FME erk

Where did the large, clear bomb-aimer's blister come from I wonder ? and do the engines have motors in them ??

Phil The Airfix Refueller Set plan, see the first post, in their instruction sheet is the only 'plan' I have seen of the AEC Matador refueller so to that end I have scaled it up to both 35th and 32nd scale. There is a noticeable difference in the two scales so I couldnt use the 35th AFV Club kit in parts for the 32nd build, sadly. I am rather hoping that the American GMC lorry has a wider axle in 35th than the AFV Club Matador of the same scale so that I could adapt it for the 32nd build ?.

I shall be in receipt of the Heller GMC 2.5t kit very soon. I purchased it for the items mentioned above but If the axles are not wide enough I shall put it back on Ebay site. If they are, for the 32nd scale version, then I think I shall be running with them. I also looked at the KFS stuff and I particularly liked a couple of the WWII vehicles but then I am drifting away from the 32nd scale and who knows where I might end up ?? David

I think that is the axle off the front on the Matador. The drive is off-centre and I think that is the steering rack seen at the back in the photo . . . (I'm not an expert either )

I opted to purchase these kits in order to obtain a third axle along with the prop shaft and wheel/tyres should i decide to go 35th scale. I have the AEC 6w refueller plan(s) in both 32nd & 35th scale. In both cases I would have to build a tank and associated pump housing at the rear. I still fancy the 32nd scale as the cab is basically a box. I was unaware that you got TWO cab fronts and roof in each boxing of the kit so I can readily build a couple of vehicles in 35th (an RAF 3-tonner & 6w Crane). If I turn to the 32nd I would need to source something to represent three axles, drive transmission and prop shafts . . . anybody know of such for a WWII lorry ? Decisions to be made David

I did find those panels rather strange with the panel lines contained within them . . . glad you are eliminating them Ernie ! David

Looking good Ernie . . . you are doing a grand job !!!

Good informative review with many clear sprue photos, many thanks. I look forward to seeing your build James . . . . David

It appears that Nige's Lancaster build Videos have dried up so I'm paying more attention to yours Bill . . . How is your build coming along ?? David

It is becoming a work of outstanding craftsmanship. I love the details that you are adding and those interior photos are a great incentive to build one of those colourful birds. I think you are right Ernie when you say that you need to stick to ONE particular bird as there seems occasional mods on individual aircraft. Slightly off topic but what do you use the 'Leveling Thinners' fluid for ?? Keep up the good work my man David

Thanks gents for pointing a few kits in my direction. Currently researching this particular AEC vehicle so it will be a while before I start, just finishing a Ford WOT crew bus. Many thanks Martin for the handbook link, it looks to be very helpful, cheers. I thought about the AFV kit(s) but there are only 4 wheels and transmission drive to the rear axle whereas I need potential 6/7 wheels and the associated axles and shafts for the two sets of rear axles. Can you obtain spares from AFV I wonder to expand it to a six-wheeler ?? Where are AFV ? I have built the 35th IBG Bedford QL so the scale isnt that imperative. I have scaled up the Airfix drawing to 32nd and cross reference with some old John Church drawings. As I stated earlier, I am new to this scratch building so would like to attempt it but I hope to find odds and sods that I can utilise. I am on the lookout for a ladder that was used to climb up onto the tank but I think I could build that reasonable well . . . .

I am seriously considering building this as part of my (eventual) Lancaster dispersal diorama . . . I am gathering some pieces before I start and at the mo I am trying to source something that looks like transmission housing etc for the wheel drives. I'm relatively new to this scratch building despite having done a few other items for this planned diorama, OIL bowser & pneumatic trailer. I know it wont be perfect but it will look something like it should be but rivet counter accurate it wont be. I'll try my best. I will be sure to post here once I start

I'll be keeping you on my mailing list then and be checking in for some of ya bits

Those 3D prints are the future . . . Looking forward to seeing them installed

Jeff Looking Good !!! You seem to have achieved a smooth transition of the engine nacelles to the leading edge of the main wings . . . did they give you any bother ?? Perfect camou scheme applied, have you covered over the fuselage windows or did your chosen kite not have any ?? David

I believe a David Brown tractor is on its way along with some bomb trolleys from Canada. When I say on its way, I mean that its in production or so I am lead to believe . . . I have the HK Lancaster here ready to start soon; dont think I have the room for two of these girls unless I do wait and sell HK for the WNW version ?? I'm just gathering some bits to start another vehicle for my Lancaster diorama.

Thanks for the replies. It encourages one to continue knowing fellow modellers like what you do and that it is accurate . Cheers boys !!

I think its wonderful that certain modellers can produce the stuff that others need . . . . I think its a credit to the forum model builders that such a 'brotherhood' exists to serve us all for the better. I think the dome and inlet are first class additions to your build Ernie and its coming along fine. I too will be building a wartime Lanc without windows and judging from your photo, its turned out well. Did you or have you, re-riveted ?? David

Nothing wrong with the seat Bill. I must say I do like the 'plumbing' around the seat, would that be lead wire ??

Strange ? I haven't spied your build anywhere I dont think, can you show us some of it please ? Why didnt HK provide a wall mount as they did with the B17 ????? David

About 12-15 miles from me. Ludford magna sometimes referred to as 'Mudford magna' due to the conditions that prevailed. It was the highest elevated airfield in the country I believe. Because of the role that the squadron undertook, that of carrying 'ABC', they flew crews and aircraft on virtually every operation dispatched by Bomber Command and hence the high losses. Not much left of the airfield site today although there are several building scattered throughout the village itself. I have been to several reunions over the years but veterans are getting less at each reunion these days. There is usually a parade in front of the squadron memorial, located on the main road through the village, where respects are paid to the fallen and a younger generation learn of those that had gone before them. "We will remember them "

How you getting on Bill ? I too have been watching Nige vids and the amount of mods on this new kit to correct is unbelievable. I look forward to seeing how the seat sits on the renewed pilots floor . . . .

Weathered quite heavily as these trailers tended to be outside day & night each day of the year. The 'hose' took a bit of persuading to stay down flat but we got there in the end. This is one of several items that I have built to go with a diorama for the yet to be built, HK Lancaster. I hope you like them . . . and these are the other items including the scratch built Nissen hut with the correct frontal profile that comes in at its base David

One step to nearing completion . . .

After managing to successfully get the wheels all square and lined up, I also scratched the towing hitch frame . . . I have seen two version of this and decided on the criss-cross one