UIDIBM SUEZ DW CUR Una tiged eee Cee ST ean ciety See uC ue eK Se ee Od ion obi [ ‘exclusive FF 33, FF 49 and FF 331 1:72 scale drawings STIRS) eS Ak LOUD RUPE hace Wee) TUCO ee AUGUST 1999 Price: £2.50 Se ae Se i = | | => a Wrossetiacus> rer Ty 7 ed CN err eee SRE 1) eo NyThe Warpaint series reaches 21 Continuous purchase facility Many readers have taken advantage ‘of the opportunity 10 receive every \Warpaint tte published as soon ast ‘ammves from the printers. Be among ‘he fist to got your copy ofthe \nitey, and al ther new books publaed by Hall ark Books, by ‘sending your creditcard deals, expiry date and ful address to the Publishers now. CR pass a ireratt lodelling VOLUME 21 NUMBER 6 AUGUST 1999 ISSN 0956-1420 http:/www.samnet.co.uk Published monthly by Guideline Publications and printed by Regal Litho Ltd at ‘382 Solbourne Road, Luton Bedfordhiro LUs 8NU. Tal: 01882 505000 1582 560731 Nol Robinson, Assistant Editor: ‘Rody Sheppard Associa Editors: ‘Mike McEvoy sim Howard ‘ulian Cebvards Advertising: hoe Toplin at BTA Tel: 01442 215095, Foxe 01442 246034 US & Canadian Advertising and Distribution: ‘Oehler Media inc, The Soho Building, 110 Groene Street Suite 703, lew York, NY 10012, (212) 2263985. (212) 2265707 SoAtntia Bor 1000 Gateshead NET GGA Rance’ oe temo Sweat tonsee Wie 0 razon aeouo Foc 077 30 002 Paste U ay day The Corpor, Rosso ‘Tat a) 218900 Fa el 18780 EDITORIAL COMMENT. Modelling alone? By its very nature, modelling is a very solitary hobby - but that doesn’t mean ‘you have to be a modeller alone. There are literally thousands of us out here! Thave always been fortunate in that wherever | have lived | have been able to attend a modelling group, invariably under the auspices of IPMS (UK). Being amongst like-minded enthusiasts one a month (or more frequently), is such a tonic and somehow seems to mutually improve everyone's modelling skills. Exchanging hints and tips, looking at ways other modellers have tack- led or finished a particular model, and just generally talking about aeroplanes {and modelling seems to have a wonderfully beneficial therapeutic effect. In any given month | regularly get to anything upto eight or more differ: lent modelling groups’ meetings. I'm not suggesting that you try to follow suit - I need to be ‘out there’ meeting people for my job as well as my own personal development, and | love every minute. As if to prove that I do get out and about occasionally, the accompanying photo shows myself and Airfix/Humbrol’s Research ‘and Development Engineer, Trevor Snowden, at a recent meeting of the IPMS Wolds Branch, on the sunny East Yorkshire coast, where we had been invited as quest speakers, Pictured from left to right are Alex Riley (Branch Member), Trevor ‘Snowden, Malcolm Stockhill (Branch Chairman), myself, and Kevin Dolman (Branch Secretary). Managing Editor Contents Wn Tray 24 New to us: new to you? The new monthly modeling news column Aircraft in Detail - Assembly Ships of the 2nd Air Division 236 Robert Gray describes the operations of these unique Bth Air Force Liberators, whilst David Howley ilustrates their many and varied paint schemes They're not their proper colours! 28 Robort Gray builds FIVE examples ofthese 8th Air Force Assembly Ships using the Monogram 1:48 scale kts Wolfchen Joel Christy goes through a step-by-step description of how he “Scratchbuilta 1:72 scale Friedrichshafen FF 33E! Air Lines 308 In a specially expanded Air Lines, exclusive 1:72 scale line drawings from the pen of Peter Green covering the FF33, FF 48 and FF 381 derivatives Republic's Heavyweight ‘Streak 316 Frank Campey improves th Italeri F-84F using the Airwaves brass etch set Mosquito 318 ‘Atwo-part feature looking at Tamiya's 1:48 scale Mosquito - Part One: lan Crawford compares the Tamiya and Aifx kits Inside Story - Bell 4128P a ‘Mark Atti looks at the Bel 412SP in current Slovenian Army colour scheme and markings ‘Market Place 34 Kits, accessories, books and decals reviewed by enthusiast modellers for SAM Readers Write Your chance to respond to previous articles in SAM, or simply air your views about madeling-related topics IPMS Column 38 ‘The International Plastic Modelles’ Society news and information column Tailpioce 33 Gono but not forgotten - Mike McEvoy reflects On the front cover: 1:48 scale Monogram B-24D kit finished as Wham Bam'flown by [Major James Stewart (of Hollywood fame) in 1984, made by Robert Gray. Inset: Siovenian Army Bell 412SP - part ofthe Inside Story photo feature by Mark Atl All studio photography, unles otherwise credited, by John Ruddleston Photography Lid 283Fist a word from Malor Grovel. In our review of the PJ Meteor 7.7, (in SAM Vol 21 No 3), the kit price was stated as £27.95, whereas it should have been a ‘much more encouraging £19.99. Of Course if you try PJ direct you may be able to get an even better price in euros! ‘There is now also a set of ‘large’ intakes for the T.7, or their earlier F8, for £2.50. Magna Models have| a much appreciated habit of issuing new kits at regular intervals, and | don’t know if the sudden arrival of four at once is a Catching-up exercise, ora litte intelligent ‘anticipation ahead of their works holiday. Two are developments in various ways of existing kits, The Homet F1, which has ‘no dorsal fin strake, and the decals Inchide the upper wind chevions. of a sspecially-marked 65 Squadron aircraft. The Martin Baker MB.5 was a make-over ff the uncompleted second MB.3, and ‘only one was built. The third kit conforms to Magna’s norm of a Naval aireraft, and | know many Naval aviation modellers who will welcome the Fairey Albacore, with one of Its two decal choices carrying, US Navy titling as well as ‘Operation Torch’ markings. The fourth is a conversion to transform the Airfix Laneaster In to a Lancastrian. a = Luftwaffe 1:48 scale modellers. will welcome the appearance of the Revell Junkers Ju 52/3m, with both the options in this kit being for aircraft based in the Mediterranean in 1942, of 1./KGr.2.D.V 400 and II./KGr.z.b.V ‘Wittstock’. "The ProModeller version includes parts and ‘markings for a Spanish Civil War Tante Ju. This model is to feature in an indepth build article later in the year. Binney and Smith have also sent us the latest Revell 1:48 scale jet, the 284 production version of the Rafale for the Aeronavale, and very nice itis too, with beautifully moulded parts and finely engraved panelling. In the same scale, and technically from the same aeronautical stable the Classle Airframes Bloch MB.155 is of the final production variant of the fighter with the markedly offset radial engine, with ‘markings for two aircraft of GC.il 8 in 1941/42, one with Vichy stipes. The kit includes a substantial amount of resin detail parts, including fifteen engine oylinders, The MB.155 is also one of two new kits In 1:72 scale from Azur, with 2 Vichy Striped aircraft from GC1/8, a plain aircraft of GC.1I/8 and a third in Luftwatte Colours with an A3 code. ‘The other kt is of the Loire Nieuport LN 411, a singleseater dive bomber that sserved with the Aeronavale in the ‘Phoney War with markings for two aircraft of ABA. The 1:72 scale Supermodel MB.339s are now with us, the 339A PAN having markings for the Frecce Tricolori - and rote that their shade of blue is now and the single seater 339K ‘Veltro 2 in pair of demonstrator schemes. ‘The aerobatic version is also out in 1:48 scale from Frems, an Italian company ew to me, and this one has been ‘marked out for the Jim Howard treatment later in the year. High Planes continue to send us goodies from Australia, three boxings and four possibilities ' being their latest Submissions. Douglas’ light twin comes. iin two guises, a Havoc Intruder of the RAF with decals’ for three aircraft of 23 Squadron, one with a disruptive camouflage over its basic black. Its sibling is a French 08.7, again with three decal choices. Two’ are of aircraft GB.I/32 and GB.II/19 of the Vichy Armee de Vir, the latter with much red ‘and yellow stfiping, and the thitd has black and white D-Day stripes, and served with GB.1/34 in ate 1944. ‘The pretty little Ryan PEO trainer also has @ choice of three owners, the US Anny Air Corps, the Dutch East Indies, ‘and the RAAF, whose example served with 452 Squadron in camouflage. The fourth aircraft comes with one ‘choice only- which is | suppose no choice ~ carrying the racing number 19, which ‘was applied to ‘Vendetta’ the first of the Learstangs, the body of a P51 fitted with the wings and tailplane of a Learjet as well as other aerodynamic. ‘gofaster modifications. Modellers of Luftwaffe aircraft in the smaller scale are treated by Special Hobby to 2 Domier Do 317V4, the kit including resin parts. ‘And from Delta Aviation Publishing, Glenn Ashley first sachet of Reichbitz has propeller blades, cooling fan and replacement fin to change the Revell Fw 1908 into an A9/-10. We now have the first of Aeraciub’ ‘expected range of Meteor night fighters in 4:48 scale, and they start with the NE, A true multimedium kit, the big bits are vacformed, the cockpit and front nacelles are resin, the tailplane and Undercarriage doors injection moulded and all the rest white metal. It comes with decals for 46 and 60 Squadrons, and follows considerable personal research by John Adams, the results of his measurements overturning a long- held accepted truth. It was accompanied by a new set from Duteh Decal covering a considerable selection of Meteor units, for F8s of 72, 263 and 601 Squadrons, ‘and assorted right fighters of 29, 46, 60, 141, 219 and 2 ANS. The set has Individual letter codes but no serials, and is £4.95, The kitis £27.50. ‘Also from Aeroclub comes their new catalogue (£1.00), and a Flexifite “Flexset’. which comprises