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Selwyn

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Posts posted by Selwyn

  1. 1 minute ago, Sabrejet said:

     

    This is missing the point: it's not about trying to stop a natural process - it's about trying to make a difference. Or next time your house catches fire, don't bother putting it out "because it always happens". We only need to go back two years to see the difference that lockdown made to air quality and wildlife profusion.

     

     

     

    You are missing my point. I totally agree with you that there needs to be an improvement in air quality, Its just that  they are linking air quality and wildlife profusion to climate change,  two completly seperate  issues. 

     

    Selwyn

     We have inadvertantly strayed from the thread subject too far,  and this will be probably shut down, I wont be adding anything else to this discussion.

  2. 33 minutes ago, iang said:

     

     

    Can you cite any scientific evidence for these views, that isn't funded by Big Oil?

     

    This 60 second video  produced by the Royal Society obviously won't change your mind, but may prevent others who stumble across this thread from promulgating dangerous, factually incorrect, disinformation.

     

     

    Can you cite any evidence that wasn't funded by governments with a environmental political agenda?

     

    8000 years ago you could walk from what is now the Uk to what is now Europe. This land bridge ended because of global warming melting the ice caps and the consequencial raising of sea levels. This of course was caused by all the excessive emissions from industry and polluting vehicles. But wait! there wasn't any industry  or polluting vehicles 8000 years ago.  strange that. Wonder what they could blame that on? 

    We are currently in  a lull between ice ages. An ice age is a long period of reduction in the temperature of Earth's surface and atmosphere, resulting in the presence or expansion of continental and polar ice sheets and alpine glaciers. Earth's climate alternates between ice ages and greenhouse periods. Its a natural process.

     

    Selwyn

    • Like 1
    • Thanks 1
  3. 1 hour ago, Paul J said:

    I don't believe that it's just airshows that affects  climate. Other events like all those motorsports, horse racing, footie etc.could also be contributors to this. No, it's got to be money or local politics.

    And I dont believe any of these makes an iota of difference to the climate. Climate change is a natural process that has been happening since the earth was formed from a hot cinder. We have no influence on this process.  Please dont confuse reducing dangerous gaseus emissions from industry and cars with the climate.

     

    Selwyn

    • Like 5
    • Confused 1
  4. Finally got time to post again, been progressing over the week, managed to get the fuselage together. This kit looked like the original tail sitter so I put 10g of weights in the nose section, plenty of room in there and as the nose is really long I figured that that should do the trick. Fit was good, the cockpit assembly fitted well and the seams went together with a bit of filler here and there to tidy it up.

    The intakes were fitted to the wings, again with a bit of filler to tidy up the joints. One thing to take away if you ever intend to build this kit, constantly test fit and sand to get an acceptable fit before committing to gluing!

    The next job was attaching wing to fuselage. After a bit of fettling the wing clicked neatly into place. At this point I double checked for balance to rule out the dreaded tail sit, shock horror! The 10g in the nose wasn't enough! Fortunately there was a lovely cavity below the cockpit floor that was made to fit one of my 10g tyre weights. Slid in no probs, and secured with a drop of superglue. Moral of the story; lots and of nose weight if you build one of these, I recommend at least 15g and going to 20g wouldn't go amiss.

    Wing attached, tailplane next. You can’t go wrong with this. Both tailplanes are secured with two substantial locating pins, but each side has different pin spacing so no way of cocking this up.

     

    Now looking like a Meteor at last.

     

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    Just a few annoying things in the build so far, The rear cockpit has a small elevated instrument cluster on a frame above the instrument panel (you can see it in grey plastic in the pictures) The instructions really need a really good close up picture of how it fits, sadly missing. I think mine is correct but……….!

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    The underwing drop tanks have no marks or location points on the lower wing surface to position them. I ended up examining the wing of my as yet unbuilt 1/48 Meteor F8 to get the correct tank position.

