charlie_c67 Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 So as the two current builds reach the painting and waiting phase, I've moved on to the next attempt in stash reduction. Now, biplanes have always presented me with a bit of a problem, I've always struggled to get that top wing balancing properly and sturdily enough. So what better way to face this fear than to attempt building one a few most of those present in my stash. Since four are matchbox, I know from my previous fury build that someone's actually thought construction through and the central struts will be well placed and held be other parts. Since the others are Airfix and Frogspawn, I may have more trouble later... So what kits are making an appearance? The first is part of the reason for the build, pulled down of the dread SoD after taking flight and various delicate parts snapping, one Hawker Demon. Next, the Frogspawn. A Blackburn Shark Mk.II Then the second Airfix kit and first Matchbox. A Bristol Bulldog and Armstrong Whitworth Siskin. One Matchbox Gloster Gladiator with a bit of AM.... And finally, Matchbox's Supermarine Walrus. There's also a Matchbox Stranraer in the wings, but she will appear later in the thread. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie_c67 Posted March 23, 2018 Author Share Posted March 23, 2018 (edited) Now, some work has already begun on four of the above, a little detailing of the unsurprisingly bare pits an example of which below. With a little plastic rod, strip and runners, they now look like this... I've tried to make them realistic, and have Yahu's excellent IP's for the Bulldog and Gladiator. Since both the Walrus and Stranraer need more planning, they're gonna take a while longer. Just need some good images of the Shark and Siskin panels to really make them pop. Oh, and the Shark engine? Lucky find on Shapeways, something I'd love to be able to do myself, but my Google-fu for appropriate pics is weak Edited March 23, 2018 by charlie_c67 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RidgeRunner Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 1 hour ago, charlie_c67 said: Now, some work has already begun on four of the above, a little detailing of the unsurprisingly bare pits an example of which below. With a little plastic rod, strip and runners, they now look like this... I've tried to make them realistic, and have Yahu's excellent IP's for the Bulldog and Gladiator. Since both the Walrus and Stranraer need more planning, they're gonna take a while longer. Just need some good images of the Shark and Siskin panels to really make them pop. Oh, and the Shark engine? Lucky find on Shapeways, something I'd love to be able to do myself, but my Google-fu for appropriate pics is weak Your shots could easily have been taken on my desk, mate! Very nice work so far. An interesting subject. Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandy Posted March 24, 2018 Share Posted March 24, 2018 (edited) A lovely selection of aircraft, I'll be following this one! If you need any help with the biplane/rigging bit just shout, as I build 1:72 WWI types almost exclusively so I may be able to help....no promises though! Ian Edited March 24, 2018 by limeypilot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie_c67 Posted March 29, 2018 Author Share Posted March 29, 2018 (edited) So in my haste, I managed to close up the Bulldog with zero pics of the final (admittedly rudimentary) innards which included the Yahu IP and may be slightly visible int the pics below. This also shows the wonderfully flashed engine and the sharks teeth holding ring for want of the official description. This has been added already as it should be lovely shiny bare metal, something I hope to have a cunning plan for... Having learnt my lesson I then proceeded to close the Gladiator up with no pics, nor an IP Flowery language then ensued.... The Siskin and Shark managed to avoid a similar fate, and since I'm doing the No. 32 Siskin, she has also been closed up ready for the trial shiny metal stage. The Shark meanwhile, is closed up, but awaiting a few more sticky out bits and some attention to the Tiger engine. Compare the kit part and the Shapeways replacement below. I also have a bit of a quandary on the colour's the Shark should be sporting as several pics suggest that the body and fabric surfaces are two different colour's, though this could be my poor eye on such matters. https://goo.gl/images/V9GxUa Any help on the subject would be appreciated! Edited March 29, 2018 by charlie_c67 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Selwyn Posted March 29, 2018 Share Posted March 29, 2018 11 hours ago, charlie_c67 said: So in my haste, I managed to close up the Bulldog with zero pics of the final (admittedly rudimentary) innards which included the Yahu IP and may be slightly visible int the pics below. This also shows the wonderfully flashed engine and the sharks teeth holding ring for want of the official description. This has been added already as it should be lovely shiny bare metal, something I hope to have a cunning plan for... Having learnt my lesson I then proceeded to close the Gladiator up with no pics, nor an IP Flowery language then ensued.... The Siskin and Shark managed to avoid a similar fate, and since I'm doing the No. 32 Siskin, she has also been closed up ready for the trial shiny metal stage. The Shark meanwhile, is closed up, but awaiting a few more sticky out bits and some attention to the Tiger engine. Compare the kit part and the Shapeways replacement below. I also have a bit of a quandary on the colour's the Shark should be sporting as several pics suggest that the body and fabric surfaces are two different colour's, though this could be my poor eye on such matters. https://goo.gl/images/V9GxUa Any help on the subject would be appreciated! the shark had a metal fuselage and It should be cerrux grey They usually had the top decking painted black. Selwyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie_c67 Posted March 29, 2018 Author Share Posted March 29, 2018 Thanks @Selwyn, just need to find a suitable grey that's light enough now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie_c67 Posted April 25, 2018 Author Share Posted April 25, 2018 Been a little while since I updated, but these haven't been forgotten! The Shark's taking a small break while I concentrate on these three, plus I'd like to do her with the wings folded so that will need a little forethought. As for these three, the first of two problems is rearing it's head. Fitting the top wing. The Gladiator should be relatively straight forward, the Siskin a little less after the front two supports snapped off, though one these has broken in such a way that repairing it should be fairly straightforward. The Bulldog however... any hints one fixing this with only two hands rather than five would be gratefully accepted! As a quick, reletively easy, build to aid mojo maintenance an interloper has appeared... However, she'll not be wearing her usual colour's, more on that to follow.... 😊 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Courageous Posted April 26, 2018 Share Posted April 26, 2018 Good progress, even with he little set-backs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Riot Posted April 26, 2018 Share Posted April 26, 2018 Brilliant project, it was a fascinating era for aviation. I'm seriously tempted to try some of these types, possibly in 1/48 but can't decide yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex-FAAWAFU Posted April 26, 2018 Share Posted April 26, 2018 (edited) On 3/23/2018 at 2:40 PM, charlie_c67 said: Just need some good images of the Shark and Siskin panels to really make them pop. Oh, and the Shark engine? Can't help with the Siskin, I'm afraid, but these are the only engine / cockpit shots in the excellent (but very hard to find; it was published 51 years ago) "Canada's Wings - The Blackburn Shark" [Karl Vincent]. Edited April 26, 2018 by Ex-FAAWAFU 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie_c67 Posted April 26, 2018 Author Share Posted April 26, 2018 Thanks for the pics FAAWAFU, but I think those Sharks are Mk.III's rather than the Mk. I/II of the kit. It's a different engine and has a canopy for one! Assume that would make the innards different as well. Unfortunately I've already zipped her up, but will keep them in mind should I ever do another, maybe one with floats instead.... 🤔 Also looks like it's all over silver rather than the grey suggested in other pics. I think. To quote the Goons "It's all rather confusing..." in your best Eccles voice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex-FAAWAFU Posted April 26, 2018 Share Posted April 26, 2018 Sorry - I tried! [The cockpit shots might still be useful?] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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