Starting on the Glenco 1/48 scale J2F Duck. This is an older kit and does not have the level of details that newer kits have. The Duck is a Grumman built amphibious aircraft that was primarily used for search and rescue. It is unique from other single engine float planes in that the main float and fuselage are designed together. This allows room for more crew members. The scheme that I will be doing is the Marine version that was stationed in the Virgin Islands.
All of the interior details will be scratch built using styrene stock and remnants of many photo etch extras I have. I located some build photos from Grumman use as a guide for the interior. I started with getting the cockpit area roughed in. The cockpit floor and the rear bulkhead will serve as my reference point. Working on the Radio/Gunner position at the rear of the cockpit now. More photos in my build log at https://davidsscalemodels.com/build-log/1-48-j2f-duck/
I have had the kit for a few years. I bought it for $2.00 at a LHS that was closing and they had many kits discounted 80% off. Unfortunately by the time I heard about it many of the newer kits were gone. I spent about $20 and bought 5 kits.
The work continues on the interior of the J2F duck. The interior and landing gear are basically installed. Have many more details to add. I drilled out the exhaust pipes to look more realistic. I did watch “Murphy’s War” last night while working on it. Grabbed some screen shots for details of the engine area. Many scenes of the engine without the cowl provided some nice references.
All the build photos can be seen at: https://davidsscalemodels.com/build-log/1-48-j2f-duck/
I love seaplanes and your work as well. Following along and learning and thanks for posting Mate. Grabbing screenshots from a movie is way beyond my technical capabilities,kudos for that.[Y]
Cold and cloudy with scattered rain means I was able to spend the afternoon adding more details to the J2F. Made the rear gun mount, found better wheels in my stash box, and added details to the interior. Need to make the dash for the pilot next.
Actually it is very easy. Just watch the movie on a computer. When you see a scene or frame you want, pause the movie and hit “CTRL” and “PRNT SCRN” key at the same time. Then open a new window and open up any photo editor program. Select “NEW” then select “PASTE”.
I must say that “Murphy’s War” is in my top ten most favorite war movie ever. And with you building a Duck Sea Plane, this is most amazing! You’re doing a fantastic job on your WIP. Taking shots off the computer is brilliant. Keep up the fantastic job on your build!
I spent last evening scratch building the dash for the J2F Duck. While doing it I took photos to add a brief tutorial on my blog. The dash looks great. I am getting closer to putting the fuselage together. I need to do some minor modifications to the fuselage then some assembly and filling. The tutorial is at https://davidsscalemodels.com/tips-and-tricks/making-a-cockpit-dash-from-scratch/
Work continues on the J2F Duck. The fuselage is now together and the many gaps have been filled. I used clear acetate for the side windows as the kit windows were thicker that the fuselage plastic and obstructed the view inside. I added the duct just under the nose that was in the reference photos. The engine was completed and working on getting the wings assembled and cleaned up. All the build photos can be seen at: https://davidsscalemodels.com/build-log/1-48-j2f-duck/
I have always had a soft spot for Flying/Floaty thingies and this is near the top of my list. I started this love with a wooden DO-X years ago . No ! I Won’t tell you how many .
I do too! I build a lot of them. When some of my buddies see a new seaplane or amphib kit come out, they say, “hey, theres a plane for Don.” Some of us seaplane lovers convinced our local club, TCAH, to have, as one of its yearly challenge builds, recently, be a seaplane or amphibian. I entered two, but someone else’s beautiful PBY won first place.
The fuselage and wings now have their base coat paint on and the rigging of the wings is done. Still have decals, detail painting, and weathering. I also bought the Squadron Vacu-Form canopy as the kit canopy is very thick and it appears the mold was not clean. Looks like some dirt got into the plastic.
More photos in the build log https://davidsscalemodels.com/build-log/1-48-j2f-duck/
It is now completed!
This is the Glenco 1/48 scale J2F-2 Grumman Duck representing VMF-2 that patrolled the Caribbean Ocean off the Virgin Islands. The Duck’s were used for patrolling areas and performing search and rescue of downed pilots. More photos can be seen in the Gallery page on my blog: https://davidsscalemodels.com/gallery/1-48-j2f-2-grumman-duck/
Everytime I hear the word Glencoe I cringe. All of the Glencoe kits I have built required a ton of work to get presentable. You have managed to persevere with this one and have completed a stellar example of the Duck. WTG Mate [Y] [B]