the Ushaped Floxifle itself - which has been a constant ‘companion on my wofkbench these many years - with half a dozen abrasive strips, ‘and five ‘FlexPad’ flexible sanders of Various grades, which are the size and shape of long thin fingers. This set is well worth adding to your toolkit, and is £17.75 from ‘Aeroclub (see their advertisement in this issue). From the ‘same Nottingham source we also have batch of ExtraTech products from the Czech Republic, including a small decal sheet of swastikas, some almost small ‘enough for ‘il’ markings, and six brass- etch sets, three of seatbelts and buckies for RAF, USAAF and Luftwaffe aircraft and three for individual aircraft, consisting of flaps for the Canberra and external and interior details for a Sukhoi Su25 and for ‘an ABMB¢ Zero. Keeping up with ED Models’ Airwaves releases has become a challenging exercise of late. Three sets of early pphotoreconnaissance Spitfire conversion parts are now available (see ED's ad); two ‘options for the PRC and one for the PR.IF. Continuing with the Spitfire theme ‘are resin replacement parts for the Ooidental Mk IX consisting of “o' wing ‘broad cannon blisters and the standard ‘short’ carburettor intake, In 4:72 scale, set SC72-102 offers a pair (of AS-42 missiles in resin with launch rail and pylon bracing in white metal Designed for the Westland Wasp this set is also suitable for the Wessex HU 5 and the Alouette Il Offered in both 1:72 and 1:48 scales is the wing fold mechanism for the Fairey Gannet in etchedbrass, designed for the ‘ld Frog and more recent Dynavector kits respectively. In keeping with recent interest in the Hawker Typhoon, Aiwaves have recently produced a pair of resin 44 gallon drop tanks, in 1:48 scale for the Hasegawa kit. Utlising parts. from their Ju 8BA4 conversion, MDC have very thoughtfully packagedup the engine and fin/rudder parts to produce a Ju 88A5 conversion ‘set price TBA but will be somewhat less than the Aa 3 Se tte Oa (or over) the horizon Squadron/Signal have sent us thelr publication programme for the rest of 1999, starting with two new examples of the In Action’ series. An alknew volume Cf the Focke Wulf Fw 190 and one on the ‘Aico DH2, welltimed for the expected Pegasus 1:72 scale kit. Following the F/M48, the next two subjects for the ‘Walk Around! are the H-60 in its many variations and the Space Shuttle. (| wonder if Walk Around isn't a slight ‘exaggeration for the latter?). Bert Kinzey is the author of the three scheduled ‘Detail & Scale’ titles. The first two are fon the P-40 (split Y1P-36 to P-40C, and P-400 to XP-40Q), and the third is on the P.39, which will also cover the P-63. You may remember the Lancastrian conversion for the Airfix Lancaster that was put out some years ago under the MAE label. Kevin Dunn who was behind ‘then is now trading as Brigade Models ‘and has reissued it. He Is also reworking his Spitfire 7.9 conversion to fit the Italeri kit, and is considering new decals for it, ‘maybe the Irish Air Corps? Kevin Is very ready to accept suggestions for other simple conversions of basic kts, and has bbeen bold enough to invite SAM readers to write to him with their thoughts at Brigade Models. Just bear in mind that these things take time, and need to be bought by more than two other people (his address is in his advertisement) Through him comes. the interesting rumour that Tamiya may be reissuing thelr 1:100 scale 82 this year! Finally, do you know anyone who might take kindly to one of Airfix’s Wallace and Gromit kits, with or without a ripening piece of Wensleydale? If buying fone of these Is a way of putting enough ‘money into the company coffers for them to go ahead with the often rumoured 4:48 scale Canberra project - or a Meteor 8 perhaps - then we have a clear duty! Besides, you can always paint the side car in ‘Afrika Korps colours, with or without armament, and." Gromit's aeroplane is crying out for an 85 ‘Squadron hexagon, or D-Day striping, racking show, Eitor! Short Finals ‘AS we go to press we have frst details of the Academy 1:72 P58, with with three decal options available. Rebel Queen thas the standard hood and the VF codes of the 336th FS, 4th FG, and a ‘shapely young thing’ on the cowiing. ‘The other ‘wo are both Malcolm hooded - one being ‘Bud Anderson’ first Old Grow with yellow ‘and red checks around the nose, and the ‘other, Sqn LdrE. Horbaczewscls PKeG of ‘315 (Deblinsk)) Sqn, RAF Underwing, loads consist of 75 gallon drop tanks and 5001 bombs. Also included ae triple cluster 4.5 inch bazooka launchers which ‘ill presumably come into their own in later releases. Incidental itis possible to install either canopy in the open position. 285ASSEMBLY SHIPS or tu ZND AIR DIVISION Ci Te Robert Gray describes the formation and operations of these unique USAAF aircraft. ‘The idea of the Assembly Ship first came 1 light as early as autumn of 1943 when formation procedure for the 8th Air Force was still in a primitive state. The continued expansion of the 2nd Air Division, with many Bomb Groups stil arriving at the fourteen airfields situated ‘around the city of Norwich during the winter of 1943.44, only added to the problem. Indeed, the inexperience of Rew and replacement crews. having to ‘cope with precise assembly procedures In poor visibility or bad weather, resulted in accidental losses of aircraft reaching alarming levels. This was highlighted in March 1944 by the 466th Bomb Group Wich lost six aircraft in five days, all due to midair collisions, while attempting Group formation. The unit was in its very first month of combat! ‘An attempt to solve the problem Involved supplying each of the 2nd. Air Division Bomb Groups, all B-24 Units, with its own bright and uniquely coloured aircraft. Combatweary Liberators, all ‘0 models at first, were taken out of service and stripped of all armour and armament to reduce weight. Turrets were either Heading photo: 8-24) Tubarao’ which jew as the 491st BG's Assembly Ship from January 1948 until VE-Day. Below: B-24e Pete the POM Inspector’ of the 487th BG. Right: Pete's’ wonderful nose art. removed or converted in to lookout posts {and the formation lights, installed in the fuselage, spine or rear turret area were usually made out in the form of the Individual group identification letter. A skeleton crew consisted of two pilots, @ navigator, radio operator and a flare discharge man. Observers were carried initially to. monitor formations but the passing of time would see each Bomb Group have its own WarWeary P-47 Thunderbolt, marked up in unit insignia for this purpose. Also known as Judas Goats (leading others to slaughter), Rendezvous or Formation aircraft, the Assembly Ship as twas more commonly referred to, would be the first aircraft to takeoff and proceed directly to the Group's own Buncher Beacon Control Point. (See plan). A continued orbit of this area would then take place, gaining height ‘gradually, with formation lights flashing 2 morse signal and a succession of flares, discharged from the aircraft. The remainder of the Bomb Group would then formate behind the Assembly Ship and then when formation was complete, the Assembly Ship would break away’ and retum to base whilst the Group then joined its Combat Wing formation and headed for it's target. ‘ large number of these Judas Goats ‘were written off through accidents or from having too many fying hours. As the war drew to a close, formation techniques had improved so much around the ‘Buncher radio beacons that the need for the; Aasembly, hie, wee, net) £6. eet Indeed, some Bomb Groups found it Unnecessary to replace their worn out originals. The 2nd Combat Wing The 2nd Combat Wing was made up of the 389th, 445th and the 453rd Bombardment Groups with a total of five Assembly Ships operating within these Units markings. Hethel, seven miles south west of Norwich and naw the headquarters of Lotus Cars, was the home base of the 389th BG also known as ‘The Sky Scorpions’. Along with the 4th and 93rd Groups it was a ‘founder member’ of the 2nd Air Division with all three Groups ‘ying out to North Africa to prepare and Participate in the famous raid on the Ploesti oil lelds of Romania in August 1943, “The Green Dragon’ B24D 41-23683, ‘was assigned to the 389th as the unit's first Assembly Ship in the spring of 1944 having previously served with the 93rd BG where it was known as YoJos ‘Special Deter’ After her combat career when the tatty ‘and worn camouflage had been removed, Emerald Green and Insignia Yellow stripes were applied in a diagonal style ‘over the now gleaming Natural Metal finish with the Assembly formation lights installed amidships. This colour scheme ‘along with the name ‘Green Dragon’ was derived from the Group's heraldic insignia, which in turn was adopted from the local pub sign near the airfield, where Jn fact, the dragon appears to be more of ‘@ Royal Blue colour than ‘green’ The Green Dragon’ was salvaged after a crashvlanding on 25 July 1944 when her undercarriage failed at Manston airfield in Kent, one of the 8th's emergency landing fields. She was replaced by a similarlynamed converted B24) model, 4299972, This aircraft was painted’ using the same colours, although they were applied in a different style with Insignia Yellow linked squares painted over an Emerald Green base coat ‘completely covering the aircraft except for the engine nacelles and undersides of the wings which were left in Neutral Gray. Other markings included a large white letter ‘C’ placed centrally on either fin Confirming the Bomb Group, with 2 distinctive Shark, or more appropriately, Dragon ‘mouth ‘and eye’ adorning. the nose section. A large greenhousetype ‘The 445th BG's B-24 Blazing, used for observation