discussion Avro Aldershot Mk.2 99 Squadron 1924 1/72 Scratchbuild

[Steve-the-Duck]

Well, it's been a minute since I've posted anything, crappy intraweb and inability to upload pics and all, but that doesn't mean I haven't been busy building.

So, here for you delectation, is my entirely scratchbuilt, except for the Aeroclub Vickers K and Scarff Ring, Avro Aldershot
(Well, the likelihood of anyone kitting this beast before I finished was about even, but there's never even been a vac!)

 

[papa 695]

Fantastic work

 

[Steve-the-Duck]

Oh, and just for comparison

So, there's the Contrail Vacform Hawker Horsely (which I shall be posting pics of in due course) and the Matchbox Heyford

For a single-engine heavy-bomber, the Aldershot is HUGE!

 

[Steve-the-Duck]

I will also be posting a build thread separately soon. Just taking time to get used to this new device!

Story time. The Aldershot was the first heavy bomber designed for the RAF post WWI, and carried a bomb-load of 2000 lbs, comparable to the Vimy's 2500!. Only fifteen-or-so were built, mostly the Mk.II version with the Condor engine. The prototype was later fitted with a 1000 hp Napier Cub engine, leading to it being known as the 'one-ton engine with a 'plane attached'! The Aldershot would later be replaced by twin-engined HP Hyderabads.
There's [probably not a bigger single-engined biplane in service until the appearance of the AN-2
There was also an Ambulance / transport version with a different fuselage, called the Andover. So, if anyone ever does kit this beast, I'll have to get one for a conversion!

 

[yak face]

Thats fantastic steve , any scratchbuilt stuff is worthy of praise however small but to scratch an entire aircraft , and a complicated biplane at that is a true wonder . Looks great on the base too . Never heard of the Aldershot till now , fascinating stuff , I bet it didnt have a huge top speed though ! The large size and single engine reminds me of the later Czech Letov S16 , a model which I keep getting drawn to , this might just tip me over the edge to get one ! Cheers tony ( off to Ebay now !)

 

[Airborne01]

Like Tony I've never heard of this beast but you've done a superb bit of scratchery there Steve!
Steve

 

[scottie3158]

Great looking builds Steve and unusual subjects i have not heard of those aircraft before.

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Very impressive Steve particularly in that scale.

 

[Neil Merryweather]

that's astonishing Steve, is there any chance of some WIP shots? I'd love to see how you did it

 

[Jim R]

Impressive build. Scratch built from scratch - very well done.

 

[minitnkr]

Amaze, amaze, amaze.

 

[Steve-the-Duck]

that's astonishing Steve, is there any chance of some WIP shots? I'd love to see how you did it

That's in the works, and may even be on here in a day-or-so

Amaze, amaze, amaze.

Fist my bump!

Thanks for the views and praise all. BTW, if anyone is interested in more info on the Aldershot, check out Rex's Hanger channel on Youtube. There's also film of the thing on there
BTW part 2, the Aldershot was one of the first 'planes designed for Avro by Roy Chadwick, whose most famous creation is the Lancaster. Spot the difference with fifteen years of aeronautical development between them

My next pieces of Silver Wings masochism will be a vacform Avro Bison and a DH.9A conversion into a Westland Walrus (NOT, I stress, the more famous Supermarine Walrus!)