1/48 mosquito Airfix (1980)

[ModellerUK]

Hi all I'm after some help on this I got the kit off a fellow britmodeller and have made a great start I have sorted the wings for the paragon designs flaps and all is well so far, however the fuselage I'm using is the FB version, I'd like the crew access door open, how would I go about removing it from the fuselage in a tidy fashion, also what variant does this build into it has 2 versions on the box and includes the 2 stage merlin but I'm building the older one is it a FB variant (crew door in the side of fuselage) 

[nsmekanik]

Depends on wether or you want to scratch a new door, if you are looking to salvage the kit part one method you might try is to drill a small hole through the panel line and insert a thread through it, then tie either end to your thumb and index finger then basically saw your way around the panel line. It's a bit tedious but with care you can make a decent cut. This method also works well in opening canopies by the way.

 The other way is to drill a bazillion holes around where you want the opening and scratch a new door.

[Jamie @ Sovereign Hobbies]

The original Airfix kit builds into a pretty respectable FB.VI variant. Although obviously a rougher model than the Tamiya kit, many agree that the Airfix kit is the better shape. The good thing about Mosquitos is that they have hardly any panel lines, so 1980 standard Airfix still builds into a good model.

[ModellerUK]

Thanks for yor help

[Artie]

I'm reencountering myself with an old build of an Airfix PR.XVI Mosquito....it's the kind of kits that:

You love.............or.............You hate.

 

I love it.  Idon't mind the mixed raised/engraved lines......I don't mind it being a classic kit with basic engineering.....It's a lovely kit. The "newly" tooled fuselage parts give you the option for a closed or open door, IIRC.....

cheers

 

[Tail-Dragon]

 

The original issue Airfix Mosquito builds up very nicely (with a bit of work), every bit as impressive as the Tamiya kit (IMHO) - For the entry door, Ultracast do a resin replacement that is very nice.

 

http://www.ultracast.ca/products/48/035/default.htm

 

[Troy Smith]

On 04/10/2016 at 17:41, Bailes said:

Hi all I'm after some help on this I got the kit off a fellow britmodeller and have made a great start I have sorted the wings for the paragon designs flaps and all is well so far, however the fuselage I'm using is the FB version, I'd like the crew access door open, how would I go about removing it from the fuselage in a tidy fashion, also what variant does this build into it has 2 versions on the box and includes the 2 stage merlin but I'm building the older one is it a FB variant (crew door in the side of fuselage) 

It would help to state what version the kit is. (and I assume this is the kit you asked about in a previous thread? http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235009717-help-removing-plastic-for-fitment-of-resin-aftermarket/ )

 

the Airfix Mosquito has 3 versions, the original FB VI, and two boxing with added sprues, a NF 30, adding a new nose and wing uppers and engines and nacelles,  and a B/PR XVI,  which adds an entire new fuselage to the NF 30 kit (minus radar nose)

From you post, I presume this is the B.XVI kit?

 

It  is possible to build the NF.30 as a an earlier version, XIII, XVII, or XIX,  using the 'bull nose' universal radome and single stage engines, and the B/PR XVI can be built as an earlier bomber  version, a B. IX springs  to mind, but probably a B.IV  as well using the single stage engines.

 

There are quite possibly some minor details not included,  eg a B.IV uses different hubs, and narrow prop blades, (or just the earlier versions?)   but it's late and I'm not going on an info quest for  this, but this should give you an idea.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Havilland_Mosquito#Variants

note  some variants  have changes to engine and radar or fuel tankage  that is not externally visible, eg NF 36 and 38, PR.34 .... have a read, and ask for clarification if you need,

as well as the Canadian and  Australian built  planes, though you'd need to check  for small changes, I know the Canadian ones have some detail changes to engine panelling as they used Packard Merlins.

 

Legend has it the kit came from research done in the late 70's  for a 1/24th Mosquito,  which never happened, but it was the  best of the late 70's Airfix 1/48th kits, some bit are better than the Tamiya, the fin is the right height, and the  radio is better detailed.  Fit can tricky, especially the  cannon bay insert and nacelle too wing, esp on the two stage see here

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/27282-two-stage-merlin-engines-made-easy/

 

one point, NO 1/48th Mosquito gets the tyres right,

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234944213-mosquito-tyres-in-148th-are-any-accurate/

 Ultracast  do replacements, now distributed by Sovereign Hobbies

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234948859-mosquito-wheels-5-types-148/

 

these are the ones you want for most Mossies

http://ultracast.ca/products/48/247/default.htm

full list

http://ultracast.ca/Aircraft Accessories - 48 Scale - Mosquito.htm

 

the ones you want are not in at Sovereign,  just the Australian ones at the mo.

 

the Airfix tyres are not terrible, just the tread pattern is wrong.

 

HTH

T

 

PS 

NW Europe Mosquito fighters camo and markings monograph

http://www.boxartden.com/gallery/index.php/Profiles/Camoflage-Markings/06-De-Havilland-Mosquito

 

British Aircraft in USAAF service camo and markings monograph

http://www.boxartden.com/gallery/index.php/Profiles/Camoflage-Markings/21-British-Aircraft-in-USAAF

has US PR Mosquitos,