1:32nd scale Bristol F.2b

[Tim Mixon]

Great looking engine Mike. Really looking forward to this build. 

[Monty]

I love the engine alraedy, Mike! One of your lovely detailed builds to follow with rapt attention! A fascinating subject too... Model on! