Bridlington & Wolds Scale Model Club Forum
Models => Modelling Projects => Topic started by: Pen-Pusher on February 12, 2017, 12:42:43 PM
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Probably the most iconic aircraft associated with the Battle of Britain is the Spitfire though in truth, numerically there were much fewer than many people imagine. However the Spitfire captured everyone's heart, including Adolf Galland's who famously lost favour with his boss by expressing a yearning to have a squadron of them!! It is only right then I start this series of builds with that remarkable aircraft.
In 1936, before the first flight of the prototype the Air Ministry placed an order for 310 Spitfires. However, in spite of the promises made by the Chairman of Vickers-Armstrongs it soon became clear that this would not happen. In 1936 the Supermarine company employed 500 people and was already engaged in fulfilling orders for 48 Walrus amphibian reconnaissance aircraft and 17 Stranraer patrol flying boats. In addition, the small design staff which would have to draft the blueprints for the production aircraft, was already working at full stretch. Although it was obvious that most of the work would have to be sub-contracted to outside sources, the Vickers-Armstrongs board was reluctant to allow this to happen. When other companies were able to start building Spitfire components there were continual delays because either parts provided to them would not fit or the blueprints were inadequate. Indeed, the sub-contractors themselves faced numerous problems building components which in many cases were more advanced and complicated than anything they had faced before.
As a consequence of these delays, the RAF received its first two Spitfires off the production line in July 1938, while the first Spitfire to enter squadron service was received by 19 Squadron in early August of that year. For a time the future of the Spitfire was in serious doubt, with the Air Ministry suggesting that the programme be abandoned and that Supermarine change over to building the Bristol Beaufighter under licence. The managements of Supermarine and Vickers were eventually able to convince the Air Ministry that production would be sorted out and, in 1938, an order was placed with Morris Motors LImited for an additional 1,000 Spitfires to be built at huge new factory which was to be built at Castle Bromwich. This was followed in 1939 by an order for another 200 from Woolston and, only a few months later, another 450. This brought the total to 2,160, making it one of the largest orders in RAF history.
Early in the Spitfire's operational life a major problem became apparent; at altitudes above about 15,000 ft (4,572 m), any condensation could freeze in the guns. Because of this the system of gun heating first fitted to K5054 was introduced on the 61st production Mk I. At the outset of World War II, the flash-hiders on the gun muzzles were removed and the practice of sealing the gun ports with fabric patches was instituted. The patches kept the gun barrels free of dirt and debris and allowed the hot air to heat the guns more efficiently. Early production aircraft were fitted with a ring and beadgunsight, although provision had been made for a reflector sight to be fitted once one had been selected. In July 1938, the Barr and Stroud GM 2 was selected as the standard RAF reflector gunsight and was fitted to the Spitfire from late 1938. These first production Mk Is were able to reach a maximum speed of 362 mph (583 km/h) at 18,500 ft (5,600 m), with a maximum rate of climb of 2,490 ft/min at 10,000 ft (3,000 m). The service ceiling (where the climb rate drops to 100 ft/min) was 31,900 ft (9,700 m).
The early Mk.1’s were powered by the 1,030 hp (768 kW) Merlin Mk II engine driving an Aero-Products "Watts" 10 ft 8 in (3.3 m) diameter two-blade wooden fixed-pitch propeller, weighing 83 lb (38 kg). From the 78th production airframe, the Aero Products propeller was replaced by a 350 lb (183 kg) de Havilland 9 ft 8 in (2.97 m) diameter, three-bladed, two-position, metal propeller, which greatly improved take-off performance, maximum speed and the service ceiling. From the 175th production aircraft, the Merlin Mk III, with a ‘universal’ propeller shaft able to take a de Havilland or Rotol propeller, was fitted. Following complaints from pilots a new form of blown canopy was manufactured and started replacing the original flat version in early 1939. This canopy improved headroom and enabled better vision laterally, and to the rear. At the same time the manual hand-pump for operating the undercarriage was replaced by a hydraulic system driven by a pump mounted in the engine bay. By incorporating these modifications Spitfire Mk.1’s were able to achieve a maximum speed of 367 mph (591 km/h) at 18,600 ft (5,700 m), with a maximum rate of climb of 2,150 ft/min at 10,000 ft (3,000 m). The service ceiling was then 34,400 ft (10,500 m).