purposes Feplaced the nose turret and for the same reason a clear dome was put in place of the top turet. ‘Green Dragon I! was salvaged at the 1st Station Air Depot (SAD) at Honnington in May 1945. Another seven miles south west of Hethel ties Tibenham airfield which, from November 1943, became home to the 445th BG. This unit is reported to have used two Assembly Ships during its stay In East Anglia, however, not a lot of information has come to light about them and the 445th has proved to be one of the more testing Bomb Groups to research. We do know however, that “Lucky Gordon’, 824D, 41.24215 was retired from combat service with the 93rd 8G rear the end of 1943 and for its role in formation work it was given one of the ‘more simple schemes applied to this type of aircraft. Broad bands of International Orange and Black adomed the fuselage from nose to tail and along the top of the wings including the fins. ‘The bottom of the wings were stripped of the original Neutral Gray camouflage and left in Natural Metal finish. The assembly lights, formed in the unit's call letter *F Lucky Gordon’ based at Tibenham in late 1943 ‘were positioned amidships. ‘The fate of this. aircraft. unfortunately remains a mystery however, itis recorded, looking through the Group history, that it was replaced at some point by a Natural Metal finished B-24H that had large (possibly 6 feet) red and black squares ‘on its nose leading back to the rear of the cockpit canopy, with these same style ‘squares appearing over the tal wings and ay Regularly flown by Hollywood fim star James Stewart, 8-24D ‘Wham Bann was the 93rd BG's ‘Assembly Ship from early 1944 url early 1945 when she was transferred tothe 446th BG, 1B-24J The Green Dragon’ of the 389th BG, named after a pub ne field! horizontal fins also. The engine nacelles were red with the cowlings painted black. Star and Bar insignia appeared in the Usual positions. The individual aircraft letter and serial number, photographic evidence, and previous history including the fate ofthe aircraft has yet to be found by this writer despite extensive research, but with new evidence emerging ‘seemingly with each passing year it Is hoped that this puzzle will not remain so for much longer. December 1943 saw the arrival of the 453rd Bomb Group, who were stationed at Old Buckenham, This airfield was situated just five miles to the east ofits Tibenham neighbours and in complete contrast, iad not only one of the more wellknown Assembly Ships serving with them, but fying this aircraft for a time was arguably the most famous pilot in the th Air Force. Although another 93rd BG castoff, ‘Wham Bam’ 41-23738 was one of the ‘ew early ‘D’ models to incorporate her ‘original name and nose art into the bright markings applied for her new role in early February 1944. Large, six foot squares Of Insignia Yellow were painted over the ‘camouflage and completely covered the aircraft, whilst the formation lights, in the shape of the Units call letter J) were ‘added some weeks later Whilst acting as Group Executive Officer, after being withdrawn from combat service after a career of some 20 missions, Major James M. Stewart, also of Hollywood fame, flew ‘Wham Bam’ on 2 regular basis between April and June 4944 in order to attain the minimum flying hours needed each month to qualify for his pilots pay! Whilst carrying out such duties on a mission to bomb targets in the Bordeaux region, Stewart took off and flew the regular ‘racetrack’ course around ‘Buncher/Splasher Sh’, the 453rq's homing beacon, until the remainder of the Group had formed up behind him. Once this was achieved, Wham Bam’ flew on ahead and higher enabling the Group to be identified by her very presence whilst the Combat Wing was assembled. Pulling out to the port side of the formation, Stewart stayed in position and was still there after passing the Division’ departure point at Selsey Bill when he should have retumed to base long before this. The remainder of the now increasingly tense and excited crew were stil expecting a request for a 287'B-24D ‘Lemon Drop’, ane of two Assembly Ships used by the 44th BG, from Lunt the end of hostiities. ‘navigational course back to Norfolk when the French coast appeared. Undaunted, whilst flying an unarmed and highly colourful aircraft in one of the most hostile parts of Europe, Stewart flew with ‘the formation all the way to Bordeaux and back. On retum, the crew were sworn to secrecy even though the Commander of ‘the 45rd apparently wanted to know ‘where they had all been for the previous hk hours! Out of the original fourteen Assembly Ships, ‘Wham Bam’ was one of only two that remained in active service untl the end of hostilities. She had no replacement, indeed evidence suggests that she herself was transferred to the 445th BG in the spring of 1945, adding fuel to the idea that ‘Lucky Gordon’ and its presumed replacement did in fact perish. Certainly though, whilst serving with the 445th, ‘Wham BamS' fate was sealed when her nose wheel collapsed on a French airfield at the end of May 11945, apparently whilst collecting large ‘cargo of winel! The 14th Combat Wing The 44th, 392nd, 491st and the shortlived 492nd Bombardment Groups all combined to make up the 14th Combat Wing which in total provided seven of the Assembly Ships known. ‘Shipdam airfield, situated three miles south of East Dereham, became the homebase of the 44th BG in October 1942. It was the oldest 8-24 Group in the USAAF having flown the Type since early 1941. Because of this, twelve months later, its movement overseas \was postponed so that its now proficient ‘rews could be used to train new units {orming on the Liberator. Likened to a large game of pool where the 44th's original crews were separated and ‘pocketed’ to different parts of the world, It was the remaining personnel who gave themselves the famous nickname ‘The Flying Eightbalis’ .e. the last ball remaining, Lemon Drop’ B:24D, 4123699. having served her combat career with the ‘4dth, was retired and prepared for her role asthe unit's Assembly Ship in February 1944, She appeared in alterating Insignia Yellow and black stripes overall except forthe front to rear section of the wing chord on top of the fuselage, engine nacelles and the fins. Her starboard nose art and impressive 288 mission scoreboard stemming from a long career were carefully painted around ‘out of respect. Along with ‘Wham Bam’, “Lemon Drop’ was the other original ‘Assembly Ship to fly on until the end of hostilities when she was salvaged in May 1945, ‘Although ‘Lemon Drop’ wasn't relieved of her duties, like most of the other ‘ageing ‘0’ models, she did have a team ‘mate to assist with Group formations from April 1944 in the shape of ‘Shoo ‘Shoo Baby’ B-24D, 41-29208. No Special scheme was applied to this aircraft as it was primarily used in assisting pre-dawn assemblies only, relying on the formation lights fitted along Pacific Theatr, 8: Ship in the 2nd Air Division. her fuselage sides and the discharge of flares from her windows in order to carry ‘out her task in the dark. ‘Shoo Shoo Baby’ was retired and retumed to the USA in March 1945 when the need for this type of aircraft was less called for. The 392nd Bomb Group was stationed ‘at Werdling, only a stone's throw away from Shipdham to the west of Dereham. ‘his unit arrived in England when the very aircraft which was to carry out its future ‘formation work was in Libya with the 4th [BG preparing for the Ploesti Mission. B- 24D ‘Minerva’ 41-23689, became ‘arguably the most spectacular painted Judas Goat In the 2nd Air Division when in January 1944 she was marked up in a silver scheme that had been ‘experimented with back in the USA. This InvoNed painting silhouettes of 8-24D noses, rear turrets, engines and tall fins along the sides of the aircraft, over the Dark Olive Drab and Neutral Gray ‘camouflage. It was hoped that by doing ‘this future bombing missions in the Pacific would visually confuse the Japanese air observers into thinking that there were more aircraft in the skies than there actually was! However, it only saw the light of day at the testing stage and didn't reach production, which didn’t prevent the 392nd from using a variation of the scheme, less tal fin silhouettes, on its Assembly Ship. It was an attempt 10 give visual indication of how far apart aircraft within the formation should be spaced. Assembly formation lights, Droviding added recognition, were fitted tothe modified rear turret. ‘Minera’ was Salvaged. in the spring of 1945, but before retirement she was involved in an ‘experimental ten hour flight carrying over 50 men, with full kit, in an effort to find the feasibility of airifting personnel back hhome to the USA after VE-Day. In this ‘event, this idea was not put into practice. ‘The Ringmasters' of the 494st Bomb Group had arrived at Metfield in April 1944, This airfield situated ten miles to the east of Diss was the most southerly fof the 2nd Air Division bases. and it wasn’ until June of that year that the 491st received their first Assembly Ship. Lite Gramper’ 42.4072 was another veteran ‘D’ model which had previously served with the 389th BG and was one of the first Liberators to fly over 50 combat missions. She received her name whilst preparing for the raid to Ploesti when one Of her crew members gave her the same nickname that was also used to describe the small reptiles seen roaming around the African desert. ‘The scheme applied to ‘Gramper’ was based on a very bright overall Insignia Yellow application. To this was added 2 foot diameter Insignia Red polka dots evenly spaced-out around the entire fuselage and over the wings. including engine nacelles. In between these dots ‘were placed smaller dats, with ared nose glazing vim and flashing to the engine fcowls, The “Lite Gramper’ logo was added in black and the mission marker scoreboard repainted in red. This aircraft was declared salvage after an illustrious career in August 1944, and her Fetirement not only brought a new Assembly Ship for the 491st but coincided with a new base also. The unit moved to North Pickenham near the Village of Swaffam where they could be nearer to their 14 CW colleagues, thus ‘making mission assembly a lot easier. 