29(F) Squadron XXX - **2 out of 3 FINISHED**

[TeeELL]

It has been a challenging afternoon/evening - getting the undercarriage sorted was like herding cats. The position of the various components was totally dependent on the positioning of all the others and the rigging lines were integral (they are almost working as the real thing, holding everything in position. I could have done with an extra pair of dextrous hands.

The undercarriage suspension unit was drilled out to accept the broken U/C leg and put it in the correct position for being on the ground.




Nearly there, everything is in position and glue has been applied to the fixed points.



Some touching up of paintwork will have to be done!


That's it, all the rigging completed, just the aileron operating cables on the top wing and the aerial wire to add. (oh, and the boarding steps, tail skid and wheels).



Having a large medicinal G&T :-)

[iggie]

It looks as though you deserve your G&T

[fredk]

You're winning.
Its a grand job so it is

[TeeELL]

With the rigging complete I have turned my attention to the top of the aircraft. The radio aerials are being positioned - the run from wing to wing via the fin was, relatively, easy but the connecting leads to the radio are proving more of a challenge.



I am using a clip to hold the line whilst the super glue sets.



I had rather hoped that laying the thread over the V with a dab of super glue would work - but I was wrong.

I need to do some work on the upper wing roundels, they haven't conformed to the aileron fairing at all well. I think a good soaking in Micro set or Sol might help?

[TeeELL]

Darn it, the method worked but I managed to cut the V whilst trying to trip the connecting thread! A whole load of hurn then happened - the aerial support rod came out the wing and in trying to re-fit it I scratched the roundel, so that had to come off (just as well I had a couple of spares). Not going to do any more tonight in case I make it worse!

[TeeELL]

Fred, I was winning, but several steps backwards, I thought it was going too well!

[fredk]

You're still winning.
You've got it bate so you have

[JohnRatzenberger]

Yes, very instructive and good work !

[TeeELL]

I have all but finished the Siskin! For now, I shall leave the aerial connecting wires as I cannot attach them to the V - the superglue method is not satisfactory - BUT I have a plan. I shall try it out on an experimental set-up before committing to the Siskin. My plan to complete 3 bi-planes is perhaps a bi-plane too far, given that we are halfway through the month. I've learnt a great deal about modelling bi-planes in 1/72nd (trouble is I've forgotten it all as well). For your edification I offer the 'nearly complete' model. I shall post the final photos in the completed section of the GB. I've some Klear to apply to the replacement roundel, once the Micro Set has finished working its magic.











The Bulldog has had some preparation work done on it and the engine is under construction.

[iggie]

That is superb! I like the way the stitching detail shows up so well

[fredk]

That looks very nice indeedy

[TeeELL]

The Siskin is complete and the Bulldog started.



Photos posted in the completed section.

[TeeELL]

And so I start on build number 2, the Bristol Bulldog IIA by Airfix.

The cockpit is in one side and I am waiting for the cement to dry before painting and some minor detailing. As with the Siskin, there will be a pilot on board so virtually nothing will be seen (shame as I've a rather nice instrument panel to fit). The fuselage has been smoothed down with micromesh, particularly the 'metal' parts as I am going to try Alclad II 'Chrome'.


(At the moment it looks more like some crazy racing car!!)


The decals are printed and ready.




The wings have been smoothed down to remove the 'fabric' look as it is inappropriate in this scale and will have a detrimental effect on the finish, besides which, the primer/filler would have filled the texture. I have started marking out the rigging points and today received my 0.2mm twist drills so, if they work, the holes will not be quite so prominent.




The wing strut mountings sit proud of the wing surface, so I have reduced the thickness as much as possible. The silver/grey strut shows the original thickness. The engine is under construction.

[TeeELL]

Having made the nav lights for the Siskin, and rescued one from the carpet monster (that was bloomin' lucky!!), I realised that my unusable Bulldog has a pair included :-(

[TeeELL]

I must adjust the tail skid to 'on the ground' a small change but a significant one!