Brickie's Boston

[Brickie]

So, as per the discussion thread, I'll be attempting the Italeri 1/48 Douglas A-20, in the markings of a Boston III of 342 (Free French) Squadron - otherwise known as GB I/20 "Lorraine" - which laid smoke at zero feet to mask the approaching fleet.

The decals in the kit replicate OA-G (BZ201) which is seen in some period photos, but ideally I'd like to make OA-J (BZ213) which was lost on D-Day. There's a picture of the memorial here:



So I'll be looking for some replacement decals; red G serials in large and small versions and 3s for the serial. If anyone has spares that would suit, do let me know.

Meanwhile, here's the kit:



Box is a bit bashed about but what do you want for a tenner second hand. All the bits are still in their bags though.



Panel lining seems quite restrained.



Decent interior detail.



Decal sheet.

[Brickie]

Doing a little more research, it seems the smoke was distributed via pipes set in the bomb bay like so.



This pic is from Britmodeller, so I've signed up for an account in order to PM the builder and ask what he build them out of, but in the meantime if anyone has any suggestions, let me know.

[SJPONeill]

Looks like you might be able to use an angle piece of round section sprue and just drill out the ends...

I'll be following this build with interest...I've been tossing up acquiring a Boston for a while and your parts pix are pulling me in that direction...

[iggie]

As Simon says (someone should invent a game called that..... ), the pipework looks very much like the corner pieces from part runners.
Don't know if this will be of use for your proposed build:
Michael Turner: Friendly Smoke

And this, which contradicts the above

[Brickie]

Unfortunately, as is often the case, my research is muddying the waters even further. The decals and scheme with the kit show solid olive drab/grey with large fin flashes.

Other sources say this is for a Boston IV, and the Boston IIIs used for D-day smoke laying had a grey/green camo scheme, small fin flashes and "lo-viz" French fuselage roundels with thin white bands.

Similarly, the kit instructions show to paint invasion stripes around the fuselage, while other sources show the fuselage ones only on the underside, or having been painted out on top.

http://www.rafweb.org/SqnMark331-360.htm; shows both schemes if you scroll down to 342 sqn.

[JohnRatzenberger]

Although not your specific aircraft, it indicates two smoke dispensers, not four.
http://ww2today.com/6-june-1944-0558-da ... ay-arrives;

And here is your aircraft specifically:
http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205210819;

I see solid color, small flashes, but certainly not French roundels. I do not see fuselage stripes.

HTH

[Brickie]

Those pics are of of 88 sqn, while I'm doing 342. I believe 88 only had wing stripes and had the white noses.

[JohnRatzenberger]

Those pics are of of 88 sqn, while I'm doing 342. I believe 88 only had wing stripes and had the white noses.

I got caught in in the middle of the thread and forgot the start, carry on without me

[Brickie]

Been sitting with The Longest Day on the laptop doing some prep work and research today. I've also ordered a few extra bits from Hannants including an Airwaves detail set and some resin tyres and lifeboat. Combined with some of the Revell 1/48 RAF Pilots and Aircrew set, I'm hoping to make a real good job of this, and if it comes out nice enough, take it down the Yorkshire Air Museum and donate it to the Free French memorial.

[Brickie]

OK, I've been doing some internals and not taking too many photos, but here we go.


The cockpit with PE detail on the seat and belts.


The rear cockpit with the seat still awaiting painting.


The Airwaves fret has a nice IP on it...


... but I'm actually happy with the kit part, so I'll keep it.


The various bits fitted together in the front cockpit, with the resin lifeboat slotted into place behind the pilot.

[iggie]

It's looking pretty good so far! Definitely on track for museum quality I'd say

[JohnRatzenberger]

That is looking very good.

[Brickie]

A combination of acting and a small girl who's taken to waking up the whole house in the wee small hours has slightly stifled modelling, but I'm still up for this.

I won't be rushing it to meet the deadline, but it may still be doable.

[Dirkpitt289]

Very nice

[lancfan]

Looks great Brickie.

David.