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Valom is to release a 1/144th Bristol Brigand B.Mk.1 - RAF Overseas - kit - ref. 14433 Sources: https://www.aviationmegastore.com/en/modelling/bristol-brigand-b-mki-raf--overseas-valom-vaclav-lomitzk-val14433-199681.html https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/VAL14433 V.P.

It's more fun to separate builds into different topics, don't you think? In my Burma Beaufighter, I mentioned that I fiddled with a Brigand as well, so why don't show it here then? I started way back in 2011, and this was my first attempt at a short run kit. First thing to tackle was actually the engine/landing gear nacelles. It's sort of an approximate fit... But the details are nice at least. It was painted grey as per instructions dictated, and given a light wash That'll have to do. Now, someone will probably say that they're supposed to be black... I can change that if needed. The nacelles them self aren't what I'd call circular, but who cares? The fit against the wing is also less than stellar Brute force to the rescue! After the nacelles and wings were "done" i started with the cockpit. Etched belts were a nice touch, but the look a little oversized. And the rudder pedals looks very small Ok, All etch was finally installed After that, the kit was boxed for a while, until 2013 when i started to paint some random bits. Black basing in the cockpit Interior grey-green sprayed at and angle, just so. Look, I did some detail painting too But it went back to it's box again. Until this weekend, when I brought it along to have something to do during a model competition. End of the historical era.

I recently returned from the IPMS Gloucester show with an addition to my ever growing collection of kits, and have decided that i need to get some model making mojo back. After placing my previous attempt at a short-run kit into a temporary (ahem, year long) hiatus i have decided to attack the stash. I will be using this thread to work through the largest contingent in the stash, aircraft produced by Bristol. Having grown up not far from Filton, two grandparents who worked for Bristol prior to, during and after WWII and involved in projects from Beaufort's, through Sycamore's and onto Concorde, i grew up with a passion for all thing made by Bristol. The Bristol contingent consists of: Tamiya Beaufighter TFX - 1/48 - completed! Airfix Beaufighter TFX - 1/72 Airfix Blenheim I (new) - 1/72 Airfix Blenheim I (new) 1/72 Airfix Blenheim I (old) - 1/72 Airfix Blenheim IVF - 1/72 HPM Beaufort - 1/72 Magna Models Buckmaster - 1/72 (WIP.....) Valom Brigand - 1/72 So, despite the number of Blenheim i own, l have decided to start my Bristol odyssey with the Valom Brigand, which after reading a few other build threads looks to be... challenging. Nothing i can't handle (famous last words) So, obligatory sprue shots: So, some nice photo etch, resin engines, no locating pins and vague instructions...... I will be building the kit as Brigand TF1 RH742, as seen here (which is the photo the box art is based on!) Okay, first things, assault the cockpit! Photo etch controls, film dials and not quite correct seating to start... The Brigand was a 'three seater', the pilot got his own seat, the others had to share a bench seat, the kit supplies three seats. Generally though, the rest of the cockpit looks about right. So i will build the cockpit as per instructions except i need to scratch together a bench seat. Control panel has raised detail that needs sanding flat prior to photo etch etc being place on top, so out with a file. Painted the panel and etch panel with Vallejo 'German Grey' which is a nice 'black' for this scale, then a quick drybrush over the photo etch panel with Vallejo 'Oily Steel'. Once that is done, the panel will go together and then i will look at the rest of the cockpit later!

As an ageing Newbie I approach my next WIP with some trepidation but also with a group of BMers that I know will help me through. I've learned a lot since my first WIP on the Horsa and my second on the Frog Spitfire XIV and Flying Bomb 1:72 was very educational - certainly taught me a lesson (or four). So with my newly found skills (??), tips and techniques, tools and group of supporters I felt ready to tackle a Valom. I live in Bath and so Bristols have a special attraction (do NOT use THAT emoticon please boys). Chosen at random from the list of available models this Brigand will accompany my Beaufighter and Blenheim(s). Only now that I've done some research do I realise that this didn't really fly in WWII. Oops. Stretch the window then. Research shows that this "brute" was a challenge and the Boys of 84 Sqdn certainly had some experiences in Malaya, where the climate had detrimental effects on the aircraft including, but not limited to: - main undercarriage failing to lower - propellor blades 'departing', usually resulting in the engine going with it - air brakes not operating in the dive. More information here. Possibly the worse problem was that the Brigand tended to shoot itself down: "The losses of several aircraft during strafing runs and several more being damage led to the discovery of a deadly problem. The long cannon blast tubes that ran beneath the cockpit seemed to have the tendency of trapping propellant gases when the four cannons were fired. This gas would occasionally ignite when the aircraft used high explosive rounds, the resulting explosion would damage hydraulic lines and fire would severly damage the aircraft or cause it to crash." In a great example of British grit "At one point, the commanders of the units that operated the type began to have doubts over the wisdom of continuing operations." Obviously they escalated operational status to 'slightly miffed'. (New post for sprue shots)

This is my first RFI and there's a somewhat protracted WiP thread here. I hope you like it. This is an OOB build (more or less) - the kit comes with additional resin and PE parts. Research shows that this "brute" was a challenge and the Boys of 84 Sqdn certainly had some experiences in Malaya, where the climate had detrimental effects on the aircraft including, but not limited to: - main undercarriage failing to lower - propellor blades 'departing', usually resulting in the engine going with it - air brakes not operating in the dive. More information here. Possibly the worse problem was that the Brigand tended to shoot itself down: "The losses of several aircraft during strafing runs and several more being damage led to the discovery of a deadly problem. The long cannon blast tubes that ran beneath the cockpit seemed to have the tendency of trapping propellant gases when the four cannons were fired. This gas would occasionally ignite when the aircraft used high explosive rounds, the resulting explosion would damage hydraulic lines and fire would severly damage the aircraft or cause it to crash." In a great example of British grit "At one point, the commanders of the units that operated the type began to have doubts over the wisdom of continuing operations."