Propwash

In my opinion, aircraft from the so-called "Golden Age of Aviation" are sadly under-represented as subjects for modelers. Speaking for myself, I would love a 1/32 Ju-52. I like the blunt, angular lines, the corrugated skin, and I think it would be a spectacular-looking build in 1/32. It kind of reminds me of an old, reliable workhorse of a pickup. I'd probably buy at least two kits, one for a military build and one in bright civil aviation colors. I'd probably push everything else on my workbench to the side and start work on it shortly after opening the box. I know it's not a popular subject with many modelers, but for me, it's one of my dream kits. Not interested in adding fuel to the debate about the pros and cons of such a kit, just giving an opinion.

In a way, I'm kind of relieved. I'm going to save a lot of money. Not only that, I'm running our of storage space for all the kits I keep buying and can't seem to find the time to build.

Actually, I knew the chances of this happening were about the same as the most of the fantasy kits we all dream about -- but hope springs eternal. However, I can't help thinking, with just a little more effort by HB, what a great kit this could have been, instead of just a barely acceptable kit.

Well, after a two-month wait it finally arrived. Appears to be pretty much the same kit as the J, with the exception of not having that abomination of a front turret. Was hoping HB might correct those wings that were apparently designed by someone with no knowledge of aerodynamics, but no such luck. Nevertheless, it's still a pretty good kit and will no doubt build up into a spectacular model. Has anyone else received theirs yet, and if so, what do you think of it?

http://My mistake. When I posted the above I wasn't aware that I had the early version. However, my somewhat facetious comment about the pistons and rods would most likely apply to both kits. Don't get me wrong. I really like like Zoukei-Mura's kits and their attention to the smallest of details. I just wish they'd come out with something really big -- like a G4M Betty.

I bought one a while back when it first came out. Looks to be a very complex kit. Haven't gotten around to it yet. One thing I don't understand is why Zoukei-Mura went to all the trouble of including pistons and connecting rods in the engine cylinders but didn't bother with a crankshaft.

I know it's not a popular subject with many modelers, but speaking for myself, I'd love a 1/32 JU-52. I have a special fondness for aircraft of the so-called "Golden Age of Aviation", and the JU-52 is one of the classics of that period. I find its clunky, angular lines and corrugated skin appealing in their functional simplicity. I'd like to build at least two of them -- one as a civil airliner and the other as a military transport.

Had an amazing experience yesterday on what I thought was going to be an uneventful Sunday. Decided to dash on over to the local Wally Mart for a few odds and ends. To avoid city traffic, I took a back road the runs past the Caldwell, Idaho, Municipal Airport. Approaching the airport, I couldn't believe my eyes. Parked in front of the operations building was a B-17 in WW II camouflage. I had to stop for a look. Only a few people were there, including one of the crew, who had set up a info booth. Realizing this was I rare opportunity, I headed for the aircraft --which was named "Ye Olde Pub" Previously, I had only seen B-17s at crowded airshows. I chatted with the crewman for a while. I asked him what model the aircraft was. He said it was a G which had been backdated to an F. I asked if I could have a look inside, and he said yes. A rare opportunity. At the aforementioned airshows, an interior tour had always required a long wait in the hot sun, which I declined. I took a number of pictures of the exterior and then went inside. I had heard that the interior of a B-17 was cramped, but until actually seeing it first-hand, I never realized just how cramped it really was. I'm not a big guy, but to me it seemed almost claustrophobic. I could barely squeeze past the upright in the bomb bay. I can only imagine what it must have been like wearing a bulky flight suit. Bailing out, with the aircraft going down in a spin, would have been a very dicey proposition. I continued taking pictures of the interior. Then returned to reality and my shopping expedition. When I woke up this morning, the first thing I thought was did that really happen, or was it a dream? But I have the pictures to prove it. I'll try to post them later today, once I get the hang of Photobucket.

If you want to place a pre-order, you'll need to call their order desk (1-877-414-0434) and give them the stock number, HY83212.

I went ahead and placed an order. They told me it's not currently in stock, but they expect it by the end of the month or early August. That's okay. I have The Airfix Hellcat to keep me busy in the meantime.

No, I'm not familiar with it, but I'm definitely interested. Tell me more. Is there a site?

