I love building models that have something to show on the inside.
The model I did previous to this is a 1/48th scale B-17 (also
posted in this gallery). Half the fun of building these is doing the
research and stumbling across something surprising or unique about the
aircraft, especially if it is something I can scratch build. That
was the case with the wing inserted radar. The TBM version would
later have the radar slung under the wing in the same fashion as a bomb.
Once I find the unique item, I go all out. I even built the vacuum
tubes and laid a few extra on the pallet.
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I also discovered that the early torpedoes were terribly unpredictable and
many techniques were employed to try and make the more reliable. One
such was building a wood case around the nose and a frame around the tail
fins to protect them during their initial splash into the water, at which
point the wood quickly disintegrated.
Battle
damage is also a fun skill and comes in really handy when you FUBAR
something (Fowled Up Beyond All Repair), as I did with the horizontal
tail. So, I cut it out, built the internal frame and SHAZAM …
battle damage.
The
worst thing about the whole build (as usual) is finishing it. I get this
sinking feeling when I realize it’s done.
The
second worst thing about this build I was to discovered later … going back to
1/48 scale sucks. I miss the detail I can put into a 1/32 scale.
Curt
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