Lockheed Ventura Mk.II RAF No.487 (NZ) Sqn
Comments
James C AuthorWelcome aboard guys 🙂
It's a little larger than what I was anticipating, but considering that, there's not a lot of parts to it either. From what I can see of the mock-up, the fit appears to be superb.
I'm hoping to make a start on painting the interior later today.
James C AuthorWelcome Roland, Thomas and Neil 🙂
A little more assembly progress made yesterday.
I also discovered that I'd done a colossal "brain fart" by mounting the front firewalls on both engine nacelles upside down!
Thankfully it wasn't too difficult to remove and reattach them correctly.
I'm buggered if I know how I managed to do that, but fortunately a disaster was averted!
Just need to assemble the upper turret and rear facing lower gun position, then will look at attaching all the assorted paint masks for the glass windows.
Remind me to put brain "in-gear" before commencing again...
James C AuthorA small update with all of the interior components now painted and I have begun some of the finer detail painting on the engines, cockpit and wheel wells. I don't intend to go overboard as very little will be seen once closed up anyway... excluding the bomb-bay which I intend to display opened.
James C AuthorI've finished assembling and painting both engines and permanently mounted them to the wings. Excluding picking out the brake lines, the landing gear is done as well.
Today I'm hoping to finish the cockpit and bomb-bay and mount them into the fuselage, and then finish applying the Eduard paint masks. Not looking forward to doing the upper turret glass though. 🤔
James C AuthorThanks Roland 🙂
I finished off applying all the Eduard canopy masks... a very tedious process!
Also got the fuselage closed up, and secured the horizontal stabilizer and nose as well.
The vertical tails and wings have not been secured yet, as I think it will be easier to paint them separately from the fuselage.
The upper turret is also only resting in position, as I intend to paint both haves of the clear parts separately as well, to avoid getting any over-spray inside or on the gun barrels etc.
Have also begun cleaning up the joins in readiness for a coat of primer.
James C AuthorI gave all the clear parts/window frames etc a coat of Mission Models Green Zinc Chromate (MMP-068) to match the interior.
Now ready for a coat of primer ahead of the camouflage...
Robin (WhiteGlint)No small aircraft, coming along nicely. 👍
Looking forward to the colours.
James C AuthorThanks guys 🙂
It's a "slightly" larger canvas than the previous Spitfire build 😉
Has been a fantastic kit to assemble, with the only issues encountered being of my own making.
I can't really fault it at all for molding quality and ease of fit.
I finished the pre-shading today and then sprayed the undersides with a coat of Mission Models "RAF Underside Sky" (MMP-080) Will look at starting the camouflage tomorrow... weather permitting, but still haven't decided if I will permanently attach the wings (and tails) beforehand or not 🤔
Gary KitchenLooking great James. I like how you revert to a plan view of the aircraft on the cutting board every few photos. Are you secretly making a stop-motion film of the build 😄
Eelco GregoireThe tails I attached before, but the wings you can add them later. Dryfit them constantly but with my venturas the fit was excellent.
James C AuthorThanks guys 🙂
@ Gary, hehe... yeah, you almost could lol. It's just easier to take pics of the build progress with it dry fit together, rather than as individual components or all spread out in the same frame etc. 😉
@ Eelco - Thanks for the tips mate. I was considering doing the same as the wings are a fairly snug fit even without being secured with glue. My main concern is being able to spray the camouflage and being able to get good coverage between the fuselage and engines as there's not a lot of room due to the engines being so long. Will study the camo pattern a little more before I commit either way. 👍
James C AuthorI got the basic camo pattern done yesterday and just need to do a couple touch ups ahead of some post-shading then masking off the black trim on the wings and tails.
Colours used were Mission Models "RAF Dark Earth" (MMP-078) and "RAF Dark Green" (MMP-077)
James C AuthorThanks mate 🙂
I thought I'd finished with the paintwork, but spotted something in the pics that needs further tweaking. Also got the main landing gear installed finally, and I'm just about ready to give it a couple coats of clear gloss (Pledge floor polish)
Note that I've been using the spare solid nose used on the US Navy PV-1 as a paint mask. I will install the proper clear nose later on.
James C AuthorThanks Eelco 🙂 👍
I had a bit of a mishap while removing the blue-tack mask that I'd used inside of the bomb-bay, in that I dislodged the rear end which slightly splayed open the lower fuselage join immediately behind it. While I have repaired the fuselage join, I still have to re-secure the bomb-bay itself (and touch up the interior green) If I were to start over, I'd not paint the bomb-bay until after the fuselage is closed up and use more glue to better anchor it in position.
