discussion Tim’s Hobbyboss 1/48 Fleet Air Arm Avenger MkI

[tr1ckey66]

Just caught up with this Tim. A really interesting subject you’ve chosen and it really is progressing well. It’s interesting that you mention the excellent wing to root fit. I built a 1/32 Trumpeter Stuka some time ago and I said exactly the same thing (Trumpeter/Hobbyboss are both retail brands from the same company I believe). There may be accuracy issues with some of their kits but the fit is impeccable.
I’m loving the work on the engine and the paint work on the internals. looking great The folding wing is certain to add even more interest.
Cheers
Paul

 

[Tim Marlow]

Just caught up with this Tim. A really interesting subject you’ve chosen and it really is progressing well. It’s interesting that you mention the excellent wing to root fit. I built a 1/32 Trumpeter Stuka some time ago and I said exactly the same thing (Trumpeter/Hobbyboss are both retail brands from the same company I believe). There may be accuracy issues with some of their kits but the fit is impeccable.
I’m loving the work on the engine and the paint work on the internals. looking great The folding wing is certain to add even more interest.
Cheers
Paul

Cheers Paul. The issue I’ve found with fit on this one is that the slots and tabs are exactly the same size, with no allowance for interference fit or part tapering for mould release. This means I have spent far more time than I should have opening out and easing part fit. There are a lot of knockout pin marks in awkward places on the inside as well. Trumpeter kits I’ve built don’t seem to have this problem. I do wonder if this has been ported down from 1/32 without much adjustment? Still, moving on nicely now, and I was pleasantly surprised about the wing root fit.

 

[scottie3158]

Tim,
This is really looking the part mate.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Tim,
This is really looking the part mate.

Cheers Scottie.

 

[Tim Marlow]

The interminable build plods on…..

Glasshouse masked and on, and tail fitted…..and yes, I can get the turret glass on afterwards, but only just


Rest of the greenhouse….


…and a pile of bits to stick on after I’ve painted them….

Basically the wings and wingfold detail to go now…..but I’m really getting bored…..every single part has to be fettled to fit. Nothing too nasty, mostly just easing tabs and slots (where they exist), but it’s sapped the fun out of the build. Word on the street is that this was basically a reduced 1/32 model, so that would explain it…..

The Engine and cowling are slightly offset from each other as well, so it’s going to look crap head on. Not sure why, but the engine firewall fitting wasn’t particularly well engineered so it’s probably that….Just can’t bring myself to disassemble at this stage so I’ll live with it.

 

[Allen Dewire]

Sorry to hear this build is zapping you a bit Tim. I think she looks might fine and your hard work has paid off nicely!!! That wing fit is also a pleasant surprise too. As to what is wrong, I really don't know, but are the little nubs on the front of the rear wingy's supposed to be there? Or did you forget to install the CD player in the dashboard???...

Prost
Allen

 

[Tim Marlow]

Sorry to hear this build is zapping you a bit Tim. I think she looks might fine and your hard work has paid off nicely!!! That wing fit is also a pleasant surprise too. As to what is wrong, I really don't know, but are the little nubs on the front of the rear wingy's supposed to be there? Or did you forget to install the CD player in the dashboard???...

Prost
Allen

Er, yes they are Allen. When folded, the wings have hooks that drop into them….can’t see them on a real one though, so they might not stay….

 

[The Smythe Meister]

Sorry to hear the woes of this kit Tim,my Italeri one had a few problems, but nowhere near the mojo sapping levels of this one :flushed:.
All that said though,your paintwork,as usual,lifts it up several notches .
Don't know about you,but,I found the masking of the ball turret pretty tricky.
Keep at it mate, it's looking very nice indeed :thumb2:

 

[scottie3158]

Tim,
Stick with it mate, despite the issues you are having you are building a great model.

 

[Mini Me]

I'm with Mr. Scottie on this as well Tim......yer doing a great job and the worst is probably behind you so PCO Sir. :thumb2:

 

[langy71]

You're doing a fine job of wrestling this into a beauty Tim, your work is paying off by the bucketload...

 

[Tim Marlow]

Sorry to hear the woes of this kit Tim,my Italeri one had a few problems, but nowhere near the mojo sapping levels of this one :flushed:.
All that said though,your paintwork,as usual,lifts it up several notches .
Don't know about you,but,I found the masking of the ball turret pretty tricky.
Keep at it mate, it's looking very nice indeed :thumb2:

Here’s hoping on the paint Andy…..not painted it yet though LOL….
Masking the turret wasn’t too bad, just use a scalpel blade to lift the masks and tweezers to place them…..Making it fit after assembly was another thing all together though. I had to make the gun cut out into a slot going right through to the base……couldn’t get it over the gun otherwise…..nerve wracking because clear styrene is very brittle, and breaking it would probably have been the last straw….

 

[Tim Marlow]

Tim,
Stick with it mate, despite the issues you are having you are building a great model.

Cheers Paul…..thanks for the support.

 

[Tim Marlow]

I'm with Mr. Scottie on this as well Tim......yer doing a great job and the worst is probably behind you so PCO Sir. :thumb2:

Cheers Rick…..don’t know about the worst……still got the wingfold to get right yet…..and I’m torn about putting the rockets on the wings…..were they left on folded?

 

[Tim Marlow]

You're doing a fine job of wrestling this into a beauty Tim, your work is paying off by the bucketload...

Cheers Chris. Wrestling is the word I think…..it’s a pity though. Just a little attention to fit and finish would have made this a great kit…..

 

[stillp]

and I’m torn about putting the rockets on the wings…..were they left on folded?

Yes. When the wings were unfolded they're taking up deck space so would be armed up before unfolding.
Pete

 

[Waspie]

Yes. When the wings were unfolded they're taking up deck space so would be armed up before unfolding.
Pete

Oooh, that sounds like an accident waiting to happen! Accidental electrical power to a missile and whoosh!!! Shudder just thinking about it!!!

USS Forrestal Fire

 

[stillp]

Safer than rushing to arm up while aircraft are waiting to take off though.
Pete

 

[Waspie]

Safer than rushing to arm up while aircraft are waiting to take off though.
Pete

I'd disagree, (Sorry), as an ex missile aimer and having bombed up aircraft prior to launch as a maintainer. It's all in the timing. F1 teams change four wheels in 2-3 seconds, they got the idea from watching the military. It'a all in the training!!!

Having weapons fitted below deck is playing with fire. The flight deck whilst a busy dangerous plane is a better place to load weapons. The wings are folded to allow more aircraft to be stowed below deck as hangers space is precious. Once aircraft are on deck, spread winds, load up weapons, The deck ground crews can get many aircraft in a tight space and still have room under the wings to load missiles and such.

 

[stillp]

Yes, I agree with loading on the flight deck, but surely it can still be done with the wings folded. I don't have your experience of course, but when I was building my Skyraider I found several wartime photos showing aircraft fully loaded and with wings folded.
Pete