forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

Modelers Lounge => The World of Scale Models => Topic started by: Brad Cancian on February 27, 2020, 05:59:20 PM

Title: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Brad Cancian on February 27, 2020, 05:59:20 PM: Hi all - it looks like my posts got gobbled up from the outage a week or two back; I only just realised my thread disapeared..! So... here's some pics again.

I am currently building the old Lindberg Bristol Bulldog; it's an old kit of 1960s vintage and needs alot of TLC, including complete rework of all of the external surfaces, a scratchbuilt cockpit, new engine, etc etc... I have a full build thread over at Britmodeller (here - https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235065227-wip-148-lindberg-bristol-bulldog/ ), but here are a smattering of progress pics for those interested.

(https://i.imgur.com/5o8PWxZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9kZd1nu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GLcuTax.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0WdMpM3.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/94ijEpC.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bn4S0wb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/W66Thr2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0ernhKa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fu7x5gd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ak2T3Ot.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4SW5dyY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/XOiXCGb.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Bristol%20Bulldog/BB26_zps4v5srxdh.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Bristol%20Bulldog/BB28_zpsgdy3b3ch.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Bristol%20Bulldog/BB30_zpsfgzl5rig.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Bristol%20Bulldog/BB25_zpsj12iluep.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Bristol%20Bulldog/BB33_zpsjsiizcjo.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Bristol%20Bulldog/BB34_zps4pmmwpbq.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Bristol%20Bulldog/BB36_zpsiu1sofbt.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Bristol%20Bulldog/BB35_zpsddahox9b.jpg)

Cheers!

BC
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: PrzemoL on February 27, 2020, 08:48:09 PM: Surely, at least I am interested. Fantastic work, Brad. You raise the bar with every model you tackle. I admire your resolution to enhance the vintage kit and the results are spectacular! Will be watching this thread.
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: RAGIII on February 27, 2020, 09:48:54 PM: I commented on your post last week before it was lost so here we go for a second time. As usual your Superb Skills are making this one Truly unique! The interior is brilliant as are the corrections to the fuselage. SImply Stunning!
RAGIII
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Dave W on February 27, 2020, 09:52:08 PM: That looks awesome Brad. It's so good to see these classic Inpact/ Merit/ Pyro/ Lindberg kits getting a 2020 upgrade.

Please keep us posted on your build. Hopefully last week's IT issues have been fixed and this post will stay visible.

cheers

Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: kensar on February 27, 2020, 11:03:08 PM: Nicely upgraded classic kit, Brad. Will you be fixing the trenches outlining the ailerons?
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: lcarroll on February 27, 2020, 11:19:35 PM: Brad,
This must have "vaporized" before I saw it last week. This project is an immediate reminder to me of my recent adventure with the Williams Brothers Sparrow Hawk, the photos look so similar with the "chunky" details, raised lines, and as Ken so accurately describes "trenches" outlining the ailerons"! I'm looking forward to following your progress on this one; these old kits can be a lot of fun if you can keep them in perspective! It's looking really sharp thus far, great upgrades.
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: bobs_buckles on February 28, 2020, 02:53:44 AM: Don't you worry, I'm more than interested!
Love those interwar birds.

Great scratch work, Brad.
More please!

vB ;)
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Gene K on February 28, 2020, 03:55:27 AM: Simply stunning. The Xacto blade picture really puts things into perspective.

Gene K
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Dave Brewer on February 28, 2020, 05:58:56 AM: Looking great Brad,I just checked out the log.Are you going to use the Redroo decals?

Cheers,

Dave.
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: bobs_buckles on February 28, 2020, 05:23:44 PM: Hi Brad,
I forgot to mention something!

I have found the decals for the Flashback W.29 I sent you last year. Your name is on them, just say the word and it Will be so.

von B
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Brad Cancian on February 28, 2020, 05:58:30 PM: Thanks everyone! ;D

I'm enjoying tackling this older kit. The lower wings and tail feathers are now on, there are some fairly bad gaps which need some filling, so back out with the filler and sanding sticks...

I am in two minds about doing anything with the ailerons; they do look like trenches in close up photographs but they aren't so bad in reality and should look ok under a wash. They are fairly complex in shape and would be a pain to try and cut out. We'll see...

Dave - yep I have the red roo decals, but they messed up a very important detail - the centre red dot for the roundels are way too large when compared to photographs, so I'll probably end up masking and painting the roundels. Otherwise the only other markings on RAAF Bulldogs are the serial numbers, so nothing too complicated. I'm more nervous about trying to replicate the polished aluminium metal panels :o

Thanks for finding the decals Bob - much appreciated! Yep flick them in the mail whenever you get a chance; no rush :)

Cheers,

BC
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: bobs_buckles on February 28, 2020, 07:21:49 PM: Quote
Thanks for finding the decals Bob - much appreciated! Yep flick them in the mail whenever you get a chance; no rush

Will you be doing Oberleutenant Christiensen bird?

I will get these to you ASAP.

