FROG Barracuda - Martin R, Splash and Lancfan

[Martin R]

So, latest progress on my everlasting build is below.

As you can see, the wing halves are now joined. Previously some detailing of the undercarriage bay roof was completed using etched brass, and the bay was boxed in by a spar and rib as well.

The fuselage has had one round of filling and sanding, and I have also taken off the spurious raised detailing on rudder and elevators, thinned them down somewhat and attached them.

There's still a long way to go, but progress is being made. Next task is to try some scribing of the fuselage (eg dinghy bay, some of the engine panels) prior to attaching the wings.



regards,

Martin

[lancfan]

Looks just fine Martin.

David.

[lancfan]

The codes and serials have now been painted on. This aircraft is fitted with three pairs of bomb racks not included with the kit so a half dozen Revell Lancaster racks have been glued to the wings and are painted black to match the picture of the real aeroplane, the canopy has also been glued down.



David.

[lancfan]

The model has gained its flaps and the undercarriage is taking shape.


David.

[Martin R]

She's looking good, David.

regards,

Martin

[lancfan]

Cheers Martin.


David.

[Martin R]

Progress has been slower than I had hoped, in part because I've had to take a couple of steps back. In particular, I had to snap off the fin / rudder / tailplane assembly because the tailplane was noticeably askew; I also wasn't satisfied with the shape of the 'torpedo attachment bay', so that is now shorter and more angular at the rear end. However, those problems are hopefully behind me, and I'm close to giving the thing a scoosh of primer. That'll be an interesting masking job!

The last pieces I need to add to the airframe before primer are, of course, the ailerons. The incorrect raised rib detail has been removed and the overall thickness of the ailerons has been reduced - to fit in the reduced thickness wings. A couple of trim tabs need to be rescribed. While I'm doing that, I hope to rescribe selected panel lines on the fuselage. This has been on my 'to do' list for a while now, but now I'm in a position to get cracking with it.

Anyway, here's how she's looking at the moment:







regards,

Martin

[lancfan]

Getting there nicely Martin.

David.

[splash]

Nice work Martin & David they are coming along nice.

Due to work, I have had no bench time over the last two nights. On the bright side the strong sunlight we have had over the last week has sorted out my yellow decals.

Regards Splash

[splash]

Decals have now been added I'm just waiting for them to set.

Martin & David what's your plans for the life raft cable down the rear port side? Use the decal or wire?

Regards Splash

[lancfan]

Splash, I will use thin wire for mine, I have marked the line in grey already, it just needs the wire to be glued down and overpainted in white.


David.

[Martin R]

Decals have now been added I'm just waiting for them to set.

Martin & David what's your plans for the life raft cable down the rear port side? Use the decal or wire?

Regards Splash

Splash,

I hadn't got as far as thinking about that. I guess I'd use the decal if I can lose the yellowing (decals bleaching while blu-tacked to the windows as I speak).

I have applied a couple of coats of primer but I'm still not happy with the upper wing / fuselage joint. More filler, then sanding, I think.

regards,

Martin

[Martin R]

After another application of filler last night and a rub down this morning, followed by rinsing in soapy water, the joints look good! A hopefully final coat of primer is now drying.

Tomorrow, I want to work on the gridwork in the torpedo bay, but after that it's on to painting! Woo hoo!

regards,

Martin

[Martin R]

Torpedo bay 'girderwork' added - and it does indeed look like girders. Never mind: a nice black wash should de-emphasise it a bit. Maybe.

Sky undersides finished. Just going to have to go out to Hobbycraft and buy some Tamiya tape so I can start the topside colours. When the DSG at least is on, I'll post some more pics.

regards,

Martin

[Martin R]

Folks,

As this is the only thing on my slopsheet at the moment, progress continues slowly. Paint has been applied! Sky is on, and I thought I'd show you a pic after a couple of coats of thinned Xtracrylix DSG. It'll need at least a couple more:



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And here is a shot of the torpedo bay - which needs some dirtying up:



Only limited progress is likely this week as my parents are down to stay and I'd better be sociable!

regards,

Martin