Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: Old Wombat on November 10, 2018, 04:51:10 PM

Title: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on November 10, 2018, 04:51:10 PM
Base kit is a Tamiya 1/48 Bristol Beaufighter TF.Mk.X to which I'll be adding parts sourced from the remains of an Italeri 1/48 S-2E/G Tracker.

Those parts will be the wing-fold interior details & the hook ... Possibly plus anything else which may look cool & serve a potential purpose.

At the moment it's all just a pile of sprues in the workspace & a vague plan forming in my head.
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Buzzbomb on November 10, 2018, 05:21:14 PM
So clearly you are back in country and back at the bench. Unless you took your travel build kit ;)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on November 10, 2018, 08:16:39 PM
Yep. Great holiday ;D spoiled by having to return to work three days ago (Thursday) :icon_sueno:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: GTX_Admin on November 11, 2018, 02:56:15 AM
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l23/chris7421/SeaBeau.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on November 11, 2018, 03:21:48 PM
Thanks, Greg! :smiley:

Yeah, something like that but I'll probably have the fold further out (although that screws with the 3-part wing plan) & lose the machine guns.
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Camthalion on November 12, 2018, 05:43:22 AM
looks interesting
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on November 12, 2018, 08:29:27 PM
1st cuts made & glue applied.

Hook & hook fuselage section of the Tracker reduced by about 6mm, which is roughly 210mm (81/2") IRL, & glued back together, narrower & shorter.

Outer wings glued together, as I need to be able to gauge how to work the fold parts into the wing, which has a much deeper chord than the Tracker but only about 2/3 the span, & I'll probably do the tail & tail-planes before I go to bed.


Note: A quick check of the Beau against the Grebe shows the Beau to be smaller in comparison than I expected, although most of that difference is forward of the wings.
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on November 14, 2018, 09:27:35 PM
Wings cut 5mm out from the air intakes on the leading edge.

Excellent spot for the wing fold, if losing the .303 Brownings isn't an issue (&, apparently it wasn't as I've read that Coastal Command Beaufighters often had the wing guns removed) but it looks like I'm going to have to scratch-build at least 3/4 of the wing structure & fold mechanism because there is no way the Tracker's fold pieces are suitable as is (far too small).

Photos will be coming but I've got to get a new debit cash card up & running to get my SmugMug subscription up & running again (it ran out while I was on holidays & so did the current Load-&-Go card).


Now, gents, a question: As I have to scratch build so much, do I make the wing fold a manual system or a hydraulic one? ???
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: tankmodeler on November 15, 2018, 03:40:51 AM
Now, gents, a question: As I have to scratch build so much, do I make the wing fold a manual system or a hydraulic one? ???
It's a big heavy wing and swinging it around a pitching deck would be a right pain and dangerous to boot. Hydraulic. Plus it allows you to have the aircraft bombed up (say rockets on the outboard stub pylons) and still unfold them where manual would be a bit much to expect. It makes for greater operational flexibility and faster turnaround on deck.

Or so the Sea Beau deck crews always said...  ;)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on November 15, 2018, 06:33:45 AM
Now, gents, a question: As I have to scratch build so much, do I make the wing fold a manual system or a hydraulic one? ???
It's a big heavy wing and swinging it around a pitching deck would be a right pain and dangerous to boot. Hydraulic. Plus it allows you to have the aircraft bombed up (say rockets on the outboard stub pylons) and still unfold them where manual would be a bit much to expect. It makes for greater operational flexibility and faster turnaround on deck.

Or so the Sea Beau deck crews always said...  ;)

That was my thinking, too, but I thought I'd ask for suggestions, in case there was a safer & more efficient manual system rather than purely muscling the thing into place.

To quote myself from WhatifModelers, when it was suggested that a manual system would be more "in period";

Quote from: Old Wombat
According to information I have the Avenger & Hellcat both used hydraulic wing fold systems on the more complex "Sto-Wing" aft folding system due to the weight of their wings & they definitely fit the period (even the Wildcat had a hydraulic system for a while but it was heavy & Grumman found that the fold could be achieved by 2 men just as quickly, so they stopped fitting them).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bh3CKw_HLk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bh3CKw_HLk)

My fold is pretty close to half of the Beaufighter's wing, which would make it easily heavy enough to justify a hydraulic wing fold & is (over) vertical which makes it difficult to do manually. However, if someone can come up with a suitable (read "easy & safe") manual system I'm all eyes!
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on November 22, 2018, 07:44:43 PM
Quick update, as I still can't do pic's yet. (Soon, I promise!)

As certain parts will be open & some of the innards will be visible I'm doing some internal detail work. Nothing exact or consistent with any one type (it's getting both Bristol & DAP details, some of which are inconsistent) but at least make it look like the inside of an aircraft.

I should be finished with them tonight & I intend taking some photo's which I hope to be able to show you tomorrow.
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Kerick on November 23, 2018, 04:57:59 AM
Ah, hope springs eternal!
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Robomog on November 23, 2018, 07:33:17 AM
Some day my prints will come !