NeilHi James, just caught up with build, looking forward to seeing final result. It's looking awesome mate 👍👍
James C AuthorThanks Neil 🙂
I finished painting the props this morning, and have since given everything the first of two or three coats of clear gloss to seal the paint and prep for decals and panel line wash.
Kyle DeHartLooking great! Not the most successful plane ever and that makes it even cooler to have a model of in my opinion! Nice job on the camo!
James C AuthorThanks Kyle 🙂
Lost a bit of enthusiasm with this build over the last week or so due to an unnoticed error I had made, but rather than binning it, I got back to it a couple days ago to add a panel line wash and complete the decals.
James C AuthorThanks guy's 🙂
I gave it a coat of Tamiya XF-86 "Flat Clear" yesterday to knock back the sheen, so today I plan on removing all the canopy masks and then make a start on final weathering and assembly etc.
I prev mentioned that I'd incorrectly installed the firewalls on the engines upside down, but was able to easily correct the mistake using a hobby knife to cut along the join to remove and then re-attach them the right way up. Unfortunately, during that same sitting I also incorrectly installed the starboard engine exhaust fairing facing forward instead of backwards and once finally noticed (many days later) it became obvious pretty quickly that I wasn't going to be able to remove it again without destroying the fairing, or engine nacelle detailing around it (probably both) in the process.
It's odd, as it appears so obvious now that I didn't notice it right away and can only put it down to a moment of dyslexia lol. Anyway, what's done is done, and while it obviously has annoyed the hell out of me, there's no point crying about it now... just notch it up to lesson learned and move on.
I'll be sure to keep it in mind when the time comes to build the RNZAF (Pacific Theatre) PV-1 😉
James C AuthorThanks David 🙂
A little update showing how it looks with all the paint masks removed. They were a godsend, particularly for the intricate framework on the dorsal turret. Also got the wheel bay doors and external fuel tanks installed and made a start on the weathering.
James C AuthorThanks guys 🙂
I finished it off a couple days ago, but have been waiting for the weather to improve for some better outdoor lighting to take some pictures of the finished build. Still a little overcast, but will have to do for now...
I'll keep this one fairly brief, as the aircraft wasn't very well regarded.... being an evolution from older, under performing 1930's Lockheed designs such as the "Lodestar" and "Hudson". The Lockheed "Ventura" first entered combat in Europe as a day-time bomber with the RAF in late 1942. Designated PV-1 by the United States Navy (US Navy), and B-36 Lexington (US Army)
The Ventura was developed from the Lockheed Model 18 Lodestar transport, as a replacement for the Lockheed Hudson bombers then in service with the Royal Air Force. Used in daylight attacks against occupied Europe, they proved to be too slow, and under armed to adequately defend themselves, and were removed from bomber duty and transferred instead to the RAF Coastal Command.
The Ventura never really came into its own with it's service in Europe and were quickly phased out with faster and more durable aircraft. However, their cousins in RNZAF squadrons based in the Pacific would go on to relish the aircraft, and flew it throughout the entire Pacific war. (Which I intend to cover on another build later on)
RAF No. 487 Sqaudron (which this model depicts) was an all New Zealand staffed sqaudron based within the Royal Airforce.
No. 487 Squadron came into being on 15 August 1942. Formed as a day bomber unit, it was initially equipped with Lockheed Venturas crewed by Royal New Zealand Air Force pilots, and based at RAF Feltwell in Norfolk. The Ventura, an update of the Lockheed Hudson, acquired a poor reputation in Europe as its performance was not really in the same league as British and German aircraft of the period. Nevertheless, operations began in December, with the squadron's first being a 16-plane raid on the Phillips factory at Eindhoven, in the Netherlands, during which it lost three aircraft, including the one flown by its commanding officer, Wing Commander F.C. Seavill.
