forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Squiffy on January 16, 2015, 06:34:37 AM

Title: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Squiffy on January 16, 2015, 06:34:37 AM
Another large bomber (The Zeppelin Staaken build isn't dead, it's merely resting). I've already built an O/400 but I've decided to do another because the first one was probably a bit beyond my skill level at the time of building and I'm sure I can do much better this time.

(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/soddit36135/Airfix-Box.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/soddit36135/Airfix-Box.jpg.html)
It's a very old kit in new packaging. It's the only kit I know of that has the provision for rigging built in and covered in the instructions. There is, however, no provision for the double wires, so I'll still have to drill holes for the second row.

(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/soddit36134/HP-O-002.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/soddit36134/HP-O-002.jpg.html)

(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/soddit36134/HP-O-003.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/soddit36134/HP-O-003.jpg.html)
With the previous build I fitted all of the smaller bombs in the rack but these prevented the lower part of the fuselage from fitting properly. This time I'll be leaving the bombs out and fitting only the single, external, 1650 lb. SN bomb.
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Des on January 16, 2015, 06:40:39 AM
I hope you don't mind Squiffy but I added the scale to the subject heading.

Great to see this kit being built, it is an oldie but does build up to be a nice looking model, what you have done so far on the interior looks excellent, looking forward to seeing this one come together, especially all that rigging  :)

Des.
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: coyotemagic on January 16, 2015, 09:10:09 AM
Oh man, Squiffy!  Really looking forward to this one.  You're off to a great start on the interior.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: xan on January 16, 2015, 09:27:14 AM
nice project! you started very well!
Xan
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Modelnut on January 16, 2015, 09:31:44 AM
The engine mounts and landing gear gave me headaches when I built mine. I wish I had a power sander for the overly done ribs too. All in all it was fun. I know you'll master this bird! Im looking forward to your build!  :)
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: ctefehinoz on January 16, 2015, 09:39:22 AM
Squiffy,
          Wow..I "built" this model 41 years ago if you could call it "built" ;D..what you've done thus far boggles the mind and puts a whole different perspective on things. :o


Regards
Sean
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: RAGIII on January 16, 2015, 02:16:06 PM
Squiffy,
Terrific start! Looks great so far! I actually built one of these when I was about 16. It didn't have any resemblance to what yours looks like  ::)
RAGIII
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Dirigible-Al on January 17, 2015, 04:32:46 AM
Well Done Squiffy
I am going to love seeing this one done.
Alan.
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Royston on January 17, 2015, 08:30:44 AM
Hi squiffy,
guy at my club has been trying to talk me into building this kit, I have too much on so I will enjoy your build instead.

Great work so far

Roy
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Squiffy on January 20, 2015, 07:56:16 AM
I was busy with other things over the weekend, so haven't touched it until this evening. Two parts appeared to be missing - one of the cones from an engine nacelle, and one of the nacelle supports. I found the cone but it had been trodden on yet was repairable. The support has definitely gone AWOL so I've improvised, using plastic strip.

(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/soddit36137/HP-O-004.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/soddit36137/HP-O-004.jpg.html)

(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/soddit36137/HP-O-005.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/soddit36137/HP-O-005.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Des on January 20, 2015, 08:02:55 AM
Nice recovery with the repairs to the engine cone and a little bit of scratch building for the support solved your other issue, well done.

Des.
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: stefanbuss on January 20, 2015, 09:40:59 PM
Quote
I've decided to do another because the first one was probably a bit beyond my skill level at the time of building and I'm sure I can do much better this time.

I like your approach to things very much. And nice repair, btw.

Stefan
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: PrzemoL on January 20, 2015, 10:06:24 PM
Very fine build, Squiffy. I will be watching it with great interest.
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: malaula on January 20, 2015, 10:25:01 PM
Hi Squiffy,are you gonna sand down the wings ?
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Squiffy on January 21, 2015, 04:52:12 AM
Only to thin down the trailing edges. There's enough sanding to be done just to make some of the parts fit and remove flash and moulding lines.
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Squiffy on January 22, 2015, 09:30:47 PM
It's progressing nicely.
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/soddit36139/HPO.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/soddit36139/HPO.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: RAGIII on January 23, 2015, 12:36:14 AM
Looking great Squiffy! You are moving right along as always!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Squiffy on January 23, 2015, 07:00:21 AM
This evening's progress.
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/soddit36140/HPO-006.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/soddit36140/HPO-006.jpg.html)
Propellers and radiators are painted and ready to fit, the central section of the uppper wing is now fitted and rigged, and the engines are in place.

One thing I forgot to do is to cut a triangular section out of the outer trailing edges (to be replaced with scratched parts) where the wings fold back. It's going to be difficult to do this now, so I'm unsure whether to attempt it.
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Des on January 23, 2015, 07:23:38 AM
This is starting to take shape very nicely, and quickly. Even though the cut-outs in the wings are very important I don't think many people will notice them not being there, just don't tell anyone  :) :) ;) :)

Des.
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: andonio64 on January 23, 2015, 11:49:14 PM
This is a very interesting build log, I have the same kit and will build it one day, so you are opening the trail which I will follow for sure! ;-)

It appears strange to me that the center section of the upper wing goes in place and is rigged before the whole upper wing gets assembled... but probably it is the only way to go... is it?

I'll follow you very closely!

Ciao

Antonio
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Squiffy on January 24, 2015, 02:19:58 AM
It appears strange to me that the center section of the upper wing goes in place and is rigged before the whole upper wing gets assembled... but probably it is the only way to go... is it?

