Bridlington & Wolds Scale Model Club Forum

Models => Modelling Projects => Topic started by: meremodeller on May 05, 2020, 11:54:14 AM

Title: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on May 05, 2020, 11:54:14 AM
So, finally got round to my next project for my Battle of Britain film collection.  This time it's a small diorama based on one of the very few photographs I have managed to find of the actual filming.
I thought a good starting point would be the ICM kit as this not only contains the 1/48th Spitfire IX but also a collection of figures and stands and steps.
The only real concern would be the 3 blade propeller and a bit of scratch building for the cameras etc.
Find out how it wasn't quite so straightforward in my next post!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: zak on May 05, 2020, 12:43:00 PM
Looking forward to this.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: chriswil42 on May 05, 2020, 01:48:26 PM
This will be different.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: Kiteman on May 05, 2020, 04:20:30 PM
....very different, i want to see this one!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: MSea on May 05, 2020, 07:39:33 PM
Knowing you Bill - will it have any young ladies in it ?????
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: chriswil42 on May 06, 2020, 09:04:47 AM
...with tin hats?
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: zak on May 06, 2020, 10:29:00 AM
...with tin hats?
...and that may be all!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on May 06, 2020, 03:22:56 PM
Having decided upon this diorama the next step was to identify the actual Spitfire in the shot. It turns out this aircraft is MH434 a Mark Ixc late and quite a well known Warbird before the making of the film. This means that the ICM wings are not strictly correct for this aircraft so apart from the 3 Blade Prop which was always going to be something that would make it different but also I would need to modify the wings. Now it just happens that I had a set of the correct Hasegawa wings in my spares so with a bit of chopping and fettling these were adjusted to fit. Note how the rear fairing has been removed from the ICM Kit and then this is used to match up the fuselage of the same kit.
Whilst the fuselage is being detailed I made up the pilot figure to represent Sqn Ldr Skipper, played by Robert Shaw. This is a mix of parts from various kits so that the correct pose can be made to fit the kit.
I'll come back to the figures later in the build, (calm down Msea!)
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: zak on May 06, 2020, 03:48:36 PM
Robert Shaw looks a bit uncomfortable.
Great stuff Bill.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: MSea on May 06, 2020, 05:21:29 PM
And you lot have a lot of to me, about doing that to a zombie shark --!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: Bigkev on May 06, 2020, 08:25:01 PM
Robert Shaw looks a bit uncomfortable.
Great stuff Bill.

Hi Bill,
Great stuff,
And 'I just happened to have a spare set of Hasegawa wings' to use in the build...…..
As to 'Robert Shaw' if somebody stuck a large piece of wood into my rear, I would look uncomfortable too.
Cheers,
Bigkev

PS. This is an educational build for me, not only building wise, but the actual film, its portrayal, and those items used. Brilliant!!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: cph64 on May 07, 2020, 08:22:56 AM
I have an Aircraft Illustrated Extra from August 1969 which has a 10 page spread on the making of the film. Whilst it has various photos the nearest it shows to your build is AI-H taking off with a bomb exploding nearby. Looking forward to seeing the completed build.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on May 07, 2020, 11:31:15 AM
Moving On.  The rear fillet is now in place and I have made progress 'Robert Shaw'.
Note the cannon and M/G ports and the blisters filled from the back with plasticard to prevent shrinkage.
Having watched the film, frame by frame (yes, it is sad!) I am aware there are further detail changes that will have to be made.
Undercarriage will have to come from the Eduard IX kit, fortunately there are lots of spares in that kit when you have build it from the box.
It looks as though the wing to fuselage is going to be fun. You would have thought there would be no problem, they are both Spitfire kits!
In answer to my quote 'spare Hasegawa wings', some time ago Hobbycraft were selling off Revell boxings of the Hasegawa Mk IX kit and I bought 3 for less than a tenner. Useful for spares apart from the fuselage.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on May 07, 2020, 11:43:09 AM
Hi CPH64, I have that magazine and the shot of AI.H taking off with bombs exploding nearby follows as part of that scene, there is some clever editing involved which makes it appear that AI.I taxies out and joins in with Squadron scramble.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on May 08, 2020, 09:29:22 AM
Yesterday the joining of the wings to fuselage was finally achieved. Now some panel lines have to be reinstated.
I also completed the painting of 'Sqn Ldr Skipper' aka Robert Shaw. Sorry to say it really doesn't look a bit like him!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: zak on May 08, 2020, 09:30:43 AM
Great work Bill,
Did you model him on any club member in particular?
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: Bigkev on May 08, 2020, 04:01:23 PM
Moving On.  The rear fillet is now in place and I have made progress 'Robert Shaw'.
Note the cannon and M/G ports and the blisters filled from the back with plasticard to prevent shrinkage.
Having watched the film, frame by frame (yes, it is sad!) I am aware there are further detail changes that will have to be made.
Undercarriage will have to come from the Eduard IX kit, fortunately there are lots of spares in that kit when you have build it from the box.
It looks as though the wing to fuselage is going to be fun. You would have thought there would be no problem, they are both Spitfire kits!
In answer to my quote 'spare Hasegawa wings', some time ago Hobbycraft were selling off Revell boxings of the Hasegawa Mk IX kit and I bought 3 for less than a tenner. Useful for spares apart from the fuselage.

