***RNZAF Gloster Meteor - Finished***

[LDSModeller]

Hi All,

 

Had a Chat with the GB Mods and I'm going to resume my activity on this

GB.

I felt at the time it was prudent to be absent (No I wasn't throwing my Toys out of the cot)

and we'll leave it at that.

I will state unabashedly, and unapologetically that I am very passionate about mt Country's

Air Force, It, having been in my life since I was born, and still is (note the Beautiful RNZAF 757 outside

Air Movements RNZAF Base Whenuapai)

NZ7571 at time of Photo, had carried our current Prime Minister on her travels, it can be fitted with a VIP Suite

(I really would like to do one of these - one day )

I will as always be most happy to provide Accurate Technical/Historical assistance as required

 

Anyway I digress

The subject of my current build (I'll get back to the Huey at some point) is a very important one, a milestone in

Our Country's History, but also a Milestone for the RNZAF

 

January 1946 on Loan from the RAF, Gloster Meteor Mk III (EE395) arrived in Auckland and was transported by Barge

from Ports of Auckland to RNZAF Station Hobsonville in the upper Waitemata Harbour

This is EE395 after coming of the barge and being towed up the hill to the upper hangars for final assembly

(Been up and down that hill many a time)

(Whites Aviation - National Library - Used with Permissions)

 

Sitting outside  Marine Section Hangar Prior to going up hill

(Whites Aviation - National Library - Used with Permissions)

 

Once Assembled, the Meteor was flown on a Tour around the Country by Squadron Leader Bob McKay

(RNZAF Official - RNZAF Museum - Used with Permissions)

 

This is EE395, now NZ6001 at least by or after March 1946 at Whenuapai

(RNZAF Official - RNZAF Museum - Used with Permissions)

 

NZ6001 is parked near the Base Headquarters Building with what is now, 5 Squadron's Hangar in the distance.

Note the retention of RAF Roundels/ Camouflage Scheme. - Note No Zapping then

The astute among you will notice the RNZAF Dakota behind NZ6001 still with WWII Pacific Roundels, and the

C60 VIP Lodestar forward

At this time the RNZAF was in a State of Flux with markings with WWII and Post War Roundels being worn - there are some today who

ardently believe that the RNZAF went back to the Pre War Light Blue -I don't believe so.

 

NZ6001 beating up RNZAF Station Ardmore (South of Auckland)

(RNZAF Official - RNZAF Museum - Used with Permissions)

 

Over the next 4 (or so years) NZ6001 was used to train up new RNZAF Pilots, who from 1950 would fly the DH Vampire

when they arrived in New Zealand - During this time NZ6001 also came under the Charge of 75 Squadron (Easter Egg here).

 

In 1950, NZ6001 was retired from Flying, now also owned by the RNZAF, becoming an Instructional Airframe (INST 147) at the TTS

(Technical Training School) Hobsonville - Being SOC (Struck Off Charge) 1957 - It's possible My Dad may have learned on NZ6001

as he was in The RNZAF by this time

NZ6001 in same Hangar as she was assembled in, as INST147

(RNZAF Official - RNZAF Museum - Used with Permissions)

 

This is the Rear section of above Hangar at Hobsonville - have been in there during RNZAF Use

 

 

Unfortunately NZ6001 was scrapped, but part of her is still with us today, as the two Derwent Engines

were saved. One is with the RNZAF Museum Christchurch, and the other is on display at MOTAT here in Auckland

 

Well after all that, there's not much more to add other than the requisite Pics of the model

 

Box Top

 

Parts List is not so large

 

Kit Instructions

 

Kit Decals, which I will use some of

 

 

Thanks for looking in, more to come soon

 

Regards

 

Alan

 

Edited April 29, 2021 by LDSModeller

[Ray S]

This looks good, and there is plenty of history given too, thank you for that!

 

I am looking forward to seeing your progress (and more history!)

 

All the best,

 

Ray

[stevehnz]

Good to see you back in the saddle Alan, pleased too with this for a build, its one I've pondered doing for some time but not been quite sure how to go about the different engines, so I'm hoping your expertise will unravel the conundrum for me. 

Steve.

[Corsairfoxfouruncle]

Welcome back Alan, such a good subject as well. Its a shame only the engines survived. 

[LDSModeller]

On 3/9/2021 at 9:25 PM, Ray S said:

This looks good, and there is plenty of history given too, thank you for that!

