1/48 Monogram USCG PBY

Gallery Article by Mike Maynard on Sept 4 2009

 

I built the PBY5A using the Monogram 1:48 scale kit and adapted it for a US Coast Guard Search and Rescue unit. The prototype aircraft flew from the Quonset Point Rhode Island Naval air station in the early 1950’s. The aircraft, call sign “SAR DOG” assisted in both military and civilian SAR cases.  

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The kit fits together fairly well and makes up a large a/c model.  I chose to model it as a USCG unit as most PBY builders construct the WWII naval version and I like to build models “outside the box” (no pun intended). I scratch built the boarding ladder, JATO bottles, airdrop lifeboat, Leigh light, observers long range binoculars, and a complete interior with radio operator, navigator and flight deck stations. In addition I used aftermarket a/c tires and photo etch engine parts. The decals are custom printed and the PBY is painted with Tamiya aluminum spray paint and airbrushed with Testors yellow, black, zinc chromate, and orange.  The Coast Guard withdrew the PBY as an operational asset by 1954.   

The “SAR DOG” took a first place trophy at a IPMS contest last year.

Mike Maynard

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Photos and text © by Mike Maynard