AZ Martin Baker MB5

[Roger]

As a little interlude while waiting for paint for the B-17, I thought this would make a nice quick build. There are few parts, and I will make it straight from the box, so it shouldn't take too long.

My main reference for this (apart from the internet of course) is the final volume of Aircraft of the Fighting Powers - one of my favourite references as the plans are pretty good and it has some really exciting aircraft in it.  The plans in the earlier volumes were a bit less reliable in places to say the least!

The picture shows some plasticard to represent radiators and carburettor intake - needed because I opened up the intake/outlets.  The cockpit is straight from the box except for seat belts.

As you can see, round section sprue makes a quick and easy brace for parts - no need to make it fit at all, just snip a length off and run some liquid glue in.  This makes sure everything is nice and strong for any saving and filing later.

Cheers for now
Roger

[Roger]

More work done on this, fuselage and wings joined.  I have made the tail taller to match the plans, it didn't quite look right to me, and I think this was the problem.  Incidentally, in the kit you get early and late style fins and tailplanes, and I have put them all in the picture so you can see them and compare.
I also cut out the wing tip lights and replaced them with clear sprue, which still needs sanding to shape.
Bye for now
Roger

[Bigkev]

Hi Roger,

A nice looking aeroplane, and a nice build.
A small diversion from the B-17 you say, I say another full on build!
Nice work, keep it up.
Cheers,
Bigkev

[Roger]

Thanks BigKev.  Main construction now completed, just the radiator scoop and windscreen to add and we can start colouring in.
Happy modelling
Roger

[Roger]

And while the paint cures overnight on the B17, I am pressing on a bit with this one. Undersurfaces finished in RAF trainer pink.

Roger

[Bigkev]

Ooooo la, la!

Trainer Pink........?
An interesting choice of colour Roger.
Looking on in interest.
Cheers,
Bigkev

[Roger]

Probably not as interesting as you thought.  The pink undercoat made painting the Trainer Yellow a breeze!
Bye for now,
Roger

[Roger]

While messing about with oil paints (i.e. waiting for paint to dry!)on the B-17 I have pushed on a bit with the MB5.
The first two pictures are gassed and with the decals on, the next two are after a watercolour wash in the panel lines and a matt coat.
On with the sticky out bits next.
Happy modelling all,
Roger

[Roger]

Undercarriage and exhausts today.  Being a limited run kit, the parts need a fair bit of cleaning up, and in the case of some, replacing.
I glued the undercarriage into the wing (once I'd shortened it and reshaped the end to get the right rake angle) with PVA so that I can assemble it accurately, then remove it for painting.
Getting towards the last lap now!

Cheers
Roger

[zak]

Nice work.

[Bigkev]

Hi Roger,
Looks good, and looks like you had a good drilling experience with those exhausts!
Cheers,
Bigkev

[Roger]

Thanks chaps.

Wheels painted.

Not much more you can say about that!

Roger

[Roger]

Here is the finished MB5, ready for inspection!

[Roger]

And a few more.
Thanks for reading,
Roger

[Haddock]

Neat that, very neat.
Haddock.