The bombs are not quite finished yet but really they require etch to get the proportions right, I filed them down just enough to avoid them falling apart. Weathering and painting is not finished on these as yet.
Another problem I have had is just prizing the engine and u/c nacelle into its slot on the wing. This must be something to do with the way I put the wing on I guess because this is the third time I have had a problem related to the wing. It was sorted as you can see with a needle file to widen the gap into which the whole thing slots.
It will not show when all goes together. I must have done something amiss…. I just hope it is not going to rear an uglier head later!!!
Otherwise just some more details readying themselves for final assembly …. can’t wait !!!!
Radio not yet weathered…
Engine mounted (or rather fiddled) into its frame. I have done more but gradually getting closer to the final – yes it is feeling like the world cup and I feel I have just got through qualifying so far.
The real challenges are to come!!
I have been away and my workshop temperature has been in the 90s!
So, back to it… The props I have painted next as they are small!!!
No really I am wrestling with the size of this aircraft once it is stuck together. The props are nice little models to put together and I painted them with Vallejo Panzer Grey. Then I mixed Aluminium and Black for the chips after which I sprayed a thin layer of Pollyscale Dirt. Then some light scratches of the Panzer Grey again where stones etc might have removed the dust layer a bit. [Do check out your Techniques Bank – this paint-chipping technique has just been added that explains in more detail how Julian’s approach is done – Geoff].
The cabin door, even smaller! I added leather straps for the steps and painted in a placard, then carefully painted the details to give it depth and interest.
The exhausts are weathered and ready to be installed; they may need a bit of adjustment after they are on the engine.
The gun camera in its canvas cover, added a bit of wiring here.
Cannons, fuel tanks and bomb racks installed. The locating holes needed drilling to get a good fit.
The 303s installed. I used 3 of the Paragon ammunition feeds. The fourth (I think it is easy to see which) is the kit part which I had glued in place and couldn’t extract without a lot of damage. Without a doubt the Paragon bits are the class act and provide definition to the ammo feeds. There is a lot of wiring in the bottom of the compartment which has disappeared now!
The other pic is really a summary of about 1/3rd of what has taken the most time so far (the rest being the cannons etc underneath!).
I have read a few build articles about aircraft built out of the box. These have taken 150 hours or thereabouts mine so far has taken nearing 300! Actually when it is painted and finally assembled the Mosquito is so smooth on the exterior that it will seem that nothing special has been done. But, I have enjoyed myself so far although my mind is straying occasionally to what might be the subject of my next build!