I love building models that have something to show on the inside.  The model I did previous to this is a 1/48^th scale B-17 (also posted in this gallery).  Half the fun of building these is doing the research and stumbling across something surprising or unique about the aircraft, especially if it is something I can scratch build.  That was the case with the wing inserted radar.  The TBM version would later have the radar slung under the wing in the same fashion as a  bomb.  Once I find the unique item, I go all out.  I even built the vacuum tubes and laid a few extra on the pallet.

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  I also discovered that the early torpedoes were terribly unpredictable and many techniques were employed to try and make the more reliable.  One such was building a wood case around the nose and a frame around the tail fins to protect them during their initial splash into the water, at which point the wood quickly disintegrated.  Battle damage is also a fun skill and comes in really handy when you FUBAR something (Fowled Up Beyond All Repair), as I did with the horizontal tail.  So, I cut it out, built the internal frame and SHAZAM … battle damage.   

The worst thing about the whole build (as usual) is finishing it.  I get this sinking feeling when I realize it’s done.

The second worst thing about this build I was to discovered later … going back to 1/48 scale sucks.  I miss the detail I can put into a 1/32 scale.

Curt 

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