Trumpeter 1/32 Fairy Swordfish Mk 1

[BarryW]

I have applied the final matt coat using the AKI Ultra Matt Varnish. Masks are now off and I have done some touching up.


[ATTACH]122336.IPB[/ATTACH]



I had a problem when I started removing the masking from the transparency as it pushed the transparency in. Above you can see how it had fallen down. I ended up holding the fuselage above me on its side juggling it to see if I could work the transparency into place. It eventually worked.


[ATTACH]122337.IPB[/ATTACH]



Above shows it back in place. When holding it on its side I touched a corner with extra thin cement and it managed to wick in and hold it.


[ATTACH]122338.IPB[/ATTACH]



Above, job done. Not perfect as one corner is not quite right into the frame and I had to use sharp pointed tweezers to pull away the mask which scratched the transparency. The good news is that it is difficult to see and could easily be cracked glass.


I have also put together the undercarriage.


[ATTACH]122339.IPB[/ATTACH]



Here are some pics of the cockpit.


[ATTACH]122340.IPB[/ATTACH]



[ATTACH]122341.IPB[/ATTACH]



[ATTACH]122342.IPB[/ATTACH]



Next I get to the final construction stage which I will be taking slowly with more subassemblies and touching up as I go.

[Vaughan]

Good recovery again Barry, the cockpit area looks good looking forward to the end result.

[PhilJ]

Looking really nice Barry, also looking forward to the finished job

[BarryW]

A bit more progress....


[ATTACH]122565.IPB[/ATTACH]



I had a problem with some pipework, a piece snapped off and got gobbled by the carpet monster so out comes the lead wire....


[ATTACH]122566.IPB[/ATTACH]



You can see the lead wire coming from the fuse to the bend just before it turns out to the top port wing.... I will paint it tonight.


[ATTACH]122567.IPB[/ATTACH]



The wings are starting to come together. Had some issues with fit despite successful dry runs previously......

[PhilJ]

Looking smart, lovely paintwork


Phil

[BarryW]

Its been a while since I last posted an update. Its been very slow going.


I spent a long time over several evenings building up the wings, joining them and getting the p.e. rigging into place. One part I just could not fit - a cross piece that is supposed to fit parallel to the fuselage sitting on some 'crosswires'.... I spent hours trying to fit just one wing, I tried making jig and stands and in the end just gave up.... life is not long enough. To get these pieces into place you need to glue the edge into the very springy cross bars... you have to hold them in place without applying any downward pressure with a completely still hand. I am sure someone can do it but without perfect vision, a perfectly still hand and the ability to judge that perfect pressure it was beyond me. I am not decided what to do about that yet, I may just leave it... The pic shows the p.e. piece and the cross wires where it is supposed to fit.


[ATTACH]123075.IPB[/ATTACH]



Anyway I then went on to join the wings, one at a time to the fuselage. They needed some work to get them into position including some filing and scraping. While fitting - the p.e. rigging kept pinging and bits fell off....


[ATTACH]123076.IPB[/ATTACH]



[ATTACH]123077.IPB[/ATTACH]



Once the wings were in place I fitted the undercarraige - it fits very well though the pins needed a bit of a trim.


[ATTACH]123079.IPB[/ATTACH]



here she is up on her wheels...


[ATTACH]123078.IPB[/ATTACH]



I now need to spend an evening repairing the damage, adding the final parts and then another evening or two touching up the paintwork.

[Vaughan]

Sounds like a nightmare Barry but I'm sure you will over come in the end. Looking good by the way.

[BarryW]

I would not describe it as a nightmare Vaughan as such, but if I were to build another one I would re-think the riggingand build sequence and avoid most of the p.e. I really cannot figure out what best to do about those cross pieces, it does frustrate me to leavge them off. I will look at some pics of the real aircraft in that area and see they provide inspiration.

[BarryW]

Well it is done but i have a line to add to the aerial and may add the control lines to the tail plane. I have not done them yet because of practical considerations as it would be problematical picking the plane up without breaking off a line. Even now handling the model risks rigging pinging off. Every time my cleaner picks the model up to dust the shelf I am sure it will need a repair. Therefore I decided to leave them off but every time I look at the model I get thinking......


Anyway the final stages did take a long time and it was quite painful doing the pe rigging but mind you I hate pe anyway. I am not completely happy with the rigging and would rethink my approach if I do another one. That said it is a good kit but not one for beginners.


One thing - this has put me off the idea of getting a WingNut wings WW1 model with the rigging issues involved there!!!


Anyway her are some pics of my 825 squadron Swordfish from February 1942, operation Fuller.


[ATTACH]123712.IPB[/ATTACH]



[ATTACH]123713.IPB[/ATTACH]



[ATTACH]123714.IPB[/ATTACH]



[ATTACH]123715.IPB[/ATTACH]



[ATTACH]123718.IPB[/ATTACH]



[ATTACH]123719.IPB[/ATTACH]



[ATTACH]123720.IPB[/ATTACH]



[ATTACH]123716.IPB[/ATTACH]



[ATTACH]123717.IPB[/ATTACH]



I am rather pleased with how the torpedo turned out and also the weathering. It is only the rigging that I am less than happy with. It does build to a large and impressive model.

[papa 695]

That looks stunning Barry

[Vaughan]

Outstanding build Barry. Great weathering and despite the problems with the PE all looks good.

[Guest]

That is an impressive job.


A couple of things:


1. You are correct on that torpedo. Excellent paint job on it. Very realistic looking.


B. In the second photo from the bottom, i don't know if it is lighting, paint job, or a pleasant combination of both, but the wing surfaces look like real fabric. Perfect texture and shading.


III. And as for the rigging, whatever is wrong with it, I sure don't see it. Waayyy better than I could have done, to be sure.


I would be very proud to show that one off, amigo.

[PhilJ]

I know you have had problems Barry but she is a beauty mate!


I think I need a load more practice before I tackle one like this.


That paintwork is impressive mate I love it!


Cheers


Phil

[colin m]

She does in deed look stunning.

[BarryW]

Thanks everyone.