Some years ago Airfix released a new mould 1/72 Mk.1/Mk 11a (A02010) which included a separate sprue holding the original two-bladed propeller mentioned above. This 47 piece kit moulded in the new light grey plastic we have become accustomed to in recent years, also contained an alternative ‘flat’ canopy to accompany the two-blade prop version. This kit sadly is no longer available in the company’s catalogue being replaced by their Spitfire Mk.1A (A01071A) a compromise which simply losses the alternative mouldings for the earlier kit but it can be found in the second hand market quite easily.
On inspection, the kit is finely moulded with no flash and some nice touches in detailing. The interior detail especially is much improved on earlier issues of the Spitfire (seven previous versions in all) and demands some careful painting. The decals for the Mk.1 are superb with one curious a/c based at Duxford (See box art and decal instructions below) which only had roundals on the port upper and starboard lower wings. Now for the build…..
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Decal instruction (one of two)
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The alternative props for the Mk.1 are supplied on an extra sprue..
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Both canopies are included with the early 'flat' version seen on the right...
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Admittedly the 'fit' of some parts needs a little care and attention, especially around the places where the main fuselage meets the wing assembly. I'd certainly advise a few dry-fits first as a little correction work might be in order? I say 'might' as my particular kit was damaged at the port wing fillet but was easily repaired. What is impressive is the amount of detail in the cockpit which gives great potential for any open cockpit enthusiasts. alas, on this particular model, much of this will remain unseen...
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The panel lines though accurately placed seem a bit heavy for this scale (1/72) so a judicial coat of liquid poly will be required to soften them down a bit before painting...
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When finally assembled, the main components go together well and minimum filling and sanding is required. I decided to offset the rudder a bit but would like to have seen the actuator links included.
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Ready for some hairy-stick work now. A quick build, nothing complicated - frustrating u/c leg fit (or not) but all-in-all, enjoyable. Must admit, there's something quite rugged about the early Spit with that massive two-bladed prop...
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Are we now to be treated to a fleet of Spitfires?
Haddock.
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Possibly a 'Flight', 'Squadron' or 'Wing' - but not a Fleet you ole' Sea Dog!
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Possibly a 'Flight', 'Squadron' or 'Wing' - but not a Fleet you ole' Sea Dog!
Collective nouns - well, I never.
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All wound up... or should I say 'wired' thanks to you?
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First 'thin' application of paint. As the Vallejo 'Dark Earth' isn't quite right for RAF machines, I've reverted to Tamiya acrylics for this one. Some worry about the wisdom of multiple coats using thinned paint so gauge for yourself, This model had had four coats so far of a 50/50 paint/thinner (both Tamiya) mix and no substantial detail is lost. I'll do the dark green next before a last coat of dark earth.
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Hi Pen Pusher,
Have you tried using Tamiya Retarder in the paint mix, it means you can paint the surface better before it dries out, so less coats are needed.
Worth a try.............
Cheers,
Bigkev
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:)
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Upper surface camo complete and a very thinned coat of matt applied to allow handling?
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Maybe I should've masked this off first. My 'freehand' 'aint what it used to be....?
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Only the aerial wire to fit (a la Zak) and I'll call this finished...
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Hawker’s Hurricane was the culmination of a series of capable metal biplane fighters evolved by the Hawker Aircraft Company throughout the 1920s. The Hurricane's fuselage shape and design borrowed much from the Hawker Fury biplane line and the Hurricane was known for a time as the ‘Fury Monoplane II’.
