Alex CL-215 Posted November 5, 2016 Share Posted November 5, 2016 Good day all, This is my first posting here with a model (in WIP). I am still struggling with the image servers and the posting, so bare with me... (sorry for some of the pics captions only in french, but "the pics worth a thousand words" ) ;-) This is the (very) old Airfix kit of the BAC Canberra which I converted into the US licensed Martin B-57A. This acft was operated by the US Govt ESSA agency (as presented here) before becoming the NOAA and changing livery. The following modifications were made to improve the look, but I am not looking for full accuracy (that would require way too much work with this base, and knowledge on the subject which I don't have...) : - The whole model was engraved based on various dwgs found on the net. Note that the Martin wings are a bit different than BAC ones. - Cockpit - Completely scratchbuilt since the Airfix parts were more of a joke than model parts (except the yoke). I used Pavla resin seats which were painted and weathered. - Nose cone - The typical ESSA/NOAA radar (weather ?) was resin casted out of a glass tube spices container, then puttied over once installed to give it its conical shape. - Wheel wells - The "empty caves" were detailled using Evergreen strips inspired from existing resin sets from various suppliers. (I later discovered that the Martin wings implies some variation on the wheel bays structure depending on the model (ie WB-57 longer wings) - Landing gears - The NLG was modified to represent Martin's version and accomodate wheels taken from Harrier kit. The MLG molded with the main doors were kept but sidebrace and actuator were detailled using plastic strips and brass rods. The main wheels were heavily modified since the hubs are much different than the british Canberra ones. Since I already f'd-up twice the posting, I will hold the rest of the completion on a response post later on. Thanks for your understanding ! Regards Alex CL-215 Forever Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kurnass77 Posted November 5, 2016 Share Posted November 5, 2016 Wow just wow! Great scratch skill here! I will follow,as I love the B-57 variants! Gianni Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hajo L. Posted November 5, 2016 Share Posted November 5, 2016 Looking really great! Please don´t wait with your next WP-posting! HAJO Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Thommo Posted November 5, 2016 Share Posted November 5, 2016 That is fantastic work, looking forward to more. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dekon70 Posted November 5, 2016 Share Posted November 5, 2016 This is a great looking build! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Alex CL-215 Posted November 6, 2016 Author Share Posted November 6, 2016 Hello all, First, thank you guys for your kind comments. Here is the rest of the detailled build. - Engine intakes were improved using homemade resin inserts. The first compressor stage was made out of a resin copy of the Revell RJ85 fan disc. Note that on the US version, there are only 4 struts on the intake, plus the one for starter cartridge exhaust (not shown here). Note seen here, but the engine exhaust were replaced by styrene tubing thinned and cut to dimensions). The insert was installed and some cut-outs had been be done to accomodate it. The scoop underneath is made from a piece of square tube and shaped using Bondo putty. For the assembly of the wings to the fuselage, I had this idea (bad) to paint the fuselage alone, add the wings (primed) and paint the wings only at the end. Well, as usual... it did not work out as planned... After mating the wings on the jig, I realized the whole tail was twisted !!! (Thanks Airfix...) So I took the micro-saw out and cut thru the meat... (handle is removed for clarity) So, I installed few sturdy plastic strips to be able to center the tail back in place... After the graft, I had to take the model back into the paint booth, for touch up of the affected areas and finish off the wings paint. The paint is mainly Aluminum and White rattle cans (from Krylon), while various Alclad were used for aluminum shadings. Then It was time for decals (sorry no pictures as I was in a rush to finish the model in due time). Decals are home made and laser printed on clear decal paper. (Wally from Oz (the P-3 Roadrunner guy), contact me off the board as I have the decals for you). Next update will be the completed model in the display section of the forum. Thanks for your time ! Alex CL-215 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Major Walt Posted November 13, 2016 Share Posted November 13, 2016 Beautiful work! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.