Hi Ray,

 

Thank you for your comments  - The RNZAF has it's own unique history, and happy to share

what I have seen/learned

 

On 3/9/2021 at 9:51 PM, stevehnz said:

I've pondered doing for some time but not been quite sure how to go about the different engines, so I'm hoping your expertise will unravel the conundrum for me. 

Hi Steve,

Since reading your question, I've looked into the Engines (more) and the Derwent in our Museums are basically the same

as I have seen preserved in the UK (though noting there were some various versions) the interesting thing

I note with our Meteor and RAF ones was the length of the jet tail pipe NZ6001''s was quite a bit shorter than

it's RAF contemporaries - more later on this

 

 

On 3/10/2021 at 5:35 AM, Corsairfoxfouruncle said:

Welcome back Alan, such a good subject as well. Its a shame only the engines survived.

 Hi Dennis,

 

Thanks, good to be back

 

Unfortunately during the 1940's and 50's Aircraft preservation was not very high on the

list for folks - though why the Zero survived and not the Me 109E (as mentioned in my Hind Build)

is a mystery lost to the sands of time

During the 1940's (late), the RNZAF/RNZN had a couple of aircraft "Donated" to them by the RN when

Carriers paid a visit here. We had both a Fairey Firefly and Seafire Mk XV left on the Ports of Auckland

 

Firefly and Seafire at Western Wharf (Now Wynyard Wharf)

 

The Firefly ended up at  RNZN Tamaki (Naval Training Station) and then both at RNZAF Hobsonville.

The Seafire becoming an Instructional Airframe for a period. Both ultimately scrapped

 

Firefly and Seafire at RNZAF Hobsonville

 

Leaving such melancholy matters onto the Meteor build

 

So I have sanded the Huge Rivets off the fuselage, and added to the Pilots bulkhead

a rear section to blank off the open area behind

 

 

I trimmed the Pilots headrest, as it is Triangular, but has a rounded shape with cutouts, so I cut a piece

of 5mm tubing, trimming it to make the cutout section

 

Now onto the cockpit Interior, happily and gratefully the RNZAF Museum has photos of

the Actual cockpit of NZ6001

(RNZAF Official - RNZAF Museum - Used with Permissions)

 

So, the kit cockpit is very basic, just a cockpit floor and seat with an Instrument panel (of sorts)

I wanted to replicate at least some aspects, so I decided to build the pilots rudder troughs, using

aluminum tubing - I cut the tubing in half, but a bit wide

 

So using a (1mm) drill bit and my pin vise, I shaped the tubing over that

The end result - so so happy (I think )

 

I cut in half some square hollow rod, to make the outer supports and glued all and sundry in place

 

You may also note the Pilots seat, in the Meteor Cockpit photo, the front has a lip which the kit part

didn't so I added a strip of thin styrene, again so so...... I think the seat pan is too narrow, but if I

fiddle with it, I'll end up making a whole new seat

 

Anyway that's all for now, more soon, I hope you enjoy, thanks for looking in

 

Regards

 

Alan

 

[Magua87]

Nice work on the cockpit scratch-building. That's always good fun. 

 

I've got a Dragon/Cyberhobby kit stashed away with this aircraft in mind. These references are going to be very useful. 

[LDSModeller]

Hi All,

 

An update on my build

 

So where to start?

 

I ummed and ahhed about opening the front wheel well, so I did - I left the section were the

wheel kit part mounts into, to add some structural strength

 

I decided also to heat form the actual well where the tyre/wheel sits

 

Glued onto the forward section of the cockpit floor - you will also note I have added the rudder peddles and

push rods

 

The actual wheel sitting in situ

 

I also made up the forward bulkhead and supports for the nose wheel

 

Built a new Instrument panel also

 

I noticed the RNZAF Meteor had a grill or grate situated just inside the intake openings.

Initially I thought maybe it was for stopping objects (birds etc) from entering in whilst parked

If you look at this RNZAF Photo of NZ6001 taxiing for take off, it's there so stops FOD on the ground

and in the air

(RNZAF Official - RNZAF Museum - Used with Permissions)

So accordingly I decided to add my own

 

I used this product which I (from memory) brought to construct the Oxygen Bottle cage for my RAF 339E

Buffalo build - hard to cut circles and I think looks quite the part though

 

Added  various handles for emergency pumping undercart etc

 

Glued in the forward bulkhead

 

Popped the Cockpit assembly in to see how it all looks/fits

 

The photo of the cockpit of NZ6001 above in my initial photos shows some plates for holding /supporting

the Gun sight, I tried to replicate in this photo below

 

So finally off to the paint booth

Sprayed the forward section silver/aluminium, and cockpit section Black

 

