My grandfather flew a B24 in WWII.  He was a gunner in a plane called
"Solid Comfort".  I would like to purchase a die cast replica of this
B24 for my dad.  So far I have had no luck finding one, or finding
somebody to custom make this.  I have seen other B24's but not "Solid
Comfort".  Does anybody know where I can get one built or find one
already built.

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Request for Question Clarification by techtor-ga on 18 May 2004 11:04 PDT

Hello Mxsmetz,
Being an avid scale modeler and warplane fan, I looked around on your
question, and I do believe that die cast planes cannot be custom
built. Yes, it is also unfortunate that "Solid Comfort" does not have
a model around, since it is less well-known than other decorated
B-24s. Most custom builders use wood models, and of course the classic
plastic and resin scale model kits, and a customized die cast model
does not seem practical. Would you settle instead for information on
custom builders of wood models? Such models would probably cost $300
upwards. Also, were you thinking of having someone paint over a
die-cast B-24 already in the market?

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Clarification of Question by mxsmetz-ga on 18 May 2004 12:15 PDT

Thanks for the reply.  I would definitely settle for info on having a
wood model custom built.  My dad would love that.

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Request for Question Clarification by techtor-ga on 19 May 2004 09:38 PDT

Mxsmetz, 
I'll inquire at some custom builders to see if they can make the Solid
Comfort". By the way, I assume you're in the United States, is that
right?

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Clarification of Question by mxsmetz-ga on 19 May 2004 11:14 PDT

Thanks.  Yes, I am in the US. (Chicago)

Hello again Mxsmetz,
I hope I have garnered information to provide you a helpful answer in
getting a model of the Solid Comfort bomber. First, let me start with
a website directory I found:

Thirty Thousand Feet - Aircraft Models - aircraft models
http://www.thirtythousandfeet.com/models.htm
- This is a mixed directory of aircraft model manufacturers, so it has
both kit manufacturers and other resources as well as the custom model
makers you are looking for. You can look through them if you have
time. Meanwhile, I looked around separately and found these custom
makes that may be able to help you. Unfortunately, I could not tell if
any of them are in or near Chicago. However, if they say they can
custom-make any plane of any marking, then they can make Solid
Comfort. I'm sure they can deliver to Chicago:


Some Custom plane makers:

Custom Made Mahogany Desktop Models, Airlines, Military, General
Aviation, Law Enforcement
http://www.airplanecustommodels.com/custom/index.shtml
- Here's a model maker that offers a price of $160 for a model less than 20"

Silent Thunder Models: Special Order Custom Helicopter & Airplane
Models - Customized Display Models
http://www.silentthundermodels.com/custom_models/main.html

Motion Models - Custom Model Gallery. Model airplanes ships aircraft aviation. 
http://www.motionmodels.com/custom.html

Custom Made Aircraft Models by AHC - Commercial, Military, Private
http://www.site-city.com/aviation/acreplicas/order.shtml
- I'm not sure if they custom-make military aircraft, though I believe they do. 

HandCraftedModels.com : model airplanes, ships, planes, boats,
helicopters, submarines
http://www.handcraftedmodels.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=96

All Wood Wings: B-24J Liberator, USAF 'The Captain and the Kids'
http://www.allwoodwings.com/3-WWI+WWII/B-24J,Liberator,USAF.htm
- A custom B-24 goes for around $300. Payment has to be through Paypal I think.

Aviation Models: Custom Models
http://aviation-models.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=AM&Category_Code=CM

Griffin Aerospace Custom and Specialty Aircraft Models
http://www.griffinaerospace.com/index-old.htm

Scalecraft - Quality Hand Carved Mahogany Airplane Models
http://www.scalecraft.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=6

Mahogany Models
http://www.mahoganymodels.com/index.html

Wings America - Carmel, CA
http://www.wingsamerica.com/
- Quite far from you though. Click on "Custom Aircraft Models" for
more information.


Pacific Products Gallery - Custom Scale Model Aircraft
http://www.pacprod.com/planes/custommain.htm
- This came out in a search for custom makers, however none of the
links were working by the time I searched for it. I hope you'll have
better luck.

B-24 at Nick Proach Models
http://www.spacemodel.com/pic108.html
- Here's a B-24J sold by Nick Proach Models, though I don't think this
company would make custom models. As the hard way, you could buy this
and have a modeler paint or decal it in the Solid Comfort marking.



In case you would accept plastic modelers, I have a list of some you
could approach to make a B-24 plastic kit into the "Solid Comfort".

IPMS/USA - Director of Local Chapters - Listings By Region
http://www.ipmsusa.org/Groups_Contests/region_select.asp?RGN=5
- IPMS is the premier plastic modelers' association. Perhaps
contacting the Chicago chapter here could help you find someone do a
plasticmodel for you.

FineScale Modeler Community Forum
http://www.finescale.com/fsm/community/forum/
- The forum of FineScale Modeler is probably one place where you can
ask around plastic modelers if they'd want to do your project, or if
they can tell you of somebody in Chicago who can do it.

The Military Art Gallery Allies World War II Aviation - Custom models by Pat Hawkey
http://www.milartgl.com/models/models.htm
- Pat Hawkey is a renowned aircraft modeler, having been featured in
Fine Scale Modeler. He does not live near you though, but I believe

SCALEHOBBY.COM FORUMS - YOUR HOBBY FORUMS!
http://www.scalehobby.com/forum/index.php
- Another example of a hobby forum you could ask around in.


Another idea:

Freedom Collectibles - Consolidated Aircraft Corp. B-24 Liberator
http://www.freedomcollectibles.com/order-product.asp?pid=B24LI
- A stock model like this could be sent to a modeler or artist for
painting and decaling with the markings you want.



Custom decaling:
In case you might want to create your own "Solid Comfort" decal
markings, though you may let the modeler install them, here's a
product that might be of help:

HobbyTown USA: Make Your Own Markings
http://www.hobbytown.com/custompages/?id=469



Google Search Terms used:
custom model b-24
custom military plane model
custom b-24 plane model
custom model plane
air modeler forum
aircraft modeler forum
custom model aircraft


I hope this has been a most helpful answer. If you need anything else,
or have a problem with the answer, do please post a Request for
Clarification before rating and I shall respond as soon as I can.
Thank you.

This information is perfect. Thank you so much!

Thanks for the high rating! I am glad my answer served you well. :)