Hello David, as a scientist you will know what a model is! I reckon we can steal and stretch a little of the definition and say that you (we) are creating an understanding of something difficult to visualise otherwise. I know we don't (generally) make functional models - but I'd argue that all of our modelling - even that of the rivet counters (perhaps especially those who research their builds forensically) - is art!

And as some bright spark (Mark Twain maybe but I wouldn't put my shirt on it) said 'I don't know about art, but I know what I like!' This is on a trajectory to become something truly very special - and to bury the ghost of that Ju88 to boot!

Well, @tom-bebout, given your lovelies in olive (the Lightning and Airacobra you shared with us) I consider that great praise. You have any projects in the pipeline?

Isn’t it great that the randomness of wartime ‘interaction’ and those abstract notions can be frozen in a pair of models set in a diorama? Modelling decency and beauty and fate is definitely where the art lies. The technicality of the build and the painting here is another type of art. Put them together and that’s when it gets special!

Hi David,

Very true. And don’t forget the colorful socks!

Just wanted to tell you that I’m following this tread with great interest and enjoyment, even if I am not chatting a lot lately… You are making a wonderful model from so many aspects. Great stuff!

Cheers,
Aleks

It’s great to hear from you Aleks. Thanks for the support and I hope we see more of your work coming soon. I’m thinking two more weekends will put this project to bed. Just received the masters 50 cal Brownings today and awaiting a new canopy. Then we’ll be done and onto the next project(s).

My brother, it’s been too long. I just logged in after who knows how many days and saw the mention regarding the PropBlurs. So glad they are helpful, and thanks for your graciousness. I am eyeball-deep in a move (three hours south of Seattle) and job/vocation change, and have little time for modeling at the moment. I have hopes that will change.

KUdos on your progress and stay healthy and encouraged.

~Tocayo Tuyo

David, long time no here(sic)...

I know only too well the difficulties of a move, but combined with a career shift that’s a whole lot of pressure. I hope it all goes as well as it can and we see you back at the bench soon.

God speed, David.

Wow David, you have made some great progress !

Sorry to hear about the spinner on the Gustav. It will show up when you least expect it.

One little thing I noticed, (and please don't take this the wrong way). It's about the prop that is not spinning...

Typically they would "feather" a prop on an engine that was damaged, do reduce drag and to keep the engine from "wind milling". When a prop is feathered, it is turned so that is slices into the air and looks like this:

This poor hard luck B-24 has both inboard props feathered...

The only reason I mentioned this is that right now it's much easier to change it if you wanted to. Otherwise, you could leave it alone and just tell people that the engine "just stopped" and the pilots have not feathered it yet...

It may be a simple fix with slicing off the individual blades and re gluing them back on without any pitch.

What a thing of beauty this build is... I am really liking it. 🙂

If you had Chewbacca at the helm of the sailing vessel, the Martians wouldn't stand a chance...