18:24) ‘Rage in Heaven’ 44-40165 was already a 491st BG aircraft before the Lunt ‘promoted’ her as a replacement for ‘i Gramper’, although she appeared in @ rather less ‘striking scheme than her predecessor, Remaining in the now common Natural Metal finish, Emerald Green stripes were applied to the rear fuselage and from the main wing tips Inward to the outboard engines. More confusion has appeared in some ‘quarters in the past, suggesting that this aircraft had altemating yellow stripes in between the green ones. Careful inspection of her photograph in. these markings would seem to prove the contrary however Green engine doors and her original name and nose art ‘completed the markings. On § January 1945, whilst the 491st attempted to stage a mission in support of the ground ‘oops in ‘The Bulge’, “Rage in Heaven’ crashed shorty after take-off in a snow ‘storm and was destroyed. Her replacement later that month was. ‘another 6:24) ‘Tuberao’ 4440101. This aircraft had only flown 20 combat missions in six months before it was declared “War-Weary’ and developed into the Group's Assembly Ship. Keeping her original name, Tuberao is @ Portuguese phrase for shark, hence the wonderful ‘mouth and eye" decoration to the nose Section of this aircraft. Accompanied on the Natural Metal finish were Emerald Green and Insignia Yellow bands forming around the rear fuselage and wing tips Inward to the outboard engine, a similar design to ‘Rage in Heaven’ but not the same colour combination, hence the above confusion no doubt ‘Tuberao’ flew on as the 491st Assembly Ship unt VEDay whereafter ‘She succumbed to the scrapman's hammer. ‘The 492nd Bomb Group was only in ‘operation for four months arriving at North Pickenham in April 1944. Whilst part of the 14 CW they remained at this airfield until reassignment in August to Harrington as the 801st BG (492nd second organisation), otherwise known a ‘The Carpetbaggers’. This paved the ‘way for the 49: to move into their new home. ‘An unnamed, 8-240, 42-0743, which flew over 50 missions with the 389th BG vas transferred for use by the 492nd in assembly work. For this role, the aircraft remained in its combat markings of Olive Drab and Neutral Gray with 2 foot alternate white stripes painted from the rose upto the rear of the cockpit glazing, ‘and from the trailing edge of the main Above and below: Port 1d starboard views of B-24D ‘Ball of Fie’ of the 93rd BG, the very frst Assombly Ship used by the 2nd Air Division. She crashed in July 1944. =O ae wings to the tall turret. The white stripes Continued over the whole of the tail assembly, less fins, and from the wing tips upto the outboard engines. Other reports from reputable sources suggest that 1 foot Insignia Red alternating ‘stripes were applied in between the white ‘ones. Indeed this writer, having had the ‘only known photograph of this aitraft in ‘Assembly markings greatly enlarged and lightened, would like to believe that these red stripes did actually exist. 52.2 was ‘salvaged in March 1945 having spent the remainder ofits life as a unit hack. The 20th Combat Wing This Wing comprised the 937d, 446th, ‘448th and 489th Bombardment Groups ‘accounting for eight of the Assembly Ships, almost a third of the overall total The 93rd BG was the very first of the Liberator units to arrive in England. Also known as ‘The Travelling Circus’ because I carried out a vast range of duties in different locations, the 93rd was based ‘at Hardwick, ten miles to the south of Nonwich and it had the distinction of supplying no less than elght of the original fourteen Assembly Ships to the 2nd Air Division, including its own, ‘Ball of Fire’ 8240, 41-2367, was retited In the autumn of 1942" from ‘combat and used for secondary duties such as target towing, ambulance and 24D “You cawn't miss i, in its Twelve months later she transport. became the very first Assembly Ship to bbe seen in the East Anglian skles. and presumably because of this it is not Surprising that she appeared in several different trial schemes. At first, Dark Ole Drab, White and Yellow stripes, (which over the years could have been mistaken as_black/white/yellow were applied, before Insignia Red was painted over the Olive Drab to accompany the white and yellow. In turn the yellow was overpainted to give the red, white and pale blue stripes that photographs of her ‘are more associated with. There was even an attempt to overpaint the blue with white ata later stage. This only gave a more pale grey look’ though. The original name and nose art was preserved with the rear turret converted 8s a formation light platform. The upper turret was replaced with an astrodome, similar to the one normally seen on the ‘Ball of Fire’ crashed in July 1944 and with this @ replacement was introduced in the shape of ‘Bear Down’ 824D, 42- 72869. Compared to its predecessor, she had a far less complicated time when it came to her Assembly markings. Over the tatty and wellwwom battiedress of Olive Drab and Neutral Gray, Insignia Yellow sections were applied to the nose, rear fuselage and wings with an ‘additional 10ft diagonal band running across the main wings. The B-24J ‘fish eye" nose windows were installed with a clear dome in place of the top turret used {or observation. The rear turret was removed with an assembly light platform, faired into the fuselage. The fate of this aircraft is unclear but itis presumed to have ended up on the scrap heap of the ‘Ist SAD at Honnington after the war. “The Bungay Buckaroos', notably the ‘446th BG had what could be describes {as the most simple of even boring colour ‘scheme applied to ary of the Assembly Ships. The 446th arrived at Bungay airfield, located five miles west of Beccles, in early November 1943. B24D 289‘Close-up view of the 488th BG's B-24H “Lil ‘Cookie’ modified rear turret showing the formation lights ‘Fearless Freddie’ 41-23737, named after the unit's deputy Commander, Gol, Frederick Knomre, had previously sened with the 93d BG as ‘Eager Beaver’. She was painted in a very striking overall international orange sscheme which has in some quarters been misinterpreted as yellow. Other changes included the rear turret Conversion for the formation lights, the removal and blanking off of the dorsal turret with the addition of more assembly lights amidships. The nose art was ‘predominantly a two-tone blue and mission scoreboard re-applied in black. Freddie’ was withdrawn from service {In October 1944 and replaced by a B24H Fearless Freddie II" 42-7654. No photographic evidence has come to light ‘88 yet for this aireraft so any structural changes can only be guessed at. However, descriptions from official records indicate that ‘Freddie I!" was marked up exactly as her predecessor, ‘although Insignia Yellow was substituted for the orange paintwork in this case. This aircraft crashed and was written off in January 1945, and with the need for these brightly’ coloured machines diminishing, no official replacement appeared. ‘Situated seven miles north of Bungay, Seething airfield became home to the 448th Bom Group on the last day of November 1943. During its operational Ife in the ETO, the unit is reputed to have used four Assembly Ships, with the first ‘one aptly named after an all too often English saying to a disovientated GI. You cawn't miss it”, 240 41,23809 which previously served with the S3rd BG where she was known as ‘Hell a Droppin II, had her assembly markings applied in two stages. In. February 1944, the fuselage was painted in a checkerboard fashion with Insignia Yellow and black squares. These squares were also ‘applied to the rear wings and the bottom half of each fin with the cowls painted in yellow and black bands. Later this ‘checkerboard scheme was extended over the main wings. An unusual detail was the early style of Star and Bar insignia with red outline which was reinstated, Assembly lights were positioned amidships and in the now usual rear turret_ modification. The deteriorating condition forced the retirement of this 200 alrraft in June 1944, ‘She was replaced by the ‘Striped Ape’ 8240 4263981. Some quarters have denied the very existence of this ‘Assembly Ship although there is more than enough evidence to suggest otherwise but as no photographic records are available as yet (17), there have been ‘many contrasting reports on how she actually looked. Even a visit to the museum at Seething Control tower and a look through the unit history have failed to reveal anything substantial. Reports, have Implied wide yellow diagonal bands painted over the Olive Drab and Neutral Gray camouflage, Others have suggested the same scheme but with red diagonal bands. As her predecessor and replacement were well photographed it remains a puzzle as to why this aircraft has not been better documented. What is certain though is that she was salvaged in February 1945 and in turn replaced by a B24H, 4120480 ‘The ‘Striped Ape II’. There is no doubt about haw this aircraft looked, wide diagonal ‘bands of maroon and white, edged with black stripes, were applied overall. The tengine nacelles including cowls and nose ‘antiglare panel were painted black with the nose and rear turrets converted for observation purposes. A_small ‘asvodome replaced the dorsal turet and the Jtype ‘fisheyes’ fited to the nose. ‘She flew on until the end of the war and ‘A veteran of the Pioesti Rak The 96th Combat Wing Of the four wings that made up the 2nd Air Division, the seven Assembly Ships of the 96th Combat Wing, which included the 485th, 466th and. 467th Bomb Groups, were arguably the most photographed, “The 458th BG arrived In January 1944 at Horsham St Faith, (now Norwich airport), and was initially represented in assembly work by ‘Arst Sergeant’ B-240, 4240127. Through her combat fe with the 93rd BG she was known as ‘Thar She Blows’ and was another veteran of the Ploesti Mission. For her new role in February 1944 this aircraft was given a ‘coat of white paint over the entire front of the fuselage upto the wing trailing edge Including the top of the main wings. Over this was applied 41ft diameter red and Insignia Blue polka dots neatly laid out in rows. The rear fuselage and complete tallplane were left in Olve Drab and Neutral Gray camouflage, where the same style of polka dots were added with the exception of Insignia Yellow dots replacing the blue ones. The complete Undersides of the wings, engine nacelles, ‘and mission marker scoreboard were left Untouched. A glazed dome replaced the top turret with the Group's cal letter" applied in white citeles to the fuselage ‘and tall fins. ‘Fist Sergeant’ was destroyed by fire after an. accidental discharge of flares on her flight deck 'B-24D 42-40127, was re-painted and re-named ‘First Sergeant’ to become the 458th BG's first Assembly Ship. became another victim of the scrap heap. The 489th Bomb Group was unique in the way that it was the only unit in the 2nd Air Division not supplied with a ‘D Version of the Liberator for formation Guties. Based at Halesworth, five miles south east of Bungay, the 489th began ‘operations in April 1944, A month tater, ‘il Cookie’ &-24H, 427552 joined the Unit as its Assembly Ship having previously served with the 44th BG. ‘Applied over her Dark Olive Drab and Neutral Gray base were scores of aft diameter yellow polka dots, neatly laid out in rows and covering the entire aircraft. The rear turret was. modified with a formation light platform whilst 2 slazed dome replaced the top turret for observation. Her name was restored in black on the starboard side of the nose ‘and the early style of red outlined Star ‘and Bar insignia was retained on the fuselage. An unusual aspect was that “Lil Cookie" kept her original 44BG code letters of ‘NB’ on the fuselage sides. ‘She was retired from service in October 1944 and had no replacement ‘during a routine service in May 1944. Quickly replacing ‘First Sergeant’ was possibly the best known of all the Assembly Ships, ‘The Spotted Ape" A B- 24H, 41-28967 had already served with ‘the ‘458th BG until application of the similar paint scheme as wom by her predecessor had transformed her looks. The only changes were that the polka dots were more spaced out and a formation light assembly was fitted to the fuselage sides in the form of large red circles. A very distinctive Sharkmouth ‘and eye was also applied to the nose. The Spotted Ape’ was a great servant to the 458th, but the end came in March 1945 when she crashvlanded onto the Horsham runway. ‘ith the war's end in sight, the brightly coloured assembly paint schemes became fewer. ‘Mizoah’ B24), 42- 100366, named after an ancient Hebrew prayer, became the third Assembly Ship to represent the 458th. She remained in her original combat markings with the Inclusion of formation lights in her fuselage and flares fired from the waist ‘Overall view of B-24H ‘Lif Cookie" of the 489th BG, probably taken during the summer of 1944, Just visible on the rear fuselage under the port tallplane are the medium grey code letters ‘NB’ ret windows which were considered Sufficient to ald assembly procedure. “Mizpan’ was scrapped after the War. Attlebridge, five miles to the west of Horsham was home base to the 466th BBG from March 1944. Otherwise known as The Fying Deck’, wth each of the four Squadron's insignia resembling a particular suit from a pack of playing ‘ards, this unit used a very gaudy and extremely dificult paint design on its Judas Goat taking many man hours to ‘complete. ‘The Sliver Streak" B240, 41: 24109, as she was officially referred to in the 486th BG history, (not to be ‘confused with a similar named aircraft), flew her combat missions with the 44th and 93:d Bomb Groups before taking on her new role in spring 1944. After the Olive Drab and Neutral Gray camouflage had been removed, Insignia Red zigzags were applied all over the aircraft except the tal fins, engines and undersides of the wings. The dorsal turret was removed and blanked off with the formation lights in the shape of the unit's call letter “Linstalled amidships. In August 1944, along with three other ‘466th Liberators, she had the distinction of transporting Major Glenn Miller and his orchestra to severdl concerts at US bases in East Anglia, including the Attlebridge 100.mission party “The Silver Streak’ was scrapped at the 31d Base Air Depot at Watton towards the end of May 1945, although for the last few months of the war she was assisted in formation duties by ‘Dumbo’ B24), 4250288. As with “Mizpah’ of the 458th BG this aircraft remained in her camouflaged state whilst using lights ‘and flares to assist Group Assembly. The Rackheath Aggies’, 467th Bomb Group had another of the’ more famous Assembly Ships in its ranks. Rackheath was just two miles to the east of Horsham and became home to the 467th in March 1944, At the outset ‘Pete the POM Inspector’ B-24E, 42.40370 became the Group's first Assembly Ship having previously flown a combat career with 389tn BG where she was known as ‘Heaven Can Wait’. ‘Pete’ appeared in a scheme of all black whereupon yellow discs with red borders were applied over the fuselage, above and below the wings Including engine cowls and red bomb doors. Assembly formation lights, in the shape of the unit’ call letter ‘P” were fitted to the fuselage sides and in the ‘nose to complete this attractive scheme. This aircraft was. salvaged in October 1944 following a forced landing when the ‘nase whee! could not be lowered ‘An immediate replacement came in the shape of ‘Pete the POM Inspector 2nd’, &:24H, 41-2933. Although ‘marked in exactly the same manner as the original, slight variations included Neutral Gray bomb doors and a glazed dome replaced the dorsal turret. By fer the biggest alteration was the removal of the nose turret and a ‘D' model greenhouse nose grafted onto the front of the aircraft, which would easily confuse a casual obsener if the fact wasn't known. Both of the aircraft had their rear turrets modified for observation purposes. “Pete 2nd” was salvaged in late May 1945. The ‘Pete the POM Inspector’ name ‘and logo was arrived at from a Complicated sequence. First, the 467th 1G identification letter of "P* (or Pete). Then the Post Overseas Movement (POM) Inspector who, back in the USA, had apparently left a lasting impression by doing such @ thorough job on the 467th personnel. Added to the actual ined from the aircraft's previous combat use with the 44th BG. roof where the blanked off dorsal turet had once been. The ‘Pete’ logo, (which included the name tite that started out ‘a8 yellow before later painted over in blue), was positioned at elther side of the task of the Assembly Ship, to putin order for regular ‘Overseas Movements from England’, and the whole thing congeals to inspire possibly the most clevery named aircraft in the ETO. One last thought on the Assembly Ship. Itis said that ifthe war in Europe ‘would have continued for a further 12 months, all of the 2nd Air Division Liberator Bomb Groups were to have ben replaced and updated with 8:29 ‘Superfortress units. | know the need for the Assembly Ship was diminishing by this time, but just imagine seeing one of those alrraft covered in spots of stripest! Footnote ‘At the time of active service, a lot of secrecy would have surrounded this particular type of aircraft and because of this presumably, there are stil ‘grey areas’ that need clarification even today. Although | have studied this subject in great depth over the last ten years, | don't claim to know everything, far from |R. My only hope Is that this article might create enough interest to help bring out the missing detail and Information, if indeed in existence, to the surface, Robert G. GrayBock white nie insgrio Yelow Pole Bue Green Aiuminurn ‘orange ONE Neutral , Aircraft in Detail 8th AF B-24 Assembly Ships Artwork by David Dab 41 Grey QUO Huatey 1999Inne surface Blak pattern of fin/rade 18.240 5.C0, 4123009, ofthe 448th BG. St ‘ide with yellow squares on ll surfaces. = aeqi— 38.240-20-60, 4124109, Siver Steak’ of ‘the 466th BG. Stbd view eary scheme 42.7582, 'Ll Cookie plan view of to. be £8.240.20-60, 4126109, Siver Steak’ of ‘he 465th BG. Port view late scheme 18240-2060, 6124215, ‘Lucky Gordon ofthe 445th BG ‘See P29 for plan view. t QWDHoutey 1999 Inside face Pete the POM Inspector 2n 3893, "Pato the POM, he 4670h BC, Inapector nd’ 'B.24H.15-CF, 41.2048, The Stiped Ape I ofthe 448th 6G. Replaced 42-6998% See F297 for plan view. 8.240-30-C0, 4240127, 2, "Fist Sergeant’ ofthe 488th 8G '8-24D-52-C0,42-40970, Pate the POM Inspector of 467th 8G. Port ede early scheme, 235. 