AZ model 1:72 DHC-1 Chipmunk T.10

[colin m]

Well this could be out of the frying pan into the fire. Having just finished a ropey KP models kit, I'm now having a go at an AZ model kit. Honestly, the next build will be something decent, requiring little filler and not much sanding, unlike this kit. The box


All of the instructions, that's it, nothing else.


AZ has been quite generous with their decals. Although some are tiny. I think they forgot this was 1:72.

The typical short run sprue. A little bit of flash and no numbers on the sprue.


They do provide a resin Lycoming, if you always wanted one in your life.


OK, it's all very dark. It's the completed cockpit. Don't worry, none will be seen so I won't be spending too much time in here. All hand painted in primer, it'll do.


Scissor links (if that's what they're called) can't be saved.

So will be replaced. Still a bit inaccurate, but an improvement.

A problem with the canopy. That frame right in the middle, shouldn't be there.


So, time for a scrape and polish. Masked ready to destroy the canopy !

So, the wings don't fit too well. I haven't glued the bottom of the fuselage as I might have to spread the wing root areas slightly. So right now, is fettle time, lots of sanding and test fitting trying to get these bits to fit.


Has anyone got any idea about the BA Chipmunk ? This little 'Chippy' will be joining my training squadron so I will probably finish the build as the Royal Navy training aircraft. But, that BA version does look very interesting.

[Dave Ward]

The joys of short run models!! Mind you, I think you'd have to put more work into the venerable Airfix Chipmunk, to get it anything presentable!
Dave

[yak face]

Lovely chippie colin . The az kits aren't too bad as limited run kits go . The LET 200 morava i did a bit back was an az kit reboxed by kopro. It looked just like this , dark plastic , bit of flash , no location pins . With a bit ( ok a lot) of test fitting and fettling it will turn out great . The BA markings are very nice arent they? Looking forward to this one col , cheers tony

[dave]

I had an issue with the wing similar to yours on my AZ Fairey Fulmar, solved it by sliding a section of plasticard into the gap and carving to the profile of the wing.

[Guest]

Looks like you’re doing well! Challenges are a certainty with these types of kits.

I can see why choosing a scheme is a head scratcher, they all look great. I’m glad I’m not having to make the decision!

[colin m]

The joys of short run models!!

So true. It will definitely be something 'less filler consuming' next. But, I do need one of these in my collection, so not much choice really.

test fitting and fettling

Oh I'm well into that phase at the moment.

solved it by sliding a section of plasticard into the gap and carving to the profile of the wing

I've taken a slightly different approach this time. I've moved the gap to the leading edge, and I'm using stretched sprue to fill the gap, whilst providing a bit of strength. I'm really glad this is a small model. Nearly every joint needs attention.

choosing a scheme is a head scratcher, they all look great

I need to find out more about the BA version - I mean, did BA use Chipmunks for training ? Imagine that, from Chippy to 747. There's not much info on tinternet.

[Steven000]

Nice project Colin, will be following :thumb2:
Steven

[Guest]

So, the wings don't fit too well. I haven't glued the bottom of the fuselage as I might have to spread the wing root areas slightly. So right now, is fettle time, lots of sanding and test fitting trying to get these bits to fit.

I had an issue with the wing similar to yours on my AZ Fairey Fulmar, solved it by sliding a section of plasticard into the gap and carving to the profile of the wing.

It does make you wonder if some manufacturers even bother to build some of the products they make before releasing them.

[colin m]

A touch more has been done to the Chippie. The wings now fit. A little bit of filler and stretched sprue did the trick.



Although the engine covers appear to have very little positive location at all. So, you can see I've inserted a couple of bits of sprue to help locating / support.


The canopy survived the sanding / polishing process. This is possible only the second time I've corrected a canopy.


As Mirandas' mother would say - such fun. Yes AZ model didn't quite get around to providing any sort of location for these bits. All I could do was sand until both surfaces were flat and glue. It actually worked ok.

[Dave Ward]

Colin,
with butt joints like the tailplane, I drill & add wire pins ( I use 1mm copper wire, or straightened paper clips ), it may not be necessary for smaller bits, but if you ever have to do wings, the extra strength is really needed, especially if you have to use filler, and has to resist sanding.
Dave

[yak face]

There we go colin , no problem , just a bit of good old modelling skill , its looking lovely now , cheers tony

[colin m]

Colin,
with butt joints like the tailplane, I drill & add wire pins ( I use 1mm copper wire, or straightened paper clips ), it may not be necessary for smaller bits, but if you ever have to do wings, the extra strength is really needed, especially if you have to use filler, and has to resist sanding.
Dave

Yes, for something bigger you're spot on. These little things, I'm hoping will survive with just a bit of glue. We'll see.

no problem

Indeed, it took a bit of time, but as there wasn't much to correct (nice and small at 1:72) it didn't take too long.

[colin m]

Some more has been done. In between garden and greenhouse duties I've managed a few minutes here and there on the Chipmunk.

Fitting the canopy was a real pain. I've lost count of how many times it was, fill / sand etc. Anyway, the fit is ermm, acceptable. Don't look too close.


Then the white undercoat for the red areas.



Followed by bright shiny red.


Then the grey bits filled in the rest of the Chippy.


And finally, the decals. These were quite nice, very thin. Unfortunately I forgot how thin they were and the red paint underneath shines right through the white portion of the roundels. I'll have to see if I can fix this later.


Next will be light weathering, I'm sure these were clean machines.

[Guest]

Not sure how I missed this. I've actually flown a Chipmunk so I guess I ought to build one at some point.

I'm not sure I'd fancy such a wrestling match, but the hard work and adjustments seem to have paid off as it's looking great so far.

[HAWKERHUNTER]

This must be tiny. Looking great Colin. Nice job on the Prop.