It is also perhaps best remembered for its role in the Battle of Britain during the summer of 1940. The Hurricane outnumbered the competing - and far more popular - Supermarine Spitfire by more than 2/1 in Fighter Command and proved its most valuable asset against hordes of incoming enemy aircraft. The Hurricane went on to account for more enemy aircraft destroyed in the battle than any other means - including the Spitfire and any ground based AA fire - such was its importance to Britain's defence. Where it sometimes lacked for speed, its tight turning circle and ability to absorb damage made it a formidable opponent. Beyond its wartime exploits, the Hurricane became the Royal Air Force's first monoplane fighter and the first capable of exceeding the 300 mile per hour barrier.
Frog Penguin issued the first 1/72 model of the Hurricane (a Mark II) and almost every modelling company since has added to the range and choice of this iconic aircraft in a plethora of scales. My favourite (as stated elsewhere) was the KeilKraft 1/72 version with 'retractable undercarriage’ – something not attempted since in this scale – but for the purposes of this Battle of Britain themed article, I will concentrate on the Airfix issue(s).
The most recent 1/72 version from the Airfix stable is a piece of artwork in itself! I find it cleanly moulded, devoid of any flash or dimples and the degree of detail is more than one would expect from a 1/48 or even 1/32 kit. With 63 parts and a three piece canopy (on this version) not to mention Airfix's new fully illustrated insructions - well, it promises an interesting build.
The original kit as issued as (A02067) a Mark.1 has alternative parts to enable the original two blade, wooden ‘Watts’ propeller to be fitted with the three blade ‘de Havilland’ one as an option. Sadly, as with the Airfix Mk.1 Spitfire, the re-boxing of this kit sees only the later included thus denying an equally important version to be available.
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Propeller alternatives...
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Section of detailed plans/instructions...
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Like the previously built Spitfire Mk.1, Airfix's new moulding gives one plenty of work and prospect for some super detailing. One very difficult stage in the assembly is fixing part 56 (heating coil) which runs from the forward bulkhead in the undercarriage bay to the rear along the mid-section line. The instructions give this to be done AFTER the upper and lower wings are assembled. This is almost impossible without fine tweezers with part 56 in one hand and contact cement in other hand and a lot of luck somewhere in between!!!
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The complexity of the cockpit interior (still minus seat as you can see) which is assembled in both the fuselage and atop the wing - is a veritable joy of detail that would do credit to any larger scale model. (Don't worry, I've straightened the joy-stick).
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The familiar aerodynamic fairing which encompasses the tail wheel is absent on the early Mk.1 giving an uncharacteristic 'flat look' to the rear fuselage. The fit of these parts is so good there is minimal need for sanding.
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I would add that unless you're a purist, having an open cockpit or doing a diorama of a crashed a/c, 90% of this interior is not seen - even with difficulty!! Parts E1, B6 and A2 have to be precise or the mating of the fuselage to the wing will damage the floor assembly (C6/8 and C11). I would suggest some less experienced among us may prefer to remove the lower framework of part A2, retaining only the instrument panel if you're doing a closed cockpit model. (See previous photos)
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Study your instructions CAREFULLY... as fitting the main wheel legs requires some delicate work, especially getting the extensions through the framework already assembled. Also, there are three places where you might think the extension may 'plug-in' to the forward bulkhead but in fact the centre one only is correct for the Mk.1 (but not for the Mk.1a where it should be the lower. My tip is check your fit gently beforehand...! As the plastic is quite soft, I may try leaving the upper forks of parts A5 and A6 unglued in future models to allow some freedom of movement in fitting the u/c legs.
Once complete the model sits well.
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I have this kit too so at some stage in the future when I am brave enough to build it, I shall refer back. It's looking very nice so far anyway.
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I certainly wouldn't like to put anyone off building this Wizzel, far from it. I think it's probably one of the best kits Airfix have re-issued in the past few years and is certainly packed full of detail if that's what you want.
