Thanks to everyone who posted since my last visit. It's always nice to see some old friends looking in. Evan, I've sent you a belated PM in response to your query. Hope it's sorted by now.
I've been progressing slowly with the build, although still trying to keep up to building two issues a week. The problem is, some issues contain a lot - others very little. Anyhow, here's an update as to how I've been getting along.
The construction of the outer starboard wing took up two issues. As I want to show this partially cutaway, I felt I needed to enhance the interior detail. All of the ribs arrived solid but according to my cutaway drawings of the Lanc, most were drilled out. The ribs for the tailplanes for the kit came pre-drilled but the main wings didn't. This is the sort of inconsistancy with this kit that drives me nuts.
A B are the different drillings for the ribs. Some, that I know are going to be hidden, I didn't bother drilling. I also added strengthening bars to the ribs. These are plastic rod (both sides)
C. For the purpose of the cutaways, the wings have deliberately been only partially stringed.
D is just for information – and puzzlement. These are the main spars, cut to an angle, so that when they line up with the matching spars on the inner wing, they give the correct dihederal. The looming problem is that they just butt up to each other and are then sandwiched with wooden shims either side. That and some stringers are what's supposed to attach the wings firmly to the rest of the aircraft. This I believe will need some major extra reinforcing but options are limited with a fuel tank on one side and the undercarriage bay on the other. It's a problem for later in the build, but all suggestions gratefully considered!
The reverse angle just shows the control rod mechanism for the aileron and trim tabs, added from plastic rod
A.
Next to be assembled were the two bottom access doors for the intermediate and outboard fuel tanks. I received all three tanks for this wing but only the main inner tank fort the port wing. However, that shouldn't be a problem as the port wing will be fully skinned. These will eventually be painted after they're skinned.
Then came the two outer wing tanks, strapped and valved. I steered away from the suggested positioning of the valves from the instructions, as the diagrams I had from Lancaster manuals showed them in a different position. These are closer to what appeared in the documents – and these will be partially seen in the finished model.
Next was to dry fit the tanks to check they fitted. They fit like a glove. Then I thought I'd try a little computer enhancement to give some idea of the type of cutaways I have in mind for the outer wing, showing the tanks and aileron control rods. As the wing tip is solid, I won't be able to show any detail further out. That brought this section of the build to a finish for the present. Next task was to tackle some detail.
Three air bottles are added to the starboard inner wing. Again, these were only supplied for the starboard wing. In reality I assume the were also on the port wing? These probably won't be seen in the finished model, except through the wheel well, but they'll be there. As you can also see, I've started to test fit the undercarriage. I'm still considering whether I can adjust it to make it look more corrrect, as it's supposed to be completed in a few issues. But I'll come back to discuss what's involved – and my concerns - when I reach those issues.
The next detail was purely optional. I found the references for it on pps 120/121 in the SAM Lancaster Guide, if you have access to it. It's a flare pistol housing.
It sits on the shelf over the front spar, behind the radio operator's position. The shelf and unit were made with bits from the spares box and plastic card. The pistol is a 1:35 service revolver with a hollowed barrel from plastic rod. It measures no more than 1cm in length.
The final shots show it in position on the spar, from the cabin and looking forward from the rest bunk, with the cabin matched up. The pistol is removable but will be tricky to access when everything is assembled.
Putting this in raised some questions in my mind. There is a circular firing hatch in the roof behind the wireless operator. What about on the exterior? Was there a fabric patch as on the Spitfire? If so, was it in red or painted the camouflage colour?
The other question is about the photo flare chute opposite the crew entry door. Again what was the exit hole like in the fuselage? I've never come across any reference for it that I'm aware of.
In the background also I'm riveting and preparing skins but am holding off till I can paint a good batch of them so nothing to show there. I'll post again in a couple of weeks when, hopefully, I've made some further progress.
Sláinte,
Gerry