Okay, I'll kick off the Tuskegee 1/32 P-51B project with a query about pilot figure opinions:
Ultracast makes two very nice 1/32 pilots: One is in full flight gear, the other is a rendition of Francis Gabreski wearing his leather jacket, helmet, and goggles.
Full flight gear guy here:
http://www.ultracast.ca/products/54/006/default.htm
Gabby figure here:
http://www.ultracast.ca/products/54/008/default.htm
Does anyone have opinions about which figure? They both look great: I tend to lean toward the full flight gear guy, but either is good by me.
Thanks,
Lee Griffin
Question about the base. Lee K and I talked about it but does some have some pics of the type of airfield we want. Does someone have the info we need for the plaque.
Quote from: lgriffin on Tue 12/22/09 12:13 PM
Okay, I'll kick off the Tuskegee 1/32 P-51B project with a query about pilot figure opinions:
Ultracast makes two very nice 1/32 pilots: One is in full flight gear, the other is a rendition of Francis Gabreski wearing his leather jacket, helmet, and goggles.
Full flight gear guy here:
http://www.ultracast.ca/products/54/006/default.htm
Gabby figure here:
http://www.ultracast.ca/products/54/008/default.htm
Does anyone have opinions about which figure? They both look great: I tend to lean toward the full flight gear guy, but either is good by me.
Thanks,
Lee Griffin
Both look very nice. I know we usually do standing figure but if we need to hid cockpit details I have the 1/32 seated Hasagawa figure from the P-47D kit.
http://www.hyperscale.com/2007/reviews/kits/images/hasegawast27reviewbg_27.jpg
The Gabreski figure looks a lot like, well, Francis Gabreski and has the features of a Polish-American instead of an African-American. I think the first Ultracast figure would be a better choice. Here are some original photos taken by my friend's father at Lockbourne Army Air Force Base in 1948 when the Tuskegee Airmen were stationed there. It might give you some ideas as to flight gear practices and color.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/leekol/TuskegeeLockbourne07.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/leekol/TuskegeeLockbourne12.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/leekol/TuskegeeLockbourne02.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/leekol/TuskegeeLockbourne15.jpg)
Lee K
Nice pictures :)
Looks like the 332nd was stationed at a couple of the the Foggia Airfields and at the Cattolica Airfield (northern Italy on the Adriatic coast) - see below. Do we know which of the fields the unit in Greensboro they were stationed? If there is no preference, I would recommend using the Ramitelli Airfield (see below) as the example. The PSP would make a more dramatic setting for the display.
The Foggia Airfield Complex was a series of World War II military airfields located within a 25 mile (40 km) radius of Foggia, in the Province of Foggia, Italy. The airfields were used by the United States Army Air Force Fifteenth Air Force as part of the strategic bombardment campaign against Nazi Germany in 1944 and 1945, as well as by Twelfth Air Force and the Royal Air Force during the Italian Campaign (1943-1945).
Ramitelli Airfield[12]
Abandoned, was located approximately 8km south-southeast of Termoli, 41°56′38.14″N 015°02′53.99″E / 41.9439278°N 15.0483306°E / 41.9439278; 15.0483306
Temporary airfield used by Fifteenth Air Force 332d Fighter Group, "Tuskegee Airmen". PSP runway with parking area. Built by COE in early 1944. Used by 322d FG until end of war, used by 523d Air Service Group and 949th Air Engineering Squadron after May 1945, closing in Oct 1945 and airfield dismantled. Today some evidence of main runway visible on aerial photography, land completely returned to agricultural use.
332d Fighter Group, (P-47 Thunderbolt), later (P-51 Mustang), 28 May 1944-4 May 1945
The following shows a group of the pilots in what appears to be a preflight discussion. The caption of the photo states:
Pilots of the 332nd Fighter Group, "Tuskegee Airmen," the elite, all-African American 332nd Fighter Group at Ramitelli Airfield, Italy. From left to right, Lt. Dempsey W. Morgran, Lt. Carroll S. Woods, Lt. Robert H. Nelron, Jr., Capt. Andrew D. Turner, and Lt. Clarence P. Lester.
