Second Annual Berny Memorial Group Build

Son_Of_Medicine_Man · December 29, 2013, 1:04pm

Totally agree with you Cliff! It was nothing short of amazing!

Ken

mikeymize · December 29, 2013, 5:22pm

Hey guys as you probably already know about me I love the history and stories behind the models I build and this one is no exception. I think most of us think of Shermans when we think U.S armor of WW2 and true enough they were a lot of them. I’m their production alone exceeded that of all the German tank types combined! It was certainly our “workhorse” of the war and a damn good one at that; after some teething issues in the beginning, fires, lack of sufficient crew protection etc. it went on to serve with great distinction and I rate the later models to be right up there with and in many cases better than its rivals. Anyway, enough of my love story for the Sherman this is a pic of the box art of my Lee. Haven’t even unwrapped the cellophane and I’m already drooling. Hope I can do it justice….

Here’s a few snaps of the half track used by the “bad guys” ,still have more to do but it’s getting there.

mikeymize · December 29, 2013, 5:28pm

Sorry about the misprints and grammatical errors of my previous post but I’m still under the influence of painkillers; usually it’s just beer! Hope y’all got the gist of it.

jimbot58 · December 29, 2013, 6:04pm

Cliff and Jim: thanks Cliff, for the tip on the GB. As for the set up of the Lee/Grant it seems the powers that be at the time realized a 37mm main gun wasn’t going to cut it against the Germans and opted for a 75mm. Since the engineers only had 60 days to work out the details they decided to work off the existing M2A1 as their “frame” That and no turret ring available to accommodate the bigger canon resulted in it being mounted in the sponson. Even though it was never meant as a permanent fix it did serve our forces well in N. Africa and until the Sherman came along it was really all we had.

Hey Mikey!

I learned some new facts today! Somehow, I always thought of the U.S. and WWII tanks as being Shermans, Shermans, and then more Shermans!

Finally looked up your tank and learned much more. I read how the US in 1939, had a grand total of some 400 tanks in their inventory and lagged behind in both design and production! Look forward to seeing your work!

I also learned other things as well today as I began to assemble the missiles for the Growler. The instructions say to paint both overall white and to paint bands of either bright blue or yellow. I quickly found out that white would be correct for the AGM-88 but the AIM-120’s should be FS36375 with the seeker head being white. As far as the bands, bright blue would signify an inert load for either the warhead or the motor. Why would I send my Growler into battle with ‘dummy’ weapons? The correct bands would be yellow for a live warhead and brown, not yellow for an active motor! I’m glad I did a little research on this.

Jim

Hi Jim,

Good information about the band colors on those missiles. I knew they had significance to the state of the missile, but did not realize that they also showed the state of the motor!

Ken

Here is one of the references I found:

Missile Bands

Also one link led me back here, and at the bottom of the page, there is an answer posted by none other than “Berny13”! Seems like his spirit still is present at this forum!

Missile Markings

Jim

Son_Of_Medicine_Man · December 31, 2013, 5:01am

Hey guys as you probably already know about me I love the history and stories behind the models I build and this one is no exception. I think most of us think of Shermans when we think U.S armor of WW2 and true enough they were a lot of them. I’m their production alone exceeded that of all the German tank types combined! It was certainly our “workhorse” of the war and a damn good one at that; after some teething issues in the beginning, fires, lack of sufficient crew protection etc. it went on to serve with great distinction and I rate the later models to be right up there with and in many cases better than its rivals. Anyway, enough of my love story for the Sherman this is a pic of the box art of my Lee. Haven’t even unwrapped the cellophane and I’m already drooling. Hope I can do it justice….

Here’s a few snaps of the half track used by the “bad guys” ,still have more to do but it’s getting there.

Hi Mike,

The half-track is looking great! Nice camouflage work!

So that is what the M3 Lee looks like. Didn’t the British have a version that looked very similar to that? Seemed to me they were taller?

Ken

Son_Of_Medicine_Man · December 31, 2013, 5:05am

Cliff and Jim: thanks Cliff, for the tip on the GB. As for the set up of the Lee/Grant it seems the powers that be at the time realized a 37mm main gun wasn’t going to cut it against the Germans and opted for a 75mm. Since the engineers only had 60 days to work out the details they decided to work off the existing M2A1 as their “frame” That and no turret ring available to accommodate the bigger canon resulted in it being mounted in the sponson. Even though it was never meant as a permanent fix it did serve our forces well in N. Africa and until the Sherman came along it was really all we had.