    The other annoyance is the wing tip lights. Sword provide them as clear parts. They are so small as to be impossible to clean up, and as Meteor lights are coloured lenses you are usually going to end up painting them anyway, so what's the point? If you are going to use coloured plastic inserts why not just mark their position so you could cut out the plastic as required. As it is, its just another unnecessary fiddly bit.

    Another thing that will need attending to in due course is the gun barrels, these are not present on the inner 20mm and te outer cannons are just cones on the front of the wing.

     

    So now just a bit of touching up on the cockpit and fitting the canopy and it will be time for a primer coat!

     

    Selwyn

    • Like 8
  5. 3 hours ago, David Womby said:

    Thanks, Steve.  I meant the Grumman one from WW2.  It soldiered on into the 50s with several countries - US, Canada, etc..  It seems the RN received a batch in the early 50s before the Gannet came into service.   If I understand correctly (and I may not) the AS.4 is the one you pictured carrying a US APS-4 radar pod.  The AS.5 seems to have got a larger pod.  There is a pic on Wikipedia here: Avenger AS.5 (I couldn't get BM to load the image to display it inline here - sorry) 

     

     

    Thanks, that's the pod on the AS.4.  I'm after a larger one.  

    I wonder if they do an AS.5.  Off to scalemates to check.

     

    David

    David looking at that wikipedia picture I can see what appears to be the top of the turrret  so I think this may be the aircraft as delivered as an A.S.4  the AS 5 conversions by scottish aviation  removed the turret and added a greenhouse canopy, so the radome may not be correct for a A.S.5.

     

    Selwyn

  6. 2 hours ago, David Womby said:

    Thanks, Steve.  I meant the Grumman one from WW2.  It soldiered on into the 50s with several countries - US, Canada, etc..  It seems the RN received a batch in the early 50s before the Gannet came into service.   If I understand correctly (and I may not) the AS.4 is the one you pictured carrying a US APS-4 radar pod.  The AS.5 seems to have got a larger pod.  There is a pic on Wikipedia here: Avenger AS.5 (I couldn't get BM to load the image to display it inline here - sorry) 

     

     

    Thanks, that's the pod on the AS.4.  I'm after a larger one.  

    I wonder if they do an AS.5.  Off to scalemates to check.

     

    David

    They do several  US and other countries  versions  it may be policy to check all the versions.

     

    Selwyn

  7. 6 hours ago, Peter Lloyd said:

    Hi all. Big H are still selling Modeldecal decals, obviously they are fairly old stock.

     

    Has anyone bought and used them recently?

     

    I don't mind the issues with non state of the art printing, I just don't want to pay goid money if they fall apart. 

    Quality items. Never ever had any issue with them, not even with the glue. If I ever see a sheet I havent got for sale, I buy it as a matter of course! last used by myself in July using an ancient sheet that I can't even remember buying, went on great no problems.

    modeldecal phantom scheme

     

    Selwyn

    • Like 1
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  8. 3 hours ago, Paul J said:

    This leads me to photos I recall seeing of slope screen Ansons in pre war imarkings with silver dope finish but with serial numbers on top of the  wings as well as under. Not seen this being referred to anywhere yet. Anyone else know more?

    Yes some were mistakenly marked with underwing serials on the top of the wings

     

    Selwyn

  9. 5 hours ago, Viking said:

    Canadair Sabre Mk.2, 416 Squadron RCAF, Grostenquin, France 1954.

    1/48 Airfix Sabre F-86F-40 backdated to a Mk.2

     

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    There is a little back story as to why I chose to build this particular model, as it is one flown by my father as a 21 year old, back in the day.

    This particular Sabre, 19250, was one he flew many times when on 416 Squadron RCAF based in Grostenquin, France in the early 1950''s before I was even born. It's last appearance in his logbook is on May 7th 1954 when some of the squadron flew up to Manchester Ringway and delivered their Mk.2's to Airwork for refurbishment for the Turkish airforce. (416 were receiving new Mk. 5 Sabres). It nearly all went wrong due to having to hold before landing at Ringway while a bellied in RAF Vampire was dragged away, and he actually ran out of fuel taxying off the runway.  The logbook entry shows it as May 7th, 1954.

