Some months ago I prommised a friend of mine to do a 1/48 scale B24J inwhich his dad flew in WW2. The problem is that here in the Netherlands the only 1/48 scale B24 is the Revell B24D. I can convert most of the parts but the main problem is the front turret which I can’t make from scratch.
When i did a search on the web I found a set by Squadron Signal (SQ09571) middle in this pic.
[img]http://pics.hannants.co.uk/pics/SQS9571.jpg/img]
I was wondering if you get the front turret with that set too or just the main canopy, maybe someone else has this set and can tell me.
Check out the conversion set from Koster Aero Enterprises. Mr. Koster, who is famous in the business as the designer of some of the classic Revell and Monogram kits, has his own firm, making multi-media kits and conversions. I have the highest respect for his ability, and his insistence on making his kits affordable, even when they are full of white metal, PE and resin parts.
To the point, though, I think you can make just about any version of the Army Air Force or Navy Libs using the Koster conversion. Somebody out there correct me if I’m wrong. Unfortunately, he does not have a web site, but if you google Koster Aero Enterprises, you might see some of his work on the distributors’ web sites. He also sends out his product list for free. I have built many of his kits, and have been never less than satisfied with the result.
I have all these Zotz/Albatros decal sheets called “Libby Gals” parts I-III, and I’m dying to make myself a B-24J or M on which to apply these gigantic, dead-on-right-colored and registered nose art panels and the perfect tail striping and coding.
It’s funny how Monogram, now Revellogram, takes turns releasing the B-24D, then the J, then back to the D. Why not both at once. Seems as though the demand is there.
TOM
That’s exactly the problem I encountered some months ago when I decided I wanted a 1/48th B-24. I bought a D from a shop, and then found a J on eBay for half the price a few weeks later!
Guess what? I’ve now got 'em both, and I also bought 2 of Mr Koster’s excellent conversion kits from greatmodels.com and had them shipped over to the UK from the US at great expense! They’re worth having, but the fact that I ordered 2 made the postage a smaller proportion of the total cost to me.
Why did I get 2? Well - as well as the nose, it also includes most of the glassware for any designation I might care to make, and a few I might not, which is handy. I’ll not need the front hull for the J, but all the transparencies that come with the kit are thick, have poor optical quality & have the seams in the most ludicrous places. You’ll also need the Squadron canopies, which compliment the Koster clear parts.
I can also recommend the Flightpath updates that give you lots of extra details for the gear bays, bomb bay and cockpit, plus some wiring for the engines etc. Finally, I topped them both off with a set of Aires .50 cal waist guns, resin tyres and some resin 500lb bombs to decorate the bomb bay once it’s done.
I’ve not started the construction yet, but they make an impressive addition to my stash until I start. Something tells me I’m going to need a bigger work desk with 2 B-24s under construction at the same time [:)]
I might be able to help you out - drop me an email off board at webmaster@swannysmodels.com
[:(] don’t we get to hear how it ended up?
take a look at www.swannysmodels.com. Look under “allied aircraft”. I know it’s not exactly what you’re looking for but it may point you in the right direction.
For some reason swanny’s post didn’t show up until I posted my “captain obvious” reply–sorry
Sorry Mike, I’m just trying to give the guy a “J” nose and turret. I actually happen to have one lying around!
Thanks for your replies!
I send you an email swanny
Bless you! I might have a spare at some point, but would have needed to hang on to it for the time being… Me being in the UK wouldn’t have helped either!
Aren’t fellow modellers generous to eachother? I’ve noticed how nice people are on this forum before, and your selfless act just goes to reinforce my “warm fuzzy” for this place. [:)]
It’s not a big deal. I picked up a junker B-24J a few years ago as part of a package trade. This will be about the fifth person to benefit from its demise.Still have the tail, ball turret part of the fuselage and two propellers left. Should be good for one more helping hand some time [:D]
My J was a bit lacking in a few parts, but fortunately, they weren’t main parts, just a bit of glazing & the ball-turret mounting. The Bombadier’s window will be replaced by the Koster or Squadron part (I have both), while I can always fabricate the ball-turret mounting frame from reference material.