Bridlington & Wolds Scale Model Club Forum

Models => Modelling Projects => Topic started by: meremodeller on August 17, 2020, 09:24:21 AM

Title: D H 88 Comet
Post by: meremodeller on August 17, 2020, 09:24:21 AM
Whilst away in Devon I thought I'd start the DH 88 Comet in 1/48th scale. This is a relatively recent kit from MikroMir.
Thinking it it be a pretty straightforward build that would need few resources for the basic assembly before bringing it home for final painting etc.
NOT SO!
Starting, following the instructions, the engines are assembled first. Each engine consists of over 60 pieces and that includes etch brass. I have planned to only have one engine on view but the second has to be assembled without any the detail to enable the prop and exhausts to be fitted plus the front which can be seen through the inlet on the front cowl.
Add to that the fit leaves a lot to be desired, the instructions muddle the part numbers and some pieces are not included and others duplicated AND each component is really quite small, makes for an interesting build.
I have also started the undercarriage components, again lack of positive locations hampers progress.
Stay Tuned!
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: zak on August 17, 2020, 11:06:41 AM
Don't tear your hair out, keep calm and carry on.
Oh, the joys pf modelling.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: chriswil42 on August 17, 2020, 02:46:04 PM
An interesting model. I saw a rebuilt one fly many many years ago at BAe in Hatfield.
I think as a model it's only previously been available in 1/72nd scale
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: Red Lancer on August 17, 2020, 06:29:03 PM
A fantastic looking aircraft. No doubt will be an equally fantastic model
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: cph64 on August 18, 2020, 04:14:58 PM
There have been several recent kit releases of this a/c in various markings. No doubt it will be a great model when it's finished.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: Bigkev on August 18, 2020, 08:24:05 PM
Hi Bill,
Oh, you love a challenge don't you!
A mere 60 parts per engine, no troble with a man of your calibre.
Look forward to the build, always interested in this aircraft. In 1/48 in your hands should look great once done.
Cheers,
Bigkev
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: meremodeller on August 22, 2020, 10:45:26 AM
Progress is slow, part due to having nothing down here in Devon to deal with all the etch brass. I decided to assemble as much as possible, clean up etc. There's a lot of flash to remove and all the connecting points to the sprue have to be cleaned back on the inner surfaces. The fuselage halves will have to be wet and dried down on a large emery board, very much like the preparations for vac form kit.
I found out from the Mikro-Mir facebook page that they seem to be responsible for the Supermarine S-4, another kit I intend to build soon so I shall start that forewarned!
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: zak on August 22, 2020, 11:01:05 AM
That is a very clean and pristine cutting mat, mine never look like that!
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: meremodeller on August 22, 2020, 11:16:08 AM
That's because it only arrived yesterday! It should have come with the Humbrol Workstation but somehow was delayed!
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: zak on August 22, 2020, 04:16:46 PM
That's because it only arrived yesterday! It should have come with the Humbrol Workstation but somehow was delayed!
That would explain it.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: chriswil42 on August 23, 2020, 03:54:51 PM
A good start Bill. Plenty to look forward to.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: councilman on August 23, 2020, 04:06:07 PM
Beautiful Airplane.
Looking great.
Andy.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: meremodeller on September 05, 2020, 11:43:18 AM
Back at the workbench again and some progress with this kit. Photographs always seem to show up the worst in my builds so before I start the painting of the engine there will have to be a bit more cleaning up, especially of the valve push rods which vary so much in size.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: zak on September 05, 2020, 11:58:31 AM
Yes, photographs can be cruel.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: Bob C on September 05, 2020, 12:26:45 PM
A lovely sleek looking aeroplane, I’m sure your finished model will be just as good.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: meremodeller on September 07, 2020, 01:49:06 PM
Engines now completed, not detailing the post meter as it will be cowled. Also the Undercarriage mechanisms are now ready. Quite a lot of guesswork as to where all the bits go!
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: zak on September 07, 2020, 02:51:58 PM
Engines now completed, not detailing the post meter as it will be cowled. Also the Undercarriage mechanisms are now ready. Quite a lot of guesswork as to where all the bits go!
What is a post meter?
Sorry for my ignorance.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: meremodeller on September 07, 2020, 03:20:29 PM
It should be PORT MOTOR, that’s predictive text for you!!!!
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: zak on September 07, 2020, 03:33:06 PM
It should be PORT MOTOR, that’s predictive text for you!!!!
That makes a bit more sense, thank you.
But now we know it hasn't got a detailed port engine, it will never fly.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: cph64 on September 07, 2020, 04:00:28 PM
It will, but around in circles!!!!
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: councilman on September 07, 2020, 06:48:53 PM
Looking good. 8)
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: chriswil42 on September 08, 2020, 10:08:20 AM
Looking good.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: Red Lancer on September 08, 2020, 06:41:25 PM
Engines now completed, not detailing the post meter as it will be cowled. Also the Undercarriage mechanisms are now ready. Quite a lot of guesswork as to where all the bits go!
I used to do that on Buccaneers when I was an apprentice
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: meremodeller on September 11, 2020, 05:29:08 PM
At Last! Progress! As you can see the wing sections are now together, these required a lot of fettling to get them to join up accurately. The fuselage is coming along well but I had to treat the two halves rather like Vacform kit parts, rubbing them down on a flat wet and dry board to get a decent join, well hopefully it will be eventually!

