Author Topic: Bristol Bolton - Ex Frog Bristol 138 (Read 12403 times)

The Big Gimper · « **on:** September 23, 2013, 04:26:39 AM »

It is the Winter of 1940 and it was a very grim time. Great Britain was still feeling the sting of Dunkirk but the euphoria the Battle of Britain helped keep up the spirits. But the worst was yet come: The war of music is about to begin.

Starting in November 1940 everyday a Junkers Ju-86P would be winging overhead Great Britain waltzing the Empire with Wagner, bombing the BBC with Beethoven and serenading Shakespeare plays with Strauss.

Needless to say the King and Queen were not amused.

An urgent call from the Marshall of the RAF went out to all aircraft manufactures. Stop the Ju-86P and please stop the music.

Here we have the Bristol proposal based on their model 138.

It is a Frog Bristol 138 with Airfix B-25 engine, Frog Hornet Prop and spinner, P-38 canopy, Spitfire XIV cockpit, TA-152 air intakes, F8F landing gear struts and doors, and Hurricane wheels.

The finish with be over all Royal Blue with a red spinner.

@BdB: I’m following your lead. Any engine and can be mounted on any fuselage.

Brian da Basher · « **Reply #1 on:** September 23, 2013, 04:31:22 AM »

You're on a whiffing tear, Carl!

This one is truly inspired and your modifications appear most credible. '

I'm already looking forward to your next update.

Brian da Basher

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #2 on:** September 23, 2013, 03:38:13 PM »

Brilliant!

finsrin · « **Reply #3 on:** September 23, 2013, 04:15:49 PM »

As for music war, struck me that each part from various kits are akin to different instruments of an orchestra combining play the tune which is your kitbash. A symphony of parts which play well together. Kinda korney though is what popped to mind.
A great matching up of those kits/parts :)
When build is finished; Carl, you can drop your peanut shells on the floor

The Big Gimper · « **Reply #4 on:** September 23, 2013, 07:38:27 PM »

Quote from: finsrin on September 23, 2013, 04:15:49 PM

As for music war, struck me that each part from various kits are akin to different instruments of an orchestra combining play the tune which is your kitbash. A symphony of parts which play well together. Kinda korney though is what popped to mind.
A great matching up of those kits/parts :)
When build is finished; Carl, you can drop your peanut shells on the floor

You got me Bill. The music theme is a stretch. What can I say, I was intoxicated by actually finishing a kit.

Dr. YoKai · « **Reply #5 on:** September 23, 2013, 10:10:16 PM »

Always like the record setters of the 'thirties, and I love long wings ( and I cannot lie.*) The back story is a great touch of whimsy - looking forward to seeing the paint.

*Figured there ought to be at least one musical reference in the post...

Buzzbomb · « **Reply #6 on:** September 24, 2013, 06:56:54 AM »

Wow.. that really does work

FAAMAN · « **Reply #7 on:** September 24, 2013, 01:23:10 PM »

Very nicely bought together, so many disparate bits to form something oozing cool!

This'll be great to watch.

taiidantomcat · « **Reply #8 on:** September 24, 2013, 01:47:45 PM »

I had no idea you could pull so many different elements from so many kits and make something look this cool! :)

How did you come up with this? Was it a small set of leftover parts or did you choose these from many options?

The Big Gimper · « **Reply #9 on:** September 24, 2013, 06:58:21 PM »

Quote from: taiidantomcat on September 24, 2013, 01:47:45 PM

I had no idea you could pull so many different elements from so many kits and make something look this cool! :)

How did you come up with this? Was it a small set of leftover parts or did you choose these from many options?

It started with the Airfix B-25 engine. I was/am going to build a radial engined Frog DH Hornet when Kitnut617 noted my Skate Mk.I propeller rotation was incorrect for the Centaurus engine. After donating one the propellers, I put the Hornet aside. My Bristol 138 was still in pile of loose kits and I picked it up and I let the essence of the plastic tell me what it really wanted to be.

The stock 138 engine is awful. So what whatever reason, I made the subconsciousness Zen connection of the engine+airframe. I did have to cut off a small portion of the 138 to fit the R-2600. I also did a Wikipedia search on engines to see what real world A/C could be donors.

