Mancunian airman

Not 100% aligned but wear 'n' tear has something to do with it . . .

Having built the Aussie version previously, (Will try and find the photo), I have the research info and I can tell you that the actual line-drawing provided by Matchbox is in-correct as the aircraft didnt carry the H2s. Also the artwork in wrong on the box-top, it shows 11 bomb symbols on each row when in fact there should only be TEN as the aircraft, NG206, only undertook 31 operations; plus, the exhaust shrouds were removed so they will need altering. Sorry I am getting ahead of myself, the thing is I have two sets of squadron markings for 9 Squadron - WS-J and WS-Y (from the Frog kit) but sadly they are not both the same colouring with the Frog set being more brick red than the brighter red of the matchbox decals. I have a few days to make a decision . . . .

Because, like most folks on here, I tend only to build a limited number of subjects due to time available, usually related to Bomber Command. Lancasters and their associated equipment and vehicles so I am always on the look out for methods to improve my lot . . . Liking your BC bits quite alot Woody37

Wonder If I can build two side by side ?? the other boxing has slightly different artwork . . .

This has been in my stash for some time so now is the opportunity to build the thing with a little bit of motivation from you guys. Still sealed in the bag . . .

I dont think I have actually identified the particular aircraft I am replicating so here are the details . . . ED583: This was one of the first aircraft posted onto 100 squadron when it was formed in December 1942 but the squadron didnt start operations until March 1943. On the squadrons first operation, ED583 was the only one of six aircraft to return back to Grimsby (Waltham). First flown by a New Zealander, Flt McGrath with a mixed crew, English and Polish, before being handed over to Lawrence 'Johnnie' Stow and his crew. Johnnie wrote an account of his tour entitled 'Seven Up' but unfortunately the manuscript was never published, ( I have a copy thankfully). After several months of operations, it was due a 'Major' service. The aircraft came out of the hangar following the servicing and was taken on an air-test by an experienced American pilot, flying with the Royal Canadian Air force, with a mixed selection of aircrew just posted in on the squadron. Unfortunately it broke up in the air and fell onto a small village not to far from the airfield. It had completed 49 operations. The motif on the nose was taken from the 'Wings for Victory, war savings campaign and raised money for the Royal Air Force and helped to purchase several aircraft. This build is to remember the young lads that flew this particular aircraft and of course to the many more that carried out the night bombing campaign and failed to return.

Been doing small bits . . . All the turrets finished . . . BUT Utilising paper to try and replicate the chute(s) for expended cartridges . . . More detail in the cockpit area certainly gives the overall impression of complexity . . . Note the re-positioned vertical pole at the nav/w/op. station,. THe radio has been cut down giving the navigator more room on his table; I have included the nav's bag as well. Have seen to many models copied where target maps have been left in the aircraft, a BIG No No, this seems to have been perpetuated for many years. Target maps were under Lock & Key with limited access to the Map Room. Navigators logs and route maps were passed onto the Navigational officer on return/after de-briefing for examination so I'm sorry, never left in an aircraft unattended. The flight-engineers seat has been reduced as well as his panel of gauges, Grab rail down to the bomb-aimers position added. I have the Eduard PE of the Instrument panel and I think this really is a nice piece of extra to add. I have tried to add a little more to the pilots seat . . . Note the re-positioned base of the Yoke to clear the IP when installed . . . Still a bit more to add . . . Small detail in the cockpit roof, the wire (?) runners for the shade blinds . . . blinds currently drying before being fixed . . . I'm sure there is more to come, many thanks for looking in. Ian

The more I look into the Matchbox Lancaster the more I am inclined to get it out and build it although I think I should like to make a few minor improvements. (Got the BIG 48th to finish first).

I shall follow with interest as I have recently purchased the 1/48th conversion set for the TT18 . . . already liking the rear of the IP detail, interested to see how much of what you will be able to see when the fuselage is closed up.

I like it cos its difference . . .

Apart from the fact the colour scheme, weathering looks great, I would like to ask a question . . . How do you accurately cut the windows out from the decal(s) ???? many thanks

Personal choice which depends on the level of accuracy you desire. There are numerous faults with most of the kits available but I do think for the best overall impression, shape of a Lancaster then I would go for the Airfix every time.

Thats right See page 2. Q-Queenie from 83 Sqdn. RAF SCampton. Inspired by John Bushby and his book 'Gunners Moon' 1972

Here is one I finished earlier . . . I counted how many 'waves' there were, 15 I think, measured the distance and marked off the semi-circles then hand painted. The wings, were reduced from the Lancaster wings and the engines sratched.

Troy I will have to get a photo-copy and draw the measurement on then scan to post, I think I will post in 'Vehicles' to give it its own topic and hopefully easier to find ?? meanwhile progress on the trestles . .. the top working platform So far these have taken 40 individual pieces per trestles, plus the 2 wheels and I have still to add the four drop-down legs for each corner. Also starting to build up the cockpit area starting with the W/op. and Nav's table . . . note the nav.'s angle-poise lamp and additional rail (black) for the cockpit window. More to come

I too have this partially constructed, the fuselage is together with the bomb-doors cut away as it is/was my intention to display the interior. Its been sat upstairs for a long while, trouble is when I start a build and its a struggle sometimes I dont want to press on with it but then I dont like to see many unbuilt kits lying around.

The whole thing about colours is a minefield. yes the Army did start with Brown then tonal green(s). The RAF followed the same scheme as vehicles came off the production with the Army regulations. Colour EXTREMELY rare. Not wishing to change the direction of your topic Your Wellington looks terrific, Wickenby is very close to me

I am totally unsure about the true colour, the examples I came across were Yellow. I find it hard to think that any were repainted in civilian life. On the film 'Night Bombers' I think they were green with a yellow top rail. (I have yet to build the top section on mine) RAF Blue seems unlikely unless anybody know definitely ?? I seem to remember in the early 70's when I was at West Raynham they were a military green

Superb photo showing what is needed I think to make a start . . . .

TeeELL many thanks for that Link

Troy Plan is mine, drawn from measurements taken of two existing engine trestles 'found' at my local airfield. Measured in inches and converted to 48th scale. For the frame I used 30thou rod, square axle 40thou and planking sheeting 7m scale. Ossington I took a chance on these . . . I particularly like the fact that they are quite narrow http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-48th-scale-Gaz-pickup-replacement-wheels-and-tyres-ACE-model/321906133324?_trksid=p2060778.c100275.m3474&_trkparms=ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140813110652%26meid%3D9a08fc7c7fa346ad80d3c9451ee0c723%26pid%3D100275%26

Hi Andrew Re: camouflage. The camouflage for the outbreak of war period for vehicles was RAF Blue-Grey. Your (Wellington era) camouflage was base colour brown with green running over something like this . . . Wickenby buildings were camouflaged like the one in the photo hence the vehicle camouflage. 'Mickey Mouse' camo was introduced around Oct-Nov. 1943. No intention of being critical just trying to help with an accurate scheme

Takes me back to Wickenby. I read Hodgson book 'Letters from a bomber pilot' some years ago. The Wellington had modified bomb doors IIRC to take the 'cookie'. I am puzzled by your colours for the vehicles though. A lovely yet simple diorama that gives the impression of the rural scene at Wickenby.

Rather slow progress but been doing little jobs like the 'Taboo arms' on the mid-upper, bits of touch up painting and the two engine trestles . . .

Is that right ??? 2017 ?