Ragtag

Having put it off for quite some time, recently I decided to start attacking my 1/76 Mersey-class lifeboat. £18 is a bit of a steal for a 3D printed kit of this size, so I was quite happy when it arrived. Unfortunately, the more I look at it the more inaccuracies I find to correct - most notable of which is that the hull is quite considerably too shallow. There are also some significant errors around the cabin windows and flying bridge, as well as an incorrect hatch. The deck is also too low and the stern profile seems too flat. That being said, there aren't too many options out there for an all-weather lifeboat (especially if you want something smaller than a Severn) so I decided to see what could be done with it. I'll also be building a Shannon too at some point so we'll see how they compare. Work so far has mostly consisted of trying to smooth off the very 'stepped print and removing some of the more crude detailing. The deck height is slowly getting there, though still a few layers to go at the bow before smoothing it all off. I tried shaping the stern to match the curved profile of the actual vessels & think it looks better though not perfect, but having run out of material to shape it'll have to do. I've also cut away the inaccurate parts from the rear. Again, it won't be perfect as I'm not convinced the window spacing is 100% but hopefully it'll look better. I think the cabin may be too tall already but I'm going to have to add a mm or 2 to the roof to get the proportions right relative to the windows. The front cabin windows also need reducing in height as they should match the sides. In all honesty, if I was to make another of these I think I'd use the hull and build the deck and cabin from scratch, but too late now!

Interior fit is looking rather good there

Looking forward to seeing this progress, especially the scratching of the new fuelling points - I started one a while back which I really must get back to. I focused more on the interior as I wasn't keen on the idea of making the new fuelling point so hoping to learn something for next time:

Good good, more Sea Kings

Hi Lawzer, anything that shows the equipment fitted would be really helpful - other than jyguy's shots above I haven't found much to go on Cheers, Stu

That box art brings back memories - built this one (badly I expect) when I was a lad.

Great looking build

Much as I like the Excelsior I think I prefer the Constitution refit for Ent-A.

All good

Ask that question over on RMWeb and I reckon you'll get a few good suggestions

Thanks chally, I remember that day well - I'd just landed at Leeming and was getting out of the cockpit when she went over so didn't manage a photograph.

I'll have to have a proper read back over this as I've been pondering a Canberra myself - was it XH134 that made the final farewell tour of low passes over RAF stations across the country?

In the end I caved when I found one of the Plastyk kits for £3. Still not convinced it was worth it though

Hi Don, my understanding from the sources I've read is that the console just contained the gear that was too difficult/expensive to remove when the HAS.6 was converted to the Commando role for training purposes. I wonder whether they even flew with observers? Stu

Kit is now in hand so will be starting soon - if anyone has any more images of that console they wouldn't mind sharing it'd be much appreciated

Shame, would've liked to see the radar take shape If you need to build confidence have a look at how cack my WIPs are

A lovely build indeed - don't suppose there's a WIP anywhere?

Love the interior detail - how visible is it?

Airfix includes them as standard in both their HC.4 and new HAR.3 boxings - you might be able to find someone who hasn't used theirs who'd be willing to part with them

I was referring to this one rather than CV-64 http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/startrek/images/2/22/Constellation-r.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20070207214542

Looking good - I do like an Excelsior. Have one of these in the stash myself. I think I must be in the minority though - I actually prefer the Ent-B/Lakota refit.

I'd wondered the same Mike but images of the HAR.3 with its blades folded at the right angle to see the blade colour seem to be difficult to come by. Can't make out much in this shot: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29288836@N00/9321014141/ This one seems to show it off-centre: https://www.flickr.com/photos/urklesaviation/8161999904/

This image seems to show the yellow blade over the tail-boom: https://img.planespotters.net/photo/387000/original/zh540-royal-air-force-westland-sea-king-har3a_PlanespottersNet_387145.jpg

Thanks Dave, already sent Roger an order for the conversion and interior yesterday

Brilliant, thank you!