(Exits stage left............)

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Kerick on November 23, 2018, 10:24:14 AM
Good one!
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on November 23, 2018, 12:43:47 PM
Well, I didn't get the job finished BUT I did take photo's & sort out my SmugMug account!

So, here are the few photo's I've taken so far;

Folded wings:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-7cchJxt/0/fd4347a8/L/DSCN7574-L.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-dP37Pfm/0/2fec5761/L/DSCN7575-L.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-MXDhFgz/0/05f33ad8/L/DSCN7576-L.jpg)

Interior detailing (I'm slow at this):

(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-bHjs35s/0/c22bb3ab/L/DSCN7577-L.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-X8V7vKF/0/7f71ae27/L/DSCN7579-L.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-9W68rPH/0/0c86b0bf/L/DSCN7581-L.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-8Wpvk24/0/d854167c/L/DSCN7582-L.jpg)

There's still more detailing (a few more electrical boxes, radios, folding map table, pipes & wiring - things like that) & painting of the interior to go before I can button her up.
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: tankmodeler on November 24, 2018, 01:02:52 AM
Oooooo! Me likey!
 :-*
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on November 24, 2018, 02:24:25 AM
Looking good so far.  One question for you though, what about your wing guns?  In the interest of weight-savings would there been wing guns.  Since there are four 20mm Hispano's in the fuselage would the .303s be necessary for the torpedo attack/anti-shipping role? 
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: GTX_Admin on November 24, 2018, 03:24:07 AM
Looking good
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Robomog on November 24, 2018, 06:36:45 AM
This is shaping up nicely, my preferred scale is god's own 1/72 scale but I have to admit the bigger scales allow much more scope for detail.  Like the concept too Mr Wombat.

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on November 24, 2018, 07:31:45 PM
Thanks, guys! :smiley:


@ Jeffry: In Reply #4 I mentioned losing the wing guns & have since discovered that, more often than not, the Coastal Command TF Mk.X Beaufighters (Torbeaus) had their wing guns removed & the aircraft relied only on their heavier 20mm armament to save weight. So, yeah, as a weight-saving & space-for-the-hydraulics measure, the wing guns are going ... I just haven't puttied up the gaps, yet. ;)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on November 26, 2018, 03:49:39 PM
It appears I'm not the only person to build a folding-wing Beaufighter.

Marcel du Long sets a high standard to aim for:

(http://www.marceldulong.com/uploads/_enkeleAfbeeldingCrop/Beaufighter_03.jpg)

http://www.marceldulong.com/plastics/raaf-target-towing-bristol-beaufighter (http://www.marceldulong.com/plastics/raaf-target-towing-bristol-beaufighter)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Buzzbomb on November 26, 2018, 04:13:21 PM
I hate those, "Slam, cop that done it before" pix. it is gorgeous though.

Time for you to put your own stamp on this idea. Plus I actually think you wing fold placement is more practical as he oil cooler is still integral to the wing
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on November 26, 2018, 05:01:22 PM
Time for you to put your own stamp on this idea. Plus I actually think you wing fold placement is more practical as he oil cooler is still integral to the wing

Workin' on it! ... Actually, I'm in the study avoiding being subjected to "Home & Away" ... But I will be working on it after 2000hrs! ;)

I considered where the wing fold went quite carefully before I made a decision. The major points for its location are (1) to reduce plumbing for the oil coolers & (2) to allow the outer wing to fold down over the lower wing to reduce the height of the aircraft. The penalty for that is a slightly wider foot-print but it's not that much wider than the tail-planes & I believe the lower height to be more important than taking up slightly more deck space.
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: KiwiZac on November 28, 2018, 05:45:23 AM
Man, those panel lines... :(
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: kitnut617 on November 28, 2018, 06:20:59 AM
Man, those panel lines... :(

Yeah! just horrible -- and German style tires (tyres)   ???  not seen any photos of any Brit aircraft that had tires like that during the war.
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on November 28, 2018, 08:19:58 AM
Man, those panel lines... :(

Yeah! just horrible -- and German style tires (tyres)   ???  not seen any photos of any Brit aircraft that had tires like that during the war.

Can't say I'm a fan of the over-worked panel lines but the tyres look like the kit supplied parts & the resin bulgies I have.

Actually, it's the tyres that are concerning me with my build at the moment.

What I have are the regular Beaufighter tyres, which are the round-walled, soft-sided tyres used for land operations. I'm wondering whether I should find some straighter-sided, hard-wall tyres for naval operations & I've had a bit of a look but everything I can find for naval aircraft of a similar vintage (right up to the Tracker) have a smaller diameter than the Beaufighter tyres.

Any suggestions? Otherwise I'll just have a go at modifying the kit wheels, unless I get lazy & just go with the kit wheels as they are (I won't be using the resin bulgies on this build because the bulge is very wide & shows the tyres must have been quite soft).
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: kitnut617 on November 28, 2018, 09:28:04 AM

 but the tyres look like the kit supplied parts & the resin bulgies I have.


not sure why (see below)



Actually, it's the tyres that are concerning me with my build at the moment.

