Popular Post woody37 Posted June 1, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted June 1, 2020 Not the easiest of builds, but from what I've heard, many were Friday afternoon moulds where as this one was pretty good as I didn't experience any bad warping or plastic delamination. That said, I approached it in a similar way as you would a vac form. The build is here.. So, why this particular aircraft? I wanted to do a Free French scheme, partly inspired by various trips to Elvington over the years and finding out more about the two squadrons based there, partly because it's a scheme that doesn't seem to get done in 48th scale despite the kit coming with decals and partly because I got to know Michel Darribehaude @GimmeAnF who's father Sgt Christian Darribehaude flew in 346 Sqn as a wireless operator. With this in mind, I wanted to do his fathers aircraft PN365 (H&-B), one of several 'B' codes aircraft thanks to Michel & @tonyot who did some research that they shared at the beginning of the build. Unfortunately there doesn't appear to be any photo's of this particular aircraft so some educated guessing had to be done for the markings. My thanks go to @crobinsonh for the kit that he'd done a great job of starting, @Cees Broere for the rear undercarriage and ongoing support from his knowledge of the aircraft and doing his own build and @tonyot for his supply of photo's and information to support the build too. Also to others who helped with advice on my first attempt at doing home made decals @perdu, @Antti_K & @Tail-Dragon The crew.. Fortunately all survived the war, however sadly, the last crew member Roger Foures who was the crews mid upper gunner passed away near the end of the build, so I'd like to also make this a tribute to him now that he's re-joined his crew once more Below are the crew photo's kindly supplied by Mike... Some Nostalgia After the war, Roger Foures became a gun smith. Sometime after the war, possibly the 1950's, he made a model of his aircraft from scratch using wood and what materials he had available. The crew names are listed in the bomb bay for posterity. Fortunately Mike managed to find some photo's of both this model and one mike built himself in the 70's. Limited research info means some of the features are slightly inaccurate but I'm sure his dad would of been proud of it. What does interest me is the types of roundels and 48" code layout on the right hand side and bomb markings along the nose of Rogers model. Could these offer an insight in to some differences in code/roundel layout or clues as to what artwork may of featured on the nose? I can count 28 bomb symbols on there with the Cross de Lorraine right at the front. Rogers scratch build: And a photo that Mike managed to find of his own The finished build Whilst I'm please with the result, I've been staring at it that long, I'm sick of seeing it now lol so here it is, just need to find a suitable way of packing it away now. Final thanks to everyone who's followed the build and through your participation has helped to keep the motivation up as I plodded along...and at times wanted to make it fly! Thanks for looking Neil 75 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhutchi Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Yes! Really like that!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shorty84 Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Not the easiest build may be the understatement of the year. I've heared a lot of stories of modellers who binned the kit because it fought them at every step. I've never seen one finished, especially so well. This build for sure was a labour of love, otherwise I guess you wouldn't have invested all the effort you did. Anyway, all I can say is highest respect for building, improving and finishing it. The result is nothing short of spectecular Cheers Markus 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
At Sea Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Stunning. The attention to detail even the de-icer jets in front of the windows are there! My Grandfather was Nav on 433 Squadron Halifax B.III at Skipton-on-Swale. A fine tribute. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ c Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Stunning !, superb job on what I`ve read is a difficult build. Great job 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bentwaters81tfw Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Puts mine to shame. Outstanding result from an absolute swine of a kit. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldy Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Beautiful Job Neil - well worth the hard work you have put in. The finish, weathering and overall impression are very convincing. I know what you mean by being sick of the sight of though - I'm often like that with my builds - after spending so much time looking at something and working on it. Pack it away safely and in a couple of months you will love it when you take it out again! Cheers Malcolm 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crobinsonh Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Fabulous build - a real masterful result. I am so glad I gave you the model as I knew you would do it justice something which I would never achieve. How about an FM Hampen - I have one in my garage if you want it? What is next? Best, 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAT69 Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Awesome result from a difficult build. You're to be commended for your patience, determination and application of significant building skills. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWM Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Great result! Regards J-W 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody37 Posted June 1, 2020 Author Share Posted June 1, 2020 2 hours ago, Shorty84 said: Not the easiest build may be the understatement of the year. I've heared a lot of stories of modellers who binned the kit because it fought them at every step. I've never seen one finished, especially so well. This build for sure was a labour of love, otherwise I guess you wouldn't have invested all the effort you did. Anyway, all I can say is highest respect for building, improving and finishing it. The result is nothing short of spectecular Cheers Markus Thanks Marcus, think it’s because it’s more of a short run kit that makes it more difficult. Simple things like the spar arrangement, there’s no method provided to accurately datum the spars so you end up with level wings. You have to secure them using your own means to the bomb bay floor. It is a Labour of love as bomber command is so poorly covered in this scale and the real aircraft even less so. 2 hours ago, At Sea said: Stunning. The attention to detail even the de-icer jets in front of the windows are there! My Grandfather was Nav on 433 Squadron Halifax B.III at Skipton-on-Swale. A fine tribute. Wow, did he survive the war? My grandfather was in the navy but struggling to find out what ship he was on, can’t remember from speaking to him when I was a nipper 1 hour ago, bentwaters81tfw said: Puts mine to shame. Outstanding result from an absolute swine of a kit. You did a great job on yours, agree, there’s easier kits out there, sadly not 1/48 Halifax’s though 1 hour ago, Baldy said: Beautiful Job Neil - well worth the hard work you have put in. The finish, weathering and overall impression are very convincing. I know what you mean by being sick of the sight of though - I'm often like that with my builds - after spending so much time looking at something and working on it. Pack it away safely and in a couple of months you will love it when you take it out again! Cheers Malcolm Thanks Malcolm, yes they always look better once you’ve not seen them for a while! 11 minutes ago, crobinsonh said: Fabulous build - a real masterful result. I am so glad I gave you the model as I knew you would do it justice something which I would never achieve. How about an FM Hampen - I have one in my garage if you want it? What is next? Best, Thanks again Colin, despite the fight, I have enjoyed it. That Hampden isn’t in your garage, it’s in mine! You gave it to me with the Halifax. I’ve looked at it a few times and it needs more work than the Halifax so I need to consult with my uncle @general melchett as he’s further along the line cutting his up! A few OOB, quite fancy a B24 but might crack on with the Hampden in the background as a form of perverted pleasure! 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bentwaters81tfw Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 28 minutes ago, crobinsonh said: Fabulous build - a real masterful result. I am so glad I gave you the model as I knew you would do it justice something which I would never achieve. How about an FM Hampen - I have one in my garage if you want it? What is next? Best, I was tempted by your Hampden when I bought your other Halifax, however I think I have enough to do with the Blackjack. I bought the stencil sheet - it looks like an ant colony. Anyway, I think one FM kit is enough for anyone's lifetime. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crobinsonh Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 13 minutes ago, woody37 said: Thanks Marcus, think it’s because it’s more of a short run kit that makes it more difficult. Simple things like the spar arrangement, there’s no method provided to accurately datum the spars so you end up with level wings. You have to secure them using your own means to the bomb bay floor. It is a Labour of love as bomber command is so poorly covered in this scale and the real aircraft even less so. Wow, did he survive the war? My grandfather was in the navy but struggling to find out what ship he was on, can’t remember from speaking to him when I was a nipper You did a great job on yours, agree, there’s easier kits out there, sadly not 1/48 Halifax’s though Thanks Malcolm, yes they always look better once you’ve not seen them for a while! Thanks again Colin, despite the fight, I have enjoyed it. That Hampden isn’t in your garage, it’s in mine! You gave it to me with the Halifax. I’ve looked at it a few times and it needs more work than the Halifax so I need to consult with my uncle @general melchett as he’s further along the line cutting his up! A few OOB, quite fancy a B24 but might crack on with the Hampden in the background as a form of perverted pleasure! So I did! Must have something else more painful for you! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve27752 Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 (edited) The replica Halifax in the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington, is painted in French markings and wears the code H7*N on her Starboard side. Edited June 1, 2020 by Steve27752 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomprobert Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Really good result there, Neil. Having this kit in my stash and stalled in the very early stages of the build, I know what a battle this kit put up. Love the weathering too - beautifully subtle and in-scale with not a preshaded panel line in sight - wonderful! Tom 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoohoo Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Simply amazing build Neil, always like seeing your bomber command builds and this is no exception, well worth the blood, sweat and tears that you have put into it and a wonderful tribute to the under recognised heroes of bomber command. I am assuming you have a whole separate house to display all these builds Like the sounds of seeing what you do with the B24! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanC Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 'Let it fly..'? If I read you right I can only commiserate. I once threw an almost finished 1/72 Lancaster against a nearby wall. It had fought me all the way, and to be honest I could have saved it. But what a satisfying and cathartic experience! I'm really glad you saw this one through to the end though, as it's an absolute masterpiece. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
