Joe,
I believe you out did yourself. That really looks great man [Y].
Splendid save!! =] That can be a terrifying venture…so many things that can go awry. I hate having to back track over something I’ve already completed. I’ve always been so nervous about markings of all kinds and it’s made me very meticulous to get it right. Early on when I first started modeling more seriously I noticed insignia creeping onto ailerons of models but never paid any mind to it. I always found photos of the actual aircraft to base a build on. Nowadays, some of these nitpicky things stand out to me better. It’s nice to hear some commentary as to why some things are the way they are.
Can’t wait to see her finished. =]
Thanks guys. I’m in the final stages and getting ready to add the aerial wires. I hope to have the finished pics up in the next few days…
Joe
Joe. Very very nice. A testament to your skill with an airbrush. Nice save too.
Joe, how’s it coming there!? =]
Oh. And I just remembered I wanted to ask you about your diorama bases you include. What’s the namebrand you go to for those? I’ve been looking at some Woodland Scenics stuff. But I’m curious as to what people in the 1:48 world prefer.
The bases aren’t a brand, Its merely a cheap $2 wooden plaque I got from a craft store, which is then stained. I then I tape off around edges and slap down Elmer’s Glue. Then its a matter of pouring on real dirt with which I keep on hand. The greenery is just that, Woodland Scenics. I just add more glue and sprinkle it on. I have all different shades and textures. One of these days I’ll do a step-by-step tutorial, but I always seem to forget.
Joe
…and we are done. Here is Tamiya’s 1/48 Spitfire Mk. Vb in the final markings of 611 Squdron’s Eric Lock in August of 1941. “Sawn off Lockie” was the highest scoring Battle of Britain ace (16 kills) but his war ended on August 3rd 1941. Lock was returning from a fighter “Rhubarb” when he spotted a column of German troops and vehicles on a road near the Port of Calais in France. He reportedy went down for a strafing attack and that was the last anyone had ever seen of him. Despite exhaustive post war searches, neither his body or his Spitfire Mk V, W3257, have ever been found, It was presumed he was struck by flak and crashed somewhere in English Channel. Lock would be credited with 26 enemy aircraft kills.
Reference the kit, there’s not much to say…simply fantastic in detail and engineering. The cockpit however could use some extra detailing, but on this one, I only added a Quickboost seat. I also added Ultracast tires only because I had them on hand. Lock’s W3257 markings came from the enormous Victory Productions Aces of the Empire sheet. On this project I painted on the upper wing roundels and fin flashes in lieu of decals. It worked well and I will continue to do so. The figures are from ICM and were included with the kit. They were okay, not overly impressive.
Take a gander, comments welcome an questions encouraged…
Joe
Joe, she looks superb brother! Of course, just as expected.[:D[ I think I’m most impressed by the rate at which you produce these beauties! What’s up next?
Gary
Thanks Gary. I just started Zveda’s Bf 109 F-2 for the Messerschmitt Group Build…
Joe
Joe thats simply stunning! The Pilots look so animated you can almost hear them talking,you captured that perfecly! Very nicely done Sir!
Beautiful Spitfire! (although that is redundant) Nice work, and I am amazed at the rate you can turn these out. Awesome work sir, and I look forward to your next build.
John
Fantastic Spit. Your’s came out great. Makes me want to try my Italeri Spit and see if I can improve any over the Airfix. Super nicely done Joe.! [t$t]
Joe -
It’s another beautiful build, like your others. I know you don’t associate your work with excellence, an admirable trait in a person, but in your case incorrect. However you perceive your ability is up to you, but every few weeks I see a build in progress, then the end product, dependably excellent.
Even more significant, the techniques, descriptions and build details you always are so willing to share, have been so instructional and helpful to your fellow modelers. I can say my modeling ability has been greatly benefitted by your post’s, I’ll bet many others have also.
I imagine you don’t care much for recognition, so I’ll just say THANKS!
Patrick
What kind of camera do you use? I keep wanting to post built pictures but all I have is an iPhone 6 and a 9-year-old Sony point and shoot thing.
When I see “lawdog114” and “FINISHED” in the same line I know I just gotta take a little looky. Very tasty indeed. Do I see a “Friedrich” in your future
What can I say? Inspirational!
Gary
Thanks guys. Patrick, yes, average modeler with a few tricks, nothing more… but thanks for the kind words. Mike, it’s a Nikon P 500 “Cool Pix”. I got it at Best Buy about 5 years ago.
Joe
Nice model and presentation. Surely that pilot thinks he has a confirmed kill!
That is just outstanding work! [t$t]
Mike