What I have are the regular Beaufighter tyres, which are the round-walled, soft-sided tyres used for land operations. I'm wondering whether I should find some straighter-sided, hard-wall tyres for naval operations & I've had a bit of a look but everything I can find for naval aircraft of a similar vintage (right up to the Tracker) have a smaller diameter than the Beaufighter tyres.

Any suggestions? Otherwise I'll just have a go at modifying the kit wheels, unless I get lazy & just go with the kit wheels as they are (I won't be using the resin bulgies on this build because the bulge is very wide & shows the tyres must have been quite soft).

What diameter are they Guy ?
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on November 28, 2018, 09:39:33 AM
23mm or a touch over 7/8"

So, converted to RW; 80.5cm or 31.4"(+/-)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: kitnut617 on November 28, 2018, 09:43:55 AM
Sorry, I can't help there, I forgot this is 1/48 and I was going to suggest using something in that scale if it was a 1/72 kit. For my Sabre Mosquito I had made up some wheels which were to be as big as a B-25 wheel
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on November 28, 2018, 09:47:03 AM
All good! :smiley:

Mind you, the photo you posted is good! It made me realise how over-scale the upper undercarriage parts are on the kit, which works in my favour, as I don't have to bulk them up for naval op's! 8)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Kerick on November 28, 2018, 10:57:24 AM

 but the tyres look like the kit supplied parts & the resin bulgies I have.


not sure why (see below)



Actually, it's the tyres that are concerning me with my build at the moment.

What I have are the regular Beaufighter tyres, which are the round-walled, soft-sided tyres used for land operations. I'm wondering whether I should find some straighter-sided, hard-wall tyres for naval operations & I've had a bit of a look but everything I can find for naval aircraft of a similar vintage (right up to the Tracker) have a smaller diameter than the Beaufighter tyres.

Any suggestions? Otherwise I'll just have a go at modifying the kit wheels, unless I get lazy & just go with the kit wheels as they are (I won't be using the resin bulgies on this build because the bulge is very wide & shows the tyres must have been quite soft).

What diameter are they Guy ?

Those tires look like you could twist them around and make animal shapes out of them!! Did these aircraft have to land and take off in a marsh?
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on November 28, 2018, 11:20:03 AM
Brit's tended to use low-pressure tyres for land-based aircraft as it allowed them to operate from grass/unprepared airstrips, where the spread of the tyres reduced ground pressure & stopped the aircraft sinking into the ground ... & the Beaufighter was a heavy beastie!

High-pressure tyres require a solid (concrete) runway for land-based op's, limiting where they could be used (during WW2) but are preferable for carrier op's when slamming onto a deck, when low-pressure tyres could "bottom out" & be damaged/blown out.
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on November 29, 2018, 04:46:06 PM
Waiting for "Home & Away" to finish, so I can venture back out to the modelling site.

Should be able to get the detailing work done to the decal stage, minus the Eduard 1/48 Ammo Belts 12.7mm which are working their way towards me via AusPost.
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: tankmodeler on November 30, 2018, 01:21:22 AM
High-pressure tyres require a solid (concrete) runway for land-based op's, limiting where they could be used (during WW2) but are preferable for carrier op's when slamming onto a deck, when low-pressure tyres could "bottom out" & be damaged/blown out.
Because you're considering high pressure tires, they could be considerably smaller than the low pressure originals. There's no need to keep them the same diameter, in fact, it's probably more realistic if you end up with smaller diameter and/or narrower high pressure tires. That's one of the reasons that they keep jacking up tire pressure, to get the wheel and tires sizes down and save weight and stowage space.

A Skyraider is approximately the same weight so those wheels, for carrier use, would be about right. Get y'self a pair o' Spad wheels, that'll do the trick.

 :smiley:

Paul
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: kitnut617 on November 30, 2018, 03:55:57 AM
Or DH Hornet wheels
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on December 03, 2018, 11:30:30 AM
It's taken a bit longer than planned but that's normal.

Here are the internal mod's done so far. Still waiting on ammo belts & .50cal MG, whilst wondering if I should fork out for some resin seats.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-r365DJ2/0/714e0267/XL/IMG_2040-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-HWV9v5g/0/ec959802/XL/IMG_2044-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-GNZdqNk/0/0340c774/XL/IMG_2045-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-zV5mG8h/0/41e4be7b/XL/IMG_2042-XL.jpg)

A bit rough & spectacularly inaccurate but suitable for "busying up" the inside.


Cheers! :icon_beer:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: KiwiZac on December 03, 2018, 06:15:10 PM
The interior of your navalised Beaufighter is inaccurate?  ;D
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on December 03, 2018, 06:35:36 PM
Yep! ;)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on December 10, 2018, 11:35:48 AM
Started working on the wing fold system ... This could take a while! :-\
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: finsrin on December 10, 2018, 02:23:55 PM
Interior is miiighty fine.
Wing fold system --- more power to you.  Seems like severe plastic punishment.  Speaking from experience cuz put myself thru plenty of that.
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on December 10, 2018, 09:17:08 PM
Thanks, Bill! :smiley:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on December 13, 2018, 02:58:43 PM
[sound of wind whistling by at high speed]

Old Wombat:     So far, so good!
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on December 18, 2018, 08:41:16 AM
This is where I'm at with the wing folds.

