Hello Matt. @coondog

Thanks for checking in...

Today I spent most of my time working on the F4U builds. However I did spend some time working on these pesky cowling "partial" Bureau numbers for the Avenger.

I used this picture that I zoomed in on and cropped as my example. It's taken from the original film of Robert Cosgrove as he's taxiing back after catching a wire. This is the style of hand brushed numbers I am trying to achieve.

Believe it or not, this has been very hard to get done properly... I sanded the numbers down again using 2000 grit wet or dry paper. This time I stopped at just the right time. My original work from yesterday needed some more touch up and alterations. I have been trying my very best to get the same style, location and worn look / transparency of the numbers.

After about an hours worth of work, I had to set it down... This is as good as it gets for the style and location. I think I'm close enough for "Government" work.

Tomorrow I will give this another very light sanding to thin out the look of these hand painted numbers. Hopefully it will be good to go this time.

as always,
Comments are encouraged.

Thanks Robert. I used to watch this show on TV with my Dad when I was a kid. Another similar TV show we watched together was “The World at War”.

The work on the hand-painted numbers is superb, Louis. It is a real conundrum. The elements of our subjects that were hand painted I guess we should hand paint ourselves! But very challenging to get the look right. Especially on field painted camo etc.

Those numbers are perfect!

Before you decide to give advice to a veteran and experienced modeler. You should check to see that he already has built an Accurate Miniature Avenger and knows the trick in installing the turret.

Actually, the last three numbers of the serial were almost always painted on the cowling at the factory with a washable paint, to identify the airplane while it was on the field (awaiting flight test, etc.). Generally, the numbers were scrubbed off before the airplane left for wherever it was going, but there are several instances documented in photos of the numbers staying on. They were hand-painted, like this instance, or were spray-painted (usually very sloppy, from the photos). I've got photos of TBMs, TBFs, F4Fs, FM-1/2s, and F4Us with these numbers on their noses.

All the more reason to watch this build then. 🙂

Hello everyone !

Today was a day for me to try and relax a little before the Hurricane Dorian blows through. Everything has been made ready for it, and we are as prepped as we can be with all things considered. I had everything completed last night, so today was spent at the work bench while we have been waiting for the storm...

As far as the turret installation goes, there's a few things that I need to address.

First off, don't follow the instructions. AM has you install the main canopy first, like I did. This is listed as part of Step #6 entitle "Bomb Bay Doors / Clear Parts"

The next step is when AM will have you try and attempt to install the turret. Step #7, listed as "Turret"

Do yourself a great big favor and install it like AM posted many years ago on their web site. I should have referred to my previous AM build that I made for our "Midway GB" about 1.5 years ago. I had absolutely no problems installing the turret in the manner that AM posted all those years ago.

The kit supplied instructions don't work. Trust me...

Here's a link to the early Avenger build.

https://imodeler.com/groups/75th-anniversary-battle-of-midway-group-build/forum/topic/148-accurate-miniatures-grumman-tbf-1-early-avenger-vt-8-torpedo-squadron-8/

My friend Rick Wilkes @fuzzmann

sent me the link... that shows how easy it is to install the AM turret. It's on page 3 of the Midway GB Avenger build journal.

In the next installment I'll show you just how easy it is to do.

No spreading of the fuselage is necessary... and please don't glue the clear main canopy on just yet... like I did here. It's a huge mistake if you do.