Thanks also for the comment. I've just given it a first coast of flat earth (with dark green) as it's c.1938 but future, post November '39 ones will be the more popular dark earth / dark green to keep the pundits happy.
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I should have clarified - it is the Hurricane I have but I think you twigged that. I've also started using Tamiya acrylics. When brush painting I tend towards enamels but with acrylics, I prefer spraying them and mix mine with Isopropyl alcohol at a ratio of 50/50. The IPA evaporates very quickly meaning the paint dries in no time. I imagine I'll do the Hurricane this way when I get it built.
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I should have clarified - it is the Hurricane I have but I think you twigged that. I've also started using Tamiya acrylics. When brush painting I tend towards enamels but with acrylics, I prefer spraying them and mix mine with Isopropyl alcohol at a ratio of 50/50. The IPA evaporates very quickly meaning the paint dries in no time. I imagine I'll do the Hurricane this way when I get it built.
Propan-2-ol?
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We all have our 'processes' when it comes to painting and modelling. I prefer a leather thong and.... no, no, sorry - we're talking modelling aircraft aren't we! As a hairy-stick man I tend to do the main paintwork for the upper surfaces, enough to allow major decals added at least. After this is complete, I varnish and allow to dry so handling isn't a problem... or in my case a disaster waiting to happen? So it goes that my Hurricane Mk.1 has been prepared as above and now I am ready to tackle the Black/silver/White underside.... Joy oh joy!
Oh yes, I too converted from enamels to acrylics (Tamiya) some time ago but now find the Vallejo range more appealing. This particular Hurricane is painted with the Tamiya brand however...!
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Oh, i know you're wondering why the aerial isn't painted. Simple, if it were it would be camouflaged and I'd not see it.... and it would invariably get broken!
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For the underside - the two worst colours to work with - I'm using black and white 'primers' as a base before final painting. I've never done this before so the results should be 'interesting'...
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Not too bad...
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Ready for duty...
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seems like quick builds, or is it my imagination?
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That'll do nicely sir. It's the metallic colours I don't like working with - especially the acrylics.
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Thanks Wizzel and yes, Zak - a 'quick' weekend build but it's always easier when you've got a good kit!
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Although a technique of dive bombing existed during the First World War, there was no aircraft designed primarily for this purpose. The first known aircraft designed for the purpose of dive bombing was the Junkers K47 which was being developed during the mid 1920's, and which flew for the first time in March 1928. It is believed that of the fourteen built, two remained in Germany while twelve were sold the China. Continuing research showed that such aircraft would be an effective weapon when working in close support of ground forces. Advances would be far more effective if concentrated aerial bombardment could pave the way for mechanized troops and infantry and Germany made the decision to manufacture aircraft suited for this role. In 1933, Henschel developed the Hs123 while Junkers continued development of the K47.
Where the Hs123 was a biplane, the Ju87, developed from the K47 was a single engine monoplane that differed from all previous Junkers aircraft in that it did not have the corrugated ribbed metal stressed skin appearance. Looking very similar to the 'Stuka' of the 1940's, the prototype had a fixed undercarriage and the gull-wing appearance and was powered by a Rolls-Royce Kestrel power plant and made its first flight in May 1935. Full scale production of the aircraft commenced in 1937. The first variant was the Ju87A-1 and had dive brakes added to the outer wings, the kestrel engine was replaced by a Jumo 210Ca 640 horsepower engine which drove a variable pitch three bladed propellor, and a single tail fin replaced the twin fins of the original design. The Ju87A-1 and Ju87A-2 (The A-2 differed by having larger fairings over the landing gear and having a 680 hp Jumo 210Da engine) was delivered to StG163 which saw action with the legion Condor in Spain and the Gruppen proved very effective. By early 1939, all the A series were sent to training units and all the Stukageschwäder were equipped with the more powerful Ju87B series.
