Lead Adventure Forum

Miniatures Adventure => The Second World War => Topic started by: Johnnytodd on February 21, 2017, 12:51:08 AM

Title: 1/56 Airplane - 6/26 - Douglas SBD Dauntless
Post by: Johnnytodd on February 21, 2017, 12:51:08 AM
Now starting my 4th airplane project of 2017!   Adding to my Japanese collection, this is the Mitsubishi G4M "Betty" bomber:

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100366_zpsurpxcsoy.jpg)

Check out the "build something" contest elsewhere on this forum for airplane #1.

Plane#2 Mitsubishi KI-15 "Babs"

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P110009820-20Version202_zpsaytatc9q.jpg)

Plane#3 P51 mkI Mustang

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P110034920-20Version202_zpscfwdacbn.jpg)
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: cromojaro on February 21, 2017, 06:57:28 AM
Could you post a tutorial?
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Andym on February 21, 2017, 07:07:54 AM
Ohhh! Looking forward to this! :-*

Cromojaro-have you checked out Johnnys Build Something Contest entry? It's nearly a step by step?....

http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=96867.0 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=96867.0)
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Remgain on February 21, 2017, 08:02:55 AM
Four planes in less than two months! !! :o :-*

Another piece of beauty!!!

Marco
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: carlos marighela on February 21, 2017, 08:16:59 AM
Gorgeous but shouldn't you be working on a whacking great submarine?  :)
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: cromojaro on February 21, 2017, 12:47:43 PM
Ohhh! Looking forward to this! :-*

Cromojaro-have you checked out Johnnys Build Something Contest entry? It's nearly a step by step?....

http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=96867.0 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=96867.0)

Thanks
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Ballardian on February 21, 2017, 04:25:18 PM
Lovely work :-*
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Vanvlak on February 21, 2017, 05:17:55 PM
Wow, a bomber! This should be good!  8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Johnnytodd on February 21, 2017, 05:43:47 PM
Here's a quick gallery of older builds going back from 2013 to 2008:

(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac297/grendels_father/pby93.jpg)

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/1228.1_zps1eeyox4m.jpg)

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100373_zpsltdx8bem.jpg)

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100376_zpsoyjre77i.jpg)

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100368_zpspfgotfkd.jpg)



Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Johnnytodd on February 21, 2017, 05:55:17 PM
Cromojaro:  As for a tutorial, I'm happy to give instructions, just send me a PM.  You could start by looking through these 1/72nd plans:  http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/index.php?cat=13 (http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/index.php?cat=13)  I start by re-sizing the measured drawing to 1/56 (roughly enlarge by 128%)

Carlos: The Submarine has gone to the back burner - just not enough function for something that huge & no 28mm Japanese naval crew figures yet made to crew such a beast. So gonna build planes until I run out of space or interest. 
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Vanvlak on February 21, 2017, 06:18:38 PM
Hope you don't run out of space then. Unusually for me (as I tend to prefer twin-engine aircraft and seaplanes) the Wildcat is my favourite... so far! 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Rich H on February 21, 2017, 06:23:21 PM
Great stuff :D
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Remgain on February 21, 2017, 08:06:54 PM
Johnnytodd,

Unbelievable collection!!! :-* :-*
One questione only: do you have any sanding tool or everything is sanded by hand?

Thank you
Marco
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Johnnytodd on February 21, 2017, 09:40:34 PM
Here is today's progress after a few minutes with the band saw:

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100377_zps0edefuxg.jpg)

One question only: do you have any sanding tool or everything is sanded by hand?

I have tried to use a palm sander,  but best tool is a 2ft board with various grits sandpaper glued to both sides.  I rest this on my lap and drag the model across, constantly measuring.  Pencil lines help keep a visual center line reference point so it stays symetrical.

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100379_zpsspemimxt.jpg)

Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: aircav on February 21, 2017, 10:22:26 PM
 :o :o :o :o amazing  :o :o :o :o
You certainly know how to whittle a stick  :D lol
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Johnnytodd on March 06, 2017, 08:22:43 PM
2 week visit form my mother has put a serious slow-down on airplane production.  Progress on the Betty:

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100416_zpsu0oye7mm.jpg)
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: carlos marighela on March 06, 2017, 08:43:00 PM
Looking good. Ever considered doing commissioned pieces?
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Johnnytodd on March 07, 2017, 01:05:58 PM
Ever considered doing commissioned pieces?

Always open to ideas... but the hours involved would price them out of the budget of most sensible gamers :D
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Johnnytodd on March 22, 2017, 06:07:48 PM
Finally finished Yamamoto's Mitsubishi Betty.  This one was definitely a test of my patience! 

