Bridlington & Wolds Scale Model Club Forum
Models => Modelling Projects => Topic started by: Bigkev on August 14, 2021, 06:06:48 PM
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Hi All,
Not wanting to infringe on Bob's build of the Beaufighter, I decided that having a nightmare of a job with the Cessna Lynx elsewhere on here, I wanted a project that might behave a little better.
Thus far, I have managed to get the wings, tailplane, fin, and engine nacelles assembled in 1 day. I am pleased by the great fitting of the kit.
Not wanting to make the same as Bob, I have decided to make an example of a SEAC Command machine, serving in South Asia at the end of WWII.
To start the build, I have included a couple of pictures, but note I have not done any work on the interior so far.
Thanks,
Bigkev
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Crack on Kevin, mine is on the shelf, hopefully do more soon.
Bob c
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Hi Bob,
Thanks mate.
Can we compare notes as we go?
Bigkev
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Quick work here.
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It will be flying soon
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It will be flying soon
Tea time?
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I've got the original Airfix kit in a 'Dog Fight Double' with the Bf 109G in a shed somewhere. Ah the joys of moving house!!! Looking forward to seeing both builds of the new release progress so I can compare. I have a resin set for mine which will be fun to fit.
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Go for it Kevin!
I've got one of these with Xtradecals for a Coastal Command A/C
Looking forward for any tips!
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Hi All,
Not posted for a long time, but have been steadily working on the Beaufighter.
Kit goes together really well, and is well detailed.
I have added the heater tube from the cockpit into the fuselage from scrap sprue. The seats have lead foil harnesses fitted.
Only deviation I have made from the instructions is the assembling of the undercarriage prior to final assembly as I wanted to paint the wheel wells, which is easier if you can leave the undercarriage legs out.
Some pictures of build to date.
Cheers,
Bigkev
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Coming along nicely.
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Further progress made.
Now managed to paint undercarriage, assembled, filled and primed airframe. One great thing about this kit, is the closed undercarriage door parts mask the wheel wells beautifully.
Just received some paint masks for the canopies, so will apply these fit, in place and then on with paint finish.
some pictures follow:-
Bigkev
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Last few pics of progress to date.
Canopies have been dipped in Kleer, to improve clarity, but really could have missed this out as they are really clear straight from the box.
Bigkev
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You are cracking on with this one.
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You're moving at a brisk pace there Kevin. It's looking good.
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Frenetic build pace here Kev and wonderful detail. I'm particularly impressed with the pilots seat belts, they look very good.
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Hi Chaps,
Thankyou for all your kind comments.
A lot of the work has been done over the past few weeks, but only got around to posting pictures yesterday.
Next job up is to mask the canopies, attach and make good any seams around them, then should be able to begin applying paint.
Thanks,
Bigkev
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Little bit more done today.
Have applied the bought masks, and these were easy to use., however needed to add some fine strips where I felt too much of the glazing frame was exposed.
Then I applied some Gator Grip Thin (courtesy of Haddock, a few years back) to attach the glazing and when dry, used some Vallejo Putty applied sparingly in a couple of fine gaps. Before this was dry, I used a wet cotton bud to clean off the excess, leaving just a trace of filler in the gap.
Then once that had dried, applied my own mix of Aircraft Cockpit Grey Green, from Tamiya IJN Cockpit Green and Sky. This will give the impression of the inside of the canopy being painted to match the cockpit colour.
Finally today, I applied a light coat of Tamiya AS-12 Silver to the front of the wings, tail and fuselage in readiness for weathering later in the painting process.
Some pictures follow:-
Bigkev
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Coming along nicely, inspiration for when I get around to mine.
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that's coming along well, and more paint than my one, from what you've said i won't dip my canopy.
bob c
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The finished model should be good.
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Which parts will you have the rust on ? hohohohhoho - looking good even without rust
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Rust! Who is that heathen? Let me guess, oh yes I remember.
Very neat work and forward planning leaves me in no doubt this is another Kev masterpiece in the making.
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Hi Chaps,
thanks for your comments, appreciated.
Now starting on paintwork, with the white for the SEAC theatre bands added today.
