VV's not-a-Sikorsky-S43

[VickersVandal]

I'll be building the "Tarpon" amphibian featured in Biggles' Second Case and following the illustrations, which pretty unmistakably show a Sikorsky S-43. I'll get a sprue shot soon. Currently I'm trying to finish up a car model and then I'll be onto this.

[Arcwelder]

*Adopts Mr Burns' voice*.. "Exxxxcelllllent!"

[VickersVandal]

Hmmm....resin parts and I don't have a razor saw. Usually I manage without one but in this case I can see parts being destroyed. I've ordered one from ebay but who knows how long that will take. I may need to switch to another kit for this GB.

[splash]

Let's how the saw turns up quickly as its a lovely looking a/c

[VickersVandal]

In the end I did my best without a razor saw. I munted one of the seats in the process but since the interior won't be all that visible through the canopy I bodged it together enough to pass muster. For the same reason, I am not bothering with interior detail behind the front bulkhead. I'm trying to avoid any AMS with this build. The only mods are adding machine guns in the nose as per the story and converting to twin tail fins as per the illustrations.

Progress so far:

[Arcwelder]

Excellent! Good to see you back in the GB.. and making slow progress like myself!

[lancfan]

Looking good David, I'm watching with interest as I have this kit on my wants list for Telford.

David.

[VickersVandal]

Thanks, gents.

Honestly, I am not enjoying this particular build. The fit is not appalling but the issues are just...irritating. For example there is about a 2mm gap between the bottom of the canopy and the fuselage wall if the canopy is to sit in line with the top of the fuselage. That's a lot of filling and mucking around. I feel like I'm starting to run out of puff on this one.

I also need to do some mods to the wing and the tail to bring it in line with the story illustrations. I have this horrible feeling it will go pear-shaped and result in further setbacks.

[splash]

What's your cunning plan with the tail?

Is it more like the Beechcraft Expeditor C45 tail, if so PM models make a very cheap kit that could be sacrificed, I think I might have a spare in my stash if its needed.

Regards Splash

[VickersVandal]

It's fairly straightforward - you can see the arrangement in the illustration on p75:
http://www.biggles.info/Details/33/Illustrations/;

It just requires duplicating the tail fin and filling in the elevator section in the middle.

Thanks for your kind offer but I have everything needed. It's just a case of fiddling about with it.

[splash]

I now see what you mean now, the tail is totally different from the C45 tail.

Biggles did like the oddball type a/c, was this down to the author or the books artist?

I must confess as to having never read any of the Biggles books.

Regards Splash

[VickersVandal]

Biggles did like the oddball type a/c, was this down to the author or the books artist?

A mixture of both. The illustrations are generally in line with the author's description, though not always.

[iggie]

I must confess as to having never read any of the Biggles books.

Regards Splash

[VickersVandal]

Heathen!!

Well, there is a very strong odour of DNF coming off this
I've been on vacation with no bench time and now the next couple of days will be flat out catching up on overdue marking. Plus, as previously mentioned, there is not a whole lot of love for this kit right now.

W'll see. If I can get in a bit of solid time after the marking I might have a chance.