forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Completed models => Topic started by: kkarlsen on December 16, 2019, 01:06:09 AM

Title: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: kkarlsen on December 16, 2019, 01:06:09 AM
Hello Guy's, just want to share my latest build...
Felixstowe F.2a converted into a Curtiss F5L/Aeromarine model 75.

(http://www.danskemodelbyggere.dk/forum/gallery/7698-141219160403-15892152.jpeg)

(http://www.danskemodelbyggere.dk/forum/gallery/7698-141219193115-158991243.jpeg)

(http://www.danskemodelbyggere.dk/forum/gallery/7698-141219160401-158892052.jpeg)

(http://www.danskemodelbyggere.dk/forum/gallery/7698-141219160402-158911828.jpeg)

This build has taken me the better part of 2019 and it is also why I haven't finished the Fokker Triple build yet!

(http://www.danskemodelbyggere.dk/forum/gallery/7698-141219162345-158982237.jpeg)

(http://www.danskemodelbyggere.dk/forum/gallery/7698-141219160403-158932192.jpeg)

(http://www.danskemodelbyggere.dk/forum/gallery/7698-141219160404-15895321.jpeg)

(http://www.danskemodelbyggere.dk/forum/gallery/7698-141219160405-158972259.jpeg)

(http://www.danskemodelbyggere.dk/forum/gallery/7698-141219160405-158962158.jpeg)

One of the worlds first commercial airlines the 'West Indies Airways' began operating in 1920. Aeromarine Airways carried wealthy passengers from Miami to Nassau in the Bahamas and Havana, Cuba, aboard flying boats. The overseas flights were a popular way for many to drink legally during the Prohibition era. This service was nicknamed "Highball Express" after the popular drink.

Conversion: Extra set of wings to make the larger wings. Fuselage is lengthened. Engines replaced by Liberty 12V. Vacuum formed superstructure. Passenger cabin interior, tail, struts etc. are all scratched.

Thanks for looking: Kent
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: Robin on December 16, 2019, 01:14:58 AM
This is gorgeous!

Robin  :)
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: Radarman on December 16, 2019, 01:18:24 AM
Kent,
I hope that model is destined for a museum because that’s where it belongs.
Very impressive.
                              Kevin
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: lcarroll on December 16, 2019, 01:28:46 AM
Kent,
   I just spent some time on another site looking through your Build Log on this magnificent piece of work, hats off on this one!! You are a true master of understatement, this is quite the "conversion" alright. You don't mention the incredible amount of scratch building nor the figures and interior detail, all truly "Museum Quality". (whatever that is in this context, I should just say OUTSTANDING Quality!)
   Very impressive work and my unreserved compliments, this is true modelling! 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: kkarlsen on December 16, 2019, 02:02:15 AM
Thank you very much Lance, Kevin & Robin, I really appreciate your kind words.
This has been the most difficult build I've been doing, but in many ways also the most rewarding.
I can without a doubt promise, this won't be the last time I'm venturing out on a Limb!

Regards: Kent
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: RAGIII on December 16, 2019, 03:06:06 AM
WOW! Simply Brilliant Modeling!! Agree with all other comments completely!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: Juan on December 16, 2019, 04:08:04 AM
What an amazing conversion.  Beautifully done all-around.
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: Bluesfan on December 16, 2019, 05:06:46 AM
So happy to see this, simply gorgeous! Do I see passengers in there?
Ever since I saw these boats featured in the Fighting America books I hoped one of the master modelers would have a go at converting from a Felixstowe. Sheer excellence! I take my hat off to you!

Mark
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: Gisbod on December 16, 2019, 05:18:44 AM
That’s really something,

We regularly call stuff outstanding, but that really is! Where’s the build log?

Guy

Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: Gisbod on December 16, 2019, 05:21:35 AM
Ah found it on LSP

 ;)
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: coyotemagic on December 16, 2019, 05:34:55 AM
Truly spectacular, Kent!  This is, without a doubt, my favorite model of the year.  Like Lance, I studied these photos on other sites and marveled at the your unparalleled skills.  I even showed the photos to my wife, who was completely blown away.  I have the Felixstowe in my stash, so she knows what went into this project.  I have just one request.  Please post the photos of the interior with the passenger figures.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: kensar on December 16, 2019, 06:03:24 AM
And I thought the Pilgrims came over on a boat!

Superb modeling, Kent.  Very impressive!  Thanks for showing it here.
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: kkarlsen on December 16, 2019, 06:15:31 AM
Thank you everybody, including Bud's wife.

The pictures of the passenger cabins, as requested...

(http://www.danskemodelbyggere.dk/forum/gallery/7698-081119180942-15765191.jpeg)

The rear cabin with room for 4 passengers and the cockpit on top of the fuel tanks!

(http://www.danskemodelbyggere.dk/forum/gallery/7698-151219211321-159041790.jpeg)

Front cabin with 6 seats...

Not completely done yet, I'm working on the roller curtain's!

(http://www.danskemodelbyggere.dk/forum/gallery/7698-071019094131.jpeg)

Figures to go...