     

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    The problem I had was that there is no Sabre Mk.2 available in 1/48 scale, so I never got around to building one. However, the Canadian Group Build motivated me to have a go at a conversion, using the new Airfix F-86F-40. At the same time I discovered a set of decals for this very aircraft available from Above & Below Graphics. So, no reason not to attempt the project in time for the old fella's  90th birthday in a few weeks from now.

     

    There are 2 major areas to deal with in making a Mk.2, The wing is slatted with a smaller chord and span, and the windscreen has a 'V' shaped screen fitted on the front panel. I wont go into the ins & outs of Sabre wings here but there is a build log showing warts & all how I faffed around trying to both understand what needed doing, and how to do it. Anyway, it got finished, so on with some photos.

     

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    I've even got a model of his Citroen to go with it;

    250_62.jpg

     

    Amazingly there is a photo of 250 on Wikipedia, so I couldn't resist photographing the model in black & white to try and mimic it!

    250_55.jpg

     

     

    Thanks for looking,

     

    John

     

     

    Sure you didn't just photoshop out the hangar in the last picture?

     

    Selwyn

    • Like 1
    • Haha 1
  10. Thought it was about time I posted something in this build, I have been busy over the last week, real life getting in the way and all that, but I have managed to get some modelling in of an evening and make some progress.

     

    The Sword NF 14 is an obvious short run kit without many positive locating pegs around the main parts, but saying that the detail is very acceptable and I have found that as long as you are meticulous in your cleaning up of parts, and test fit everything before using any gluey substances on the plastic everything goes together really well (so far)! Dimensionally its really good and does not have the 17” double nose extension error prevalent in lots of Meteor NF14 references.

     

    I started as per the instructions with the cockpit. The assembly goes together well. Unusually the side panels sit just inside the cockpit base and locate positively against the rear bulkhead, so the assembly when glued up is quite strong. The top of the side panels sit proud of the cockpit sides when fitted, and form the canopy rails. Detail is OK for me but does lend itself as a basis to the super detailer if you are so inclined. I looked at the cockpit pictures in the Meteor pilots notes I have, and the kit rear cockpit arrangement and the radar display units are really accurate, so some good research here.

     

     

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    The predominant colour of the cockpit is black, as are all RAF aircraft of this period, and I contented myself in dry brushing the detail and added a few dots of red and yellow to break up the monotony. The radar displays were painted white and coated with tamiya clear green. A set of aftermarket seat belts were added to finish off. The cockpit assembly also incorporates the nose wheel mounting and wheel well. A quick dry test fit seems to indicate a good fit within the fuselage. I have included a picture of the completed cockpit, but my camera doesn’t show the detail very well unfortunately.

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    The cockpit assembly lines the fuselage so not a lot of paint is needed on the side panels. There is the forward wheel bulkhead fitted just in front of the wheel bay. I painted the bulkhead and wheel bay silver. An initial dry test fitting the fuselage halves indicated that the front part might be a bit flimsy, but with the bulkhead and cockpit fitted it will probably be a lot more robust.

     

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    The wings are simple enough,  The undercarriage bays are a box made up of four walls, but look OK. The kit does not feature any engines, just a front panel /intake and oil tank assembly that will be visible through the intake. This front panel looked unfinished and a funny shape at first inspection, so the short shot alarm bells went off, however when test fitting it was apparent this was intentional and perfectly matched the internal profile of the engine nacelle. The rear is filled with a small bulkhead and jet pipe. The bulkhead has a depiction of the rear turbine on it, I painted it but its completely invisible when the jet pipe is fitted. They also suggest that you paint the inner walls of the rear nacelle silver, but this is a waste of time as the jet pipe completely fills the rear orifice.

