Fred's Space Constrained Computer Desk

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gengriz
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Fred's Space Constrained Computer Desk

Post by gengriz »

This is my first workbench post in a very long time, mainly because I tend to forget to take photographs! Anyway, this lockdown project has now reached the stage where I have some confidence that it will finish, so here are a few "in build" pictures. I would add that I have two higher priority Sea Harriers to build this month, so this may take a back seat for a while, although it is progressing much faster than I expected (started 9 days ago!):

The scratch enhanced cockpit. You can't see any of this once built, but I know its there.

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The fuselage is joined - can you guess what it is yet?

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Its a 1/72 E-3, using the Heller kit and Combat Decals set to make an E-3D in the 100th anniversary markings of 8 Sqn RAF

This is the last time you will see those blue and red folders.

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But it has gone together with no real issues. This kit is a lot better fit than many online reviews would suggest.

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The cockpit windows are painted and ready to attach.

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4xCFM-56 engines ready to add.

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First coats of paint on the fuselage. Brush painted of course! Tail and refuelling probe added. One coat of Humbrol 127 enamel overall, second coat up to the start of the wing sections.

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Starting to add the main radar antenna legs. Not a very good fit!

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On my actual work bench! Some filling and more of the hull painted with a second coat. Minor antennae added. As you can see, I really am space constrained.

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Big and small round bits painted !

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... and this is where I've stopped tonight. Tailpanes added. The radar has not been attached yet - I will decal it first then add at a later date. Wings next!

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50+ years of modelling: http://www.gengriz.co.uk
Recently retired after completing the biggest and most amazing construction kits in the whole world, EVER:
http://youtu.be/2syAt3jXq4s[/color]
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PaulBradley
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Re: Fred's Space Constrained Computer Desk

Post by PaulBradley »

Ooh, cool!

There's quite the contingent of 707-style airframes going together here at the moment.
Paul

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iggie
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Re: Fred's Space Constrained Computer Desk

Post by iggie »

That's looking magnificent Fred! 8-)
Best wishes

Jim
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DavidWomby
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Re: Fred's Space Constrained Computer Desk

Post by DavidWomby »

Looks very tidy so far. Huge too.

David
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Stuart
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Re: Fred's Space Constrained Computer Desk

Post by Stuart »

Man the E-3's such a great looking aircraft - You've done a fine job of it so far!
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Clashcityrocker
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Re: Fred's Space Constrained Computer Desk

Post by Clashcityrocker »

A very nice cockpit inside there

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lancfan
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Re: Fred's Space Constrained Computer Desk

Post by lancfan »

The British AWACS aircraft have been on my wants list for some time, I have built the Skyraider and Gannet, the NT Airfix Shackleton is in the stash waiting it's turn but so far this has escaped me.
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wokka
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Re: Fred's Space Constrained Computer Desk

Post by wokka »

That's impressive, shame no one will be able to see that superbly detailed cockpit in all its glory.
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jssel
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Re: Fred's Space Constrained Computer Desk

Post by jssel »

Outstanding. The cockpit is awesome.
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gengriz
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Re: Fred's Space Constrained Computer Desk

Post by gengriz »

Today's update - starting the wings. For reasons of space, I have this aspiration to leave them as a loose separate aassembly that can be removed for stowage or transport. Not sure if this is going to work and in any event it will require some form of compormise on smoothe joints.

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Oh dear. A little warpage on one wing.

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But nothing that liquid glue and Tesco clamps can't fix!

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And this is where we stop today. Wingtip ESM mods tomorrow. Progress is a little more than it appears - the antenna legs and the tailplanes got a second coat of paint
this morning. My goodness it looks big.

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50+ years of modelling: http://www.gengriz.co.uk
Recently retired after completing the biggest and most amazing construction kits in the whole world, EVER:
http://youtu.be/2syAt3jXq4s[/color]
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Re: Fred's Space Constrained Computer Desk

Post by ShaunW »

That's an impressive looking beast, Fred and quite a fair old size in 1/72nd.
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iggie
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Re: Fred's Space Constrained Computer Desk

Post by iggie »

Somehow it doesn't look this big in the box... :shock: this is going to be an impressive build! 8-)
Best wishes

Jim
If you can walk away from a landing, it's a good landing. If you use the airplane the next day, it's an outstanding landing
"Never put off till tomorrow, what you can do the day after tomorrow"
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gengriz
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Re: Fred's Space Constrained Computer Desk

Post by gengriz »

The RAF ESM pods for the wing tips are attached. This turned into a bit of a cluster, so I have applied copious amounts of putty and hopefully I can sand it all back to something neater and more elegant!

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The gap between wings and fuselage is massive! I may attempt to prise the fuselage a little wider with some internal props, but I think a 1mm or 2mm filler piece is going to be needed on each side, especially if I plan to keep the wing assembly removable for storage.

I am aware that ground clearance for the new engines is a problem on this kit, so don't want any more wing droop than is necessary.

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FredT :)
50+ years of modelling: http://www.gengriz.co.uk
Recently retired after completing the biggest and most amazing construction kits in the whole world, EVER:
http://youtu.be/2syAt3jXq4s[/color]
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PaulBradley
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Re: Fred's Space Constrained Computer Desk

Post by PaulBradley »

:shock: Mind the Gap!
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Early Bird Fan
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Re: Fred's Space Constrained Computer Desk

Post by Early Bird Fan »

great work so far, one thought that springs to mind is rather you than me :grin: ;-)
Current Builds:
Revell 1/48 S.e.5a
Revell 1/72 P-47 'bolt
Frog 1/72 Bleriot X1
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