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ell methis neverhappens to areaaround your bench,then empty you. You areat your thecontents ofthe bagon thefloor. workbench,scraping the mold This methodis knownto havebeen seamfrom a radiomast or similar successfulon occasion,but smallpart, andsuddenly it popsout of afterwardsyou haveto vacuumagain your fingersand drops to the floor. Of to cleanup themess you just created. course,the colorofthe Partjust I'll betcoin collectors don't havethis happensto matchthe color of your problem. carpetnearly perfectly, making a Anotherthing that happenson searchfrom your chairimpossible. So occasionis workingon a subassembly you carefullystep out of your chair or somethingjust glued.It falls out of hopingthat you won't stepon the your hands.The naturalreaction is to part, andbegin your search.Usually, slamyour legstogether to at least you didn't seewhere the part went, so keepit in yourlap. However, the you haveto get down on your hands mindis not asquick as it usedto be, andknees with your nosea few inches andit takesthe commandto move abovethe carpet.It is truly amazing your legstogether a little longerthan how far a part will go to remain it usedto. More oftenthan not, the hidden.After searchingthe area part is stoppedfrom fallingto the aroundyour chair,you start floor only to haveit crushedbetween expandingyour searcharea. Finding your knees.And what aboutthe Part the Titanicwas easier.You bring in you snipfrom the sprueand it takes your heavyduty flashlight,and shine offinto its own lunarorbit? You think it acrossthe floor hopingto seethe you heardit hit the wall behindyou, part better.It's at aboutthis time that butjust aren'tsure. Or did it just go your betterhalf walksinto the room in the stackof modelingsupplies and andasks "Just what the hell areyou half startedkits on the backof your doing?""Nothing dear, just looking workbench? for something."Your initial search I won't bringup what happenswhen findsnothing. Check your Pockets. your Xacto knife rolls offthe endof - Checkthe workbenchagain maYbe your workbench.Maybe I shouldjust it didn't reallyhit thefloor. Nope. go helpJill cleanher collectionof Onemore time. Startyour grid search snowglobes... over.Where did all thesedust bunnies comefrom? Ah, thereit is! Way over Seeyou at the meeting. Tetty there.No, wait.That's a Partfrom your last model.Damn. At aboutthis time,you startthinking about how 3 easyit would be to makethe Part Modeler'sNotes PaintingNavyA/C 4-7 from scratch.So muchfor sPending PaintiugMiniatunes 9-11 somequality modeling time finishing Newslencrlndex 12-13 your latestwork of art. Sometimes EastIndies Camo. 14-15 the part showsup, andsometimes You BF2Cconversion 17 bring on the vacuurn,run it overthe 1998Roster enclosed Se attle Chaoter I PM S-U SA N ew slener

aoooaaoaaaaaoaaoaaoooaaooaaaaaaaaaaaoaaoaaoaoaaaooaoaoaa"ooo"o'o as the voice of our Chapter dePends r.lts Boilerplate: This is the "official"publication of the SeatdeChapter, IPMS-USA. As such,it serves 1nd : plasticscale \F r"..ru uoon th. oenerouscontributions of our membersfor articles,comments, club news,activities, any rumorsor facts involving a at the WashingtonArmy ? r"l"ii"J".JotnL contriUutions.Our meetingsare normallyheld each month (see the calendarbelow for actualdates) o to the west side of QueenAnne Hill in seattle. our meetingsbegin at 1o:o0amand usuallylast for . : N;il;id"rJ nr."rv, off 1SthAve. N.w., lusi plasticmodeler, regardless of your interests' Subscriptions ' I z-s horr.. our meetingsare usuallyvery informaland are open to any interested recommendour membersjoin and support i witr paymentof iour Chapteidues of $12.o0(to Norm Filer,our Treasurer).We also highly : "o,n" - junior - above will gladlyassist you with furtherinformation . |PMS-USA,our nationalorganization (dues: adult dt s. and $9.) Any of ihe folks listed : . aboutany aspectof our Chapteror Society. (see ttreapplication form below) . officialposition of our Chapteror IPMS-USA. ! ne Uews and opinionsexpressed in thii nelvslstterare just that, and do not constitutethe . He will gladlywork with you to see thatyour I vou are encouraged(no, begged)to supportand submitmaterial to the Editorfor his newsletter. . your of computeror writingexperience. Please call Bob at232-7784: . ! materialis put into printana includeoin the newsletter,no matterwhat level your i we need input. ' . lf you use or reprintfrom the materialscontained in this Newsletter,we wouldappreciate aftribution to both the authorand sourcedocument. modelersand is o . We do not copyrightour Newsletter.lt is preparedwith but one conceptin mind: ttrisis informationfor our membersand fellow preparedand printedin the Newsletterin ord€r to expandthe skillsof our fellowmodelers. : a'? aaaoooaaaaaaaaoaaaaaaaaaaooaaoaoaoaaaaaoaaaooaoaooooaaoaaaaaao'oo' MeetingDates: 1998

TheIpMS/Seattle 1998 meering schedule is asfollows. To avoidconflicts with alreadyscheduled IPMS events and NationalGuard activities at thearmory please note that some of ourmeeting days fall on thethird Saturday of themonth. Becausesome of us neverseem to knowwhen we will meet,we stronglyrecommend that you cut thispage our of yournewslet- ter andpaste it up nextto therecycle, Mariners, Cheers reruns, Husky home game, lemming return or anyother schedules you postin yourhouse. All meetingsbegin at l0:fi)am on meetinsSaturdays' MAY 16,1998(3rd Sarurday) AUGUST15'1998 (3rd Saturdav) JUNE 13,1998 (2ndSaturday) SEPTEMBER19,1998 (3rdSaturday) JULY18,1998 (3rd Saturday)

I Name--t --Err I I EFJ I I T I t I I i::::j:j::i:::::::::,::l::::..:.:il:'::i I I City: l" ip- .i .::.::;::j::::::::::::;.....' : : , I I ,i:i.i::iii::': ':i .ili.i'.::lj:,..,., , . :: I t Signature(required Uyr,,,eOi.1 T :::...:::::.:.:.::i:i:i: ! I i EI aoun'$ts El..-.fihlot,(t,2::yeus.otdoi'yourlgeil'$t' I ! b rraoeMember: $19"rECenaAe,'A'uieibi:,:'$zs,;;;..;1,,:,,,,,,....,1..,,,';Elottrer Foreign:$28 I pamilv(Adutt ,mernbershipcards required:-'_, ! Ef'l Family(Adult dues + $5,$S.oneone,,Set:,tngqazines;f,of sel: ) ;r I n tr ronnrnrrrandor{ hv an IPMS meffi;'.:''i,:ii;,;r.;'i,,i;,:,i:iiii"'met a ! "E at;eirnttrrotJuv an ri'rvrs -rtPffir t ;irtl;;;;;;. andmembe, nrp6si'", ': P'ro to*:lt:,,cA31,s-6r38 ! i rcfufSIUSA::: i i--:::-.''ql||!lrrvvt|.g'-.-",J II-I II EI II I I - III I I-I-I-- I -III- Seattle Chapte r I PM S -U SA N eryPry1 ) ^ - t7 Added Observations FINIAL EOITORIAL bY Paul Ludwig

