A double-build: Airfix n/t B.II and B.I/III *** DNF ***

[JohnRatzenberger]

Both fuselages are joined, had a 1st cut at fixing seams, and now have a bit of filler and are ready for the final de-seaming - I'm just in a busy spot right now and it's March Madness !

[JohnRatzenberger]

I have both fuselages together and seams sanded. A couple of windows tried to escape but I was able to get a cocktail stick prybar in through the nav bubble and force them back in place. My sanding strokes knocked one seat back loose, but that is back in place also. High adventure.

I have borrowed the concept of fuel tanks from lancfan but a much simpler representation as they'll be hard to see.



And then put the wing tops on. Nice fit although I see a very slight seam on one side that may go away when I force the bottom halves into place.



And that is tomorrow's first task ....

As you can see, I have deferred exterior paint until assembly is more complete.

[Clashcityrocker]

Not much wriggle room with these two on the bench. Coming along nicely.

Nigel

[JohnRatzenberger]

Today, the bottom of each wing went on - nice fit, no drama.

Then on to the tail - steps 30-33 (B.I/III) and 28-34 (B.II) have an error. They show gluing B8-B9 for one stab and A6-A7 for the other. It should be B8-A6 and A7-B9, you'll see it when you try to glue two pieces with locating pins and two with locating holes. Also, when it comes time to install, note the stab sides with lots of oval panels are down as is the trim tab on the left elevator.

But more important is to open the holes in the fuselage slightly and maybe sand the paint (plus a bit more off the tabs) - the fit is really tight and when I couldn't get one to go in I started to pull it out and split the fuselage along the seam. Now I have to resand that - Aaaarrggh !





The pix show the "good one", I have to get the other up to the same place tomorrow. Then I think it is on to nacelles where I have noted some inconsistencies of detail paint instruction between the B.I/III and the B.II ....

[JohnRatzenberger]

OK,, they now look much the same ... onward.

[PaulBradley]

Nice work, John - they look super so far.

[Chuck Finley]

Today, the bottom of each wing went on - nice fit, no drama.

Then on to the tail - steps 30-33 (B.I/III) and 28-34 (B.II) have an error. They show gluing B8-B9 for one stab and A6-A7 for the other. It should be B8-A6 and A7-B9, you'll see it when you try to glue two pieces with locating pins and two with locating holes. Also, when it comes time to install, note the stab sides with lots of oval panels are down as is the trim tab on the left elevator.

But more important is to open the holes in the fuselage slightly and maybe sand the paint (plus a bit more off the tabs) - the fit is really tight and when I couldn't get one to go in I started to pull it out and split the fuselage along the seam. Now I have to resand that - Aaaarrggh !





The pix show the "good one", I have to get the other up to the same place tomorrow. Then I think it is on to nacelles where I have noted some inconsistencies of detail paint instruction between the B.I/III and the B.II ....

Looking Good. I may actually break down and get started on my Dambusters version since a year has passed when my B.MkII nearly became a flying model.

[JohnRatzenberger]

And the nacelles just came in from another plant ....





I'm going to glue the main gear legs in, get them firmly dried, then put on the 4 panels atop the wing, the flaps, the rudders and they'll be ready to paint and decal .... before I add the gear details, turrets, etc, etc.

I am now officially behind but plugging along ....

[Clashcityrocker]

Some nice formation modelling happening here.

Nigel

[JohnRatzenberger]

I have the flaps on now, tomorrow the main gear legs and then rudders, panels, etc.

[JohnRatzenberger]

This is (obviously) the B.II; gear on, panels on, tail planes on, aileron & stab trim arms on, forget what else.





I'll do the same for the B.III tomorrow, then some clean-up and they both should be ready for the basic paint job.

[JohnRatzenberger]

Both the same again, and both need some filler sanded down and whatnot before painting.



Unfortunately these will both be DNF. We are going out of town for 3 days this weekend. I have review kit nearing completion but a tad late. And I completely forgot that I wanted my tractor & howitzer (see my Workbench) done by the 28th for a show.

I'll probably work at sanding off & on, but the next major effort will have to take place back in the aviation forum where I first started these. But I'll not hang the DNF sign until the formal end of the GB.

[lancfan]

Bad luck John, but as always, life does like to come first and has inflicted itself on everyone here at some time or other.

David.