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100464_zpswydqxeky.jpg)
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Rich H on March 22, 2017, 06:23:42 PM
 :o
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: carlos marighela on March 22, 2017, 07:05:08 PM
Fantastic work! Bong's P-38 next?
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Remgain on March 22, 2017, 07:05:38 PM
Another beauty! :-* :-*

Marco
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Andym on March 22, 2017, 07:24:51 PM
Stunning work! :o
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: marianas_gamer on March 22, 2017, 07:39:58 PM
Top notch work per usual :-* :-* :-*. I second the need for a P38! It will keep you out of trouble for a while lol lol
Lon
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Johnnytodd on March 22, 2017, 07:43:56 PM
P38 is high on the list but planning an early Vought Corsair next.....  unless I decide on the ME262 o_o
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Johnnytodd on April 01, 2017, 03:51:06 PM
I'm still in this Japanese groove and managed to crank out another plane in the past week.  I'm especially pleased with this KI-43 "Oscar":

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100476_zpsqtuympio.jpg)

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100475_zpshdikczv3.jpg)

The plan is to join the 20th century and learn to use the airbrush my wife bought me a few years ago.  I'd like to achieve a convincing camo pattern
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: carlos marighela on April 01, 2017, 07:33:59 PM
That's a beauty!
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Rich H on April 01, 2017, 10:24:32 PM
You sir are clearly a wizard. :o
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on April 01, 2017, 11:11:21 PM
They are amazing.
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Johnnytodd on April 02, 2017, 12:20:24 AM
You sir are clearly a wizard. :o

No wizard,  just trying to keep my New-Years resolution of a dry 2017 - so this keeps my drinking hands busy  :-[
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Helen on April 02, 2017, 07:54:05 AM
Beautiful work John.
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Andym on April 02, 2017, 08:44:04 AM
Wow! That's brilliant! :o How did you do the undercarriage holes?
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Johnnytodd on April 02, 2017, 04:03:51 PM
... How did you do the undercarriage holes?

Andym,  I call it a "horizontal" cutting bit on my high-speed, flexshaft drill = like a big dremel.

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100480_zps8xcwahs2.jpg)

I've used it to hollow out 3cm depth of the tailgunner compartment on the Betty:

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100465_zpsjbazdhgw.jpg)
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Andym on April 03, 2017, 03:50:14 PM
Cheers.
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Johnnytodd on April 05, 2017, 12:02:31 AM
Well my first attempt at airbrushing turned out ok (I think). Not perfect but I'm satisfied. 

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100497_zpskv0dmrtb.jpg)

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100486_zps55uketuo.jpg)
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: carlos marighela on April 05, 2017, 12:47:08 AM
Looks a treat to me!
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: marianas_gamer on April 05, 2017, 01:20:45 AM
Very nice indeed :-*
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Johnnytodd on May 08, 2017, 07:26:04 PM
The Oscar project above just needed a pilot figure but nobody makes one,  so I did a bit of conversion to a Pulp Sailor to :

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/JAPANESE%20PILOTS%20ARMY_zpscf41turn.jpg)

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100671_zpssj4dimyf.jpg)

Not sure I'm real happy with his skin color but he'll do
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: von Lucky on May 08, 2017, 11:04:37 PM
Skin colour looks fine - as does the rest of him.

Lovely planes in this thread!
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: JamesValentine on May 09, 2017, 09:23:51 AM
I reckon you should cast up the wooden bases and sell.
honestly we would buy them for our tables as terrain, objectives, or even as gaming pieces.
I would honestly pay for a couple of Betty just to paint up and display
Title: Re: New Airplane Projects in 1/56 (28mm)
Post by: Johnnytodd on May 24, 2017, 08:44:25 PM
Here's my latest 28mm airplane scratchbuild.  Another addition to the Pacific Airwar collection.  This time the Australian designed Commonwealth CA-12 Boomerang.  The pilot is a conversion from a Pulp sailor:
(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100803_zps02cs65oe.jpg)(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100808_zps5razfhgs.jpg)


Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 5/24 - Australian BOOMERANG
Post by: Helen on May 24, 2017, 08:50:48 PM
Lovely work! Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 5/24 - Australian BOOMERANG
Post by: vodkafan on May 24, 2017, 10:21:58 PM
That's fantastic! Always loved the Boomerang
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 5/24 - Australian BOOMERANG
Post by: von Lucky on May 24, 2017, 10:29:52 PM
Very nice (the pilot too).
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 5/24 - Australian BOOMERANG
Post by: Andym on May 25, 2017, 06:29:18 AM
Fantastic stuff mate! :o :-* Another true proper classic model!

Have you ever thought of using small lego wheels as the landing gear?....

