converting the HK Models prototype Lancaster into a Manchester.

[IainMackayDall]

Yes, you build posts are daily checked and as eagerly awaited as the release of that 1/32 HK Lancaster..

[Wingco57]

Thanks Ian,

Ah I must admit that I let this one slip a bit because of failing motivation, but fear not there will be some more work being done soon.

Cees

[Wingco57]

Just a reminder what still needs to be done. A cockpit testshot is winging it's way towards me to assist the cockpit.  Which saves me from scratchbuilding the fiddly bits which I hate.

Cees

[CyberGolem]

Looking good dude.

[Clunkmeister]

This would be one of my dream conversions of one was ever commercially offered.

I don't think I'd have the drive or the time to scratch one out.

[Wingco57]

It's just a matter of taking your time and patience. As you may have noticed I have also times that nothing is being done to it. But then suddenly the drive returns and I get some more done. At the moment I am waiting for a cockpit testshot to finish the cockpit (as mentioned before I hate scratchbuilding the small bits like radios and general equipment, if I can use bits from the sparesbox or commercially available items I will). Once that is done the progress is rapid with only the engine nacelles to be done (oh Jerooeeen!).

Cees

[Wingco57]

 Got back from Telford this morning with a nice selection of spares for the Manchester with compliments from Neil Yan. As the bloody paralyser has been stopped thanks to WNW I will focus on this conversion project.  Here are some pics. The clear Lanc nose will serve as sparessource the other is for Jeroen.

Cees

[Wingco57]

With renewed motivation I could't wait and got stuck in right away. It is easier to use and adapt the new parts.

Cees

[Wingco57]

Pilot seat sat in place .

[harv]

......harv

[Clunkmeister]

I was dreading you being in a hideously bad mood upon returning from Telford.  Whew!

Now I look forward to seeing this take shape!

[Wingco57]

Entirely the opposite, I thought Telford 2018 was one of the best in years. So many new things to see and as modellers we have never had it so good. As Jeroen, James and I were manning the HK Models stand we were looking at the Lancasters all the time I was fully motivated to start the Manchester again upon return home. With the spares I can now finish the cockpit and when painting is done the fuselage can be closed and then the fun really begins. Imagine to have a 1/32 Manchester and Lancaster standing next to each other. At Telford I had looked closely at Woody37's 1/48 Manchester and that was really good for inspiration.

Cheers

Cees

[Wingco57]

Some work needs to be redone.

[James H]

Is this not finished yet?

[Wingco57]

I can say the same about the Lancaster my dear jamesybaby!

Cees

[kkarlsen]

Go Go Gadget...

Cheers: Kent

[Clunkmeister]

Cees, I truly hope you make patterns for the big stuff here. You have a customer here. I’m a sucker for oddball RAF stuff. 

I really hope to be in Telford either next year or in 2020.  Meeting y’all would be fun. 

[Wingco57]

Now that would be news if I became a patternmaker. Not in a million years however.

I like to beaver away at my exotic projects and take all the time I need. Working to a schedule is not for me.

Cees

[Wingco57]

Nice to have the HKM parts to hand. The Manchester usually had two steeringwheels and a duplicate set of rudderpedals could be ftted.

Cees

[Wingco57]

Getting there.

The seat of the noseturret is solid while the kit has an aperture otherwise the turret won't fit. After and before pics.

Cees

[Wingco57]

Another one.

[FME erk]

I am glad I read all the pages cos I can appreciate the amount of work that has gone into this so far  . . . .

Hopefully you will come back again with renewed vigour and complete but its the engines that may be the stalling point ????

David

[Wingco57]

Thanks David,

Well I have been working on the Mancunian on a regular basis although the upcoming Chrismas festivities slow things down somewhat.

Thanks to the spare parts I got from Neil Yan things are progressing nicely and this coming Saturday I'm sure more progress is being made during

the monthly IPMS modelling afternoon.

If the engines cannot be 3d printed I will make them myself either vacform or solid from Milliput, have done that before in 1/48 so won't be a problem.

Cees

[GusMac]

Hope you've got good gear legs Cees. Solid Milliput engines sound heavy at this scale. At least you've only got 2 not 4!

[Wingco57]

I know, hollow printed parts would be the best option, but as the legs were sturdy enough to support the Lancaster prototype with 4 engines, the span is less and less engines so should work out. If Milliput is too heavy then vacformed basis shapes are an option.

I hope.