Hey Mikey!

I learned some new facts today! Somehow, I always thought of the U.S. and WWII tanks as being Shermans, Shermans, and then more Shermans!

Finally looked up your tank and learned much more. I read how the US in 1939, had a grand total of some 400 tanks in their inventory and lagged behind in both design and production! Look forward to seeing your work!

I also learned other things as well today as I began to assemble the missiles for the Growler. The instructions say to paint both overall white and to paint bands of either bright blue or yellow. I quickly found out that white would be correct for the AGM-88 but the AIM-120’s should be FS36375 with the seeker head being white. As far as the bands, bright blue would signify an inert load for either the warhead or the motor. Why would I send my Growler into battle with ‘dummy’ weapons? The correct bands would be yellow for a live warhead and brown, not yellow for an active motor! I’m glad I did a little research on this.

Jim

Hi Jim,

Good information about the band colors on those missiles. I knew they had significance to the state of the missile, but did not realize that they also showed the state of the motor!

Ken

Here is one of the references I found:

Missile Bands

Also one link led me back here, and at the bottom of the page, there is an answer posted by none other than “Berny13”! Seems like his spirit still is present at this forum!

Missile Markings

Jim

Thank you for those links Jim! I have bookmarked both of them! Yes, it is nice to read Berny’s comments. He always gave the details that most other people would not know.

Ken

Gamera · December 31, 2013, 8:24am

Mike: Looks good! I built that same halftrack kit years ago, think I still have parts in the spare parts box. If mine had looked half as good as yours I wouldn’t have trashed it though!

Ken: Yeah we supplied a version to the Brits who named the modified version the ‘Grant’ (logical I guess!) It was actually a little shorter since they deleted the top mini-turret with the machine gun. The main turret was a little bigger with an enlarged rear area to hold a radio aka wireless set.

Following some advice on this forum I brush-painted some Future on the Blackhawk and it took 99.99% of the white krap from the matte coat away!!! Not sure how I’m going to flat coat her now but I’m just happy not to have to repaint the whole blasted thing.

troublemaker66 · December 31, 2013, 12:35pm

Hey guys as you probably already know about me I love the history and stories behind the models I build and this one is no exception. I think most of us think of Shermans when we think U.S armor of WW2 and true enough they were a lot of them. I’m their production alone exceeded that of all the German tank types combined! It was certainly our “workhorse” of the war and a damn good one at that; after some teething issues in the beginning, fires, lack of sufficient crew protection etc. it went on to serve with great distinction and I rate the later models to be right up there with and in many cases better than its rivals. Anyway, enough of my love story for the Sherman this is a pic of the box art of my Lee. Haven’t even unwrapped the cellophane and I’m already drooling. Hope I can do it justice….

Here’s a few snaps of the half track used by the “bad guys” ,still have more to do but it’s getting there.

I started an Academy M3 Lee…the kit with the super detailed interior. I look at it everyday, sitting on my temporary work bench…I swear I heard it saying “finish me” late last night…

mikeymize · December 31, 2013, 4:19pm

Yes Cliff this is the same one from years ago but the molds held up pretty well and though there’s not quite the attention to detail we’ve come to expect from firms like Tamiya it’s more than enough for the average joe. And yes the Grant did have a modified turret area as the Americans mounted their radio equipment in the hull and the Brits had theirs in the turret. Other than that and different camo it was essentially the same tank.

jimbot58 · January 1, 2014, 3:37am

Hey gang!

First of all, I hope you all have had a happy and safe New Year! I spent mine working on the Growler and listening to music. I tried watching some of Dick Clark’s New Years program, though it seems a little odd to call it that with Clark no longer around. I had to turn it off after hearing just too much Rap and a performance by Miley Cyrus singing slightly off key. Obviously not lip syncing in this case, but I don’t really get into her music anyway. Must be my age.

I was looking for some references on the Growler and found some interesting pictures. First is the exact aircraft my Growler is modeled after, number and all! Might be interesting to display the finished model with a copy of this behind it or something!

I also thought this is a cool pic, though of a different squadron. Looks like my AGM’s should be a light gray rather than white. Not sure of what FS shade that is, but it is off from the aircraft itself.