Further operations followed, but disaster came on 3 May 1943, when an 11-aircraft Ramrod raid – one to be continued regardless of losses – against Amsterdam designated Operation "Ramrod 16" resulted in the loss of all but one of the squadron's Venturas. After crossing the Dutch coast, the Venturas were bounced by a group of 70 to 80 Luftwaffe fighters. They penetrated the Spitfire escort and got in amongst 487 Squadron's bombers, damaging one and forcing it to return to base. The squadron pressed on, with further losses; by the time the Venturas had begun their bomb run, only five aircraft remained. The Luftwaffe then proceeded to pick them off, although they fought back as best they could, with Squadron Leader Leonard Trent downing one attacker with his machine-guns as the enemy fighter flew across his nose. Finally, only Trent's aircraft remained in the air. Reaching the target, he pressed home his attack, dropping his payload – narrowly missing the target, but causing some damage – before he too was shot down. For his leadership during the raid, Trent was later awarded the Victoria Cross. He survived being shot down and was taken prisoner; he later took part in the "Great Escape" and being the second to last man out of the "tunnel" was quickly captured by the camp guards. Perhaps to his good fortune, as a further 50 escapees would go on to be captured and executed by the Gestapo.
Following the loss of all attacking aircraft during the raid of May 1943, the remainder of 487 Sqn was stood down for several weeks while it transitioned to the "wooden Wonder" De Haviland "Mosquito" in June of 1943.
The squadron would then go on to take part in precision raids throughout Europe.
Most notably, on the 18th of February 1944, Operation "Jericho" against Amiens Prison, in an attempt to free captives held within, and on 31st of October 1944, Gestapo Headquarters in Aarhus, Copenhagen.
In February of 1945, the squadron relocated to mainland Europe to Rosières-en-Santerre France, where it quickly got back to the business of precision strikes against key targets, striking against the Gestapo HQ in Copenhagen itself.
No. 487 Squadron flew its last operational mission on the night of 2–3 May 1945, launching a 13-plane raid on Itzeloe, Heide, and Elmshorn. It was disbanded on 19 September 1945, having flown 3,112 sorties, which amounted to 7,892 hours in combat. Its aircraft and those of its New Zealand aircrew who wished to remain became No. 16 Squadron RAF retrospectively, and some weeks later, No. 268 Squadron RAF.
The squadron's Māori motto was "Ki te Mutunga", which is translated into English as "Through to the End". The squadron code was "EG". In addition to the Victoria Cross awarded to Trent, pilots were awarded seven DFCs, one Bar to DFC, a DSO and a DFM.
Despite a couple of errors that I made during the assembly, I found that the kit was very enjoyable to build and I'd highly recommend it.
Thanks for following 🙂
Nathan DempseyThat's a fabulous finish James. The Ventura looks great in this camo.
Robin (WhiteGlint)Beautiful work, mate. 👍
Great weathering, especially the chipping around the engines. 👀
Murad ÖZERIndeed. also it's a gem, a very unique subject that'll look very cool in the cabinet i think.
lovely stuff and well done despite the mojo issues James 👍👍👍
Roland SachsenhoferA wonderful result! Details, weathering, the effect of the whole - everything is here in a harmonious relationship!
Jim JFantastic and interesting subject James. Love the history background. Congrats.
Daniel KlinkGreat Camo Finish james 👍
Interestimg story and very aesthetic presentation.. Congrats mate 👍
James C AuthorThanks for looking in and commenting. Very much appreciated guys 🙂
Album info
Lockheed Ventura Mk.II
RAF No.487 (NZ) Squadron
Based at RAF Feltwell, Norfolk
August 1942
Being an evolution from older, under performing 1930's Lockheed designs such as the "Lodestar" and "Hudson", the Lockheed "Ventura" first entered combat in Europe as a day-time bomber with the RAF in late 1942. Designated PV-1 by the United States Navy, and B-36 Lexington by the US Army.
The Ventura was developed from the Lockheed Model 18 Lodestar transport, as a replacement for the Lockheed Hudson bombers then in service with the Royal Air Force. Used in daylight attacks against occupied Europe, they proved to be too slow and under armed to adequately defend themselves, and were subsequently removed from bomber duty and transferred instead to the RAF Coastal Command where they were both better suited and sorely needed.
The Ventura never really came into its own with it's service in Europe and was quickly phased out with faster and more durable aircraft. However, RNZAF squadrons based in the Pacific would go on to relish the aircraft, and flew it throughout the entire Pacific war. (Which I intend to cover on another build later on)
RAF No. 487 Squadron (which this model depicts) was an all New Zealand staffed squadron based within the Royal Airforce.
