I have a copy of that photo in an old Monogram Aerofile book. That TBD was a stateside training bird. Judging by the pic it retained its’ Blue Gray over Light Gray scheme that most TBDs operated in for their entire career. After Midway, the survivors were relegated to training units. The oversize markings common in the PTO were not often seen in the Atlantic and Med, where these TBDs operated and most likely came from (Wasp and Ranger’s Air Groups). Unit code markings (e.g. 8-T-1) were ordered modified (removal of squadron number) in early 1942 for security purposes, but they were seen as late as Midway. They were supposed to be in black, but again, even at Midway, white markings were still seen.
So now, this shot shows a Torpedo 4 TBD, post late May 1942 (no red center/tail stripes) without the oversize insignia. Where the unit markings are placed could explain the band of the darker paint to cover them up. This is one of the most likely source units for the training bird being modeled.
Here’s the caption from the ref pic posted earlier
Those TBD’s in the ref pic look pretty beat up, I know black and white can exaggerate the effect though. With the discusion about insignia markings and time frames, take another look at the Dauntless pic with red in the star, and how beat that thing is. I know, I may be stretching a bit, but, just wanted to try something new. I really, really love em beat to hell!!! Like to do a little something different on each build.
Here’s a few more pics, with better lighting. Ought to be able to see the different color on the fuse. I assumed that would have been a newer coat of paint to cover the old insignia.
Fermis, to my eye, you did a great job capturing the look of those weary TBD training birds. Parked out on the ramp when not in flight, the lower status of the training squadrons, and the use 'em till they drop mentality are all replicated quite well. Their chance for glory now past, they still serve a useful role, but will never face the foe again.
Come on over, I got some fresh venison in the freezer, I’ll wrap up a backstrap in some bacon, grill it up, have a couple cocktails and talk some $#!+!!!
My airbrushing skill aint so hot…really!!! I still got that cheapo Testors, single action.
Only beats a rattlecan, cause I can mix my own colors.
The majority of the “effects” are done by drybrushing.
Fermis, great work. The weathering is becoming my favorite part of the job. Thanks to you and some of the other guys here, I’m getting a little better. Keep up the inspirational work. Oh, and I just keep thinking of that detail under the masking tape. Thanks for the WIP. Rick.
Amazing work! I’m still trying to get my techniques down- I have alot to learn. Could you give ma a brief summary of what paints you used to get such an amazing effect?
WOW, thanks again everybody, I’m almost starting to think I’m gettin good!!!
I know buddy, I had no “tone” intended in my reply[t$t]
Rob, For paint, I use Model Master enamels. I started with the flat white for the belly, straight out of the bottle(thinned of course). In an empty bottle, I mixed inermediate blue with white(roughly 2(blue) to 1(white), for the first overall coat. In another bottle I mixed roughly 4/1 for a darker shade of blue, and sprayed that randomly. To get a little more control of the spray, I pinch the airhose a little bit to lower the pressure from the can. For the darkest areas, I just drybrush out of the original Int. blue. An overall raw umber(acrylic) wash helped blend and dirty things up a bit. I saved all my mixed paints fo another build I have coming up soon.
I had to scratch the gunners seat as well. I started by carving a blank from a piece of wood to the shape of the seatpan, then a couple attempts at a thermoform, and I had a nice seatpan. A bit of trimming and sanding, and it was a beautiful thing!
Some bits of stretched sprue for the uprights, sheet styrene for the back “ring” and tea can aluminum for the front ring, a spare perferated ring for the gunmount(from a crashed Helldiver).
I also scratched a new pitot tube, brass rod and wire.
And a crappy pic of where she sits now. Gears on, engine done, and a new antenna mast from sheet styrene.
I’ve only had a few hours free time all week, so all I’ve done is the seat harnesses.
PE??? We don’t need no stinkin PE!!!
Here’s some of the hardware made from aluminum and wire. It is a bit crude, but once it’s buried in the pit, it’ll be convincing enough, I think…hope!!!
Masking tape for the straps, with hardware attached.