We will make a 'Yorkshireman' yet.
You have all the correct attributes...
Bigkev
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: councilman on May 09, 2020, 05:48:09 PM
Good work Bill.
Andy.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on May 11, 2020, 11:59:49 AM
Having airbrushed the upper surfaces with xtracrylics 'Dark Earth', I'm now preparing to spray the 'Dark Green' which will be a mix of Tamiya 'Dark Green' and 'Green'. This gives a greener hue which seems to match the colour they used for the film. I have started the masking up with a new product. 'MRP MR Hyde Masking Putty' which is black and very stringy!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: zak on May 11, 2020, 12:25:57 PM
Make sure the camouflage pattern is correct or Mr Robinson will be after you.
Make sure it is the correct scheme.
It will be interesting to have a review on the new product.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: MSea on May 11, 2020, 12:46:17 PM
Don't get the wrong shade of earth brown or Mr Robinson will be having words with you - hohohoho
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on May 21, 2020, 08:55:29 AM
Slow progress over the last few days due own part to the better weather meaning that jobs outside can be got on with as it's dry and warm and the decaling took quite some time as I had to find suitable decals from the spares box. Ofcourse they are all wrong for a real BoB aircraft, white codes, bright red roundels, oversize Sqn Leader pennant etc etc. The Codes were cut from white decal sheet and I had the idea of doing much the same with the Victory Crosses but they were just too small to work well. There was a 'Fundekal' sheet specifically for this aircraft in the film but it has sold out and I couldn't locate one for sale anywhere else.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: MSea on May 21, 2020, 10:19:20 AM
Ofcourse they are all wrong for a real BoB aircraft, white codes, bright red roundels, oversize Sqn Leader pennant etc etc.


We won't tell Neil its all wrong if you don't - hohohohoho
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: Biggles on May 21, 2020, 05:06:14 PM
Nice job Bill!

I am pleased to report that Bill has painted it in the correct A Scheme pattern (to (Air Ministry Diagram AD1160 for Single Engined Monoplanes, issued in June 1936) and in the shades that the film makers used!!!
Anybody would think that I'm an anally retentive pedant where RAF camouflage schemes are concerned!!??!!

Biggles
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: zak on May 21, 2020, 05:38:49 PM
Nice job Bill!

I am pleased to report that Bill has painted it in the correct A Scheme pattern (to (Air Ministry Diagram AD1160 for Single Engined Monoplanes, issued in June 1936) and in the shades that the film makers used!!!
Anybody would think that I'm an anally retentive pedant where RAF camouflage schemes are concerned!!??!!

