Midway Group Build recap…
Greetings everyone !
It has been a little over a week since our reveals were completed from our Midway Group Build.
The turn out was more than spectacular and exceeded my expectations by a long shot. I never dreamed that it would have done so well.
We had numerous article postings added (that were Midway related) during the reveals from others who had not originally been part of the Group Build. This was like icing on the cake. It made the turn out even greater !
Here's an autographed 1/48 Hasegawa SBD Dauntless built as flown by AND signed by Lieutenant Commander Richard Best (who was the Commanding Officer of VB-6 from the USS Enterprise) that was provided by Rick Wilkes.
I sincerely thank everyone who posted something Midway related, whether it was part of the original GB or not. This would not have turned out as good as it did, had we not had such a great team effort.
Here's an example of that teamwork:
My friend Greg Kittinger had a great idea and was kind enough to pass it along to me... He asked if I had planned on posting an article that showed the builds that were done from our Group, sort of like a recap of what went on over there.
So as part of Greg's suggestion, I went through all of the original Midway GB postings, and pulled a picture (or two) of the models that were part of the build.
Here's what I came up with, in random order:
In keeping with the SBD Dauntless theme, here's Greg Kittinger's 1/72 scale SBD Dauntless, with a lot of scratch building work done on the flaps... Yes it's 1/72 scale !
Chuck Villanueva's 1/48 scale Douglas TBD Devastator as flown by Ensign George Gay...
Tom Bebout's 1/48 Hasegawa D3A "Val"
Boris Rakic's 1/48 Hobby Boss F4F-4 Wildcat...
Jim Bert provided this stunning photograph of a derelict artillery piece that was left behind by the Japanese in the Aleutians.
to go with his own Japanese artillery...which is a Fine Molds kit of a Type 41, 75 MM cannon.
Here's one of my entries... It's the Monogram 1/48 Douglas TBD Devastator.
Followed by another 1/48 TBD this time by Freddie Seitz III. This is the Great Wall kit.
Here's Tom Bebout's 1/48 AMT P-40
and his Monogram Classics P-39...
Chuck Villanueva built another beauty with his Accurate Miniatures 1/48 SB2U-3 Vindicator
followed by my rendition of P.O. Koga's "Akutan Zero" using a 1/48 Tamiya A6M-2 kit.
Rick Wilkes had these two wonderful Japanese builds, both in 1/72 scale
Nakajima B5N "Kate"
and Rick's Aichi D3A "Val"
Here's another fabulous example by Freddie Seitz III, with his 1/48 Tamiya F4F-4 Wildcat
This one is my 1/48 scale Monogram PBY-5A Catalina, that I built right out of the box. (other than a minor alteration to the landing lights)
Rick Wilkes was on a roll, and was knocking out some very nice 1/72 scale kits. Here's a few more examples of Rick's work:
Airfix 1/72 F4F Wildcat
1/72 Douglas TBD Devastator
and his fabulous 1/72 A6M Zero...
Here's another one of my builds. It's the Accurate Miniatures 1/48 SBD-3 kit that I built as a plane flown by Lt. Commander Richard Best... The same man who autographed Rick Wilkes plane at the very top of the article.
Chuck Villanueva contributed the only P-38 during this build. This one is a 1/48 Academy kit, which also turned out very nicely...
Here's my 1/48 Accurate Miniatures TBF Avenger that I back dated to a very early "Dash-1" version that made their debut at Midway.
This 1/48 Hasegawa B5N "Kate" was built by Freddie Seitz III
This one is Tom Bebout's 1/48 Tamiya F4F-4 Wildcat,
and finally, almost ending with another 1/48 Tamiya F4F-4 Wildcat, this one was mine. I was inspired by one of the "Friday Briefing" photo's of Rob's to build this one...
Here's the last entry... "Scout 4" from the IJN seaplane tender Tone. This one is Paul Barber's 1/48 scale Nichimo E-13A "Jake". Paul replaced the engine, cockpit and rear gun with aftermarket goodies... This one's a real beauty.
There are still a few builds that have yet to be completed, and these members are still posting progress of their builds along the way. I highly recommend taking the time to head over to the Midway GB area and check it out... It's still not completely finished just yet, since the ending date was not strictly enforced.
Enjoy and as usual, comments are encouraged... Take care.
Next I might do the same thing, but this time get photos from everything that was posted relating to Midway.
