Well, the Beau is getting close to being finished. These last few stages are becoming increasingly difficult, as the size of the model makes handling awkward when adding small detail parts; I've lost count of how many times I've caught a wingtip on my desk lamp, or the edhge of the bench!
The radar set, dislodged when removing the masking from the Observer's hatch, has been re-fitted at the correct angle, and most of the smaller scratch-built items have been made and fitted, and just need painting. The very delicate radar antennas will be fitted and painted last, after the final detail painting has been completed.
PIC 1 The 'fabric' patches over the wing gun ports have been added, roughly cut from the thin tissue that protected the decal sheet, and fixed with PVA glue. When set, these will be painted dull red, and smoke stains and ragged 'shot through' holes added.
PIC 2. The trailing aerial fairlead was made from a short length of plastic rod, and has yet to be painted. The 'lead weight' on the end of the (unseen) cable was simulated by gently heating the end of the rod, and pressing into shape.
PIC 3. The rudder and elevator trim-tab actuators were made from thin plastic rod and sheet, having first removed the kit's moulded actuiators, and again await a bit of a tidy-up and painting. Holes were cut or drilled as required, so as to mount the rods and connector horns.
PIC 4. The scratch-built forward underbelly entrance hatch door has been painted and fitted, and the retraction rods and release catch added from stretched sprue. It wasn't until I came to fit the door that I realised I'd made the ladder a little too wide, compared to the actual ladder. Foolishly, I took the measurements from the solid, moulded- in part of the kit's lower fuselage, instead of using the scale drawing! Too late now, the bl**dy thing's staying as is!!
The cannon troughs have also had the 'fabric patches' added, and again these will be painted, stained and torn later.
PIC 5 shows the radar monitor back in position, angled inwards from the port fuselage wall. This was a real sod to re-position and glue, and I discovered quite a number of new swear words whilst messing about for around thirty minutes trying to repair this!
Pic 6 gives a general impression of the forward area of the Beaufighter so far, and how high it stands on its beefy landing gear..
So, a few more bits and pieces, including the somewhat tricky release catches, locking bars and sun blind on the cockpit canopy hatch, then the model should be finished. I hope to be able to get it onto a suitable display base, simulating the desert airstrip at Idku, and add a groundcrew figure working on, or near, the starboard engine.
Thanks again for your interest, and i'll have some more pics soon.