Berlin Air Lift with a view to possible Group Build

I was looking through my stash, And noticed I’ve got a Handly page Halifax/ Halton, And I thought build it as the Halton, Then I thought been as it was used in the Berlin Air Lift would make an interesting group build, And would mean a free hand to build what he/she chooses to build.
Joanna[:)].

WOW, A Gail Halvorson special. He was better known as the “Candy Bomber” for dropping handkerchiefs full of candy out the window of his C-54 to the kids on final approach into Templehoff. He is pretty much the #1 Folk Hero in MATS, MAC or AMC, (Military Air Transport Service, then Military Airlift Command, now Air Mobility Command).
It would be interesting research to see if he flew one particular aircraft with any special markings or just what ever plane was on schedule.

Darwin, O.F. [alien]

I remember, I’ve got that kit in 1/144. I could consider trying it for this GB if stuff frees up and I don’t have anything else to do. It’d probably be like a weekend project, nothing too serious. (It’s a good GB idea, too!)

My Halton is vacform so building it will serve two purposers, My part for vacform GB and to add a rather overlooked transport to my collection.

If anyone is interested I have been in touch with Gail Halvorson and he has provided me with the detailed markings for at least one of the C-54s he used. Write to me direct at mays.man@cox.net and I will E-mail you a copy of the profile that will be in my nex military transport book.

Richard

What a great idea for a GB, Joanna. Very little is known about this subject, but I understand that there is a lot to learn, and quite a few different A/C were involved. I’ll do a search and look up what types of A/C were active in the Berlin A/L and see what’s available to build.

Thanks for the idea.

stinger

I think we should remember that many air crews flew round the clock to keep a city alive, So I thought a GB on the all the aircraft types used, Would pay our tribute to their spirit of freedom they gave to help others, In their time of need.
And with this GB there’s no time limit as to how long it takes, As I know you all have other projects and work commitments .

I’ve heard they had to fly in everything… food, water, medicine, even coal. A logistical nightmare accomplished through tireless effort… yup, I think that’s a worthy GB subject. My problem is the two groupbuilds I’ve entered in the past… I never finished the projects. Makes me a tad apprehensive about joining another.

I would like this GB to get going, As it’s the least thought of part of history, And the fact that russian fighters buzzed the transports and over acts means you could build one of the russian types that were there, It’s not just a transport GB and despite the mossie bug I will build my Halton[:)].

Ok, Joanna, you can count me in. I think I’ll do a Dc-4 to represent the American side of the effort. Will get started as soon as my kit arrives (and I find time at home to build it !!)

Thanks for getting this started.

stinger

Hmmm… I’ll get in as well… as long as the deadline (or lack there of) still applies. Sorry I just can’t seem to get done on time when there’s a deadline. I don’t know what subject I’ll build… but I’m intrigued at the thought of something from the Soviet side.


And this will be my contribution this GB, When I’ve got a few more Mossies built though[:D]

Alrighty, Joanna asked me to make a badge for the Berlin Airlift Build, so here’s a few that I hashed out. They’re not as flashy as the Mosquito badge… kinda grim, actually. But it was a grim affair…

You can decide which to use, or maybe each individual can use that which appeals to them most. Whatever you want. Whichever you use, I simply ask that you host the image yourself, thanks…

They look great BW… I really like the one with the kids look up at the C-54… waiting for “uncle waggle wings” no doubt… very nice work. Only wish they could be bigger… but I guess space is space.

I think I might even get in this Berlin Air Lift group build. My son (AJACKETSFAN) will keep me at it…

Don’t worry MM… I’ll crack the whip and make him finish. Ha,ha.

Blackwolf, you are one amazingly talented dude. Thanks from me for giving us such cool badges. [:)]

stinger

Ok Joanna, here’s what I’m thinking about doing for this build.

http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=AX06001

So what do you think? I’ll have to try and find appropriate markings using the pictures on one of the links you sent… but I don’t think that’ll be too difficult.

My DC-4 arrived the other day along with my Mosquito. It has decal options for the Berlin airlift, but I may have to reprint them. This thing is HUGE compared to my other 1/72 stuff; Almost 18" wingspan. Will definitely have to clear off some bench space for this one.

stinger

I would like to apply to join this GB. I will be building a Minicraft 1/144 C-54. Thanks for your effort in setting it up.

Darwin, O.F. [alien]