Inner wing sections a couple of moves short of done. I have the connections for the outer wing hydraulics & electricals to fit & the tube support for the inner section of the hydraulic ram (the bit that holds the outer wing up when finished).

(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-5TTKhfB/0/05ab89ec/XL/IMG_2046-XL.jpg)

Once they're done it's on to the outer wings.


Thanks for lookin'! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on December 18, 2018, 01:29:03 PM
That inner wing detail is most impressive! 
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on December 18, 2018, 05:04:17 PM
Thanks, Jeff! :icon_alabanza:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: andonio64 on December 18, 2018, 08:55:41 PM
I agree, impressive detail, I think when you'll paint them they'll look the part
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: kitnut617 on December 18, 2018, 09:46:29 PM
That inner wing detail is most impressive!

Totally agree ----- and very interested in what you come up for the hinge itself ----
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: tankmodeler on December 18, 2018, 11:16:28 PM
the tube support for the inner section of the hydraulic ram (the bit that holds the outer wing up when finished).
This is looking very good.

You might want to consider adding a mechanical stay brace as well as the ram, either in the wing fold area or between the wing and a hardpoint on the fuselage/wing, somewhere. Frequently wing folds have a ground-installed stay to support the wing in case pressure comes off the hydraulic system (or to allow you to purposely reduce hydraulics pressure on the ground to save weight in valves and actuators, etc.).

Just a thought from an aerospace engineering pedant.  ;D
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on December 19, 2018, 12:20:16 AM
the tube support for the inner section of the hydraulic ram (the bit that holds the outer wing up when finished).

This is looking very good.

You might want to consider adding a mechanical stay brace as well as the ram, either in the wing fold area or between the wing and a hardpoint on the fuselage/wing, somewhere. Frequently wing folds have a ground-installed stay to support the wing in case pressure comes off the hydraulic system (or to allow you to purposely reduce hydraulics pressure on the ground to save weight in valves and actuators, etc.).

Just a thought from an aerospace engineering pedant.  ;D


You mean something like these?

(http://www.grubbyfingersshop.com/walkaround_galleries/GRUMMAN_S-2_Tracker_Walkaround_N12-153582_Nowra_2014/content/bin/images/large/GRUMMAN_S-2_Tracker_Walkaround_N12-153582_Nowra_2014_45_GrubbyFingers.jpg)

Well aware, having put a few in place in my time. ;)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on December 19, 2018, 12:23:34 AM
That inner wing detail is most impressive!

Totally agree ----- and very interested in what you come up for the hinge itself ----

The hinges or the fold mechanism? ???

The hinges are the little white bits protruding above the wings.

For the folding mechanism I'm cheating, big-time, & using the unused bits from the Tracker I chopped up to make the Grumman Grebe. ;)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on December 19, 2018, 12:24:58 AM
Thank you all, gents! It's nice to know people are looking & thinking about a build. :smiley: :icon_alabanza:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on December 19, 2018, 01:03:26 AM
I'm hoping it looks a bit better under paint but it does, to me, look reasonably like a simplified/primitive version of the Tracker wing fold that inspired it.

(http://www.grubbyfingersshop.com/walkaround_galleries/GRUMMAN_S-2_Tracker_Walkaround_N12-153582_Nowra_2014/content/bin/images/large/GRUMMAN_S-2_Tracker_Walkaround_N12-153582_Nowra_2014_03_GrubbyFingers.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: finsrin on December 19, 2018, 01:35:20 AM
This build is so ambitious.  Way beyond me.  Best wishes for success.
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 19, 2018, 02:46:47 AM
Looking good
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: kitnut617 on December 19, 2018, 06:50:08 AM
That inner wing detail is most impressive!

Totally agree ----- and very interested in what you come up for the hinge itself ----

The hinges or the fold mechanism? ???

The hinges are the little white bits protruding above the wings.

For the folding mechanism I'm cheating, big-time, & using the unused bits from the Tracker I chopped up to make the Grumman Grebe. ;)

Hinge/fold mechanism   :smiley:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on December 19, 2018, 07:53:18 AM
Thanks, Greg! :smiley:


Edit: Oops! :-[ And Bill! :smiley:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: tankmodeler on December 20, 2018, 11:42:34 PM
You mean something like these?
Just and exactly like those.  ;D

You have things well in hand.

And what wing fold stay braces have you got experience with, if I may ask? Trackers?