Finally some paint on the Inst panel, pilots seat, the Intake grates and the ovoid items are the pieces that

block the see through/forward parts of Derwent engines

 

Thanks for looking in, more soon

 

Regards

 

Alan

 

 

 

 

[LDSModeller]

Hi All,

 

Another update

 

So continuing with my build, I have added seat harness, and Control column, and some grey drying

brushing to highlight

 

I added some side detail such as found in this Port side shot of NZ6001 below

 

(RNZAF Official - RNZAF Museum - Used with Permissions)

 

 

The cockpit assembly sitting in the portside part

 

Fuselage joined together

 

Looking into the cockpit - looks good to me

 

I have boxed in the main wheel wells and added some detail to the Derwent Engine "Faces"

 

The wings glued together, with the grates added in the intakes

 

The fuselage needed a bit of filler

 

Added some lead weight behind cockpit bulkhead

 

While waiting for the wings to dry,  masked the canopy - boy that does your eyes in

 

Well more tomorrow (all going well),thanks for looking in

 

Regards

 

Alan

 

 

 

[stevehnz]

49 minutes ago, LDSModeller said:

looks good to me

Me too Alan, coming on well. I'm taking notes.

Steve.

[LDSModeller]

On 4/4/2021 at 10:38 PM, stevehnz said:

coming on well.

Thanks Steve

 

Just a quick update for today

Wings and Tail feathers on - though had to add a shim into the Port Wing join

 

The starboard wing join will need a smidgen of filler

 

Canopy on

 

I also drilled out the gun blast tubes

 

Next stop, off to the paint shop (No, I don't have this WAAF to spray my model - though note the covered over roundel)

(RNZAF Official - RNZAF Museum - Used With Permissions)

 

See you in a bit.

 

Thanks for looking in

 

Regards

 

Alan

 

[Ray S]

Lovely work Alan. That is an incredible amount of extra detailing you have fitted in, nice!

 

Ray

[zebra]

Superb work, and in 1/72 as well - you're going to need an eye test after this!

[GREG DESTEC]

Great work on your Meteor. I like all the details you have added, looking good 👍

[JOCKNEY]

Absolutely brilliant Alan

I can't think of anyone else that would have treated this particular aircraft to the care and attention to detail that this one is getting, congratulations. 

Out of curiosity did the RNZAF ever have any other Meteors ?

Cheers Pat 

[LDSModeller]

On 4/10/2021 at 2:55 AM, Ray S said:

Lovely work Alan. That is an incredible amount of extra detailing you have fitted in, nice!

Thanks Ray, I quite enjoy this type of thing

On 4/10/2021 at 10:09 AM, zebra said:

Superb work, and in 1/72 as well - you're going to need an eye test after this!

Thanks, Though I'm a Glutton for punishment, I masked  the Mosquito canopy after that

 

On 4/15/2021 at 7:39 PM, GREG DESTEC said:

Great work on your Meteor. I like all the details you have added, looking good

Thanks Greg, It actually turned out better than I expected

On 4/15/2021 at 8:14 PM, JOCKNEY said:

Absolutely brilliant Alan

Out of curiosity did the RNZAF ever have any other Meteors ?

 Thanks Pat

 

NZ6001 was the only Meteor to fly in New Zealand with the RNZAF

 

When RNZAF14 Squadron deployed to Cyprus 1952-55, they flew T7 Meteors on Loan from the RAF.

The only Meteors that are currently in New Zealand are Museum examples 1) Ex RAAF F8 in Ashburton,

and  2) TT20 with the Subritizky Collection,

 

So an Update on the painting.

 

First sprayed the canopy Black for internal frames

 

Sprayed the whole airframe Aluminium

 

I do this as the "Metal" Paint (to me anyway) helps provide the Metallic sheen and also as a primer,

shows up well any sanding/gap flaws as in the two photos below

 

Redid the areas of issue, and began spraying in earnest

 

Using Humbrol colours 165 (MSG), I sprayed the lower wings/tails/fuselage, Note I also

sprayed the wheel wells Airframe silver

 

Think it all came out quite well

 I sprayed the top with Humbrol 106 (Ocean Grey) Sorry forgot a photo, but masked

the upper airframe for the Dark Green (Humbrol 163), you can see the Ocean Gray here with masking

before application of the Green

 

I wanted a sharp outline between Green/Grey, so I went down to the local copy shop, and had copies of

the Kit Painting Instructions made (enlarged 142%) as below

I laid Baking paper (el cheapo version) over the top and copied each camouflaged (green) area with a marking

pen, before laying over 18mm Tamiya Tape and using a sharp No. 11 Blade tip, scribed the pattern onto the tape,

then onto the kit as above

 

Sprayed the Dark Green

 

When dry, removed the masks, and the results are to say the least are awesome (to me any rate )

The yellow leading edges

 

There are a few "Oops" areas where the green bled, but that either may have been that the paint mix was

a little too runny. or the Air Gun pressure little too high ???