(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a605/andymac2105/Mobile%20Uploads/67CC4E51-F695-4FEA-B9DD-9B5F5AB72710_zpsrgmmaglr.jpg~original) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/andymac2105/media/Mobile%20Uploads/67CC4E51-F695-4FEA-B9DD-9B5F5AB72710_zpsrgmmaglr.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 5/24 - Australian BOOMERANG
Post by: Rich H on May 25, 2017, 07:12:45 AM
Amazing stuff again!
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 5/24 - Australian BOOMERANG
Post by: FramFramson on May 25, 2017, 07:16:10 AM
@Andy: I have solid-hub wheels off Lledo cars I plan to use. They're too small for cars but ought to make perfect landing gear for aircraft!
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 5/24 - Australian BOOMERANG
Post by: carlos marighela on May 25, 2017, 11:25:53 AM
A Boomer!  :-* :-* :-* Super cool and beautifully executed. Jealous, I've been looking at the Special Hobby one but they are bloody pricey.
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 5/24 - Australian BOOMERANG
Post by: jon_1066 on May 25, 2017, 11:37:12 AM
The models look amazing.  Have you consider using stencils and your airbrush to do the markings and lettering?  It would give you perfect straight edges and add that final touch.
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 5/24 - Australian BOOMERANG
Post by: Johnnytodd on May 25, 2017, 04:40:30 PM
jon-1066: I'm new to airbrushing so haven't experimented with that method yet, though  I do stencil roundels and basic shapes.  Must say that by the time I get to stencilling insignia I'm already close to loosing my patience o_o and just want to be done!

Andym: I try to do as much as I can from scratch - lego wheels would be cheating!... also every model seems to have slightly different size wheels, so trying to keep them within scale requires them custom made...
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 5/24 - Australian BOOMERANG
Post by: Rich H on May 25, 2017, 06:11:44 PM
If you need some laser cutting of circles let me know, I'm sure I can arrange something ;)
My laser cutter is excellent for circles.
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 5/24 - Australian BOOMERANG
Post by: Andym on May 26, 2017, 01:37:38 PM
Andym: I try to do as much as I can from scratch - lego wheels would be cheating!... also every model seems to have slightly different size wheels, so trying to keep them within scale requires them custom made...

I've got to admire your dedication mate! :o
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 5/24 - Australian BOOMERANG
Post by: Ballardian on May 26, 2017, 03:30:20 PM
A lovely looking Boomerang, beautiful work :o
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 6/23 - SBC-4 Curtiss Helldiver
Post by: Johnnytodd on June 23, 2017, 02:16:19 PM
Just completed another airplane in 1/56.  Not sure this one has much wargaming application as these only flew second line service by WW2, but I enjoyed the build:(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100824_zpshgsnozuk.jpg)

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100863_zpsrsdo0vok.jpg)

(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/P1100866_zpsc71uxqfg.jpg)





 
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 6/23 - Curtiss Helldiver
Post by: Michi on June 23, 2017, 02:32:29 PM
You, Sir, are an artist! Hat off!  :o
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 6/23 - Curtiss Helldiver
Post by: Ballardian on June 23, 2017, 03:35:12 PM
 Another beautiful job & I imagine very satisfying watching it emerge from the wood :-*
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 6/23 - Curtiss Helldiver
Post by: jon_1066 on June 23, 2017, 04:07:03 PM
Very nice indeed.  Is it me or is that the worst plane ever produced for actually seeing where you are going!  Take off and landing must have been a nightmare in that thing.
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 6/23 - Curtiss Helldiver
Post by: Remgain on June 24, 2017, 08:16:34 AM
Another beauty! !!! :-* :-*

May I ask what did you use for the wing cables?
They're pretty straight and stiff.

Marco
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 6/23 - Curtiss Helldiver
Post by: Andym on June 24, 2017, 08:33:39 AM
Great stuff! 8)
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 6/23 - Curtiss Helldiver
Post by: Johnnytodd on June 24, 2017, 12:29:32 PM
May I ask what did you use for the wing cables?
They're pretty straight and stiff.

Marco,  I use plastic brush bristles from a small whisk broom - flexible but have nice spring tension.
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 6/23 - Curtiss Helldiver
Post by: carlos marighela on June 24, 2017, 03:28:14 PM
Nicely done but the cockpit looks a little shallow.
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 6/23 - Curtiss Helldiver
Post by: Johnnytodd on June 25, 2017, 10:38:00 PM
Nicely done but the cockpit looks a little shallow.
Bugger!  you're right - the painted bottom edge of the canopy is 2mm too high.  At this point I'm going to live with it rather than risk upsetting the fragile wire rigging
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 6/23 - Curtiss Helldiver
Post by: Remgain on June 26, 2017, 01:53:36 PM
Marco,  I use plastic brush bristles from a small whisk broom - flexible but have nice spring tension.

Brilliant!!
thank you!

Marco
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 6/26 - Douglas SBD Dauntless
Post by: Johnnytodd on June 26, 2017, 05:44:06 PM
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the battle of Midway this month of June,  I want to jump right into another project. This time the Douglas SBD Dauntless.  In June of '42 attacks by 4 squadrons of Dauntless were responsible for sinking 4 Japanese carriers, which arguably turned the tide of the Pacific Naval War.  As always, this will be a 1/56 scale wooden scratchbuild.  I'll post photos when I have some progress - really looking forward to drilling all those holes in the dive brakes!
(http://i1325.photobucket.com/albums/u639/johnnytodd46/Dauntless_bomb_drop_zpsq1m9h8hg.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/56 Airplane - 6/26 - Douglas SBD Dauntless
Post by: Ballardian on June 26, 2017, 07:08:46 PM
 I look forward to this one, the dive brakes will certainly be a challenge - are you going to do them in wood or will you use another material?