Another Good Year Of Modeling As 2024 Draws To A Close
It's been a real treat to be able to devote more time to modeling now and even though 2024 was not quite as productive as 2023, I still managed to get five done. But what was special about it for me was the chance to try out several new techniques and build some models I've never built before.
It started out with completing an old Lockheed Hudson in 1/72 from Airfix in February. This kit I had started in 2023, but hadn't reached completion before the end of that year. What I really enjoyed about it was the opportunity to do a lot of scratchbuilding and detail improvements on this fairly basic kit. Improvements included adding the wing slots, a vacuformed gun turret, vacuformed engine cowlings with resin engines, full interior, and an airfield diorama. Lots of fun. It is also my first ever RAF Coastal Command aircraft.
After that, I picked up on an 1/48 Academy P-38E Lightning kit I had barely started several years ago. This kit represents an F-4 Reconnaissance Lightning used by The Royal Australian Air Force in '42 and '43 (if I recall correctly). This particular diorama shows the dramatic final moments of the most photographed RAAF Lightning as the pilot was forced to do a belly landing because the landing gear would not extend. The starboard propeller has just hit the ground and the port propeller is still spinning. The kit used the CMK F-4 conversion nose (made for the Tamiya P-38F, but made to fit this kit). The pilot is a suitably modified Tamiya P-51B pilot figure.
Next up is the Hobby Boss FJ-4B Fury in 1/48 scale. This is an airplane I've wanted for a long time and I finally got around to building it. To me this aircraft looks particularly attractive with the wings folded up, so this is how I built it. The build features some corrections to details, riveting, a scratchbuilt guidance pod, and all painted markings. It was a masking beast doing all this, but a build I thoroughly enjoyed.
I had two goals for 2024 when I started the year. I wanted to build a ship model, something I haven't done in over 50 years, and I wanted to do an aircraft in natural metal using aluminum foil. The ship model was not finished so I do not include it in my completed category, however, I did spend several months on it and will be returning to finish it in 2025. It's Trumpeter's 1942 version of the USS San Francisco heavy cruiser in 1/350 scale. A very interesting build experience.
The foiled aircraft was ProModeler's 1/48 P-47N Thunderbolt, in my eyes, the best looking Thunderbolt with the larger wings and wider track landing gear. It is a very attractive aircraft in bare aluminum and I just had to do it. Foiling this model was a challenge in some areas, but actually easier than I expected and I am very glad I did it.
And the final kit for the year was actually built before the Thunderbolt. It is Hobbycraft's 1/72 F-82 Twin Mustang kit. This kit was a gift from my son in 2022 that I really wanted to build so he could feel better about the gift. The kit itself is atrocious (but of course, my non modeling son didn't know this), and required a lot of work to bring up to snuff including reshaping of the intake trunk, removing and replacing all the surface detail with scribed panel lines and riveting. Nonetheless, it was a satisfying build and looks good in my display cabinet.
I hope all of you had a wonderful year and here's to a productive 2025 for all of us.
An awesome year, Carl! All your works are wonderful and I really learned a lot from your techniques. Your build threads were a joy to follow.
Wishing You and Yours a happy, prosperous 2025!
Thanks Spiros (@fiveten). I enjoy being able to share what I learn while building. Have a great new year.
You had a great year with some amazing builds, Carl @clipper
I really liked following your threads and learning from you skills.
Wishing you a wonderful and healthy 2025
Thanks John (@johnb). I'm glad you could swing by the builds. Here's to 2025 and may it be good to you and your family.
You have great work in 2024. Thunderbolt turnet out extremally good!
Thanks Bernard (@lis). It's been a pleasure for me to follow along on your builds this year. I especially enjoyed the flying boat builds.
Great to hear @clipper ! i have next flying boat in my stash 🙂
A great looking set of models, Carl. Each one a nice build. Congrats!
Happy 2025...
Thanks Gary (@gwskat)! It was a fun year. Have a great 2025!
Thank you everyone who responded or provided a reaction. It's nice to be able to share, but equally important to me, it's nice to be able to either help or inspire others. And I am truly thankful for the skills I have acquired through participating in this modeler's club (that's what it is in my opinion) as well as the inspiration from so many fine builds presented here.
An impressive line-up for 2024, Carl!
Your work is top-notch as always.
Happy New Year
Thanks Alfred (@alfred) Happy New Year As well
Great work on all, Carl.
Thanks Tom (@tcinla) Happy New Year
Impressive work on all - congratulations on that F-82 result!
Thanks Chas (@chasbunch). That F-82 is definitely in need of a newer tool kit in that scale. Happy New Year.
Awesome builds Chas! Happy New Year!
G’day Carl (@clipper),
I was particularly impressed with your Lightning build thread and your P-47 foiling process.
All the best for 2025.
Thanks Michael (@michaelt). All the best to you as well and Happy New Year!
A great line-up! My two favorites are the Hudson and the Twin Mustang. Happy New Year!
Thanks Greg (@gkittinger). Happy New Year to you as well!
Nicely done Carl.