This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to create or digitize it. If the file has been modified from its original state, some details may not fully reflect the modified file.Image title Pilots of the 332nd Fighter Group, "Tuskegee Airmen," the elite, all-African American 332nd Fighter Group at Ramitelli, Italy., from left to right, Lt. Dempsey W. Morgran, Lt. Carroll S. Woods, Lt. Robert H. Nelron, Jr., Capt. Andrew D. Turner, and Lt. Clarence P. Lester. (U.S. Air Force photo)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pilots_of_the_332nd_Fighter_Group.jpg#file
The photo gives an idea of the flight clothes for flights (summer I guess) from Ramitelli. Would recommend using this as a guide - agree with Lee K - the Gabreski figure DEFINITELY looks like Gabby. (He was a speaker at my Squadron Officers School class - supprisingly small to fly such a big fighter as the P-47)
Lucera Airfield[9]
Abandoned, was located approximately 13km west-northwest of Foggia, 41°29′52.72″N 015°25′29.87″E / 41.4979778°N 15.4249639°E / 41.4979778; 15.4249639
Semi-permanent heavy bomber airfield used by Fifteenth Air Force. Built by COE beginning in late 1943. One PSP runway with extensive taxiway and hardstand parking areas. Steel control tower. Opened early Feb 1944. Supported B-17 Flying Fortress operations as well as command and control headquarters. Last combat operations flown in late April 1945. Was home of P-51 Mustang equipped 332d Fighter Group "Tuskegee Airmen" while awaiting return to United States after war ended. Closed Oct 1945. Today is agricultural area with no structures or any facilities in existence, however light evidence of land scarring still is visible in aerial photography.
306th Fighter Wing, 23 Feb-8 Mar 1944
301st Bombardment Group, (B-17 Flying Fortress), 1 Feb 1944-1945
332d Fighter Group, (P-51 Mustang), 18 Jul-Sep 1945
Cattolica Airfield is an abandoned World War II military airfield in Italy, which was located in the vicinity of Cattolica (Provincia di Rimini,Emilia-Romagna); about 230km north-northeast of Rome. It was a temporary all-weather airfield used by the 332d Fighter Group between 4 May and 18 Jul 1944.
Ronnie
Let's figure out when ai can get the landing gear from you.
Bill L.
Hey guys and thanks to everyone involved in this project. I got aphone call from Leonard "Hawk" Hunter last week and he seems to be doing well. He was asking how this project was coming along and reminded me that he'd like to have the completed piece by early March. That only gives us a few days over one month so we need to get cracking. Tony, I think you have the majority of the kit at this time indlucing cockpit, engine and fuselage. Bill has the landing gear legs and wheels, William has the wings and horizontal stabilizers and Lee said he'd bring all the components together for final assembly. I have the decals that will help us get the paint scheme and markings as they should be. Ryan was working on the base and Lee G. is doing a figure or two? Can everybody report where their progress level is at this point?
I have the cockpit painted and some foil seat belts added. I can bring to the next dinner meet.
Ronnie, I'm doing the windscreen and glass. Cheers, Woody G.
Sounds good Tony and thanks Woody, didn't mean to leave you out of the list. If there is anyway we could all step up the process and have the sub assemblies ready for the Feb meeting that would be really good.
Quote from: Ronnie Murray on Fri 01/29/10 06:20 AM
Sounds good Tony and thanks Woody, didn't mean to leave you out of the list. If there is anyway we could all step up the process and have the sub assemblies ready for the Feb meeting that would be really good.
Ronnie,
I need info for the plaque. Either post or email me the info so I can knock out that part.
