discussion Finding references

[Jim R]

Hi all
Although I don't strive for extreme accuracy I do like to have reference photographs to consider. My question is how on earth do you find them. On my current build people like Jakko, Steve and others have kindly posted photos to help me. I have spent ages on the computer but must be missing something as I didn't come up with them Are there any tips for searching?
Keep safe everyone.
Jim

 

[scottie3158]

I have the same problems, but I normally find some info by typing in the name of the vehicle and adding walk around. There is also a site called prime portal they have some good stuff. I'm sure you will get better pointers and I look forward to seeing them too.
Scottie
There is also scalemates they have good pointers to reference items

 

[Steven000]

I search on 'google images', I type the name of the vehicle and a detail I'm looking for...
Something like "bf 109 wheel" of just "109 wheel" I try a few searches using a minimal of words...
Steven

 

[Dave Ward]

Jim,
I always try 'XXX' walkaround on the main Google search page
Dave

 

[Jim R]

Thanks
Already things I'm not doing :thumb2: I've unfortunately got time to practice your ideas at the moment :tongue-out3:
Jim

 

[AlanG]

Scalemates has links on walkrounds if you type in the kit and then look down the page a little. If not there depending on what you want to look at there are forums (such as Luftwaffe) dedicated to that subject.

 

[yak face]

Same as the others jim , if i havent got a book for reference , first port of call is Google . I usually start with walkarounds -for example mi 24 Hind f walkaround brings up several excellent results . If the particular thing im looking for isnt on the walkaround them I try searching the particular thing , for example mi 24 hind engine and select ‘images’
As mentioned scalemates is a great resource and often has useful links for reference.

 

[Guest]

Google has the really annoying habit of trying to guess what you really mean when in fact you’re asking it for exactly what you type in — especially if you’re looking for obscure things. This often means you get plenty of hits for things no even close to what you’re after, but which Google for some reason associates with your search and helpfully shows you as well. (Of course, trying to replicate this to show some screenshots of what I mean fails miserably …) You can often improve the hits by putting quote marks around a search term, to force Google to look for that exact term instead of finding something close to it.

Also, if you’re looking for historic photos, it often helps to click on the Tools menu (under the search bar) and set it to show black and white images only. This will weed out a lot of museum photos, model pictures, etc.

 

[Guest]

Place in search the subject but add "pictures" of at the end of the search text.

Found masses of stuff.

Eaxample.. Put in search "Spitfire pictures" you get https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=Spitfire+pictures

If you want pictures of rotors on a SeaKing. In search "rotors on a SeaKing pictures" You get this

https:tongue-out3:/www.google.com/s...oAhXtx4UKHQHVDIkQ7Al6BAgKECk&biw=1536&bih=704

Put "pictures" at the end of the search text otherwise you get pictures of the Cheddar Gorge or the Australian outback with a crock looking at you.

Laurie

 

[prichrd1]

Jim,

Are you looking for anything specific?

One site I find useful ;-

Battlefield

There is something there for everyone, literally 1000's of photographs covering Armour, Softskin. Towed Weapons, even one covering containers.
Along the top you will also find links to - The Airstrip (Planes/Helicopters), The Armory (Weapons) and The Dockyard (Ships). Space Central (You guessed it!) and Modelling (Shows etc. limited model pictures tho)

HTH,

Paul.
:smiling2:

 

[Jim R]

Wow guys what a great response. I'm not looking for anything particular at the moment. Tomorrow I'm going to try the ideas, all of them new to me.
Thanks again.
Jim

 

[Steve Jones]

There are hundreds of sites out there Jim. Its all about surfing the net and finding the sites you need. The problem is always time. It usually takes me a good day to do the full research on a model. During that time I will click and save anything I think will be of use to me further down the line. I now have a reference of around 2500 photos which is always a great help. Here are some of my regular sites I use and then go from there. Its great fun researching and one of the best parts of the hobby for me.

https://ww2db.com/photo.php, https://historyimages.blogspot.com/2009/05/battle-for-stalingrad-most-brutal.html, PINTEREST, https://www.worldwarphotos.info/gal...trucks/horch-901/horch-901-winter-camouflage/, http://histomil.com/viewtopic.php?t=3918&start=2280, https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/photographs, https://www.scalemates.com, http://www.toadmanstankpictures.com, http://www.landships.info/landships/index.html, https://panzerworld.com/vehicles, http://www.primeportal.net/the_battlefield.htm, http://svsm.org/gallery/walkarounds, https://www.net-maquettes.com

 

[Guest]

I just ask Steve !

 

[Mini Me]

Jim, if you are not looking for something specific but just want to browse WW2 axis topics, just google Axis History Forum Index and just about any topic you can think of from that period of time will be at your fingertips. Lots and Lots of Photos, have fun and let me know how you make out. Rick H.

 

[Jim R]

I just ask Steve !

A great idea. It was just that I was mildly embarrassed by posting that I couldn't find a reference and then people like Steve and Jakko pop up with half a dozen :rolling:
Thanks guys for all your suggestions. Last night I had a go and already have had loads more success. I actually feel quite smug :smiling2:
Jim

 

[BattleshipBob]

Some great ideas!! As i am slightly obessed with a certain thing i grab a book or 30!

 

[Jim R]

Well folks I'm feeling rather pleased with myself. Using some of your ideas I found this photo of the cab of my SS100 heavy tractor.


The kit gives me this


A bit of sanding and cutting using my new RP Toolz mitre cutter and I have this


OK not up to the scratch building of the Simon Ts, Steves, Alistairs and Jakkos etc but a vast improvement. Doors and back of rear seat next :tongue-out3:

Just another example of how helpful this forum is.
Jim

 

[Peter Gillson]

Hi all

if it is reference photos for uniforms I find that the websites of re-enactment groups are usually a good source. For my busts of officers in current mess dress I found the websites of the tailors which make them to be really useful.

Also, the owners of vehicles can be really helpful. Sometimes it may be a bit of a convoluted route. for instance; googling "scout carrier" I came across a photo on the website of Southampton Freight of a wrecked Scout carrier they imported. https://www.sotonfreight.co.uk/1940s-scout-tank-found-in-australia.htm

Contacting them, they kindly passed on my email to the owner, Ben Hawkins who made contact and very kindly send me nearly 100 photos of his restored Scout Carrier. Really kind of him.

peter

 

[BattleshipBob]

Excellent Peter, my moto if you do not ask, you get bugger all!

I have had excellent support from Peter and Wolfgang from historyfacts who have been fantastic when asked for help, loads of photos, really nice people

 

[Guest]

Well folks I'm feeling rather pleased with myself. Using some of your ideas I found this photo of the cab of my SS100 heavy tractor.


The kit gives me this

I see your problem. The restorers of the real thing obviously obliterated the nice lettering so they could install those rustic-looking wooden beams on the ceiling.

Everybody needs to start somewhere, and that looks convincing and well made. Before you know it, you’ll be scratchbuilding entire trucks