Overall though, I like to think I achieved my goal of replicating the scheme as in the photo below of NZ3001

(RNZAF Official - RNZAF Museum -Used with Permissions)

 

So the end is near, on finals now, tomorrow I'll fix the Oops areas, then once dry, spray a gloss coat to get ready for the decals.

 

Thanks for looking in, catch up with you in a day or so

 

Regards

 

Alan

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 23, 2021 by LDSModeller

[GREG DESTEC]

Nice work 👍 

 

You would never guess this is the old Airfix kit. Looking forward to the next update.

 

Cheers Greg

[Ray S]

Looking good, I liked the idea you showed for the camo masking.

 

Ray

[LDSModeller]

On 4/24/2021 at 2:19 AM, GREG DESTEC said:

Nice work 👍 

 

You would never guess this is the old Airfix kit. Looking forward to the next update.

Thanks Greg

Thanks for looking in, and I hope you enjoy today's update

On 4/24/2021 at 5:53 AM, Ray S said:

Looking good, I liked the idea you showed for the camo masking.

 

Thanks Ray

Today's update shows a few flaws in the actual painting (but that could entirely be just me)

Thanks for looking in

 

 

So an Update on the finals leg.

I really had hoped this would be done today, reason being is it's ANZAC day here and Australia, so fitting

time for a finish.

 

For those not in the know, 106 Years ago today Australian and New Zealand Troops landed in the

Dardanelles on the Coast of Turkey, on what is now known as ANZAC Cove.

My Great Uncle Robert Dickey is interred there at the Walkers Ridge Cemetery at ANZAC Cove

My Great Uncle with a group of fellow Soldiers and Nurses

 

April 25 was the day both Australia and New Zealand as relatively young countries, made our debut on the World stage,

and formed a Mate ship between our two Countries,  that exists even now and will I'm sure continue on long after most of us are gone

The WWI and WWII veterans are gone, but we continue to Celebrate out Men and Women who served and continue to Serve.

 

Today while sitting in my Model room, we had a number of fly bys, the Harvard's from Adrmore, the Warbirds Dakota

also flew by (love the sound of the P&W R1830).

Then an RNZAF Herks flew by on it's way home to Whenuapai - great day in all

 

Were are we at?

 

Decals going on, and Whilst most of  us enjoy a relaxing day modelling, Yesterday/today were not without its moments.........

 

Usually once I paint on a scheme, I rub the model down with an old T shirt. Helps smooth the painted surface, and

generally gets rid of any paint ridges........

 

 

Started late yesterday arvo

Decals on wings - Note the paint line beneath Port wing Roundel

 

Starboard wing, I was a little concerned about the green showing through the white

 

Placed the red centre's in the roundel - when I pressed down to dry the decal the centre must have move a

tad on the Port wing so ever so slightly off centre - didn't notice till this morning

It's not really noticeable unless you're looking directly at it but.......

 

The Starboard wing Ref centre went on a little better, and hid the green showing through

 

The next road bump was the Sky Fuselage band.......

As you can see  big oops there, so will paint over it later, the tail stripes went on without too much of an issue

 

Rest of the Decals went on without too much drama

 

 

The most Nerve racking part was the Serial number for NZ6001 - used Ventura 8" decals, so each was

an individual letter/numeral

 

So I gave the model another coat of Gloss to seal everything, but noted the clear transfer parts of the decal

showed through in places  (model building  supposed to be relaxing Right?  )

 

So I just Stoically accepted my fate and moved on

Added the Undercart (need to tone down the tyre colour) - The Front wheel well showing

off well the rounded section for the wheel

 

Once the gear had dried some I tested it and guess what? The Lead I put in was not enough - Folks we have

Tail Sitter

Anyways couple of extra shots, you can see in this shot, the Grill in the engine intake

 

I painted the VHF mast base a Bakelite colour - looking at it, needs to be darker

 

Well Thanks for looking in, hopefully tomorrow I can get this done and off the bench

 

More soon

 

Regards

 

Alan

 

 

[Corsairfoxfouruncle]

 ... Hello Alan may he rest in piece. Ive left a message in the chat thread for ANZAC day. 

