Sopwith 'Swallow' 1:32 scale

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
I looked further at the decking panels.
Missing is the rear of the front decking panel, which should join the rear decking panel.
However, this area is where the wing rear support strut should be located, which would account for half of that area.
I think this missing area can be filled with modelling putty, once the wing struts and decking panels are finally fitted, later in this build.

Mike

[lone modeller]

Wonderful work in spite of the glitch on the top decking which I am sure will be sorted soon.

BTW I too am retired but somehow I do not seem to have either time or energy for modelling at the moment, so I really envy those of you who do!!

Stephen.

[Mike Norris]

Hi Stephen,
I'm lucky in that I started planning my 'cave' and ordering equipment and models several years before I actually retired.
As my wife still works full time but has her own room (second kitchen) for creating cakes (weddings, occasions etc), which she does as her pastime.
In fact the two rooms are only separated by a glass window, so we can both be doing our thing and still be in contact with each other.
As for having the time and energy - I'm lucky as I have each day to fill and sat modelling is not that tiring, unless I'm rigging of course!!

Mike

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
Well I've been working away on modifying the various cockpit parts from the Wingnut 'Camel' kit to that of the 'Swallow' aircraft.
The whole cockpit was effectively moved rearwards to improve over wing visibility for the pilot.
For the better forward visibility the two machine guns were fitted farther apart than normal.
This basically entailed modifying the fuel tank filler cap to the left side, modifying the seat support frame and moving the throttle quadrant assembly rearwards.
The control column floor was slightly modified and an extra under shield (from the spares box) was added to bring the rudder bar rearwards.
The external fuselage sides are different on the 'Swallow' with the carburretor intakes located in a different position, no ammunition chutes (cut outs in the decking panel instead) and smooth side panels with no 'nail' lines.
The centre section of the kit lower wing was cut away to be used as infill under the fuselage (will need re-profiling after fuselage closure).
The next step is to modify the instrument panel and ammunition containers assembly so it's located farther back and to allow the two machine guns to locate correctly into it as well as the forward decking panel.

Mike 

[lone modeller]

 A superb piece of modification there Mike. When tis is finished it will not be possible to see which parts you have altered unless on takes a very close look.

Stephen

[dtomko]

Looks great, Mike.

Drew

[RAGIII]

Outstanding work on the cockpit Mods Mike! Looks Terrific!
RAGIII

[Alexis]

Looking good Frank , neat on using parts from the spare bin for the mods on this .



Terri

[Brad Cancian]

Fantastic work Mike, I love what you're doing here, some great modelling

Cheers,

BC

[PrzemoL]

Great project, spectacular progress. I am watching with great interest!

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
Well things are getting a bit cramped inside the cockpit now.
After a fair bit of cutting, sanding and modifying, all of the cockpit main assemblies are done.
The shot below shows it all loosely in place, including the two 'Gaspatch' machine guns (the decking still needs modifying to allow the guns to sit vertically).

I still have minor detail to add then obviously paint it all etc, as well as modify the outsides of the fuselage, which again are different from the 'Camel',

Mike 

[RAGIII]

Terrific progress Mike. That will be a great looking cockpit once painted!
RAGIII

[lcarroll]

    Moved to the WW.I Aircraft Information/Questions Thread.
Cheers,
Lance

[Mike Norris]

Moved to the 'WW1 Aircraft Information/Questions' thread,

Mike

[lcarroll]

    Moved to the WW.I Aircraft Information/Questions Thread.
Cheers,
Lance