of experienced members. With my Further to my Brief Appreciation Well, it's about time I Provide an newer ot less available computer Models: all of us in somemeasure appreciates editorial. As my time here draws to an end semi-retirement and the on this critter), color. I know that I love color. Each of us (this is my final issue as your Editor), I haven't (and some rudimentary skills presented attempts to present fidelity of color on a model really taken the opportunity to share my the time and mechanical opportunity up, saying based upon the actual item. Even though thoughts with you. These ideas and thoughts itself. So,I found myself standing shout from the camouflage appars to be a hodgepodgeof are a bit ragged, some pointed and clearly only my piece and hearing someone it was only Norm colors that do not look good together, in fact my own. But sinceI've not clutteredup the throng, "right on" (actually In retrospect, the individual colors ate exciting. However my Newsletter with my personal opinions in the and I'll eventually forgive him). signsof appreciation of models goes back to my earliest past (except for a brief few notes and pleas)' I I suspectit wasjust one of the early "modeler's menopause." I recollections of the colors of real aircraft' hope you'Il bear with me. I would like to what I refer to as as well do reflect on several aspectsof what I have been haven't beenbuilding, I might During World War TWo mY Parents doing and attempting to do over the last year something. And I have this crazy ingrained I haven't knew of my interest in airplanes and after Here goes. notion of giving to others. While with a metal toy finished a model since undertaking this effort, I seeing me play endlessly the fruits model of a Waco they took me to Detroil City Thanks. First and foremost, I want to guessI arn proud to look back and see rewarding it Airport. The war effort required a stop to the thank the Chapter, especially those who have of my efforts. I can't tell you how the 5 use of private aircraft and when I was taken to provided suppor! feedback and contributions, has been to get the feedback I have from me about a catwalk high above the hangar floor, there I for all of your support. It hardly seemslike a or 6 folks who have commentedto saw beautifully painted 1930s"ships" that had year and a half has transpired, but it has. I also the Newsletterresults. their propellersremoved and were nosed-up, want to sincerely and specifically thank those of time stackedclosely togethcrlikc so many uscless who have contributed so greatly and saved my It has been an incredible arnount issues objects. I was anazed! I cared only that there baconon more than one occasion. First my and work. Often I plug along on these almost were some all-red airplanes,yellow ones and wife Helen (who appearsto think its normal for for 60-80 hourseach and havebecome This is otherswhose colors I can't visualizetoday. someoneto sit at a computerfor days on end), driven to get each issue out on time. lack of Norm and Sherry Filer, Brian Cahill, Terry probably in large measuredue to my to Our home wasjust a few miles west of Clements,Ted Holowchuk, Teny Moore, Bill technicaland editorial skills. I've attempted would be diversity in our the Naval Air Training base at Grosse Ilc, Osborn, Mike Quan, Jim Schubert, Tracy provide what I hoped provide Michigan and we had a two-acrcplot which the White and the Editors of the corresponding topical content. In a sense,trying to I Navy biplaneinstructors used as a low-altitude Newsletters which I have drawn heavily upon: something of interest for all our bui-lders. to emergencylanding field. Studentswerc taught Walt Fink, Phil Brandt, Ed Esposito, Chris realize only too well its geared largely of us seem to respond to engine failure and to pick our Bucholtz. I know I've left some contributors aircraft builders That's what most literally vacantacre as a possibleairfield. I won't go out and I arn sorry for the oversight. Wilhout to build and relate to. Besides I have begged into wby they chosethat place becausethere you folks, I couldn't have gotteneven what I (in print and verbally at our meetings) Chapter were high trees and wires on telephone lnles did. Thanks a million! for input from everyone.. The Seattle an amazing ha.sa great reservoir of skills, knowledge and southof the acre. However,I saw willing variety of colors on the biplanes and to this day WhY even do a ChaPternewsletter? I accomplishment. I wish we were more my do not know the reasonwhy one fuselagewas supposedthat's still a valid question(and one I to really share it with others From right....) blue and another have reconsideredmore than once over the last perspective(therefore I am sureit's Yellow. be one of year). It's a mixed bag. Primarily becauseI our Seattle Chapter Newsletter has to that I was in the NavY for a few Yearsand felt, as a Chapter we had much more to do to best returns for your modeling investment there I saw a wide variety of color on aircraft establish a reason for our existence I felt that I am aware of, if not the best. used for training, utility, the fleet and for other as one of the oldest IPMS Chapters,I missed a frankly has purposes. Now that I'm resurrecting an hterest senseof sharingwhich is the essenceof the One of the disappointments don't read in models I am still amazed at the colors used IPMS concept. I am still not sure about what beenthe lack of feedback. Please I am not on aircraft. The Golden Age of racers are no the answer is or where it lies (for me that is) anything extra into my observations. just that more colorful than were late-World War Two but I still feel somethingis missing. still think mad nor upsetwith anyone. It's the trees for USAAF fighters. Who has not noticed the Art of a Chapter as having a need to exist and sometimes we don't seem to see group and individual Deco designsemployed on Japanese,Italian accomplish something to show for itself. To the forest and I think, as a demonstrate and Spanish Civil War aircraft? service to its members, if you understandwhat members we are better than we I am suggesting.For thosereasons, I felt we and have far more to offer. It is a joy to me to seethe models make "had it in us" to produce more than a l-2 page to by members locally. I try to keep up, but my flyer and meeting announcement. I still do. Again, thanks for the oPPorturutY It's appreciation of models is endless. Each model Hence.mY volunteerism. work on the Seattle Chapter Newsletter. that color been an experience. Pleasesupport Robert in I see usually has colors so attractive time for often transcendsthe shapeof the model. I owe I also suspectthere was touch of ego in his new role as your Editor. Now it's always it all to my parents who respondedto my the effort as well. I found myself with a sizable some modeling for me! Like Teny interestin those"ships" of the 1930s- amount of resoutcesand information and says,"see You at the meeting." wanted to share them with others, especially Bob Seattle IPMS-USANewsletter those of you who may not have seenthese and Certain aircraft were flown bY How To Paint NavY wish to read and study further. I believe you specified squadron officers. Assigned offrcers ? will be astoundedas to the depth ofthis subject were as follows: Aircraft and the beautiful modeling subjectswhich o by Bob LaBouY await your efforts. Need help, give me a call lst A/C No. I Sqd. C.O. and maybe we can dedicate a portion of one of 2nd Unassigned With the recent releaseof a croP of our meetings to this subject or have a small get 3rd Unassigned 10 Exec. Officer newly molded U.S. Navy aircraft, if you are togetheron our own. I'm at232-7784. 4t A/C No. Engr. Officer like me I started to look for colorful schemes Enjoyl 5th A/C No. 13 16 GunnerYOffrcer and markings. At our most recent "outing" 6th A/C No. Kevin was able to further lighten my wallet had the with several "have to have" items. One was Section leaders' aircraft [I.S. NAVY COLOR a fuselageband. the beautiful pre-war Dauntless kit, which entire cowling paintedplus on the other offers some of the more colorful pre-WW tr SCHEMES Fuselagebands did not appear were painted Navy and Marine markings for those of us aircraft of the section. Cowls 1920 THRU 1940 aircraft in the interestedsuch treasures(see the two photos to according to position of the other half or the right as an illustration of what I mean when by DICK WEGRYN section: wingman had either the upper position I say "colorful"). Once I was bitten by the pre- lower half painted,depending on their - war bug, I quickly remembered that I had "standard coloring was silver overall one number removed from the section (bottom better do some further researchbefore with orange yellow on upper surface of the leader (top half two numbers removed a beginning this kit (and I atn serious about upper wing and horizontal stabilizer in the half). All aircraft in the squadrondisplayed wanting to actually buildkits again, rather than early 1920's. Metal parts were painted light chevron on the upper wing carrying their just writing aboutthem). I was just reviewing grey, while the fabric remained silver by late section'scolor. andreading the AccurateModels SBD-l 1920's. Metal parts were again painted silver in instructionsheets (Kit no.3420) and believe 1934. There appearsto be a certain lack of Squadroninsignia aPPearedon me, if you've not startedone of the Accurate standardizationon the grey as it went to an off- fuselagesides ahead of the cockpit. Someof -4's. kits. their constant reminder to read and follow whitc shadeon F4B-3's and Also, it the earlier squadronsare listed below: their instructionsclosely is the bestinformation appearsthat many ailcraft maintained their (Red) I've seenin kit instructionssince we stopped grey-silverscheme beyond 1934. VF-l High Hats using them in the early 50's. One area where VF-z Fighting Chiefs (Yellow) (White) this kit excelsis in their coverageof how pre- In 1925-26,practically all U.S. Navy VF-3 Felix the Cat war Naval aircraft (including the USMC, aircraft were identified with three vertical red, VF-4 Red Rippers @lue) a which is after all part of the Navy) are marked. white and blue rudder stripes similar to those VF-5 ScreamingEagles It carefully illustrates, with several nice usedby Britain and France. In 1920,the VF-6 Fighting Six drawings how the typical squadronswere custom of painting the entire tail assembly in a VF-7 Burglar Wasps painted to indicaie the sections and positions of solid color to identify a particular squadron the individual aircraft within the sections and was adopted. By 1928, the vertical stripes Aircraft numbers and letters on squadron.I quickly thought,some of us have were no longer used on first-line Navy combat fuselage sides indicated squadron,primary never(or maybejust for sometime....) been aircraft, although they were retained by the mission and sectionposition. Thus, 2-B-7 is an exposedto this information. Maybe a brief U.S. Marines until the adoptionof camouflage aircraft of VB-2B @ombing Squadron 2) and review is in order? Not that this information is in 1941. The solid coloring continuedto is the lust aircraft of the third section. Aircraft brand new or has been added to lately, butjust identify specificsquadrons until July 1937, l-F-l the first aircraft of the first section and is maybe a review would be helpful to others as it when the system was changed to have color in VFI (Fighting Squadronl). is for me. identify the aircraft carrier to which the squadronbelonged. Thesewere as follows: On December30, 1940,the. colorful One of the earlier articles I ran across markings gave way to an overall grey. This (and includedbelow for you) is from the old Red USS Langley was replaced by a blue above/grey below Eastern PennsylvaniaChapter News might Black USS Yorktown schemebetween September, 1941 and October, assistyou in gaining a better understanding of White USS Saratoga I 941. Squadronnumber and mission letter the many very colorful schemesyou see or read Green USS Ranger were removedon December7 , 1941,leaving about in various magazinesand books. This Blue USS Enterprise only the aircraft number." article is reallyjust the "tip of the iceberg" and Yellow USS lrxington can bring a new understandingto the many References: very colorful arrangementsyou can apply to The lettering U.S. NAVY aPPeared As I previously mentioned, in this and Buffalo's, Wildcats and early Dauntless on the lower wing until dropped n 1932. other notes for modelers, the basic marking (as aircraft. There are several other excellent information is the case in this article) guides available, which provide even more Each squadron was comPrisedof six important to us as modelers. Of even greater color reference and frll in more details, sections of three aircraft each. Section colors importance to many us, based on our limited including books and articles by Bill lankins are as follows: and the late Dick Hill, both of whom have il,",i:T:,:Hff; i: ilff:::J$: I given us who enjoy Navy aircraft a lifetime of lst Red 4th Black researchand information. I will always think when information about aircraft and markings we 2nd Blue 5th Green back to my earlier modeling experiences"",11'"X' will never see in our lives. I've also listed 3rd White 6th Yellow I felt that the Profile series was a "God sent." some of the better known reference sources for As ny bobby interests progressedand my pay Seattle r IPMS-USANewsletter ' check allowed me to acquire more materials' I ,-.was astoundedat just how basic the Profiles Books and information such J*"t"-- themselves. as that provided by Bill Larkins' John Ellion and Bill Riley was aLnost unheard of and hard to come by. We af,enow blessed and I hope you'll find the following sourcesof use to you as well.

Doll, Thomas E., Berkley R. Jackson and William A Riley, NarT Air Colors Vol l. lql I -1q45,Squadron/Signal Publica- tions,1983. Elliott, JohnM., The Official Monogram U'S' NarT & Marine Corps Aircraft Color Guide.Vol l. lqll-193q, Monogrant Aviation Publications,Boylston, MA' 1987. Elliott, JohnM., The Official Monogram U,S. NarT & Marine Corps Aircraft Color Guide.Vol 2. 1940-1949,Monogrant Aviation Publications,Boylston, MA, gillLarkins'classic photo abovede?icts an early5OC-3 1989. fhis clearly Kilgrain, Bill C. USN Color Schemesand (ashore)from the U59 Colorado. 2hoto Markings. U.S.NavyAircraft 1911- illustrates (evenwit'h lhe limitrations ?laced on our lSQ. Meridian hinting, Ltd- (Canada)' reprintingof t'hisbeautifulshot) Ihe mult'icolored 1975. markinqsusedWtheU.9. Navy VriorInWW ll' Larkins, William T., Battleship and Cruiser TheU.9. N. pholo belowa qain cle arly qives a brief indication of t'he Aircraft of the United StatesNavy. 1910- carriedby the Navy's )coutinq 1949,Schiffer Publishing Ltd; Atglen' very colofrulmarkings Vre-war |ails noEe PA. r996. lquadrons.lncluded are trhe fusela7e bands' painted Larkins,Wlliam T., U.S. Navy Aircraft. lq2l- cowls.yellowup?er winqs and chevrons' alonq with rhe aluminum 1a41,Orion Books, New York' 1988 fuselaaeand floate. Edition. [It shouldbe pointedout that this book andBill's fine companionbook on U.S. Marine CorpsAircraft, 1914- 1959have beenrepublished by several publishers,since the lrst editionsin 1959,including U.S. Naval Institute and most recentlyby Schiffer Publishing. I point this out not only to indicateit's lastingvalue to modelers,but to let you know when you seethe variousprint- ings, you'll know You are buYingthe sarnebasic information and dat4 rather than information as each succeeding edition has beenreprinted' These books also contain more photographic images of Navy and Marine a./cin these various markings and color schemesthan any other sourcesI am aware of. In mY humble oPinion, as a inGrested NavY modeler and photographer,Bill Larkins' books are "must have" resources'] '"fhhry Riiey, William A. & William Larkins. Yearsof Navy Markings"' American Aviation Historical Society Journal, Vol 2, No. 3, July-septembet,1957' pp. 143- 175. Wegryn,Dick, "U.S. Navy Color Schemes' 1920Thru 1940," EP-IPMS' Eastern PennsylvaniaChapter News, Vol 4, No' 12, page 15. (rePrinted above). r IPMS-USANewsletter lastedearly 1941,when they were changed '42 I Observation again, only to be changed again in early As mentioned in the prior article, good Squadrons and Tail again, as we enteredinto World War II. Generally, all of the colored markings outlined :::ffi ?:T 3L lffi :f,"ff X,l'"il",.. o Colors below becameobsolete and were discontinued this infomration together,I used all of the on February 26, 1941. A very colorful era in referencesshown in my bibliography shown on Battleship and Since I've put my "foot into the water" Navy aviation had passedfrom the scene. page 5, except for Bill Larkins' StatesNav),. just a bit by illushating some of the colorful Cruiser Aircraft of the United a then beenpublished. pre-WW tr markings, in the preceding notes and The following lists illustrate, by type of 1 I 0- I 949, which had not and any photos, I thought I'd attempt to share what data squadron,assignments of ships (whereeasily If you are interested in thesemarkings scoutingaircraft I have collected concerning one of my favorite identified) the colors and types of markings of the Navy's obsersvationor battle- aircraft, the SOC Seagull. carried by the Navy's pre-war observation and their assignementand use aboard squadrons. I have attempted to bring together ships and cruisers, I can't recommend this hne "bible" in the During the 1930'sthe U.S. Navy arrived information from several sources(as listed in book too much. It is without a such at a specific marking system intended to quickly the following references)and illustrate the sensethat alnost everything known about and easily identify all of its squadronsand amazing diversity in colored markings carried aircraft, their markings and operations is aircraft. This system was intended to serve both by this single type of aircraft. These same chronicledin this book. I've beencasually the squadrons(and their air crews) and the markings would have also been used by the following and researching the SOC and years ship'spersonnel as well. A similar systemwas Navy's other ship board observation aircraft catapult operations for approximately 25 eventually spreadthroughout the shore-based while they were deployed from the fleet's and am overwhelned by Bill Larkins'efforts Navy & Marine squadronsas time passed. ships. This system can sometimes become a and finished product in this book. It is clearly These colors were generally used until October, bit complicated due largely to the various time a product illushating his lifeJong interest and 1940,when the Navy issuedit's infarnous periods involved and I apologize aheadof time love affair with these beautiful aircraft. It is "final" instructions(known as "SR-28"). They for any further confusion I am creating-as I anotherof those"must have" books which may am often confuscdmyself. only come along once during your modeling life times. BATTLESHIP OBSERVATION ANdUTILITY SQUADRONS

