1/60 Fairey Battle started December 2023 completed October 2024

[Boomerang]

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

[lastvautour]

I am watching with interest.

Lou

[Olli]

I am watching with interest.

Me too

[Gearup]

It is certainly a large canopy.

[Boomerang]

 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

[lastvautour]

The RCAF has 740 Battles in training roles.

Lou

[Boomerang]

 This is where the Battle is at.

 Need to trim the canopy slightly.

 Cheers

 Gordon

[lastvautour]

Awesome canopy work.

Lou

[Gearup]

The canopy surly is a defining feature on the Fairey. I think the clear canopy will add to the model.
Fraser

[Boomerang]

 No further progress on this. Time available being applied o the BAT.

 Gordon

[Boomerang]

 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

[lastvautour]

Good to hear from you. I know you will resolve any issue.

Lou

[Dave T]

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?

[Boomerang]

 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

[Boomerang]

 Where the Battle is at.

 Propeller nearly done. Exhausts and oil cooler to be added.

 Wheels are up.

 Gordon