Unternehmen Luftbrücke (Operation Air Bridge), WW2Aircraft.net Group Build....

Airframes said:

Senior Member

As it's Lucky's idea for the Group Build, and an excellent one too, I reckon it's up to him to decide what can and can't be done. For instance, the number of entries per person, the dates (of the period concerned), whether Reichs Defence Command only or defending the Reich from other countries, eg France and so on.
My suggestions would be:- Up to one entry per scale per 'contestant', from 1/72nd to 1/24th scales. Dates, late 1943 to May 1945; any Luftwaffe aircraft, anywhere, involved in defending against attacking allied aircraft.
I think it would be helpful if those people intending to enter, could post their name, and which category they put themselves in; for instance, beginner, novice, etc. in order that we all know who's who and what's what. Perhaps Wayne can advise on the categories - i.e. what constitutes 'novice' etc?
That way, we know how many entrants there are and, if individuals are able to include the number of entries, we also know what we are looking for.
Just as a small incentive, I've attached a couple of (small) pics of the paintings I've chosen to put up as a 'prize'; the winner of this one can choose which of the two they would like. (I'll post a pic of the original 1960's 'Frog' kit later.)
The chosen print will be made on A4 card, perhaps larger if my local contacts can do so, and the image will be bordered, with the title printed below. The print will be personally signed, and will be accompanied by 'Historical Notes' explaining the scene, and Certificates of Authenticity and valuation. These latter basically explain that no other print has been made in this issue, and the value, if bought, for insurance purposes. I regret that I am unable to frame this, but it will be despatched, F.O.C., in a stout tube.
I would have provided a Luftwaffe subject, but the originals have all been sold!
The prints are; 'Suddenly Alone', a Spitfire Mk1 during the Battle of Britain. This has not been shown, ever, as the original, oils on canvas, is now the property of my youngest daughter.
'The Bluff', Jim Goodson's 4th FG P47 near the Pas de Calais, 1943. Again, this has not been issued as prints, and only one person has a copy, on A4 card. The original, oils on canvas, is in my personal collection.
looking forward to your comments re the entries etc.
Terry.

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Airframes said:

I think that just about covers everything, Jan. Only thing I would add is, what you pointed out about those building in one scale only, including yourself. In that case, yes, I think as there are 4 major scales, then a total of four models, either one maximum per scale if doing all four scales, or four in one scale, or a combination; for example, 1 in 1/72nd, 2 in 1/48th, 1 in 1/32nd. If the others think that's fair?
As for my entry (possibly entries), I'll abstain from being counted in the votes, I'll just chuck something in for the hell of it!
Now, some pics of the other 'prize'.
This is the original 'Frog' 1/72nd scale kit, circa 1965, which I have had since new! I used to build quite a lot of Frog models, along with Airfix, as they were both predominant in the late 50's and 60's. By today's standards, these kits are very basic, which will be evident when you see the pics, but they were always accurate, and built up into nice replicas. With a bit of work, scratch-building bits, long, long before the days of aftermarket accessories or detailing parts, which weren't even dreamed of then, some very nice models were produced. The original Frog range was vast and, when they folded, or retired, many kits were re-introduced by 'Novo', using the original moulds, I believe in Russia. The quality then was not as good, but generally acceptable, considering how worn the original tools must have become.
An original Frog kit, still in its box, is now considered a collectors item, and some can command rather hefty prices for small bits of plastic!
For those unfamiliar with the Proctor, it was a British, 4 seat, light communications aircraft, and also used as a 3 seat radio trainer. After the war, many found their way onto the civilian register, where they were a rather neat, and relatively spacious, light aircraft. There are still a number around today, and they used to be fairly common at my local airport when I was in my teens.
This kit will go to the model/modeller who the other entrants deem has produced the best model for his category, regardless of scale, out of all categories. Hopefully, this will give everyone a chance!
The 'print' I think should go to the person who has produced the best model overall. How that's going to be judged, is open to suggestions. I don't mind throwing in my two pen'orth, as I'm not 'competing', but it would be better if at least two others would vote also. Perhaps a non-competing mod/admin could be one?

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Wayne Little said:

As I said earlier I would rather judge than compete...I may throw something in just to contribute to the build....

It would seem that for the most part, from the posts so far, that we have beginner/novice and Intermediate classes of modellers putting their hands up, sound about right?

So how do YOU fit?.....keeping the description simple.....

Category/Class 1 : Experienced Modeller with very good skills.
Category/Class 2 : General Medium level modeller with reasonable skills and good grasp on the basics.
Category/Class 3 : Beginner/Novice Minimal experience and learning the ropes.

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Matt308 said:

Can I suggest that to keep the intimidation factor to a minimum for the Class 3 participants that we just keep the build requirements to:

1) Beginning and ending dates for completion.

2) Scale 1/72nd to 1/24th

3) Any German Reich Defense airplane made Out Of Box (OOB). No scratch built parts or modifications other than directly contained in the OOB instruction sheet.

4) Judging shall not be made based upon accuracy of OOB decals/marking, but rather on modeling skill of the kit in question.

My fear is the technical accuracy discussions may steer many interested beginner modelers away (e.g., pages and pages of discussion on proper JG markings, colors, and times can become quite complex). They can learn from the upper Class 2 and Class 1 discussions. Modeling is intimidating enough for a beginner just learning the colors, build and painting techniques.

Just my thoughts, gents.

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