Biggles
Never!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: MSea on May 21, 2020, 06:31:31 PM
Would NEVER have crossed my mind - hoho
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: Bob C on May 21, 2020, 08:31:03 PM
looking good Bill
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: councilman on May 25, 2020, 06:19:56 PM
Good clean modelling skills.
Andy.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: cph64 on May 26, 2020, 04:17:53 PM
Looking good, don't forget to dirty it up. Grass fields threw up plenty of dust!!!!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on May 28, 2020, 02:05:23 PM
The model of "Skipper's" Spitfire is now finished. On with the rest of the diorama, watch out for cameras, lights, and other film crew. I have found out how it appears to join the rest of the squadron taking off. It was pulled away by a team of men pulling it with ropes attached to the undercarriage!!!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: MSea on May 28, 2020, 02:25:08 PM


I have found out how it appears to join the rest of the squadron taking off. It was pulled away by a team of men pulling it with ropes attached to the undercarriage!!!
I always thought the RAF was operated by strings - hohohohoho
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: zak on May 28, 2020, 02:28:18 PM
Onwards and upwards, string and sticky tape, magic.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: Biggles on May 28, 2020, 04:41:04 PM
This is another diorama that I'm looking forward to seeing in real life.
Excellent Bill.

Biggles
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: Red Lancer on May 28, 2020, 07:39:42 PM
Excellent stuff again
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: chriswil42 on May 28, 2020, 07:59:04 PM
The diorama will be interesting Bill.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on June 15, 2020, 01:46:04 PM
At last! an update.
I have all the camera gear and associated equipment made up now and these will all come to together fairly quickly. Then on to the figures and base.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: Bigkev on June 15, 2020, 04:58:14 PM
Hi Meremodeller,
A daft question I suppose, did they have any glamourous attractive young women on the set, behind the camera's.
If so, will these be replicated in your usual 'attention to detail manner'
Something to look forward too......perhaps?
Cheers,
Bigkev
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: chriswil42 on June 16, 2020, 04:07:45 PM
Are these parts scratch built Bill?
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: zak on June 16, 2020, 04:25:41 PM
Hi Meremodeller,
A daft question I suppose, did they have any glamourous attractive young women on the set, behind the camera's.
If so, will these be replicated in your usual 'attention to detail manner'
Something to look forward too......perhaps?
Cheers,
Bigkev
There should be a DOLLY no doubt!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on June 16, 2020, 04:49:15 PM
Well, all the camera gear, lighting and stands (apart from the ladder all scratch built) are now ready and I can sort the size of the base and find the figures.
Of interest to you all especially Bigkev there is a story about one of the actresses who didn't wear correct WAAF uniform during breaks in the filming. I have to do a lot more research into this before adding her to the diorama.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: zak on June 16, 2020, 05:02:13 PM
Starting to look good, you need a few figures though.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: Bigkev on June 17, 2020, 07:14:57 PM
Well, all the camera gear, lighting and stands (apart from the ladder all scratch built) are now ready and I can sort the size of the base and find the figures.
Of interest to you all especially Bigkev there is a story about one of the actresses who didn't wear correct WAAF uniform during breaks in the filming. I have to do a lot more research into this before adding her to the diorama.

Hi Meremodeller,
I'm sure that the 'figure's' will not disappoint once created. Your research will be methodical as ever, even eyebrow raising!
Cheers,
Bigkev
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: councilman on June 21, 2020, 07:09:59 PM
This is a great subject.
Will keep an eye on this one.
Andy.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: Bigkev on June 22, 2020, 08:32:55 PM
Well, all the camera gear, lighting and stands (apart from the ladder all scratch built) are now ready and I can sort the size of the base and find the figures.
Of interest to you all especially Bigkev there is a story about one of the actresses who didn't wear correct WAAF uniform during breaks in the filming. I have to do a lot more research into this before adding her to the diorama.