Battleship Division One vo- r Insignia Red 1933-4r USSArizona BB-39 USSNevada BB-36 I USSPennsylvania BB-38 BattleshipDivision Two v0-2 White 1933-41 USSCalifornia BB'44 USSOklahoma BB-37 USSTennessec BB43 Battleship Division Thrcc v0-3 TrueBIue 1933-41 USSldaho BB-42 USSMrssrsstppi BB4l USSNcu McxtcoBB40 BattleshipDivision Frrur v04 Black 1933-41 USSCt'1,'radt'8845 USSNl.rnl.rn,J 8846 USSlr\t'rr Vrrgtnta BB-48 BattleshipDiviston F r r t vo-5 Lemon Yellow 1940-41 USSAr\.lnr.rr BB-33 USSlicu \,'r\ BB-34 USSIcr.r. Irtl.15 VJ.1 Willow Green 193341 vI-2 LemonYellow 7933-41 VJ-3 Aluminum 1,94041 CRLIISER OBSBRVATION and UTILITY SQUADRONS

CruiserDivision Two ( VCS-2 VS-5 TrueBlue 193340 Operatedrwo plancsecrions and a/c displayed double horizontal strips on tail

CruiserDivision Three (VCS-3) vs-6 InsigniaRed 1933-40 Operatedtwo planesections and a/c displayeddouble horizontal strips on tril USSConcord CL-10 USSCincinnati CL-6 Se attle ChapterI PM S -U SA N ew slett er

USSMilwaukee CL-5 I USSOmaha CL4 USSTrenton CL-11

White 1933-40 CruiserDivision Four (VCS-4) VS-9 TrueBlue 1940-41 operatedtburplanesectionsanda/cdisplayedsinglehorizontalStripontail USSNorthhamPton CA-26 USSHouston CA-30 USSPensacolaCA-24 uss salt LakeCity CA-25 LemonYellow 1933-41 CruiserDivision Five (VCS-5; VS-10 A/c displayedsingle horizontal strip on tail USSChicago CA-29 USSChester CA-21 USSLouisville CA-28 USSPortland CA-33 Willow Green 1934-31 CruiserDivision Six (VCS-6) VS-II Black 1937-41 operatedfourplaneSectionsanda/cdisplayedsinglehorizontalStripontail USSMinneaPolis CA-36 USSAstoria CA-34 USSNew OrleansCA-32 USSSan Francisco CA-38 Black 1935-31 CruiserDivision Seven (VCS-7) VS-12 Willow Green 193'l-41 on tail operatedfour planesections and a /c displayedsingle horizontal strip USSQuincy CA-39 USSTuscaloosa CA-37 USSWichita CA-45 USSVincennes CA-44

Black DoubleHorizontal StriPe CruiserDivision Eight VCS-8 USSPhiladelPhia CL-41 USSBrooklYn CL-40 USSNashville CL-43 USSSavannah CL42

Willow Green Double Horizontal Stripe CruiserDivision Nine VCS-9 USSHonolulu CL-48 USSBoise CL-41 USSSt. LOUiS CL49 USSPhoenix CL-46 Horizontal Stripe USSRaleigh CL-7 InsigniaBlue Double Horizontal Stripe USSDetroit CL-8 Insignia Blue Double Horizontal Stripe USSRichmond CL-9 Insisnia Red Double

that since the mid-20's tbe ship's name was normally also be noted (as can be seen in the preveious photographs, NOTE: It should aircraft cockpit and Scouting squadron,. This was often seenbelow the painted on the aircraft in both Battlesbip observation and cruiser the fuselage number' As illustrated in Bill ,,standardized"(again as can be seenin many photos) below the last digit in was finally Battleship and lower than the last digit on those aircraft assignedto Larkins' Soc photo, this was normally painted a bit to the rear ObservationSquadrons, from atleat 1935through 1941' Seattle Chapter I PMS-U SA N ew slener of the - piece of magic mending tape, will enable the curved panel line (the top or center seam Basic Kit Scribing align the brass modeler to scribe around the curves (fuselage fuselage, etc.) and proceed to panel on either side. Scribing the P-38 tops and under surfaces). strip with the existing line By Chip Stewart,Jr. Once the brass strip is in place, carefully When armed with the proper tools the employ the scribing tool in the same manner as previously described for flat surfaces. It is my contention that a scale aircraft scribing can begin. It is not necessaryto scribe model should display recessedor scribed panel all panel lines to achieve realistic results, but The process is repeatedafter the final lines as opposed to the raised panel lines all mayor panel lines should be done. The Joining of the subassembliesfor any additional supplied by many kit manufacturers. Although modeler should locate the mayor lines and have applicable panel lines. Once the scribing and there appearsto be some effort on the part of a a good idea what he wants scribed before basic construction is complete all the rivet and few manufacturersto provide recessedpanel starting. I recommend testing your technique existing raised panel line detail should be Iines, the majority don't. If a modeler desires before beginning on the actual model. To do sandedoff. Staxt with 400 grit sandpaper,but to model a particular subject, in my case a l/ this, take an old kit or a large scrap part and be careful to only remove the panel lines and 48th scale P-38J, and the best available kit has test on it. The idea is to remove plastic, not to rivets, not to reshapethe surface. When the raised panel lines, tben a scribing procedure spread it. This is where the patience comes in. entire surface is clean (all raised detail is must be performed. First, lay your straight edge down Just adjacent to an existing raised panel line and securethe removed)the model should be polishedwith grit paper (save these used pieces of 600 Scribing, admittedly, is not the most position with your fingers. Now, with the 600 a future section on finishing the pleasantof all modeling chores. But it is one scribing tool, carefully locate the beginning sandpaperfor the sandingprocess, which that if executed with patience and persistence point (or comer of the panel line) and draw the model). After should be performed with great care, patience yields a most pleasing effect. The lrst and tool lightly along the straight edge, Just and thoroughness,the modeler will find his scribed panel line detail filled with sanding debris. This should be removedwith a Figure1 toothbrush under a running tap with a mild detergent.When the modeleris satisfiedwith the cleaned panel line detail (you may need to rescribe some lines which were removed during sandingand cleaning)the finishing may begin. Figure2