No. 487 Squadron came into being on 15 August 1942. Formed as a day bomber unit, it was initially equipped with Lockheed Venturas, based at RAF Feltwell, in Norfolk. The Ventura, acquired a poor reputation in Europe as its performance was not really in the same league as British and German aircraft of the period. Nevertheless, operations began in December with the squadron's first sortie being a 16-plane raid on the Phillips factory at Eindhoven, in the Netherlands; during which it lost three aircraft, including the one flown by its commanding officer, Wing Commander F.C. Seavill.
Further operations followed, but disaster came on 3 May 1943, when an 11-aircraft raid (one to be continued regardless of losses due to it's importance) against Amsterdam designated Operation "Ramrod 16", resulted in the loss of all but one of the squadron's Venturas.
After crossing the Dutch coast, the Venturas were bounced by a group of 70 to 80 Luftwaffe fighters.
They penetrated the Spitfire escort and got in amongst 487 Squadron's bombers, damaging one and forcing it to return to base.
The squadron pressed on with further losses; but by the time they had begun their bomb run, only five aircraft remained.
The Luftwaffe then proceeded to pick them off, although they fought back as best they could, with Squadron Leader Leonard Trent downing one attacker with his machine-guns as the enemy fighter flew across his nose. Finally, only Trent's aircraft remained in the air.
Reaching the target, he pressed home his attack, dropping his payload – narrowly missing the target, but causing some damage, before he too was shot down. For his leadership during the raid, Trent was later awarded the Victoria Cross.
He survived being shot down and was taken prisoner; where he later took part in the "Great Escape" and being the second to last man out of the "tunnel" was quickly captured by the now fully alerted camp guards. Perhaps to his good fortune, as later a further 50 escapees would go on to be re-captured and executed by the Gestapo.
Following the loss of all attacking aircraft during the raid of May 1943, the remainder of 487 Sqn was stood down for several weeks while it transitioned to the De Haviland "Mosquito" in June of 1943. The squadron would then go on to take part in precision raids throughout Europe.
Most notably, on the 18th of February 1944, Operation "Jericho" against Amiens Prison, in an attempt to free captives held within, and again on 31st of October 1944, the Gestapo Headquarters in Aarhus, Copenhagen.
In February of 1945, the squadron relocated to mainland Europe to Rosières-en-Santerre France, where it quickly got back to the business of precision strikes against key targets, striking against the main Gestapo HQ in Copenhagen itself.
No. 487 Squadron flew its last operational mission on the night of 2–3 May 1945, launching a 13-plane raid on Itzeloe, Heide, and Elmshorn.
It was disbanded on 19 September 1945, having flown 3,112 sorties, which amounted to 7,892 hours in combat. Its aircraft and those of its New Zealand aircrew who wished to remain became No. 16 Squadron RAF retrospectively, and some weeks later, No. 268 Squadron RAF.
The squadron's Māori motto was "Ki te Mutunga", which is translated into English as "Through to the End". The squadron code was "EG".
In addition to the Victoria Cross awarded to Trent, other 487 squadron aircrew were awarded seven DFCs, one Bar to DFC, a DSO and a DFM.
Build notes:
Despite a couple of errors that I made during the assembly, I found that the kit was very enjoyable to build with superb fit and molding quality.
But, I'd highly recommend obtaining a canopy mask, as it makes painting the obscure shapes of the cockpit windows and main dorsal turret far easier. I'd also suggest painting both halves of the dorsal turret separately and only assemble it at the very end of the build to avoid getting over-spray inside of the clear parts.
The instructions omitted the paint call-outs for the formation lights on the bottom of the forward fuselage.
These should be (from front to back) clear red, clear green and clear orange/amber.
If displaying the bomb-bay doors opened, I also recommend installing the actuator arms for the doors on the front, middle and rear bulkheads prior to painting as I found that it was near impossible to get them angled correctly installing at the end of the build due to the paint build-up. Securing them into position early on would have avoided this problem entirely. It would also be a good idea to brace the roof of the bomb-bay against the interior of the fuselage with some off-cut sprue to give it some added support (as I partially dislodged mine in a handling mishap)
but care will need to be taken not to interfere with the wing center spar which crosses over the top.
I'd recommend using the spare nose included on the clear parts sprue as a paint mask, and leave the forward nose guns off until the end.
I also opted to install the upper nose guns from the outside by trimming the barrels off and then sliding them back into final position rather than installing from the inside as this also made handling and painting much easier.
Completed 23rd April 2022