Hi Meremodeller,
Any update on the 'figure'. or are you keeping the detail for yourself.
Hope you 'Safe and Well'
Bigkev
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on June 23, 2020, 09:27:37 AM
I finished the base a couple of days ago, 'Foamcore' covered with paper squares for the concrete sections and suitably textured. Static grass and smooth runway. Looks shiny in the photo.
I have 8 figures on the workbench, all conversions and don't worry Kevin there is a special!!!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: zak on June 23, 2020, 09:56:07 AM
Hope the squares are the regulation size. (JOKE)
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on June 23, 2020, 10:38:06 AM
Of course they are regulation size!! But they are completely wrong for the Battle of Britain period being a hard stand at Kenley in the 1960’s. Airfields during the BoB were grass.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: MSea on June 23, 2020, 01:27:34 PM
What will Neil say ????????
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on June 25, 2020, 02:49:16 PM
Now have the first 5 figures converted/assembled ready for painting. In face this is the first photo of them with a coat of primer. I find this useful as it's then possible to see where the models need tidying up/smoothing etc.
Once these are in position on the camera dolly, steps or other stands then others can be made up as and when I find suitable figures.
They are made up from ICM and Monogram kits. Each figure is a mixture of arms legs heads etc.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on June 25, 2020, 02:51:02 PM
Sorry forgot to add the photo!!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: zak on June 25, 2020, 03:54:41 PM
Nice work on the figures.
What, no foibles?
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on June 30, 2020, 08:37:51 AM
Little People aka Film Crew now painted and ready for ' Camera, Lights, Action!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: zak on June 30, 2020, 10:20:05 AM
Great lob, I like the "Martinesque" shirt.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: MSea on June 30, 2020, 11:39:08 AM
Seems a bit dull to me -- hohohohoho - --  Bill the figures are great.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: chriswil42 on July 01, 2020, 03:54:57 PM
Yes the shirt is not upto Martin's colour standards. Like he said  Bill, the figures look great.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: cph64 on July 02, 2020, 08:13:22 AM
When I first looked at the photo of the painted figures, without zooming in, I thought the one in Martin's shirt was James May!!!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: chriswil42 on July 02, 2020, 12:53:23 PM
Looks a bit like hime - must be the hair.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: MSea on July 02, 2020, 01:40:27 PM
Looks a bit like hime - must be the hair.
Definitely not me with it flat on the top - with lockdown it has something like a rocky mohawk -- looks like Stripe the bad gremlin in the film.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on July 03, 2020, 01:48:36 PM
Diorama now populated, Is that Martin awaiting instructions?
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: chriswil42 on July 03, 2020, 01:59:06 PM
Very good Bill. The figures certainly make it.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: zak on July 03, 2020, 02:21:21 PM
That looks really good, if you pull the ropes will it take off?
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: cph64 on July 03, 2020, 03:20:56 PM
All you need is a call of action then it's 'Action Stations' !!!!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: Bigkev on July 03, 2020, 08:13:19 PM
Hi Bill,
Great looking Diorama, and such an unusual slant on something we are familiar with.
Are we missing a 'clapper board'?
Bigkev
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on July 03, 2020, 09:54:10 PM
Fear Not BigKev, we are not missing the Clapperboard. The chap in the white top below the fin-flash, is holding it on top of the wing. I will be posting more shots as I add further figures so you will get a bit view of the board next week.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: councilman on July 05, 2020, 06:41:19 PM
Relay Nice Bill.
Great idea for a diorama.
Well done.



Does any one remember a children's TV program called Clapperboard??
Andy.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: Red Lancer on July 06, 2020, 11:03:44 AM
It looks great, something different!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on July 06, 2020, 11:32:10 AM
Don't remember 'Clapperboard' must be too old!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on July 06, 2020, 11:43:37 AM
Next group of figures, Continuity Lady and 2 chaps ready to pull the ropes. Just a clean up and paint.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: zak on July 06, 2020, 02:10:57 PM
I thought you would be having some very sexy hangers (could be hangars) on, the stars "friends".
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on July 06, 2020, 02:54:19 PM
The problem with those 'hangers on' is that I would have to pixelate them out!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on July 08, 2020, 04:25:32 PM
Finished the extra figures including Susannah Yorks's body double!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: Bigkev on July 08, 2020, 05:01:04 PM
Hi Mere modeller,
Are the ladies legs pix elated, to save our blushes?
Bigkev
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: meremodeller on July 08, 2020, 05:44:32 PM
I was only thinking of the members with Dicky Tickers!!!
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: Bob C on July 08, 2020, 06:49:11 PM
Looking really good Bill.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: zak on July 08, 2020, 08:03:07 PM
My dicker is ticky.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: Biggles on July 09, 2020, 04:18:32 PM
Regarding ‘Susannah Yorks’s body double’ with suspiciously pixelated lower portions!
How short IS her skirt!!??!!
Biggles
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: zak on July 09, 2020, 05:43:42 PM
Steady on Neil, don't get anything in a twist.
Title: Re: Filming the Battle of Britain 1968
Post by: chriswil42 on July 10, 2020, 02:45:49 PM
Is someone keeping a check on Neil?