It goeswithout sayingthat any Oro."r. I is subject to improvement, and I'm sure that an imaginative modeler can improve on this one described above. This has been written in an effort to advance our craft and the author hopes Figure3 scratching the Plastic of that it will help. Memphis newsletter, probablymost vital the model. Repeat this scratching process [reprintedfrom the IPMS step in successfulscribing is to procure the until the desired recessedpanel line is The Leading Edgel proper tools. I recommend and use a needle achieved. Dependingon the hardnessofthe from a good set of drafting dividers for the plastic, the modeler may have to scratch the actual point. The modeler will find that such a line from seven to ten times or more to achieve WHEEL WELL needle provides the hardnessand infleribility the desired result. DETAILING neededfor plastic scribing. The needle is held by a three to four inch handle (FIGURE l). I Scribe all applicable lines on the surface by Dr. Frank Mitchell use the handle from the probe of a standard of the individual parts which will not extiendto college biological dissecting kit. Any similar an adjoining part. When all such parts are Once again,fans, it's detail time. handle will do as long as the scribing needle is scribed and all other necessaryconstruction Specifically,we will discusswheel wells and held firrnly and securely in place. (interior, wheel wells, etc.) bas been com- what extends from them. Granted, they are pleted. then loin the carts in successivesub- undemeath and there is a tendency,even with The next necessarytool is a semi- assemblies(in my case the two booms and the me, to say the heck with it. However,it is flexible straight edge which will provide the wing-central nacelle assemblies). At this point somehowkind of depressingto pick up (or look initial scribing guide. I recommend a strip of any necessaryfiltng on the sub-assemblies under) a model that has beenwell detailed .030 sheetstyrene about 1/2" inch wide and should be done. Now the cross scribing can otherwiseand find just a big empty hole. four inches long. One end of the strip should begin. This is where the brassstrip comes into Therefore,let's seeabout doing something be diagonal (FIGURE 2) to enable butting up play and the persistenceof the modeler is about that empty hole. to curved or slanted surfaces. This ship will tested. Overlap the piece of magic masking enable the modeler to scribe most flat surfaces tape over the brass strip, parallel to the strip but First off. I am all too aware that it can be and some mildly curved surfaces. not completely covering the strip (FIGURE 3). difficult to find photos of wheel wells. With tbe brass strip and tape combination the However, if you can't find an appropriate I The last tool necessaryis a small strip of modeler will be able to wrap a shaight edge photo, a little fakery won't hurt and you will thin brass about l/8" of an inch wide and tbree around a contoured surface. It is generally certainly be more correct than if you left it inches long. This skip, when coupled witb a better to start the tap-strip at the center of the alone. Se attle Chapter I PMS -U SA N ew slen er figure uuerugeswill run about$8.00 and $3.75 Tbe wells really begin before youjoin As for wells, mostjust needa general 'em out. I respectivelY. the wing halves. It the well has formers and cleaning,but if there are holes,drill surface, cut the usually spray the hub the appropriate color and stringers shown on the top a lead (flat or Most metal figures are of lead, or former out irst, and then glue down the then spray on a light coast of clear based alloy. Lead is soft and very easy to the formers. This is gloss). At this point, a little Rub-N-Buff and stringer so they butt into etc' Finish work. It can be cut, filed, sanded,bent, much easierthan trying to cut the formers to pencil can work wonders on the detail. tires' more easily thanplastic' Epoxy is bestused for match the stxingers. off with flat black (or dark gray) for the joining - a quick setting formula like Klenk's I use a little trick on the gear doors when or Devcon. for stringer in ll72nd scale, you can use painting; spray the outer surface frst because sprue. For the larger scales,Plastistruct stripes usually the inner surface has detailing which The best cheaPmetal figures are work very well; I prefer the T shapedvariety. can be very dfficult to mask. As a bonus, this four $ I .0( setscast rn Zamac - also allows all the edges to be in the interior Strombecker's a Zink alloy that's abnost hard as steel. The The landing gear leg can usuallY be color. low cost is nearly offset by the labor required mounted as per the kit instructions, although just to remove the mold line flash and sprues. I they may have to be modified around the Again, brakelines, door actuators,etc.' beartily recommend these setsfor beginners detail. can be added with sprue, wire, or whatever. becauseof their low price. One problem though, they are very hard to find now as they After the wing is together, the walls of One final trick - for the sliding portion didn't sell very well when introduced. the well can be added. The easiestway to do of the oleo, I use Scale Metal. It really makes tbis is by using very think plastic sheet- the oleo standout, and therejust isn't any other Plasticfigures run the gamut from great Merely drop it in vertically, hold it up against way to duplicate that very bright and shiny to awful and the varieties of plastic will drive the edge of the opening and glue- After it has surface. you mad. Historex are clearly best,but with dried, just trim it off and sand. This technique only two exceptions are all of French works fine for any shape,justscore or bend the Maybe somemonth we shouldhave a Napoleanic era figures. They, like Tamiya and plastica bit during the dry-run process. contestwhere all the modelsare displayed , the genrc of styrene to which bottom-up. That would be interesting. Almark, are of you are accustomedfrom airplane, car' armour, If the model has one of those fuselages etc. kils. Airfix -54mmand 20mm figures and that have a gaping hole in the bottom with a Timpo and Swoppet54mm toys are in a greasy one-piecewing fitting into it, make sure that MILITARY plastic like Tupper Ware bowls, and are very. this hole is covered with a thin piece of plastic MINIATURES hard to work with. Again, however,their low so that it can form the top of tbe well. (In this price is on your side. Britians Models and their caseyou obviously can't do the walls until the by JamesJ. Schubert "Herald" series,both 54mm, are an in-between wing halves are attached). GENERAL: kind of plastic From herc on, it is a matter of using BASIC TECHNIQUES: sprue,wire, tubing, and anything elsethat The generic term Military Miniatures - comes to mind to form the various hydraulic covers all scale model figures military or Pick a simple first figure, and one on lines,conhol rods,etc., that clutter up the otherwise - in a large range of scales. 54mm which you have good clearreferences that wells. (2-114")-that's the height of a six foot man to detail of colors, (the scaleis actually ll32)- is the standard. leaveno ambiguitiesas Tamiya with their l/35 scalefigures have insignia,gear, etc. For finishing touches, spray the well the muddied the water a bit. A ll32 znd ll35 -side Metal: appropriatecolor and then put a tiny bit of figure side-by are too obviously two Removeall mold line flash with a knife Rub-N-Buff mixed with a little lead from a different scales. You can, however, get away or file. Make sure the figure is squareand truc. pencil on almost dried black paint and lightly with using l/32 figureswith l/35 tanks,etc., and generally looks "right". Trial fit all the rub over everything. This really pops out the and vice-versa, if you don't mix in any figures pieces and make adjustmentsas necessary.At details and makes the whole think worthwhile- of the other scale. tbis stagedecide what should be paintedas you can also use a Q-tip to get into corner or separatedetails and added later. As a general for the smaller 1fr2 wells. As in all things, MATERIALS: rule, completethe model as far as possible,or however,don't overdothis; a little goesa long get make as few and as large subassembliesas way. Most figures areof metal, but don't painting-remember, if you caught up in the ridiculous metal vs plastic possiblebefore can see it you can reach it to paint it. Some detailing is also in order for all arguments. Neither is intrinsically superior to other things that keep the fuselage off the the other, and outstanding figures are available Epoxy the piecestogether. I usenon- runway, gear legs, wheels, covers, and the like. in both. My 35 finished and unfinished figures jigging whilst gluing. After are 25 metal and l0 plastic, but you can't tell hardening clay for the epoxy sets,file/sand the joints to blend in. The landing gear legs can almost always what a finished piece is unless you heft it. Use "Green-Stuff' as necessary. Spray benefit from some work. Remove the molding Prices can range from as low as l5p for plastic lines and shapeup the ridges and other lines' toys convertible to models all the way to Plastic: (Historex, Almark, and Thmiya) One of those tiny squarefiles serveswell for several hundred dollars for custom finished' These are worked just like a model this. Alnost invariably, the torque link is too and crafted pieces. The averagemetal foot plastic airplane - no special techniques. As the thick and generally out of scale. They can also figure will go about$3.00; the average Historex figures are already white, I don't beneiil from thinning and shaPing. foot figure will go about$l '75. Mounted 10 Seattle r IPMS-USANewsletter blobs of flesh and medium some pharmacies 8. Draw tbe prime these,but do prime the others' tubes, ointment tubes, etc.; brown on your palette into one another, and stock unfilled tubes and would probably sell painter-style mix a puddle between them (Airfix, Timpo' and Swoppet) you a few. Plastic: ranging from the pure colors at either end to You must use a new sharPblade and and precise cuts for all trimming on Sheet lead is also good for helnet make clean a full mixture in the middle. From this hat straps to replace cast on straps,and for ) these. You cannot scrape,nibble, break, sand' and shade and other mess select a not-too-light brown them - the plastic fuzzes up into a officer's bars,non-coin's chevrons, or file from the upper eyelid to the eyebrow line. sticks to minor insignia. It works well to make rifle mess. No glue, paint, or filler really nearly dry brush' the Becauseit can be Paint the eyebrows, with a them either. slings,and horsehamesses. santecolor you are going to make the hair' easily coldformed into compound curves, folds, and the hairline' lead to heated Shadethe cheeks, thejaw line, For a simple one-pieceAirfix figure trim creases,and so on, I prefer sheet Using lighter and darker shadesfrom your the mold lines etc. and wash tbe piece in warm sheetplastic. palette, and thinner, blend these shad soapy water. I then paint these figures overall with water. The HeavilY textured canvas belts and with Elmer's glue thinned white, as above,and with cleanly cut 9. Mix flesh and E:lmer's sticks to itself and encasesthe piece in webbing can be simulated draw off a light shadeof flesh to highlight of coats masking tape: Similarly Scotch tape can be a glovelike sheath. Give it a couple of the Metal- down the center of the nose,the tops like this. After the thin glue has dried, straigbt usedfor smoothbelts. Bare-Metal, are good cheeks,the tops ofthe ears,knuckles, finger- El-rner'scan be used for light filling. Follow- Skin. etc. adhesivefoils for airplanes 1700. nails, etc . ing this a couple of coats of Floquil Barrier will for personal ,umour circa 900- assurethat everything hangs together. Green- 10. Mix flesh and Pink, and draw off a Stuff etc. can be used on top of the Barrier, and PAINTING: shadeof fleshjust tinged with pink; apply this white as this can be sanded. Now prime overdo white as a carefully to the bottom lip only. Don't before. You primed Your figure the color, or the area covered, or your figuting sandingguide and to prov-ide a good basefor skin he-manwill look a bit tweet If you are converting one of these pieces all further colors. Do the face and other Floquil's making joints is dfficult, and you must either first. My personal preference is for blobs 11. After painting the handsan overall pin and glue the joint or entrap the joint with Polly "S" water colors for the skin. Place black flesh, shadebetween the fingerswith a darkish glue,or both. I useDuco, Elmer's, or epoxy, or of flesh, medium brown, white, pink, and cards), brown. Highlight knuckles and fingernailsas a combination. This is strictly an alt - no on a suitablepalette (I useold business noted above. Shademost of the palm a -so experi- and proceedas follows. science you have to practice and darkbrown except for the ball ment. I practiced and experimented and swore "t medium il:1*;. O at those damned Timpo pieces for two months l. ApplY dots of light blue, on before I got the hang of working with this green,medium grey or medium brown 12. Paint the hair areaoverall but not "greasy" plastic . white of face in eye sockets for irises. quite out to the hairline with a shadedarker ink than the hair is to be. When this has dried, Now epoxy the figure to its prefinished 2. Apply tiny dots of black indict paint in the hair with a nearly dry brush the base,making sure that the epoxy completely with a fine pen for pupils. desired shade. With the same nearly dry brush, to the figure's covers the small basemolded -this a softer with medium carefully work out the hairline is feet to enhap it. 3. Outline whites of eyes in the back than in the front' and is also brown. The insideis what countshere; don't line your figure soft at the temPles. Plastic: (Britains Models and Britains leavetoo much white showing,or Models Herald Series) will look extremelystartled. The brown should 13. If you are doing an American These two are midwaY between the make deep tangentswith the color of the irises Indian, an Indian, a Japanese'a Chinese'or an previously noted plastics. They are easier to - look at your own eYesin a mirror. African, blend up a suitable flesh color as a take paint and cut, can be filed and sanded,and as above. whit'es with base and otherwise generally proceed Green-Stuff directly, but they too don't glue 4. Paint alnost up to the showingto Color photos from sourceslike National too well. flesh, leavingalmost no brown are good for reference in selecting outline the eyes. Failure to do this will leave Geographic up for the skin huesand values. DETAILING: your figure looking like he's made Vampire part in a horror show. Cover the face For the clothing and gear, proceed as Don't be a purist; use lead sheet,plastic with flesh. follows: shee! paper, balsa, aluminum, brass, Green- nosewith Stuff, all kinds of wire, tubing, tape' tissue 5. Shadethe undersideof tbe Paint belts,webbing, strapsfirst if they paper,etc., whateverwill do what you want it the medium brown. are to be flat. If they are to be white, just Ieave to regardlessof whether your figure is metal or them in primer. Now brusb on the basic plastic. Historex plastic kits, for example, give 6. Place very thin lines of medium bottom lip. uniform color(s) starting right next to the belts, you some uselesscloth ribbon for straps and brown in the lip line, and under the so as to create a very sharp line. Continue belts. Throw it away; use lead sheet instead' I medium use lead from wine bottle necks. Different ?. Place very thin lines of almost to JHI brands use different of sheet; I've never brown along either side of the nose ilHT,if[::: i:;Tl3J]:.T:Ti Suages Finish all uniform and gear details that are to just for its lead lhe comersof the mouth, under the bottom of actually bought a bottle of wine yet at the top of tbe be flat, do not do the metallics or leathers sheet,but given a choice of several bottles of the ear lobe, and inside the fold - anything glossor semi-gloss. what I want I will take the one with the least marred lead. Other sourcesare toothpaste r IPMS-USANewsletter Tbe otber side of sbading is Modeling QuestionsWanted highlighting. Place blobs of ligbtening your next to their colors on Palette Oneof themost useful asPects of a modelclub and draw tbem rcspective basic colors is asa resourcefor its members.All of us have of a together as before. The top side questionsthat we'd like to know the answerto' .U sbarp creaseor fold sbould be high- drawn from ligbted with a lighter shade They couldbe questionsof technique;Why do knees' your palette. Elbows, shoulders, my decalsalways silver? How far awayshould can edges of cuffs, collars, lapels, etc. I hold my airbrush? also receive some very discrect higblighting. They couldbe questionsofmodel or aftermarketproduct availability; Has anyone Flating: evermade a ll72 scaleGrumman FF-l? CanI get decalsfor CanadianWW2 armorin l/35 Having done tbe skin and the scale? v clotb, mask off tbe skin and the base and spray the wbole figure witb Pactra They couldbe questionsof research;What Clear Flat. This is much coarser tban any werethe color schemedifferences between otber fla( and give.s a clotb like texhre to NigelMansell's and Mario Andretti's the uniform. Tbis is especially important NewmanAlaasLolas during the 1993IndyCar if you've brusbed Floquil for some of season?What's an accuratecolor schemefor a your uniform colors, for altbough Floquil late-warVVS Yak-gD? t sprays flal it brushes semi-gloss to gloss. Oftenit's just a questionof knowingwho to Glosses and Metallics: ask.If you haveany modelingquestions, the editorwould like to hearthem, and I'll find As Floquil brushes semi-gloss' it someonein our club who cananswer them. is generally good for leathers. Black Sendthem to me at [email protected],or indict ink brusbed over net black call me (RobertAllen) at 425-8234658. probably gives tbe best black leatber. Gloss paintjust won't de- it's too U glossy. Tamiya's 25119 Kannonwagen continuedfrom PageI 6 For briShtshinY silver usefresh detentsystem that letsthem pivot afterpuning Testorchrome silver; highlight it witb .t, o themtogether. They aretedious, as you haveto just weespot of glosswbite for glarespots. a glueall the rubberpads to the link, but when Sbadetbe so shinysilver mix someTestor or For not that is donethe linksjust snaPtogether. I build uniforsr rs follows: white with tbe testorchrome. (Note: Pactraflat individualrack links in sections'I glue the Place rn appropriateblob hadtnouble mixing Pacbaand I havenevcr sectionstogether with Testorsglue andbefore of da,rkening color ocxt to a seemto be tbe same Testorpaints, tbcy the gluedries, I drapethe trackswere they go. uniform cobr oo Pactraglosses dry very blob of cachbasic lour formula, cxcept that I shapethem to the contourI'm after,then tbenr togctbcr u bcfce. - while Testorglosses dry palette,and draw slowly but bard- carefullyremove them and place them on their foldr drrlcr tbrn tbe cver get hardenough to Paint in the creasesand fast but neverse,erns to sideto dry. The areasaround the drive and bonom of texhr€s of basiccolor, and darker towrd tbc handlefrecly.) Slightly different idler sprocketsare glued with fastdrying super you'tc thecrcase or fold. Remembcr rcccn$- bright silvercan be obtainedfor differencing glue.The Testors glue gives you aboutI 0 ating tbe fall of a gencrd orubcrd bjbt puToses(as on a knight's amtour)by using minutesof flexible "playing" time beforethe (sunligbt - direct or difftlcd t mb )'rxlr Pactracbrome silver, and Floquil aluminum as glue sets.These Model Kastentracks did not figure. well as the Testor'sto get tbreeminor varia- needmuch glue at all, however.Since they tions on the sasretbeme. Pacbaflat aluminum held onto eachother, I only gluedthe areas Having donewitb lb. dtLt cc{ctog tn is very goodfor dull silver. Shiny brassand the sprockets,and on eachside of the -cd3t around creasesand folds apply llrd