The nacelles are together and, yet again, the U/C structure and oil tanks don't fit within the closed-up nacelle. A bit of careful grinding away of the inner walls helped here.

I'm beginning to wonder if this kit started life as a vac form kit?
 Stand by for the next instalment assembling the fuselage to the wings. Hopefully you won't hear me swearing along the coast!
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: Bob C on September 11, 2020, 08:39:41 PM
looking good Bill.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: cph64 on September 12, 2020, 05:27:05 PM
Coming along nicely
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: councilman on September 13, 2020, 02:21:47 PM
Sounds like a hand full but your doing a great job.
Andy.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: meremodeller on September 14, 2020, 02:47:06 PM
More Progress.
First, a useful tool if you are going to undertake the building of this kit. A DENTAL BURR!, to remove plastic from inside cowlings fuselage etc.
The more I work on this model, the more I am convinced the design started life as a Vac-form. All the bulkheads are oversize but correct for a very thin walled fuselage etc.
Cockpit is now fitted out and the nacelles attached to the wing. Note the 'Nose Light' fixed into position. The port motor will now fit inside the cowling and the temporary disc attached to the front will ensure it lines up correctly.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: zak on September 14, 2020, 03:02:14 PM
A real labour of love, methinks.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: Haddock on September 14, 2020, 03:53:13 PM
A real labour of love, methinks.
Proper modelling.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: meremodeller on September 17, 2020, 02:27:34 PM
Thank you for the favourable comments.
Wings are now attached and it's ready for the first coat of primer.
Quite painless getting the wing join to fuselage just a bit of filling at the rear end of the undersurface join.
Soon be onto the red paint!
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: zak on September 17, 2020, 05:01:06 PM
Making great progress.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: cph64 on September 17, 2020, 05:38:44 PM
I find inter war period aircraft wonderful to look at. The period when they were trying to get away from 'boxes' and rigging and going for graceful lines. This is such a beautiful aircraft.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: meremodeller on September 19, 2020, 11:09:20 AM
Now primed in white and ready for the red paint!
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: zak on September 19, 2020, 11:15:36 AM
Whiter than white!
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: meremodeller on September 19, 2020, 11:46:53 AM
or A Whiter Shade of Pale!
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: meremodeller on September 21, 2020, 08:38:13 AM
It's now RED all over! On with the transfers.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: Haddock on September 21, 2020, 11:13:25 AM
That's a really nice finish, whose paint?
Haddock.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: meremodeller on September 21, 2020, 02:30:13 PM
Tamiya gloss red, very easy to get a good finish, 2 coats.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: chriswil42 on September 21, 2020, 03:42:12 PM
Yes the red looks really good.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: meremodeller on September 22, 2020, 08:12:19 AM
The transfers are now on and my fear of them not being opaque are unfounded. Good solid white.
Home run now!
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: zak on September 22, 2020, 08:20:25 AM
I just tried to apply some to a tank (quite an old kit).
They just fell apart.
Yours look really good.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: MSea on September 22, 2020, 09:22:29 AM
Are you trying to say Zak that things fall apart when they are old - now I know what is happening to me - hohohoho
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: chriswil42 on September 22, 2020, 01:54:17 PM
Looking excellent Bill.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: cph64 on September 23, 2020, 04:07:51 PM
Was the red from a rattle can? I have difficulty with that colour (and most others!!)
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: meremodeller on September 26, 2020, 08:41:45 AM
The Tamiya Red was was the standard paint from a jar and judging by the shop's price label it must be at least 20 years old as that model shop closed 20 years ago!
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: meremodeller on September 26, 2020, 08:53:45 AM
I've just had a close look at the price ticket, 99p for the old 23 ml jar.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: zak on September 26, 2020, 08:54:49 AM
I've just had a close look at the price ticket, 99p for the old 23 ml jar.
Typical, you could be a Yorkshire man.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: MSea on September 26, 2020, 10:33:17 AM
I've just had a close look at the price ticket, 99p for the old 23 ml jar.
Typical, you could be a Yorkshire man.

