After seeing President George H.W. Bush at the dedication
of his son’s Presidential Library, I decided to make a scale model and 3D model
of his TBF Avenger from WW2.
Hobby Lobby carries the Monogram 1:48 kit. I got it but wanted to use an
Accurate Miniatures 1:48 kit to make the model. I could use the decals from the Monogram kit for this project. I soon discovered the decals are for
Lt. Bush’s Avenger #2 vs. #3. It was in #3 that he was shot down and nearly killed after bombing Japanese positions on
the island of Chi Chi Jima. A lot of the info on his military service can be found on Wikipedia. I was astounded to learn he flew 58
combat missions in WW2 of which many were taking off and landing this enormous
aircraft from the deck of an Escort Carrier.
Avenger #2 also carried Lt. Bush’s name and a little “shout-out” to Mrs. Bush near the canopy.
You gotta love the AM kits. The detail is incredible. No flash, no junk, just the real deal. What a pleasure it is to work with a kit like this.
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I started to make the 3D model. It is all about making shapes. I use Strata 3D on my Mac. It is as user-friendly as it gets. I made the shapes and even test-rendered
the 3D Avenger without texture-maps.
Before I got too far with the scale model kit, I scanned
the decals. I knew I’d need them to make texture maps for the scale model.
I created texture maps trying to capture the colors and weathering. For 3D, it is also great
to darken and shade panel lines for a cool effect.
I love showing a wire frame of the model and the fully-rendered model side-by-side.
I added a Japanese Zero and created my first full-rendered shot with a background. I added
the splash created by the torpedo with Photoshop.
Below are some shots of the scale model. Not bad. I really enjoyed this build.
I did some playing in the 3D model environment until I found a pose I really liked of the 3D Avenger and Zero. Like the model kit, this 3D Avenger
carries a torpedo. I wonder how many torpedoes Lt. Bush dropped in combat? Flying
a slow, steady course to drop a torpedo on target with Zero’s buzzing around was
definitely a true feat of courage for any pilot.
Finally, I’ve done a presentation for different groups called “Modeling History in 3D.” It
includes a lot of my scale models and 3D artwork. I usually bring several of my scale models to the preso because I’ve
created 3D versions of them. The Bush Avenger project gave me one more item to feature AND a clever idea. My next preso is for a kids aviation camp
at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum on August 7. Getting and keeping the attention of kids is not easy – especially
the really young variety. Sometimes the presenter needs to have a trick up his sleeve. I’ve got a little surprise in store for my kids. It’ll get their attention AND give me
an excellent opportunity to tell the story of a true American hero and former
President of the United States that is truly the real deal.
I have a new e-mail address if anyone would like to reach meat konartist@verizon.net You can always see my artwork at
www.shortfuse3d.com I also encourage your readers to keep
tabs on the CAF B-29 “FIFI” and B-24 “Diamond Lil” via the website www.airpowertour.com Both aircraft are touring the country
and maybe I’ll see you at a tour stop. Thanks!
Konley Kelley
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