Dunny Posted February 28, 2023 Share Posted February 28, 2023 Hi All, My next project will be Airfix' Blenheim Mk.IVF. Now I'd always assumed that this was an old tool re-box, but when I did a bit of research I found out that it was a new tool from 2014 (although I suppose that's getting on a bit now!) Here's the box art: Here's the sprues, in Airfix' usual light grey, softish plastic: All look to be nice and crisp with a decent level of detail. Here's the transparency sprue: Here's the decals, which look to be nicely in register: I decided to ignore the box schemes, particularly once I saw this one: Of note are the Bristol turret and the gas patch on the rear fuselage - also can't resist TSS, I'm afraid! A bit of research told me that 248 Sqn were based at RAF Dyce (now Aberdeen Airport) during 1941, carrying out maritime strike and convoy escort duties. In June 1941 they then transferred darn sarf to Norfolk, at which time they re-equipped with Beaufighters. I've decided to run this build concurrently with my N-3PB build, as both are TSS schemes, and I am lazy going to paint them at the same time! Anyway, on with the show, Thanks for looking, Roger 14 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted March 1, 2023 Share Posted March 1, 2023 Phew, I thought I had missed the end of the build of the floatplane for a minute there. looking gorward to this one too. Might have to get one of these for a yellow and black TT . Chris 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliGauld Posted March 1, 2023 Share Posted March 1, 2023 Another on Roger, Excellent choice. Looking forward to this one. 3 hours ago, bigbadbadge said: Phew, I thought I had missed the end of the build of the floatplane for a minute there. Me too. Cheers, Alistair 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunny Posted March 2, 2023 Author Share Posted March 2, 2023 12 hours ago, bigbadbadge said: Phew, I thought I had missed the end of the build of the floatplane for a minute there. looking gorward to this one too. Might have to get one of these for a yellow and black TT . Chris Thanks Chris - I figured seeing as they're both TSS... 8 hours ago, AliGauld said: Another on Roger, Excellent choice. Looking forward to this one. Me too. Cheers, Alistair Thanks Alistair - on first inspection it looks like a good kit! Cheers, Roger 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunny Posted March 4, 2023 Author Share Posted March 4, 2023 Hi All, Some progress on the Blenheim today! I'd spent yesterday priming and painting, so today has been about construction. Rather unconventionally Airfix have you assemble the rear fuselage as the first operation: Who am I to disagree?! Next the wings are assembled - here's a shot showing the hydraulic tanks which are moulded integral to the wing spar: So very quickly one gets to this point: Rather disconcertingly rapid progress!! Now the eagle-eyed amongst you will have noted that the prominent wingtip lights are moulded solid: Not to worry - quickly adapted with the razor saw: I shall add some clear sprue to the cavities and sand to shape, which should markedly improve the effect! That's all for today, Thanks for looking, Roger 14 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Beema Posted March 4, 2023 Share Posted March 4, 2023 Rapid progress there Roger. Being a glacial pace builder, I’m well impressed.. This is probably old news but I made up some sprue gloop using off cuts from transparent sprue and Tamiya extra thin. Really handy for glue in and filling around transparent parts like canopies and lights... 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted March 4, 2023 Share Posted March 4, 2023 Airfix did a Mojo improving kit here, you rapidly have an airframe😉 I did the 72nd Mk1 and thought it was a lovely kit and this one looks a great kit too. Chris 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliGauld Posted March 4, 2023 Share Posted March 4, 2023 Off to the races again. Looking good. It's a nice change to get so much together rather than messing about with wee foutery bits for the cockpit. Cheers, Alistair 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunny Posted March 4, 2023 Author Share Posted March 4, 2023 14 hours ago, Grey Beema said: Rapid progress there Roger. Being a glacial pace builder, I’m well impressed.. This is probably old news but I made up some sprue gloop using off cuts from transparent sprue and Tamiya extra thin. Really handy for glue in and filling around transparent parts like canopies and lights... Thanks GB - an unusual way to start a build! I am also a big fan of sprue goo 13 hours ago, bigbadbadge said: Airfix did a Mojo improving kit here, you rapidly have an airframe😉 I did the 72nd Mk1 and thought it was a lovely kit and this one looks a great kit too. Chris Thanks Chris - it certainly is shaping up nicely! 3 hours ago, AliGauld said: Off to the races again. Looking good. It's a nice change to get so much together rather than messing about with wee foutery bits for the cockpit. Cheers, Alistair Thanks Alistair - said foutery bits should see some attention today! Cheers, Roger 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOUSTON Posted March 5, 2023 Share Posted March 5, 2023 Roger WOW !! you work really fast and I look forward to this amazing build of yours. Great start. SUPER job. So since I am not sure what "wee foutery" is, may I ask what is foutery please ? Thank you. A confused HOUSTON. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2996 Victor Posted March 5, 2023 Share Posted March 5, 2023 Hi Roger, Sparkling progress! I'll be following along if I may, as I've been gifted this kit recently (actually the FFL bomber boxing) and I'd like to see how it's done Cheers, Mark 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunny Posted March 5, 2023 Author Share Posted March 5, 2023 1 hour ago, HOUSTON said: Roger WOW !! you work really fast and I look forward to this amazing build of yours. Great start. SUPER job. So since I am not sure what "wee foutery" is, may I ask what is foutery please ? Thank you. A confused HOUSTON. Thanks very much! I believe that my good Scottish friend refers to small parts of a fiddly nature... 1 hour ago, 2996 Victor said: Hi Roger, Sparkling progress! I'll be following along if I may, as I've been gifted this kit recently (actually the FFL bomber boxing) and I'd like to see how it's done Cheers, Mark Thanks Mark! It's a great little kit, and as my favourite Blenheim mark I'm looking forward to pushing forward! