This has been started .
I thought that a challenge with this one would be moulding a canopy.
To that end I've made a vac form box.
Used a no longer required bamboo box and some ply off cuts picked up in hardware store for Nil $.
There is a lot of info and how to's on the net.
The picture shows the box . First attempt on the left - too hot. 2nd attempt - applied a bit of heat at the end -oops. Using repurposed plastic from the recycling.
Cheers
Gordon
I am watching with interest.
Lou
It is certainly a large canopy.
It is a bit of a challenge. Just need to be a bit more deft with heating.
The first two attempts are encouraging.
I've found a couple of Australian aircrew involved in the Battle of France flying the Battle.
There were a couple Canadians as well as New Zealanders.
Bit more research required.
Gordon
The RCAF has 740 Battles in training roles.
Lou
This is where the Battle is at.
Need to trim the canopy slightly.
Cheers
Gordon
Awesome canopy work.
Lou
The canopy surly is a defining feature on the Fairey. I think the clear canopy will add to the model.
Fraser
No further progress on this. Time available being applied o the BAT.
Gordon
I have revised my approach to the Battle.
The vac form canopy is oversize. Plus doing something to the cockpit would add weeks to the project.
Soooo....
The fuselage is nearly at where I want it. Shape etc..,
Undercarriage will be UP.
Picture to follow when further progressed.
Gordon
Good to hear from you. I know you will resolve any issue.
Lou
The woodcarving part of the solid model process in enjoyable, but the thought of molding plastic canopies and then adding interior details ruins the experience for me. :) Not sure if anyone has even tried vacuforming here on SMM before, so kudos for that.
So, does the canopy blank have to be carved slightly smaller to allow for the thickness of the plastic?
I guess slightly smaller would work. My plug was oversize (slightly) . I think I know why.
Didn't look right on the model.
Objective was achieved making a vac form box and working out the how to's with heat gun etc..,
Moving on. Just have to knock up some exhausts and decals.
Have something in mind to push the boundaries a bit further but later on down the track.
Cheers
Gordon
Where the Battle is at.
Propeller nearly done. Exhausts and oil cooler to be added.
Wheels are up.
Gordon
I've done a bit of research on the Battle.
Along with Canadians, New Zealanders there were Australian aircrew involved in the Battle of France.
I've chosen a Battle of 142 squadron QT-B L5239.
The attached pics of which I can find only two are of QT-B.
The info is it was piloted by a SGT A.N Spear (British)and shot down 19th May 1940.
If you look at the picture of the Port side there is a "Black Swan" and possibly some indecipherable script underneath.
I can find two Australian pilots on 142 squadron.
K.R Rogers from Goulburn NSW. KIA 10th May.
H.H. Taylor from Perth Western Australia. The black Swan is the State emblem for WA.
He was shot down and made POW on 14May with his crew in QT-I. He took up painting and sketching in the camps and was an artist of some renown.
I am going to assume from the nose art that at some stage this was his aircraft.
Onwards.
Gordon
This one shows the port side . Note also what would appear to be ( to me ) a gas detection patch on port wing.
Cheers
Gordon
An excellent capture of the Fairey Battle.
Lou
Thank you Lou.
Decals to be sorted yet.
Gordon
Some colour has been applied.
Exhausts and tail wheel coming along . Decals still to be sorted.
Picture to follow.
Gordon
Some projects are enjoyed longer than others.
Lou
Nearly done. Decals printed .Exhausts ready to go. Bit more done on propeller.
Doing some study on photographs whether it was done in the "B" scheme (odd number serial) or the "C"
Or the "D" scheme which were colour reversals of A and B. The photos of QT-B are a bit hard to interpret . On the starboard side I think there is a hard demarcation line that may be the neck of a swan. More study needed.
Cheers
Gordon
The plan with the squadron codes is to make some stencils and paint them by hand.
Gordon
Wonderful build so far.
Lou
Thank you Lou.
Pushing on slowly.
Gordon
Painting has begun. First attempt at making a stencil for squadron codes failed. So rethinking that.
Cheers
Gordon
I love it. I often print on clear decal film and hand paint the code.
Lou
I think I used a similar method on the Buffalo.
Cheers
Gordon
Ready to start applying the decals.
Cheers
Gordon
Excellent camouflage and the cockpit glass sets it off. Congratulations on such a fantastic Battle.
Lou
Thank you Lou.
Started applying decals. Wing roundels went on ok.
Have to remake squadron codes. Individual letter ok but squadron code ones didn't want to
Stay attached.
Onwards.
Gordon
The Battle is nearly done.
Codes are grey on white . Coat of clear then painted with a small brush lots of patience.
I'll think about quality control.
Leaving the tailwheel off and will think about the swan on the port side.
Gordon
Magnificent results so far.
Lou
I've decided to call the Battle finished.
Have passed it over to my Grandson.
I have left of the black swan on port side and the tail wheel.
Cheers
Gordon
Some more...
Would have updated the title bar with completed date but can't remember how I did it before.
:-\
Gordon
Magnificent Battle.
Go to the first post and select modify and change the tittle.
Lou
Thanks Lou,
Done.
Gordon
Looks great!
I'm interested to know:
1) How do you make your propellers?
2) What do you use to adhere the canopy to the wood?
Excellent model!
Jordan,
Propellers - on the Battle I used styrene tube to make the boss with individual blades.
On the CH-1 I used brass to make the boss. There are several tutorials and how to's from Lou and Kens Lancaster.
I changed my mind on the Battle and put the original wood canopy back on.On the Blenheim it was a commercial Vac form and used Super glue.
Hope this helps a little bit.
Cheers
Gordon