My In Progress Project(s)

B-24D Liberator
Last project in the:
America Goes to War Series
Last Updated: Aug. 10, 2023

This kit on Scalemates

This project has been temporarily put on hold until other projects are finished.

This B-24D is part of a theme build that I call: America Prepares for War. I started this series in 2022 and is a small focus on vehicles produced before American industries transformed their factories to making military vehicles, planes and parts to support the WWII war effort. The Ford Motor Company actually built a new factory in Willow Run, Michigan to produce the B-24D Liberator.

I came up with the idea for this series of builds while researching the build of a 1941 Chevy Pickup and a 1941 Plymouth Coupe. Both of these models are complete and can be viewed in the completed projects area of this website.

When I started doing the research on the '41 Chevy Pickup I was mesmerized by it's history and it's part in moving the automotive industry toward wartime production.

If you would like to view a summary of my research for this series click the History image.

Completed Builds in Series:

Lost in Space
B9 Robot
Moebius #939 1:6 Scale
Last Updated: Feb. 22, 2024
This kit on Scalemates

I am planning to animate this project. It will be my first attempt at adding electronics to a build.

I have worked in electronics and industrial controls my entire 50-year career, so I know I have the know how; however, I don't know what is available in the way of small components that will fit within the model. I'm initially planning to use an Arduino or two or three to perform the control functions; however, that can change as I proceed through the build. I definitely want to attempt making it RC controlled which will also be a first for me. Some of the things I plan to animate are:

• The internal head rotating
• The head lights randomly blinking
• If possible, the head moving up/down
• The torso rotating
• All lights on the torso working
• Adding the robots voice. I already have many voice clips
• The mouth blinking to the voice
• The grippers opening and closing
• The feet tread moving so he can walk

So...we'll see how all this plays out.

I know there are a lot of others who have animated this kit and I've watched some of there YouTube video's. I also see that there are electronic packs available, but at a high price. That said...I want to do it on my own using my own ingenuity.

1956 Ford Thunderbird
T-Bird
Revell 85-4518
Also listed as 14518
1:24 Scale
Last Updated: April 13, 2024
This kit on Scalemates

Whenever I start a build I like to research the subject I'm building. In the case of cars, I like to research what body, interior and engine color(s) were available from the factory. If you'd like to view my research, click the research image.

I admit I am a Mopar guy; however, there are a few Fords that I do like and would like to own an actual car. But for now I have either built or have one in my stash:

1. 1928 to 1931 Model 'A'
2. 1954 to 1957 Ford Thunderbird (T-Bird)
3. 1966 Ford Mustang

There is also one Chevy that I would really like to have in my garage, and that is:

1. 1955 Chevy Bel-Air

That said...it's time to build a 1956 Ford T-Bird!