Thanks,
Ryan
Okay Ryan, I have a photo of the pilot and a drawing of his aircraft. Both say "Wilson V. Eagleson" 99th FTR Sqdn 332nd FTR Gp. Maybe it would be nice to add the Tuskegee Airmen part, whatever you choose.
Quote from: Ronnie Murray on Tue 02/02/10 08:18 AM
Okay Ryan, I have a photo of the pilot and a drawing of his aircraft. Both say "Wilson V. Eagleson" 99th FTR Sqdn 332nd FTR Gp. Maybe it would be nice to add the Tuskegee Airmen part, whatever you choose.
Thanks Ronnie.
We didn't add the Tuskegee Airman part to the other three for them but that doesn't mean we can't. With Hawks we added Thanks for your service part that was different from all other builds that I can recall.
Here is draft for the plaque:
North American Aviation P-51B Mustang
Lieutenant Wilson V. Eagleson
99th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group
Foggia Airfield Complex Italy, January 1944
Presented by the members of IPMS Eagle Squadron
Let me know if yall like it or post what we think it should say.
it's perfect.... ;D Great, now I have trophy envy...when is the Eagle Squadron going to build one for me? ::)
Ronnie and all,
I've ordered the pilot figure from Ultracast (ordered him late in January). It's this guy:
http://www.ultracast.ca/products/54/006/54006%20Product.jpg
I wish I could have located a figure with African features, but this was the quickest option. Otherwise, I would have had to do surgery with a separately purchased head, etc. I hope I can do him justice. Unless Ultracast delays getting him to me, I don't see any problem with having him ready by early March.
Cheers to all,
Lee Griffin
Here are some progress shots...comments on color welcome....Anyone have a good shot of the hud as what you get looks undersized to me.
Lee G. the figure will be fine I"m sure. Tony, the progress shots look good. I know it's early Feb. but March will arrive soon. If everyone involved can get cracking it would be very helpful in meeting our goal. Please bring your subassemblies to the Feb meeting. Lee K. agreed to combine the parts and I'll help with whatever is necessary to bring it across the finish line.
The fuselage is glued together and the seams are finally filled. The fit is horrendous. I sanded off all the rivets off the top of the cowling -- they were huge, inaccurate, and just plain ugly. The design of the exhaust stacks is just terrible and leaves a huge gap around the shroud. Can't do much about that, unfortunately. I'm working my way to the wings now and fear that the joints are also going to obliterate huge amounts of detail.
Lee K
Nose Art name... Just to confirm the name is GERRY II ? Let me know...if there is a picture send me a link to see the font style again.
thanks
Guys: As I mentioned before, this particular airplane kit, 40 years old at least, is an insult to the Tuskeegee Airmen. You all keep saying they won't notice, they won't notice...I believe they are a little more observant that you give them credit for, particularly Hawk! Why don't we throw that piece of crap away, and get another facsimile that's gotta be better than that kit! With all the work that Lee is doing to the exterior after a natural metal paint job, can you imagine what it will look like? I know you won't pay any attention to me, just my rant. I think it is an embarrassment. Woody G.
Lee your call on what to do...should we just grab a Trumpeter Kit ? We do want something presentable. Ron Verberg said he would pick it up from Hayes and Woody has graciously agreed to pay half...the club would cover the balance.
Let us know so Ron who could pick up a new one Friday if thats the plan.
regards,
Tony
I know that the club dues were waived this year, however I will contribute my dues to the purchase of the Trumpeter kit if this is the decision made by Tony and Lee. After Woody posted I went over to Lucky Model and looked at the D Model (Trump) and it is a nice kit. But can the kit still be done in time to present to Hawk?
Let me continue working on it. Once I have a coat of Old Silver on the model, we can make the determination if we want to proceed. Hawk wants this model by March 24. If we have to start over with the Trumpeter kit, there will not be any way we can make that deadline.
Hawk will understand if we tell him that we built one, weren't happy with it, and decided to give him something better.
Lee K
Okay lets proceed that way as the plan and decide once you're ready.
...Tony
The model is together and all the seams are done. I decided to sand off all the rivet detail on the wings, as we know that real Mustangs had the panels lines puttied and sanded and painted in aluminum lacquer. I also knocked down the rivets on the fuselage with a light sanding. I figure that I can add panel lines back with light scribing or even pencil lines if needed. I cut out the flaps and will lower them as per the look of Mustangs at rest. Next week I will concentrate on painting the model and applying the decals. I don't forsee any great difficulties other than what usually happens in every such project we undertake.
The only glaring issue so far is the gap around the exhaust shrouds. While it doesn't look right to those of us with a modeler's eye, the general public -- to whom Hawk will present this to during his frequent lectures -- won't object. I don't think we're going to need to regroup with the Trumpeter kit, but thanks to all who volunteered doing so, but I'm still going to give a serious evaluation of the model's appearance once the paint goes on. I hope to have that done by early next week.
Lee K
If you decide to bin the kit and go for the Trumpeter one, I'll pitch in for the purchase, too.
Ben
Fella's, it's down the wire and we need to complete this project. Lee G and Ryan, if you can have the pilot figure and base ready for our club meeting that would be fantastic. That way we could assemble the final pieces and I would deliver the "trophy" to Leonard Hawk Hunter in time for his next presentation. Thanks in advance to everyone that took part in this act of kindness for one of our vet buddies.
I sprayed the model with Old Silver today and it looks okay. I will proceed with the rest of the project from here, using the Revell kit. I will spray Alclad Aluminum tomorrow and then commence with the painting of the red tail, spinner, and wingtips, yellow stripes on the wing tops, and then decals and final assembly. This should all be done by early next week.
Again, thanks to all that volunteered purchasing the Trumpeter kit, but at this time, the Revell model will suffice.
Lee K
The model is painted, decaled, and weathered. Tony, can we meet up this weekend or early next week in the daytime so I can transfer the model to you so you can apply the noseart decal?
Lee K
Good run Lee, sounds like you got us to the 10 yard line and a first down. With the hand off to Tony I smell a touch down coming. Lee G and Ryan, any word on progress?
Quote from: Ronnie Murray on Mon 03/15/10 06:15 AM
Ryan, any word on progress?
I have the base stained and the place card ready to go. Tonight I will add the base materials and then a second coat wed, with weathering to follow. I will have it done for Sunday.
Well, it looks like a P-51B.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/leekol/Models/P-51B03.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/leekol/Models/P-51B02.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/leekol/Models/P-51B04.jpg)
Lee K
I have the figure 85% done. I won't be able to make the Sunday meeting, so can I make arrangements to do a handoff to someone late in the week (Thursday or so)? Lee K., can I work with you on a handoff if you plan to attend the Sunday meeting?
The Mustang looks good!
Cheers,
Lee G.
Yeah, sure. Coffee shops in the Triangle (Starbucks at 54/55, another on Page Road) work well around lunch time. Any day except Wednesday.
Lee K
Looking good Lee.
Looks really good :)
Ronnie can you scan the picture where it shows the plane's name. I want to print the decal of it.
thanks
Hey Lee K.,
Can we meet briefly on Friday around lunch? I can come to your work, or any of your regular lunch haunts. Let me know when and where, and I'll get the figure to you. (Sorry I won't be there for the Sunday meeting: Out of town with family stuff.)
You can e-mail me, too: I think you have my personal e-mail acccount.
Thanks,
Lee G.
Lee,
I'll be at the Starbucks at 54/55 at 1:00 PM on Friday. Starbucks is in the old Schlotsky's Deli location across the street from the old Fazzoli's (now Sal's Pizza). Geez, the triangle is changing quite a bit.
Tony, if you can meet us there as well I can transfer the model to you so you have a day to work on applying the nose art decal.
Lee K
Using the model as a guide, compared to the illustration, the "Gerry II" should be 30mm long with 6m high lettering.
