A lot of work on some very small parts!
This is the main deck of the aircraft. So far I have been working on the instrument panels. The circuit breaker panel is now wired and ready to be put in place when the next stage is reached.
Some weathering has been done but in general I like to weather most parts after assembly. I haven’t removed the oxygen supply pipes and replaced them as they are not visible once assembled. They will look passable after some dark washes. I am painting the cockpit area black up to, but not including, the radio operator’s post.
I have seen all sorts of variations on the interior colours so I decided that my pilots would be pleased with black!!
View from the other side. I am still working on the colour of the radio operator’s seat – another couple of washes and some dust will probably do it.
The radio I had in 1:32 from another modelling project, it saves me quite some work!!
The H2s boxes are tiny with no real raised detail so painting them was painful. There are a lot of wires coming out of both of them. I have already done this today so they will be visible in my next article.
Lots of general weathering to do here as well.
The Airscale instrument panel still awaiting the 6 instruments in the middle. I completely messed this up first go by tearing the decal that runs across the whole base plate. I asked Peter there if I could buy the decals and, by return of post, he sent me a new set. Brilliant thank you!!!
I added a break lever to the steering column as it is missing. I noticed that the floor of the deck is riveted so I ran my wheel across it and will weather it a bit next.
Still a lot of panels to paint in the forward area – I guess kits supplying replacements will be on the market soon.
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