Profile Photo
capt. R
48 articles

B-24 H Airfix 1/72, 459 Bomb Group Amedola Italy, 1944.

April 9, 2025 · in Aviation · · 28 · 349

I won't be too groundbreaking with this project, as many modelers have already made this model and presented their work on YT. However, my experience has introduced a few important remarks. Many people complained that the model lands on its tail - that's obvious! The problem is that the places indicated by the manufacturer do not hold enough lead. In my model, I solved this problem by placing the weight in the front landing gear bay and behind the radio operator's compartment. The total mass of the counterweight oscillated around 100g, which ensured proper behavior on the landing gear. Another issue is the painting scheme. What Airfix proposes, at least for the 15-FO production block, is not true. The front part of the fuselage should be Dull Green, and the rest in Chromate Green. The bomb bay should be in natural metal with elements in Neutral Grey. Another important element is the equipment details. If you decide on an aftermarket decal set, carefully analyze the details of the original. Within one production series, aircraft could differ significantly depending on the manufacturer, etc. I had to remove the armour plates below the side windows of the cockpit. As for the landing gear, it is worth checking the type of wheel rims (the set contains two sets). I also painted the flaps and landing gear bays with C351 MrColor Chromate Green, analysing available photos and YT videos of preserved copies. The Airfix model is undoubtedly the best offer on the modelling market, although I enjoy building every B-24 model, including the older Academy or Hasegawa ones. I have great sentiment for all of them. I decided to paint aftermarket, among other things because those from the box have been presented many times before and I would not bring anything new to the subject. In any case, applying large decals with a checkerboard pattern on the tail was a challenge, fortunately it ended with success. As for painting, I used a new version of preshading, apart from that it was standard OD and NG based on Mr Color paints. An interesting change was the red engine casings. A nice surprise was the CT Scale Models mask set, which included masks for de-icer boots on vertical stabilisers. As a change, I used figures from the best South Korean brand on the market, "Legends". I only regret that they only have two crew members from the outdoor figures. The rest of the range is intended for the inside of the plane. I invite you to familiarise yourself with the presentation on YT. And ... Capt. R will return...

Reader reactions:
14  Awesome 2  1 

69 additional images. Click to enlarge.


28 responses

  1. This is a gorgeous build of the B-24, great job!

  2. A really nice model, along with another nice diorama, Bernard (@lis). It was fun following along on this project, and you final movie was cool.

  3. Excellent model and great finish. The cat is fun as well.

  4. Looks great in a small scale. Your figures are special. Thanks for sharing.

    Rod

  5. Outstanding work on this B-24, it looks excellent !

  6. You did a wonderful job on this Liberator, Bernard @lis
    Thanks for the tip on keeping the nosewheel down, 100 gram is quite a lot to put inside this aircraft.
    Seems like you got some great help from Wellington.

  7. Gorgeous Liberator, Bernard @lis. You did a great job with this beautiful kit and i like your choice of decals a lot. Very smooth paintjob!

  8. Everything, came together Bernard @lis. The painting, decals, photos, and your movies all were enjoyable to read, watch and follow. Your cat is icing on the cake.

  9. @stephen-w-towle His name is Wellington 🙂

  10. Bernard @lis Wellington will be a good inspector of your work and help keep the mice from entering the home. Looking forward to reading and seeing the further adventures of capt R.

  11. Really nice build and diorama, the B-24 doesn't get a much love or attention that B-17 garnered, but she was an able workhorse. Great job!
    jim

    4 attached images. Click to enlarge.

  12. Nice work as usual!

  13. Remarkable work once again, Bernard.
    Nice model, photos and video. Looking forward to your next build.

  14. Excellent Liberator and equally excellent diorama, Bernard! Your build thread was a joy to follow!

Leave a Reply