Viking Posted December 12, 2021 Share Posted December 12, 2021 DH Comet, BEA Red Square. 1/144 Airfix with 26Decals After much Chopping around an Amodel Comet last year I thought I'd have another go at the old Airfix kit, I used the most recent boxing which has the cabin windows filled in. First released in 1961, it is very simple with only 6 parts to make the basic airframe (2 fuselage halves, upper and lower full span wings, and 2 tailplanes). The wheels are far too skinny for my liking, so I replaced the mains with the spare ones in the Amodel kit, and the nose wheels are Viscount main wheels from S&M kit. We really do need an up to date injection moulded Comet in 1/144 scale, but this one still scrubs up well considering it's age. (oops, just noticed I've knocked the aerial wire loose while taking the photos). With my much modified Amodel Comet C.4 Thanks for looking, John 40 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis_C Posted December 12, 2021 Share Posted December 12, 2021 Nice Comet duo! What's particularly tough about Amodel kit? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dnl42 Posted December 12, 2021 Share Posted December 12, 2021 Very nicely done, and a fine pair of siblings! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alpha Delta 210 Posted December 12, 2021 Share Posted December 12, 2021 I would say that it scrubs up VERY well! Great work on the elegant bird. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natter Posted December 12, 2021 Share Posted December 12, 2021 Whatever you did to the original (wheels etc), you have presented a fine model of a very beautiful airliner. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Poultney Posted December 12, 2021 Share Posted December 12, 2021 Which variant is the Airfix one? Nice models 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAT69 Posted December 12, 2021 Share Posted December 12, 2021 (edited) The Airfix variant is the 4B. Both models are beautiful and the Comet is quite possibly my favorite early jet airliner. You just can't beat it for shear elegance. Edited December 19, 2021 by SAT69 Error in wording 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilg Posted December 12, 2021 Share Posted December 12, 2021 That's a beautiful looking airliner! Even in the grey paint, it looks sleek. You've done a really good job on it - the slightly larger wheels does make a lot of difference! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skodadriver Posted December 13, 2021 Share Posted December 13, 2021 Lovely as always John. Classic aircraft in a classic livery, what's not to like? I binned my own attempt to make something of the AModel kit a few months ago and it's good to be reminded of what a fine model the Airfix kit is. You do have to be prepared to live with the flat central belly section but I hated the AModel kit so much that I'm happy to tolerate a bit of inaccuracy not seen in normal viewing and retain my sanity! 9 hours ago, Dennis_C said: Nice Comet duo! What's particularly tough about Amodel kit? I don't want to pre-empt John's reply but the fuselage is very significantly short, the shape of the cockpit and nose is well off and the undercarriage is next to impossible to assemble. Dave G 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stringbag Posted December 13, 2021 Share Posted December 13, 2021 It looks even better in the flesh so to speak. You guys are making a fine job breathing life int these older kits, and really putting me to shame in the process. Chris. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remus389 Posted December 13, 2021 Share Posted December 13, 2021 Impressive duo, precise work. 🏅 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wings unlevel Posted December 13, 2021 Share Posted December 13, 2021 Beautiful build of a beautiful jet. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viking Posted December 19, 2021 Author Share Posted December 19, 2021 Thanks for the comments chaps, much appreciated. On 12/12/2021 at 15:07, Dennis_C said: Nice Comet duo! What's particularly tough about Amodel kit? Skodadriver covered it pretty well in his reply above. It is undersized in all dimensions and the nose shape looks a bit off, I took the trouble to try and correct mine with fuselage plugs and wing extensions. The trouble is that I now think the fuselage looks too skinny, and perhaps needs fattening. All in more trouble than it is worth. Next time I'd just accept that it is a little underscale, and build it straight from the box. Or use an Airfix one! (This is the Amodel kit that became the RAF C4 above, not the BEA Airfix kit) Cheers John 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis_C Posted December 20, 2021 Share Posted December 20, 2021 @Viking oh yes it's noticeably undersized! But after your efforts I think it looks just right especially next to an Airfix Comet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vulcanicity Posted December 20, 2021 Share Posted December 20, 2021 Glorious! Well done for making those intakes look believable which I seem to remember isn't easy. It makes a lovely pair with the AModel kit which you put so much work into. Yes don't we just need new Comet kits? Occasionally I peek in the box of my Mach 2 1/72 offering and have to run away and have a stiff drink afterwards. Every year I suggest it (new Comets, not alcoholism) to Airfix at Telford, to no avail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wulfman Posted December 20, 2021 Share Posted December 20, 2021 Lovely build on the old Airfix ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Epeeman Posted December 20, 2021 Share Posted December 20, 2021 Wonderful, Comet John - I always admire you lovely smooth shiny finishes on your civil aircraft. Regards Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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