The Little World

Well, THAT was a series of good lessons – well learned.

The half-built PBY-5A I purchased from the stash stack has been revamped extensively and has emerged onto the hard stand as a Catalina Mk I – Z 2138 of the RCAF. Stationed at Botwood, Newfoundland in April 1943. No, I have no idea what time of day…

The rest of the detail, as well as the colour suggestions, are from the AviaDossier 1: ” Canadian Aircraft of WW II “. It was a purchase from dear old Hyland’s Book Store in Melbourne the year they ceased trading. I have never made a more fortunate find…

The colour scheme is basic western ocean patrol greys; Dark Sea and Dark Slate, with Sky under the wings and hull.

This is the first use in earnest of the enamel paints gifted to me by Warren Jones and they have proved perfect. They were thinned with Gunze Rapid Thinner and sprayed more readily even than the GS lacquers. The thinner gave a 45-minute drying and curing time and has revolutionised the way I think of enamel paint. Bless me, I am going to try my hand with Humbrol tinlets next. SMCWA members beware: if you go to sleep at the clubrooms I may try spraying you with a coat of enamel…

No ordnance is carried on this aircraft, as it is up on beaching wheels. The final diorama it will share shall feature other seaplanes and flying boats. It may be possible to have a water section for the ones with tip floats deployed. Enough of these models have been collected to make a major display, if a harbour can be depicted realistically.

I am on the search for 1:72 motor boats. Airfix make an LCVP or Higgins boat and I will get two…