SgaT-rLE CHAPTER NEWSLETTER TNDEX

Feb.'97 t2 Kit/Book Reviews Betty T}pe tr Tamiya BoeingKC-135 Stratotanker Hopkins Mar'98 t4 t eading Edge Apr.'97 '55 ChevyBel Air Convertible Monogrant Mar'98 9 cc-l44 Beauchamp Mar'98 A- 10AThunderbolt Italeri April'98 25 CurtissHawk 75 Monogram Nov'97 9 A-lH Syraider Hasegawa Feb.'97 13 F-104 Revell July'97 2 A-38 Skywarior Hasegawa Mar'98 9 F-104 Mustang Italeri April'98 25 AC-130U AMT Nov'97 7 F-5lD '97 Hasegawa Feb. l4 B-25t Monogrart Nov'97 7 F2A-2Buffalo Se attle Chapter I PM S-U SA N ew slen e r

18 '97 Details, Damed Details - Pt 3 Schubert Mar'98 F4U "Birdcage" Tamiya Feb. 12 Details,Damed Details - Pt 4 Schubert April'98 15 GMC CCKW wwP April'98 24 '97 Ejection Seats LaBouy May'97 1 JunkersFloatplanes F'13 & G.24 Revell Feb. 3 of Modeler LaBouy May'91 14 & Hasegawa Mar'98 8 Evolution '97 Ki 44 "Shoki"/'Tojo" Arii Feb. 1l 3 F-4D "Night Owl" Kyushu J7iV1 Shinden Mar'98 '40 F4F-3 at World's Fair Sweet Nov'97 6 LockheedSR-71/YF-12 Warbird Tech Nov'97 l0 Green CrossesAt Ie Shima Moore Mar'98 25 P-518 Tamiya Aug'97 6 '97 Handpainting Sharkmouths Moore Apr.'91 14 PBY-5 Monogram Feb. 4 '97 Home Made Decals Brooks Dec'97 17 ProModeler Paint Monogram Dec 16 '97 How I Got Into This Mess Alcom Jan.'97 4 Rolt Call: THUD Schiffer Nov I I '97 How To Paint NavY Aircraft LaBouY May'98 4 SB2C Helldiver Detail & Scale Nov I I I Hate To Paint Osborn Oct'97 2 SovietAcesof WWtr Morgan Mar'98 ll Inches Into Decimals of a Foot IPMS Canada May'98 12 SpaceShuttle Decals RealSpace April'98 25 '97 Index to IPMS Seattle Newsletter May'98 13 Spifire Mk. Vb Revell Mar. 9 JapaneseArmy Bombs Goldsbeny Dec'97 5 Surcouf SeaWolf Nov'97 8 '97 '97 JapaneseColor SYmbols LaBouy Apr. 15 TBF-lC Avenger Accurate Min. Feb. 12 l-ozenge Basics Head Oct'97 6 USAF Aircraft Markings & Camouflage, 194147 '97 RLM - FS 595a Chart Brown Dec 5 Archer Mar'98 13 Luftwaffe Military Miniatures Schubert May'98 9 USS Missouri TamiYa Aug'97 6 Modern U.S. Aviation Ordnance LaBouy April'98 1 '97 My First PlasticModel Schubert Feb. I Conversions/Detail Sets Notes On Scale Measurements West Mar'98 24 Observation Squadrons& Tail Markings KMC July'97 3 AvengerWingfold Set & TorPedo LaBouY May'98 6 Avenger Wingfold Set & TorPedo KMC July'97 3 '97 'l Painting& Finishing Models Pt. I Holowchuk Nov 3 Avenger Wingfold Set (uPdate) KMC Aug'97 Painting& Finishing Models Pt. tr Beaufighter CockPit Set Cutting Edge Nov'97 8 Air ExhaustSYstem Holowchuk Dec'97 1l Boeing RC-135U "Combat Sent" Maintrack April'98 2l Painting & Finishing Models Pt. Itr EE/BAC Lightning Airfix April'98 23 '98 Airbrushes Holowchuk Jan l0 F4D-1 Skyray Tamiya April'98 22 Painting& Finishing Models Pt. IV F7F TigercatDetail Set Aries Mar'98 7 '98 Materials Holowchuk Feb 13 Harrier GR.3 Flightpath Oct'97 4 Painting& Finishing Models Pt. V oH-l3s Italeri April'98 22 '97 '97 Painting& Finishhg Models Holowchuk Mar 11 Belcher Feb. 4 PBY Panel Lines An Altemative WaY Knerr April'98 20 SH-2F SeaspriteResin UPgrades Cobra Aug'97 7 '98 Reboxing Kits - The Trend Allen Feb 16 SBD Dauntless LaBouy Sept'97 4 Articles/Drawinss '98 SeattleChapter Roster May'98 22 '98 SecretSoviet CamouflageManual Clements Jan 4 (F-1 Remington Mar'98 14 '97 428thTFS 1I s) Soryu Judysat MidwaY )r , Feb. 7 - Colorsof WW tr Aircraft - PartI '97 A PrimerOn Primer Interiors Spitfire FloatPlanes Schubert Mar. I Vitkus Nov'97 14 '98 StainlessSteel Rigging Jan 16 - Colorsof WW II Aircraft - Parttr '98 A PrimerOn Primers Interiors Submarine Sanurai Schubert April 16 Vitkus Mar'98 22 '98 The Good Old Days Osborn Jan 3 LabouY May'97 15 A-IH/J Interior The Last American Hero: Stewart April'98 21 Detail Parts LaBouY July'97 2 After-Market '97 The Three R's Amendola Mar'98 17 Schubert Sept 3 Armor Basics Things Under Wings Wachsmuth Aug'97 5 Feb.'97 l0 B- I 7E'tsirmingham B litzkrieg" U.S. Aviation Ordnance Wilcox & Walls April'98 12 Stewart May'98 8 Basic Kit Scribing '97 U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers Filer Jan'98 13 - markings Feb. l0 Bf l09E4 "Mike" in Japanese U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers LaBouy Nov'97 18 - Japanesea/c Feb.'97 10 Brewster Buffalo captured U.S. Navy Color Schemes:1920-40 Wegryn May'98 4 Remington April'98 14 British Ordnance U.S. Navy WW II CockPit Colors Reece Mar'98 22 LaBouy Aug'97 7 '98 Building KMC Wingfold USAF Gunships LaBouy Feb I - II Clements Apr.'97 I Camouflage of AVG Part USS Arizona Markings White Oct'9'7 3 Russell Oct'97 5 Cbeck Those References Weathering Armor Models Hebda Aug'97 6 As Air Source Johnson Apr.'97 12 '98 CO2 Bottles '98 What To Build Next Osborn Feb 12 Shaw Feb 17 Comoetition and AMS Wheel Well Detailing Mitchell May'98 8 - AVG A/C Clements Dec'97 8 Corrective Dental Work World War I Military Aviation Schubert Dec'97 3 Borger Dec'97 l7 1 DecalSilvering Writine Newsle$er Articles Fink Mar'98 3 1'l f OetaitingInstrument Panels Koons Nov'97 Details.Damed Details Schubert Dec.'9'l 14 Details, Damed Details - Pt 2 Schubert Jan'98 l7 14 Seattle Chapter I PM S-U SA N ewsletter (sometimes and Camouflage Small insigniabe usedon all fightersand were24 inchestall l8 inches). Colors trainers,the Medruminsignia on By the time of the attacks on the Dutch EastIndies and intermediatetypes, and the Large insignia East Indies and Sumatra, during April of the !t to be usedon heavy bombers. through October 1944,the Eastem Fleet British Pacific Fleets had aircraft available from the carriers By ScottSpencer During the period of January through HMS lllustrious, HMS Indomitable (later October 1943,the Royal NavY did not replacing I Ilustrious), H M S Victorious, and HMS Indefatigable to fight with. The East Indies and Pacific Area of have any seabomeaircraft in the Far East. arrival of the aircraft which they carried were all US- Operations This was to changewith the EscortCarrier HMS Battler.The Battler built Grumman Hellcats,Eastern-built was carrying a mixed patrol squadron, for Grumman Avengers, and Vought At the start of the war with JaPan,in warfare, of FaireY Corsairs.The US-built aircraft were December1941, the very few Fleet Air antisubmarine and Supermarine Seafires. paintedin the US designatedANA colors Arm aircraft stationedin this region ofthe Swordfish particular aircraft arrived wearing Extra Dark Sea Cray, Dark Slate GreY, world were paintedin the TemperateSea These the TemperateSea Scheme of Extra Dark and Sky. In August, the canier HMS SchemeS.3. This particularscheme used and Dark SlateGreY Indomitable also carried the same type the colors Extra Dark Sea GraY, Dark SeaGray and Sky undersurfaces. aircraft and they too were painted ustng SlateGray, and Sky. Biplaneswere uppersurfaces, canied the nameROYAL NAVY, the sameUS colors. finished in the sametop colors,but were They aircraftserial number, 4 inches finished in Dark SeaGray and Light Slate with the (in black), on the rearportion of the Establishment of the British Pacific Gray on the lower surfaces.The national tall markings were those as found everywhere fuselage. Fleet else.The upperwings carriedType B with the Admiralty's roundels,the lower wings carriedType A To conform In November of 1944,the much ofSeptember 1943,the upper Fleet roundels,and the fuselagesides canied directive anticipatedsplit-up ofthe Eastern red centerwas simply Type Al roundels.The fin flasheswere of wing roundel's was realized.It was split into two forces: paintcdover in blue and a white disk was British varioussizes. The EasternFleet and the all new appliedin its placc.The fuselageside Pacific Fleet (BPF) consistingof Capital roundels(originally Type Cl were At first, the US Navy was hesitant On September29 , 1943,a new directive ) Ships. over paintedand were for national insignia was issuedfor RAF completely to allow the participationof a British in thc Blue and White scheme. to aircraft in the Indian Command,deleting repainted Pacific Fleet in the Pacific waters,due to the red centerof the insignia.Following the Royal Navy's lack of being able the creationofthe previousprocedures, the Admiralty fn January1944,aftcr replenishitself. It was finally approvedby (South EastAsia Command),HMS compliedwith the new ordersand directed SEAC the Joint Chiefs, providing that the Royal on stationcarrylng that all Royal Navy shore-basedaircraft Illustrious arrived Navy could maintain itself independently and a fighter and spottingaircraft aboardships were to Fairey Barracudas with its own oilers and supply ships. of GrummanHellcats. The follow the directive.This directive called complement along with other US-built BPF, was for the following changesin national Hellcats, The I st Carrier Squadron,of the were paintedin the Temperate insignia: aircraft, composedof four FleetCarriers. cruisers, SeaScheme, but were paintedusing the and other vessels.The EasternFleet (aka US versionsof the British paint. The US Fleet)provided an Escort Wins/Fuselaee Roundels East Indies versionswere known as ANA (ArmY- Canier Squadron,which would provide Navy) colors.These color equivalents CAP (Combat Air Patrols)and long range Aircraft Size White Circle Blue Circle wereANA 613 - Olive Draband ANA spotting for the battleships.This 16 inch Small 6 inch 603 - SeaGray uppersurfaces,and ANA command would fall under the watchful Medium 12 inch 32 inch 610 - Sky lowersurfaces. eyesof Admiral Lord Louis Large 18 inch 48 inch Mountbatten'sSEAC. The escortcarrlers As more and more escort carriers began to carried a small number of Barracudas and Fin Flash (White toward leadine anive in the Indian Ocean,so did the Avengersfor bombing, and several These edge- white and blue Portions of number of ship-basedaircraft. squadronsofHellcats and Seafiresto aircraft, which were designatedas recon role. equal width) work in the Photo and Tactical antisubmarinesquadrons, were Wildcats, Previously,in late 1943,the carrier Swordfish,or Avengers.These particular squadronshad organized into Tactical Aircraft Size Width Heisht aircraft, from the escort carriers, had their Units such as Fighter Wings and Torpedo/ Small 16in. 24 in. sidesand lower surfacespainted in Bomber/Recon(TBR) Wings. Medium 22 in. 24 rn. white. The uppersurfaces were carrylng Large 34 in. 24 in. the sameSeptember 1943 India Command In February 1945,there was a new patterns and markings described earlier. directive for aircraft of the Eastern Air Unlike the Atlantic and Mediterranean Command. This directive ordered It wasfound that the useof a purewhite basedaircraft, the aircraft of the Eastem that aircraft be painted with the following wasmuch too obvious,so it wasdecided Fleet did not carry the individual canier ID markings. The cowling was to be that a color obtainedfrom mixing 4 parts "deck letter" on their fuselagesides' paintedwith a 17" white ring, while the white with I part blue wasto be used Instead,they usedsingle lettersquadron tail and wings would have white ID bands instead.It wasfurther ordered that the codesand individual aircraftletters which of 18" width on the tail and 28" width on 15 Seattl e Chapter I MP S-U SA N ewsletter