Paul
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on December 21, 2018, 12:04:35 AM
Yup! RAN FAA Able Seaman ATA (Air Technical Aircraft = Engines & Airframes) VS-851 playing with Grumman S2E/G Trackers. :))
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Buzzbomb on December 21, 2018, 07:35:42 PM
Damned impressive how symmetrical it all is.
Well done
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on December 21, 2018, 08:49:20 PM
Thanks, Brian! :smiley:

Here's hoping I can do the same for the outer wing. ;)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: tankmodeler on December 21, 2018, 10:54:23 PM
Yup! RAN FAA Able Seaman ATA (Air Technical Aircraft = Engines & Airframes) VS-851 playing with Grumman S2E/G Trackers. :))
Cool!

When I was in university in the late 70s/early 80s back in Newfoundland we used to get regular flyovers by two twin-radial aircraft. The Ex-RCN Trackers operating on fisheries patrol and Canso waterbombers.

And even within a building, you could tell the difference between the two. The Canso was very "blappy" in the exhaust noise while the Trackers had a better radial growl. That and the fact that the Canso noise seemed to hang forever in the air as the aircraft took about an hour and a half to cross the visible sky at low altitude. I sear I could see a Canso come into view as I stepped into class, attend the full lecture, finish the problem set and leave the room to still see it just passing the other horizon. I'm sure I could walk faster...

Paul
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on September 24, 2019, 06:37:01 PM
Back onto this build. I hope to have it finished in time for the SA Scale Model Expo. :smiley:

Working on the outer wing elements of the wing-fold system. :o
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Buzzbomb on September 24, 2019, 07:48:22 PM
You know that SA expo is only two weeks away  ;)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on September 24, 2019, 08:34:40 PM
Yes, I do, Brian, which is why I have leave from the 3rd, so I can get into some serious modelling time before the big weekend. ;)


SWMBO will, obviously, try to disrupt that as much as possible but I intend resisting vehemently. ::)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: tankmodeler on September 24, 2019, 09:54:06 PM
SWMBO will, obviously, try to disrupt that as much as possible but I intend resisting vehemently. ::)
Where should we send the flowers and when is the funeral...
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on September 25, 2019, 06:45:27 PM
For the back-seater's .50-cal, should I go with the lots-of-little-circles perforated cooling shroud or the fewer-slots-along-the-barrel perforated cooling shroud? ???
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on September 25, 2019, 09:36:25 PM
For the back-seater's .50-cal, should I go with the lots-of-little-circles perforated cooling shroud or the fewer-slots-along-the-barrel perforated cooling shroud? ???
Metal, resin, or plastic?  At 1:48th scale, the details are going to be a challenge.  Sharp details to be had with the metal aftermarket replacement barrels but do they even offer the other "slotted" version of the Browning barrel?  I do not recall seeing anything recently so I am curious to know.  Also considering actual ability to see the difference is lost on some people due to lack of knowledge or visual impairment [Bi-Focals SUCK]. 
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on September 26, 2019, 07:05:34 AM
Hi, Jeff!

I have GasPatch 1/48 Flexible Mount .50-cal's & they come with both barrel types, it's just a matter of deciding which to use. :smiley: ;)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on September 26, 2019, 12:49:03 PM
Well, color me absent minded.  Completely forgot about the GasPatch product line. 
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on September 26, 2019, 02:27:54 PM
I'm leaning towards the lots-of-little-circlular-holes version because that's the only version I've seen in photo's but the fewer-long-slots version is my favourite & is what is referenced in the photo images in the US Army manual.

Decisions! Decisions! :-\
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on September 28, 2019, 05:06:36 PM
Wing fold as is (I noticed a few things that need fixing when taking these photos);

Port side:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-6L3GhTM/0/e17f5765/XL/IMG_2116-XL.jpg)

Starboard side:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-LPSDnCx/0/c37a233a/XL/IMG_2117-XL.jpg)

Cheers! :icon_beer:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: GTX_Admin on September 28, 2019, 06:43:47 PM
Looks good to me
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Ramba on September 28, 2019, 08:12:12 PM
Terrific details! Coming along nicely!
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on September 28, 2019, 08:48:56 PM
Ta, lads! :smiley:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Robomog on September 28, 2019, 09:57:59 PM
Nothing improves a model more than building it on the sports page !  ;D

Love the detail going into this one

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on September 29, 2019, 01:32:37 AM
Wow!  :smiley:

Nice details in the wing fold. 
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on September 29, 2019, 03:08:49 PM
Thank you two, too, 'Mog & Jeff! :icon_alabanza:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Brian da Basher on September 29, 2019, 07:03:19 PM
That's coming along most swimmingly.

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on September 29, 2019, 09:26:47 PM
Thanks, Brian! :smiley:

For those following the debate, I've gone with personal preference & chosen the few-long-slots version of the .50-cal cooling shroud. ;)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: kitnut617 on September 29, 2019, 09:36:12 PM
Definitely very impressive detailing Guy  :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on September 29, 2019, 11:45:02 PM
I've just had one of those nasty little overlooked issues one sometimes finds jump up & bite my arse ... the .50cal is TOO BIG! :-[

I'm putting together a .30cal but the ammunition in the aircraft is obviously too large.