Thanks again.
Now lets get started on the "Year of the Cat" Group Build... to be continued.
Excellent selection of contributions, Louis...except yours is missing. 🙁
Congratulations for taking a big part in the organization of this latest "Group Build". As you said, the result(s) were great and we look forward to the next one. I think it's a good idea regarding posting an "atta boy" to everyone who took part (next time) - even if it's just a name rather than taking the time to try to post a pic from all who participated. Thanks again, my friend. And I gotta find the time to make the short drive over there to see your WIP's first hand and "talk shop". Talk to ya later.
Oops...never mind my remark about yours being MIA - guess I caught you in the middle of postin' or sumthin'. 🙂
That's OK buddy... Yes I was still posting and editing the article. I'm not the greatest with computers... or typing. 🙂
I agree, one of these days we do need to talk shop. Thanks again Craig.
It's a credit to you Louis and your team of tireless modelers, has been a real treat to read and learn about this events in our history,well done it has been a real treat for me to read and a feast for the eyes to see such high standard of kit building,thanks to you all.
Thank you Jim. I also have learned a lot during this event. Plus I had a good time doing it... It was a Win / Win for me too. we really did have a great turn out, and the quality of the builds was outstanding.
Great idea Louis, it was an amazing project for those involved. Sharing facts and information. I thought I knew everything there was to know about the Battle of Midway. Even the known inside information. But the details that came out for both sides well let say it is never too late to find out more of what took place 75 years ago on that part of the vast Pacific. What started as an idea became reality and seeing the passion put into each of the aircraft, equipment and ships the men who fought and died gallantly for both sides. It was a precarious situation for the US Navy and America as a whole. Still a wonder how we came out despite the overwhelming odds, bad luck wrong place, weapons not working, bombs missing obsolete equipment out numbered. Yet still able to win the battle. It was fun. Good job Louis and the guys who participated bravo!
I want to personally thank you Chuck. You were a great person to bounce ideas around with. Your honest opinions about things were exactly what I was looking for. I have said all along that this was a team effort. You were a big part of the team, and your build postings were awesome.
Thanks again my friend.
You're absolutely correct about the turn of events during the Battle of Midway. God Bless the USA !
Wow, what a great compilation Louis! I'd say that group build was a super success! Job well done everyone! 🙂
Thanks Gary ! It was a team effort.
Wow. Just - wow. 🙂
Thanks Martin. Your technical assistance help with this GB is one of the reasons it turned out so well. Your postings highlighting the GB in areas where it got great coverage was another act of brilliance.
Nice recap of some great modeling Louis. Thanks for putting this together I really enjoyed being involved. Only disappointment I had was no one did a ship. However, I also realize they do a little longer to complete especially if you include PE and lots of aftermarket items. Hats off to all the participants job well done.
Thank you Tom. I'm glad that I had the opportunity to get the ball rolling as they say... I was surprised also that no one built a ship, but like you mentioned, they do take a considerable amount of time to complete one.
Your builds that you contributed really helped. A few days ago I went into "Michaels" to look for a poster like the one you used for your P-40 and P-39 back drops. They didn't have any... too bad. The hunt continues...
Thanks again for the PBY detail photos from Wright Patterson...
Hey Louis. At some point in the next week or so I'll finally be starting the Merit 'Big E' in 1/350 (finished by Christmas?). Wish I'd been able to get her in (or even started) for the Midway build - but work just gets in the way. One day...
Anyway, if you can keep an eye out, I'd love to hear any of your thoughts, given what a love you have of the Pacific theatre.
Hope you are well,
David.
Well done Louis. You had a great idea for a Group Build and followed through with it. Well done indeed.
Thanks Rick. Your participation in this group venture helped to make it what it was. (and my SBD model flown by Dick Best would have never been completed without your help by donating me the part I needed to get it done... Thanks again 🙂 )
Your series of 1/72 scale builds were very impressive.
Nice closing post Louis - great way to bookend the GB!
I have to give credit where it's due Greg. This was your idea, and a great one at that. Thanks again for suggesting it my friend.
and for building and posting your super detailed SBD... That is a work of art buddy...
Louis, congratulations on a great Group Build - it's clearly inspired people and the results are spectacular.
Bravo!
Thank you David. I appreciate the compliments Sir ! I agree that everyone involved were deeply inspired by this, and it showed up in the magnificent results of their work.