Sonderkommando 'Elbe' in the skies over Germany. 7th April 1945.

[spanner570]

It's raining, so I'll have to leave 'Italy' for now and start summat else......

The Luftwaffe formed Sonderkommando Elbe in 1945, with the sole intention of deliberately ramming U.S.A.A.F. bombers out of the sky.
In the only dedicated mission, on the 7th April, 143 German fighter aircraft 'engaged' a force of inbound American Bombers. 14 bombers were destroyed through ramming. although the Luftwaffe claim 24.

There were individual rammings elsewhere too. The most famous being the attack on 44-49533 'Palace of Dallas' by an Me 109 piloted by Heinrich Rosner. After hitting the target, the remains of his fighter smashed into a second bomber!

If the above is incorrect, blame the internet- No me!

I intend to try and model the collision, or a split second after.

Anyway, here are the players.....

An old 1/72 Airfix B-17, which last appeared on here buried in some wooden huts!


....and the most excellent Airfix 1/72 Bf 109.

Complete with paints, brush and glue. Please don't knock them. I'm perfectly happy with the results I obtain from all three.....


First job is to complete the fighter. Then cut it up!

Cheers,
Ron

[Neil Merryweather]

ooh more magic!

[spanner570]

Thanks Neil, I'll try my best!
I didn't know such a unit existed. It was just by chance I read about it when I was doing that dio. of Ray Holmes cutting the tail off the Do-17 during the B.O.B. So I've decided to have a crack at this one too.

Ron

[papa 695]

Another cut them up special from you then Ron.

[GerryW]

I'm pulling up a chair (if permitted) for this one.
Sounds an interesting build.

[Jim R]

Hi Ron
Another build 'em and wreck 'em Ron special - what's not to like :tongue-out3:
Jim

[adt70hk]

Joining the rabble...... Anyone for tea and cake,??

[Gern]

Oh goody! Another Ron special.

You got Justine practising her throwing skills or can that wait until you've built and broken all the bits?

[Lee Drennen]

Ron nice I’m seat with the rest of the gang.

[scottie3158]

I'm in.

[JR]

Oh more madness and mayhem, front row please 570 .

[spanner570]

It's great to have a mix of 'Normal' folk and some of the S.M. 'Misfits' aboard for this flight. No, I don't know where we are bound for either!

The ushingaroundrette will be amongst you shortly. Please keep your hands out of your pockets as she passes by. Thank you.

Gripan Turn d' Andall (Chief Film Projectionist)

[Mini Me]

I'll bite.......found a seat near JR and the good Mr. Drennen. Oh, and Gerry.....570 dont' build, he "Knackers" first then builds from what's left over!!......and over....and over. Great fun to watch and Frustrates the Hell out of Matron. Rick H.

[GerryW]

I'll bite.......found a seat near JR and the good Mr. Drennen. Oh, and Gerry.....570 dont' build, he "Knackers" first then builds from what's left over!!......and over....and over. Great fun to watch and Frustrates the Hell out of Matron. Rick H.

Thanks for the heads-up Rick :thumb2:

[spanner570]

Thanks boys.
Update.....
This little Airfix 109 kit is first class (As are the other Airfix so called, 'Starter Sets') Plenty of detail.
Apart from the usual minimum cleaning up, all the bits fitted first time.

The simple engine is moulded into the fuse. halves.



Excellent fit.


Brushed on first coat of Vallejo Air acrylics.


Note the missing stbd. control surfaces. Amongst other things, these will be 'Airborne!



Second coat. Brushed on a bit more carefully to get towards a nice clean, paint edge.
I'm too clumsy and find it too tedious to mask canopies, so I'm happy to paint cockpit frames freehand.
The middle and rear canopy sections are loose fitted, as these will also be airborne.


Stbd. stuff tacked on for pickies.




As I'll have me mitts all over the thing, it's pointless getting any neater with the paintwork at this stage, I'll tidy that up once I've bent things, and cut off bits wot need cutting off.

However, I will add the decals before I start serious butchering - and add a white 'twirl' to the spinner.

Cheers,
Ron