Bugger! Bugger! Bugger! Bugger! :o



PS: Thanks, Robert! :smiley:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: LemonJello on September 30, 2019, 09:16:17 PM
I want, no, I need a tutorial on wing fold details.  That is some mighty fine work!
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on October 07, 2019, 09:04:19 PM
Light blue & DSG added to the build today. :smiley:

She's moving forward but I'm not sure if it's fast enough to have her ready by Saturday, for the Expo. :icon_crap:


I want, no, I need a tutorial on wing fold details.  That is some mighty fine work!

Thanks, LJ, but there's really nothing to it.

You look at photo's of the desired wing-fold type (S2E/G Tracker, in this case) until you start seeing it in your sleep. Then you cut your wings at the desired location & trace around all 4 cut faces onto thin styrene & cut. Remember to cut a millimetre-or-so inside the trace lines & bevel the cut faces of the wings because you want the plate to sit inside the wing, not on the end of it. You may wish to do 2 of each at this stage, so you have your inner plates sorted before cutting one of each into the internal wing framework - or you can do what I did, which is cut smaller pieces & add them as required. The rest is working out where the electrics, & fold & locking hydraulics go.

Seriously, it's more about research than anything else ... & having the balls to go blind & insane trying to replicate something similar in plastic.
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on October 08, 2019, 12:01:13 AM
Well, there ya go, 3rd camo colour on &, surprisingly, it looks good! :smiley:

Not perfect, mind, there are flaws to be fixed, but much, much better than I expected. 8)

I'll take a bit of time out to take a couple/few photo's tomorrow later today, after I've had a sleep. ;)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on October 08, 2019, 12:05:27 AM
You are such a tease.  Making us all wait another day for the pictures.  :smiley:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on October 08, 2019, 08:42:42 AM
Here you go, as promised, photo's!

(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-n8vcSGj/0/26f06e8d/XL/IMG_2118-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-3Pvxc39/0/e7c22138/XL/IMG_2119-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-3Pvxc39/0/e7c22138/XL/IMG_2119-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-5jrVShJ/0/7d1a4eeb/XL/IMG_2122-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-48Pw4S7/0/af957819/XL/IMG_2121-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/RAN-Sea-Beau/i-3kJrQKp/0/aa3ae4d6/XL/IMG_2123-XL.jpg)

A half decent look will expose the flaws but I'll be working on them today (&, hopefully, not ruining the work already done) before I gloss coat ready for the transfers which are "in the mail" & which should arrive tomorrow.

I'll, also, be working on the wheel bays, undercarriage, prop's, torpedo, etc, etc.


Thanks for being part of this! :smiley:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: finsrin on October 08, 2019, 10:39:05 AM
Sticking with ambitious and complex build and doing fine.  Keep up the good work.  :smiley:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on October 08, 2019, 05:31:46 PM
Yeah, just coming together a bit too slowly, methinks, as I want it ready for the South Australian Model Expo on Saturday & I'm fairly sure it ain't gunna be.

Oh, well, keep plugging away & see how it pans out.
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Brian da Basher on October 08, 2019, 05:33:11 PM
The paint is looking very tasty indeed.

Well, tastier than my breakfast.

Bachelor cooking, you know.
 :-X
Brian da Basher
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on October 08, 2019, 07:15:41 PM
Not sure if that's a compliment or a criticism, BdB!? ;D
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Ramba on October 08, 2019, 09:07:50 PM
Coming along nicely. Looking forward to seeing it completed with the wings folded.
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Camthalion on October 08, 2019, 09:37:00 PM
Looks really good
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on October 08, 2019, 10:23:11 PM
Thanks, guys! :icon_alabanza:

She's starting to come together properly, now! :D
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: GTX_Admin on October 09, 2019, 02:45:03 AM
Looking good.
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on October 09, 2019, 03:14:00 AM
The inside details on your wing fold bits is still the best part of this whole project. 
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on October 09, 2019, 06:55:34 AM
Thanks, gents! :smiley:


Transfers (decals) arrived today! :D

Unfortunately gloss coat didn't happen yesterday, so I'll have to get onto that straight away! :))
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: ScranJ51 on October 09, 2019, 10:12:31 AM
Looking really good Wombat!!!!
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on October 09, 2019, 11:54:23 AM
Thanks, Scran! :smiley:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: tankmodeler on October 10, 2019, 03:13:16 AM
as I want it ready for the South Australian Model Expo on Saturday & I'm fairly sure it ain't gunna be.
Don't push it for a show! Can't tell you how many models I ruined that way. Stopped building to deadlines years ago. Much better on your mental health, for sure!
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on October 10, 2019, 09:49:51 AM
I'm not pushing it too fast, just doing it too long (according to SWMBO). ;)

I'm now less worried about "rushing to get it done stuff-ups" than I am about my regular "coming to the end of the build stuff-ups". :-\

Airbrushing "micro-colours" at the moment. You know, the tiny patches of colour that must be airbrushed or they look shite? Red, yellow, etc.
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on October 10, 2019, 09:49:58 PM
Just running Testors' Dullcote through my airbrush for the first time &, I must say, I'm impressed! :smiley:

Always knew it was good from the rattle can but it's just as good with my poor airbrushing technique, much better than the Tamiya rattle cans I've been using, both for coverage & not reacting with the paints it's covering.

