Airfix 1/72 Douglas SBD-5

[Bari]

I thought I would put this up as a thread mainly to spur me on to get on with it. I am using it as an attempt to improve it and try new techniques. I bought it in a sale very cheaply so no problem if I muck it up. It has been quite enjoyable so far trying to work out how to do things. The fit of most of the parts is not too bad however the cowl seems to be very wide at the sides as when you look at photo's of the real thing the cowl fits fairly flush to the fuselage sides. So, some photos of the cockpit, and I've managed to open up some of the major slots etc and tart up the wheel wells so far.

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[papa 695]

Looks like some very nice work going on already Barry and on such a small scale will watch this with interest

 

[James Q]

Nice start, will watch with interest.

 

[Bari]

Thanks for the interest chaps. after slapping a bit of paint on the cockpit area I had a rush of blood to the head and decided to put in the flap actuating rods then went and added hinges to the elevators and trim tab actuating rods to the trip tabs. Now my eyes hurt. Time to take some eye medicine, perhaps with a bit of tonic and ice.

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[papa 695]

I think a large Tonic and ice is in order Barry great work

 

[colin m]

Great work Barry, I like to see a bit of extra work going into this scale.

Colin M..

 

[flyjoe180]

I am impressed to see what you are doing with this kit Barry. Look forward to more progress shots soon. This is a kit I have considered building.

 

[Bari]

Just a little bit more, finished off the cockpit and closed it all up. I removed the guns as I am pondering how to do the ammo belts. For an old kit it didn't fit too badly, not a lot of filler was required (so far).

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[Bari]

Just a quick update, I haven't done a lot as there was an executive decision to redecorate the flat ( I thought retirement was supposed to be the time to take it easier). I have attached the wings and tailplane, I was surprised at the fit as very little filler was required, just a light application of Tippex. I have also managed to get a little bit of paint onto the engine and start on the cowl. The exhausts were made from bent stretched sprue. I did try to use cotton bud tube but I must have got the cheap brand as all the tube did was melt. It will be another week or two before I do anything else as I am off to Cornwall at the weekend for a week or so. As we are visiting an elderly relative I can feel a few jobs saved up there as well.

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[flyjoe180]

Some nice work done on the Dauntless, Barry. Look forward to more once you clear your other 'tasks'.

 

[Bari]

Now I have returned from a damp and windy Cornwall (we did have two nice days, and of course the blazing sun in my eyes for the return trip). I have done a little bit more, added the control surfaces and put the cowl on. I have tried to remodel the front as from the photos I have seen the gun muzzles ended at the cowl. Now the cowling in on the exhausts look a bit on the massive side. I am still trying to work out how to the do cartridge belts for the rear guns and also trying to summon up the courage to use the kit canopy to mold something bit thinner.

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[Dave W]

Looks good Barry.Those old Airfix kits make nice models with a bit of work.

 

[flyjoe180]

Nice work Bari, the SBD is coming along nicely.

 

[Bari]

Still gently pottering along. I have started to put a bit of paint on it, as you can see I'm going for the French option regarding the markings. Just a couple of thin coats brushed on at the moment to show up any small niggles.

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[flyjoe180]

The French markings will be unique Bari, nice choice.

 

[Bari]

Just a quick update, decals done and a coat of future to protect them. Just the final assembly to do now, which won't be for a while as today the grandchildren are coming to stay, so things are now on high shelves.

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[papa 695]

Looking very good Bari, and a great idea to put it on an high shelve. looking forward to the finish line now

 

[PaulTRose]

looking good, one ive never done

i like the fact you are doing in french markings, a bit different

 

[colin m]

I too like the different markings. Nice model as well.

 

[Bari]

A little bit more done. I've tried to model the flap jacks using little bits of stretched sprue, (very fiddly). I am still trying to summon up the courage to mold a new canopy as I have never done it before. I will have to do it as putting the little bit of molding over the bulkhead means the kit one doesn't fit anymore. I should have tried the fit earlier.

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