Hello folks, I thought I’d stop by to share my latest project that has consumed most of my free time lately. I took a stab at Tamiya’s big scale Mossie and the subject I chose was Alan Wagner’s 605 Squadron night fighting machine, dubbed “Wag’s War Wagon”. Wagner became an ace in this plane on the night of March 5/6 1944 after destroying two ME 410s. In total Wagner shot down nine enemy aircraft and two V-1 buzz bombs. He was killed on July 18,1944 while chasing a V-1 in a Tempest.
About the kit…just wow! This was a seriously involved kit. You can open all the main panels pretty much if you so choose. Of course this isn’t my bag so I closed everything up, which definitely complicated everything fit wise. I did leave open the lower cannon and bomb bay. I added PE seabelts and resin tires. I really enjoyed the cockpit which I think is one of Tamiya’s best. Main markings were painted on and subject specific markings came from Eagle Cals. Paint was a mix of AK Real Colors and Tamiya. The lower side was an experiment with Tamiya Flat Black, NATO Black and Dark Grey. It turned out OK I suppose. Alot of the tonal variation was lost after clear cotes unfortunately. These were mostly wooden so I kept chipping to areas that I suspected were metal (engine cowls, props, radiators intakes etc). I have several more biggie 1/32nds coming, to include the Hobby Boss P-61, the ZM HS129 and the Tamiya P-51. Perhaps I’ll do a work in progress on one of those.
What a fantastic choice, and you excelled in build and finish as always. I enjoyed the 1/48 version, will look forward to the 32nd variant one day. Good to see you back!
I’ve long considered getting this kit. Love the Tamiya 32nd scale kits. But with the Airfix 24th scale Mossie hanging on a wall above a Stan Stokes print that I’ve had for many years of a Mosquito attack against Norwegian fjords, I honestly don’t have room for another beast build. (But space doesn’t always stop me from adding to my stash …)
Well shucky darn, ya’ done it again. I turned on my 'puter, made a cup of tea and sat down to look at some good models, then I see your Mossie. What a tribute to a fine old war horse, just superb model crafting all around.
Don’t you ever get tired of being so dang good???
Thanks for such an enjoyable post and excellent photos.
Thanks! Honestly I’ve never been crazy about it’s looks, but the more I read about it the more it intrigued me. Especially the fact that it was mostly wooden.
Thank you Patrick. Hardly that darn good…lol. Just an average modeler with a few tricks my friend. I appreciate your kind words. I hope you are doing well.
A stunning build lawdog! The Mossie has always benn a favorite of mine and you did a fantastic job with this kit. Your weathering is so realistic. I can’t understand why we don’t see more of these on contest tables. I have a couple of the old Revell 1/32 kits and a couple of the Airfix 1/24 in the stash but I’ve never run across one of these big Tamiya kits.
Such a superb build! It’s hard to imagine the size of the thing. Do you have a picture of the 1/32nd Mossie next to a 1/48th scale aircraft? It must be huge!
Another awesome build from Your Bench! And My all time favorite large model! The Mosquito!! The largest one I have ever built is Revell’s old offering over forty years ago. You have done a stunning job on those instruments ! I could’ve sworn you ripped them out of the real plane! Overall, a Plus 100 score for you!!