- The Airfix Tribute Forum -

AFCBGeorge · Last edited by AFCBGeorge on Thu 09 Apr 2009 21:26 pm; edited 1 time in total

Progress from across the pond will be found here.

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jssel · Posted: Thu 09 Apr 2009 20:12 pm Post subject:

My build will be the Airfix series 2, pattern 283, Bristol Beaufighter T.F.X. coded MB*T with a twist. I will do it in USAAF markings using a scheme found in Colour and Markings with an O.D. tail unit. 416th NFS Italy.

Box art and sprue pictures will follow.

Cheers

Jeff S
_________________
Jeff S

Just Build it!

Nightstalkers GB

jssel · Posted: Tue 14 Apr 2009 12:00 pm Post subject:

In preparation for tomorrow's kick off here is the project outlined.

Box art..........

Sprue shot.........

Reference material.........

I hope it will look kinda like, but not exactly like this..........

I built this kit many years ago and remember it to a good build. I always felt the cowl rings seemed and little mis-shapened. Maybe too flat, but not really sure. Anyway, we will be fresh to start in the AM or noon GMT

Cheers

Jeff S
_________________
Jeff S

Just Build it!

Nightstalkers GB

Brews · Posted: Tue 14 Apr 2009 13:21 pm Post subject:

You're doing this for the IPMS-USA CBKUSA SIG display?

Good luck.
I'll be following your build. Seems you have your reference in hand!
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“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” Winston Churchill

jssel · Posted: Tue 14 Apr 2009 14:17 pm Post subject:

Yes, it would fit right in to that display wouldn't it. Right now, I just hope I can make it to the show. It would be one p-poor excuse if I didn't.

Cheers

Jeff S
_________________
Jeff S

Just Build it!

Nightstalkers GB

jssel · Posted: Wed 15 Apr 2009 12:07 pm Post subject:

Getting a nice fresh start this morning. Started by gluing the wings , wheels and generally anything in two halves together.
The engine nacelles recieved a filing down of the cowl flaps so they don't look so much like bumps in the plastic. You will notice on the port wing that I got sloppy with the Tenex 7R and had to clean that mess up.

While trimming the edges of the wings, I began to use a round file to clean up the intakes.

The horizontal stabilizers have a rather nasty knock out tab mark that will need attention.

My decals are sourced out from an old Micro Scale sheet. I didn't notice until looking at the photograph that one has a run in the blue color.

Anyway, all for now. Thanks for looking everyone and cheers

Jeff
_________________
Jeff S

Just Build it!

Nightstalkers GB

dancho · Posted: Wed 15 Apr 2009 14:06 pm Post subject:

If they're Microscale, then they're OLD. You may wish to dab a little Microscale Liquid Decal Film on them, to avoid the dreaded "shattering."
_________________
“Build what YOU want, the way YOU want to, and above all, have fun.”
- Al Superczynski (1947 - 2007)

Brews · Posted: Wed 15 Apr 2009 15:35 pm Post subject:

It won't be hard to fix up that decal

_________________
“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” Winston Churchill

jssel · Posted: Thu 16 Apr 2009 13:47 pm Post subject:

Today is a short update. This morning I pulled out the trusty razor saw and removed the position lights and landing lights from the wing. This space is now packed with clear sprue and awaits filing to shape. I really did not want to go overboard with this project but it should really look OK when done. Before gluing in the clear sprue, small holes were drilled to simulate light bulbs. The holes recieved a spot of red and green paint. Also this morning I filled and sanded the marks on the horizontal stabs and cleaned up the landing gear a little.

Thank you for looking and cheers everyone.
_________________
Jeff S

Just Build it!

Nightstalkers GB

jssel · Posted: Thu 16 Apr 2009 22:05 pm Post subject:

Time tonight for a quick update. I filed down the clear sprues and have everything roughed in. Now the progressively fine grit treatment.

The landing light has two bulb/filaments and when masked for painting, the two lens will appear.
_________________
Jeff S

Just Build it!

