Bluesteels Torpedo in a Suitcase ***FINISHED***

[bluesteel]

Another Coastal Command Hampden TB1 from the same Squadron (& decal sheet) as Pauls. I might use the Valom TB1 conversion kit which I have on order, and then change the Sqn a/c code letter and serial so Paul and I have two different Hampdens from the same Squadron - 490 Sqn.

[PaulBradley]

Julian - see my thread.

Also, when your conversion set arrives, please post pics so I know what I've let myself in for....!

[bluesteel]

Arrived today just in time:



And for Paul:



It's the torpedo, alternative bomb doors, exhausts and photo etch set from the Valom TB1 Hampden plus a resin bomb set for the B Mk 1

[JohnRatzenberger]

I have been all over that set and the Valom Hampden. The update instructions for the B.1 bomb bay say to use part 52 from the kit, but I have been unable to find same in the kit -- not that you'll find anything like it in the Airfix Hampden either ... I do note on the TB1 side, they say to handmake part 52 ...

[JohnRatzenberger]

I thought that they could carry two torpedos. What am I thinking of?

They tried that but it wouldn't work ... You may be thinking of the Wellie ...

[bluesteel]

Probably. Did it not work because the fuselage was too narrow, or because the load was too great?

The fuselage is really too narrow, especially as it needed the wide stabilisation fin at the rear of the torpedo. The Wellington carried two torpedoes.

[bluesteel]

I'll be using the latest Airfix boxing of this venerable gem (at least I think it's an Airfix gem, although many reviewers on other modelling sites really pan it). I'll be using the Valon conversion set to make it into a TB1 of Coastal Command and the Model Alliance decals to finish it as XA-L, AN120 of 489 Sqn to complement Pauls XA-Y of the same Squadron, both in a pretty Medium Sea Grey top and Sky underside:

[PaulBradley]

What's the difference with the bomb bay doors - are they a bit deeper at the rear end?

[JohnRatzenberger]

No, they just look it because they are held in the open position. They don't look as deep open as they would on a bomber because the center section was removed.

[PaulBradley]

So what would I need to do with my kit doors then - cut them in half lengthwise?

[JohnRatzenberger]

So what would I need to do with my kit doors then - cut them in half lengthwise?

I'm all wrong ...

See this post http://www.uamf.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f= ... 351#p33351;

then scroll up a couple to Jagewa's link to a BritModller thread ...

[PaulBradley]

Got it - thanks John!

[bluesteel]

Made a start today. I then remembered I have the FM 1/48th Hampden in my stash. Many say it's a bit of a beast to build, but it does have nice detailed metal and plastic interior pieces and some good drawings and photos for interior parts positioning, so I'll use those as a reference to scale down some extra interior details for the interior:



Assuming the Airfix pilot isn't supposed to be a Scotsman, I've removed some of his 'skirt' and tidied up the sink marks on the interior. Interestingly the Airfix 1/72nd scale control column is as large as the FN 1/48th, and the grip even larger It need some arms on the pilots seat, but I probably won't bother with the pilots back cushion as it won't be seen once the pilot is in place.

I've drilled the hole for the forward firing gun, which on the AIrfix model is in the upper part of the transparent nose part. The M shaped part is FM's 1/48th metal gun deflector that I'll need to replicate in 1/72nd.

[bluesteel]

So far plastic card and sprue approximations to the 1/48th metal side panels in the cockpit, a bomb aimers floor, bulkhead behind the pilot and instrument panel + compass :

[JamesPerrin]

Some may say that is the most appropriate use fo the FM kit.