after.No Avengers Scott Spenser'sIMPS-USA Fleet Air Arm the wings. Aircraft of the East Indies Fleet enteringthe BPF soon BPF or EastIndies Special Interesl Group website is a must-see (with the exception of Photo-Recon aircraft) were ever deliveredto the alt FAA devotees.The sitefeatures kit carried thesemarkings. On the Hellcats, the Fleet in this color. for o reviews, color and camou/lage information, wing bands were carried so that they in the British Pacific photo galleries ofmodels and actual airplanes, coveredthe inboard edgeofthe upperwing Aircraft ldentifcation Fleet information on joining the IPMS-USA FAA roundels. SIG, and even a link that allows you to buy identification books relating to FAA topics. The Internet In March 1945,the BPF joined the US ships In March 1945,a new aircraft was basedon the address is www.airnet.neUscotts of Admiral Spruance'sFifth Fleet.This fleet practicecame into use.It carrier"deck was renamed Task Force 57, and began a pre-war systemofusing the on the upper With the conspicuousexception of the Seafire seriesofairstrikes against airfields around letters",which were placed sideofthe tail. The Mk. III, which can be convertedfrom a Spitfire Okinawa. The air portion of this carrier forward portion, on each number,either 18 Mk. V, almostall important FAA Far East strike force was called the l st ACS aircraft alsocarried a 3 digit sides. Aircraft are easily availablein ll72 scale, (designatedas CU 57.I . 1) and was made up or 24 inchesin height,on the fuselage from I 11 for the especiallysince eastem European firms are of Avengers,Corsairs, Hellcats, Seafires' These numbers ranged res), from 2'10 making the Frog Firefly and Barracudamuch and Fireflies.TFI 12, which was in the fi ghters(Hellcats/Corsairs/Seafi (Firefly), and 370 on aircraft more easyto obtain. supportingfleet ofsupply ships and tankers' on 2 seataircraft (Avengers/Banacudas). had escort carriers carrying two Hellcat with a threeman crew the airplanesof Available decalsfor making 1172scale models squadrons(20th ACS) for CAP and aircraft Thesemarkings were usedby was disbanded of the FAA in the Far East,however, are few replacementfor the Fleet Caniers the fleet carriersuntil the BPF in 1946. and far between. A few kits are (were) availablewith suitabledecals; the Airfix and Also in March 1945,there was a revisionto Codes for Matchbox Hellcatshave both beenreleased in the national insignia usedby the BPF. The Carrier Deck/Carrier Air Group the pastwith FAA Far Eastmarkings, the insigniawas to have panelssimilar to the the BPF in WWII Airfix Kingfisher was recentlyreleased with US national insignia and was to be made up Carriers markingsfor a Ceylon-basedFAA example' of a blue ring, with a narrow white border, lst AC Squadron Fleet Sir Phillip Vian and ModelCraft has reboxedthe old Frog and a white circular center.This insignia ls Commandedby Admiral Firefly Mk. I with BPF decals.Hasegawa has sometimeswrongly referredto as the SW Carrier releasedits Avenger kit as a Tarpon with FAA Pacific marking. This is not the case,as the Tail Code markings;the samegoes for their Wildcat' RNZAF and RAAF did not use these Carrier Air Group which hasbeen reboxed as a Martlet. I haven't markings.Only the BPF usedthem. HMS Formidable N/A X seeninside eitherkit, so I don't know ifany Pacific optionsare included. The marking was derived from the "medium" and " large" roundelsdiscussed IIMS lllustrious N/A a Aeromastersheet 72-009, US Aircraft in FAA earlier,and imposedover a marking of N Service,contains markings for six aircraft,half similar sizeto the US insignia.This new HMS Implacable 8th of them (two Corsairsand one Hellcat) in Far marking was appliedon the upper left wing, S Eastmarkings. Tally Ho! has releasedsix small lower right wing, and aircraft sides. The HMS Indefatigable 1th but excellentsheets covering East Indies Fleet, dimensionsused were a 32" outer ringl12" W British Pacific Fleet,and other FAA Far East inner ring on the "small" roundel,a 42" IIMS Indonritable I lth aircraft.7020 includesa BFP Seafireand outer ring/14" inner ring on the "medium" P Firefly; 7 120 has four EastIndies Fleet roundel,and a 48" outer ring/l8" inner nng HMS Victorious I st Hellcats;7121 has East Indies Fleet markings on the "large" roundels.The white border for a Hellcat, Seafire,Wildcat, and Avenger; markingswere from 2 to 3 inchesin width, ':-l22has FleetCarriers a BPF Avenger and Corsair; 7123 has while the rectangularpanels were to be llth AC Squadron Light Harcourt two BPF Hellcats; and'712'7includes two extendedon either side of the roundel by % Commanded by Rear Admiral Corsairsand one Kingfisher (the sameexample the roundel diameter(i.e., 16", 21" or 24"). Tail Code as in the Airfix kit!). Thesesheets are well In actualuse, the Corsair ll & IV and Carrier Air Group worth searchingout. The Firefly markings on Hellcat II canied the 48" roundels,the D Tally Ho! sheet7020 are also duplicatedon an Seafire,Avenger, and Firefly carriedthe 42" HMS Colossus l4th unnumberedLatvian K-Decal sheet- the roundel,while the Hellcat I carriedthe 36" l6th L variationsin the two are considerable,and are roundel. HMS Gtory typical of the confusionthat still existswhen l5th B trying to pin down accuratemarkings. Useful During early 1945,the East lndies Fleet HMS Venerable genericsheets include Almark sheetA19' startedreceiving someof their Hellcat II's A which includeswhite and black 8" and 4" (F6F-5's)and a few Wildcat VI's (FM-2's) HMS Vengeance l2th serials,and ROYAL NAVY titles, and the in US SeaBlue (ANA 623). The ROYAL the Fleet Air Arm, indispensableModeldecal sheet I 18, which NAVY logo and the aircraft serial numbers References:Aircraft of Air-Britain containsenough BPF roundels,code letters were in white. As soon as theY were t 9 39-45, Ray Sturtivant, and numerals to model a task force. received,the national insigniawere replaced Publishing,1996; Aircraft Camouflage and Markings in Robert Allen with the August 1943Pattern India British Geoffrey Thomas, Command insignia with white 2 inch thc Far East1941-1945, February1994' ppg borders.The US painted SeaBlue Hellcats Scalc,4iruaft Modeling, and Corsairs,of the new squadrons,began t56-181. Seattle Ch apter I PM S- USA News lett er I6

