perdu Posted August 24, 2017 Share Posted August 24, 2017 I foolishly mentioned beginning the Gannet I had in my stashlet (It is a very small stash that I am desperately trying not to add to!) and was almost immediately responded to by 71chally I feel he has access to most of the unscrapped Gannets in captivity anyway so if he is willing to be an accessory both sides of the fact, here we go With this essential rider, the Buccaneer build already begun will be getting most of my attention until I finish it This year has been designated Bill's year of naviation so let's get it on! This old Novo pressing of Frog's lovely little Gannet has been in cold store for thirty five years or so, bag open and with no transparent parts, the transfer sheet has been in my transfer folder being kept... Safe? Well kept anyway Most of us know that Frog didn't give this kit any cockpit details, just these And whipping them off safely was task one Task two entailed opening an opening, I have the Pavla cockpit set destined originally for a kit by Trumpeter which I intend fitting into here My kit had had its wing halves glued together which makes part three a bit of a problem Aha, razor saw time Much severe hackery resulted Hack off the bottom inner wing section to the flaps so the insides can be fitted up/out The wheel wells are simply moulded on as raised lines and the u/c legs are part of the wheel door that has an axle for the wheel to glue to which pops into that slot that is moulded blind for cutting out No, on second thoughts, don't ask, we'll skirt over that OK no we won't The doors and imitation wheel blanks need extracting quickly, so they were my Expo tool with its dinky little slitting saw Whizz And carefully wheee The round part of the hole was made with the circle cutter, it really is important not to cut with the sharpest edge of its blade That makes the cut line wander as the cutter slices into the plastic It is more precise to use the flat back of the cutter which will act like a machine tool cutting tool and cut away a groove that stays on centre all the way down into the plastic Be careful with this tool, it may be small but that thing on the sliding cutter bar is a KNIFE knives can bite, look at my hands And from the days I wore short grey flannels there is still a definite track across my knee from my early days getting acquainted with Messrs Swann & Morton You can see I downloaded a picture of a well known set of Gannet enhancement stuff to compare with photos of wheel well interiors it didn't compare really so I haven't got one I do have their cockpit enhancement set though and may use it some day (I have another Gannet which we may discuss later... may not too, neither) Ah look, there's the etch stuff If I didn't have the Pavla set I would give this a go, the straps are likely to get a gig on this one, at least Oh look in the hole in the cutaway fuselage, stuff that looks resinous... This stuff apologies for the low light imagery let's try this Hmm, lighter but no ceegar mister With the wing panels opened its time to get the interior cleaned up for the detail sessions Which begins... With the holes ready up top it is time to get into the nose bay Started but not finished, 'til then here's a freebie of the upper holes filled up I drilled the holes into the rock hard plastic with my Expo drill using a big burr tool It wandered and I have work to do to get it nice This does show how nice and FULL the Pavla stuff makes the 'pit Well that is about it for a start, I am building the nose wheel bay for now More to come in a day or so 24 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BristolBlue Posted August 24, 2017 Share Posted August 24, 2017 Depressing to see you do such a great job on this relic of a kit while I struggle with swords "state of the art" aew version. Can't wait to see more! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perdu Posted August 24, 2017 Author Share Posted August 24, 2017 I'd quite like an AEW 3 next too, I wonder if there are any of the old Airmodel vacforms around these days? I've never tried any of the modern era Gannets, maybe one day when I have used up my spare Froggies Depressed? Those are the days I cant get in here and do some carving and glueing Remember its only kids playing, only a game! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BristolBlue Posted August 24, 2017 Share Posted August 24, 2017 Ok lets be positive then......uplifting to see such great work! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perdu Posted August 24, 2017 Author Share Posted August 24, 2017 That, as Mr Punch always says, is the way to do it That's the way to do it (mouthed with a squawk, don't let anyone nearby hear you...) Really 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedB Posted August 24, 2017 Share Posted August 24, 2017 Nice to see this one in a WiP Bill I do like the Gannet and it's on my wishlist - watching with interest! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
giemme Posted August 24, 2017 Share Posted August 24, 2017 I'm in for this one too, Bill - if you don't mind. Great surgery going on already I know nothing about this aircraft, so I'll follow with even more interest Ciao 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Massimo Posted August 24, 2017 Share Posted August 24, 2017 Mmmmmhhhh....Gannet...very interesting! I love it, even if it isn't a real beauty! I'll keep an eye on this one! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perdu Posted August 25, 2017 Author Share Posted August 25, 2017 Trying out this confounded tablet picture Linky thing again Hopefully there's a picture there If there is it might be the Black Cat in 1/144 scale I made last week Cross em folks 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perdu Posted August 25, 2017 Author Share Posted August 25, 2017 (edited) This is blurry too but its all for practice The picture was taken on this tablet's camera, wobbly hands and all Edited August 25, 2017 by perdu 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