If you can get it, I'd recommend using it!


Of course, it may just be that I'm half-stoned from the fumes but, well, that could be a bonus, too. ;)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: apophenia on October 11, 2019, 04:34:33 AM
I'm not pushing it too fast, just doing it too long (according to SWMBO). ;)

Funny, from that source, complaints like those usually go the other way around  ;D

Of course, it may just be that I'm half-stoned from the fumes but, well, that could be a bonus, too. ;)

Hehe  :D  I know what you mean about the Tamiya rattle can Flat clear. Somehow they never quite match the effect of Dullcote :smiley:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on October 11, 2019, 01:58:59 PM
Well, unless a miracle happens, this is shelved for the duration or for all time.

What happened? Well, one of my usual end of build tricks - after removing all the tape & liquid mast from the clear bits, I test fitted the parts back on the model, then flipped the model over to do some work on a small fix-up job & "tink" something hit something. I'd removed the gunners canopy & the props, they were on the bench, but the pilots canopy is AWOL. I've all but torn the room apart (I've removed & checked the boxes & sweep the floor & under the bench supports), checked my clothing from last night, cleaned up the work bench ... Nothing!

I'm afraid the vinyl monster may have had it for a midnight snack. :o

So, as it stands, if I find the canopy, I'll finish it, if I don't, it's spare parts sometime in the future. :icon_crap:


To say I'm f___ed off doesn't even come close to describing how I feel right now.
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: finsrin on October 11, 2019, 02:11:48 PM
Sorry to hear this, such a bummer.  :icon_crap:
Incident does not make your builds any lesser quality for the rest us to enjoy.
Lot of impressive building in Sea Beau.  :smiley:  :smiley:  :smiley:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Buzzbomb on October 11, 2019, 04:27:55 PM
Mate, that is so sad.
Not making to SA Expo this year. Bring it to the Aussie Model Expo in June 2020 ;)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on October 11, 2019, 04:55:30 PM
OK, f___cked-off-plus has been replaced by "I'll be buggered if this is going to beat me!" :icon_ninja:

I'm stealing the canopy cover from my other Tamiya Beaufighter. I'll be painting it up & fitting it tonight! Just try to gobble up this one, vinyl monster! :icon_punal:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on October 12, 2019, 12:20:01 AM
Well, she's done! :D

No time for pictures tonight - I have to go to bed so I can get up to go to the Expo ... which starts in just over 6 hours! :o
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on October 12, 2019, 01:35:49 AM
@Old Wombat - Now you have the perfect excuse to apply some special treatment to your second Beaufighter.  Bubble canopy perhaps?  Find a suitable size canopy/windscreen from another aircraft and see how it fits. 

Also, I feel your pain and anguish having lost a clear part and rediscovering it in the worst way possible by stepping on it and breaking it in the process.  I hope you do not rediscover your clear parts in this fashion. 
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: GTX_Admin on October 12, 2019, 03:06:20 AM
Possible solution?  https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Bristol-Beaufighter-Vacuform-Canopy-for-Tamiya-1-48-Squadron-9590/283413659628?epid=26023384824&hash=item41fcc53fec:g:BrcAAOSwiQ9ZVnam (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Bristol-Beaufighter-Vacuform-Canopy-for-Tamiya-1-48-Squadron-9590/283413659628?epid=26023384824&hash=item41fcc53fec:g:BrcAAOSwiQ9ZVnam)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: kitnut617 on October 12, 2019, 06:58:46 AM
And Falcon 1/48 set No.40 has Beaufighter canopies, it says in the list "Beaufighter Variants"
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on October 12, 2019, 09:24:46 PM
Photo's of the Sea Beau taken at the SAPMA Expo today:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/SAPMA-Expo-2019/i-bgGrp2B/0/a7edc103/XL/IMG_2207-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/SAPMA-Expo-2019/i-NgMwPsf/0/a68462fd/XL/IMG_2208-XL.jpg)

And I can tell you that none of the 3 builds I took placed. ::)


However, I may have influenced SAPMA to have a "Military What If ..." category next year! :smiley:


PS: Oh, & I've already bought another Beaufighter, at the Expo. ;)
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Kerick on October 12, 2019, 10:29:15 PM
Nice work! Really looks the part! Far better than what I can accomplish these days
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on October 12, 2019, 10:49:57 PM
Looking good!  Also, getting a new what-if category for the show is also good and long overdue. 
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Brian da Basher on October 13, 2019, 01:24:26 AM
That's a real looker and one of your best yet, Mr Wombat!

