R Palimaka

After a long break for life and work stuff, going to try to get this going again. I have another project I'd like to start, and sailing season is coming. Like a true modeller, I am completely ignoring the instruction sequence and dealing with things as I work through the build. One thing that became apparent was that the resin cowling ring was just over 2mm too small in diameter to fit properly on the front of the engine "egg". That doesn't sound like much but it was very obvious and I was trying to figure out ways to maybe sand and fair it in without destroying detail. In the end, inserting a small wedge seemed to make more sense and it fits nicely now. I just have to add some filler and sand and fair it in without changing the round shape. Richard

Those are good recommendations by Tom. "Night Bombers" was filmed in colour at the time, and is a remarkable film to watch, although it's not like a commercially released film like "Twelve O'Clock High" or "Memphis Bell". I can't really think of one for Bomber Command, apart from "The Dambusters" which was about one special mission and wasn't really representative of the main effort. As for books, there are a few that come to mind, other members might suggest more, "Bomber Command" by Max Hastings - some say he was too critical of "Bomber" Harris, but the later revised edition is a good overview "The Right of the Line" by John Terraine - a massive work that covers all of the RAF wartime effort, by a superb historian "The Bombers and the Bombed" by Richard Overy - covers both the American and RAF bombing campaign, so gives you both in parallel "The Hardest Victory: RAF Bomber Command in the Second World War" by Denis Richards, who was involved with the RAF Official History Martin Middlebrook's books dealing with the battles over Berlin, Hamburg or Peenemunde. As for personal accounts, probably the finest is "A Thousand Shall Fall" by Murray Peden. This book is often recommended and cited in other works, and is a very fine piece of writing in itself. Bomber Command's war was very different and difficult. From the early daylight failures, through the switch to night bombing and developing technology to overcome the darkness and the relentless German defences...to finally going back to raids in daylight for some operations late in the war, thanks mostly to the efforts of the USAAF to win air superiority over Europe. Bomber Command was a very international effort. While the majority of crews were from the UK, there were crews and full squadrons from all over the Commonwealth and occupied Europe. The Canadians alone had a separate group within Bomber Command. 6 Group, headquartered in Allerton Park, at peak strength consisted of 14 heavy bomber squadrons. Richard

I agree with Richard and Tom above. For me it was a satisfying enough overview although it fell short in places as others have pointed out. No, I don't think it met the level of Band of Brothers but gave a sense of the bombing campaign and how it affected the young men involved. The CGI was not as good as I hoped, but there were brilliant little moments like the 78th Fighter Group Mustangs cruising through the formations of B-17s in the final episode. It was interesting to watch it with my partner Ruth, who bless her heart, has been seriously making an effort to understand the air war, the people involved and the aircraft as well. In six years we've been together she's made huge strides in understanding, and asks probing and interesting questions. As a vehicle for learning, Masters of the Air provided a chance for me to explain the issues involved in the American bombing effort, and she quite enjoyed the character development, the atmosphere created on the base. She said it gave her a sense of the intensity of the battles in the air. She actually cheered when the Mustangs intervened during the mission to Berlin! The series introduced her to the POW experience, the forced marches during the winter of 1945, and she had no idea about the food drops during Operation Manna. As members of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, she's familiar with the RCAF contribution and was quite shocked at her reaction to the virtual reality night time bombing raid experience that was presented at the Museum. Masters of the Air provided a chance to see the struggles to make the daylight American effort succeed. It was funny, during the raid in Southern France by the "Red Tails" she also commented on some of the engine sounds..."That's not what a Mustang sounds like!" I guess all the airshows I've taken her to have had an effect. If the series provoked some of the audience to ask questions, to do some research and read more deeply then it succeeded. We found it moving, and Ruth's comment at the very end showed me it worked. She turned to me and said, " After all they saw and endured, and the friends they lost, how did they manage when they got home?" The biographies of the main personalities gave her a bit of an answer. Maybe watching it through someone else's eyes helped, but I took it for what it was and thoroughly enjoyed it. Richard