71chally Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 (edited) Great start Bill! The main gears are something that will be nice to see properly rendered for sure. The main wheel 'circle' is actually like a 20p coin on one edge. There are some great walkaround images on line, better than my shots, so will attempt to point them out as progress. There's nothing fancy about the main wheel bays, they aren't walled in to follow the exact contours of the underwing cutout if that makes sense. Its essentially a rectangular box formed by the fwd spar, fuselage side, and wing rib inboard of the fold. There are then various stringers, a cut rib and gusset panels inside the bay. This is AEW but gives you an idea, Fairey Gannet AEW.3 port main undercarriage bay by James Thomas, on Flickr One thing to watch on the AS types, the drag strut for the main gear leg is actually hinged from the underside of the wing skin, just outboard of the U/C bay, and has a prominent external hinge point, this is also why the main gear door has a cutout and a bulge at the leading edge top corner. Can I ask, have you chosen a particular Gannet to render? Edited August 25, 2017 by 71chally 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perdu Posted August 25, 2017 Author Share Posted August 25, 2017 (edited) I noticed the 'threepenny bit' shape of the wheel well walls, the inner 'round wall' bit is only stuck at the edge of its join to the leg box I haven't completely decided yet but I think I'd like to reprise 777 the COD Gannet I modelled thirty five years or so ago Luckily with this fabulous Beastie there are so many great schemes to play with And I have another unopened Russian moulding to play with And casting rubber for extra 'stuff'. ☺ It looks like being a fun winter ahead. Edited August 25, 2017 by perdu 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
giemme Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 56 minutes ago, perdu said: It looks like being a fun winter ahead. Indeed! Both pics showing up good, BTW. Ciao 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
71chally Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 1 hour ago, perdu said: I haven't completely decided yet but I think I'd like to reprise 777 the COD Gannet I modelled thirty five years or so ago It looks like being a fun winter ahead. Ah, a favourite! Looks good in the traditional COD RAF Blue/Grey scheme, but it also wore a unique Sky & EDGS scheme with tactical markings in the mid '70s, apparently mistakenly painted as an AEW.3 I have some good close up, and cockpit interior shots of 777, but I see you have already done well in that department! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hendie Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 sheesh... the original post is only 14 hours old, and already I'm at the back of a long queue. This should be entertaining - I love seeing old kits brought back to life 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perdu Posted August 25, 2017 Author Share Posted August 25, 2017 Another test. 😇 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
71chally Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 (edited) ...loud and clear, AEC Mandator Blue Steel carrier. Do you need canopies for your Gannet? This is a good walkaround set, nice clear pictures http://www.primeportal.net/hangar/mark_hayward/fairey_gannet_ecm.6/ These shots in particular show that external drag strut hinge and bulged cutout area in the u/c door Edited August 25, 2017 by 71chally 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perdu Posted August 25, 2017 Author Share Posted August 25, 2017 Thank yoiu, no James I have the beautiful Falcon moulding set Oh yes, test passed One of twenty odd I took so I might build one some day Not now likely though, I'm fairly air committed nowadays 😇 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
71chally Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 (edited) I was going to say I have a Falcon canopy here. I have the AEW vacform somewhere aswel, but the Sword kit is the better option, though I haven't built it yet. Another walkaround from good old Primeportal, http://data4.primeportal.net/hangar/howard_mason4/fairey_gannet/ These shots show the shape of the wheel cutout, not quite as faceted as I remember but not a perfect circle either, doubt one would notice in 72nd mind! These Australian sets are very useful as well, http://www.grubby-fingers-aircraft-illustration.com/gannet_walkaround.html http://www.grubbyfingersshop.com/walkaround_galleries/FAIREY_AS1_Gannet_Walkaround_XA434_RAN_Nowra_2014/FAIREY_AS1_Gannet_Walkaround_XA434_RAN_Nowra_2014.html Edited August 25, 2017 by 71chally 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex-FAAWAFU Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 (edited) You're going to geneeding this, Bill: https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/CMR-DS01 Joking aside, I don't know what the Frog canopy will be like after all these years, but I note that Hannants have the Falcon 1/72 FAA set in stock, which includes a canopy specifically designed for this kit. Edit: teach me to post before reading; you've already got one and been offered another... Edited August 25, 2017 by Ex-FAAWAFU 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perdu Posted August 25, 2017 Author Share Posted August 25, 2017 joke ho ho not on this baby Crisp you sadists will be getting folded Sea Vixen and Buccynear you are not having Gannets all bent out of shape too Dammit man I gave you a bended Wasp too didn't I? Now Falcon canopies absolute works of art, I love 'em Wouldn't even contemplate these builds without them 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perdu Posted August 25, 2017 Author Share Posted August 25, 2017 Forgot to thank you for the edge view of that door, going to enjoy making that happen in 1/72 ish Cheers James, chief research archivist 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fritag Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 I've been doing my own research for your Gannet build Bill. Indeed just the other day at Hermaness on Unst I managed to photograph thousands of the bu**ers all in one go No close up's I'm afraid tho' Bill You'll have to rely on James for those..... Did get a detail shot of a Fulmar today when we were on Fetlar if you're planning one of them? Actually this chap's lookout is a bit dodgy..........he's got a bandit turning in on his six and he needs to break right sharpish.... Not bad for iPhone piccies...... 7 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martian Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 Good start Bill. I shall stick around to provide encouragement and to watch you work your wizardry with the wing folds. Martian 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
71chally Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 Lovely shots Fritag, actually my favourite bird is the Gannet. My old man is an ornitholo twitcher and travels the world getting bird photos, he's got some lovely Gannet close ups! Cracking shots, especially so with an Iphone, loving the Fulmar! 1 hour ago, perdu said: ...going to enjoy making that happen in 1/72 You might not have to 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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