Tamiya 1/48 FB.VI Mosquito, 464 Squadron (RAAF) 2TAF, RAF Thorney Island – October 1944
G'day all.
This is the ubiquitous 1/48 Tamiya FB.VI Mosquito built as a 464 Squadron (RAAF) aircraft flown by F/O Jack Palmer and his navigator F/O Jack Rayner operating out of RAF Thorney Island while attached to 2TAF in October 1944. There's not much to say about the kit that hasn't already been said but the additions were a True Details cockpit, Quickboost exhausts, Master gun barrels and a new pitot from brass tube. The codes, serial and over wing roundels are painted using masks that I made and all paints were Mr Color with numerous oils and weathering products used to achieve the final appearance.
First time building the Tamiya Mozzie too, so another one off the bucket list.
Cheers, Mick.
Looks fantastic, Michael. I love the weathering and other details. Really nice touch to have the ghost outline from the removal of the exhaust stack cover - good idea to show this. You've done some of the best overall dirtying-up of a mosquito in hard use that I have yet seen. Painted on wing roundels and codes are superb. Great work on a great kit.
Thanks Colin. You're one of the few people to notice the metal underside of the removed exhaust cowl. It's quite a prominent feature in many of the photos that I found of 464 squadron Mozzies as well as other Mozzies that had this feature. I was mindful that the aircraft is primarily wooden so chose to not have any exposed metal on it apart from the already mentioned exhaust areas. I hindsight I might go back and add some around the spinner/nacelle and area and forward of the canopy and nose. It's a kit getting on in age but looking at the sprues you wouldn't think so. The whole package of build/paint/weather was a lot of fun.
Wow Mick ,this is amazing, more info please about the exhaust stack cover that Colin has mentioned , did you see this in a picture ,what's the story , I ask because I have this beaut in the stash and it has now jumped up a few places...
Neil
Hi Neil. See my above to Colin regarding the exhaust covers. I made them using some vinyl masks I cut on my Silhouette Cameo. If you have one (a Cameo that is) I can send you the file and you can cut your own. I'm pretty sure I still have it.
Fantastic result, Michael!
Thanks Spiros.
Michael, A really nice build on a great kit. Not overdoing the weathering gives a nice realistic look !
Thanks Terry. It's an interesting subject to fatigue. In this case I've opted for the less is more look; I think it worked.
Excellent achievement on this Mosquito, Michael @mickdrover
Weathering and detailing does indeed look superb.
Instead of removing it from the bucket list, I just added it after seeing yours.
Thanks John. Glad to hear it's made it onto the bucket list. Any of the Tamiya props are an enjoyable build. I've built their Mustang, Thunderbolt and Corsair from the late 90's early 2000 molds and they've been great. the Mosquito was no different. I did their new Spit Mk.I a few years and that's just an effortless build.
Very nice work on this kit and a great model is the result. I like the paintwork particularly.
Cheers Tom.
Fantastic build Michael. Top notch weathering and building skills on display here. An inspiration for us all-well done!
Thanks David. Glad to hear that you're inspired!
Nice work, Michael. Great paintwork especially.
Thanks John.
Like it a lot!
Thanks Marcus.
Well-done build and finish. Subtle weathering tops off your fine work.
Cheers Bob.
Beautiful Mossie! The paint and weathering is fantastic.
G'day Greg. Thanks!
A true masterpiece. Perfect weathering! Bravo!
Thanks Stéphane!
I agree with everyone - it's a striking piece of painting! Clearly an extended labour of love and an inspiration to build mine. The mottling is beautifully varied and detailed, emphasizing some areas over others and telling the story of a battle-hardened airframe. Great job!
You really went the extra mile on this one, Michael (@mickdrover), and the results certainly show the extra work. Well done.
Have to agree with all the previous comments, a quality build in every respect. Funnily enough a friend’s father, F/O Woodward, was lead navigator in 464 Squadron RAAF around that time and on into 1945, I did quite a bit of research a few years ago for Derek (the son and friend).
Missed this one earlier but it definitely caught my eye this time. Well done!