;)

vB
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: pepperman42 on February 29, 2020, 12:23:24 AM: Really nice upgrades on the Bulldog which I always thought for a 60 year old kit was pretty good. Yours is 21st century!!

Steve
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Brad Cancian on March 09, 2020, 05:51:40 PM: The build is progressing painfully slowly, but surely.

I've now added the lower wing and tail feathers, built the undercarriage (dry fitted), added a tail skid, cleaned up and added detail around the back of the fuselage and underside, built a bomb rack and shackles, scratch built a windscreen frame (the panes will be added from clear sheet later), hollowed out and added the exhaust pipes, and added induction pipes, spark plugs and ignition wires to the engine.

(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Bristol%20Bulldog/BB37_zpsjvt0qywz.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Bristol%20Bulldog/BB38_zpsdtwbnq0u.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Bristol%20Bulldog/BB39_zpssm8dhrjs.jpg)
(https://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-48%20Bristol%20Bulldog/BB40_zpsdcqkl5kp.jpg)

I'm still to decide the exact configuration of navigation lights, flare racks and wind-driven generators that i'll fit to the aircraft; RAAF aircraft carried different configurations of lights and racks depending upon the photograph (likewise i've noted that they didn't seem to carry wind driven generators or radio wires very often (if at all); presumably the RAAF didin't operate much of this equipment).

It's getting very close to painting time...

Cheers,

BC
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: bobs_buckles on March 09, 2020, 06:42:09 PM: (https://image.freepik.com/free-photo/front-view-hand-holding-like-sign_23-2148226947.jpg)
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: pepperman42 on March 10, 2020, 09:17:06 AM: I agree with Bob's thumbs up glory hole!!! Outstanding!!

Steve
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: RAGIII on March 10, 2020, 09:55:02 AM: I can see this will be another of your builds that I will run out of superlatives. I will simply say Brilliant Modeling and Outstanding Modeling Skills!
RAGIII
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Gisbod on March 11, 2020, 05:27:45 PM: That’s really top notch Brad!

Love it..

Guy
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Alexis on March 12, 2020, 10:23:04 AM: Brad , I'm always impressed with your work , can't wait to see her with paint now ! :)

Terri
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: RichieW on March 21, 2020, 03:49:55 AM: Excellent work on this vintage kit, really looking forward to the next update!
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Brad Cancian on March 22, 2020, 01:16:48 PM: Thanks all!

I finally got a lick of paint onto the kit - the engine is now painted. RAAF machines didn't sport varnished wooden propellers - photos show universally that RAAF machines had painted props. The exact colour isn't known, but it could have been black, brown, or green. I went with the latter.

(https://i.imgur.com/djX99ZT.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/rwrNVYI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3ExfgMJ.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/5DR0Yf9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qQj2thD.jpg)

Cheers,

BC
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Alexis on March 22, 2020, 10:41:09 PM: Those engine details really pop with the lick of paint , most excellent Brad :)

Terri
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: kensar on March 22, 2020, 11:02:10 PM: Sweet!
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: RAGIII on March 23, 2020, 10:26:52 PM: Excellent engine Brad. Beautifully painted and detailed!
RAGIII
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Gisbod on March 24, 2020, 04:55:55 AM: Goodness me, that looks real Brad!

Guy
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Dave Brewer on March 24, 2020, 08:02:38 AM: That's superb Brad,terrific work.

Cheers,
Dave.
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: RichieW on March 24, 2020, 08:37:00 PM: Amazingly realistic engine, the weathering is utterly convincing.
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: gedmundson on March 24, 2020, 11:00:38 PM: Absolutely love that engine - great work!
Cheers,
Gary
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Brad Cancian on March 27, 2020, 05:00:11 PM: Thanks everyone!

Been playing around with alclads and the doped fabric effect. Right now things are a bit reflective (namely the rib tapes), but I quite like the way that the light reflects and changes based on the angle - at some angles the rib tapes disapear, at others they stand out... which makes it really really hard to photograph.... Not sure if i'll hit it with a clear flat to knock down the reflectivity.

(https://i.imgur.com/8xmD87l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/50zhm5v.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1hUO3nt.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iWNPDcp.jpg)

Roundels were sprayed because the Red Roo decals have the red section incorrectly proportioned (arg).

Anyways, I welcome thoughts. After this, i'll tackle the metal panels.

Cheers,

BC
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Dave W on March 27, 2020, 05:13:07 PM: Seriously impressive Brad! With the stay at home rules in place now you should finish this model this weekend?

