Boeing 314 Clipper 'Berwick' of BOAC Although these were very challenging builds, they were also great fun, and add a couple of very rare models to my collection. I've never seen another of either built up other than mine, so perhaps I'm the only one mad enough to give kits like this a go! Rob 29 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ForestFan Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 Brilliant builds, definitely out of the ordinary! You ought to post pics of them next to a more familiar aeroplane to give some scale! Well done sir Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat C Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 Err...wow!! Where are you going to keep 'em???!!!! As Forestfan says, can we have a pic next to a single engine fighter or something so we can appreciate the size??!! Pat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bordfunker Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 They must be monstrous in 1/72, especially the Mars! Stonking looking builds. Karl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vesa Jussila Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 There are never too many Clippers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 Great stuff as ever Tom......they may be pigs to build but as we've discussed many times offer far more satisfaction over easier oob models.. The Mars is quite a beast...(just hope young Radders knows what he's taken on... )... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radleigh Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 Brilliant, Rob! Love the Mars and now I've seen one built I want it even more.... I have a table just for the Mars to be built on once it arrives, should be fun. Clipper looks very good too, but I can't imagine how big that is though? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martian Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 Very impressive builds, both of them! Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Probert Posted October 4, 2015 Author Share Posted October 4, 2015 Great stuff as ever Tom......they may be pigs to build but as we've discussed many times offer far more satisfaction over easier oob models.. The Mars is quite a beast...(just hope young Radders knows what he's taken on... )... A severe case of mistaken identity here General... it's Rob and not Tom... although I taught the boy all he knows And as for Radleigh - he'll have his work cut out but I'm sure is the man for the job! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kev67 Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 Looks great Rob, I know Radleigh would like the Mars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Probert Posted October 4, 2015 Author Share Posted October 4, 2015 Err...wow!! Where are you going to keep 'em???!!!! As Forestfan says, can we have a pic next to a single engine fighter or something so we can appreciate the size??!! Pat Hi Pat, If the sun's out in the next couple of weekends I'll add a Spit or something for scale. The real thing had a span of 200ft, so in 1/72nd scale that works out at roughly 33 inches, or a smidge under 3 feet. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old foxtrot Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 Those are stunning, The Mars is my all time favourite flying boat. I remember seeing one in flight back in the early 90's while on holiday stateside. It was an impressive bird. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 A severe case of mistaken identity here General... it's Rob and not Tom... although I taught the boy all he knows Sorry Rob...I knew that ! .....having back and forth emails at the mo with 'the lad' has definitely caused brain freeze ......let me start again........Great stuff as ever Rob, etc..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIkeMaben Posted October 4, 2015 Share Posted October 4, 2015 Alotta work done very nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David H Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 I say Revell Germany needs to get to work on a 72nd scale Mars. Large US-built flying boats deserve equal time. Unlike some German Flying Boats, the Mars actually saw some useful service <SNERK>.... -d- 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Team Aer Lingus Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 As always Rob stunning builds nicely finished Will you be taking them to Telford so we can all admire them up close ?? regards Eamonn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radleigh Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 I say Revell Germany needs to get to work on a 72nd scale Mars. Large US-built flying boats deserve equal time. Unlike some German Flying Boats, the Mars actually saw some useful service <SNERK>.... -d- Once I tackle the Combat Mars, someone will probably announce one! Thanks Rob too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gimme Shelter Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 A smashing pair of models - I do love flying boats Very nice models - thanks for sharing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin1967 Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Oh wow!! Again I am so impressed by the wonderful models I have viewed on BM recently, these are just stunning and vacforms at that! I appreciate your hard work and thank you for sharing them with us, kind regards Colin. PS: Puts to shame my new KP Piper L-4H I am currently building, have just managed to fog up part of the windows with my glued up fingers, any advice please on 'how to unfog my windows' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Two beautiful builds,Must be impressive in this scale! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWM Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Very impressing! - I wish to have them both one day Jerzy-Wojtek P.S. to post #19 PS: Puts to shame my new KP Piper L-4H I am currently building, have just managed to fog up part of the windows with my glued up fingers, any advice please on 'how to unfog my windows' Colin, if it is just on surface sand it with paper 600 (wet), then even smaller grid, polish with a piece of soft linien and finally cover with gloss varnish. If it does not help - buy another....Another option - if it is place which can be opened - cut it off and add opened window (door?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phildagreek Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 Very nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glen Posted October 5, 2015 Share Posted October 5, 2015 They are both fantastic Rob. I've just bought them both whilst I was on holiday in the States so it is great to see that they can be built although I don't think my skill levels are anywhere near yours so the results will probably not be quite the same!! Cheers Glen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin1967 Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 Very impressing! - I wish to have them both one day Jerzy-Wojtek P.S. to post #19 Colin, if it is just on surface sand it with paper 600 (wet), then even smaller grid, polish with a piece of soft linien and finally cover with gloss varnish. If it does not help - buy another....Another option - if it is place which can be opened - cut it off and add opened window (door?) Hello Jerzy-Wojtek, thank you very much for the above tip, I will try it this afternoon, much appreciated, Colin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-32 Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 Quality work, really first class Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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