The HobbyBoss 1/32 B24D Liberator.

[BarryW]

Interesting discussion. Yes, all 12 bombs look like the cluster bombs and I am painting them accordingly.
As this aircraft was used in N Africa an anti-personnel load-out makes more sense than for a squadron operating over Germany.

[Steve Brodie]

wow, wow and wow. plus half the price of the border lanc

[BarryW]

wow, wow and wow. plus half the price of the border lanc

Actually more like a quarter of the price of the Border Lanc Steve. This kit cost me £150, the Border Lanc £620.

[Steve Brodie]

Actually more like a quarter of the price of the Border Lanc Steve. This kit cost me £150, the Border Lanc £620.

£620 sh thats not cheap.

[BarryW]

One of my favourite and most versatile products, that I use on every build are the Uschi Metal Powders.

They come in three types
Chrome effect, Steel effect and Iron effect.

In the picture below the bomb on the left has been painted, a brown wash applied to take the edge of newness off the paint and provide shadow and finally a matt varnish coat.

The one on the right has then been dry brushed with the Uschi Metal Powder, Chrome effect.


You can really see how the metal powder bring out highlights but, more than that, it creates a look of painted worn metal.

I tend to do most of my dry brushing this way as it really lifts the appearance of any part. You just need to be careful not to use it on something that’s meant to be wooden, such as a wooden propeller.

By the way, the ‘Chrome effect’ does not give a chrome appearance, it is just a little ‘brighter’ making it great for highlights.

The Steel effect is blueish and rubbed onto a matt black surface can be polished into a great natural steel look.

The Iron effect is not as bright as the Chrome and I often use it to provide some contrast.

I use these (Chrome and Iron) for chipping, applying and rubbing it in with a cocktail stick.

[BarryW]

Bombs attached and the forward internal section attached to the mid-internal section.



Turrets are next.

[Jim R]

That impressive Barry. For the bombs did you dry brush the powder with a brush?

[BarryW]

That impressive Barry. For the bombs did you dry brush the powder with a brush?

Yes I did. The metal powder can be applied many ways, dry brushed with a brush, with the pointy end of a cocktail stick, a cotton bud etc to achieve the effects you want. It is best done on a matt surface though. I have seen some people produce a Natural Metal Finish using it, rubbed and buffed onto a matt black surface. Personally though for a NMF I prefer to spray metalisers but, in some situations, on small parts I have used them.

[Jim R]

Thanks Barry. Sounds very useful stuff.

[BarryW]

Interior done so far slotted into the fuselage side. Lots more interior work to do though.

[adt70hk]

Coming very nicely indeed Barry.

Andrew

[Gern]

It must be just me or the camera angle, but there seems to be something wrong with the alignment of that bulkhead just in front of the waist gunner's window? I can't imagine you getting that wrong ....

[BarryW]

It must be just me or the camera angle, but there seems to be something wrong with the alignment of that bulkhead just in front of the waist gunner's window? I can't imagine you getting that wrong ....

It is only dropped loosely into place. There is still a lot of work to do on the internal detail

[Jack L]

Looking great so far. With this having more interior details than usual, bomb bay etc, are you having the bay doors open, or your usual buttoned up finish?

[BarryW]

Looking great so far. With this having more interior details than usual, bomb bay etc, are you having the bay doors open, or your usual buttoned up finish?

The bomb bay will be open. For one thing this will be sat on my top shelf, nose in, with the rear of the aircraft hanging over space. Having a tricycle u/c it is a lot easier to display on shelves than a tail dragger with a longer gap between tail and front wheels. I will need to build my Lanc with removable outer wings but not this.

Incidentally, I often have open cockpits to show off the detail and bomb bays likewise. I don’t have open gun bays though, or engine or other maintenance panels. It depends on my mood!