Subject: Re: Submission for ARC from Konley Kelley
From: "Submissions for ARC" <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Sat, 10 Aug 2013 10:50:59 -0700

Hi,
I just wanted to let you know your article went on ARC today.  Thanks again for sending it in.

Steve Bamford
ARC Air - Aircraft Resource Center
http://www.arcair.com

Live like there is no tomorrow;
Love like you've never been hurt.
Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: [email-masked] 
  To: [email-masked] 
  Sent: Wednesday, July 17, 2013 11:57 AM
  Subject: Submission for ARC from Konley Kelley

  Hello Steve.  

  Let me know if this makes it to you safe n' sound.   Below find text and attached images for a new submission from me for ARC.

  I look at your site everyday and tell folks about it.  Thanks for your terrific work.  Kon

  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  Lt. George Bush TBF Avenger in Plastic and 3D

  By Konley Kelley

  PIC – Bush Avenger 1

  After seeing President George H.W. Bush at the dedication ofhis son’s Presidential Library, I decided to make a scale model and 3D model ofhis TBF Avenger from WW2.

  Hobby Lobby carries the Monogram 1:48 kit.   I got it but wanted to use an AccurateMiniatures 1:48 kit to make the model.  Icould 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 #3that he was shot down and nearly killed after bombing Japanese positions on theisland of Chi Chi Jima.  A lot of the infoon his military service can be found on Wikipedia.  I was astounded to learn he flew 58 combatmissions in WW2 of which many were taking off and landing this enormousaircraft 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.  Noflash, no junk, just the real deal.  What a pleasure it is to work with a kit like this.

  PIC – Bush Avenger 2

  Before I got too far with the scale model kit, I scanned thedecals.  I knew I’d need them to maketexture maps for the scale model.

  PIC – Bush Avenger 3

  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 the3D Avenger without texture-maps.

  PIC – Bush Avenger 4

  PIC – Bush Avenger 5

  PIC – Bush Avenger 6

  I created texture maps trying to capture the colors andweathering.  For 3D, it is also great todarken and shade panel lines for a cool effect.

  PIC – Bush Avenger 7

  PIC – Bush Avenger 8

  I love showing a wireframe of the model and thefully-rendered model side-by-side.

  PIC – Bush Avenger 9

  I added a Japanese Zero and created my first full-renderedshot with a background.  I added thesplash created by the torpedo with Photoshop.

  PIC – Bush Avenger 10

  Here are some shots of the scale model.  Not bad.  I really enjoyed this build.

  PIC – Bush Avenger 11

  PIC – Bush Avenger 12

  PIC – Bush Avenger 13

  PIC – Bush Avenger 14

  PIC – Bush Avenger 15

  I did some playing in the 3D model environment until I founda pose I really liked of the 3D Avenger and Zero.   Like the model kit, this 3D Avenger carriesa torpedo.   I wonder how many torpedoesLt. Bush dropped in combat?   Flying aslow, steady course to drop a torpedo on target with Zero’s buzzing around was definitelya true feat of courage for any pilot.

  PIC – Bush Avenger 17

  Finally, I’ve done a presentation for different groupscalled “Modeling History in 3D.”  It includesa lot of my scale models and 3D artwork. I usually bring several of my scale models to the preso because I’ve created3D versions of them.   The Bush Avengerproject gave me one more item to feature AND a clever idea.  My next preso is for a kids aviation camp atthe Cavanaugh Flight Museum on August 7.  Getting and keeping the attention of kids is not easy – especially thereally young variety.   Sometimes thepresenter 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 anexcellent opportunity to tell the story of a true American hero and formerPresident of the United States that is truly the real deal.   

  PIC – Bush Avenger 18

  I have a new e-mail address if anyone would like to reach meat [email-masked]   You can always see my artwork at www.shortfuse3d.com   I also encourage your readers to keep tabson the CAF B-29 “FIFI” and B-24 “Diamond Lil” via the website www.airpowertour.com  Both aircraft are touring the country andmaybe I’ll see you at a tour stop. Thanks!

  Copyright  - KonleyKelley 2013