42-7286, Boar Down, plan view of top, OW. jHastey 199THEYRE NOT THEIR PROPER COLOURS! Robert Gray models five of the 2nd Air Division's 8-24 Assembly Ships [AS with moBr,people, | lke to build my models to act 2s personal tributes to those faroff days and events and what better way to represent the whole of a & 24 unit than to bulld its Assembly Ship? ‘Well, forone, thas been mentioned to me before now by fellow modellers that itis Fidioulous to have ‘wasted’ () one of the Fare Monogram 6-240 kits on an aircraft with a “weird paint job’ People who were there in real life have scant respect for these machines. | know it came as a bit of @ surprise and disappointment to my Dad when, having told him that my next model was to be a LUberator, he saw the resulting ‘Pete the POM Inspector’ and said, “I never saw anything like that in East Anglial Are you ‘sure you're not mistaken’? Why didn't you paint it in its PROPER colours?” Only when I had explained the role of the aireraft and that these things only flew with the 2nd Air Division in Norfolk, and that he was hardly likely to come ‘across one between Thorpe Abbotts and Framlingham ‘on ‘his pateh’ in the 3rd Air Division, did he eventually calm down a bitl The kits [As no two of these Assembly Ships. were alike, due to placement and style of ‘formation lights, the conversion or removal of turrets or by way of the obvious colour differences, it goes without saying thatthe reed for reference material Is even more paramount with this subject in order to produce a faity accurate model. Having five models of these B:24s now complete 298 In 4:48 scale, ‘Minerva’ 392 BG, ‘Wham Bam’ 453 BG, ‘Spotted Ape’ 458 8G, ‘Silver Streak’ 466 BG and ‘Pete the POM Inspector’ 487 BG, | would like to outline ‘some ofthe pitfalls of the Monogram B:24 it along with the modifications needed to create the aforementioned ‘Judas Goats of the 2nd Air Division. Moulded in silver, black and_ clear plastic, the ‘H’ variant of the Liberator in {quarter scale was the first onto the scene in the midtolate 1970s. The: familiar Monogram trade marks are all apparent with the raised pane! lines and the usual ‘accompaniment of crew figures. An ext ‘ay’ In this kit comes in the shape of a ‘Cletrac’ tractor unit which Is a useful addition to any diorama buff's spares box. The kit of the B24D arrived some years later inthe early 1980s. Moulded in Olive Drab, black and clear plastic, the kit Is essentially that ofthe 'H’ apart from the ‘obvious modifications to incorporate the D'style nose. The ‘Cletrac’ tractor and because itis situated on the same sprue, the rear entrance door, ae surprisingly not included. | never did understand this ‘omission considering that both kits were In the same price range when availabe, Also Monogram chose not to release a Separate model of the B24). However, this version can be converted from the ‘H Yarient quite easily and | wil deal with this subject later. Basic conversion/improvements With a majority of the Assembly Ships having the armour and armament Te ss G 27° removed, quite a lot of the actual improvements to the kit basically mean leaving parts out! This,was the case with the bombsight Which | omitted from the fightdeck and Teplaced with a stowage box, although a bombsight hamess could have been ‘sefatchbullt f desired. Apart from adding seatbelts, litle else was needed here The guns also (Parts 46) were not assembled to the waist gunners position, although the yokes and mounts were retained. The bullets in the ammunition box on Part 22 were covered with plastic (catd, thus turing it into a stowage box forfares. All but one of my models have the Assembly formation lights fitted into the fuselage sides and these were added at this point. Tamiya masking tape was placed on the outside of the fuselage in the appropriate area where the lights were to be located. With close reference to photos and drawings, | used a pencil {and ruler to determine the exact position ofthe lignts and once happy thatthe tape hhad been marked up correctly, | drilled holes through the fuselage sides at these points. Thin plastic card was then ilued over the holes on the insides of the fuselage in order to create depth andigive backing for the “krystal Klegf? whieh would be added much later. Although the waist windows can be closed I decided to open mine because when the aircraft was. stationary, bomb doors, emergency hatches. and windows were usually opened in fine weather, to tenable the strong petio! and hydraulic fumes to evaporate. As already ‘mentioned, a rear entrance door, (Part 3 ‘on the ‘H’ kit) is nat supplied on the ‘D" ‘model, so having formed one from plastic (card | attached it in the open position Bomb racks were added, minus the bombs, and the ammo ‘boxes were altered’ to. sot as Aldis lamp storage boxes. The rest of the interior was completed as normal and the fuselage sides glued together. This is probably a good time to make note of interior colours of US aircraft, ‘an area where confusion often arises, padicularly amongst younger modellers. Hf unsure, a good ‘rule of thumb’ Is to apply Interior Green (apple shade Xtracolor 117) to the ‘livedin’ areas of ‘the aircraft such as the cockpit/flight deck or other crew stations, If ‘uninhabited, as with underearriage, gun for engine bays and all interiors of the Inspection doors to these areas, use Zinc Ghromatey,primer, (yellow shade - Xtracolor 408) Humbrol 81 Pale Yellow), Although infield repairs, re-paints and ‘conversions brought a mixture of the two, whieh Is the probable cause for a lot of ‘confusion in the first piace, photographs ‘of your subject would obviously reveal these changes and enable you to act accordingly. The gun turrets were next in Sequence where the top turret, not always fitted to the Assembly Ships of course, only requires a lite intemal superdetalling. Otherwise, blank the turret area with a plastic’ card circle ‘Monogram though, had a very annoying hhabit of moulding the front and rear turrets with a vertical split instead of horizontal one. This would have benefited this kit no end and would have eliminated a need to mould a new glazing for the structure whigh has to be done if @ realistic and accurate look is to be achieved. However, due to some of the methods included in carrying out this improvement, | do not recommend an Inexperienced or junior modeller to attempt it | started by adding blanking plates to the gun slots in the front piece of the ‘turret. These were made from plastic ‘card and when set | driled two holes, parallel to one another, to indicate where the gun barrels would have slotted ‘through. With Part 47 (guns) discarded to the spares box, | then comented the front and rear (Parts 81) together and set aside to dry thoroughly. Using a heated knife, 1 then ‘cut’ away the main glazed dome area before neatly removing ary remaining glass" from the edges with a ‘small flat fle. The square front windows {and the two smal side windows were left Intact. Then | detailed the interior of the Uunit-with plastic card and sprue using ‘g00d photos available from the lan Allan Publication, “The Soldier’. | opened the rear doors ofthe turret, although this was ‘out of personal choice and not necessity, before the join lines between front and rear halves had to be sanded out. Then any detailing or re-seribing was Four of Robert's Assembly Ships were basod on the Monogram 8-24D kit. jer hand-painted the cartoon! of Pete the POM Inspector’. Rob completed before regiazing of the unit could commence. For this kit, glazing that | had previously cut away was used to help make a Miliput mould. Time and effort was put into the accuracy of this procedure because the mould would eventually be used to produce turret Blazings for any future 6-24 kit projects Acetate, heated over a flame and ‘lunged’ over the Miliput mould formed the new glazing which was then carefully cut and trimmed to fit. Epoxy resin glue was needed to attach the glaingito the remainder of the turret with any small gaps or edges blended in with white Milliput. Having used @ scriber to carefully re-apply any rivet detail, once painted, the result is a very realistic gun turret assembly The turrets) can now be added to the prepared fuselage and whilst doing this add the tailplanes. ‘The construction of the main wings, including, cow! rings, 1s very straightforward, although once arrived at this point, it wouldnt take a kenlus to see that an awful lot of work is Needed on the nacelles before they can bbe classed as acceptable. Depending on personal choice, use a Humbral or Green Stutftype filler initially and when sanded inthis case ‘smooth, a second application is usually needed After a further Sanding, remove any ‘sink’ lines left in. the filler by ‘smoothing white Milliput over them, Once this apalication was sanded 1 re- scribed and ‘vetted! the nacelles in the usual way adding new engine door hinges from sprue. With the de-leer boots also fe-scribed, | ran the scriber in the ‘channels around the flaps to give them a Separate appearance to the wings, this Same procedure had been used on the tallplanes and rudders also. Finally, the whole of the join lines on the nacelles were sprayed with primer as ‘ilast check for any gaps that | may have missed. Along with the turrets, the facelles are the biggest problem on the kit and if ime and patience can be spent here, a very satistying look can be achieved later. ‘Apart from adding brake pipes to the ‘main undercarriage legs, the rest of the ‘mode! was then completed without too ‘much trouble. Only use Part 2 in Stage 30 on the 'H' version, the remaining hole should be blanked with a circular piece of Plastic card. The nose glazing (Part 105) on the 'D' model has. a very annoying mould seam right down the middle of it. The fifth model, The Spotted Ape" labove), was based on the Monogram 6-24H, which was initially released in the mi Cockpit side windows. ‘orate 1 0s, Note the modified nose turret and flat 209‘Above: Overall view of ‘Pete the POM Inspector’ revealing the deletion of