Kit Review:Toko ll72 Pfalz tend to wrinkle if you arenot very careful.One spareparts box was used to round out the fire sheethas the lozengefor the wings; two for the wall. After the kit engine and tranny were D.XII top wing, and four for the lower. The other removed from the kit, new brackets to mount for the upper the Verlinden engine were scratchedfrom o by Bilt Osborn sheethas the straightleg crosses and lower wings, two different tail crosses,and plastic card.The new enginewas put in place a few info markings.There are no special and the scratchedside walls for the compart- Ah yes,Castrol in your nose and mouth, wind individual personalmarkings. ment were installed. in the wires. Death in the skies.World War passion, One startedwhat for most of us is a Now that the decalsare on the upper and lower A new tread plate floor, in the interior, was military models. wings, thereare a few detailsto be paintedor made with ScaleScenics aluminum micro - weathered and the machine guns and such to mesh laminateddown with superglue. A new For thoseof us who build the early birds, there be added. Start with the wing body struts, and ammunition storage box was scratchedand hasn't beenmuch of a choice in the past few then the "N" struts. addedto the rear interior deck. The kit radio years.Now Toko, of the Ukraine, has released was reworked using photoetched parts and tiny two kits from the "Great War." One is the The prop is a club but the shapeis good. It just electricalmotor winding wire. Siemens-SchuckertD.llVIV; the other is the needsto be thinneddown. The kit instructions Pfalz D.XII. don't show any rigging, but the box art and The rear doors on this kit are really bad so I Profile #199 give good references.All in all, replacedthem with plastic card, Evergreen The Pfalz comeswith 28 well molded partsin thesetwo kits are great,and could be a great strips and stretchsprue. The hingescame with a light gray plastic, decals for two different addition to any collection. the Verlinden set and were added after planes,and a largemulti-language instructton removing the kit hinges. sheetof the exploding view type with two two- view color schemedrawines. Paint codesare I started opening the side compartment doors for Humbrol numbers. and decidedto only open four ofthe six. ".*WKannonenwagen Drilling small holes,just inside the kit door There is a fairly good cockpit interior with a By Jon Baker, IPMS-Houston outlines,allowed removing the doors by the stick, seat,rudder pedals, and an instrument ScaleModel Forum "connect-the-dot"method. I use this method panel.Ribs and stringersare molded to the quit a bit to 1'open" doors and hatches.The bodysides. All flying surlacesare one-piece. down side is that the removedpiece is no The trailing edgesof the wings could be a little The GermanWehrmacht used a largenumber thinner,but it's not really a problem. of half -trackedarmored personnel carriers. The Tamiya model of the Ausf. D is a beautiful ;"::.J::l- ::::;;;:,b to make it Someof the bestparts of the kit arethe kit, but can usea little tweaking was very satisfiedwith the short 75mm gun 25119 smallest.The strutsare fine, with very little outstanding.The kit models aSd. Kfz. suppliedwith the Tamiya kit. I did decideto was flash,and no mismatch.If you like to Ausf. D "Kannonenwagen"which changeout the canvasejected shell bag at the for close- superdetailengines, you won't have to do developedbecause ofthe need back ofthe gun. I replacedit with expanded much with the MercedesD.lllA. This could be support firepower. metal from ScaleScenics. This stuff is great.I a display by itself. There are four finely use it everywhere.The kit MG34 was replaced plan everything molded parts that only show the top part and I developedan overall to open with a brass MG42 and a photoetched ammo possible I wantedan engine exhaustwhen it's in the model. that was to open. belt was glued in place.A Verlinden intriguing and I wantedto open those Panzerfaustwas painted up and placed behind Assembly is straightforwardand simple. Only compaftmentson the side. the crew seatat the back ofthe interior. minor work is requiredto get the horizontal includedthe three and lower wing squareto eachother. The only My referencematerials On the outsideofthe upper body, I attached page I 3 of problem I found is that there is no way to hold Panzer Colors from Squadron. On some bent Z-shapedbrass strips. These "D". I also used the enginein the body. The plans show the Colors II is a greatpicture ofa representedthe brackets that were welded to on the Sd. Kfz. radiatorand engineas a unit when installedin the OspreyVanguard 32 book the 251 for supportofequipment hung on the the photosI usedto trick out the model. It might work, but I was looking to 25L It contained outside.I usedthem to hang a Panzershrek, photo page l0 was very be surethe top of the enginewas showing well, the inside.The on jerry cans,helmets, and the ropesto hold on offthe outside. and was aligned correctly. useful in hangingequipment the camouflagefoliage. This foliage was made of German And as usual, the Encyclopedia by first denudingbaby's breathdried plants, valuablearmor The color schemeyou use affectsthe assembly Ianfu . This book is the most then gluing on the herb marjoram.The herb of the top wing. One option is for all-over light book in my library. turned brown with time so they eventually gray,with yellow trim. The one I chosehas looked like deaddried tree branches. four-tone camouflage with the lozenge pattem I started to work in the engine compartment for the 251/ on the upper and lower wings. The kit gives with the Verlinden #564 updateset The running gear was stock from the kit except savingfeatures like decalsfor the wings. I don't know if the colors 9. It containedmany time for the exquisite Model Kasten track links. an engine,the air coolersfor the engine,a very are correct,but they look good and I think I'll There are two speciesof Model Kastens,the ^ 'em. keep Now that I've said all that, the nice etchedradio mount, shellsfor the 75mm, decalsneed to be put on before the wing struts interior framework and other little goodies. I""Jffi,:il',il.1;lTlli::.H;ffy.-",;) are glued in. kind. Thesepieces work on a double Din and Good engine compartment photos were hard to Speakingofdecals, they are very thin, and will come by so, a lot of "gizzmology" from the continued on page I I the n^ uncommonor rare. It's a nice kit in itself, and trusty Mk.l Eyeball.Don't worry about Hasegawa'sll32 do that Connerting it builds up with very little trouble.The front openingor hollowing it out, we'll a HawkIII conversionto a ChineseHawk III is simple later.Just a solid form is all that is needed. O BF2Cio the entire too, if you arewilling to do a bit of simple Important to keep in mind is to sand as the (Lost-FoamFiberglass scratchbuilding. The major changesare in the form I/16" or so smallerthan needed, make this enginecowl, and if you build a Thai or fiberglassresin we'll be using will Castingand SimPleScratch with Argentineversion. some weapons fairings on up with its thrckness.Create your master rear of Building) the forward fuselagesides need attention too. about I /2" of additional length in the to the M. Head, IPMS/Houston Other changesinclude minor cockpit details, the cowl, as it will be easierto cut it off by Scott master has canopychanges, and minor changesto the rear proper length later. Once the foam ScaleModel Forum dowel or landing gear. beencompleted, mount it on a wood brassrod (8" long or so) by creatinga hole in keep it Hawk III Background I beganby acquiringscale drawings, very the rear center.White glue it in placeto importantsince therc are many variations securewhile handling. the many The CurtissHawk III was one of among Hawk llls. I selectedthe Chinese that fame CurtissHawk biplane fightersto find versionpowered by a Wright Cyclone engine, As fiberglassresin is to be usedas a castlng the Curtiss it is hard to come by. Developedfrom which requireda deeper,more enclosedcowl material,the foam must be protectedso that Ill was an BF2C naval fighter, the Hawk than the BF2C's narrow cowl. Making a new doesnot melt away when exposedto the effort. lt water export version ofa not so successful cowl was the most challengingpart of this fiberglass.I usedwhite glue diluted with in the hands neverthelessperformed admirably conversion,but not difficult ifplanned ( I : I ratio) and paintedthe foam masterwith the of China,Thailand, and Argentina.Despite properly. I useda methodcalled lost foam two coats,allowing the first coat to dry Fighterwas The efforts of Curtiss,the BF2C Navy casting,and here'show: thoroughly beforepainting on the second. not to becomea successin US handsdue to a glue is imperviousto the resin and forms a in designflaw that causedexcessive vibration Casting a New Engine Cowl barrierthat protectsthe foam while the casting its all metal upperwing. It was rejectcdfrom cures. aboard serviceafter only a year in fleet service Taking a threeview ofthe cowl, I constructed the quickly the carrier USSRanger. To meet a masterform out of Dow Coming bluc When dry, obtain somevery finc fiberglass redesigned expandingexport market,Curtiss insulationfoam (a densesheet of styrofoam cloth (the RC sectionofthe hobby shop should and re- part the wing to an all wood structure, usedby home builders).This is not as difficult have some)and a suitableamount of two (a numbcr of enginedand rearmedthe BF2C as it sounds;simply cut a rough cylinder from fiberglassresin. Mix the fiberglassresin to ordersexisted, minor variationsbetween export two sheetsthat have beensandwrched together manufacturer'sinstructions; too much is better The but the airframewas basicallythe same). with whitc glueand then sand to shapc.Use thannot enough.(NOTE: Ifyou've never the Hawk Ill to practicca resultingaircraft was tcmplatesas you go, or simplyludge usingthe worked with fiberglass,be sure few simple techniques.Check the RC In service,60 Hawk IIIs were to form a large departmentof the hobby shop for books that part ofthe Chinesefight againstthc Japanese describein detail the process.It is importantto '30s '40s. onslaughtin the late and into thc work with proper ventilation and a mask, as Quickly outclassedby Japanescmonoplanes. it fiberglassresin fumes and glassfibers can pose was to find a niche as a ground attackplane a serioushealth risk) With a disposabledope and an advancedtrainer. Curtiss Hawk llls brush (also availableat the hobby shop),cover were excellentaircraft, loved by pilots, and the foam masterwith resin.The back of the deservemore credit than is grven to them. cowl can be left uncoveredas it would needto be openedon the final piece, so saveyourself Kir OPtions somework. Cover the front of the cowl fully to provide strengthduring the final sandingand In lookingfor a modelof the Hawk III, I had shaprngprocess. With the resin still "wet", lay threeoptions: ln 1172scale, MPM makesa up somestrips of the cloth to provide strength, decentlimited run kit. thoughthe engineis a overlappingthem and working them into the bit difficult to deal with (lt's closerto a US resin until the entire castingis coveredin a thin versionBF2C engineand cowl arrangement layer of resin and cloth. Work quickly as the anylvay,so it isn't entirely accuratefor the resin is curing, and get thoseair bubblesout if paint schemeon the box). In l/48 scale,Sierra possible!The ideal castrngwill be a thin layer hadjust releaseda beautiful vacuformedkit of ofresin andcloth, about l/l6" to3132"average the Hawk III, but I had not orderedone at the thickness.Don't worry about lumps as these time. My third option was to convert the l/32 can be sandedoff later. scaleHasegawa BF2C-1 into a Hawk III. I chosethis route, sinceI wantedto try a simple Finishing the Rough fiberglasscasting skill I hadjust learned. When the cowl castinghas cured,remove the The HasegawaBF2C kit is a relatively old kit, cowl and get somevery coarsesandpaper and may usually be found at swap meetsor via mountedon a comfortablewood block. Use the old kit dealers.Many hobby shopsstill have scale drawings and cardstock templates as a someof thesekits, sincethey are not guide and sand, refining the basic shape to an Seattle Chaoter IPMS-USA Newsletter 18