Last is this aircraft labeled as an E/A-18G. However, it must be one that is mocked up for the press before the actual aircraft rolls out perhaps?. I notice the wing tip missile rail where the Growler would have the AN/ALQ-218 wideband receivers mounted, and there would be no dogtooth on the leading edges, and should have farings added there. Could also be one of the 2 F/A-18E’s that were converted by Boeing for testing and were designated as NEA-18G’s. Interesting how familiar you become with your model subjects, isn’t it? I think research and learning about your subject is a big part of scale modeling, is it not?

Well, I better hit it, as I have been up over 24 hours now. I couldn’t sleep last night as I seem to have just too on my mind, so I’m off to take a little blue pill and see if I can rest. Glad I don’t work today.

Jim

P.S. You might notice the forum software blocked Mr. Clark’s first name, so I guess I should have put “Richard”. It’s a shame a bit of computer code would think somebody’s name is a naughty body part!

Jim

Son_Of_Medicine_Man · January 1, 2014, 5:51pm

Hi Cliff,

Thanks for the information on the M3 Lee. I always enjoy learning about the models we build.

And that is great news about your Blackhawk! I can’t wait to see it!

Ken

Son_Of_Medicine_Man · January 1, 2014, 5:53pm

Hey guys as you probably already know about me I love the history and stories behind the models I build and this one is no exception. I think most of us think of Shermans when we think U.S armor of WW2 and true enough they were a lot of them. I’m their production alone exceeded that of all the German tank types combined! It was certainly our “workhorse” of the war and a damn good one at that; after some teething issues in the beginning, fires, lack of sufficient crew protection etc. it went on to serve with great distinction and I rate the later models to be right up there with and in many cases better than its rivals. Anyway, enough of my love story for the Sherman this is a pic of the box art of my Lee. Haven’t even unwrapped the cellophane and I’m already drooling. Hope I can do it justice….

Here’s a few snaps of the half track used by the “bad guys” ,still have more to do but it’s getting there.

I started an Academy M3 Lee…the kit with the super detailed interior. I look at it everyday, sitting on my temporary work bench…I swear I heard it saying “finish me” late last night…

Hi Len,

It is good to hear from you again! How is your new house progressing? Did they demolish your old one on schedule?

Ken

Gamera · January 1, 2014, 6:41pm

Jim: Those are great photos- looking forward to seeing the Growler all complete.

Len: Yeah, I hope they’re at least making some progress on your situation. I hope 2014 treats you better than 2013.

troublemaker66 · January 1, 2014, 7:05pm

Hey guys! We have some progress…old house is in the landfill, the lot is almost graded and ready for pilings. All my permit applications are in at the MUA and we are waiting for their release. Once we have them, the pilings go in and the house gets ordered into production at the factory. If everything goes well we may have the house delivered around Feb 10th. Probably wont have the C.O. until the end of March-mid April. Lots of red tape...if there wasnt any, we`d be home by now…lol.

Son_Of_Medicine_Man · January 1, 2014, 7:08pm

Hey gang!

First of all, I hope you all have had a happy and safe New Year! I spent mine working on the Growler and listening to music. I tried watching some of *** Clark’s New Years program, though it seems a little odd to call it that with Clark no longer around. I had to turn it off after hearing just too much Rap and a performance by Miley Cyrus singing slightly off key. Obviously not lip syncing in this case, but I don’t really get into her music anyway. Must be my age.

I was looking for some references on the Growler and found some interesting pictures. First is the exact aircraft my Growler is modeled after, number and all! Might be interesting to display the finished model with a copy of this behind it or something!

I also thought this is a cool pic, though of a different squadron. Looks like my AGM’s should be a light gray rather than white. Not sure of what FS shade that is, but it is off from the aircraft itself.

Last is this aircraft labeled as an E/A-18G. However, it must be one that is mocked up for the press before the actual aircraft rolls out perhaps?. I notice the wing tip missile rail where the Growler would have the AN/ALQ-218 wideband receivers mounted, and there would be no dogtooth on the leading edges, and should have farings added there. Could also be one of the 2 F/A-18E’s that were converted by Boeing for testing and were designated as NEA-18G’s. Interesting how familiar you become with your model subjects, isn’t it? I think research and learning about your subject is a big part of scale modeling, is it not?

