[strengthening spar on Mosquito fuselage]

I'm still not sure what area you're talking about, but, if it's the (alleged) "raised strip" over the fuselage, just forward of the t/e of the wing, be aware that it wasn't always there, in fact it's possible to find dozens of photographs without even a hint of it. That is probably why Airfix didn't include it, and I should also point out that it didn't (doesn't) appear in the original drawings, done for Model Aeronautical Press, back around 1960, when they still had many original airframes to look at. Looking at photos, where it is visible, I'd estimate it to be about the thickness of a piece of paper, in 1/24 scale.

Being wooden, most of the Mosquito was glued together, with large flat sheets (as on the wings) held down, as well, by hundreds of countersunk screws, with any dimples filled with Titanine stopper, then sanded smooth. The fuselage halves were covered in strips of wood, laid at a 45 degree angle, then clamped in place, while the glue dried; small holes were drilled in the wood, to allow any excess glue to ooze out, while under pressure.

When assembled, the areas were covered with Madapolam (a high-quality Egyptian cotton,) or Irish linen (on areas like the wing l/e,) which was pulled tight, by hand, while (at least) two coats of red, or clear, dope were brushed on, again by hand. This pulling and doping process was a tricky operation, since there had to be no creases, and, if there was the slightest possibility of a raised area (like the strengthening band, if it wasn't fitted accurately,) it would show up very easily. Two, or four, coats of silver followed, then the camouflage colours, so perhaps you'll understand why we get a mite peeved, when modellers talk of pre-shading that particular airframe.

Edgar

Thanks again Edgar, I appreciate your imput and interesting information, more to ponder..thanks again.

[strengthening spar on Mosquito fuselage]

Herman

 

According to all the plans that I have, the strengthening strip works out in 1/24 scale to 4mm wide, the rear edge is 44mm from the wing trailing edge.

 

Regarding the Sky type 's'. Totally agree with Phil. Forget Humbrol, WEM is the way to go.

 

HTH

Chris

Thanks Chris..you are a star for letting me know the scale etc, much appreciated, sorry for the delay in getting back to you.

I dont suppose you know if the spar had visible bolts/rivets? why was it added to later mossies? Thanks again.

[strengthening spar on Mosquito fuselage]

Hi Herman, are you talking about the stiffener running lengthwise along the right-hand side of the fuselage just below and aft of the trailing edge of the wing or the two vertical straps on either side under the wing root that run up from the fore and aft edges of the bomb/cannon breach access doors or something else again?

 

Rgds Brent

Thanks Brent, the one that runs up (vertically)the fusalage nr wing tips.

[strengthening spar on Mosquito fuselage]

Morning.

 

If you are referring to the raised area that runs around the top of the fuse at the wing trailing edge then its certainly molded on the old 1/32 Revell kit and is also there on all the plans that I've seen.

As to why its not on the Airfix kit then I simply don't know.

To replicate it I would get some plastic tube such as Evergreen which is pretty soft cut it in half lengthways (prolly be easier to sand it) then sand the flat edge leaving the rounded profile until its the correct profile and wrap it around the fuse.

 

As regards what or what is not Sky then that is the great debate!

I am currently building a Hurricane and this was a separate thread on the subject of Sky: http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?showtopic=30919

 

I wouldn't bother with humbrol.

Get some White Ensign "Sky type S". If you thinks its a bit dark for you then lighten it to what you feel looks right.

 

 

Phil

Thanks Phil, another step closer!

[75 Sqn RNZAF Mosquito Detailed Build]

I am sure it will be awsome...great kit ..I have had a few problems but am no expert, thanks for all the help you have put my way..enjoy!

[strengthening spar on Mosquito fuselage]

Morning.

 

If you are referring to the raised area that runs around the top of the fuse at the wing trailing edge then its certainly molded on the old 1/32 Revell kit and is also there on all the plans that I've seen.

As to why its not on the Airfix kit then I simply don't know.

To replicate it I would get some plastic tube such as Evergreen which is pretty soft cut it in half lengthways (prolly be easier to sand it) then sand the flat edge leaving the rounded profile until its the correct profile and wrap it around the fuse.

 

As regards what or what is not Sky then that is the great debate!

I am currently building a Hurricane and this was a separate thread on the subject of Sky: http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?showtopic=30919

 

I wouldn't bother with humbrol.

Get some White Ensign "Sky type S". If you thinks its a bit dark for you then lighten it to what you feel looks right.

 

 

Phil

Thanks Phill for the information .

[Humbrol colour reference chart.]

I have a mix chart for humbrol paints it is really useful I got it on http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/colourcharts/stuff_eng_colorcharts_humbrolbinder.htm

One is a list of the humbrol range and other make alternatives and another shows the humbrol mix for many other airforce colours.

It is listed as Colour Reference Charts-Humbrol Colour System Binder<

 

It lists Sky type s as: 160*HU34(flat white) + 5*HU101 (mid green) +4*HU99(lemon) +1*HU60 (matt scarlet)

I have not mixed it yet,I am not sure what the asterisk stands for..do they mean 160 parts flat white plus 5 parts etc ?

There is no key to explain. Anyway I hope this is useful for someone..and maybe someone will know what quantities to mix?

[strengthening spar on Mosquito fuselage]

plodding along with the Airfix Mosquito kit..noticed that alot of the mosquito images that I have seen show a spar on the fusalage?(nr wings).

The kit does not provide this..I would like to put one on..can anyone help ..do I have to make one?

 

The colour Sky type s..anyone know if it is available? or a humbrol mixing ratio?

 

Thanks if anyone can help..