Marky's Prototype***FINISHED*** and PR.XIX **FINISHED**

[MarkyM607]

I've got the Prototype and a PRXIX to do, so really close in appearance!, not. Anyway, with all this 1:48th action I see happening elsewhere, will I get away with doing these in 1:72nd!.

[Stuart]

Yes

[DavidWomby]

Those will make a great pair - really show up the differences!

Which kits do you plan to use?

David

[MarkyM607]

I have several Airfix Mk.I's that could be used, plus a Rob Taurus(?) vac form canopy for the prototype. For the XIX I have a kit from the Millennium Collection set for the Battle of Britain, I think that was all a collaborative effort so not sure on the maker, possibly Italeri or MPM.

[Martin R]

I think the MkXIX was the MPM. Lioking forward to seeing these.

Regards,

Martin

[MarkyM607]

Just realised I need a two blade prop for the prototype, have one in 48th which is no use!!. Oh well balsa wood to the rescue. Might use Bass wood instead.

[MarkyM607]

I've made a start on the prototype, seat and IP etc. Filled and saneded the wings to get rid of panel lines for gun access ports. The XIX may have to wait for the A-10 from the Desert Storm GB to move out!. I have found a two bladed prop that is the right length but it has the wrong spinner, being from a Revell Hawker Fury (sorry Sir Sydney).

[MarkyM607]

Okay, the Prototype is underway, filled and sanded the wings to remove gun related detail (sorry if I've said all this, just recapping), Nose sanded to remove the engine 'bulges' along the top corners. Kits to be done. The PR.XIX has AIM Limited on the top so don't know if they had something to do with the kit or it's their own.










Trying to make my own propeller blades...

[Stuart]

Good progress so far!

[MarkyM607]

I've gone from nicking the prop from a Hawker Fury, to starting to make my own, to using a prop from the Airfix Gladiator. It's a tad under size but unless you measure it you won't notice. Or I won't let you!!
I've started the PR.XIX, it has a vac canopy but a tip here: I use a small (and for my hands that is SMALL), pair of nail scissors. They are much more controllable than normal scissors or a knife and the chance of cutting yourself is reduced (reduced not removed!). It has worked so far. The PR.XIX seems to require pilots with long arms and legs as the gap between the seat and the pedals/IP is enough to get at least one square bit of Lego into!.
Prototype has it's exhausts glued on. These will be cut back to flush with the nose, it's mainly to fill the slot where they go so I can drill six little exhaust holes.
Hope to get pics up tonight. (Have to go to my school job in a bit and clean up after some messy, untidy people. And the children!!! )

[Molly-new]

Trying to make my own propeller blades...

That is a task that I am preparing to tackle, any tips will be greatly appreciated.

[MarkyM607]

It depends on whether you are making a copy of a prop or making your own. I would say for the former lay the prop you are copying onto the edge of plastic sheet and draw around it. Once cut out and trimmed down to shape you can twist or curl the blade gently by taking hold of each end and turning it opposite ways, trying not to bend the blade in the middle, this can get rid of a nice curve and make a fold like 'dent'.
For making your own it's best to know the diameter of the prop. Draw a circle that big and put a dot in the middle. You can then try and draw at least one blade to the correct shape. Once it's good (use a pencil if you can), cut it out and use the template/circle to crew the other two blades (or however many you need).

Hopefully this helps, and makes sense somewhere along the line.

[MarkyM607]

Oh yes, pics as promised...
Prototype work so far...
The prototype had a larger radiator than production aircraft, it extended to the wheel well, so two tiny bits of plastic were used to make this. I've since fillered the top to smooth it out.


Fuselage together, you can see some of the exhaust holes I've expertly(!) drilled out. Luckily the other side looks a lot better so most finished shots would/will be from that side!.



PR.XIX is underway. It's not the sharpest molded kit but it will do and it does have some good surface detail.


The aforementioned 'space' for the 8ft tall, long armed pilot can hopefully be seen here. Unless I've glued it all wrong!!.

[Martin R]

Good progress, Mark.

[Molly-new]

Thanks for the advice on the propeller, I had totally drawn a blank on how to tackle it. Nice work on the radiator Marky, I believe the wheels were fully covered on the Prototype with a hinged flap, how will you be recreating this?