     

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    I limited myself to just painting the front intake area. The intakes are the larger deep breather type and they looked a little small at first inspection but once the sprue in the intakes is removed and the intake given a good sanding they look great. A quick dry fit indicates they fit well so looking good!

     

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    I'm enjoying this build a lot and I am looking forward to the next stage.

    Watch this space!

     

    Selwyn

    • Like 10
  11. I have a 2015 Ford Mondeo, Just took it for MoT, failed on one thing daytime running light on drivers side works but when you indicate it turns off as the flasher light is incorporated, When you cancel the turn signal its supposed to come on again, it doesn't.

    Any other car change the bulb or relay, no problem. a few quid. But the car has LED lights so the headlight control unit needs replacing, So that will be £260 plus fitting, oh, and by the way it will take about 10 days to get one. so off the road ten days for a daytime running light.

    Whatever you do don't buy a Ford with LED lights! 

    Watch out for Ford service Employees, they are easy to spot, they wear a mask, a stripey shirt and carry a bag marked SWAG.  Corporate banditry in the first degree!

     

    Selwyn

    • Sad 2
  12. 49 minutes ago, Mountain goat said:

    Two F-4Cs of Eglin's 3246th Test Wing were deployed to RAF Brawdy in the spring of 1983. I need help identifying the pods they were carrying please.

     

    US-AD-64-0869_may1983y

    Photo credit: Robbie Shaw, taken from his book "F-4 Phantom: Guardian of the Free World"

     

    Further info is of course very welcome!

     

    Thanks in advance, Jay

    That looks like some sort of IR seeker trial/test pod, those are sidewinder missile guidance heads  attached to the sides, perhaps to compare aquisition characteristics?

     

    Selwyn

    • Like 1
  13. 7 minutes ago, Marklo said:

    Not sure what mark, but I’m building the Israeli plane in the three tone camo, mostly because it looks as if there are going to be a lot of blue and sand ones in the GB.

     

    In the photos it looks like the unfairness tail, not sure on the intakes.

    The Israel only operated the NF13 Nightfighter, therefore wide intakes.

     

    https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/view/1148046

     

    Selwyn

    • Thanks 1
  14. How about a ; What you don't build group build? 

     

    So if you are an dedicated aircraft modeller, build a car or a ship. If you normally build ships,  build a  Sci Fi  kit or or a military vehicle.

    If you are an Armour builder build an airliner. You get the idea!  Get out of your comfort zone. Anyone interested?

     

    Selwyn

  15. 2 hours ago, Marklo said:

    Having spent a good half hour looking at  your photos and searching the internet I chose the straight bullet not the sweeping faired in one.

    The tail unit used on the NF11/NF13 was the one with the straight tail leading edge. When the nose was extended on the NF12/NF14 it caused a directional instability so they increased the surface area of the tail by adding a curved leading edge to the tail, above and below the aerodynamic bullet. Its not a radar bullet by the way, its an aerodynamic fairing added to smooth airflow over the tailplane/tail intersection.

    If you are building a NF13 you should also use the wide intakes,  The NF 13 was a tropicalised NF 11 with additional equipment and cockpit conditioning,These intakes were specifically designed for the NF13 to improve airflow into the engines and give more thrust in tropical regions to compensate for the weight of this additional equipment. 

    It was found that this simple bolt on modification of changing the intakes worked well and became a feature on all subsequent marks of meteor, and was retrofitted to some  earlier marks of aircraft. so it is possible to see both types of intakes fitted on various F8, NF 11, and T7's.

    I was reading the book "Meteor boys" recently, (recommended!) where in the late 1960's one of the ground crew from the RAF Chivenor target towing flight was put in the back seat of their T7 which accompanied a TT mk 8 meteor with narrow intakes to a base where they had located a spare pair of  wide intakes. He then swapped over the TT mk 8 intakes on the flight line (a few bolts  easy job) and they then both flew back!

     

    Selwyn

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