The Northrop BT-1 was a two seat dive-bomber that entered service in 1938. Think of it as lying alongside the Vought Vindicator and before the Dauntless.
The starting point of these two restorations are shown below. They were Esoterical 1/72 vacform kits that had been partly built and given to me as scrap. There were no other parts, not even broken ones.
My first step was to plunge mould the bulbous wheel wells. I carved the shapes from balsa wood then plunge moulded them into 20 thou. plastic card. The result was acceptable, just.
Both models needed new tail wings. I made them from plastic card.
One of the models did not have an engine and cowling. I made this one from spares and various bits. Both models also needed seats and other interior detail, though I did not go overboard on this. I drilled out all holes in the air brakes.
Undercarriage legs came from various spares.
I had one original but totally yellowed canopy for the BT-1. I packed it with filler, inserted some balsa wood as a handle, then plunge moulded some new canopies from 20 thou. clear plastic card.
Then it was on with the detailing and painting. They both needed the following: wing landing lights, pitot tubes, arrestor hooks, masts, gun sights, exhausts etc. Decals came from spares. And that was it, both finished.
And the good news is that I see I also have a complete kit also waiting to be built (complete apart from the metal parts that usually come with Esoterical kits). That's my next project.
Northrop BT-1: two models restored
Re: Northrop BT-1: two models restored
Well done, indeed! To me, this is true modelling, and putting together a standard issue, injection molded kit is 'shake n bake' modelling. I don't have the patience for what you do.
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Re: Northrop BT-1: two models restored
As ever, some inspiring and impressive work to salvage two lovely finishes from a total devastation!59North wrote:Well done, indeed! To me, this is true modelling, and putting together a standard issue, injection molded kit is 'shake n bake' modelling. I don't have the patience for what you do.
Best wishes
Jim
If you can walk away from a landing, it's a good landing. If you use the airplane the next day, it's an outstanding landing
"Never put off till tomorrow, what you can do the day after tomorrow"
Jim
If you can walk away from a landing, it's a good landing. If you use the airplane the next day, it's an outstanding landing
"Never put off till tomorrow, what you can do the day after tomorrow"
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Re: Northrop BT-1: two models restored
Another great rescue.
I always get a bit confused with the crossover and shared designs between Northrop and Douglas in the 1930s.
I always get a bit confused with the crossover and shared designs between Northrop and Douglas in the 1930s.
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Re: Northrop BT-1: two models restored
Jack Northrop worked for Douglas before he started his own company....hence the similar designs.
2012 A:12 B:13 C:0
- Eric Mc
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Re: Northrop BT-1: two models restored
They obviously weren't too worried about carrying over Intellectual Property from his previous employer.
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Re: Northrop BT-1: two models restored
Excellent work (as always) on yet another type I've never heard of Vacant and an interesting write up.
Doing - Tamiya 1/35th Universal Carrier.
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IPMS#12300
Work is the curse of the modelling classes!
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Re: Northrop BT-1: two models restored
The way in which you restore scrapped models is an inspiration to all - it is impossible to tell that you have salvaged/moulded/retrieved etc various parts. Such interesting types too - again a branch of the lesser known elements of military aviation. Great.
Re: Northrop BT-1: two models restored
Excellent! More of a sculptor than a modeller it seems!
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Re: Northrop BT-1: two models restored
Great modelling/magic as always!
- Arcwelder
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Re: Northrop BT-1: two models restored
The difference between the "Before" and "After" shots of those planes is nothing short of modelling alchemy. Outstanding.
Is this your sanderling?.
2016: A:40 B:12
2016: A:40 B:12