Andy T's Tamiya 1/48 Fairey Swordfish Mkll

[colin m]

You've picked a good one here Andy. I built the float version, it's a very nice kit. However, I seem to remember sliding the wing (left or right, I can't remember) into place was a really tight fit. It took a surprising amount of force to get it in place, not a problem if they wings are folded !
This problem had been reported on the web, so it wasn't just me who struggled.

[Andy T]

Thanks for that Colin. I saw a video where the guy split one of the wings trying to force it into place. He figured it was something he'd done wrong but maybe not given what you've said. I'll keep an eye out :thumb2:


I got the prop painted today. A bit of fiddly masking but better than wrestling with decals.

While I had the red & yellow out I sprayed some of the ordinance too. I've no idea what they are, they look like strong painkillers to me :smiling5:, but it's what the instructions called out for.

[Waspie]

Thanks for that Colin. I saw a video where the guy split one of the wings trying to force it into place. He figured it was something he'd done wrong but maybe not given what you've said. I'll keep an eye out :thumb2:


I got the prop painted today. A bit of fiddly masking but better than wrestling with decals.

While I had the red & yellow out I sprayed some of the ordinance too. I've no idea what they are, they look like strong painkillers to me :smiling5:, but it's what the instructions called out for.

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The ‘pain killers’ look very much like smoke and flame floats, we used to mark targets (and divers in the water). They were still in use in 92
They burn for approx 1 hour you get smaller one but they only burn for a few minutes.
I could see them being dropped by first attacking plane as a datum for further torpedo drops!

[Allen Dewire]

Evening Andy,

I'm with you here, even though I have been quiet of late. The Fish is looking good so far and a great job on fixing the 'Oopsie'!!! I'll have to remember when I comment, not to say, "Great Job Andy, now stand up and take a bow Sir!!!".......That prop looks really well done and must have been lotsa fun to to do...

Prost
Allen

[Andy T]

Thanks Doug, that would make sense. Weirdly my instructions don't mention anything about the torpedo, even though they show you how to paint and fit its carrying bracket.

I found something torpedo shaped on the sprue though so I'm fitting it, right or wrong :smiling5:

Hi Allen, good to have you here my friend.

Yes the masking was a faff but I love that kind of thing

[Waspie]

Andy, found this, (below), regards your 'pain killers'. May be what the Swordfish carried? It also explains what they were used for as well as the colour markings!
Smoke/flame floats

[Andy T]

Thanks again Doug. I've just been watching a video where he also refers to them as flares, so mystery solved.

[tr1ckey66]

Fantastic and speedy start Andy. You’ve certainly flown out of the traps! The work so far looks great and i look forward to the progress. I’ll be modeling the Mk.1 Swordfish in 1/32 for this GB so it looks like we’ll be ‘String-bag’ buddies!

Top stuff
Cheers, P

[Andy T]

Oh wow, will be good to see it in 1/32. I'll look forward to the build.

[Andy T]

I kind of shot myself in the foot by changing my plans, there's only so much I can do until the cockpit set & belts arrive. I've been working on the Gannet a bit behind the scenes but after Colin's heads up I thought I'd try a full mock up with the wings.

Everything seems to be okay after a bit of sanding and tweaking so I'm tempted to cement the upper wing as an assembly whilst it's all lined up, rather than taking Tamiya's suggestion of building port & starboard sections, always bearing in mind that painting will be much easier with the upper & lower sections separate.

[Ian M]

It's a great kit. I enjoyed building my one a few year ago. Mine is on floats, so might get a wheeled version as well.

A word of warning about the PE rigging. Had a hell of a job with mine. Probably me but they just did no fit. I ended up using something else. (so I am not an expert... )

[Andy T]

Oh no, I was hoping that buying their dedicated set would make life easier!

[papa 695]

Cracking work so far Andy, coming along very nicely indeed.

[Andy T]

Thanks Ian.

I'm still waiting for the cockpit stuff so I've been putting together the parts for later stages and have also got some primer down. The top wing is a bit precarious but should make life easier for final assembly (if I don't break too much off in the meantime!).



In other news, I figured it was time I found myself a proper job after 5 months of time out, so went to see an old boss of mine. Head office have a recruitment freeze on at the moment since they are buying another 15 car dealerships, but he wants me back so will see what he can do.

It'll mean a lot less bench time but I'm getting bored of being a kept man :tears-of-joy:

[Waspie]

Thanks Ian.

I'm still waiting for the cockpit stuff so I've been putting together the parts for later stages and have also got some primer down. The top wing is a bit precarious but should make life easier for final assembly (if I don't break too much off in the meantime!).

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In other news, I figured it was time I found myself a proper job after 5 months of time out, so went to see an old boss of mine. Head office have a recruitment freeze on at the moment since they are buying another 15 car dealerships, but he wants me back so will see what he can do.

It'll mean a lot less bench time but I'm getting bored of being a kept man :tears-of-joy:

Only took me three weeks to get bored when I first retired!! Now I have retired 'proper'. Loving it - even if busy enough to curtail bench time.