Airframes
Benevolens Magister
H.S. Andover E3 (calibration aircraft), 115 Sqn., RAF.
This is the second model for Gp.Cpt. Dougie Barr, again using the S&M Models resin kit, but to be converted to the E.3 from the C .1.
The subject aircraft is the same one as previously built (as a C1), serial number XS603 which, upon retirement from 46 Sqn, was converted into E3 specification as a calibration aircraft, used for checking and calibrating ILS, radar, and other ground aids at RAF airfields. (not to be confused with the E3A, which was a V.I.P transport version).
The aircraft was fitted with a number of instrumentation stations internally, which necessitated the "blanking off" of three of the ten cabin windows on the starboard side, and the addition of various external antennae, sensors and lights, all of which will need to be scratch-built for this model.
I'm not sure, at this stage, if the model will be completed with undercart lowered, or, as before, posed "in flight" on a display stand - I'm awaiting Dougie's decision on choice.
However, work has begun, with clean-up of the resin fuselage halves completed, and a start made on some of the numerous modifications and corrections required, explained below.
Pic 1. The previous model of XS603, in 46 Sqn colours.
Pic 2. How the aircraft looked in the calibration role. Note the "blanked" cabin windows, lamp under the nose, and some of the various antennae. (photo sent to me, original source unknown).
Pics 3 & 4. The relevant windows were covered internally, using scraps of plastic card attached using CA.
Pic 5. The window apertures were then filled with "Milliput" and smoothed using a wet finger tip. Once fully hardened, they will be lightly sanded flush and polished.
Pic 6. The kit portrays the rear, starboard door full size, as on the port side. This should be smaller, presumably a "left over" from the civilian Avro / HS 748 airliner's galley loading door, and serving as an emergency exit on the Andover.
Pic 7. The door has been engraved to represent the smaller example, with the original engraved lines enhanced, and a depression made for the door release handle, which will be made and fitted later, together with hinges made from plastic strip. The remains of the original engraving will be filled with CA and sanded flush.
Next step is to enhance the engraving on both port side doors, and then commence work on the cockpit. Once I know which configuration Dougie prefers, I can then start on assembling the fuselage, adding nose weight if gear down (omitting this if on a stand), or preparing a mounting slot for a display stand if to be posed "in flight".
I'll also probably start work on the wings and engine nacelles whilst awaiting Dougie's reply.
Back when there's more to show ................
This is the second model for Gp.Cpt. Dougie Barr, again using the S&M Models resin kit, but to be converted to the E.3 from the C .1.
The subject aircraft is the same one as previously built (as a C1), serial number XS603 which, upon retirement from 46 Sqn, was converted into E3 specification as a calibration aircraft, used for checking and calibrating ILS, radar, and other ground aids at RAF airfields. (not to be confused with the E3A, which was a V.I.P transport version).
The aircraft was fitted with a number of instrumentation stations internally, which necessitated the "blanking off" of three of the ten cabin windows on the starboard side, and the addition of various external antennae, sensors and lights, all of which will need to be scratch-built for this model.
I'm not sure, at this stage, if the model will be completed with undercart lowered, or, as before, posed "in flight" on a display stand - I'm awaiting Dougie's decision on choice.
However, work has begun, with clean-up of the resin fuselage halves completed, and a start made on some of the numerous modifications and corrections required, explained below.
Pic 1. The previous model of XS603, in 46 Sqn colours.
Pic 2. How the aircraft looked in the calibration role. Note the "blanked" cabin windows, lamp under the nose, and some of the various antennae. (photo sent to me, original source unknown).
Pics 3 & 4. The relevant windows were covered internally, using scraps of plastic card attached using CA.
Pic 5. The window apertures were then filled with "Milliput" and smoothed using a wet finger tip. Once fully hardened, they will be lightly sanded flush and polished.
Pic 6. The kit portrays the rear, starboard door full size, as on the port side. This should be smaller, presumably a "left over" from the civilian Avro / HS 748 airliner's galley loading door, and serving as an emergency exit on the Andover.
Pic 7. The door has been engraved to represent the smaller example, with the original engraved lines enhanced, and a depression made for the door release handle, which will be made and fitted later, together with hinges made from plastic strip. The remains of the original engraving will be filled with CA and sanded flush.
Next step is to enhance the engraving on both port side doors, and then commence work on the cockpit. Once I know which configuration Dougie prefers, I can then start on assembling the fuselage, adding nose weight if gear down (omitting this if on a stand), or preparing a mounting slot for a display stand if to be posed "in flight".
I'll also probably start work on the wings and engine nacelles whilst awaiting Dougie's reply.
Back when there's more to show ................
