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Post by The Kernel on Jul 6, 2019 9:04:00 GMT
Expectations were high after watching a few pre-release videos and a TV programme following the development of this kit. Reality kicks in pretty quickly though!!
The stressed panels are beautifully done and the instruction book is a work of art, but the moulding is not Tamiya standard which after all these years Airfix should be up there with the big guys. I have started the engine build and the cylinder rows go together perfectly but the fit onto the crankcase is not good. This is not round and consequently the pushrod rings, intake manifold and cylinder rings need a bit of fettling to slide on. Not what I expect for a high-end kit. There are heavy moulding lines on the intake pipes and the fit of these from the manifold to the cylinder heads is poor. Each pair has to be made to fit.
The fuselage is impressive but the halves to not fit along their whole length, not far off but............
that's as far as I've got, I'll post some pics later.
I know it's early days but I remember having similar issues with Airfix large scale plane kits.
bill
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Post by Ian H. on Jul 6, 2019 13:49:11 GMT
That will be an incredible build. It's massive just in 1/48th Scale!!
Best wishes,
Ian
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Post by Paul B on Jul 6, 2019 13:55:03 GMT
Waiting for pics Bill  |
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Post by Boots on Jul 6, 2019 16:28:46 GMT
Looks like ya got ya work cut out then Bill but a man of your caliber shouldn`t have any probs |
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Post by SteveM on Jul 6, 2019 18:09:32 GMT
Looking forward to seeing the pics fella.
There was a TV documentary on TV by James May that looked at Airfix and the fella that built the Telford Hellcat was featured, he found the kit needed ‘a bit’ of work...
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Post by The Kernel on Jul 7, 2019 17:04:08 GMT
Ian,Paul,Boots and Steve, thanks for the interest hopefully I will finish this Hellcat!!!!!!! Steve, I saw that programme and thought this would show the competition how well Airfix could do, I am disappointed but on the whole it is a pretty good kit of a fabulous aircraft and I suppose its shortcomings (my opinion) allow me to correct what I perceive as wrong as I see fit. At least it's not a kit just to stick together, it will require a bit of work. I started with the engine and there are some issues here as I said previously. The exhaust pipes are going to take a bit of cleaning up, quite a lot of moulding lines (see pic). I have got as far as these and that is all the wiring done except for the HT clamps fitted to each pair and the two magnetos and their cables. Once that is done weathering can start. The undercarriage oleos have the hydraulic hose moulded on which is poor form and they are going to be tricky to remove but that's another day! here are a few pics. I have included one of a long forgotten shelf queen, why I stopped building this I have no idea I seem to remember this Typhoon had some moulding and fit issues also but I will see if I can build both kits in tandem. bill          |
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Post by SteveM on Jul 7, 2019 17:12:21 GMT
You’re a brave man buddy! The Typhoon and Hellcat in tandem build! :`
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Post by The Kernel on Jul 7, 2019 17:14:53 GMT
Well that's the plan Steve...................gulp!!  bill |
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Post by Boots on Jul 7, 2019 17:33:07 GMT
I like plans.........`specially big ones , great bit of engine work there matey and the Typhoon looks the dawgs  |
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Post by Paul B on Jul 7, 2019 17:42:41 GMT
That engine looks darned fine already Bill  . Shame about the misalignment on the fuselage though  , but I reckon you'll sort that out  . |
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Post by The Kernel on Jul 14, 2019 13:51:28 GMT
Boots, Paul thanks for that guys!!!!!!! small update, built the engine and tried a dry fit. Not so happy with the weathering at present, will just have to do better!!! thanks for having a spy!!!! bill   |
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Post by Paul B on Jul 14, 2019 14:13:05 GMT
Bill that looks darned fine to me Sir . I love the exhausts specially  |
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Post by Boots on Jul 14, 2019 14:30:02 GMT
Gotta agree with Paul Bill.......that engine looks mighty tasty fella |
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Post by SteveM on Jul 14, 2019 16:49:34 GMT
Looking darned good from here fella! B)
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Post by Snipersmudge on Jul 14, 2019 17:21:43 GMT
Looks the dogs swingers to me mate |
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Post by Ian H. on Jul 14, 2019 22:38:37 GMT
That looks really good, especially the weathering on the pipes.
Regards,
Ian
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Post by Marco on Jul 15, 2019 12:02:45 GMT
Great work so far! Looks fantastic!
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Post by Robbo on Jul 18, 2019 20:32:34 GMT
Very nice, big task to take on these two. Read a lot about this Hellcat and not struck on getting one
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Post by The Kernel on Jul 19, 2019 13:22:22 GMT
Cheers guys, your comments are very welcome!!!!! I have had more fit problems but nothing that the old angle grinder and flame torch wont sort!!!!!!!
bill
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Post by Paul B on Jul 19, 2019 14:06:20 GMT
Ah yes, the good ole angle grinder and flame torch |
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, but I reckon you'll sort 
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