[GREG DESTEC]

Hi Alan,

 

Great informative update. 

 

Your Meteor is looking really good. I must try that too about rubbing down the paintwork. Applying the markings used to be my favourite part of a build when I was younger but I share your trepidation when applying them now. 

 

Cheers Greg 👍

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[LDSModeller]

8 hours ago, Corsairfoxfouruncle said:

Hello Alan may he rest in piece. Ive left a message in the chat thread for ANZAC day.

 

Hi Dennis,

Thank you, I did read your Post in the Chat Thread - much Appreciated 👍

57 minutes ago, GREG DESTEC said:

Your Meteor is looking really good. I must try that too about rubbing down the paintwork. Applying the markings used to be my favourite part of a build when I was younger but I share your trepidation when applying them now. 

Hi Greg,

 

Thank you for your comments

I use the T Shirt when I have put a Gloss Coat on too,

Tends to help with those Pesky dust/debris particles that

"Magically Appear"

I  get the whole decal thing, they seemed way easier to apply when we were younger,

now it's a whole surgical process

 

So a quick update, not the one I had planned on but there we are

 

So I fixed the Sky Fuselage band - that was  mission, I pulled out a pot

of Humbrol 23 Duck Egg Blue, but when mixing it, it looked more like Custard.

Next I pulled out a bottle of Testors Duck Egg Blue, it was so pale when I painted it on....

That didn't look right, so out came a trusty pot of Humbrol 90  Sky/Beige, and that looked better.

 

I gave the whole model a coat of Semi Gloss (Testors)

I also removed the canopy masks, I ran the tip of my Scalpel blade along the edges, to cut any paint

seams, the end result not to shabby, had to use a sharp Skewer point to remove a small

amount of leakage but looks good though

 

 

I glued the VHF Mast in after painting the Bakelite base a darker shade, as you can see above. I used a

small drop of the Revell contacta, and boy, Bad Choice, it came up and took off the paint around, so hence

my comment about wanting to complete this today - Ah well the "Plans of Mice & Men " Eh?

 

Added the Kit Exhaust cans, I trimmed off about 3mm from the original, It appears that Gloster used different

Types of Derwent Engines, (at least three that I can count), resulting in different exhaust lengths

 

So Finally I need to add an extra Aerial just forward of the Fuselage Roundels

 

You can see it clearly in this RNZAF Photo - The kit doesn't provide a Pitot Tube, so will add one also,

which you can see in the photo also. The Astute among you will note NZ6001's exhaust cans are quite

short, so I will see about fixing that (or just leave well enough alone )

 

(RNZAF Official - RNZAF Museum - Used with Permissions)

 

Thanks for looking in, See you when I see you next

( I just don't want to Jinx this........... )

 

Regards

 

Alan

[GREG DESTEC]

Very nearly there now. Well done 👍

 

I look forward to the final additions and the gallery entry. 

 

Looks good 🍺

[LDSModeller]

On 4/27/2021 at 2:17 AM, GREG DESTEC said:

Very nearly there now. Well done 👍

 

I look forward to the final additions and the gallery entry. 

 

Looks good

Thanks Greg

 

Well (drum roll 🥁), it's all done bar posting in the Gallery

 

Today's update

 

I have fixed the glue/paint Oops from Tuesday

 

Added the pitot Tube, I made this from a Sewing Pin - clipped off the head, measured length (plus what will

slide into wing), and filed down the metal in a rotary device, and epoxied in place - never gonna break

 

The VHF mast Bakelite plate base redone and added the additional Aerial

 

Added the undercart doors

 

Couple of last shots

 

This last one shows, I cut down the exhaust cans further to make them look more like the original

- Looks better too (IMHO)

 

Well thanks for looking in, hope you have enjoyed the journey.

 

I'll do some glamour shots in the next day or so for the Gallery

 

Thanks/regards

 

Alan

(PS please check out my other builds too )

[Corsairfoxfouruncle]

Thats looking quite good, Ive always liked the meteor and always happy to see them being built. 

[LDSModeller]

2 hours ago, Corsairfoxfouruncle said:

Thats looking quite good, Ive always liked the meteor and always happy to see them being built

 

Thanks Dennis,

 

I'm quite pleased on how it turned out

Obviously a learning curve in some things Like the Camouflage

pattern, but, you live and learn

I have for later, an RNZAF 75 Sqn Mosquito to paint in the same/similar

scheme.

 

Regards

 

Alan