Colin W Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 Hi Chaps, I have the opportunity to join in this GB as we are still locked down and my Buccaneer is progressing faster than expected. Initially I didnt think I had anything qualifying for this period then realised that this was appropriate. This follows on from my Fairey Fulmar in the Navy GB earlier but I won't be folding the wings on this one. I did manage to buy the correct kit this time as a lot of the resin is included. This is my second kit as I bought the Sierra Scale Vacform many years ago. The vacformed plastic is OK but the 'injection moulded' accessories leave a little to be desired. I think this is the worst example of 'Flash' seen in 40 years of modelling. I doubt I'll be using any of this but the Sierra Scale kit includes some excellent instructions with pictures and drawings so I'll get something from it anyway. Colin 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franky boy Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 Nice choice Colin. Ive always fancied having a go at one these Barracuda kits but haven’t ever plucked up the courage to dive in so will follow with interest. James 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wez Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 Welcome Colin, a rarely seen type at the best of times, glad to have one in this GB with what I believe is the first FAA subject. Good luck with your build. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin W Posted May 20, 2020 Author Share Posted May 20, 2020 I'm focused on the Buccaneer GB at the moment but I have built a lot of the interior using the kit resin and some bits from the spares box. Colin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin W Posted May 22, 2020 Author Share Posted May 22, 2020 Most of the interior now complete and ready to join the fuselage. Colin 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CliffB Posted May 22, 2020 Share Posted May 22, 2020 It looks like you made the right call, choosing to build this kit over the Sierra vacform , It's looking very nice so far. Cheers 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin W Posted May 22, 2020 Author Share Posted May 22, 2020 Years ago I might have attempted the Sierra scale kit but its a no hoper now. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin W Posted May 28, 2020 Author Share Posted May 28, 2020 Sorry but slow progress on the Baracuda as I've been finishing off my Buccaneer GB and Kids GB. A few days to work on this before the Corsair STGB starts. Fuselage halves together and wings attached. Joints treated so should see some more progress this weekend. Colin 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin W Posted June 1, 2020 Author Share Posted June 1, 2020 Real progress over the weekend as the interior is complete and the canopy is fitted. Quite a bit of work required for the windows, landing light and small wing root windows. Job done for now and a coat of Mr Surfacer next. Colin 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin W Posted June 2, 2020 Author Share Posted June 2, 2020 Despite having a choice of two kit undercarriage legs I decided to make my own. The brass rod goes 3mm into the undercarriage support so will be a lot stronger than the kit part. Grey legs are special hobby, the Sierra Scale part, encased in the white blob, is significantly longer. Colin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Posted June 2, 2020 Share Posted June 2, 2020 Are you sure they actually tried to mold a part there or did they just slap in a slab of plastic and ask you to carve out your own part? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin W Posted June 4, 2020 Author Share Posted June 4, 2020 Quite a bit of progress in the last few days. Under surface painted with Mr Colour 26 and upper surface camouflage with EDSG 331 and Slate Grey 25. I decided to airbrush free hand to add to the worn effect. Weathering started with a mixture of the two main colours and some post shading. Upper wing aerials replaced with brass rod and Pitot strengthened in the same way. Wheels inc tail added. Needs to rest for a while before the glossy coat ready for decals. Colin 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin W Posted June 5, 2020 Author Share Posted June 5, 2020 Minor details added under a coat of Future. Including undercarriage doors and Pitot. I was looking for options of torpedo or bomb when I realised that the kit has no representation of the cooling system exhaust. Not even a panel line. It's a bit late to do much so I fabricated an exhaust flap from brass sheet and added to the underside of the nose. What a gross omission from the kit! I decided to get some value from the Sierra Scale kit so used the decals. I have no recollection of ever making a model with SEA markings before so novel for me. Matt coat next along with the unmasking of the canopy. Colin 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsairfoxfouruncle Posted June 5, 2020 Share Posted June 5, 2020 That's looking quite good. 👍🏻 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin W Posted June 9, 2020 Author Share Posted June 9, 2020 Well I'm calling this completed. Final model has been weathered to represent a year of service in the Pacific Fleet. A very poor kit which sadly summarises the Fairey Barracuda. Over 2800 built and not one preserved. Only songs like "The Barracuda 2, Will be the death of you.." remain to tell what the aircrew thought of it. The kit is missing some vital areas like the radiator exhaust and despite a bit of resin, the cockpit is sparse. No representation of the bomb or torpedo mechanism means the patrol version is the only one easily built. I pondered whether to scratch build something but decided I'd had enough. Pictures posted in the Gallery but a few more here. Thanks for a good Group Build. Cheers Colin 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsairfoxfouruncle Posted June 9, 2020 Share Posted June 9, 2020 Very well done Barracuda. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CliffB Posted June 10, 2020 Share Posted June 10, 2020 That's turned out beautifully Colin Cheers 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wez Posted June 10, 2020 Share Posted June 10, 2020 You look away for a couple of days and he goes and completes the model on you! Well done Colin, great result and thanks for participating in this GB. Ungainly looking thing on the ground at least - it's that undercarriage that gives that impression I guess? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Beema Posted June 10, 2020 Share Posted June 10, 2020 Great work Colin. My Dad worked on the Barracuda (Aircraft electrician) - he didn’t like them at all.. Quick question, weren’t those officers examining the Barracuda in 1945 previously seen examining a Fulmar in 1940? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
85sqn Posted June 10, 2020 Share Posted June 10, 2020 Nice work with the Barracuda. I have been after a good reference photo for P9981 for a long time now. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin W Posted June 11, 2020 Author Share Posted June 11, 2020 21 hours ago, Grey Beema said: Quick question, weren’t those officers examining the Barracuda in 1945 previously seen examining a Fulmar in 1940? Yes indeed, they can be found in several places on Britmodeller inspecting a wide range of aircraft. ...... Clearly you haven't viewed my entry in the Buccaneer group build yet! Colin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gatesy64 Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 Nice work. I have a SH Barracuda to do and have been putting it off for years. You've inspired me to at least give it a go. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Law Posted June 20, 2020 Share Posted June 20, 2020 Very nice. I like the figures too. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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