the mig {and tal turrets and the positioning of the formation lights in the shi "Pete's modified tall end. Above right Close-up The only way to remove this propery Is to be brave and sand It out with ‘wet & dy’ paper or use an Aeroclub Triplegrit which | ideal for the job. Once the glazing has ‘been polished, some re-scribe work will ‘again be necessary to restore the framework pattern. Looking at the nose ‘section on the ‘D' fuselage one can see fa slight deformity where Monogram have redesigned one of the ‘H’ moulds to incomorate this ‘D' style nose section. [Atleast no filer is required to resolve the problem, and after sanding out this slight, imperfection, a gentle rescribe is all thats, needed. B24) Now for the ‘J’ comersion that 1 mentioned eatier. Essentially, the main characterises of this version, as with many other Liberators of course, revolves ‘around the nose section. A realistic look an be achieved by using a spare rear turret from another kit and forming new navigator ‘eye’ windows from acetate. ‘These windows, whether modelling the H’ of ‘J’ versions will need replacing as the kit only supplies flat windows for this area, These may indeed be correct for a 'D' model but close inspection of photographs will suggest a bulged angled window for a majority of the ‘H’ variants ‘and a larger bulbous ‘fish eye" window ‘normally seen on the ‘J’ nose section Sometimes though, these ‘eye’ windows. were moved around between different versions of the aircraft. ‘Bear Down’, B- 24D replacement Assembly Ship of the ‘98rd BG being a prime example. Making these ‘eye’ windows doesn't take a lot of effort as itis a very simple moulding job. The process. involves Cutting a piece of plastic card to the flat shape of the relevant window needed, Using the gap in the fuselage nose as a ‘guide. Adding a piece of Miliput to this, once:setytican,then be fled and sanded ‘0 the correct 3D shape required. Then with heated acetate, form a new window using the same plunge moulding methods previously outined in. making the new turret glazing. 300 of a letter However, if a rear turret cannot be located as'a single source from the spares box, or moulding new turret glazings and ‘eye’ windows doesn't appeal, ty to purchase the old ‘Koster’ ‘Conversion Set No 14 ‘Nose-Job +". As | have already hinted, this set was released some years ago and at the time of writing ‘was proving very difficult to get hold of, hhence my attempts to explain how to convert and improve the basic kit parts. This set is a useful item though if it can be found. It provides seven different accurate turrets and navigator ‘eye ‘windows for use on B-24H, J, L and Naw PB4Y-1 aircraft and would particularly sult the replacement Assembly Ships, notably those of the 491st BG, ‘Rage in Heaven’ ‘and. ‘Tuberao’. The basic improvements tolithe kit were now completed and | was left with the five main pieces of the airframe ready forthe final stages of construction. These were the fuselage/tailplane assembly, the tyo main wings and the two rudders, all Kept separate for now as it made the masking up and painting a lot easier. ‘Pete the POM Inspector’ The extra detailing needed to compete “Pete” involved omitting the rear turret at Stage 13, adding the taliplanes ‘and then ‘faring in’ the turret area to the rest ofthe fuselage using plastic card and MMiliput. An acetate window was included In this procedure with a formation tight located undemeath it. (See Roger Freeman's ‘The Mighty Eighth in Colour for a good reference). The top turret was ‘also removed and blanked with plastic ‘card and the formation lights, Inthe ‘shape of the letter ‘P’, were positioned in this area and also to the fuselage sides at Stage 8. Cockpit side windows were ‘opened by cutting the kit parts in half and ‘wo whip aerials, made from sprue added to the nose and midships. Paints used for decoration included Humbrol 34 White (undercoat), Humbro! '56 Aluminium (de-icer boots), Revell 15 Yellow (circles), Xtracolor 12 Night Black (overall and feint letter “P" showing ‘through on rudder), Xtracolor 103 Red (citcles and rudder), Xtracolor 141 White (stripe on rudder). Decals were made from tracings and measurements onto clear decal film with the images then hand painted with Humbrol paints. A total of seven decals were needed, two name logos, two cartoons of ‘Pete’ and three letter ‘Ps, large enough to encase the above ‘mentioned formation lights on the roof ‘and fuselage. Masking involved careful calculations transferred onto Revell Masking Sheet with ‘a compass. These circles were then cut fut and used to mask the yellow, and then the red areas before the black paintwork was applied. With the yellow, red, black and white airbrushed over the undercoat, (in that order), the wings and rudders were ‘added to the fuselage assembly with any ‘small gaps filed with white PVA glue and touched. up with paint. The model was ven an overall gloss vamish and when dy, the decals were applied. After an ‘application of Matt Varnish the deicer boots Were painted with the formation Nights completed by putting “Krystal Kieer inthe dilled out holes. ‘The Spotted Ape Detalls on this aircraft, included the fitting of armour plates to the fuselage side walls, located undemeath the ‘cockpit canopy, which were made from plastic card and simply glued into position. Four light bulbs positioned in the roof just forward of the top turet were made from clear sprue and a ladder ‘aerial undemeath the bomb bay, along with two whip aerials, were also made from sprue. Correct “flat” cockpit side windows were cut from acetate, and ‘added in the open position. Formation Nights in the shape of a large circle encasing a verticle bar also dried into the fuselage sides. The paints needed for decoration were: Humbrol 34 White (undercoat), Revell 9 Anthracite (de.icer boots), Xtracolor 106 Insignia Yellow (polka dots), Xtracolor 112 Olive Drab (camouflage), xtracolor 122 Insignia Blue (polka dots), Xtracolor 133 Neutral Gray (camouflage), Xtracolor 144 White (fuselage and main wings) and Xvacolor 1103 Red (rudder. Decals included’ the Sharkmouth and eyes hand painted onto clear decal film, With the Insignia Blue and Yellow also ‘Sprayed onto a piece of decal film and cut ‘out to form the polka dots. The two large red circles which cover the main formation lights came from Superscale sheet TFS as did the red polka dots. Squadron codes, Star and Bar insignia all came from spares {and once applied, were over painted using orrect shades of grey. Although it looks very tedious and complicated, the model was simply Sprayed in its three main colours of White, Gray and Olive Drab. Once the wings and fudders were assembled to the fuselage, all the decals were added in sequence. ‘Above: Overall view of ‘Silver Streak’ Right: Close-up of the L-shaped formation lights and red and white banded fn Codes and insignia first, with the polka dots last. Close attention to the many photographs available of this aircraft is recommended for an accurate look The Silver Streak ‘Apart from the formation lights, in the shape of a letter ‘U, drilled out ‘of the fuselage sides, the ‘only other details Needed were two whip aerials and a plastic card plate over the top turret area, The model was given an overall siNer finish, and for this | used a combination (of Humbrol 414 Silver and 56 Aluminium ‘and Xtracolor 500, 501. and 502, mixed tomy own formula. Theved Zigzags were ‘5mm strips cut from Superscale shect TFS red block sheet and once applied were immed with a very sharp blade. Angles and measurements were marked with a pencil and ruler onto the model to keep the red lines straight and accurate. Two white letter ‘Ls, large enough to cover the fuselage formation lights, were painted onto clear decal film using Humbrol 34 White, and Xtracolor 103 Red was used on the rudders and cow ht: ‘Wham Bam’ J-shaped formation i Below: Close-up of “Wham Bam's’ nose ‘artwork, hand-painted by Robert. Note the observation dome in place of the mie upper turret. rings. Other decals were from the spares box and hand painted to correct colours when applied. Wham Bam The usual whip aerials, underside ladder aerial and opened cockpit side windows were also incorporated on this model. Major details included an observation post in the form of a clear dome glazing which was fitted in place of the top turret. | moulded this dome using the same methods needed to re-glaze the gun turrets with a plastic stip ‘collar’ made for this new glazing to sit on.Formation lights in the shape of a letter ‘Js were dled in the usual places on the fuselage sides. Xtracolor 108 Insignia Yellow was sprayed over the Humbrol 34 White undercoat and when dry, | carefully masked the squares out using Tamiya Masking Tape. Xtretolor 133 Neutral Gray and 112 Olive Drab were then applied to the model and after the masking tape was removed, | gave a further coat of gloss varnish to “seal in’ the edges of the squares before decal application. Xtracolor 12 Night Black and 441 White completed the rudder Group markings. Decals came from the spares box and were again hand painted to the correct shades. “Wham Bam's’ rabbit nose art ‘along with the Group identification letter and circle on the starboard wing were all hand painted onto clear decal film. Revell 9 Anthracite was used on the de icer boots, Minerva The astrodome on top of the nose section was removed and blanked with a plastic card circular plate. Both inspection doors on the number four cow were opened to reveal @ ‘Koster’ resin engine, .withinéW ‘doors and interior detailing made from plastic car. The ‘lve formation lights were incorporated onto a square plastic plate in the shape of a Crucifix and this was then attached to the rear turret. Cockpit windows were opened and the whip serials added. On top of the Humbrol 34 White undercoat, Xtracolor 133 Neutral Gray and 442 Olive Drab, along with Humbro! 