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capt. R
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PBM-5A Mariner in Royal Nedherlands Navy Forces, East New Guinea.

November 24, 2024 · in Aviation · · 24 · 339

I have recently become interested in flying boats. After the great success of the PBY-5A flying boat project, I decided to build a PBM-5A. Initially, I wanted to find a model in the PBM5 version, but the Minicraft model on eBay was getting ridiculous prices. So, I ordered the more readily available PBM-5A version. It turned out to be a good thing, because I discovered niche versions of the Royal Netherlands Naval Forces paint schemes, from the Dutch East Indies in New Guinea. The VSQ-321 Squadron from Biak used Mariner aircraft in the years 1955-1960, but with many difficulties. I invite you to familiarize yourself with the history of these aircraft in the service of the Royal Netherlands Naval Air Force. The Academy Minicraft model comes from 2013, so it can be considered a completely new form. The set is very well put together, with only a small amount of putty needed when assembling the individual wing elements and assembling the wings to the fuselage. It is worth buying a set of resin propellers. In this build I used new oil washes for airplanes in navy color. Whether the effect is good - judge for yourself. What I liked the most is the many options for converting the model based on the included parts, such as an alternative nose, dorsal and rear turret caps. And also two sets of propellers (three and four blade). The glazing is crystal clear, looks very good after the final painting. Also the amount of detail inside the fuselage is large and also allows for hiding a large supply of lead to keep the airplane on the front wheel of the landing gear. I will definitely return to this model again, because I would like to make a Mariner PBM-5 model again.

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24 responses

  1. A really nice Mariner, Bernard @lis
    I do like it a lot, especially because of this scheme ๐Ÿ™‚
    It was a pleasure to follow your thread and the added video does explain it all.
    Well done.

  2. Well done. One of my favorite 1:72 builds.

  3. Excellent Mariner! Great build thread, too!

  4. Nice work, Captain.

  5. Nicely done capt. R

  6. Amazing job, @lis
    The added components takes the build to the next level.
    Great photos and video also, really like the B&W photos.

  7. Very nice! Looks great.

  8. Excellent build. Even in 1/72 it must be a monster.

  9. She looks great and the diorama is lovely. I like how you always add a story by creating a diorama, @lis.

  10. Nice work capt R @lis. The whole project you have completed here is fantastic - I'm yet to give any diorama scene a go yet and this is very inspiring.

  11. @lis - Great build and amazing photos as always capt. R!

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