1:48 decals for "Yellow Wing" PBYs.

[Admiral Puff]

I've dug a Monogram 1:48 PBY-5 kit out of the stash, which has with it a Belcher Bits conversion for the PBY-2/3/4. I have a yen to do it in a Yellow Wing scheme, but there seems to be very little around by way of either decals or decent pictures - can anyone point me in the right direction, please?

[72modeler]

Admiral P,

 

Try the discussion link below. Does your Belcher Bits conversion have the correction for the fin/rudder? Not my scale. but I seem to recall reading a build article/discussion on the 1/48 Monogram kit that stated the fin was too small or the wrong shape. (You might search for kit reviews/build articles.) Sure would be a handsome but BIG model in the pre-war colors and markings. I'm not aware of any 1/48 decals for this scheme, but maybe a search for "1/48 PBY Catalina decals" might bear fruit? You could always purchase a set of masks for the national insignia and codes from an aftermarket provider like Gator's Masks and More. If he doesn't have what you need, Kenny is very happy to make whatever stencils you require- just send him the scale and description. He's very reasonable and caters to us model builders. I don't receive anything for endorsing his products- just a very satisfied customer who has used his masks on several projects. Good luck and can't wait to see the finished project; the ultimate tub toy! I have also attached  links to a pair of build articles that discuss the Belcher Bits correction set for the rear fuselage/fin, as well as a source for pre-war 1/48 decals which might be of use for your project.

Mike

 

https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235045105-catalina-pby-2/&tab=comments#comment-3177708

 

http://gatorsmask.com/

 

https://modelingmadness.com/review/allies/cleaver/cleaverpby.htm

 

http://www.hyperscale.com/features/2001/pby2gh_1.htm

 

http://www.flightdecs.ca/A_yellowWings_48.htm

 

 

Edited January 20, 2019 by 72modeler
added links

[Admiral Puff]

Thanks, Mike - I'll give Kenny a try. The biggest problem I have is with the unit badges - once I decide which aircraft to build, most of the finishing work can be done by masking and painting, but the badges are another story again. That, of course, raises another problem - which units used which model PBY - but it's one I can address with some research.

 

I was prompted to post here because my internet search brought up nothing of any value to me. Lots of early war pictures of the various blue schemes, but nothing much on pre-war stuff. An alternative might be the PBY-4 that came the RAAF's way after the debacle in the NEI, but although I have pictures to confirm its existence I don't have enough detail to take a model further.

 

And yes, the Belcher Bits conversion includes a complete new fin and rudder unit - two decidedly substantial chunks of resin. I've got to do some thing to lighten the main piece, which includes part of the rear fuselage and is cast in one complete unit.

[72modeler]

39 minutes ago, Admiral Puff said:

The biggest problem I have is with the unit badges

See if these  are helpful. If you find the one/s you want to use on your model, you might be able to scan them and enlarge/reduce to the size you need to make a decal.

Mike

 

https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/naval-aviation-history/insignias/navy-squadron-insignia/vp-insignia.html

 

https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/naval-aviation-history/dictionary-of-american-naval-aviation-squadrons-volume-2.html

 

https://www.vpnavy.com/index.html

[Admiral Puff]

Thanks again, Mike - very useful!

[Magpie22]

Salutations Admiral,

 

I happen to be working on a Monogram/Belcher PBY-4, (one of the RAAF A/C of course!).  I may be able to help with a few clues to fitting the Belcher bits. I found the tail to be OK, but the waist hatches were a bit of a problem, not helped by mine being warped. If interested drop me an email.

 

Cheers,

Peter

[Corsairfoxfouruncle]

On 1/20/2019 at 4:05 PM, Admiral Puff said:

An alternative might be the PBY-4 that came the RAAF's way after the debacle in the NEI, but although I have pictures to confirm its existence I don't have enough detail to take a model further.

Hello Admiral theres this website.

http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/gallery/Catalina

 

And i believe our very own @tonyot may have actually just built the PBY-4 you’ve mentioned, in the Maritime patrol group build. Maybe he could assist you with any info ?  

 

Dennis

[tonyot]

1 hour ago, Corsairfoxfouruncle said:

Hello Admiral theres this website.

http://www.adf-gallery.com.au/gallery/Catalina

 

And i believe our very own @tonyot may have actually just built the PBY-4 you’ve mentioned, in the Maritime patrol group build. Maybe he could assist you with any info ?  

 

Dennis

I`ve put photos and info in my WIP on the Maritime patrol group,....... the RAAF fitted later style fins and rudders to the PBY-4 aircraft which it received circa 1944 when they were refurbished, probably by replacing the entire tail section.

Here is a link if you are interested;

 

Cheers

          Tony 

[Admiral Puff]

Thanks to you both.

 

Dennis, I have that site bookmarked. It doesn't take me far on doing the RAAF's PBY-4 as I want to do it, i.e. more ore less as delivered. There's a dearth of information out there on that! I'm still chasing up some leads ...

 

Tony, somewhere some years ago there was a long and involved discussion somewhere (it may have been in the AHSA Journal) on just how the RAAF DID camouflage their -5s. At the time I carefully copied it all and put it away safely - so safely that now I can't find it! Mind you, there's been one, possibly two, house moves in the interim, which probably didn't help. If I can find it I'll post it here. My recollection is that the conclusion was that they were finished more or less as you have depicted.

[Corsairfoxfouruncle]

I forgot to add this link. 

 

https://www.worldwarphotos.info/gallery/usa/aircrafts-2-3/pby/

 

Its a good way to see all sorts of PBY Photo’s. 

 

Dennis