Beyond The Sprues
Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: Brian da Basher on May 27, 2014, 11:48:51 PM
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The 1930's was a decade of great turmoil, not only in Europe and Asia, but also in Central America. While U.S. intervention in Nicaragua and Honduras is well known, less remembered is the Guatemalan banana crisis of 1934. It all began after an abysmal banana harvest...
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/yeswehavenobananas.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/yeswehavenobananas.jpg.html)
The lack of bananas could only lead to instability and banditry. Every last banana not nailed down was ripe for the picking. One of the worst thieving bandit armies were the deadly Bananaqueros.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/Mexican_rebel_camp.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/Mexican_rebel_camp.jpg.html)
Led by the violent and ruthless El Chiquita, the Bananaqueros were a serious threat.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/Mexican_Bandit_grin.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/Mexican_Bandit_grin.jpg.html)
Initially, U.S. efforts to help end the Bananaquero terror were ineffective.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/tallcowboy.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/tallcowboy.jpg.html)
Sterner measures were called for.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/USMCflag.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/USMCflag.jpg.html)
Marine Fighter squadron 5 was quickly embarked on the carrier U.S.S. Ranger to put an end to the Bananaqueros.
Fortunately, the Marines were equipped with one of the most modern pursuit fighters of the day, the Curtiss YP-32 YF1234ABCD-1 Devil Hawk.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal001.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal001.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal005.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal005.jpg.html)
While the U.S. Congress was loathe to spend money on anything not absolutely essential in the 1930's, the U.S. Navy had been successful in obtaining funds to carry on aircraft development.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/image049-791319.jpeg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/image049-791319.jpeg.html)
Biplane Curtiss Hawks and Helldivers were seen in newsreels and airshows at the time and fortunately, the original design had been upgraded and modernized into an all-metal, cantilever-wing monoplane. The YF1234ABCD-1 Devil Hawk had incredibly advanced features for the time such as an enclosed cockpit, heavy 4-gun armament and a pair of the hottest, most intimidating spatted landing gear yet seen.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal002.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal002.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal003.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal003.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal004.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal004.jpg.html)
The prototype flew in 1932 and exceeded all expectations and then some. The Secretary of the Navy ordered a service-test squadron into production. Unfortunately, the hidebound U.S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics was not about to accept such a cutting-edge design. Citing concerns about undercarriage weakness (Spats weak? Say it ain't so!), the Navy fobbed the service-test squadron on the Marine Corps who promptly dubbed the new pursuit the Devil Hawk.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal006.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal006.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal007.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal007.jpg.html)
This would prove a lucky break for the flying Leathernecks of VMF-5 and the nation of Guatemala.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal009.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal009.jpg.html)
The Marines were dogged in their pursuit of the Bananaqueros into the Guatemalan hinterlands. Having the bandit army cornered, the Devil Hawks used their four wing-mounted machine guns to great effect. Those bandits not killed or seriously wounded fled in fear, their morale shattered by bullets and those intimidating spats.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal00155.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal00155.jpg.html)
The Bananaqueros were finally vanquished and peace returned to Guatemala.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/zebrabandits.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/zebrabandits.jpg.html)
Brian da Basher
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This all started with yet another wonderful 1/72 Airfix Curtiss Hawk 81/P-40B.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/airfix-hawk-81-box.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/airfix-hawk-81-box.jpg.html)
Of course, modifications were called for. I added spats leftover from an Italian CR-42 biplane that a kind soul donated a while back. Then I cut off that beautiful Allison engine and added the front fairing from a Ford Trimotor.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkprog001.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkprog001.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkprog002.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkprog002.jpg.html)
A little under-wing work was needed for the new landing gear.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkprogunder.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkprogunder.jpg.html)
I toyed around with engine ideas and some didn't make the cut.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkprogxconceptfail.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkprogxconceptfail.jpg.html)
I swear, it's not always my fault.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/theymademeacriminaltitle.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/theymademeacriminaltitle.jpg.html)
Finally, I found a lovely, resin twin-row radial in the spares box. When I added an exhaust ring made out of a bent paperclip, this left-over Townend ring was a pretty good fit.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal0011.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal0011.jpg.html)
I also added a tail-hook made from landing gear struts and a new tail wheel and fairing. I figured while the Marines wouldn't fly on and off carriers a lot, they'd still need to be capable of carrier landings. The entire model was brush-painted by hand in acrylics.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal0014.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal0014.jpg.html)
Decals were a mix of spares, some of them older than me.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinalupper.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinalupper.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinalunder.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinalunder.jpg.html)
Here's a couple of close-ups of those cool USMC globe and anchors which came from a Grumman F3F.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinalUSMCdecal01.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinalUSMCdecal01.jpg.html)
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinalUSMCdecal02.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinalUSMCdecal02.jpg.html)
This project took me about four days to build.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal0010.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal0010.jpg.html)
Here's a bonus shot of those lovely yet incredibly intimidating spats!
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal0013.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal0013.jpg.html)
I hope you enjoyed my USMC Devil Hawk and reading about the forgotten Guatemalan Banana Crisis of 1934.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g392/Bri2k/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal0012.jpg) (http://s1099.photobucket.com/user/Bri2k/media/USMC%20Devil%20Hawk/DevilHawkfinal0012.jpg.html)
Brian da Basher
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Wow! LOVE the Devil Hawk. Although I think it should be something like YF12C-1 in Navy/Marine service. The spats look especially great! When I saw the first pic with the Trimotor front end I knew it looked familiar! I just cut the same piece off my Trimotor the other day for my current project, which will be a twin-engined bomber in Latin American service (haven't decided which country yet).
Chuck
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Thanks for catching that Acree! I made a small edit. U.S. Navy designations sure aren't my strong point.
Glad you liked the Devil Hawk!
Brian da Basher
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Another masterful BdB creation. :)
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Splendiferous! :)
You could, of course, have a sequel in which the Bananaqueros rose again in the 1970s, only to be put down by RN Buccaneers.... ;)
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Another inspired creation - love the back story too !!!!! :-* 8) :icon_beer:
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Great story Brian and the modifications you applied to that P-40 are truly amazing.
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The banana jokes were a flying a bit thick and fast but you got there in the end, my friend. Excellent story and a very nice little model!
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Wow, that's amazing! Great grafting skills!
Alvis 3.1
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Great work Brian, I love the story and the modeling work!
Just it seems the flash distorted a bit the camo colors, they look more real in the USMC shield close-up...
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:D OMG LOL!!! Knee slappin' Whiff and back story there!! Great build and finish there Mr. Basher!! 8)
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Great mod to the P-40, Brian. I like the green camo colors, too. The only problem - you should have used a banana for scale!
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I do love your stories Sir - and what you do with those Hawks is just amazing!
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Beautiful model!! The entire story was quite a-peal-ing.
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Brilliant as always BdB. I think you've got a winner with the Devil Hawk.
The Hawk 81 is all very nice. But does the Allison have cowling louvres? No! Does the Hawk 81 undercarriage have performance-enhancing spats? No!
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Wonderful :-* It looks purposeful and I love the "old school" markings as well :)
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BdB, that one looks like it'd be right at home in one of the 1930's Republic serials, Fighting Devil Dogs, that centered on a couple of US Marines. Heck, it looks far more plausible than some of what was actually in that serial.
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When it seems you have done all the vintage one engine prop fighter kitbash variants, you pull another one out of the hat.
Cowl-engine fit and spat landing gear complement each other, presenting splendid character to Devil Hawk :)
Quite the back story. Devil Hawk and back story fit each other well :)