PB4Y-1
“Gallopin Ghost of the Brazilian Coast”

by Alex Bernardo

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron

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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Gallery Index