Firstly, I saw these masks advertised by DN models and, as I couldn’t find any others at present, I thought I would give them a try. More of this in a while.
Once again two more pages of the relevant instructions. I will deal with each section below.
I have been looking at photos of the tailplane of various Lancasters – both wartime and the preserved ones.
It is clear from these photos (most of which are copyright) that the inspection panels on the horizontal planes are on the underside. The kit supplies, on the sprue, one side with two bottom halves and two top halves together. Normally this would be an easy fix – you would just cut the locating pins off and glue them like most resin kits!
But, as shown in the pic above there are two pins on the end to make a firm join to the fuselage. When you correct the fault and put the two correct halves together you end up with one plane with pins at the end of the top and bottom halves (as in the photo). The other plane has no pins at all!!
Someone didn’t test this before leaving the factory!!
However, it is not a difficult fix.
A. The halves with the pins, cut off the two pins on one of the halves (I sawed them off ) then make the surface into which the pins are sunk flush (i.e. remove the remains of the top half of the pin) then with a round file make a slot into which the pin on the other half will fit. Clip off all the locating points (these will all be female if you are using the two correct halves) then glue the two halves together with the hinges fixed, these will help with location of the two halves.
B. Now the other plane, when you line the halves up, will have locating pins on the top and bottom. These have to go.
When you offer up the two halves you will see that there are no fuselage locating pins.
OK, if you measure the pins in the “good” half you will find that they are 4mm in diameter. That is good. because if you have a large number of sprues in your stash you will surely find a 4mm one. If you don’t you will have to use tube instead.
The length of pin protruding from the wing is 7mm but just measure the ones in the other half with the good pins in case. Cut the sprue over length and fix it firmly to the inside of one of the halves.
Join the two halves and before the cement dries completely insert them into the fuselage just to check that the angles are correct. Then let them set hard.
The photo above shows both halves with the pins in place – the bottom one has the pins I have inserted.
In all it took about half an hour.
This pic shows how the lower halves should look.
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