Well, I better hit it, as I have been up over 24 hours now. I couldn’t sleep last night as I seem to have just too on my mind, so I’m off to take a little blue pill and see if I can rest. Glad I don’t work today.

Jim

P.S. You might notice the forum software blocked Mr. Clark’s first name, so I guess I should have put “Richard”. It’s a shame a bit of computer code would think somebody’s name is a naughty body part!

Jim

Hi Jim,

Happy New Year to you as well!

Yes, very sad that someone’s name is mistakenly censored! Big Brother is watching!

And yes I agree with you about there being way too much Rap music on the show.

Very cool that you found a picture of your exact model! That is neat.

I looked around for pictures of the Growler with the AGMs and quite a few of them showed the AGMs as bright white. I think there is something about that particular picture you have that is showing them as grey.

I also agree with you about the research part of building our models that I find so very interesting. I enjoy it as much as building the model itself.

Ken

Son_Of_Medicine_Man · January 1, 2014, 7:14pm

That is great news Len! You can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Ken

Gamera · January 1, 2014, 9:41pm

Len: That’s great to hear- at least they’re moving forward!

jimbot58 · January 2, 2014, 2:35am

Len: I’m glad to hear things are moving for you as well. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be in that situation.

Ken: It is strange that the “D” word was blocked. I could have typed D_i_c_k Clark. It’s not like his name was the “p” word or the “c” word!

Well, my sleepless night took it’s toll on me: I ended up sleeping to well past noon today, plus I was just “out of sorts” for pretty much the rest of the day! And I ended up sleeping again in the afternoon! So much for anything I had planned to get done today. I don’t know if my little blue pill had anything to do with it, after all it is an over the counter sleep aid.

I did sit with the Growler for a while, and Ken, you were correct about the AGM-88. I found hundreds of photos showing it to be white, and maybe half a dozen examples in gray. So white it is! I did find references for the AIM-120’s being painted gray in either 2001 or 2007. Don’t remember which, but that’s not important. Gray with white seeker head it is!

I also painted wheels today and started the AGM’s. I only did the front for now, because i don’t know of a good way to hold onto it while painting a gloss white:

Jim

Son_Of_Medicine_Man · January 3, 2014, 5:42am

Len: I’m glad to hear things are moving for you as well. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be in that situation.

Ken: It is strange that the “D” word was blocked. I could have typed D_i_c_k Clark. It’s not like his name was the “p” word or the “c” word!

Well, my sleepless night took it’s toll on me: I ended up sleeping to well past noon today, plus I was just “out of sorts” for pretty much the rest of the day! And I ended up sleeping again in the afternoon! So much for anything I had planned to get done today. I don’t know if my little blue pill had anything to do with it, after all it is an over the counter sleep aid.

I did sit with the Growler for a while, and Ken, you were correct about the AGM-88. I found hundreds of photos showing it to be white, and maybe half a dozen examples in gray. So white it is! I did find references for the AIM-120’s being painted gray in either 2001 or 2007. Don’t remember which, but that’s not important. Gray with white seeker head it is!

I also painted wheels today and started the AGM’s. I only did the front for now, because i don’t know of a good way to hold onto it while painting a gloss white:

Jim

Hi Jim,

Those wheels turned out great! [Y] [Y] As far as painting those AGMs, the only way I know of is to use tape folded so that you have two sided sticky side out. Then tape the one side down on the table so that you have the other side sticky side up. Then place the AGMs on the tape. You will have to paint one side at a time this way letting it dry before you can paint the other.

The only other thing would be to drill a hole on the motor end and then “impale” the rockets on small pins. Then you can use your alligator clip to hold onto the pin.

Ken

Son_Of_Medicine_Man · January 3, 2014, 5:50am

Hi Everyone,

Well I am totally done with Winter! It is currently -8 degrees outside! I spent yesterday evening clearing 5 inches of snow out of my driveway and sidewalks and then did the same at my Mom’s house.

We are supposed to get more snow this Saturday night into Sunday. Then Sunday night it is supposed to get down to -12 degrees followed by a high on Monday of only -9 degrees. Then Monday night it is supposed to get down to -17 degrees followed by a high on Tuesday of -3 degrees. Tuesday night it is supposed to get down to -9 degrees. Way too freaking cold!!

Ken