You are incorrect Zak - not if he pays THAT MUCH for his paint - hohohohhoho
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: cph64 on September 26, 2020, 04:07:59 PM
Thanks Bill. I have tins of enamel that are decades old and got upset recently when I used up the last of my track colour. They still come in handy when I need something I haven't got as an acrylic.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: meremodeller on September 27, 2020, 04:30:46 PM
The DH88 Comet is now complete!
Would I build another one? No, although if anybody wants tips on how to build this kit I have plenty.  Too much etched brass, poor fit, muddled instructions and very much a short run kit which seems to have started life as a vac-form kit. AND NOW at £59.40 from Hannants you really have got to want one for a special collection.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: zak on September 27, 2020, 05:41:16 PM
Well done Bill, looks like you have made a nice job of that.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: councilman on September 27, 2020, 06:10:19 PM
What an Aeroplane... Absolutely Beautiful.
Andy.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: Haddock on September 28, 2020, 09:27:38 AM
Nice looking model, as you say, expensive for what it is. I've just ordered HMS Belfast in 1:350 for £66.00
including postage, it will take a while to come but worth the wait.
You have to ask yourself, "did I get £60 worth of pleasure out of the kit?", if the answer is yes, then it's worth it.
What does it cost you to treat the wife to a night out with a meal?
Haddock.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: zak on September 28, 2020, 09:44:15 AM
Nice looking model, as you say, expensive for what it is. I've just ordered HMS Belfast in 1:350 for £66.00
including postage, it will take a while to come but worth the wait.
You have to ask yourself, "did I get £60 worth of pleasure out of the kit?", if the answer is yes, then it's worth it.
What does it cost you to treat the wife to a night out with a meal?
Haddock.
Treat the wife?
What planet are you on?
Come on Tony, Fish, chips and mushy peas surely?
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: chriswil42 on September 28, 2020, 01:22:24 PM
Excellent finish there Bill. Did you enjoy building it?
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: cph64 on September 28, 2020, 03:08:27 PM
Great work Bill, the detail looks superb.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: zak on October 08, 2020, 10:41:14 AM
There is an article about this aircraft in the free paper - "The Bridlington Echo".
I will save it for you, it involves Amy Johnson.
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: Red Lancer on October 09, 2020, 06:03:37 PM
It looks really good, Bill
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: Bigkev on October 13, 2020, 05:39:02 PM
There is an article about this aircraft in the free paper - "The Bridlington Echo".
I will save it for you, it involves Amy Johnson.

Not seen the article, but didn't Amy Johnson and Jim Mollinson fly in another DH.88, not this paticular machine?
I might be very wrong.
Cheers,
Bigkev
Title: Re: D H 88 Comet
Post by: Bob C on October 13, 2020, 07:22:29 PM
Looks a really nice job.
Bob c