I have to say, this is the best "modeling conversation" I've had in a long time. I look back and I can say I educated myself with models (somebody had to educate me, the school system saw me as a "problem" for pointing out to teachers where they were wrong and proving it - boy is that ever a NO NO for a student. I built the models and I asked "why did that happen?" and my Original Creative Genius On His Own Turf father sent me to the public library, eventually after several months giving me his "adult card" because he didn't like going there three times a month. The models sent me into history, and I can say I educated myself in "the stacks" at the Main Branch of the Denver Public Library, going there two Saturdays a month. The history educated me and the science fiction turned me into a human being. I loved going to the SFWA convention in 1989, when I had qualified for membership for writing "The Terror Within," and meeting Isaac Asimov, and getting invited to sit at his exalted table for having done so (he really liked the movie) and getting to tell him "Dr. Asimov, if I hadn't walked around the corner from those boring young adult novels and found the Science Fiction shelves, and hadn't found "Foundation," I wouldn't be here tonight." The conversation we had after that, is special.

The conversations we have here are as special.

Those are kind words, indeed. Inspiration to carry me through the 'masking 4 canopies stage', and then some. Thank you, both.

@tcinla

Tom, I went another route to the one I stated earlier and haven't read The Kamikaze Diaries yet, I will.

Instead I am now 7 chapters into 'Tidal Wave: From Leyte Gulf to Tokyo Bay' - your own latest!

It is compelling and I will finish it in the next few days - it has kept me away from the bench! The chapter on 'the forgotten fleet', it won't surprise you to know, had me reaching for the Hellcat/Seafire/Corsair boxes! Checking the serial numbers and carriers my kits 'flew' off, and selecting marking options.

Thus far it is an exceptional read. I love that it gives such detailed attention to the naval aviation element (I guess I shouldn't be at all surprised). I don't think I have read a more precise history book in that sense - it is awesome!

I honestly feel, that you should be thanked for bringing the BPF back into focus. I hope it finds its way onto the bookshelves of at least some of the families of the flyers. I know the book gives much wider coverage of the end of the war than just that element, but your analysis and clarity around the politics of the time, and what the US and BPF learned from each other, really highlights the value of that collaboration. I guess I'll have more to say as the read goes on - but so far it is outstanding!

An update on the Oscar - as flown in ‘For Those We Love’.

Started with a black base; then airframe aluminium (alclad); then some AK heavy chipping fluid; and a coat of paint prior to rehydrating and chipping. Added the main decals and now pretty close to getting this one done.

Needs wheels, some tanks and an aerial - and flat coat and dirtying up a fair bit more. Having a look through the oils, pastels and washes currently!

It came out fantastic Paul - the chipping especially. What a looker!

Thanks Greg, the lousy phone pics don't pick up the chipping on the wings - better shots at the reveal!

Tom, I knew I was going on a short holiday – including a visit to the Queensland Air Museum on the Sunshine Coast – for open cockpit weekend - so I thought I’d save the last three chapters.

I finished the book this morning. Many many things I have learned in doing so, here are but a few.

Firstly, the incredible volume of the Kamikazes, you have really given a precise and gripping indication of wave after wave of these attacks in massive numbers – the chapter on ‘murderous’ May 1945 is absolutely astonishing.

Next, the ‘flammable’ nature of the US carriers – some of the pictures you paint of the bravery of the sailors fighting fires – and literally forming chains to shift ammunition away from the flames is chilling; Admiral Spruance disappearing to fight fires himself, incredible.

Finally, and I don’t want to give anything away because many of the people on iModeler should really be reading ‘Tidal Wave’ themselves – it was very enlightening to read of the end of the Japanese regime and some of its major protagonists, and the politics and internal struggle, as the need to surrender was gradually accepted as the will of The Emperor.

Add in the individual stories (none of which I’ll give away here); the depictions of Kamikaze pilots (some Naïve and some not); and the issues of managing the fleet and the final acts of the war, and it is just a compelling and brilliant read! There is way too much for me to write about here – and it is written in exceptional detail. Goes without saying I’d recommend it unreservedly to all on here – I can’t imagine how many unique model builds it would launch if it was read by a dozen of the guys on here who enjoy histories of carriers and all things that flew off them.

It was a perfect view to read of the US (Allied) experience of the Kamikaze, as I built these planes - so thank you!

Lastly, with regards to what this book has inspired, I’ll say quietly that I’ll now be sourcing an Ohka to put together and building an aircraft of US origin with sheared off propeller ends! Anyone wanting to know more will have to read the book!

Finally, the curse of the airshow looks likely to have struck. Tomorrow is 'Day 1' and the weather outside is atrocious. Slightly less awful on Sunday - but the promise of a 'huge airside display' is looking improbable to say the least!

Here is the car park of the local mall an hour ago! High winds and bucketfuls of rain!

At least it is not an earthquake - hope all is well in Southern California!

Paul, as TC has said, this is a great, great thread, sorry for being MIA - these posts deserve better.

@yellow10

Cheers David. I don’t think you owe the forum or the GB too much - you give it all whenever you can.

I am just about to get back to school and am acutely aware of deadlines. It’s getting busy over here!

I notice how ‘full steam ahead’ you have been across the last few days. Remember to take a breath! Great to see you in good form again.

I kind of think of this thread as more of a philosophical education rather than a modeling post, anyway. Hey, if you move house and this is the worst that happens, it’s all plane sailing, huh? Zero loss...

I’m really pleased you are back on the bench. Like you, the last thing I am is prolific in this hobby, but the bench is a sacred place, a bolt hole - and we all need one of those.

And hey, that ‘Cherry Blossom’ is looking great.

@yellow10