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunny Posted March 5, 2023 Author Share Posted March 5, 2023 Hi All, More progress on the Blenheim today! Today has been cockpit day, otherwise known as attending to the wee foutery! 🤣. Here's the best I could make of the instrument panel: A bit of a poor show from Airfix, but my no-AM policy dictates make do. On the plus side there is some nice moulded detail on the walls - here's one with the glazing attached: Here's the cockpit during build-up: And here after harnesses and an oil wash: You may note that there is a bomb sight supplied in this kit, unlike in Airfix' later Beaufort (or their 1:48 Blenheim Mk.I, for that matter). Here we are with the glazing glued in place: After my slight bomb sight gripe I will say that Airfix are to be congratulated on the fit of the forward fuselage and glazing - it is superb. Here's a final shot with the nose posed in place, and after I had fitted the empennage: That's the extent of progress, but it's starting to look like a Blenheim! I have the small matter of a new job to start tomorrow, so progress will most definitely slow a little! Thanks for looking, Roger 13 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2996 Victor Posted March 5, 2023 Share Posted March 5, 2023 Great progress on the Blenheim, Roger, she's looking fine! Good luck for tomorrow with the new job, hope all goes well Cheers, Mark 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted March 5, 2023 Share Posted March 5, 2023 Cockpit looks fantastic Roger, great progress. Looks lovely overall. Good luck with the new job tomorrow . Chris 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliGauld Posted March 5, 2023 Share Posted March 5, 2023 Looks good form this end. All the best for tomorrow or is that today by the time I type this.... probably. 10 hours ago, HOUSTON said: may I ask what is foutery please ? A Scottish term for fiddly little bits that take an lot of time and concentration to get right. As Roger so eloquently explained below. 9 hours ago, Dunny said: I believe that my good Scottish friend refers to small parts of a fiddly nature... Cheers, Alistair 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunny Posted March 6, 2023 Author Share Posted March 6, 2023 17 hours ago, bigbadbadge said: Cockpit looks fantastic Roger, great progress. Looks lovely overall. Good luck with the new job tomorrow . Chris Thanks very much Chris - first day successfully navigated! 14 hours ago, AliGauld said: Looks good form this end. All the best for tomorrow or is that today by the time I type this.... probably. A Scottish term for fiddly little bits that take an lot of time and concentration to get right. As Roger so eloquently explained below. Cheers, Alistair Thanks very much Alistair - the foutery has been duly foutered! 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeELL Posted March 6, 2023 Share Posted March 6, 2023 I am going to keep an eye on this build as I’ve one to construct in a couple of months. Just a thought, have you considered ‘lazer glue/blue light glue’ for the nave lights? You can apply, zap it with the U/V for a second or 2, shape it a bit and then give it a final zap of U/V to harden it. After that you can sand it to shape and polish it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunny Posted March 6, 2023 Author Share Posted March 6, 2023 7 minutes ago, TeeELL said: I am going to keep an eye on this build as I’ve one to construct in a couple of months. Just a thought, have you considered ‘lazer glue/blue light glue’ for the nave lights? You can apply, zap it with the U/V for a second or 2, shape it a bit and then give it a final zap of U/V to harden it. After that you can sand it to shape and polish it. A good thought TeeELL, although I do like the ability to drill sprue and add a red/green 'bulb' before attachment to the wing. Be happy to see you demonstrate the technique though! 😉 Cheers, Roger 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeELL Posted March 6, 2023 Share Posted March 6, 2023 2 hours ago, Dunny said: A good thought TeeELL, although I do like the ability to drill sprue and add a red/green 'bulb' before attachment to the wing. Be happy to see you demonstrate the technique though! 😉 Cheers, Roger Fair point Roger. That said, you need to check whether the bulb was coloured or the Nav light cover. Just looked at a colour film clip and it looks as though the nave light cover was clear. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunny Posted March 19, 2023 Author Share Posted March 19, 2023 Hi All, What with starting a new job a couple of weeks ago, and life in general, my bench time has been somewhat curtailed (although I'm back on the bank manager's Christmas Card list 🤣). I did manage to get a little done on the Blenheim this weekend. First job was the wing tip lights. Here's sections of sprue CA'd in place (the front lamps had drilled 0.5mm holes filled with red/green paint): Here's the end result after shaping, polishing, and a couple of gloss coats: I would say that's an improvement on the original! Today I've been masking the glazing: And before you ask, no I did not have a mask set - that is all Tamiya tape and a new scalpel blade! That's all I've managed for the weekend - hopefully next week might be a bit more productive!! Thanks for looking, Roger 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ModelingEdmontonian Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 The wing tip lights look superb, and congrats on the masking! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunny Posted March 19, 2023 Author Share Posted March 19, 2023 3 minutes ago, ModelingEdmontonian said: The wing tip lights look superb, and congrats on the masking! Thanks for the kind words - I am rather pleased with both! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ModelingEdmontonian Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 1 minute ago, Dunny said: Thanks for the kind words - I am rather pleased with both! You should be. I built the Free French version a couple of years ago and just painted silver on the wing tips. Yours looks much better! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted March 19, 2023 Share Posted March 19, 2023 Glad you have settled into the new job and hope is all going well Roger, good to hear you're back on the Bank managers Christmas card list again too. The wingtip lights look fantastic fella and great job on the masking too. Looking forward to the paint now. Great work Chris 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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