forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Squiffy on August 17, 2015, 07:02:05 AM

Title: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Squiffy on August 17, 2015, 07:02:05 AM
After seeing DannyVM's superb WNW 1/32 scale R.E8, and after missing out on buying one of those, I have pulled this from the stash. I bought it at Telford, last year, for the bargain price of Three Pounds Sterling.  :)

Looks like an early 1980s issue.
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/Harry_Tate-001.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/Harry_Tate-001.jpg.html)

What did I get for my 3 quid?
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/Harry_Tate-002.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/Harry_Tate-002.jpg.html)
A very old and basic kit, dating from 1958! Lots to do do make it acceptable to my own admittedly low standards.

And they're off!
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/Harry_Tate-003.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/Harry_Tate-003.jpg.html)
Sanding the prominent wing ribs...
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Des on August 17, 2015, 07:39:19 AM
Great to see one of these old Airfix kit re-surface Squiffy and in your very capable hands I'm sure it will turn into a real gem of a model, looking forward to following along with your build, it will be interesting.

Des.
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: RAGIII on August 17, 2015, 07:40:46 AM
Squiffy, I am looking forward to following your build. Nice start!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: GAJouette on August 17, 2015, 11:40:43 AM
 Squiffy,
Alright, alright my favorite ancient Airfix kit! I'm looking forward to following this project thread my friend.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: IanB on August 17, 2015, 12:11:34 PM
Looking forward to seeing what you can do with this one....you've taken on a big challenge!

Ian
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: lcarroll on August 17, 2015, 12:43:53 PM
   I did this one as a 14 year old or so when it first came out! Looks about the same as I recall, have fun Squiffy, and I'll be following along "for old times sake"!
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Nigel Jackson on August 17, 2015, 07:57:21 PM
I am so looking forward to this build, Squiffy. Good luck with it.

Best wishes
Nigel
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Squiffy on August 19, 2015, 12:36:18 AM
Break out the drills and files!
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/Stuff2/Harry_Tate-006.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/Stuff2/Harry_Tate-006.jpg.html)
By comparing photos in my previous post you'll notice that the lower planes on the kit parts are solid where they join the fuselage but there should in fact be openings here. To make these I drilled a sequence of holes and then cut with a Stanley knife to link them up. Files and sandpaper were used to smooth the openings and to thin the trailing edges.

The plane/fuselage joint is going to take some filling...
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/Stuff2/Harry_Tate-007.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/Stuff2/Harry_Tate-007.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: coyotemagic on August 19, 2015, 01:15:32 AM
Excellent work, Squiffy!  I've been inspired by, first Danny's then, yours to the point where I've hauled my Aeroclub RE8 out of the stash and place her next in the queue. 
Having the WNW instructions to work from makes for an interesting build.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: DannyVM on August 19, 2015, 03:47:52 AM
These old Airfix kit's are a real joy to see. 1/72 isn't really my favorite scale, but i am always curious how they turn out. So, for this build i will give myself a seat on the first row, and enjoy you're work.

Greetz

Danny
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Des on August 19, 2015, 08:09:35 AM
Nice work with the bottom wing modifications Squiffy, looking forward to seeing more updates.

Des.
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: pietro on August 19, 2015, 01:28:11 PM
Squiffy, this is going to be great. There was a squadron of these doing combat with the Revell  Albatroses handing from my bedroom ceiling, all lovingly crafted with high gloss (non-drying) Testors paint and rigged with extra fuzzy thread. I was so proud.

Pietro
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: RAGIII on August 19, 2015, 10:51:58 PM
Squiffy,
Terrific work on the wing root openings. Coming along nicely!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Squiffy on August 20, 2015, 12:19:59 AM
Thanks for the encouraging words, chaps.  :)

Altering the fuselage.
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/Harry_Tate-004.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/Harry_Tate-004.jpg.html)
There is no interior whatsoever, save for a couple of moulded tags for the crew figures to sit on.

(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/Stuff2/Harry-Tate--008.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/Stuff2/Harry-Tate--008.jpg.html)
Holes filled and some paint applied to the interior. In the foreground is a piece of plasticard that I have shaped to be the dash panel.

Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Squiffy on August 20, 2015, 06:26:23 AM
An evening's work and Harry now has an interior.
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/Stuff2/Harry-Tate--009.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/Stuff2/Harry-Tate--009.jpg.html)
The framing and floor is made from strips cut from a sheet of plasticard and the observer's seat is also plasticard that was punched out using a paper punch.

The pilot's seat is a spare part from another kit and the dashboard (in previous post) is now covered by a computer printout that was drawn in Photoshop and printed on my PC's inkjet printer.
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: RAGIII on August 20, 2015, 07:49:06 AM
Really nice work on the interior Squiffy! You are moving along at your usual lightning pace!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Des on August 20, 2015, 08:01:26 AM
Excellent work on the interior detailing Squiffy, from nothing to an amazing looking cockpit, well done.

Des.
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Nigel Jackson on August 20, 2015, 08:17:53 AM
Blimey, Squiffy, that's really nice. What a great start you've made. So you decided on balance that RE8s were unlikely to take to the air with "Airfix" and "1958" stamped on the fuselage interior?

Best wishes
Nigel
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: radio on August 20, 2015, 09:44:52 PM
Very good work, Squiffy.
Cheers
Martin
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: coyotemagic on August 21, 2015, 01:15:28 AM
Excellent interior work, Squiffy.  You're moving right along on this baby.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Squiffy on August 21, 2015, 05:56:40 AM
More progress...
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/Stuff2/Harry-Tate--010.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/Stuff2/Harry-Tate--010.jpg.html)
Planes painted and a replacement propeller found and painted (kit propeller on right). Bombs from Roden Camel kits.

(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/Stuff2/Harry-Tate--011.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/Stuff2/Harry-Tate--011.jpg.html)
Kit machine guns top, replacements below. The Vickers is a spare from the HR Models Hanriot HD1 kit and the Lewis a spare from the Roden Felixstowe.

There is no representation of the Scarff ring in the kit, so I'll have to make something from plasticard.
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Ernie on August 21, 2015, 06:14:27 AM
Good work, Squiffy!  Quite an undertaking and you have
already done terrific improvements.  Looking forward to
the next updates. :D

Cheers,
Ernie :)
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: lcarroll on August 21, 2015, 08:20:50 AM
    With the addition of all those replacement parts you have a real winner in the making, Squiffy. The basic Kit is OK, and the details you are building in along with the upgrades are making this into a spectacular little gem! All this for a little over $6 Canadian and a trip to the spares box, nicely done. 8)
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: pepperman42 on August 21, 2015, 08:55:23 AM
Moving along nicely!!!

Steve
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Squiffy on August 21, 2015, 10:45:43 PM
Modifications to the engine area...
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/Stuff2/Harry-Tate--013.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/Stuff2/Harry-Tate--013.jpg.html)
Airfix neglected to mould the bulge that houses the carbuettors...

(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/Stuff2/Harry-Tate--012.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/Stuff2/Harry-Tate--012.jpg.html)
So I'm making it out of laminated plasticard, sanded and filed. It needs more work to get the shape right.
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Des on August 22, 2015, 07:19:01 AM
When this kit described as a basic kit it is an apt description, the modifications that you are doing Squiffy will turn this model into a real gem.

Des.
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Beto on August 22, 2015, 10:32:41 AM
Great work on this old kit!!!! - I don't know if you are aware of it, but Mini World makes really nice Lewis and Vickers machine guns and a scarf ring in 1/72. Please see here:

http://www.internetmodeler.com/scalemodels/aviation/Mini-World-1-72-Machine-Guns-Part-2.php (http://www.internetmodeler.com/scalemodels/aviation/Mini-World-1-72-Machine-Guns-Part-2.php)
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: radio on August 23, 2015, 04:17:08 AM
The plane Comes very nicely along.
Cheers
Martin
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: GAJouette on August 23, 2015, 05:55:19 AM
 Squiffy,
Wow what beautiful gem in the making my friend.I fully expect the finished project to just awesome!
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Squiffy on August 23, 2015, 07:20:30 AM
Great work on this old kit!!!! - I don't know if you are aware of it, but Mini World makes really nice Lewis and Vickers machine guns and a scarf ring in 1/72. Please see here:

http://www.internetmodeler.com/scalemodels/aviation/Mini-World-1-72-Machine-Guns-Part-2.php (http://www.internetmodeler.com/scalemodels/aviation/Mini-World-1-72-Machine-Guns-Part-2.php)

