1:32nd scale RAF BE2c

[KiwiZac]

I think both options are correct. At some point into the production, B.E.2c's were equipped with armored seats for the pilot and many were retrofitted with those steel seats. If you go with the wicker seat, it was on a platform held in place by 8 cables.

That's the sort of thing I was thinking of - especially that either could well be correct!

Out of curiosity, I'll ask Richard Alexander - if anyone knows he will

An excellent idea!

[Beto]

Digging through my files I've just found an original blueprint showing the details to replace the steel seat for a wicker one. Looks like front line units used the armored seat and training and home defense machines had the lighter, wicker seat.

[Mike Norris]

Hi Beto,
Many thanks - you're reference material is way more detailed than I have.

I've also had the following reply from Richard Alexander:

"Hi Mike, If I recall correctly the pilot of the early production BE.2c (70hp Renault, skid undercarriage, downwards facing exhausts etc) had the shelf with wicker seat, as per the restoration.
The late production BE.2c (90hp RAF engine, side or upwards exhaust and "V" strut undercarriage) had the armoured seat as per the TVAL photo.
And, just in case you're interested, the BE.2e/g pilot seat was also armoured, but of a different design.
The BE.2f pilot seat was just like the late production BE.2c armoured seat, from which they were converted. I hope this helps."

So it seems the later BE2c operational aircraft, fitted with the RAF 1a engine etc, had an armoured seat cradle.
Earlier BE2c aircraft, fitted with the Renault engine etc, had the earlier Wicker seats fitted.

As the 'LukGraph' model has the later RAF 1a engine etc, the armoured seat would be correct.
Given this information from Beto and Richard, I can either modify my 'modification' or remove it and fit the cradle,

Mike

[KiwiZac]

Just as I suspected - thanks Beto for your info, and Richard via Mike 

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
The cockpit assembly is finished.
Note that I changed the scratch built pilot seat support frame as the kit armoured seat 'cradle' is correct for this version of the BE2c.
Built OOB apart from:

The kit supplied 3D printed seats replaced with BarracudaCast’ British wicker AGS seats (BR32234).
Instrument decals replaced with ‘Airscale’ Generic WW1 instruments (AS32 WW1).
Added a observers half firewall as protection from the engine.
Ckpit bracing is 0.08 mm diameter mono-filament and blackened 0.4 mm diameter Nickel-Silver tubes.
Kit photo-etch seat belts/straps replaced with ‘HGW’ seat belts for the RE8 (HGW132027).

The forward engine support frames and fuel tank are still to be fitted,

Mike

PS: I forgot to add a fuel contents indicator tube onto the pilots instrument panel.
Added now using 0.4 mm diameter Nickel-Silver tube, partially dipped in 'Tamiya' Clear Yellow (X24).

[kensar]

That's a fine looking interior Mike.  I applaud your efforts to make it accurate.
Barracuda must sell a lot of those wicker seats!

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
Change of plan.
I've decided to model a different BE2c squadron aircraft.

No.13 Squadron:
No.13 Squadron RFC was formed on the 10th of January 1915, equipped with twelve newly built RAF BE2c aircraft and was dispatched as a Corps reconnaissance unit to France in October 1915.
The squadron served at Savy in France during 1916. Later the Squadron was also equipped with RAF BE2d and BE2e versions.
The role of reconnaissance was maintained until the armistice. In April 1917 the squadron was re-equipped with the R.E.8.

BE2c Serial No.2635
RAF BE2c, Serial No:2635 was built by Ruston-Proctor and was delivered to the newly formed squadron as factory fresh.
The aircraft were finished overall in Clear Doped Linen (CDL) with white wheel covers and battle ship grey painted nose panels and cowls.
The wheel covers were painted as roundels, which was at the pilots preference.
On the 23rd of April 1916, a squadron making was allocated , which consisted of a narrow black horizontal stripe, which was applied to the sides of the fuselage and spanned between the front of the pilots cockpit and the leading edge of the tail plane.
This marking was retained when the aircraft were replaced with the R.E.8.
This particular aircraft has a Type C camera mounting rack on the fuselage starboard side.
The aircraft was also fitted with racks for carrying 112lb ‘Cooper’ bombs.
A Lewis machine gun was fitted for the observers and a second for the pilot. Ammunition drums were carried in racks mounted on the sides of the fuselage.
It’s unclear whether BE2c Serial No.2635 was lost in action or retired and struck off charge.

Mike

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
The fuselage is now closed up.
The join between the two halves (CA adhesive) needed some filling and sanding.
I airbrushed grey primer over the fuselage which shows up any joint or seam gaps etc.
Then re-filled and re-primed and sanded until a smooth joint was achieved.

After test fitting, I'll be leaving the engine out until towards the end of the build as it makes it easier for painting and applying decals etc.

Mike

[KiwiZac]

A bombed-up BE? A great choice Mike, and how wonderful to have history to draw on for your subject.

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
One area of the fuselage may need to be addressed.
The underside of the nose is too square in shape and should be more rounded.
This can be seen on the following photographs, the last of which is the reproduction BE2c at the 'Vintage Aviator Ltd'.
The nose on the kit looks more like that of the R.E.8.
Whether this can be rectified remains to be seen,

Mike







RE8 nose

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
With careful sanding (to avoid breaking through the corners) the kit nose can be re-profiled,

Mike

[PrzemoL]

Great correction! I will remember about it when I will be building my BE2c.

[bobs_buckles]

Lovely work, Mike 

Bob

[KiwiZac]

Good catch Mike and nice work!

[RAGIII]

Super work on the interior and I like the "New" choice of schemes. Good catch on the Nose shape although personally I find it a bit disappointing that the issue was there on a kit of this quality and price range.
RAGIII