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PB4Y-1
“Gallopin Ghost of the Brazilian Coast”

by Alex Bernardo

 

PB4Y-1

 


HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron

 

Introduction

 

This aircraft is modeled after the “Gallopin Ghost” of VPB 107 B-24D Liberators stationed at Natal Brazil, 1943-1944.  

This aircraft caught my attention because of its’ unique Atlantic Coast tri-color scheme, and it’s bold nose art.  I saw a larger 1/48 scale version at the 1999 Orlando nationals, and was able to contact the builder (Larry Goodell) for references.  His father is a surviving nose gunner of the “Galloping Ghost”, and had confirmed the camouflage scheme.  He also provided battle reports confirming the color scheme.

 

 

The model is based on the MiniCraft 1/144 B-24J Liberator with the Cobra Company B-24D Conversion detail set.

 

Construction

  • Used styrene sheets to build rear cockpit decking and bulkhead.

  • Scratch built top turret.

  • Scratch built rear turret.  Gun barrels were intentionally staggered.

  • Heat n Smash astrodome, top turret, and rear turret.

  • Created flaps and guide rails.  Flaps were made from sheet styrene.  Guide rails were made from styrene strips.

  • Replaced main landing gear bay ceiling w/ corrugated styrene.

  • Repositioned bombsight on to a support strut.

  • Inserted clear styrene windows into nose cabin.

 

 

  • Created two pitot tubes using small pieces of strip styrene and wire.

  • Additional antennas were constructed from pieces of wire and attached underneath of the aircraft.

  • Additional radio antenna was attached to the bottom of the aircraft.

  • Antennas were constructed from painted nylon thread.

  • Scribed crew entry door underneath of the tail section.

  • Tailskid was made from a piece of wire and brass sheet.

  • Three blue formation lights were added on top, rear of aircraft.

  • White identification light was added on top, center of aircraft.

  • Scribed and painted red, green, and amber identification lights on to center section located between bomb bay doors.

  • Used thin styrene sheet to create nose gear mud fender.

 

Paints

  • Tamiya Acrylics: Flat Black, Clear Gloss, Flat red, Flat white

  • Poly S/PolyScale: Nonspecular intermediate blue, Nonspecular Sea Blue, Grimy black; Clear flat

 

 

  • Testors Enamel: Flat Sea Blue, Silver, Gray, Flat Yellow

  • Floquil Enamel: Flat Interior Green

 

 

Markings

 

  • Nose art decal was printed from Alps printer onto decal paper, then applying Microscale decal film.

 

  • Rudder data decals were printed from a laser printer onto decal paper, then applying Microscale decal film.

  • Spare Superscale 1/72 stars

 


Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2001 by Alex Bernardo
Page Created 06 June, 2001
Last Updated 04 June, 2007

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