Thank you. I was not aware of them. I have already begun to make a ring from plastic but now I'm tempted... If I were also to get the brass Vickers gun I could mount it by soldering two brass wire brackets to it, instead of simply gluing it to the fuselage.

Of course if I'm going to the expense of buying guns that cost probably 4 or 5 times the price of the kit itself I'm going to have to make control horns and put all the control wires in...

I must be nuts. :o
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: IanB on August 23, 2015, 10:30:13 AM
...and correct the rear fuselage, and the wingtips,  and the cockpit openings.....etc. etc....   ;-)

Ian
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Beto on August 23, 2015, 11:27:22 AM
Eduard offers PE control horns and turnbuckles (not sure if that term is correct for flat RAF wires) in 1/72
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: ALBATROS1234 on August 23, 2015, 06:00:09 PM
you could do this

http://air.scale-model-kits.com/products/Lewis-Mk-II-machine-gun-on-Scarf-ring-mount-MINI7208.html
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Squiffy on August 24, 2015, 06:31:01 AM
...and correct the rear fuselage, and the wingtips,  and the cockpit openings.....etc. etc....   ;-)

Ian

But you have to draw the line somewhere...  :-\

(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/Stuff2/Harry-Tate--016.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/Stuff2/Harry-Tate--016.jpg.html)
Footstep added. This was a left over PE part from some other kit. Home-made Scarff ring fitted. This may yet be replaced...

(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/Stuff2/Harry-Tate--014.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/Stuff2/Harry-Tate--014.jpg.html)
Engine cylinder banks in place and holes drilled in the nose.

(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/Stuff2/Harry-Tate--015.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/Stuff2/Harry-Tate--015.jpg.html)
Highlighted spars and what have you.
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Des on August 24, 2015, 07:27:19 AM
Really starting to take shape now Squiffy, your attention to the cockpit detail stands out beautifully and was well worth the effort.

Des.
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Old Man on August 24, 2015, 08:23:40 AM
Nice to see another one of these being given some treatment, Sir.

I did one myself a while back:

http://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=3398.msg57487#msg57487
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: radio on August 24, 2015, 09:28:54 AM
The model comes very nice together.
Cheers
Martin
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: IanB on August 24, 2015, 01:35:11 PM
Looking good Squiffy! Indeed you do have to draw the line somewhere - the problem is, where? Especially with this kit!

Ian
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Squiffy on August 31, 2015, 02:21:49 AM
A few more small parts added.
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/Stuff2/Harry_Tate--017.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/Stuff2/Harry_Tate--017.jpg.html)
I made an Aldis sight from 1mm plastic rod and mounted it on brass wire brackets. The Vickers gun is now fitted and is also mounted on brass wire brackets.

I'm not at all happy with that Scarff ring - it'll have to come off.  >:(

The struts have been thinned in readiness for the big push to get the top plane fitted.
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: RAGIII on August 31, 2015, 04:03:19 AM
LOOKING GREAT! Your added details are really making a difference!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Des on August 31, 2015, 09:29:41 AM
It gets better and better with each step you take, well done.

Des.
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: radio on August 31, 2015, 08:24:54 PM
Very good progress, Squiffy.
Cheers
Martin
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Ernie on September 01, 2015, 06:35:43 PM
Very nice work, Squiffy!

Cheers,
Ernie :)
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Culi on September 02, 2015, 05:01:22 AM
Great job so far. I am following
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Squiffy on September 02, 2015, 06:04:18 PM
I have made significant progress on this old kite. Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures...

