The RA-5 seems like a great kit! But just a heads up: I've heard that the plastic of the fuselage is a bit thin, and thus the fuselage can twist after it's built. You may want to add some stiffeners/bulkheads. Just FYI.

Michael

Michael,

Thanks for the heads up, though one look at the fuselage told me that more support was needed. I did this on my Fujimi F-15A and it worked out great. Though for this one, looks like I'm gonna need at least 3, and the engines will be in the way. Sigh... Still looks like a lot of fun minus the filling and sanding! Besides, how many 1/48 RA-5C's completed has anyone seen?

I’ll be taking a crack at Hobbyboss’ Demon. I sort of started this kit a couple of years ago but lost interest in it. Nothing glued on it but the pe for the airbrakes. Also, since setting it aside, I picked up an Aires cockpit, Eduard pe and a set of resin wheels.

That is a unique aircraft Ryan. I will keep an eye on your progress to see what your opinion of the kit turns out to be.

Bob

I love all the cold war jets in this campaign so far.
The Demon is definately a forgotten classic.

Me, too, Jonathan.
So I will take part in this campaign with a Royal Navy Phantom F-4K.
Maybe an LTV A-7 Corsair will join her....

Michael, you are killing me with all these great campaigns!

I will tentatively join this one and represent ModelShipWrights by bucking the wingy thing trend and doing a carrier

I plan to do the 1/350 scale USS Iwo Jima LHD-7, hopefully getting started in the next month or two.

Rory, welcome aboard and from one old salt thanks for bringing a carrier to the mix.

Bob

Yeeeeaaah, so I may have lied about waiting a month or two to start

Got home yesterday and had to haul the Iwo Jima out and get started.


I have added some Eduard PE Railings for the hull. Still debating on getting the Superstructure set from Eduard. Also have some additional aircraft for the airwing. I plan to do this with an early loadout so CH-46's instead of the V-22's. Though I may throw on 1 just for visual interest sake.


Size comparison next to my in-progress USS Missouri. This is going to be a big ship!


First bit of work. Adding the bulge to the bow. Did leave a bit of a gap so working to fill and sand it.

I never realised the size of the LHDs, looks like the Navy could ships battleships in it Looking forward for the build.

Rory, I see lots of little parts to work with on that big boat.

Bob

IRRC, the LHD and LHAs are about the size of a WWII Fleet Carrier. Something on the order of 800 feet long.

i love those Trumpeter airgroup sets!

Update #1 - Internal Decks

Well deck: Completed and installed.



Hanger deck:

Completed and installed though photos show areas needing touchups.

Rory,

Nice progress, the different paint work really adds to the detail.

Mark

Rory, your hanger bay photo brings back some fond memories, USS Tarawa westpac 80-81

Rory, love the photos. They do bring back memories. GO NAVY! VP-8.

I tested the yellow by brushing some on the areas that might not be hit by the airbrush.

I just thought that a few videos would be nice:

Flight Deck Crews: Landing & Re-Spotting World War 2 Aircraft Carrier Planes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfkwjU8k6W4
Catapulting off a US Navy Carrier - 1944
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx7Gto1zrrg
Carrier Flying A Royal Navy Instructional Film (1946)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxtXDDShjGs
Aircraft Carrier Operations 1953-54
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0iMXEnQ-Hs
Launch & Recover (1960)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsE9oCdSEEI
Indian Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant VS Chinese Aircarft Carrier Type-001A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2yhLj3HLWY

Thanks Bob

YW. John.

Last night I was bored and went on EBAY and an individual was offering GWH 1/48 TBD-! for 21.38 free shipping. He had good ratings. So I purchased one, Ill let you know how good the deal is when it arrives from China.

Bob

Nice one Bob! Hope it turns out well.

Michael

OK, I'm trying to figure how this fits in with our Navy Boys on Postage Stamps. It looks like my aircrew is the bastard offspring of R2D2 and Robby the Robot. Not a budding Maverick and Goose.
I know it's 1/144th and all, but they didn't even try, just a couple of crash test dummies with dome tops.

Update time!

A busy week was had working on Iwo Jima. For the most part I have completed the hull of the ship though there are still a few gubbins to be added i.e. The rudders which I find have a tendency to get knocked off. They are painted and ready to go, just need to be added.

Everything else is equipment and will be added last such as the weapons systems, ships boats, anchors etc.













Still a lot to do before I can put the flight deck on. Deck supports to install, panel washes to be done to enhance detail and small details to be painted. All the weapons, boats etc will be added last as those have a habit of getting knocked off during a build.

Rory, what types of glue did you use on the PE? Looking good.

Extreme Power thin CA Glue, applied using a home made CA applicator.

https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Model-Kits/Tools-Adhesives/Thin-Extreme-Power-Adhesive---0-5-Ounce/p/717