Just got the latest Squadron catalog in the mail. HobbyBoss 1/32 B-24D is listed in it for US$200.99. This is the version I really wanted, but in view of the fact that the J was such a disappointment ---and the buzz is that the D isn't any improvement-- I'm on the fence about placing an order. But, then, it's unlikely there will be another 1/32 B-24 in the foreseeable future, so I may just swallow my pride and go for it. Have to give the matter some thought. Incidentally, the reason I'm especially interested in the D is because I used to know a guy who piloted one on the Ploesti raid.

After a long wait, the 1/24 Hellcat has finally arrived! MegaHobby is currently offering it for US$142.79, shipping included.

The HK Dam Busters kit is now available for pre-order from Free Time Hobbies. Price is US$350. Kit will be available in about three weeks. Before I realized what I was doing, I took the plunge. But now I'm glad I did.

in addition to toggle switches, 1/24 car accessories like radiator hoses, hose clamps, spark plug wires, battery cables, etc., have wide application to 1/24 aircraft. I have a shoebox filled with car parts that I keep for detailing aircraft.

I received two of these replacement turrets yesterday. They look good but some instructions would sure be helpful. Been comparing these parts to the kit instructions, and have to admit that I'm slightly confused. As for the B-24 kit, in spite of its problems, I really like it, and looking forward to the D. Just wish Hobby Boss had done a better job, even if that would had added significantly to the price. I've heard talk that Eduard has some aftermarket in the works and scheduled for release in May. Here's hoping!

Speaking for myself, I'd like some weighted resin wheels.

I recently bought the Trumpeter 1/24 Ju-87D-5 under much the same circumstances. The price was right ($129.99) and I decided to take a chance. The kit is so-so. Detail is minimal, plus it has those damnable plastic-dissolving rubber tires. but it seems like a good kit to practice on. Now I have the same problem as above -- virtually no aftermarket, except the Airscale instrument panel, which I assume is adaptable to the Trump kit. I've been searching far and wide for some resin replacement wheels without success. I'm resigned to the fact that they don't exist. Guess I'll put this kit on the shelf for now in the probably vain hope that some aftermarket will appear by and by.

The 1/24 Hellcat is now available for pre-order from Free Time Hobbies for $139.99. Might be a good idea to jump on the bandwagon ASAP. I suspect this is going to be a big seller.

Just received a copy of the Haynes publication B-24 Liberator 1939 onwards (all Marks) Owner's Workshop Manual. Excellent reference for modelers! Lots of technical info, illustrations, and a whole chapter on defensive armaments, including the turrets. There are two exploded views of turret components, which will be invaluable for anyone attempting to scratch build a turret and useful for anyone just wanting to add some detail. I highly recommend this book. Price runs around $20 for the soft bound issue, depending on where you buy it. Incidentally, I got the impression that this book must be selling well because I couldn't find a hardbound copy anywhere for a reasonable price and had to settle for the softbound one.

I suspect that any realistic fix to the turret problem won't be cheap, and will likely be limited to the dedicated few who are willing to part with the dough for an upgrade that will hardly be visible in the finished model. However, speaking for myself, a 1/32 B-24 has been on my wish list for decades, and I'm prepared to pay the price in order to get it right.

This is the one I used to contact Profi: profimodeller@sez.nam.cz

About a month ago, I contacted Profimodeller and inquired if they were going to bring out any upgrade parts for the HK B-24, specifically, the turrets and engines. They replied yes, they were considering it. Nothing from them since then, but all of you might want to send them a message stating you interest to give them some further encouragement. We just might be pleasantly surprised. As for scratchbuilding, that's fine for those of you who have the skills. Unfortunately, I don't. My attempts at scratchbuilding usually end up looking like a pre-schooler's craft project.

Gentlemen: Since this forum is dedicated to AM and fixes for the HB B-24, I'd like to suggest that we observe a policy of " if you can't say anything constructive, don't say anything at all". The shortcomings of this kit have been covered in detail elsewhere and continuing to rehash them serves no useful purpose other than to stir up discontent. In keeping with this, I'd like to pass on a reply to an email that I received from Profimodeller yesterday. I asked them if they were considering producing upgrade parts for the B-24 -- specifically, the turrets and engines. They replied, yes, they are looking into it but hadn't decided yet which parts to make.

I agree that moisture is a good way to settle the dust before painting. I like to use a laundry sprayer set to a fine mist. I learned this trick many years ago in basic training, where so much as a speck of dust on a foot locker during inspection could get you gigged. Hair spray works too, but be sure to cover anything you don't want the mist to settle on. Jerry Peterson