Andy T's 1/48 Tamiya Swordfish (Papa 695's Build a Bi-plane GB)

[Andy T]

Thanks to Ian for hosting this GB. It's the first time I've built a biplane so picked a relatively safe kit. It built up really well apart from the pe rigging on the wings, which I just couldn't get right. If I did it again I'd use something flexible like ez line, which won't go wonky as the wings flex.

Thanks for letting me join in and I hope you like the pictures.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Great job Andy. That’s a really good looking build

 

[Waspie]

What can you say - just wow!! Great build - great finish. You have to be chuffed with that Andy.

 

[Mark1]

Very nice, youve certainly done it justice there mate

 

[langy71]

Very nice indeed, really looks the part, those colours are gorgeous, certainly built a stunner ...

 

[Mickc1440]

Wow Andy what a beut

 

[JR]

Has to be

Andy, great work and your painting skill brings the whole thing alive, congratulation.

 

[JayCee]

Very, very nice, Andy.
John.

 

[The Smythe Meister]

NoThanks to Ian for hosting this GB. It's the first time I've built a biplane so picked a relatively safe kit. It built up really well apart from the pe rigging on the wings, which I just couldn't get right. If I did it again I'd use something flexible like ez line, which won't go wonky as the wings flex.

Thanks for letting me join in and I hope you like the pictures.

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Bloody ell, that's amazing Andy...
... Bordering on Witchcraft I'd say!!...
.. Think I'll chuck my entry into the bin after seeing this stunning build!!

 

[peterairfix]

Great build there Andy I can see what you mean about the pe rigging I have a kit with like and I instantly disposed of it and went back to the traditional way

 

[Steve-the-Duck]

Outstanding!

 

[tr1ckey66]

Hi Andy
Your Swordfish is stunning! That’s an incredible result. The paint finish, subtle weathering and rigging are all simply perfect.
Bravo sir!

Cheers
Paul

 

[Andy T]

Thank you so much everyone!

I'll try and reply properly in the morning but I really appreciate all of your amazing comments, and am honoured by the Dog's award

 

[yak face]

Beautiful job andy , a fantastic aircraft with a fascinating history. The paintwork is just superb and the brilliant cockpit is thankfully still very visible . Shame the PE rigging was a pain but you can see why Tamiya did it- the main rigging on the swordfish was actual aerofoil shaped rods not wire cables , just a pity that the PE is still a bit too flexible , they would have been better off supplying steel rods of some sort . Anyways its a fantastic build , i’m sure this will inspire lots of people to get one of these ( i’m very tempted now!) , cheers tony

 

[Andy T]

Thanks Tony.

The more I mull it over the more I think I could have done better.



As you can see, one end of the pe (circled) has a tab to bend so that it fits straight into the holes you have opened out in the wings.

The other end slides in at an angle. I reckon I should have enlarged these holes to allow them to slip in more easily. I had to force them a bit, which I think kinked the stainless steel somewhat.

I'd also leave that end unglued, at least until I had them all in place. Turning the model this way & that to reach the others inevitably caused the wings to flex and lozenge, buckling the ones I'd already fixed. If one end could slide freely that might not have happened.

Too late now but I'm still very happy with it and have learned a lesson for next time (don't be so heavy handed!)

 

[tr1ckey66]

Thanks Tony.

The more I mull it over the more I think I could have done better.

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As you can see, one end of the pe (circled) has a tab to bend so that it fits straight into the holes you have opened out in the wings.

The other end slides in at an angle. I reckon I should have enlarged these holes to allow them to slip in more easily. I had to force them a bit, which I think kinked the stainless steel somewhat.

I'd also leave that end unglued, at least until I had them all in place. Turning the model this way & that to reach the others inevitably caused the wings to flex and lozenge, buckling the ones I'd already fixed. If one end could slide freely that might not have happened.

Too late now but I'm still very happy with it and have learned a lesson for next time (don't be so heavy handed!)

Hi Andy
I’ve heard similar stories about the rigging on the 1/32 Trumpeter kit. The wings do flex when being handled and the etch does have a tendency to ping off. Your experience will serve as a lesson for me when I get to that stage.

I have to say though that this in no way detracts from a simply stunning model. Your Swordfish is very impressive.
Cheers
Paul

 

[Gern]

Beautiful

 

[Andy the Sheep]

A first class build, Andy, and you are far better at rigging than me!

 

[papa 695]

Fantastic work Andy. Thanks for joining in.

 

[Andy T]

Thanks very much gents, and thanks for having me Ian.