1147 Light Grey were used for the main colour scheme. Group identification lettering and all other insignia came from ‘the spares box and again was hand painted to the correct colour shades. By far the most itficult aspect of this model was the 6-24 silhouette paintings on the fuselage sides. These had to be calculated and accurately worked out on paper with a pencil and ruler, using the kit fuselage sides and a greatly enlarged photograph of this aircraft as a guide. 1 then painted these drawings to be certain (of the acolfacy before tracings of the Images were taken and transferred onto ‘lear decal flm and, hand painted This was the most challenging of my 302 ‘Above and right: silhouette Paintings were carefully end accurately Fraced and painted by Robert onto clear ‘decal film. See comparison with the real ‘Minerva’ on paye 288. Right ‘below. Close-up of “Minerva’s modified rear turret five models, even though | don't think it is ‘the mast spectacular or attractive, Not ‘enough bright colours! Final Notes That Just about covers the work needed to build an Assembly Ship in quarter scale. If this article has inspired someone else to have a gop-there'are one or two more accessories that one may) wish to know about jn order to enhance the now ageing Monogram kit Although not available when | bultt my lier 8245, | have used True Details resin wheels (Na 48024) on the last two models. These include the front wheel mud cover and the tyres on the main ‘wheels having a laterstyle tread pattem 8 opposed to the kitwheels. lightpath released a detaling set in etchedbrass ‘hich dealt mainly with canopy and turret framing along with details supplied for the cockpit area, engine and Undercarriage. As far as relevant decals ‘are concerned, apart from an IPMS/USA special sheet featuring “Lemon Drop’ (kindly sent to me some years ago by David Kiaus of Cutting Edge), the only Assembly Ship decals in 1:48 scale that Iam aware of is Superscale 48:32, featuring “Tuberao'. The name, eye and tongue need touching in with red paint but otherwise Is @ good likeness. Overall view of ‘Wham Bam's’ Insign ‘Olive Drab checkered ‘colur Finally, Monogram themselves tried to Improve the kit a couple of years ago When the B-24D was released under the Pro-Moveller range. Refinements Included a brass fret featuring belt feeds to the nose and waist guns, gunsights, belt buckles, Instrument ‘panel and ignition leads for the engines. Extra internal crew figures and weighted bulged tyres were also included, although these were more lke the originals with a piece ‘sawn off the bottom edge. Apart from this and a better detailed flghtdeck (Part 19), the kit is basically that of the old ‘D' model. However, the ‘Cletrac’ tractor is included with everything all wrapped up in ‘some very nice box art featuring Teggie ‘Ann’ and the rest of the ‘Liberandos', 376 BG steaming away from Ploesti Unfortunately, UK modellers have seen very few of these kits arrive into this country from the USA, hence the description. Robert Gray FOR THOSE WHO STILL HEAR THE ENGINES ROAR! * * bd bd pers OU oem rr Marine F-4 Phar een ae noes cats = Cees tn eer ener) SN Re eee Os) Pyare IN 65 US S. Enric inthe Gut of Tekin. An F4 D Phantom eR sot cee eo arrears aha PURCHASE OVER $100 tell Ae FREE COLOR, AVIATION ART CATALOG! MARK CHURMS PRATER eel aE Tomcat om eee Cr meet eta ane ony ete Lis] ee ace ea gealThe Aviation Hobby Shop Dept SAMT77, 4 Horton Parade, Horton Road, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 SEA (01895) 442123 FAX: (01895) 421412 TEL Wall ORDER wT THE UK GENT POST FREE TELE Prone Speens wetcowe gate VGA ReGESwtetonens CANO no, avo EXPY DATE Saal aaeeeree SERB Re Besson 28 <2 aoe ew ne a 8 Ree ‘sue 2, 72 puto nO mnt at rm Nese) Sn. Tl mi am vow po. AFROCLUB FLEXI-FILE PRODUCTS: ‘anos seme ce emcee in ate Petelep gion piace poten isaramnamenmere res frag ei beget ie tine eedhopeciniern inset eee eee Sete eee aerate oa ren ai enetntan nt er “can grey ae enor noo a Ss a fn Nc Ri sol eet Baker enue, Arneld Nettngham NGS GFW are neem ai ne ee Cee ae casa sg ne SERN UaSTENCAND SCEPTED ous i btn nbisee™ Ree ee cc rere, BRIGADE MODELS ‘Catan, netcsom, sae rv, Inept sec shoe Prce e200 ‘REVELL % Sa Pee ae Sooners mon” Se Sah See 8S Bem oe Beenie ae Sete ee Dover Dautee SOSE 1495 Beceztgwon Els Sit eecigmerms Erase ors ree Tansee ‘a 0 Ftc Tangent £17 9 se Movant EI 88 SOMENESED Top Stee ‘iow ewig Team £1098 oraty Seoraton tc EBA os coal a cae raat, Be Soang Ter AWANDETT £3350, ‘er Depu tvs ORDER FROM BRIGADE MODELS 62 PERIWINKLE CLOSE ‘SITTINGBOURNE KENT ME10 2JU TEL." 01795 421456 of Lael Christy How often have you come across a photo oF an article of a particular aircraft and become all excited about building a ‘model of it, only to discover that no kit is. available? " Sometimes a kit was made, but is now as rare as hen's teeth. So you lose interest and hope that sometime in the near future whilst you are scanning the annual roundup of new kits, your prize will be there. Probably you never Will see it produced, especialy i it's quite ‘an unusual subject. However, do not you could scratchbuild it! hear you say, “You must be joking. I'don't have time to mess around ‘with all that stuff and besides kits are so uch easier”. Oh, really? | reckon that if you have all the skils to create a good model from a kif, then you can ‘scratchbuild as well, Try and get away from the idea of instant modelling, It actually takes a great deal of time to get a kit to the stage where it becomes. a really good model. I bet that once you try sscratchbuilding you will feel liberated from the plastic kt. Not only that but you will have created something unique. Don't get me wrong, kits are a great ‘convenience, but untl you have sat down at your worktable with nothing but a pile of raw materials and out of it create ‘something, you will never realise the full satisfaction that comes from plastic ‘modelling. Once you have mastered scratchbuilding techniques and built a few models, ‘you'll also find that it doesn't take all that much time either. Take the subject at hand, the Friedrichshafen FF 33E. Once | had the Datafile it took only a week to get the model to the point where it was ready to put a finish coat of vamish on and rig it. ‘And that was working only two to three hours a night! Materials ‘So, what do you need to scratchbulld ‘a World War One floatplane? Not a lot really. | use plastic card that is available inmost model shops, and unless you are Dullding a very large aircraft the A4 size is usually large enough. The thicknesses ‘needed for the FF 33E are 10, 15 and 30 thou for the basic airframe. | did use a tiny bit of 90 thou for the nose piece, but even that could have been built up of thee pieces of 30 thou. The Contrail strut material, engine and propeller came from Aeroclub. Of course the most important items in scratchbullding are the general arrangement drawings, usually referred to as GAs. Without these no accurate replica can be produced. In the case of our subject, the Friedrichshafen FF 33E, Albatros. Publications have recently released Datafile number 73 on this very aircraft, Which is unreservedly recommended, History The FF 33€ was a 1915 design that was used right up until the Armistice. It was probably the most extensively Uilised seaplane of the Imperial German Navy and led to several other pes notably the FF 49." Their main dues included coastal patrol, feet observation ‘and antisubmarine work. The best known example was FF 336 Wolenen (Lite Won, which was used as a scout for the metchant raider SMS Wolf and helped her to sink ‘wentyelght Alled vessels. Most of the FF 335 were powered by the 150hp Benz 6 Il "The Datafile has a complete history of the ‘ype and plenty of photos and three: colour proties to inspire the model. However, as stated before, the most important things are the GAS. | usualy ‘make two copies ofthe drawings; one for cutting up as pattems and one to work on and layout. The latter Keeps the original free of glue, paint or accidents. good study of the drawings wil help familiarise you with the problems of construction and what techniques wil be needed to WOLFCHIEN cary out the project. Wings ‘To begin construction, | started with the wings. | used a method devised by Hany Woodman which | had not tried before. | found how to do it in his outot Print book ‘Scale Model Aircraft’. Figure ‘one shows and describes the technique. ‘Once | had the proper camber on the two pieces of 30 thou plastic card, | cut out ‘both wings from the plan and transferred the pattern to the card. Then | cut out the two shapes and formed the leading ‘and trailing edges using Aeroctub’s Tee Al ‘and a medium grade’ glass paper. | sanded the trailing edge from the top as thin as possible. “When | had achieved the proper camber | smoothed the surfaces with 600-1200 grit ‘wet & dry’ A coat of liquid poly glue gave the plastic a factoryfresh appearance. Just apply it straight from the bottle, taking care not to touch the treated surface until itis dry, (about one minute). Next | marked out the ib positions from the plan and scribed the wings’ top and undersurfaces with a sharp scalpel blade. With the ribs located, the scallops on the trailing edge were created with 600 ‘wet & dry’ wrapped around a pencil, Just a couple Of careful strokes between each set of ribs creates the right effect. (See Photo One). The wings were completed with ‘the Separating of the ailerons. I set the Figure 1 Forming a camber on 30 thou plastic card wing