Used Tamiya Matt White, as first coat. Then, a mixed coat of Matt and Gloss Tamiya White with some Mr. Colour self levelling thinner.
Nice smooth finish. Will leave to harden for a few days before masking the bands prior to undersurface painting.
Bigkev
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Hi All,
Next update.
Have masked the SEAC bands on the wings, tail and Fin/rudder after letting white paint harden.
Once masked, I then applied another light coat of white to the edges of the masking tape. This is to help prevent any 'bleeding' of the camouflage colours yet to be applied.
Next up the Pale Grey undersides, prior to the Brown/Breen upper surfaces.
Some pictures follow.
Bigkev
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Looking good Kevin.
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Looks good.
Bob c
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An interesting tip about how to try and prevent 'bleed'. Nice!
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Indeed, a very useful tip to reduce colour bleed, thanks for sharing this Kev.
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Thanks Chaps for the comments.
Bit more work in the paint shop.
Underside now painted light grey, two thin coats, then once fully dry rubbed down with 8,000 grade micro mesh.
Then masked off using Tamiya tape and paper. Also for first time , used some MIG Masking putty, which was easier to use in the tight curves around the fuselage/nacelle to wing.
Then I used Tamiya Dark Earth in a disruptive pattern as per reference material. I added a little Tamiya Desert Yellow to the Earth to lighten the hue.
Will allow to properly dry for a few days, another rubbing down, then onto the Dark Green.
Feel like I'm getting there now........
Some pics follow:-
Bigkev
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Yep. You're getting there Kevin.
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Thanks Chris,
A bit further on now.
Have masked the Brown off with a some MIG masking putty, Tamiya tape and paper. Love the masking putty, excellent to use.
Painted upper surfaces in a disruptive pattern of green.
Once dry, masking removed to reveal a paint job I am happy with. There are a couple of small touch ups needed on the fin, and wing root fillet.
The white SEAC bands turned out okay, again a couple of minor bleeds on tailplane which I'll touch up with a fine brush.
Next up, the engine fronts and exhaust area.
some pictures follow:-
Bigkev
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That looks lovely.
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Hi Kevin,
I've got three 1/48 scale Beaufighters 'on the go' (as well as the Whirlwinds... it's like a WWII British Aircraft Factory in my model room at the moment!)
I've been researching Coastal Strike Beaufighters and depending upon what period and/or Squadron you're finishing your Beaufighter in, you may have to fit Mk III rocket rails (the later 'straight' rail type) with AP Mk II solid-shot warheads on your RPs.
Apparently the solid shot warheads were better at penetrating ships' sides under water...
(Tony – don't read that last bit as it'll only upset you, you being a ship modeller!)
The camouflage schemes were pretty tatty too with LOTS of weathered finishes, overpanting and different shades of paint!
You can paint the upper surfaces virtually ANY shade of dark and medium grey you want to!!!
Tally Ho!
Neil
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Oooops sorry,
I didn't get to p2 and 3 and now see that you're doing your Beaufighters as a SEAC machine.
Ignore everything I said about Coastal Command Beaufighters!!!
That'll teach me to read everything before I make comments, eh............
Neil
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Hi,
Thanks for the comments and the info. When I have a go at a Coastal Command version then I'll bear the advice in mind.
Moving onto this SEAC version, it was time to paint up the engine nacelles.
To protect the already painted airframe, I used three food/sandwich bags held in place with a few rubber bands an some strips of masking tape. Then a more attention to mask off the fronts of the engines.
The instructions say Matt Black, but looking at pictures/photo's they seem to have a metallic sheen to them, though heat affected. So, I decided to use Alclad II metallic to get the result I wanted. First up a coat of Tamiya Gloss Black as a base, once dry I then airbrushed a light coat of Copper, followed by a misting of Jet Exhaust. This left a subtle copper hue to the engine fronts.
Once dry removed all the masking, ready to start to do some weathering/chipping of the paintwork prior to decaling.
some pictures:-
Bigkev
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Very nice Kevin. The panel lines stand out nicely.
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I hope my one looks half as good when its finished.
Bob c
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I'm very impressed with this build Kev. The precision of your build and finishing is definitely bringing out the best of this kit. Really looking forward to seeing this on display at the club.
