The final run-in to target
The cockpit masking is removed and the masks worked well and now it’s onto the turrets that need to be assembled after being painted earlier.
Now, the turrets are really a bit of a mixed bag in my view. The parts do go together ok but I had real trouble getting the rear and nose turrets to fit – the rear turret needed surgery to actually fit in its recess at all! Staying with the rear turret first, I had to remove the ‘ring’ on the underside and also remove some of the underside of the upper rear fuselage inside the recess to get the turret into an acceptable position.
While faffing around trying to get the rear turret to fit, the top glass cracked right down the middle – much blue air in the model room! My only real choice was to try and disguise it by adding a fictitious fine frame line along the middle of the clear part. This came from fine Tamiya tape cut and painted to match the surrounding area. It works for me but may offend the purists out there – sorry!
Onto the ball turret, this is much more satisfactory with an option to have it recessed or deployed as I chose here in the pics. Fit of parts is good and the only thing was that the join down the curved rear section had a join line that I disguised, again, using a thin strip of Tamiya tape and it looks fine to me.
The upper and nose turrets came together and slotted in without any dramas. I added the two frame lines on top of the nose turret using the above method as these are visible in photos I have seen.
Time now to add the propellers, aerials, flaps and anything else left off until now.
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Geoff” – You’re off to a flyer with the Liberator build and as always I’m thoroughly enjoying studying your progress.
There’s just something so appealing about the Liberator as a model and I love this new Airfix rendition.
As Always,
Paul.😉👍
Geoff Coughlin says
Thanks Paul. Plenty of detail available but not much to see on the completed model as is so often the case. GC
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Geoff” – Another build journey that’s a pleasure to follow and how well she’s now looking.
The masking alone was an intensive aspect but will pay dividends with the final look of this great model.
I’m really looking forward to the painting stages in due course.
As Always,
Paul.😉👍
Geoff Coughlin says
Thanks Paul. G
Les Venus says
Nice job fella. If it had been my build though, it would have gone to the wall long ago! You’re a model of fortitude and patience!
Geoff Coughlin says
Thanks Les – new update going in this week. Feeling better about it now but for me, not the most enjoyable model I’ve built. G
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Geoff” – It’s great to catch up on your latest updates with this project.
I guess the masking of the canopy and turrets was the most tedious chore thus far?
The highlight for me is watching how those superb paint finishes and effects are created.Your hallmark superb work.
As Always,
Paul.😉👍
Geoff Coughlin says
Thanks Paul, much appreciated. G
Paul Ainsworth says
“Hello,Geoff” – She’s really coming to life now as that scheme takes shape.The decals are laying down beautifully and thank you for the ‘XF4’ recommendation regarding the spinner tips.
I’ll invest in a bottle of that.
Another superb build in progress and a pleasure to follow as always.
Paul.😉👍
Rob Ruscoe says
Looks fantastic Geoff. A few challenges overcome nicely to produce a lovely replica. I should have delayed my Marauder build to pick up some tips on olive drab weathering!
Rob.R
Geoff Coughlin says
Hi Rob,
Many thanks for that – really enjoyed the weathering part – it’s all about layers from the off to what I do think is quite a straightforward way of creating a realistic finish. Good luck with you next one…:) Cheers, Geoff
Dai Williams says
Great idea with the front of the bombs! I shall shamelessly copy it and then claim that I thought it up!
Geoff Coughlin says
Great stuff Dai – absolutely…:) that’s what I do :) Cheers, G
Graham Thompson says
Superb build and paint job as always Geoff. Certainly not a subject I would tackle but it does look very good.
There has been an unexpected delay in my return to modelling but by the end of this week I should have my bench set up and ready to go :-)
Geoff Coughlin says
Hi Graham, thanks so much for this and all great to hear – happy modelling and looking forward to seeing your new projects :) Best, Geoff C.