Avenger II, 857 Squadron, FAA, HMS Indomitable, December 1944, Group Build.

[Airframes]

Thanks Cory. Yep, be prepared for problems! I reckon it should go in, afterall, the kit is designed so that the turret fits in after the fuselage is joined, and the AM instructions do hint that it might be 'tricky', but I'm a bit concerned that the delicate canopy will crack, or worse. Not looking forward to that part at all!
BTW, watch the kit decals - they're OK, but the backing sheet, and the carrier film, are as sticky as a sticky thing on a sticky day, in a sticky place! The paper has a tendency to want to curl as you're trying to slide the decal off the sheet, and the sheet wants to stick to the model! It'll be essential to use Micro Sol, otherwise they'll look rough textured. Once they've set, you might think they have 'silvered', but if they're done properly, it should only be the matt carrier film that's showing, and this will disappear with the clear coat application. It'll be best to seal them with gloss before doing the matt clear coat.

 

[Catch22]

Alright, thanks Terry. Do you think it may be better to join the pieces of the turret glass inside of the fuselage, if that makes any sense?

 

[Airframes]

Nope. The turret glass has to be attached and glued to the turret basket, that's the main bit, with the seat, gun mount etc. It's supposed to then be inserted sideways, in other words at a 90 degree angle to the fore and aft, so that the lugs on the turret ring drop into the slots in the mounting plate, already glued into the assembled fuselage. Then it's turned to face aft.
The shape of the 'glass' canopy is correct, and will be ok once inside the fuselage, the problem is, getting the b***er in! The base of the 'glass' is wider than the top of the opening! How the holy moley it's supposed to be done f*** knows!
I was intending to fit it last, but I'm going to have to attempt it before the landing gear and everything else goes on, otherwise all the fiddling will cause lots of damage to the sticky-out bits!
Hopefully, I'll find a way, and let you know how to do it.
Watch this space - closely!!

 

[rochie]

Good luck with that Turret Terry, looks great otherwise !

 

[Airframes]

Thanks Karl, and I think I've sussed how to get the turret in. Going to be bl**dy fiddly though!

 

[Catch22]

I certainly shall watch this thread. I still have two colours to paint before I can even think about doing anything else on it really, so I have time for you to figure it out for me!

 

[Airframes]

I'll send you the bill later!

 

[Lucke.stz]

Good job Terry !

Patience with the turret and it will fit

 

[Wayne Little]

You'll get there Terry! take it easy mate!

 

[Catch22]

I'll send you the bill later!

Hopefully it'll just be some Canadian Beer!

 

[Airframes]

Do Canadians make beer?!!!

 

[Lucky13]

Looking great old bean!

 

[Airframes]

Thanks old chap!

 

[Lucky13]

Care for a spot of tea old boy? Just to pick you up, activate the old grey cells and all that rot....

 

[Airframes]

Thanks awfully, not too much whisky in it though, need to keep a clear head, don't you know!

 

[Lucky13]

Just enough to brighten the intellect...see thing more clearly.

 

[Catch22]

Do Canadians make beer?!!!

:O

Not much of a beer man myself, prefer the ol' rum.

 

[Airframes]

Just as well mate, the last time I tried Canadian beer, it was like making love in a canoe - $£$!*$ close to water!

 

[Lucky13]

Guinness and single malts and I'm ready to go....


Now, where did I put that Cragganmore?

 

[Catch22]

I'm hurt Terry, hurt for all Canadians!