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Playing in the Sandbox Group Build Sept 1, 2024 - Jn 1, 2025

1/32nd scale Halifax: *project complete*


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Part Two - landing lights and wing bomb-cells

 

As well as the rear turret I've also been working on other detailing. The wing bomb-cells are now complete. The first task was to scratch-build the 24 doors and their hinges. The doors are split into two sections lengthwise - the front sections had to be made slightly curved as they follow the aerofoil shape of the wing. Here are the completed doors about to go into the paint shop:

 

S1030448-2.jpg

 

Once done, they were then added individually to the wing - a tedious task in getting them all aligned correctly but definitely worth it:

 

S1030460.jpg

 

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As you can see from this shot, I've added my previously built racks to the starboard wing, but left the bays on the port side empty, although the mounting structure has all been added:

 

S1030474.jpg

 

The landing light has also been scratch-built. This was retractable on the Series IA, but I thought I'd have it in the down position for a little more interest - it wasn't uncommon to see them this way on the ground:

 

S1030464.jpg

 

S1030471.jpg

 

Again this was made from plastic card and some Evergreen, with the lenses made using self-adhesive foil - simple but effective.

 

The next task is the nose - I need to make the bracing for the .50 carried in the nose, as well as a bomb-sight and ammo-boxes, before I can attach the nose glazing. Should be fun!

 

Until next time,

 

Tom

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Easily your best build Tom,

Have you gotten the Stirling yet?

Cees

 

Thanks Cees - and no, not yet. I may well be moving house in the near future so will hold off for the time being; I've plenty in the stash to keep me amused in the meantime  ;)

 

Tom

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Brilliant Tom,

                    It just keeps on getting better and better,......those turrets look gorgeous and the bomb bay and wing cells are totally fanastic!

Cheers

            Tony

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There are more little details that I've added to the Halifax over the last few days to update you on. 

 

I've been working on the nose transparency and the final little details for this area of the model. The Halifax I am building was fitted with a .50cal in the nose when it transferred to Coastal Command and the powerful recoil of this gun meant the plexiglas nose was prone to cracking. To address this, some fairly sturdy bracing was added to the nose to support the gun, and thus the airframe absorbed the recoil shock and not the fragile nose.

 

Here's my effort - an Aries .50 with scratch-built bracing:

 

S1030487-1.jpg

 

The clear section was also detailed with some additional framing and Archer rivets - the masking tape was placed on to mark out the framework and help keep my rivets straight!

 

S1030483.jpg

 

As well as the nose gun, I also made the ammunition box from plastic card and made a bomb-sight from left over parts of the Spitfire engine which is just about passable...

 

S1030494.jpg

 

The gun and bracing was then painted, weathered lightly and added to the clear nose piece, which had also had the internal framing painted on:

 

S1030498.jpg

 

The nose was then added directly to the fuselage front, and the framework painted:

 

S1030522.jpg

 

I've also scratch-built a 'Monica' tail attack warning radar antenna which Bomber Command Halifaxes were fitted with - they seem to have been retained in the switch to Coastal Command so I've added one to mine. I've also added some of LittleCars ID lights:

 

S1030514.jpg

 

I treated myself to a set of brass barrels for this build as they are exquisite - expensive but worth it. Here they are prepared for spraying:

 

S1030527.jpg

 

They have now been added to the turrets:

 

S1030534-1.jpg

 

And that brings you up to date. Just a final couple of bits to do (mainly glazing related) and she'll be done. Hopefully, the next post will announce completion of this project.

 

Tom

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Tom,

You have only made the one bombaimers window instead of the three elliptical ones?

Looking great though.

Cees

 

You're right Cees - still to be added!

 

She's all done now chaps (apart from the additional framing needed on the bomb aimer's window) and pictures are in 'Finished Work':

 

http://forum.largescalemodeller.com/topic/2820-a-halifax-grii-in-132nd-scale/

 

Thanks for the interest and encouragement along the way.

 

Tom

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