Most of the very tricky part of the cockpit build is finished. I do not propose to show the rear part of the interior so I will make it look good but with no more than the kit parts.
Here are the instructions for the parts that are almost completed and also the next phase. I think that they are pretty good and seem to be logical in the build sequence. You will have to find a safe place to “park” all the rather large completed parts!
The “guts” of the cabin glued and wired up. I have weathered it to represent a ship that has covered a few missions! Once again I can’t praise the Airscale cockpit kit highly enough.
The wiring was made using different sizes of lead wire which is flexible enough to make sharpish turns that stay fixed.
The port side of the cockpit attached but not cemented. I made a rather pathetic attempt to reproduce the oxygen bottle container behind the pilots seat. I just didn’t have the muslin or tight enough wire mesh to make it.
Another view from the rear. A lot of very eye straining paintwork here. The details on all the boxes are tiny and not raised enough to dry brush. So a giant brush with one hair! Actually I used a cocktail stick which used, slightly blunted, applies the paint accurately. The paint is then spread around, whilst still wet, with an end sharpened to a fine point
You can see some of the bomb aimer’s equipment in this view. There are some boxes that were not included in the kit that attract wiring, but, as they will not really be visible when closed up, I have not included them. The only thing that was missing was the desk light on the Nav table which I sort of made up! The map boxes alongside the pilots seat are not included in the kit.
Next the starboard cockpit side, almost complete – a lot more wiring on that side. Then on to the forward turret :)
Stuart Mackay says
Sir, I admire your dedication with the oil canning which will surely take such an outstanding model to another Level!
I could, quite easily run out of superlatives for the work that you have done so far!
Truly amazing, and I can hardly wait for each installment of this epic build!
Max Williams says
You’ve made a wonderful job of the oil canning effect Julian, it should look most realistic under a coat of paint.
RossPaton Paton says
Amazing. You tempted to put the transparent side on it?
Julian Seddon says
Hi everyone ! Thanks for the comments. When I started this I was only thinking in terms of the of the fuselage and wings. But as I looked at more and more references I realized that the stress to the aircraft included everything !! The engine nacelles, u/carriage doors,bomb doors etc. this has all taken much longer than I had anticipated.
I am only finishing up what can be seen.
In answer to you Ross two reasons for not using that transparent sides
a. I have only finished the cockpit everything else internally is not touched. The a/c I am modelling P – OS has all the side windows (barring the radio ops) painted over
b. The would have negated the work on stressing the airframe !
Julian Seddon says
some how in (b) above I have missed out the “transparent sides would have negated ” sorry !!!
Michael Chilestone says
There’s some amazing work there Julian; you have more patience than I do!
I assume the site header on the home page is this model as well? I was particularly struck by the weathering on the bombs: they really look as if they’ve spent a few weeks sitting outside on the bomb dump.
Chapeau!
Julian Seddon says
Thanks Michael, yes the header is the same model.
I tried to make the aircraft look as though it has been sitting next to the bombs for a similar time !!
JS
Christopher Woolford says
In 1967 or early ’68 a noted historian, Professor Alan J.P. Taylor, told me that historians are not custodians of the truth. He said historians make interpretations of verifiable facts. The truth, he said can only be told by creative artists. To illustrate his point, he told me to read Len Deighton’s ‘Bomber’. I did and I will never forget it. The bomb bay of your model is likewise chillingly memorable. Well done.
Julian Seddon says
Thank you Christopher. I must say that the word “chillingly” hadn’t occurred to me, but now, bearing in mind what it represents, the contents of the bomb bay of a Lancaster was chillingly fearful to those on the receiving end of it.
Your quote was well extracted !!
JS
Bruce Anders says
An absolutely fantastic build of the model Julian. It has been a joy to watch it’s progress. I sold mine upon the news HKM would be releasing a 48 version. Your build almost makes me regret it
Julian Seddon says
Hi Bruce, I wouldn’t regret it too much !! This was a grind in many ways as, at first, I had no real concept of the amount of oil canning I was faced with. Almost every part of the air frame showed signs of wear, right down to the fasteners on the engine covers !
Looking back it was worth it but it took some resolve to continue from time to time !!
I am sure that HKM will release a very good 1/48th scale version although I have not, as yet, heard about it
Thanks for your comment !
JS