An unlikely escort

[chrispisme]

Inspired from the cover of "A Higher Call" Kicked around 5-6 years and finally pulled the trigger.This is in 1/32 scale.
The 109 element is nearly completed, decalling still needs to be finished but now I've started work destroying HK models B-17 E/F for the Charlie Brown component.
The pilot is from Master Details, the kit is Revell's G-6 with a couple of resin bits added.

The B-17 is currently undergoing surgery to thin the plastic for the mass of damage done during flack bursts and fighter passes. I have, after a couple of weeks, think I've got enough panels ready to build and damage the nose. As well, I've cut up the control quadrant to show the non symmetrical throttle settings (#2 shut down #4 at reduced power)
The nose with panels being thinned between ribs/stringers;

throttle quadrant;

 

[Iron Mike]

Good stuff!

 

[moon puppy]

Sweet! Amazing story and book. I did audio book on one of my road trips and was about in tears going down the interstate in the end.

 

[Heavens Eagle]

Wow, Chris! 1/32 scale is going to be huge! I have read several stories about this event, and it gets to me every time. I looked through the internet and found something new. Here is the link Two enemies discover a higher call in battle.

This is one of the better articles on the web I have read but this bit at the end says it all:

Stigler and Brown died within months of each other in 2008. Stigler was 92, and Brown was 87. They had started off as enemies, became friends, and then something more.

Makos discovered what that was by accident while spending a night at Brown's house. He was poking through Brown's library when he came across a book on German fighter jets. Stigler had given the book to Brown. Both were country boys who loved to read about planes.

Makos opened the book and saw an inscription Stigler had written to Brown:

In 1940, I lost my only brother as a night fighter. On the 20th of December, 4 days before Christmas, I had the chance to save a B-17 from her destruction, a plane so badly damaged it was a wonder that she was still flying.
The pilot, Charlie Brown, is for me, as precious as my brother was.

Thanks Charlie.
Your Brother,
Franz

It will be wonderful to see this when you are done.

 

[moon puppy]

I think you captured the blur of the prop hub as well as anyone.

 

[chrispisme]

Thanks guys
I thought it was an amazing story as well!

 

[centaur567]

On first look, I thought that it was a picture of a real 109. Should use my good eye next time. Great subject. There's a documentary on U-Tube about this story. Gary S. XXXXV XX XX

 

[chrispisme]

Thanks!
I'll have a look

 

[sharkman]

Excellent work so far.

I loved this book! Both Franz and Charlie had such interesting lives. I think it was truly amazing that both of them ended up surviving the war, meeting up later in life and becoming friends.

I think one of the most moving scenes described in the book was when Franz was invited to a meet and the remaining crew of the "Ye Olde Pub" where there with their families and descendants and how they all gathered around and hugged Franz; all these people owing their lives to his decision not to fire.

 

[moon puppy]

I think one of the most moving scenes described in the book was when Franz was invited to a meet and the remaining crew of the "Ye Olde Pub" were there with their families and descendants and how they all gathered around and hugged Franz; all these people owing their lives to his decision not to fire.

Yep, that's what had me in tears going 75mph down the interstate.

 

[lupanzer]

Superb!...great project!...

Luiz.

 

[chrispisme]

Thanks for the encouragement, I wasn't sure I had the....nerve to do this destruction to such a great (and costly) kit. I've made a bit of progress going slowly and carefully (for me anyway) building the nose section. the instructions could be a little better in places to indicate which clear nose and gun mount system to use, in any case I went with what is illustrated on the book cover.
work in progress so far;

I also have Master turned brass barrels but I'll use the kit parts, they're really quite nice and with (included) resin ammo. runs
Thanks for looking

 

[Iron Mike]

Pretty cool! Keep going.

 

[moon puppy]

Thanks for the encouragement, I wasn't sure I had the....nerve to do this destruction to such a great (and costly) kit. I've made a bit of progress going slowly and carefully (for me anyway) building the nose section. the instructions could be a little better in places to indicate which clear nose and gun mount system to use, in any case I went with what is illustrated on the book cover.
work in progress so far;

I also have Master turned brass barrels but I'll use the kit parts, they're really quite nice and with (included) resin ammo. runs
Thanks for looking

 

[chrispisme]

I actually just remembered the 109 still needed decals. So, taking a spell from the B-17 I finished up decalling the 109 and set it aside to dry before the final satin coat.

As well, i should mention, while looking on line at previous builds of the HK models kit it becomes apparent that HK pays attention to input or feedback because many (all?) the issues faced by some modellers have been addressed
some pics.
Another modeller had to fix this bulkhead

the bulkhead in my kit

he also had to fix the ip. as it was too low

the ip in my kit (X2) are corrected

his radio room had an incorrect step

mine (top of image) is fixed

 

[Iron Mike]

 

[Duke Maddog]

Excellent work so far.

I loved this book! Both Franz and Charlie had such interesting lives. I think it was truly amazing that both of them ended up surviving the war, meeting up later and life and becoming friends.

I think one of the most moving scenes described in the book was when Franz was invited to a meet and the remaining crew of the "Ye Olde Pub" were there with their families and descendants and how they all gathered around and hugged Franz; all these people owing their lives to his decision not to fire.

That had me crying as well. What an inspiring book that was.

Your battle damage looks incredible. Way to go man!

 

[Heavens Eagle]

Something I would suggest is to look up the Mrmphis Belle restoration. Most of the interior was left natural aluminum on those planes. It wasn't figured they would last or be needed long enough to have paint on the interior.

 

[chrispisme]

Thanks Mr Eagle
I have a reference source I'll be sticking with that states that "any crew occupied area is dark dull green, (possibly with brown canvas wall coverings) all bulkheads are dark dull green, everything behind the bomb bay is bare aluminum with dark dull green or bronze green fuselage stringers".
I'll use a bit of artistic license as well..
work in progress;

 

[moon puppy]

Whoa!!!!!