The Ju87B was powered by the Jumo 211A direct injection power plant that produced 1,200hp, had more streamlined spats over the landing gear, and was now equipped with an automatic dive control that was initially set by the pilot, allowing him to choose the pull out height using a contact altimeter. The whole procedure demanded the pilot to go through ten different actions in setting the apparatus before he finally opened up the dive brakes under the outer wings. This automatically commenced the dive action of the aircraft, the pilot adjusting the dive angle manually by indicator lines painted on the canopy of the aircraft. the correct line was achieved by aileron control which was usually at about 90 degrees, and the pilot visually seeing his target by the marker on the canopy. with the aircraft hurtling earthwards directly at the target, a signal light on the contact altimeter would then come on and the pilot would press the button on the top of his control column and the pull out would commence as the bombs left their cradles. The bombs would continue the same course as the aircraft had during its dive, towards the target while the pilot would be suffering some 6g as the aircraft levelled out ready for its climb skywards.
The accuracy of the bombing run was completely in the hands of the pilot. Its defence was two MG81 belt fed machine guns. The rear gunner operated a machine gun which was reasonably effective, but it was the slow top speed of the aircraft and the poor rate of climb that was to be the downfall of the Ju87. Over combat areas of Europe and in Spain, they managed to hold their own, but when the Battle of Britain finally commenced they were no match for the faster and more agile Hurricanes and Spitfires of the RAF. Whole Gruppen were being destroyed on missions over the English Channel forcing the Luftwaffe to withdraw them from operation duties during this period.
Several manufacturers produce almost every variant of ‘Stuka’ and in almost every scale. The first 1/72 kit (it was actually 1/76) was Lindberg with the ‘B’ version, quickly followed by Airfix. Both were available in the early 60’s and the subject has been a favourite for modellers since.
I’ve selected the latest offering from Revell as, though not a very new moulding, has some nice detail and appears quite accurate in some of the finer detail. The kit itself has also been issued by Tamiya and Italeri (still available) and through changes of cockpit sprue only is also available from the aforementioned companies and others as later variants.
My subject is moulded in 38 sand and clear plastic parts mounted on three (Generic) sprue with little or no flash. Instructions are clearly printed and simple to follow. Decals which again are sharp and well printed give the option for one European theatre and one Desert scheme.
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Sprue shots...
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Channel 4 (when did we get more than 3 TV channels??) has a series running called Nazi Megastructures. There's an episode about the blitzkrieg and the JU87 is featured.
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Thanks for this. I'll switch on my set early as I do like to sit and watch the black and white test card for a while.
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I do worry about you guys sometimes.
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You mustn't worry my friend. On ANY 'thread' I start, I WELCOME comments from EVERYONE (Even you and Wizzel) and on ANY subject they choose. Eventually, we do get back on the original theme but the journey is always courteous and even humorous in between. Variety is after all, the spice of modelling which brings me neatly to my most recent purchase...?
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Flippin' 'eck! always thought they were just two shades of green.
Haddock.
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Goodness, there's some tempting schemes there. I'm keen to see which you will pick for yours now!
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Now that is an aircraft from WW11 that I don't mind seeing, makes a change from spits, hurricanes, 109s and 190s. Each to their own no disrespect, but I enjoy your builds no the less
Bridlufc
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Cheque's in the post for these kind words!
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Fortunately the Revell 1/72 Stuka is moulded as to allow you add some detail around the engine or indeed, even have it completely exposed. I've ordered the resin kit (photo) from Aires and will scratch build the supports (?) The engine will need a little refinement but hopefully this will make the finished model a bit more interesting...
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The fuselage, cockpit and engine cowlings laid out...
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... including a nicely moulded instrument panel!
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Received my Aires 'Jumo' engine today for the Ju.87 Very neat mouldings indeed but I can see some 'fiddly' bits that will take some care...
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The main 'block' looks impressive and the gear box pure delight. There are even some small P/E parts (Be still my beating heart!) to add to my simple joy...