As for the canopy, that's a real hit and miss. I finally have enough donor kits that hopefully a trial and error process would finally find a fit. I have to say I could not have done it without my trusty JLC Micro Combo Saw.

Landing gear had to be long so back to the donor kit box and there was an old Monogram F8F. Ditto for the cockpit. I wanted something from a UK A/C.

kitnut617 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 24, 2013, 09:02:31 PM »

""I love it when a plan comes together"" ---- :) :)

Brian da Basher · « **Reply #11 on:** September 27, 2013, 03:16:31 AM »

Quote from: finsrin on September 23, 2013, 04:15:49 PM

As for music war, struck me that each part from various kits are akin to different instruments of an orchestra combining play the tune which is your kitbash. A symphony of parts which play well together. Kinda korney though is what popped to mind.
A great matching up of those kits/parts :)
When build is finished; Carl, you can drop your peanut shells on the floor

This explains why my models always come out looking like a bunch of instruments dumped off the back of a truck.

Aren't those thin little razor saws fantastic! I picked one up last year and not only has it become my "go-to" modeling tool, but it came recommended by the great John Vojtech, no less.

Brian da Basher

apophenia · « **Reply #12 on:** September 27, 2013, 10:36:38 AM »

A very, very cool concept! Looking forward to this one :)

Tophe · « **Reply #13 on:** September 27, 2013, 11:10:33 AM »

Interesting... thanks.

Old Wombat · « **Reply #14 on:** September 27, 2013, 02:01:09 PM »

Nice concept, looks believably good. Now I'll just sit back & wait for the finished product.

:)

Guy

The Big Gimper · « **Reply #15 on:** September 30, 2013, 05:02:05 AM »

Mid-build update.

Supercharge intake attached. Wings built and attached. I installed hollow tubes to support the landing gear. Boxed in the landing bays.

Weapons will be a single 20 mm cannon inboard of the landing gear. Two 303s outboard.

Given the age of the kit, the fit is very good.

Jeffry Fontaine · « **Reply #16 on:** September 30, 2013, 05:10:33 AM »

Looking good Carl!

finsrin · « **Reply #17 on:** September 30, 2013, 06:48:11 AM »

All flows and fits like OOB of RW :)
Thatz a fine design and build. Expect its good for 40,000 ft.
Carl - you be giving me long wing wanna build fever.

ChrisF · « **Reply #18 on:** October 01, 2013, 02:34:36 AM »

Looks quite sleek and fast dont it ?

father ennis · « **Reply #19 on:** October 01, 2013, 08:05:48 AM »

Love it ... !!!

Brian da Basher · « **Reply #20 on:** October 02, 2013, 03:23:38 AM »

Wow that's really coming along nicely!

I just love the whole concept of updating that famous aircraft.

Looking very forward to your next update,
Brian da Basher

The Big Gimper · « **Reply #21 on:** October 07, 2013, 09:38:31 AM »

Latest Build Update

I'm about 3/4s done. Paint is 95% on. Need to do touch ups and small details. Largest decals are on. I will be taking some Spitfire maintenance decals and adding them. Glue on a few more fiddly bits.

I'll the provide the complete bill of materials when completed.

GTX_Admin · « **Reply #22 on:** October 07, 2013, 10:37:14 AM »

Coming along very nicely! :)

Old Wombat · « **Reply #23 on:** October 07, 2013, 12:51:21 PM »

Tied together by the paint scheme she looks fantastic!

:)

Guy

finsrin · « **Reply #24 on:** October 07, 2013, 03:07:06 PM »

Well, well,,, I'm the surprised one.
Looked up Bristol 138 and GADS says service ceiling is 54,000ft. Must retract earlier 40,000ft statement and try 55,000+ft with larger engine. Of course there is added weight of guns & ammo. So not to sure about altitude claims.
Carl - though being the builder, it is you who has final say on service ceiling etc....


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Author Topic: Bristol Bolton - Ex Frog Bristol 138 (Read 12403 times)