theplasticsurgeon Posted August 1, 2008 Share Posted August 1, 2008 This is a shot of the boxes, with some pictures of the intended result. EE Lightning T4 serial XM973. The only reason this one has been selected, is that I can build it from the shown kit, Aeroclub conversion, and 19 Squadron decals pinched from an F2A kit. I've already built a T5 conversion in 1/72. Those Meteors on my bench, might prevent any quick progress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticsurgeon Posted August 5, 2008 Author Share Posted August 5, 2008 The marking and cutting of major components has begun - along with some interior: And the dry fitting of the fuselage. My plan is to join the port fuselage sections, alongside the unmodified stbd fuselage. That decal protective sheet is intended to avoid bonding the fuselage halves - before I want them bonded. Hence little progress on the Glosters since the weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bexwh773 Posted August 5, 2008 Share Posted August 5, 2008 Hence little progress on the Glosters since the weekend. Stuff the Meatboxes, this gorgeous Lady is far more important, looking good so far, and Ive never seen one built from the start before & at the ready Bex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticsurgeon Posted August 7, 2008 Author Share Posted August 7, 2008 Just for Bex: First part of this cut'n'shut is coming together. Port fuselage half has a new nose stitched on. Tracing paper is to prevent it sticking to the cutting board. No progress on the Glosters - but more on this soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nev Posted August 8, 2008 Share Posted August 8, 2008 Nice job so far - that 2-seat conversion is, as Bill said in his SAMI article many moons ago, the ideal first conversion project for anyone (hey, even I managed it!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticsurgeon Posted August 8, 2008 Author Share Posted August 8, 2008 A bit more surgery and reconstruction: The other fuselage half has been modified. I am using LOADS more superglue and insulation tape on this project - compared to the Jag at Christmas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticsurgeon Posted August 9, 2008 Author Share Posted August 9, 2008 And now fitting the internal components. That radar centrebody is full of lead - which I hope is enough. I'll be using kit seats, as they're quite visible under the larger canopy. I've also got a lead pilot to put in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHREAK Posted August 9, 2008 Share Posted August 9, 2008 Looking good so far! Is this going to be ready for inspection at the Avon show????!!!! ATB Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticsurgeon Posted August 10, 2008 Author Share Posted August 10, 2008 Day of clamping, taping and generally holding it together, whilst the fuselage is assembled. Loads of filling left to do. In answer to Phreak's question - it won't be at Avon show next weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gundylunch Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 It's OK if it doesn't appear Tim as long as you wear the shirt !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticsurgeon Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 Loads more tipex and sanding to smooth out the gaps - and primer to check them. I'm using the kit nosering - saving the metal one for a singleseater I've also fitted the tail - committing to T4. Enjoy - I am! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bexwh773 Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Looking good so far Tim, sheesh youre brave been in Narfolk the last few days. Thanks for sharing Bex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brews Posted August 14, 2008 Share Posted August 14, 2008 Yes, looking good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karl Posted August 14, 2008 Share Posted August 14, 2008 Looking good I'm still on the prowl for an F.3 (for the right price, of course.... ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nev Posted August 19, 2008 Share Posted August 19, 2008 mmmmm, T-Bird..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticsurgeon Posted August 23, 2008 Author Share Posted August 23, 2008 Back from a week in Tenerife - normal service resumes shortly. I did think of you guys at Avon Show - as I played in the sea that day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeC Posted August 23, 2008 Share Posted August 23, 2008 Back from a week in Tenerife - normal service resumes shortly.I did think of you guys at Avon Show - as I played in the sea that day. Did you think of all the bargains you missed Tim? You really do need to sort your priorities out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
periklis_sale Posted August 23, 2008 Share Posted August 23, 2008 its coming along nicely mate! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticsurgeon Posted August 23, 2008 Author Share Posted August 23, 2008 Did you think of all the bargains you missed Tim? You really do need to sort your priorities out. Thought never actually crossed my mind Mike. My stash is full at the moment - so it's unlikely that I'd buy much at the moment. I just like to see how models should be built. I have to say that I remember a SUPERB day, whilst the show was in Bath. I created a list of stuff that I wanted to find, with VERY tight limits (scoffed at by one of my colleagues, when he saw it) that I was prepared to pay. I found almost all of it - and within my budget! Came home with a boot full of models, a lighter wallet - but a HUGE grin. I've regarded the Avon show as a Bargain Rich Environment ever since - and always enjoyed it. All of the kits from that day, are now models in my collection - but the idea of the list has been repeated with great success at other shows - and copied by my colleague. Last Sunday spent the day on a hot beach, went out for an excellent meal, and consumed a lovely 99c bottle of wine on my balcony. Do you still think my priorities need sorting? Now for progress on the Lightning. I've finished off smoothing the fuselage, and airbrushed a quick coat of grey undercoat - whilst doing my Tenerife laundry. Just wish the photos looked as good as the model! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticsurgeon Posted August 25, 2008 Author Share Posted August 25, 2008 Finally got it looking like a Lightning! Wings and tail fitted today And chairs and pilots. The port pilot is an Airwaves metal figure for a Harrier. It was bought for a Jaguar that I built earlier this year - but has kicked around in my spares box since 1997. I found that the kit nosering is a better fit on this occasion, so I'm saving the metal one for a single seater. I'm using kit chairs, as they're better defined than the conversion - and the larger canopy looks like it will allow more to be seen through it. Saving the metal seats for my single-seaters as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticsurgeon Posted August 27, 2008 Author Share Posted August 27, 2008 Yesterday I fixed the canopy on: This morning I put a LOT of filler around it: and I've been sanding virtually ever since: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnonymousDFB1 Posted August 27, 2008 Share Posted August 27, 2008 Looking good TPS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theplasticsurgeon Posted August 30, 2008 Author Share Posted August 30, 2008 Much sanding, smooting and a quick aerosol of aluminium on the underside - and I'm masking, ready to put the green on. Weather is nice here today - so I'm going for it this afternoon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnonymousDFB1 Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 Getting there TPS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daz greenwood Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 Looking very nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts