Two weeks ago we added a wing-tip to the new starboard wing of the model, added the skin to the leading edge of the other wing and added a door into the rear fuselage.
Over the last two weeks we’ve been working on two of the engine mounts, the tail wheel, the fourth engine, and the second vertical stabiliser, rudder and elevator.
As always here are all of the parts for the diary’s work laid out together.
The first task that was attacked was the assembly of the major parts of the two outboard engine mounts and their nacelles.
These were then set aside until they could be painted.
Next the tailwheel and the two outboard engine oil tanks were assembled (I hadn’t noticed at this point that the hubs of the tail wheel should be black).
Following the smaller parts, the emphasis moved on to the larger assemblies.
First, removing the parts from their frets.
Before assembling them into their various structures.
And adding the stringers and sanding them into shape, it was at this point that I noticed that the outboard trailing edge flap had been built the wrong way around. To date the replacement parts have not arrived, hopefully they will by next week.
Next, I rivet marked the “skin” of the elevator.
Before removing a section of the frame of the tail section to allow the tail wheel to be installed. At the same time I returned to the door which was installed last week and modified the position of the latch-hold and the shape of the surrounding door-frame to allow the door to open. Unfortunately the shape of the hinges seem to prevent the door from opening smoothly.
At this stage it was possible to paint everything in green and black (with a little silver).
Before beginning the final assembly by installing the tail wheel.
Followed by assembling engine four.
With these two assemblies complete, our attention turned to the engine mounts, first drilling holes into the bulkheads, and into the skin of the underside of the port wing.
Then, the electrical boards were added to the two bulkheads, along with the frame for the engine nacelle.
Before priming and painting the area within and around the nacelle.
And adding the oil tank and the last bits of the nacelle framework.
The rear end of the nacelle done, we next added the beginning of a wiring harness to the engine mounts.
Before attaching them to the bulkhead, and installing the engines.
With the big jobs done, we finished off by adding the arched piece to the head of the cockpit, and two frame formers to the mid-upper turret mount.
Attached the only outboard flap to the relevant wing (the missing skin panel behind the flap was replaced after installation).
The skin and some small details were added to the elevator.
More skin was added to the wing main-spar section.
And a small, silver cable was added to the interior of the starboard vertical stabiliser.
Bringing us to the conclusion of this build diary.
Next week we will be adding the other two engine mounts to the wing main spar, adding many of the remaining cockpit instruments and adding the remaining skin panels to the two wings.
Just wanted to know if this kit is available for purchase , my father was a tail gunner in WW2.
Unfortunately it is out of print, if you wished to buy it you would have to purchase each individual issue from e-bay (or another seller), the manufacturer doesn’t stock it any more. Average costs for an issue are around £8.95, and there are 125 issues (a grand total of over £1000!). All of which make me very glad that I didn’t purchase this model myself. I’m sorry that I can’t provide you with a more helpful answer.
Regarding your father, have you any documents or photographs of him that you would be willing to let the IBCC Digitise for our online archive? We are trying to build up an archive relating to the people who served in Bomber Command. Please contact us at archive@internationalbcc.co.uk if you would like to continue the conversation.