Shipdam Airdrome Dio

Modeling Subjects Dioramas
1

I’m in the research stage for a future dio about Shipdam Airdrome circa 1943-44. My wife’s father was an airplane mechanic stationed there and I would like to honor him by doing a dio.

Who makes the best B-24 1/72 scale kit?
Does anyone make WWII ground crew for this type of situation?
Does anyone make a tower?
Does anyone make decals for 44th bomber group, specifically the Flying 8-Balls?

I know I’m asking for a lot but I don’t know of any comprehensive search locations.

2

Airfix has a set of RAF ground crew which I believe comes with a fueling truck, and Airfix also puts out an airfield tower set. I’m not sure what differences their might be between British and American ground crews/airfield structures, but they might be a place to start. I haven’t worked with either package myself so I can’t say how good the quality is, although from the other Airfix kits I’ve worked with in the past I would guess that they are pretty basic in detail and whatnot.

3

Actually, Airfix puts out more than I thought. I just checked Squadron.com (www.squadron.com) to see what they have out and there’s several airfield kits available.

RAF Refueling Set
http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=AX03302

RAF Emergency Set
http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=AX03304

RAF Recovery Set
http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=AX03305

RAF Control Tower
http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=AX03380

RAF Personnel
http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=AX01747

Airfix also puts out a B-17G kit, but I would think that there are better kits out there in terms of quality.

4

Best 72 Liberators are the Academy kits.
Preiser makes a good set of WWII airfield figs.
The Airfix control tower (and the vehicles) are 1/76 but should work. The tower is pretty common among most of the RAF bases and US bases.
There are also lots of resin kits out for US vehicles etc.

5

Ooops, sorry about the B-17 suggestion…I saw B-24 and thought B-17 for some reason. [:I]

6

Minicraft, the popular 1/144 scale manufacturer, makes a few 1/72 scale B-24’s. I’m not sure how good they are though.