Lt. George Bush TBF Avenger in Plastic and 3D

Gallery Article by Konley Kelley on Aug 19 2013

 

 

After seeing President George H.W. Bush at the dedication of his son’s Presidential Library, I decided to make a scale model and 3D model of his TBF Avenger from WW2.

Hobby Lobby carries the Monogram 1:48 kit. I got it but wanted to use an Accurate Miniatures 1:48 kit to make the model. I could use the decals from the Monogram kit for this project. I soon discovered the decals are for Lt. Bush’s Avenger #2 vs. #3. It was in #3 that he was shot down and nearly killed after bombing Japanese positions on the island of Chi Chi Jima. A lot of the info on his military service can be found on Wikipedia. I was astounded to learn he flew 58 combat missions in WW2 of which many were taking off and landing this enormous aircraft from the deck of an Escort Carrier.

Avenger #2 also carried Lt. Bush’s name and a little “shout-out” to Mrs. Bush near the canopy.

You gotta love the AM kits. The detail is incredible. No flash, no junk, just the real deal. What a pleasure it is to work with a kit like this.

 

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I started to make the 3D model. It is all about making shapes. I use Strata 3D on my Mac. It is as user-friendly as it gets. I made the shapes and even test-rendered the 3D Avenger without texture-maps.

Before I got too far with the scale model kit, I scanned the decals. I knew I’d need them to make texture maps for the scale model.

I created texture maps trying to capture the colors and weathering. For 3D, it is also great to darken and shade panel lines for a cool effect.

I love showing a wire frame of the model and the fully-rendered model side-by-side.

I added a Japanese Zero and created my first full-rendered shot with a background. I added the splash created by the torpedo with Photoshop.

Below are some shots of the scale model. Not bad. I really enjoyed this build.

I did some playing in the 3D model environment until I found a pose I really liked of the 3D Avenger and Zero. Like the model kit, this 3D Avenger carries a torpedo. I wonder how many torpedoes Lt. Bush dropped in combat? Flying a slow, steady course to drop a torpedo on target with Zero’s buzzing around was definitely a true feat of courage for any pilot.

Finally, I’ve done a presentation for different groups called “Modeling History in 3D.” It includes a lot of my scale models and 3D artwork. I usually bring several of my scale models to the preso because I’ve created 3D versions of them. The Bush Avenger project gave me one more item to feature AND a clever idea. My next preso is for a kids aviation camp at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum on August 7. Getting and keeping the attention of kids is not easy – especially the really young variety. Sometimes the presenter needs to have a trick up his sleeve. I’ve got a little surprise in store for my kids. It’ll get their attention AND give me an excellent opportunity to tell the story of a true American hero and former President of the United States that is truly the real deal. 

I have a new e-mail address if anyone would like to reach meat konartist@verizon.net You can always see my artwork at www.shortfuse3d.com I also encourage your readers to keep tabs on the CAF B-29 “FIFI” and B-24 “Diamond Lil” via the website www.airpowertour.com Both aircraft are touring the country and maybe I’ll see you at a tour stop. Thanks!

Konley Kelley

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Photos and text © by Konley Kelley 2013