Nightstalkers GB

Brews · Posted: Thu 16 Apr 2009 23:08 pm Post subject:

The nav lights are effective, but I'm not sure about the landing lights. I'd prefer to see a parabolic reflector in there.
_________________
“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” Winston Churchill

jssel · Posted: Fri 17 Apr 2009 11:06 am Post subject:

Got to agree with you Brews, in hindsight. Head on it looks like OK but the filaments were drilled to deep. I may correct it with a fresh piece of clear sprue. At any rate, this morning finds me working on the fuselage. I will just add a seat as not much is seen through the Airfix glass.
_________________
Jeff S

Just Build it!

Nightstalkers GB

Brews · Posted: Fri 17 Apr 2009 15:12 pm Post subject:

I'd take it off and replace it with smash-formed acetate, which will let you make some proper reflectors (out of, e.g. foil) and filaments if you want to go that far.
_________________
“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” Winston Churchill

GraemeLeggett · Posted: Sat 18 Apr 2009 12:40 pm Post subject:

Interesting build!

I look at the mods for the nav lights and think "that looks like something to try" then I look again at small and fiddly they must be. I guess its easier to glue in a big lump and sand to fit than cut to size and try to put in place.

I have (in the loft) this kit from when as an young 'un I built it. Its in bad repair: engine fallen off, wings stuck on at wrong angles and canopy complete with poly cement frosting and thumbprints. On the plus side, the large gaps between the fuselage halves and wings might make cutting apart to rebuild easy...

I think it might be worth trying a restoration (cheaper than buying a new kit) but I don't know how to clean up the clear plastic parts. What exactly do you use for sanding down and polishing up those nav lights?

Graeme

dancho · Posted: Sat 18 Apr 2009 12:49 pm Post subject:

Assuming that one had an acetate lens to attach, what type of adhesive would make a nice clean join?

(When we mortals find ourselves in this rarefied air, we get a bit light-headed, eh!)

_________________
“Build what YOU want, the way YOU want to, and above all, have fun.”
- Al Superczynski (1947 - 2007)

Brews · Posted: Sat 18 Apr 2009 14:02 pm Post subject:

Gator glue, or super glue provided you'd given it 2 or 3 coats of Future / Klear.
_________________
“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” Winston Churchill

jssel · Posted: Sat 18 Apr 2009 23:44 pm Post subject:

Hi Graeme. It is not difficult to replace the position lights really. Take a piece of clear sprue, sand down one side flat as this will fit against the wing. Drill a small hole into this flat side of the sprue. Add a drop of clear red or green. Glue the piece, flat side against the wing. When dry, file the piece down to the right thickness. I start out with an emory board like you would use on finger nails. Buff with progressively finer wet/dry sanding film until almost clear. Paint over with Future floor covering or equivalent and you are done. The landing light is being replaced with a new piece of sprue with a photo update probably tomorrow.
I have not had much luck with either clear tape or acetate so opted for the clear sprue.
_________________
Jeff S

Just Build it!

Nightstalkers GB

jssel · Posted: Sun 19 Apr 2009 00:43 am Post subject:

Here is the new landing light. My camera has created a little distortion. The dimple type holes were drilled in the back of the clear sprue and dabbed with silver paint. Not perfect but better than the pin holes I orginally started with.

Cheers
_________________
Jeff S

Just Build it!

Nightstalkers GB

jssel · Posted: Sun 19 Apr 2009 17:00 pm Post subject:

Anyone familiar with the Airfix Beau, I need some information. Parts 31 and 32 are a couple of airfoil shapes that fit on the undersurface, rear end of the engine nacelles. What are they?

Cheers
_________________
Jeff S

Just Build it!

Nightstalkers GB

Lincolnlanc · Posted: Mon 20 Apr 2009 10:22 am Post subject:

Nice build this .. i really like the 'Beau', stationed nearby at RAF Station North Coates, an aircraft sadly long gone.

keep up the good work Jeff. looks like its going to be a winner ....