Just kidding... looks fantastic

cheers

Dave W
Gold Coast
Australia
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: bobs_buckles on March 27, 2020, 05:24:21 PM: All the above!
;)

Keep going, Brad!

vB
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Alexis on March 28, 2020, 11:50:01 AM: Excellent effect with the rib tapes Brad . a light mist coat of flat clear will tone down the reflective , but it looks perfect as is :)

Terri
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: RAGIII on March 28, 2020, 11:00:42 PM: The tapes look superb Brad!
RAGIII
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: lcarroll on March 29, 2020, 12:37:03 AM: Great effect with those rib tapes Brad. That aluminum fabric finish is a real challenge and you've hit it squarely, it's going to be a stunner!
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Brad Cancian on April 01, 2020, 04:37:09 PM: Thanks everyone! Here's where I am at now. I made up a gunsight:

(https://i.imgur.com/B30KzZY.jpg)

And added some more paint.

(https://i.imgur.com/YPzjpB9.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/6Laey8c.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/B2UMIRj.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/SbnphHs.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Mdkz1II.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/JGbsH4X.jpg)

This was my first time using Alclad Chrome, and it was, well, ok. Not as nice as I thought, but ok. Came out more speckly than I would have liked. Probably my own fault somewhere as I hear that chrome in particular is especially tricky, even with a gloss black undercoat. In retrospect, it probably is reasonably 'scale', as the aircraft were not spit-polished all of the time. There's plenty of photos of RAAF machines with the metal panels tarnished. There's enough of a difference between these panels and the 'fabric', so it'll do (and I don't want to go back and try it again!).

I still need to add the decals, which in the case of RAAF machines is a simple small-sized black serial number on the fuselage. Exciting. I'll add this closer to the finish line (as I still have some handling to go to mount the upper wing and rig the beastie).

All comments, tips and feedback welcomed.

Cheers,

BC
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: bobs_buckles on April 01, 2020, 05:10:15 PM: One comment...Amazing!

vB :)
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Radarman on April 01, 2020, 11:07:16 PM: Brad,
Very nice! It makes one wonder what the Bulldog would have been like as mono-plane. Really cool!

Kevin
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: RAGIII on April 01, 2020, 11:08:23 PM: I have no problem saying that this is the best Bulldog I have ever seen built! Stunning work Brad!
RAGIII
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: kensar on April 01, 2020, 11:27:28 PM: I think it looks fantastic! Never would have guessed it was a Linberg kit, but then again, you built it.

My experience with Alclad chrome is that it looks best when the black base coat is mirror smooth. Most of the time that's hard to accomplish. Then the chrome needs to be lightly air brushed on in thin, dry coats.
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Alexis on April 02, 2020, 10:45:29 AM: Coming along beautifully Brad , man that looks sharp so far ! :)

Terri
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: xan on April 02, 2020, 02:43:23 PM: It is really a pleasure to folllow this topic. Higt quality!
I have to built a bulldog too , a spanish republican one, and this will be a reference for me for sure...
Xan
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Bughunter on April 03, 2020, 03:09:09 AM: Wow, Master class!
This could not be done better! :o

Cheers,
Frank
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Brad Cancian on April 09, 2020, 11:01:27 AM: Hi all - she be done!

(https://i.imgur.com/ezqwGSQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4020Pkz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Ayipksa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/l3DhUSB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/PelI8Z4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fhgQUov.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/YjQnw6V.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/dFujq2v.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HhIOfHt.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Hge55qU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/leSHCUx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VHH7Bnn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Git3FSU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/btlQajT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Hoz39wq.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ORGl1tG.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tKa57Md.jpg)

The build took me just under four months all up. It was a fun build, but it fought me most of the way. It’s good to finally have something off the bench for the year…

Cheers,

BC
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: smperry on April 09, 2020, 12:00:43 PM: Wow! Talk about making a silk purse out of a sow's ear. You really made that Linberg kit stand up and say, "Good Morning!"
First rate modeling.
sp
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: FokkerFodder on April 09, 2020, 06:38:48 PM: Stunning work Brad - she is a beauty and you have excelled yourself with this one. Hopefully I will see it at the ACTSM at the end if the year (although it’s looking a bit dodgy at the moment....). Cheers Matt
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Thumbs up on April 10, 2020, 12:02:38 AM: Always enjoy your works of art, from your 1/72 strutter to this fantastic Bulldog....BRAVO sir!!!!!
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: bobs_buckles on April 10, 2020, 03:36:54 AM: You never disappoint, Brad :o
Stunning build and paintwerks

Super!

vB
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: lcarroll on April 10, 2020, 03:54:13 AM: A spectacular example of moving a Kit from the "not great" list to a magnificent model! My compliments Brad, this was a pleasure to follow and is a real tribute to your modelling skills.
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: RAGIII on April 10, 2020, 04:12:07 AM: Magnificent build Brad! The display base is almost as impressive!
RAGIII
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Bughunter on April 10, 2020, 05:20:18 AM: That is really a Wow! model, very impressive! Great build and paint work, very well done.
It looks so real :o

Cheers,
Frank
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Brad Cancian on April 11, 2020, 08:22:03 AM: Thanks every body, you're too kind! :D :D
Title: Re: WiP - 1/48 Bristol Bulldog
Post by: Old Man on April 18, 2020, 04:18:06 AM: Superb work, Sir!

Time-machine and shrink-ray stuff....