(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/Stuff2/Harry_Tate-018.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/Stuff2/Harry_Tate-018.jpg.html)
King posts made from plasticard and fitted to the upper planes. The Scarff ring that I made from plasticard was removed, widened, thinned down and re-fitted. The other parts of the gun mount were made from brass wire, plastic rod and nylon stocking.

The exhausts have been fitted. Mounting the exhausts directly onto the engine, as per the kit instructions, left the tops below the level of the upper plane so I made short headers, from plastic rod, to stand the manifolds away from the cylinder heads.

(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/Stuff2/Harry_Tate-019.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/Stuff2/Harry_Tate-019.jpg.html)
Most of the rigging is now in place, as is the landing gear. The kit landing struts were retained and modified but the axle was thrown away and new parts made from plasticard and brass wire.
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: radio on September 02, 2015, 11:01:08 PM
Very great work,
Cheers
Martin
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: lcarroll on September 02, 2015, 11:11:45 PM
    Great update Squiffy, lots of progress in a short time as usual! I really like the revised Scarff Ring and gun mount details, lovely detail work in such a small scale. As someone has already remarked, doesn't look at all like the one I built decades ago! :o
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: RAGIII on September 03, 2015, 12:52:09 AM
Squiffy,
Your RE8 is really looking Great! The rigging is awesome! Outstanding looking OLD BUS!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Des on September 03, 2015, 08:14:36 AM
A great update Squiffy, the rigging is very well done and looks fantastic and the work you did on the scarff ring is excellent, overall the model is looking extremely good.

Des,
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Cajun on September 03, 2015, 09:58:35 AM
Excellent Squif!
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: coyotemagic on September 03, 2015, 12:32:10 PM
Very fine work, Squiff!  She's shaping up brilliantly.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Squiffy on September 07, 2015, 03:23:53 AM
Thanks again, chaps.

Well, she's finished and it has been a really enjoyable build. Turning such a basic old kit into something half decent has been very interesting.

Final touches are the control rigging, Lewis gun and decals.
(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l5/soddit36/Stuff2/RE8-1.jpg) (http://s92.photobucket.com/user/soddit36/media/Stuff2/RE8-1.jpg.html)

More photos here - http://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=3517.240
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: GAJouette on September 07, 2015, 04:29:57 AM
 Squiffy,
Who says you can turn a sow's ear into a silk purse? Outstanding project my  friend. Well Done!
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: radio on September 07, 2015, 04:47:29 AM
Very great work and paint, Squiffy.
Cheers
Martin
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Des on September 07, 2015, 07:59:41 AM
It looks nothing like the old original Airfix kit, you have turned this into a very stunning looking model, well done and thank you for showing us your methods of improving this kit.

Des.
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: lcarroll on September 07, 2015, 11:41:49 AM
   My sincere compliments Squiffy, that's some very talented and impressive modelling! You've done wonders with a very old and basic Kit, it's a beautiful example of what a love of the Hobby and application can do!
   Simply great work and I enjoyed following your progress.
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: RAGIII on September 07, 2015, 01:19:36 PM
   My sincere compliments Squiffy, that's some very talented and impressive modelling! You've done wonders with a very old and basic Kit, it's a beautiful example of what a love of the Hobby and application can do!
   Simply great work and I enjoyed following your progress.
Cheers,
Lance

Sometimes someone says it all in a perfect way. In this case Lance said it perfectly and I agree 100%
RAGIII
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: IanB on September 07, 2015, 02:59:45 PM
Nicely done, Squiffy. She looks great parked outside the hangar!

Ian
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Thumbs up on September 07, 2015, 09:48:40 PM
That is a thing of beauty Squiffy ! Lovely Jubbly!
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: Ernie on September 07, 2015, 09:54:41 PM
Beautiful job, Squiffy!  Bravo, my friend!

Cheers,
Ernie :)
Title: Re: Airfix "Harry Tate"
Post by: coyotemagic on September 08, 2015, 07:03:57 AM
Absolutely marvelous, Squiffy!  A truly gorgeous RE8 without any scale or age qualifiers.
Cheers,
Bud