Thank you so much for that! The Tempest has always been one of my favourite aircraft. It would be a dream to see a Tempest V fly! Even more of a dream would be to see it together with the Typhoon being restored in Comox, British Columbia someday. I realize that will not likely happen though, given the need to preserve airframe and engine hours and the distances involved in North America. Maybe throw in a Hurricane to join them... OK, back to reality... Richard

Thank you. No rush, I am a very slow builder! And yes, the 3D printed seat is beautiful, but it is a tight fit. I was surprised how little it cost! He has a very interesting catalogue of parts. Richard

Thank you Gilles, I have been using your magnificent build as a reference, I could not have managed without it. Richard

Well, I got a good start but life and work got in the way of finishing this one on time. I do plan to continue working on it, hopefully faster than four years like the last one. Could this thread please be moved to Works in Progress? Thanks, Richard

There is this as a start, lists the serial numbers of his Spitfires flown during successes. Timber Woods (acesofww2.com) Richard

Wheels and Wings has become my "local" hobby shop, even though it's over two hours away. We used to have two hobby shops in Kingston, but they are both long gone now. I agree it would be difficult for a brick and mortar store to carry a wide selection of kits, and all the after market that's available. That being said, I never fail to leave Wheels and Wings without spending way more than I planned. It is incredibly well stocked and there is always something you didn't expect to see. With the shipping costs from the US and UK, the prices they charge in store are not that different. And if you're impulsive it's a dangerous place. Richard

Happy Birthday Dennis! Family and modelling presents, sounds like a good day! Richard

Same here. Work is busy, and as a news junkie world events are stressful. I prefer to just work away on my hobbies in silence and peace. Richard

Brilliant work! The weathered finish is perfect. Richard

Excellent!! Beautiful build with unique markings. The weathering on this one is so convincing! Richard

Well, thank you very much everyone! I just saw this. I had a wonderful weekend, spent time with my son and daughter-in-law, and new granddaughter here from the UK. It was also very aviation oriented thanks to my partner Ruth. We did a road trip to the National Air Force Museum in Trenton, Ontario to see the restored Halifax, and the Lancaster they have just finished restoring and is just in need of reassembly. Very interesting because the Lanc is restored in striking post-war RCAF markings. Ruth bought me a copy of Masters of the Air, and we watched all three available episodes. I am a lucky man. Thanks again! Richard

Perhaps you've already seen this one. This article from Vintage Wings of Canada has a full biography, including the reason for choosing "Brunhilde" for the name and nose art. MAGEE - The Boy Hero and Poet Legend Richard

I'm a librarian, and probably biased, but books are my first resource. However I do use both, usually the internet will have more current information and research and photos that drill down into details. You also meet people from all over the world who you would never have known otherwise. Still though, nothing like sitting in a good chair with a pile of books researching your next project. Richard

It's true! After taking another look they don't look as stark as decals might, and they complement your weathering very well. They look kind of "organic" if you know what I mean. They don't do Mustang stencils sadly, I wonder if it's a copyright issue with "Boeing"...although they have some for the B-25. Your Hurricane is looking amazing! Richard

Wow!!! They are impressive!! Richard

This build is astounding, seriously. I've spent the last half hour catching up on this thread, and just picked my jaw up from my desk. What fascinates me are the engineering decisions you make, and the approach to some very complex shapes. Even deciding what materials to use and where. Although I will likely never build something from scratch, many of the techniques and solutions you come up with can be applied to improving and correcting faults in commercial kits. I always learn so much following your work. Thanks for always sharing your builds in detail!! Richard

That's beautiful!! What a handsome aircraft and well done! Richard

Well, you should be pleased! That is a superb result on that old kit. Very nice tribute as well to one of the Polish Few. Thank you for that, looking forward to your next build! Cheers, Richard

Welcome Gilles! At the moment I'm using your beautiful build of that MB 152C1 as a guide to improve my attempt. The information and drawings you provided have helped me tremendously. I'm learning so much about an aircraft I knew little about. I'm looking forward to seeing your other projects. Cheers! Richard

Superb work on that interior! I love the subtle shading, it makes all the detail pop! I have one of these to be built as a Polish "M", so will be interested to watch your progress. Richard

Ooooo...gotta like that! So close to the finish. Richard

Beautiful! Excellent build and a lovely unique scheme! Richard