Lee K
Ronnie, do you have a 1/32 scale WWII gunsight in your spares box? The Revell kit doesn't really provide one and the coaming looks bare without it.
Lee K
WOW! That is amazing Lee. Its crazy how you can take an old kit and turn it into a masterpiece. Great job. I am sure Hawk will love it. Cant wait to see it on Sunday.
See you there! Thanks for covering for me.
Cheers,
Lee G.
Hey guys, sorry to be MIA on all this stuff but I"m awake now. Lee K, I will cobble up a gun sight and have it ready to glue on at Sundays meeting. The Stang looks fantastic, especially when you consider what the kit had to offer. I'm looking forward to seeing it mated with the base and figure. Do I need to contact Hawk and have him come to the meeting? I know he lives in Durham so if he couldn't make the trip maybe one of you guys in that area could do a hand off. If not, he and I have already spoken about it. He will be delivering a lecture at a high school in Garner soon and I was going to meet him there that day and award him with the goods.
One more thing....looking at the canopy pieces I see the part that folds down beside the fuselage on the port side and the upright piece on the starboard side but looks like it's missing the piece that goes over the top that joins the two together. Lee, let me know if that is the case and I'll grab that piece from the Revell kit I have at home.
Hi Ronnie -- I have the overhead canopy piece, but haven't glued it on yet. We need to make a decision as to what position it will go on the model: if open, it will extremely fragile and probably won't last long. If closed, it doesn't fit very well. We can make that call on Sunday.
I suggest that you arrange to meet Hawk at Garner High to do the hand off since that is relatively close to you.
Thanks for offering up a gun sight. It doesn't have to be exactly the right one, but it will make the model look even better when we get it in there.
Lee K
I'll meet you at Starbucks tomorrow...will bring print of the nose lettering for Gerry II
I've had a bit of a family emergency come up and I have to leave tonight (Thursday), so I can't make the Friday Starbucks meeting.
I'll plan to be at the Sunday meeting (maybe later) and I'll bring Little Wilson then.
Sorry for the confusion.
Lee G.
Tony, I'll still be there with the model at 1:00 PM.
Lee K
see you there
Ronnie, probably a silly question, but was isn't Hawk coming to the meeting Sunday so we can give him his plane? Hawk is still a young man; he can easily drive there from Durham. This is an important plane to the Tuskegees because Hawk is taking it all around for presentations. Just wondering why he is not coming...Woody G
I've left voicemail messages for Hawk to see if he would like to attend the meeting but he hasn't responded yet. Hopefully he'll make it but if not I"ll be able to meet him and get it in his hands.
Hawk Hunter called last night and he will be there today by 13:30.
Hey guys, Hawk informed me that the Mustang got dropped the other day so I went to his home and picked it up. The port landing gear was broken off and the propellor was short one prop. Part of the canopy had come off but all the parts were still there. I've been in a serious modelling funk lately and held on to the kit for two weeks but finally worked on it yesterday. It seemed like it just needed something so I added the drop tanks from a Hasegawa Mustang kit and put some foilage on the base to add some color.
I thought how nice the display would look if it had that figure Lee G did so I scrounged around and found a "Reheat" resin figure I've been saving to make into Hal Shook to put beside my Trumpeter P-47. I wanted Hawk to get the full treatment so in about an hour start to finish I whipped up this guy. Can you hear the theme song to "Shaft" in the background? He's kind of sporting that 70's kind of hair style but the Rayban sunglasses turned out ok. Some of the colors might not be spot on but I had to work with what I had.
So anyway, put him next to the "Stang and it comes together.
One more shot for the full affect and I'm happy with it, so was Hawk when I gave it to him today. I really braced up several areas with pieces of paper clips and a good bead of CA so hopefully it will survive a few more missions.
Model looks great with the Figure and new drop tanks. Thanks Lee on the figure and Ronnie for the tanks and repair job. Did Hawk get it to his friend who can't get out much anymore to show it ?
regards,