Information
Plane Dave’s B-26
I was sure Plane Dave had tackled Monogram’s B-26.
He posted this seven years ago…
https://planedave.net/2014/07/06/martin-b-26c-marauder/
Excerpt
This example is from the Monogram kit with PYN-up decals. This is truly a vintage kit. I remember being awed by its level of detail when I was a kid. It still holds up pretty well in that regard, certainly it has as much detail as anyone will ever see through those tiny windows! But wow is the fit terrible. Okay, maybe not the worst I’ve seen; but between the fact older kit tolerances aren’t what we expect from a modern tool, and this particular molding has been used many, many times, this really requires a lot of work to bring together. Especially in the area of the cowlings and nacelles. I used a lot of filler, and many hours sanding. I think it was worth it though, I’m pretty happy with how it came out.
I just can’t wait building it.
How To Fly The Martin B-26 Marauder (USAF, 1944)
YouTube makes it possible to go back in time.
Now…
Intermission – Martin B-26 Marauder Color Photographs Part II – 322nd Bomb Group
Definitely my next build…
The 322nd Bombardment Squadron (Medium) was composed of the 449th, 450th, 451st, and 452nd Bomb Squadrons. Their initial combat operations were as part of the Eighth Air Force operating from Bury St. Edmonds, England. They operated Martin B-26 B & C Marauders during the spring and summer of 1943, when photographers from LIFE Magazine took these color photographs.
View original post 400 more words
Intermission – Leonard Joseph Birchall…and his crew
Updated 28 July 2021
Granville Charles Onyette was the navigator.
He pointed out that if they flew an extra leg, he could confirm their actual position by using the moon, which was then rising.
In 2001 Leonard Joseph Birchall was inducted in Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame.
Leonard Joseph Birchall
About the Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame (taken from their website)
Founded in 1973, Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit organization that recognizes and honours individuals and organizations for making outstanding contributions to Canadian aviation. The Hall got its start after a March 1973 gathering of aviation notables C.H ‘Punch’ Dickins, S.A. ‘Sammy’ Tomlinson, S.R. ‘Stan’ McMillan, Walter E. Gilbert, and Maxwell W. Ward. The Calgary Herald had dubbed them “Hall of Fame Aviators,” but no such Hall then existed. Efforts were soon in motion to correct this, and support for the idea quickly gathered steam.
The first Board of Directors of the newly incorporated Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame comprised Chairman C.H. ‘Punch’ Dickins, Vice-Chairman Donald N. Watson, and Secretary H.W. ‘Harry’ Hayter. Others included Z.L. ‘Lewie’ Leigh, P.S. ‘Stan’ Turner, and L. ‘Lindy’ Rood. Raymond A. Munro, who served as the initial Managing Director, took on the bulk of the work.
Today, Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame is governed by a National Board of Directors, an Alberta Division and an Operations Committee. The organization is supported by numerous enthusiastic volunteers who seek to uphold and share the rich history of Canadian aviation preserved through the stories of its inducted members.
The member profiles, artefacts, and exhibits contained herein represent just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the history of Canadian aviation. These extraordinary people all made contributions to the advancement of aviation in Canada, whether as pilots, aeronautical engineers, doctors, scientists, or administrators.
Source: https://cahf.ca/313-2/
I stumbled upon this Website while I was searching for this photo…
The caption says…
Back Row (L – R): Sgt. T.C. Kelly, W/O G.C. Onyette, F/Sgt R.G. Shaw, P/O G.H. Bayly, P/O G. Vivian, P/O E.T. Loomer, S/Ldr L.J. Birchall, P/O T.A. Steckland, P/O E.H. Walsh, P/O A. Vineberg, Sgt B.A. Robertson.
Front Row (L – R): LAC G Setterfield, AC1 R.I. Haugen, Sgt B.C. Callaway, W/O W.F. Johnson, F/Sgt H. Burt-Gerrano, W/O G. Chelsey, F/Sgt G. Low, Sgt C. Kensit, Sgt P. Garroway, F/Sgt W. Robertson, Sgt F.W. Ferris, LAC L.T. Sawyer
Group photo taken at Pembroke Dock. Aircraft belongs to Birchall.
“The aircraft is my aircraft “G” for George, with the crest on the side, just below the cockpit window”
What led me to this photo was my search to learn more about W/O G.C. Onyette who was the navigator on April 4, 1942.
He also became a POW with Wing Commander Birchall.
https://www.far-eastern-heroes.org.uk/Saviour_of_Ceylon/html/appendix.htm
I had to learn more about him and I have used my amateur genealogist’s skills to do so.
To be continued…maybe.
Martin B-26 Marauder Color Photographs Part I – 320th Bomb Group
This should be my next build.
A formation photograph of Marauders from the 320th Bomb Group’s 441st Squadron. Modelers note the variety of camouflage and markings, remaining paint where the cheek gun packs have been removed, and the extensive oil staining under the nacelles.
A beautiful study of B-26F 42-96322 of the 441st Squadron.
Although not the highest quality photo, it is comparatively rare to have photographs of both sides of an aircraft – let alone in color.
A 441st Squadron formation banks away while their target burns in the background.
Another 441st Squadron ship, this is 41-34891 “Missouri Mule”, a B-26C. The red cowling faces and propeller hubs are a Group marking.
Thumper II is another 441st Squadron ship. She is B-26C 42-10778.
Here is a close-up of Thumper II’s nose art, note the mission markers extend to cover the landing gear door.
“Bell Ringer” was B-26C 42-107534. One of the cheek gun fairings remains…
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Intermission – PBY Cutaway
With his comment about the red yoke lock, Jeff, the Inch High, led me to this Website even if he doesn’t know it yet.
The PBY at Pensacola has black control wheels and yoke. The red may be factory-specific, not sure.
More…
Intermission – G-PBYA Catalina guided tour (HD) on YouTube
Post 303 – RCAF Overseas Catalinas: The ‘Saviour of Ceylon’ and Beyond – 48th scale Decals ‘n Docs
Of course I am not that cheap when it comes to start a new project especially this one. I bought some after-market decals on July 2 when I learned about the Saviour of Ceylon.
The link to the after-market decals is below…
https://www.aviaeology.com/store/p145/AOD48013.html#/
Finally I will build my Monogram PBY-5 but not with the original decals.
Mine will be a tribute to the Saviour of Ceylon who is seen below second from the left.
As always this will be a way to remember someone who must never be forgotten for his life accomplishments.
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/leonard-birchall
Excerpt
Leonard Joseph (Birch) Birchall, CM, O Ont, air force pilot, war hero, educator (born 6 July 1915 in St. Catharines, ON; died 10 September 2004 in Kingston, ON).
During the Second World War, Birchall became known as the “Saviour of Ceylon” for alerting Allied forces of an approaching Japanese fleet. Captured after sending his message, he is also renowned for the courage and leadership he displayed while a prisoner of war.
To be continued…
Source of the above…
Post 302 – The Saviour of Ceylon
I had to wait before posting this on July 6 for a reason. The Saviour of Ceylon was born on July 6, 1915.
https://www.far-eastern-heroes.org.uk/Saviour_of_Ceylon/
More information later about the Saviour of Ceylon…
Of course you can always Google that and get a headstart.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_Birchall
My Forgotten Hobby III 