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Okay, engine almost complete - still some 'plumbing to do - but I notice the radiator and exhausts from the kit have to be fitted in situ? A lot of cutting, filing, sanding and 'expletives deleted' to come I fear!!!
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Making progress on the fuselage and cockpit. Even at 1/72 there's quite a bit of scope for some detailing. Sadly I didn't realise the inside side panels could have done with some more work at the rear.
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Before adding some bulkhead detail a substantial 'plug' is needed to fill space usually covered by the complete nacelle. Having done this, you can start building some detail. Fortunately, there are plenty of references to this aircraft to copy from. The 'test' will be in scratch-building the supporting struts that attach the engine to the bulkhead....
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Looking Good!
Nice to see this, I must get to the bench again soon.
Bigkev
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Slow wiring job but getting there...
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Never been happy with masking tape except when spraying, so now tend to brush my camo free-hand. quite pleased with progress on this... so far!
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You will recall my Spitfire Mk.1 with only one roundal on the upper wings. I thought this was peculiar to that squadron and aircraft but have now discovered this photo of Hurricane Mk.1 (L.1934) of No.3 Squadron in 1938.
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With most of the painting complete, I've applied the sticky things and applied a couple of coats of matt (Vallejo) varnish. Now at least I can hold the da***d thing while I tackle the small detail....
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Reconstructed engine with new exhaust stubs and supports.
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Finally....
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Are you going to display this at the club meeting? Looking forward to see it if you are.
Bridlufc
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Back to my long neglected 'Before the Battle of Britain' series of builds. The Me.109 in all its guises has always been a favourite of mine but in truth, there are too many models in 1/72 - let alone all the other scales to be able to list their pluses and minuses here but for this build I've chosen the Academy 1/72 Me.109-E3/4. Not a kit brimming-over with extras but it does have nice surface detail including a reasonable cockpit and alternative prop-hubs (nose cannon - v - no cannon) and glazing. Decals are for one aircraft but more on these later...
I am always suspicious that Academy kits of this era are 'cloned' from other manufacturers but their plastic is good quality and they usually turn out to be a pleasure to build... we'll see?
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Nice cockpit detail albeit the parts (not a very clear photo - sorry) are quite fiddly...
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Dry fit of major components before painting...
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I do quite like Academy kits - and Heller too. They are my favourite lower price brands as they have sufficient details and quality to make a lovely kit with not too much effort required. As for the incestuous relationship between ownership of moulds, rights to releases and all that nonsense, I really don't know how some of you keep up with it all. I'm just happy to find the time to glue a few bits together regardless of the ancestry.
I do like the 109 so I'll keep an eye on this. It's going to be good I know that much!
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Late last night (Can't blame worries about wrist bands this time) and with sleep eluding, I did a bit more on this. A small amount of cockpit detail and slap the major components together. My first problems were the support struts below the tail planes but finally managed to get some reasonable fit. U/C legs and covers went in like a dream..... Oh what did I say? (Yawn) I need my bed.
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More or less complete, a couple of thin coats of acrylic to get the painting started...
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Gunther Rall's first Me.109 had a lower demarkation line than most, extending beneath the cockpit sill line. This a/c crashed on landing (another pilot) during the first week of the Battle of Britain and never fired a shot in anger. Rall went on to become one of Germany's greatest aces.
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There is some lingering doubt in my mind as to the number of this a/c. In the only B+W photo of the wreck you can clearly see the three and what could possibly be a one(?) - either that, it's a panel crease or something casting a shadow. Gunther favoured number 13 as his 'lucky number' and it was certainly carried (Black 13) on other a/c's including his much publicised Me.109 G2 which he flew in 1941/42. If he were superstitious then in all likelihood his first 'mount' would also carry that number - so be it.
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Another stage in the pre-Battle of Britain project completed with this Academy 1/72 Me.109. For a kit that's been around for quite some time I'm impressed with the overall fit and found it possible to build relatively free from problems. - Question is, which one next....?
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Dornier 17E/F. Breathe some life into the old Airfix kit.