Weebles

I also contacted the Natoma Bay Society. They may also have some information. Bruce Leininger indicated that there's a book with this information in it somewhere.

Wow! That's great information and your experience locating side numbers. We'll see if we can find something from Navy records. I'll hold tight to these documents though. Great information! Bruce Leininger confirmed that he's not sure about the side number on a photo of a model he sent to me. Fair enough. If no information is located I'll probably go with White 8 for this model. Thanks guys! Dave

Bruce Leininger was kind enough to write back to me. He shared a model still having in his son's room. I'm starting to feel hopeful that I'll be able to nail this down and get it right.

I heard back from them with a "don't call us, we'll call you" message. They're closed for COVID with limited staff. We'll see what happens. Thanks again for the lead. Dave

I will. Thanks

Yea, I knew it wasn't "4". And the BU No has no relation to the side number. I'm sure it's documented somewhere. Unfortunately VC-81 is no longer an active squadron. Somewhere in a vault hidden away I'm sure. Just saw your message. The constant thing about these past life memories in youth (at least from the couple of books I've read by researchers) is that those memories fade away, usually by the age of 6. So fortunately James Leininger is living his own life.

Thanks and yes, this is the aircraft I'm looking at building along with a model of USS Natoma Bay in 1/350. The FM-2 will be made from the Arma Hobby kit. Thanks for providing the references. The book "Soul Survivor" is an amazing read. I've reached out to the Natoma Bay Society and author Bruce Leininger to see if they have any information in their records and research. The aircraft markings and paint are unremarkable. I may end up striking out but it would be a nice detail to get right. Thanks again! Dave

Hi Darren, Grumman FM-2. The BU number is 74037. Thank you Dave

Greetings, is there a way to identify the side number of a specific WWII USN aircraft. I have a BU number and aircraft type, but can't find record of the side number. Any ideas? Thank you Dave

I don't know about you all but when Combat Rescue aired on National Geographic I was glued to my TV. No Tamiya Extra Thin was required. Probably the best combat documentary I've ever seen. If you're a fan of our Air Force PJ's and the crews that put them in a position to do their great work, this is a must have sheet. There are lots of aircraft choices in this set and the stencils are fantastic. You got to love an aircraft with a mustache! Go Pedro's! There's just nothing else on the market and this sheet sets the standard. Thanks to you and your team Floyd for putting this one togethe

I'm finishing up my Easter Egg Plane project for a modeling group I participate in. I'm doing the Hasegawa Hughes 300 helicopter. The cockpit consists of two very large clear egg shaped halves. The seam will be painted over. In addition I'm planning on running a line of Archer Transfer rivets over part of the seam. Here's what I'm working with. I always like to try new techniques with my projects and thought this one would be an interesting challenge in dealing with glued together clear parts. Inspiration....

I's it okay to paint over? I'm using Tamiya paint in this case. Thank you Dave

Greetings, I'm gluing two large plastic parts together. I could use PVA. But I'm wondering if there isn't something better. Has anyone had any experience using Watch Maker's Glue which is used for securing crystals to watches? Thank you Dave

Hi all, Many years ago my friend who flew with VMF-214, Henry Bourgeois, introduced me to Bruce Gamble who has become the official historian of the squadron. Bruce has just released a new book on the squadron called Swashbucklers and Black Sheep, A Pictorial History of Marine Fighting Squadron 214 in World War II. Bruce is on a tour of the US right now promoting this new release with book signings but also doing a very nice presentation on the Squadron from it's origin to the Franklin. This book is full of photos, art work, and great references that I've never seen before. Whether your a

Checking in to see if Colorado ANG will be in your next release of F-100 decals. Also interested to see the F-101B decal set. Thanks! Dave