The interior could then be positioned in the fuselage halves and these closed up. This process was straightforward with no issues apart from some minor re-scribing and re-riveting being required along the top and bottom seams.
At this point Airfix instruct you to add more weight into the nose of the model. Again, I used lead shot held in place by epoxy glue.
In hindsight, I did wonder what the extra bucket was for on the sprues and I now suspect it was to hold this extra weight. By the time I realised this I had already added my shot so I don’t know how well this bucket will work or even if it will hold enough weight – something for someone else to test out.
The AS.4 version needs a whip aerial base located on the spine and to ensure its correct positioning Airfix provide a template for this.
The rudder was then added along with the radar housing. The radar dome slots into this housing and can be extended it the aircraft is modelled in flight.
The cockpit glazing can now be added and masked off. The front section has two options, one with a moulded in wiper blade and one without so a PE wiper can be added when it becomes available. For the nose wheel bay and bomb bay the kit has a closed-door option which can be used as masks.
The two tail sections are designed to interlock and a dry fitting of these showed that they could be painted and a decaled prior to being attached at the end of the build.
Stuart Mackay says
Love the group photo of the mid century FAA machines, Dave!
The Gannet looks superb!
Rob Ruscoe says
Great build Dave.
I was fortunate to note the extra weight tray which Airfix fail to mention in the instructions. I can report this holds enough to prevent tail sitting.
Rob.R