Remeber the Alamo! (in 1/72)

[Brian da Basher]

In 1935 the Republic of Texas was preparing to celebrate its centennial when a new aircraft came on line. This ground attack plane was designed to counter the numerous paramilitary (read bandit) groups who kept raiding border towns from their bases in Mexico. With liberal help from the California Republic's Douglas Aircraft, the native firm of Austin Aeronautics was able to build the Alamo, a single-engined, three place light attack bomber heavily armed with two .50 cal. machine guns under the nose, two 37 mm. cannon mounted in underwing pods and a rear .30 cal. machine gun for tail defense. With the cannon pods, the craft could carry 750 lbs. of bombs. Advanced navigation aids and a powerful radio were also fitted to aid the crew in circumnavigating the tractless wastes of the Texas frontier. This aircraft proved itself worthy in battle, its most notible achievement was aiding in the capture of Vasquez Rivera, a.k.a. the Frito Bandito known for his destructive foraging raids on snack-food warehouses. The Alamo soldiered on until the bandit raids were finally surpressed in early 1942. The example pictured here is the first production model which is now preserved in the Texas Heritage of Flight Museum.

1st of 6 pics

Brian da Basher

[NARSES2]

Brian that is stupendous    

[Brian da Basher]

This is my fifth and final entry in the Airfix GB. The base kit is the 1/72 Airfix Devastator which I recieved from philp. The engine and underwing bombs are from an IL-10, and the prop is from spares phil was generous enough to send. The spats (yes, SPATS!!!) are from my Airfix Stuka, the gun-pods were scratched from spares and the canopy (except for the front windscreen) is  scratchbuilt from clear plastic (from another box of cookies, yum!).

2nd of 6 pics

Brian da Basher

[Brian da Basher]

The model is painted in Model Masters acrylic Steel, except the control surfaces, which are painted in Tamiya Aluminum. The idea was to attempt to replicate the doped, fabric covered control surfaces of real aircraft of the era. The black wingwalks and anti-glare panel are done in Liquitex Artists acrylics Mars black and were masked off with Tamiya tape courtesy of Mr Howling Mouse (Thank you, Man-Ho!). The rudder markings were painted by hand, save the stars which are decals. The roundels are really Japanese Hinomorus on which I handpainted the white and blue sections, the stars again being decals.

3rd of 6 pics

Brian da Basher

[Brian da Basher]

This project took me about two weeks to complete, my modelling time being cut a bit short by work and other commitments. Here's a shot of the undersides which highlights the bombs and gun pods. I really wish you could see this build in person, because despite my best efforts, these shots don't capture it as well as I'd like.

4th of 6 pics.

Brian da Basher

[Brian da Basher]

This build is a tribute to the Great Eddie Miller. It's my way of saying thanks to him for all the wonderful inspiration he's provided through his incredible projects. Some may ask "Republic of Texas Air Force?!!" I got the idea while having lunch at a Lone Star Steak House with my girlfriend. One can't help notice all the Lone Star flags in that eatery and I started imagining a What If Republic of Texas and the roundel idea hit me. Then I thought of completing this project as a tribute to Mr Miller, and the rest is history! Here's a pic of the Alamo on the Airfix stand that came with the kit.

5th of 6 pics.

Brian da Basher

[Brian da Basher]

Here's the final pic, the requisite box shot. I had an absolute whale of a time participating in this GB. Thanks to Leigh for being kind enough to moderate it and to all who've participated. Win, lose or draw, it's been worth every moment spent!

6th of 6 pics.

Brian da Basher

[lancer]

That is an amazing piece of work Brian.  

[Joe C-P]

A fine job! I didn't even recognize the original aircraft at first.

JoeP

[K5054NZ]

Fantastic Mr Perri! I love it! She just looks so............"right".  


Sheesh, first time I saw this build I thought you'd mangled YET ANOTHER of Airfix's magnificent Fairey Battles. But no, thank goodness!


C'est magnifique!!!!! Can I have one?

[Brian da Basher]

Thanks, gents! I'm glad you enjoyed this little project! Your kind words are an inspiration to me. We'll see if I feel inspired enough to tackle the Vacuuform GB next!

Brian da Basher

[The Rat]

     

What can one say that hasn't already been said? Lovely!

[Tophe]

This ground attack plane was designed to counter the numerous paramilitary (read bandit) groups who kept raiding border towns from their bases in Mexico.
and a rear .30 cal. machine gun for tail defense.

Do ground paramilitary bandits have sky fighters to be protected from?
If the defense is against ground fire, it should be directed downwards, no?
(The model is perfect , I am just feeling uncomfortable with the story   )

[Brian da Basher]

Do ground paramilitary bandits have sky fighters to be protected from?
If the defense is against ground fire, it should be directed downwards, no?
(The model is perfect , I am just feeling uncomfortable with the story   ) [/quote]
I forgot to mention that the bandits had a few well-armed aircraft of indegenous design that the Texans called "burrito biplanes". These were armed with four .50 cal. guns and while not as fast as other fighters of the day, were quite maneuverable and deadly in their own right.  

Brian da Basher

[Tophe]

"burrito biplanes"

That sounded Spanish... Babel Fish told me the meaning: "young donkey"...  nice joke compared to animal names like majestic Mustang/Jaguar/Hawk/Eagle...