At Sea Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 55 minutes ago, woody37 said: Wow, did he survive the war? My grandfather was in the navy but struggling to find out what ship he was on, can’t remember from speaking to him when I was a nipper. My Grandfather did indeed survive, he went on to manage a Tea Plantation in Ceylon for Nestle, retired to Taunton in Somerset and passed in 1991. A life well lived. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Lovely job Neil, knew you'd do it justice. It'll look a treat parked on the table alongside the Stirling By the way, you'll be pleased to know we've now finished the 48th Hercules XVI engines and working on the cowlings..of course, in time honoured fashion, we waited for you to finish your Halibag first... Excellent rivet and weathering detail. Quote so I need to consult with my uncle general melchett as he’s further along the line cutting his up! Of course, anytime....I really must get the Hampden finished, (if I can remember where I put it!) but at the moment, as you know, there's something rather big and delta-shaped beckoning, courtesy of Alan and Colin (naturally)... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbofan Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Hi Neil, Just awesome as always! What a fantastic tribute to the crew, I'm so glad they all survived the war but sad they're no longer with us. Imagine if they could see your model! What sets your builds apart, for me, is the paint finish, ultra realistic weathering and interior detailing. I love the aerials they are the most 'in scale' I think I have ever seen! But please rotate that starboard tyre it's really bugging me!! Cheers, Ian 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyot Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Wow it looks superb Neil,.... top class modelling of the first order. I love the faded look too. You have well and truly tamed this beast! Well done mate, Tony 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter W Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Beautiful work and even better with the back story to add some feeling to the finished build. Really wish that one of these would come out in this scale for us mere mortals to have a go at. Pete 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VG 33 Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 What a nice kit you made and the tribute is well too. Patrick 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevfire2 Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Magnificent! My dad was 78sqn, Breighton. He would have loved this. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody37 Posted June 1, 2020 Author Share Posted June 1, 2020 4 hours ago, tomprobert said: Really good result there, Neil. Having this kit in my stash and stalled in the very early stages of the build, I know what a battle this kit put up. Love the weathering too - beautifully subtle and in-scale with not a preshaded panel line in sight - wonderful! Tom Thanks Tom, something I didn't mention in the build is that apart from the post paint weathering, I apply the mat varnish unevenly with more focus on the panel lines, that way, when the light catches it, there's another dimension of weathering as well as any colour variations but it's hard to show this in photo's 4 hours ago, stoohoo said: Simply amazing build Neil, always like seeing your bomber command builds and this is no exception, well worth the blood, sweat and tears that you have put into it and a wonderful tribute to the under recognised heroes of bomber command. I am assuming you have a whole separate house to display all these builds Like the sounds of seeing what you do with the B24! I have a whole house to display them but I wouldn't be welcome if I did 😂 In fairness, the missus is fine with a few, I have a few in the living room cabinet, although she's not as understanding as @tonyot missus, I can only assume Tony has something special that keeps her happy 😂😂 4 hours ago, IanC said: 'Let it fly..'? If I read you right I can only commiserate. I once threw an almost finished 1/72 Lancaster against a nearby wall. It had fought me all the way, and to be honest I could have saved it. But what a satisfying and cathartic experience! I'm really glad you saw this one through to the end though, as it's an absolute masterpiece. Modelling can be a love hate relationship with a bench of plastic, we are weird folk sometimes! In fact, I think there's only the scratch building, putting the decals on and the weathering I like, maybe I'm in the wrong hobby 😂 3 hours ago, At Sea said: My Grandfather did indeed survive, he went on to manage a Tea Plantation in Ceylon for Nestle, retired to Taunton in Somerset and passed in 1991. A life well lived. That's great to here, a most prosperous life following too 1 hour ago, general melchett said: Lovely job Neil, knew you'd do it justice. It'll look a treat parked on the table alongside the Stirling By the way, you'll be pleased to know we've now finished the 48th Hercules XVI engines and working on the cowlings..of course, in time honoured fashion, we waited for you to finish your Halibag first... Excellent rivet and weathering detail. Of course, anytime....I really must get the Hampden finished, (if I can remember where I put it!) but at the moment, as you know, there's something rather big and delta-shaped beckoning, courtesy of Alan and Colin (naturally)... Hello ol chap, I reckon you've had them engines done for ages but just thought you'd watch me sweat for shear pleasure! There could be a lot of big triangles at Telford this year 🤨 1 hour ago, Turbofan said: Hi Neil, Just awesome as always! What a fantastic tribute to the crew, I'm so glad they all survived the war but sad they're no longer with us. Imagine if they could see your model! What sets your builds apart, for me, is the paint finish, ultra realistic weathering and interior detailing. I love the aerials they are the most 'in scale' I think I have ever seen! But please rotate that starboard tyre it's really bugging me!! Cheers, Ian Thanks Ian, I try to weather as I see it, The aerials are the stretch stuff that comes on a little metal reel which is rather useless info but I can't remember where I got it but they had a stall at Telford! 1 hour ago, tonyot said: Wow it looks superb Neil,.... top class modelling of the first order. I love the faded look too. You have well and truly tamed this beast! Well done mate, Tony Thanks mate, and thanks again for all your help in research 41 minutes ago, Peter W said: Beautiful work and even better with the back story to add some feeling to the finished build. Really wish that one of these would come out in this scale for us mere mortals to have a go at. Pete I wish too. If there was a main stream kit, I'd love to do a Merlin version too 35 minutes ago, stevfire2 said: Magnificent! My dad was 78sqn, Breighton. He would have loved this. Thanks, it's great to hear of people who have been personally touched in some way by these forgotten aircraft I've just updated the post with some nostalgia thanks to @GimmeAnF kindly sharing some more info with me 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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