That Beau is worthy of a blue ribbon!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: apophenia on October 13, 2019, 02:23:38 AM
Ooo, that is gorgeous  :smiley:

And the canopy story? Did the Carpet Monster surrender its prize?
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: LemonJello on October 13, 2019, 05:21:21 AM
On a scale of 1 to 5, I'd rate that an 11. Gorgeous.
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: AXOR on October 13, 2019, 06:12:27 AM
There's a lot of work out there and the result is impressive !
Great job sir !
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Ramba on October 13, 2019, 06:40:03 AM
Awesome job! Such a terrific looking build!
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: kitnut617 on October 13, 2019, 08:12:38 AM
Just stunning  :-*

Do you have any pics of the arrester hook installation, I looked through the thread but didn't see anything although you mentioned it's from a Tracker.
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: FAAMAN on October 13, 2019, 09:32:02 AM
So I came looking for the Sea Beau . . . . . . .
Not my preferred scale but . . . . . . .

OMG that's a brilliant bit of work Wombat  :P :-* great navalising modifications and a great finish, a very believable WHIFF all 'round  8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

Methinks it shoulda scored at least a gold, maybe some bias here  ;) , the work that went into it, and you chopped up a Tamigawa kit to boot (impressive  8) )  ;D shoulda impressed those who judge  :smiley: :smiley:

I have to agree there really should be a Military Whiff category in model shows throughout Oz. It's bad enough WHIFFs are lumped into and have to compete with Sci-Fi & Movie Subject categories here in NSW and the builds/ideas behind them get lost being judged with popular Sci-Fi & Movie subjects.
Maybe try again next year when they do have a WHIFF Category?

As I said, great build man, shoulda scored.  :smiley: :smiley:
Now back to an Airfix PR Mk.XIX (and others) to be finished for the Canberra Show  :smiley:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Robomog on October 13, 2019, 10:14:35 AM
You waz robbed Mr Wombat, that's a showstopper beaufighter in anyone's eyes, brilliant visualisation beautifully modelled.

Mog
>^-.-^<
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Buzzbomb on October 13, 2019, 10:36:25 AM
Guy, that come up a treat. Well worth the effort
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on October 13, 2019, 04:52:25 PM
Thank you all, gentlemen (especially, FAAMAN ;))! :smiley:

In all honesty I never expected it to win &, after trying my hand at judging on Saturday night, I now know exactly why it didn't (& never will) win any prizes.

That doesn't worry me, though, as I built it to make me happy - which it did & is (especially hearing "experten" debating about whether or not the Beaufighter had ever been built with folding wings). ;D


Note: There will be a What If... category next year, as I have pledged to sponsor it (financially - my name will go on another category, Medium Scale Multi Prop's I think they said).
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: GTX_Admin on October 13, 2019, 07:28:12 PM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Volkodav on October 14, 2019, 08:01:09 PM
Beyond awesome, is there a back story?
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Old Wombat on October 14, 2019, 09:31:12 PM
Thanks, Paul! :smiley:

Sort of but not written down. It's all part of my Royal Australian Marines alt. time-line.

I'm kinda stuck with writers block back in WW1, have been for a couple of years. :icon_crap:

Roughly, though;

Australia takes a few bigger steps earlier but the big change is when it gets a larger post-WW1 influx of refugees & immigrants, including more skilled industrial trades people, which leads to Australia being a more populous & a much more industrialised nation by the 1930's. Australia follows & exceeds Jellicoe's recommendations regarding the RAN, which goes beyond being the perceived "Australia Squadron of the RN", including 3 aircraft carriers (OK, so one of them is going to be the modified Dreadnought-class HMAS Australia, purchased prior to WW1 & converted in the early-1920's, which by the mid-30's is going to be a training ship). Aircraft manufacture, mostly of foreign designs, are built in Sydney & Melbourne by de Havilland Australia, Hawker Australia, etc., & an early incarnation of CAC is formed in 1930. SA builds ships in Whyalla & Adelaide, due to the proximity of coal & iron, mostly to British-based designs. Post-WW1 the RAAF is formed as a separate air force to either that of the Army or the Navy with the specific role of "strategic defence & attack" (basically, defend Australia's cities & resources & attack those of the enemy). Army air is for CAS & tactical airstrikes against lines of supply & communication. Navy air is for force projection, of which Marines air is an arm of.

During WW2 CAC builds Beaufighters earlier than RW & the RAN, looking for a long-range carrier-based torpedo plane takes a dive off the deep end & requests CAC look into modifying the Beau for this purpose. CAC do. The RAN accepts it. CAC build it. The RAN FAA flies it, mostly from shore bases but the folding wings allow them to be deck-spotted operationally - until HMAS Adelaide (deck code "L"), something of a cross between the British & American carriers & more akin to the first "modern" carriers than either, is launched in late 1944, which is large enough (&, more importantly, has sufficiently sized elevators) to carry them in the hangars.

I'll have to look up the NF code, I can't remember which squadron that is. :-\
Title: Re: 1/48 Sea Beau
Post by: Volkodav on October 14, 2019, 11:59:47 PM
Cool thanks.

The big difference between your Alt History and mine is you are building models very fine models for yours.  ;)