? accurateoutline. Fiberglassis very hard, so severaltimes. Use the back of the blade as the Thecowl interior and engine should be painted vigorous sandingwill be necessaryifyour cutting edgemay creep.The resultingscribed castinghas lots of bumps or needsa lot of line is perfectly the samedistance from the :"?J;:i:iffi:[ffit*T1,"# lit'."*, o refining. I used an orbital electric sanderwith front ofthe cowl. I then used a razor saw to but aluminum is appropriatetoo. The engineis greatsuccess. Wear a mask, the dust is finish the cut using the scribedline as a guide. a standardWright Cyclone model - medium dangerous!Gradually, your cowl should Clean up by sandingthe rear openingon a grey crankcase,black cylinders and silver become an accuratereplica, and finer grades of piece of sandpapertaped to a flat surface pushrod covers. I painted the mounting rods sandpapershould be used to create a smooth (vacuform style). primer color sincethey are visible to anyone finish. Fill airholesand mistakeswith astuteenough to look carefully. superglueifneeded. Ifyou followed your plans After all this work, you now have a finished and sandedattentively, your finished piece Hawk III enginecowl! Whew! And that was Sincethe kit comeswith a two bladedprop, shouldbe geometricallycorrect: perfectly just stepone! Never fear, that's the worst ofit. we'll needto find or make a three bladedone. I round and tapered, flat along the top, and usedbrass tube and plastic rod to make a new properly curved along the forward edge. propellerhub, and robbed the bladesfrom a Hasegawal/32 Spitfire Mk.VI, reshaped Now for the neat part! Take your casting appropriately.Mount the whole assemblyon a outside,cut into the foam masterfrom behind shaftmade of brassrod that will fit into a brass to openthe glue barrier,and pour a small tube installedin the engine. amountof lacquerthinner on the foam master from the rear.The foam will dissolveaway. Other Kit Modi{ications Keep adding lacquerthinner, rinsing the goo from inside.When all of the foam is gone,peel The rest of the kit is relatively simple. I built a away the glue barrier.Voila! A hollow, one new cockpit for my Hawk, but you could piececasting! easily usethe kit's interior. To make it really standout though, use the kit's molded-in Finishing the castingis tedious,but thesesteps fuselageformers as a guide to make new ones, ought to speedthe processalong: The center then sandthe interior smooth. I used Evergreen openingofthe cowl front is easyto open.Just plastic rod and attachedthe new formers to mark the absolutecenter of the cowl opening Engine holesdrilled at the appropriateedges ofthe (wherethe prop shaftwill eventuallyreside) and using a mathematician'scompass trace the Now prepareto install the engineinto the cowl. openingon the fiberglass.When satisfiedwith Though your new cowl is deeperthan the *[tl]frill':i"ffi,k#rt'flrt the accuracyofthe circle, replacethe lead in original kit's cowl, if it was createdto proper the fuselagehalves were closedthc former rods the compasswith a cutting point. I mademine dimensions,you will have ample room to would compress,insuring that they were snug from an old airbrushneedle. Using the installthe engineon the kit's mountingpin on againstthe fuselageinterior walls. I addeda compasscentered in the same spot that was the front ofthe fuselage.Tape the fuselage scratchbuiltseat from plastic card since I didn't usedto tracethe opening,scribe along the halvestogether and test fit the engine.Place care for the padding on the kit's seat,and tracedline. Keep scribing a line until the depth the cowl over the engrneso that your propeller photoetchedseat belts from an old Fotocut is sufficient enoughthat you can use it as a hub, when installed,will be forward enoughto prewar seatbelt set. A new throttle, a hand guide for grinding the centerhole openingwith spin the prop freely. Then, mark a spot on the pump, compass,map case,and junction boxes a Dremel tool. If your castingis consistently outsidcof the cowl that conespondswith the were all fashionedfrom plastic scrap,wire and smoothenough, you might be able to scribe location of the cylindersinside. Do this for at miscellaneousbits and addedas necessary. right through,but keep in mind that the leastthree cylinders, preferably the threethat New running boardswere made with fiberglasswill chip easily if you try to tap the are at 90, 30 and 210 degreesfrom horizontal Evergreenchannel, and I addedfuselage centersection out after scribing.Once opened, (that is, the top cylinder and two bottom ones). stringersfrom strip. I opted to usethe kit's cleanup the cowl openingwith files and Drill a hole through the cowl at thesethree instrumentpanel as I could find no drawings of sandingsticks as needed. locations,and the top of eachof the three Hawk III instrumentpanels. I assumedthere cylinder headsso that you can passa plastic are differences,but I was having such a good Since the cowl master form was createdwith rod through the cowl and into the cylinder (See time I didn't want to break the processup! The about l/2" additional length in the rear, it is the diagram).This is how the enginewill hold kit instrumentswould benefit from being easyto cut the opening in the back accurately. the cowl in place.When everythingis centered drilled out and having instrumentdecals placed Measureand mark the location of the cut you and aligned,glue the cowl and engine from behind on a white plastic card. A drop of will needto make at the rear of the cowl. Lay assemblytogether. Cut off any excessrod from epoxy to simulateglass will finish them off the cowl flat on its front. Use small balsa or the cowl and sandit flush. I addedindividual nicely. I regretnot rebuilding my instrument wooden blocks and stripsto build up a exhauststacks to the cylindersso that they panel now, but the overall effect ofthe new platform that is the same height as your mark. I would extendout from behindthe cowl as was cockpit is convincing. usedbalsa, l/2" thick, l" wide, and 6" long. I characteristicof most export Hawk IIIs. I made glued theseblocks togetherand then sanded the exhaustsfrom aluminum tube, bent and cut Interior colors for the Hawk III are fairlv them down so that the final "stick" could hold appropriately.Hold off on mounting the engine an Xacto blade on my mark. I then scribed the and cowl subassemblyto the fuselageuntil lil:Hl.ii;: ffi: fi:;:::'J;.fl : Jl: cowl line by keepingthe cowl and the wood after painting, as you'll needto paint the andfoot boardsare painted aluminum (dope). "|J block flat on my work table,rotating the cowl forward fuselage where the engine will be Note-the Hawk III hadno truefloor, just"f foot as I went around the entire circumference mounted. boards,so the kit is inaccurateanyway. To 19 Seattle Chapter IPMS-USA Newsletter I will never chide replicatethe floorlesscockpit would have been Final Details To eachhis or her owu whether they chooseto too much of a hasslefor this modeler,so I left anothermodeler about I happento believe that it in. It could be paintedflat black if With all this work alreadyinvested in the display a model or not. processin and of itself. If, in neccessary,to give the illusion that it is not aircraft, why not add some detail that the kit modeling is a wouldn't be much really there.The seatis also aluminum' I lacks? Drop the elevator and add some control fact, you didn't like it, there nothing of tossing painted my seat belts a leathery brown for the hornsto them with somemusic wire. Seethe point in doing it. I also think starting on a new one lap belts,canvas (offwhite) for the shoulder Squadronbook for detailson what they look a model in the trash and pleaseme; seeWebster's belts.The throttle is black, and the instrument like. Also, replacethe gunsightor drill out the if the first didn't panelis a very dark grey. The control column endsfor more realism.Painting the Hawk III is definition of"hobby". is aluminum with a black grip. I useda mix of bestdone without the upperwing installed'I growing unpaintedsoldering wire and stretchedblack usedFloquil Brown for the primary color, Now, there seemsto be some This time, it's sprueto simulatethe conduit and cablethat which is actually a dark olive greenthat dries controversyaround competition. judging; that it has connectthe throttle to the engineand the with a brownish greenfinish. I readthat many not the usual it seems and priming pump to the fuel system.The priming ChineseHawk IIIs were paintedoverall red- become distasteful to strive for awards profes- pump was paintedsilver. A map casemade of brown, but sinceall the color illustrationsof recognition.Why? Most of us are not published,so plasticsheet and paintedaluminum was placed Hawk IIIs I found featuredthe more common sional modelersand will never be recognitionfor on the left side of the seat,while a leathermap Chinesedark green,I chosethe lattersimply this is the only chanceof some possess. it is also a casewas painted appropriately and attachedto basedon aesthetics(Photos seem to back this the skill that we In addition, that what we are the fuselagestructure on the right. up, but it's too hard to determinefor sure).The chanceto show our friends undersurfacewas paintedin light grey, but not doing is recognizedas an art form. For many Assemblycontinues by closing the fuselage all ChineseHawks featuredthis. Somewere a peopleoutside the modeling communlty, to playing and sandingthe seamssmooth. The next solid color overall. Decalsfor the national buildingscale models is tantamount you have heard modification is the in the rear.There is a large insignia camefrom a | 132scale Polikarpov l- with toys. How many of when I was a openingthat housesthe tailhook on the BF2C l6 sheet,and the white fuselagenumbers from someonesay, "l usedto do that see just forward of the tailwheel- this will needto the scrapbox. I also installeda dataplate in the kid".... then suddenlyfall quiet when they be sheetedover with plastic.Chinese and Thai left wheel well from a Waldron set,but if you your work and the ribbon that it won? Hawk IIIs often had the metal fairing removed got a magnifyingglass out you'd seeit's and from aroundthe tailwheel strut assembly.On actuallyfor a B-17! I don't think anyonecan Whetheryou chooseto bring your models your the kit, this fairing is molded as part of the read it without high magnification,so I didn't placc them in competitionor not ls oneway fuselagehalves. A simple cut along the angled fret. choice.I would nevercriticize anyone indentedline at the rear ofthe fuselage(where or the other. If you don't want to compete, your for the the simulatedfabric surfacemeets the I usedmonofilament for the rigging, and however,I hope you bring models seenby simulatedsmooth metal surface)is all that is drilledout thc holesto gluethe rigging into display area.There the models can be veterans necessary,but do this before you install the fin with a superfine drill bit in a pin vice.The many peoplewho are new, as well as andrudder unit. Ifyou chooseto depictyour holesare locatedfor you by small circleson ofthe hobby. aircraftin such manner,a new tailwheel strut the kit surface.Paint the rigging dark steel,and will be needed.I usedtelescoping brass tube make the stabilizingrod in the wing rigging lf you should decideto compete,it's com- and be and partsfrom the kit tailwheel assemblyto with a piece of plasticrod roundedat both pletely okay to want to win a ribbon you makemine. Check the last few pagesof ends.See drawings and photosin Squadron's recognized.It's absolutelynatural that about Squadron'sU.S. Naty Hawks for pictures. book for reference. shouldwant to win. There has beentalk somemodelers building for historically sparse would The final modification is the canopy.The Final stepsinclude weathering, navigation categoriesin hopesthat the competition move; it Hawk III did not featurethe BF2C's sliding lights, and a semiglossvarnish. Whewl After be lighterthere. I don't criticrzethe level of rearhalf-canopy, so deleteit from the kit. Fill all this work, you now have a Hawk III from a helps the show by bringing up the elsecan you in the slots and cut offthe rail for the sliding BF2C. It would reallylook nicenext to a 1/32 competitionin that category.How putting glasson the kit's fuselage.Also, the scaleNate! improve the quality of a show than by You windscreencould usereplacement. lt's not more models in the sparsecategories? your "patriotic" hard, as the panesare flat. I usedclear styrene might evenconsider it IPMS and cut a new one, folding eachside panel duty. along a scoredline. I also cut open a hole for and peopleare the gunsight.Simple enough,but still it took Lastly, when the show is over Not! won what, keep me severaltimes to get one that fit well! Compete?Why milling aroundseeing who By StephenTontoni your eyespeeled for.yudges. They are supposed questions;use them. Ask With thesesteps finished, assembly of the rest to be thereto answer models ofthe aircraft is straightforward,just as the kit lots of questionsand leam to see There are severaltypes of modelers at any with them; instructionsdepict. Only one more item of through their eyes.Don't argue club. Aside from the usual"what do you build" judges anyway. note: Despitewhat some illustrationsof can't rescindtheir decisions typesthere are alsonovice, seniorand master. the judges in a ChineseHawk IIIs would have us believe,the And don't be surprisedwhen Another way of thinking of modeling types, flaws. circular "thing" attachedon the lower fuselage strong category bring up very ffivial however,would be showparticipation: betweenthe wheel wells is usually not present competition,display on ly, non-participation. Don't take this on Chinese aircraft. This device was an effort One more thing: have fun, huh? Not all the very bestmodelers have their stuff for crying out to improve stability and was unnecessarywith stuffso seriously;it's a hobby, out thereon the competitiontable! the late version wooden wing, lighter structure, loud! and new engine. t I -U 20i Seattle Clnpte r I PM S SA N ewsle tter -!

Web Pagesof the Month

Aviation The Internethas truly becomethe modeler's IPMS-USA Fleet Air Arm SpecialInterest SwedishMilitary itse/^jriffon/aviation bestfriend. There are literally hundredsof web Group www. can sitesout thereof interestto the modeler,from www.eirneLneUscotts you want to seea subjecthandled perfectly, the official IPMS sitesof manydifferent If Fredriksson'ssite givesyou countries,to sitescovering one air forceor This web sitewas mentioned in the articleon try this one.Urban you couldpossibly wish to know typesof aircraft. Even the BrewsterBuffalo British PacificFleet colors, but it seems everything Military Aviation, or tells you hasa web page- but that's for next month! appropriateto mentionit again.Scott Spenser's aboutSwedish it. Every aircraft to seeservice Thereis practicallyno areathat hasn't been IMPS-USAFleet Air Arm SpecialInterest where to find Air Forcegets its due,often covered,somewhere, by someone- oftenwith Groupweb sitecovers aircraft of the FleetAir with the Swedish pictureor two. The Swedeshave varyingdegrees of success.The Internetis a Arm andother Commonwealth navies. The site with a color preservingtheir wonderfultool, but it requiresdiscretion; featureskit reviews,color andcamouflage beenvery consciousabout areplanes such as anyonecan set up a web page,and disseminate information,photo galleries of modelsand aviationhistory. Not only but a JunkersJu 86, any informationhe or shepleases. There are no actualairplanes, information on joining the the FFVS J22still around, homepage editorslooking overthe writer's shoulder.The IPMS-USAFAA SIG,and even a link that also.There's also a link to SAAB's - SAAB takes materialprovided may not be factualor allowsyou to buy booksrelating to FAA unlike someaviation companies, hashuge, high accurate.More than in traditionalpublishing, topics.Of specialmention are the model careof its heritage.SAAB aircraft,past and thereis a burdenon the consumerto figure out photosgalleries - themodels are not only very resolutionshots of SAAB present, If you're thinking of the valueof the information.In the coming well done,but thepictures are excellent, also. to download. checkthis out. months,I'll introducesome of the betterweb modelinga J2l, for example, sitesout there,or at leastmy favorites,and B-24 BestWeb separatethe wheatfrom the chafl www.b24bestweb.com That's it for this month.

IMPS Seattle Thoseof us in Seattlesometimes forget that the B-29weren't the only American www.blerg.neU-whiteUiPms.html B-l? and heavybombers involved in World War Two. Classified Section This excellentweb siteis dedicatedto the B- I'd be remissif I didn't remindeveryone of our 24. lt doesn'thave fawning hyperbole about own web site.The site,maintained by Tracy how greatthe B-24 was,and it doesn'thave White,contains meeting information, kit il:lil;,:'.i:"#,;;::ilil:'J,"::l#'JO pagesof historicalinformation (though it does whereIPMS Seattlemembers can either look reviews,and a modeler'stips section. Of haveall of the relevantspecifications). What it for specialkits andaccessories, or offer them specialmention in the tips sectionare all of hasis photos- over500 ofthem, catalogued by for sale.If you're looking for an instruction Ted Holowchuk'sarticles on airbrushingand the nameof the airplane. From TheDragon sheetfor a particularmodel, we cando that painting.There are also several links to Seattle- and His Tail (my personalfavorite) to Yanlcs too.Ifyou haveanything you'd like to include areahobby shops - ifyou've neverbeen to the From Hell. if it was a B-24 andhad nose art, in a classifiedsection (NON-COMMERCIAL HobbytownUSA outlet in Redmond,for it's probablyhere. And don't forgetto ADS ONLY), sendthe info to me at example,you cantake a virtual tour of that '40s downloadthe tunesfrom thejukebox! [email protected],or call me at 425-823- store. 4658.It's free,ofcourse!

at lO:OOan

NationalGuard Armory t. a <3 a Room114 Ei I htrd$,ry E 1601WestArmoryWaY q Seattle tlE..Ghtsr Directions:From North or Southbound1-5' take the N.E.45th St. exit. DriveWest on 45th,crossing under Highway99 (orAurora Ave North)toward N.W. Market St. in the Ballarddistrict. ContinueWest on MarketSt. toward1Sth Ave. N.W. Tum left(south) onto 15th Ave. N.W.and driveacross the BallardBridge until you reachArmory Way as you seethe Animal $ust Youshourd park inthe i,iif3;,,fiHJ:',-:i:* O

tf comingfrom South Seattle, take Highway 99 ontothe AlaskaWay viaductto WesternAve. FollowWestem Ave.north to ElliottAve. until it turnsinto 15th Ave N.W.,then to the ArmoryWaY turnofl.