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The collector rings must only come off the assembly line shiny as I once read an article by someone who said he'd never seen them that colour, they were always grey. Probably due to heat etc. as you're aiming for.
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Hi Chris,
Your comments are appreciated, and I somewhat agree.
I had a good look at the real Blenheim 1 at East Kirkby Air show, a couple of years back, and yes, the collector rings were not shiny, but they had a definite metallic hue.
So, at the moment on my 'Beau' they look shiny, but fear not. After I have done some 'weathering' on the model, they will be toned down and appear more matt in appearance.
Cheers,
Bigkev
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Okay, moving on.
The whole airframe got a gloss coat of 'Kleer' after I had added some scratches on the airframe with a 'silver coloured pencil'. I added the most to the forward facing areas of the aircraft, leading edges, wing roots, engine cowlings, etc.
Once this had dried I began applying the decals. These are super, good density, and conform very well, with a little softening soloution. However there are about 100 individual items to apply, so it is not a quick task. One criticism is that the instructions do not show exactly the orientation some decals should be, so some research is needed. They are superbly printed though!!
Over the next few nights, I will complete the rest.
Some pictures follow:-
Bigkev
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This is a really informative and excellent build, well done.
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Excellent Kevin.
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I agree excellent.
Bob c
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Hi All,
Thanks for your kind comments.
Well now all the decals are in place, and the airframe given a quick wash to remove any decal softening soloution.
Then, once properly dry I then gave the model a coat of Flory Dark Dirt wash to pick out the panel lines, fastenings, hinges, etc.
To be honest, it looks a real mess now, and you think have I done the right thing....?
Some pictures follow:-
Bigkev
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Okay, time to reveal the effects of the 'wash'. I can breathe again.
Using a damp soft cloth, I gently removed the excess of wash in the direction of airflow for the wings, and vertically on the fuselage sides.
A pleasing result was achieved, with only a few small areas where I think another application might be necessary, this i will do before the next process of adding Oil paint 'dots' system, to act as a filter to fade the paintwork to represent a hard worked airframe.
Some pictures follow:-
Bigkev
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That brings out the panel lines nicely.
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Nicely done Kevin.
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Hi All,
Thanks for your comments, much appreciated.
Well, a little further on.
Have painted the brake lines, and tidied up the wheel wells in readiness for installing the undercarriage.
The props and engine cowls have been given a weathering, applied with some silver paint and some sponge, a gentle dabbing process left just the right amount randomly.
Then it was onto the undersides, and the oil paint dotting.
Oil paint of different colours was laid onto some card, to absorb some of the oil medium. Then the dots were applied over the undersides in a random fashion, but allowing some to fall on the ends of the gun muzzles, and certain panel lines.
Then using a dry flat brush the oil paint dots were drawn in the direction of the airflow, creating stains, marks on the paintwork. Any overdone could be removed with a moist thinner coated paintbrush. then re applied as needed.
Bottom now done, upper surfaces next.
Some pictures follow:-
Bigkev
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More pictures.
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Looking good Kevin
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Looks great Kev and thaks for the tip.
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Some nice effects there.
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Very nice.
Bob c
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It's certainly looking well worn Kevin.
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Thanks Chaps,
Now got the upper surfaces done. Also did the wheel well covers that I had forgot to do.
Note the door nearest the engine exhausts is weathered slightly more to take note of the effect of the engine.
Once dry, final assembly will start. May even finish it for Christmas.........?
Some pictures follow:-
Bigkev
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A masterclass in weathering and other techniques.
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A masterclass in weathering and other techniques.
Definitely!
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Cracking job.
Bob c
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Hi All,
Thanks for your comments.
Well now finished. Masks removed, undercarriage fitted, rockets in place, and a final mix of Satin/Matt Vallejo Varnish. Final item the aerial wire from mast to tail. A satisfying end to this project.
Some pictures of the model.
Thanks,
Bigkev
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A lovely job.
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Another stunner.
Haddock.
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Excellent model Kevin.
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Fantastic job Kev, well done.
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It looks really nice, hope my one will look half as good when it’s finished.
Bob c