Molly-News Matchbox Halifax***Finished***

[Molly-new]

I intend to build the 1/72 Matchbox Halifax in 502 Squadron markings, which I will have to make myself.

I say intend because,
1) It hasn't arrived yet, and
2) I haven't finished decorating the hobby room yet. (I may have to adopt the "Working from a T-Tray" technique ably used by others)

This is what I am expecting:



There are a couple of pieces missing, (as seen circled at the bottom) but as they are duplicate parts I should be able to scratch build them easily enough ( Famous last words )

I will be a bit late starting but hope to get going asap.

[DH-Drover]

Squadron codes for 502? I have a set of a/m Halifax decals that may contain 502s.

Dai

[bromo]

Welcome aboard and i must say a cracking choice of aircraft.

[Molly-new]

I have been able to set up the computer in the dining room as a temporary measure, and the kit has finally arrived.

The kit has obviously been in storage for a while as it needed a good wash to get rid of all the dust.

The missing pieces turned out to be a lower engine cover, a pilot figure, a bomb bay door, and a spinner (broken).



These should all be easy enough to replace from the spares box, or scratch build.

Some parts had also been started, as per the instructions:



Windows inserted, cockpit part assembled, tail-gun turret assembled. Nothing has been painted though, so I may have to split the gun turret to paint the inside.

I am really looking forward to getting into this now.

[DH-Drover]

Sorry no 502s:-(

Dai

[Molly-new]

OK, Thanks for looking.

[Molly-new]

Finally managed to get a bit of me time at the table.

Started by painting the cockpit, interior and crew members:



I have also glued the wings together, which turned out to be a really good fit.



The version I am going for is a GRII, HR686 of 502 Sqn, based at Stornoway:



HR686 was a rare dual-control Halifax, therefore I have had to scratch build a second seat:



I do not know how much will be seen through this canopy though, I reckon the scale makes it 10cm thick in real terms



Has anyone come across a thinner/vaccuform replacement?

[Jagewa]

Yep Falcon have them in this set..
http://www.falconmodels.co.nz/clearvax/set17.html

http://www.modelcraftsandhobbies.co.nz/ ... fd5bcdee2&

Great work so far. I like the new seat, and the scheme is a cool one.

Cheers
Jim

[bromo]

Very nice choice,will have to look at getting a Matchbox re boxing as it looks like a good kit.

[Molly-new]

Yep Falcon have them in this set..

Thanks for the link Jim, I will have to keep an eye out for one on this side of the water. I have also been researching how to build my own mini-vacuum former kit.

The second seat has now been fitted:



Here it is with the crewmen in position:





I need to get some white paint so I can paint the rear gun turret prior to gluing the fuselage together, so I have been busy putting the other bits together wheels, tailparts, nose section....

Unfortunately I now have to try to turn this:



Into this:



Suggestions welcome

[SJPONeill]

Yep or that dense pack foam you can get from art supplies shops (just don't let any solvent cement near it before it is sealed up...

[Molly-new]

I have now finished the decorating and have moved back into the Hobby room so I can get some work done on this.

Thanks for the advice guys. As I had some packing foam I went for this option, and then covered it in filler. I have also picked up some white paint so I have managed to get some painting done:

[ShaunW]

This looks promising, good choice of colour scheme, always looks good on heavies IMHO. The alteration to the front end looks like it will work ok to me. Careful sanding should sort it out (very famous last words!!).

[Jagewa]

Enjoy a good nose job.
Looking good, no reaction with the foam or filler?

Cheers
Jim

[Molly-new]

Problems, problems, problems.....The Rhinoplasty was going quite well, but then, whilst sanding, the whole lot came off.

Unfortunately the foam had not bonded to the plastic as well as I had thought, and even with my delicate sanding it came unstuck. the process however gave me a thought, and using the front turret without the guns gave me a more solid base to add filler onto:



I have built up the filler in two sessions, allowing the first to cure properly before adding the second.



Once this has cured I should be able to sand it to a decent shape. You will notice that the windows have nearly all popped out as well. Problems, problems, problems.....