Cheers: Kent
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: gedmundson on December 16, 2019, 07:17:29 AM
Absolutely spectacular Kent. I struggle to come up with superlatives that can express my admiration for your model. Well done indeed :-)
Cheers,
Gary
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: gbrivio on December 16, 2019, 08:22:19 AM
Beautiful and spectacular! I join all the positive comments on this great work of conversion and scratchbuilding.
Ciao
Giuseppe
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: Dave Brewer on December 16, 2019, 08:34:22 AM
Magnificent modelling Kent,I'm lost for words to describe how impressive this is.
Congratulations,
Dave.
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: PrzemoL on December 16, 2019, 08:50:41 AM
Having built a WNW Felixstowe from the box once, I can only get short of superlatives seeing such a magnificent conversion of that kit. A true masterpiece, so great that you showed it here, too.
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: bobs_buckles on December 16, 2019, 08:13:42 PM
Well, you think you've seen it all in this hobby and then something from another planet lands and the bar gets raised to stratospheric proportions. Incredible!!
Easily the best model of 2019.

vB  ;) 
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: kkarlsen on December 16, 2019, 11:52:22 PM
Thank you for your kind comments!

It was love at first sight when I first learned about the Aeromarine flying boat. The subject is just so cool and not military!
Although I knew the task would be monumental, I simply couldn't resist the temptation, I just had to try if it would be possible...
Even Richard from WNW's, warned me from attempting it, because of the many differences between the Felixstowe F.2a and the Curtiss F-5-L. He told me it probably would be easier to scratch build the Aeromarine, than converting the Felixstowe and in hindsight he was right.
Nothing from the Felixstowe kit has been left untouched, the box is still filled with parts that wasn't used...

Well long story short, I was able to put together some plans I could use, filling in the blanks as good as possible.

(http://www.danskemodelbyggere.dk/forum/gallery/7698-161219143836-159062036.jpeg)

The rest is history, bit by bit, part by part was converted or scratched, using the photos of Aeromarine's available.
I took some breaks along the way, preventing me from going crazy.
Now I am so happy I did this, it's not perfect but it looks like the real thing, I'm just so proud of 'her'.

Cheers: Kent
 
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: Manni on December 17, 2019, 04:41:21 PM
Hello, Kent,
Just wonderful what you've built. I had to let the whole thing work on me for a few days. The passengers' armchairs alone are a feast for the eyes.
I think this is the model of the year. You arrived at the Olympus of model builders.
Hats off,
Manni
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: FokkerFodder on December 17, 2019, 06:36:45 PM
Agree with all that’s been said - this is a real museum piece and I mean it - it deserves to be displayed. Hats off! Cheers Matt
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: hsmed on December 17, 2019, 08:56:00 PM
Absolutely marvellous. I hope, that you will exhibit it in some of the meetings in Denmark (Randers or Århus), so that I can see it for real 👍👍👍
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: dr 1 ace on December 18, 2019, 10:24:51 AM
Agree with all that’s been said - this is a real museum piece and I mean it - it deserves to be displayed. Hats off! Cheers Matt

Can't add any more !!!!

Ed
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: FAf on December 20, 2019, 06:40:03 AM
Marvelous! Such a beautiful result! /Fredrik
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: pepperman42 on December 20, 2019, 03:02:55 PM
Very impressive!!

Steve
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: kkarlsen on February 13, 2020, 05:09:01 PM
The Wingnut Wings Fans 10th Anniversary group build has been decided...

(https://i.imgur.com/q8I11Bh.jpg)

Richard Alexander said:
'The top 5 models were very close indeed with the exception of the amazing Aeromarine conversion which almost unanimously everyone's 1st place choice'.

A BIG thank you, to Richard Alexander and Wingnut Wings for picking my 'Aeromarine' entry.

I guess I've officially passed the apprenticeship 'biplane' examination...

Cheers: Kent
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: RAGIII on February 14, 2020, 02:16:54 AM
Very well deserved! Congratulations Kent!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: petrov27 on February 14, 2020, 03:12:47 AM
Congrats - again that is an amazing build - one of the best I have ever seen
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: lcarroll on February 14, 2020, 05:48:56 AM
   Very well deserved award Kent, so nice to see such a magnificent model given the appropriate recognition!
Cheers, and congratulations,
Lance
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: bobs_buckles on February 14, 2020, 08:36:32 AM
Modelling of the highest order! A well deserved 1st. Well done!

vB  ;)
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: lone modeller on February 14, 2020, 09:23:36 AM
I was away when this was first posted so have only just found it. That is a truly staggering model and you well deserve to be placed first with it. My hat off to you for such an amazing achievement.

Stephen
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: Mmarchal on February 14, 2020, 10:22:19 AM
This is one of the best aircraft models I have ever seen. Spectacular.
Title: Re: Aeromarine Model 75 'Santa Maria'
Post by: kensar on February 14, 2020, 10:34:38 PM
Congratulations for being selected the winner in the Facebook contest.  Well deserved, Kent.