Derek B Posted February 14, 2007 Share Posted February 14, 2007 Hi Guys, After all of the conversation on decicated scratch building forums, let's see how this thing is going to turn out? I have decided to scratch build, over a long period, a 1/24 scale P-61B Northrop Black Widow, Why you may ask?...good question...I wish I new the answer myself . Seriously though, I have three very good reasons for tackling this subject, which shall be a 'one-off' exercise only, for my benefit: 1) To see if it is possible to make such a beast in this scale. 2) The challenge of having to make it without recourse to using specialist tools or skills. The idea is to use only every day hand tools and modelling materials only. This should help those (and me!) to develop what skills they already possess via the experience. 3) It's my favourite aircraft, and I want a big Widow! So, with the above in mind, I have made a tentative start. Derek PS The P-47 is 1/32 scale, just for size comparisons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek B Posted February 14, 2007 Author Share Posted February 14, 2007 The first job was to use some thick drawing foil material (a sort of thick plastic tracing paper like material) to trace the outline of the central crew nacelle/pod. As the outline is approx' 1mm thick, I only traced inside the outline, leaving me a 1mm skinning allowence. The tracing was then carefully cut out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimRice Posted February 14, 2007 Share Posted February 14, 2007 --> QUOTE(derek B @ Feb 14 2007, 01:08 AM) 105739[/snapback] ......over a long period..... So what exactly constitutes a "long period"? I've been working on my Pitts for at least 22 years. I am finally painting, but with the lack of sucssess I've been having, you might still beat me!!!! Good luck. I look forward to see it here on LSP. Regards, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek B Posted February 14, 2007 Author Share Posted February 14, 2007 The outline shape is then pinned onto a block dense plastic foam (I have no idea what it is, other than that it is very similar to the 'Oasis' type foam used for displaying flowers!). The outline of the crew nacelle is then drawn around it with a fine indelible felt marker pen on both sides. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek B Posted February 14, 2007 Author Share Posted February 14, 2007 Thanks Jim...How long is a piece of string? I have very limited time for my own modelling in between making master patterns for all sorts of model companies, and my training officer duties with the Air Cadets, however, I shall attempt to keep it going when I can. Cheers Derek --><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(derek B @ Feb 14 2007, 01:08 AM) 105739[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> ......over a long period..... So what exactly constitutes a "long period"? I've been working on my Pitts for at least 22 years. I am finally painting, but with the lack of sucssess I've been having, you might still beat me!!!! Good luck. I look forward to see it here on LSP. Regards, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek B Posted February 14, 2007 Author Share Posted February 14, 2007 Other side marked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek B Posted February 14, 2007 Author Share Posted February 14, 2007 Basic shape roughed out in profile using a wood cutting X-Acto saw blade (this stuff cuts like butter with this...actually, probably more like melted margarine!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek B Posted February 14, 2007 Author Share Posted February 14, 2007 Final pic for now showing the traced outline on the foam, and the 1/32 P-47 again for comparison (don't forget, this is only the Widow's centre fuselage, it's much larger and longer when you add both of the tail booms...and as for the plan view of the thing, well, you'll get a shock :lol:). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Paul Budzik Posted February 14, 2007 Share Posted February 14, 2007 Hey, I was wondering the same thing as Jim. I thought you were supposed to be doing patterns. Seriously, good luck, Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rafael Winter Posted February 14, 2007 Share Posted February 14, 2007 wow... I love it this will inspire me to start my big scratchbuildings projects too...I think so cheers Rafael Winter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest UMIRESIN Posted February 14, 2007 Share Posted February 14, 2007 Lawdy Derek ! ! That things gonna be huge . The "Widow " is one of my all time favorites when it comes to twin engined jobs closely followed by the JU-88 family tho I admit a soft spot for that little tank busting Henshel . I bought a flight simulator , and I have a ball during my " bored " time flying the P-61 . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impatient Pete Posted February 14, 2007 Share Posted February 14, 2007 Plug on brother! You will learn much. Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCote Posted February 14, 2007 Share Posted February 14, 2007 So it begins! Good luck, Derek, I'm rooting for you and expect that this project will be a learning experience for many of us. Jean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Watters Posted February 14, 2007 Share Posted February 14, 2007 This is going to be fun to watch. I don't have a 1/32 P-47 to offer a scale comparison, so can you use something else, like a house? Good luck with it all. Regards Don Watters Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcauchi Posted February 14, 2007 Share Posted February 14, 2007 What an undertaking Derek, I shall really be watching this. I have been wanting to scratchbuild something for ages, just don;t have the time, I have the motivation but not the time. That is a lovely project you are doing. The Widow is such a beauty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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