Hi, Antonio. It's not the only way to go but I think it's the best. Each wing upper wing is made from a top and a bottom piece, including the centre section that is also made in the same way. If you were to assemble the whole top wing as one and then attach it to the lower, and lower centre, it would make rigging the model difficult, not to mention the difficulty of slotting all the struts into their holes in one operation.

The instructions indicate that the wing assemblies (left and right, outboard of the engines) should be built up and rigged before fitting to the centre sections but I'm not going to do that as any distortion that comes about in fitting the outer sections will upset the rigging and could leave some of it slack.

I'm going to fit and glue the rigging into the lower part of the upper wings and then close the upper wings by fitting their upper surfaces. Then fit the wings to the centre sections and adjust/tighten/glue the rigging before closing the lower wings by fitting their lower surfaces. I know, it does sound complicated but it's easy to understand when you see how the kit is laid out.

I'll get some more pictures later.
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: andonio64 on January 24, 2015, 04:30:26 AM
Hi Squiffy, thanks for the explanation, I am not good at all in setting the top wing matching it with the struts, that is still my main weakness in modeling WW1 planes, that's why I was curious about it.
I understand that there are reasons to proceed as you are doing but I was afraid about a correct alignment of the three parts of the top wing after laying it on the struts that could not be perfectly vertical... wow that is my own nightmare, of course you'll manage it right!  ;)

Ciao

Antonio
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Squiffy on January 24, 2015, 05:13:07 AM
Wing assembly.
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/soddit36141/HPO-001.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/soddit36141/HPO-001.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: IFF1418 on January 24, 2015, 07:27:07 PM
You are doing great and fast Squiffy. Well done and a very interesting build. As always I admire the small scale modelers a lot!

Kind regards
Patrick
 
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: radio on January 24, 2015, 11:51:47 PM
Very nice build until now.
Martin
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Dirigible-Al on January 27, 2015, 04:27:27 AM
bloody hell thats going together quick. Just as well I am not building it.
Alan
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Ian from Doncaster on January 27, 2015, 05:22:05 AM
It appears strange to me that the center section of the upper wing goes in place and is rigged before the whole upper wing gets assembled... but probably it is the only way to go... is it?

Hi, Antonio. It's not the only way to go but I think it's the best. Each wing upper wing is made from a top and a bottom piece, including the centre section that is also made in the same way. If you were to assemble the whole top wing as one and then attach it to the lower, and lower centre, it would make rigging the model difficult, not to mention the difficulty of slotting all the struts into their holes in one operation.

The instructions indicate that the wing assemblies (left and right, outboard of the engines) should be built up and rigged before fitting to the centre sections but I'm not going to do that as any distortion that comes about in fitting the outer sections will upset the rigging and could leave some of it slack.

I'm going to fit and glue the rigging into the lower part of the upper wings and then close the upper wings by fitting their upper surfaces. Then fit the wings to the centre sections and adjust/tighten/glue the rigging before closing the lower wings by fitting their lower surfaces. I know, it does sound complicated but it's easy to understand when you see how the kit is laid out.

I'll get some more pictures later.

I see what you mean - attaching the lower wing lower surfaces after rigging allows you to set the rigging nicely and securely without messing up the lower surface paint, nor having issues with difficult access between the wings after assembly.

The old mold airfix kits can be a nightmare with bad molding, flash etc and need a lot of work to get a decent finish.  I must say, this is excellent so far and I am tempted even more to get this model!
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Squiffy on January 27, 2015, 07:10:27 PM
It's not great, Ian. There has been quite a bit of flash to remove and mould lines on many parts.

One wing fitted and rigged. The tape is there to hold the line whilst the glue goes off.
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/soddit36143/0400-001.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/soddit36143/0400-001.jpg.html)
I've put double lines on the runs that go from the bottom outwards to the top as I can see these on various photos. I can't find any that show double lines going the other way, so I've left them as singles, as I know scouts were rigged this way.
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Des on January 27, 2015, 07:34:12 PM
A lot of the British aircraft had double flying wires and a single landing wire, what you have done is certainly correct.

Des.
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Squiffy on January 29, 2015, 07:08:57 PM
Thanks for confirming that, Des.

Leaving the aircraft for a moment, I have turned my attention to the S.N. (Essen) bomb. As it comes, the fins and tail are one solid piece, with the fins being far too fat. I'm going to make individual fins from plasticard.
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/soddit36144/bomb.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/soddit36144/bomb.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Squiffy on February 02, 2015, 05:56:42 AM
The bomb is ready to fit. Having cut the simple moulded mount from it I made something that looks more like the cradle of the real thing by using plastic strip and brass wire.
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/soddit36145/SN.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/soddit36145/SN.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Des on February 02, 2015, 07:31:32 AM
You did an excellent job on the bomb Squiffy, it will look great on the aeroplane.

Des.
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: RAGIII on February 02, 2015, 11:46:33 AM
Very well done Squiffy!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Squiffy on February 03, 2015, 06:52:49 AM
Thanks, chaps.

The bomb is now in place. All that remains to do on this model are to fit the scarff ring, Lewis guns and decals.
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/soddit36146/SN2.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/soddit36146/SN2.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Handley Page O/400 1:72 scale
Post by: Des on February 03, 2015, 07:23:54 AM
When compared with the aeroplane that is a huge bomb, looking good Squiffy.

Des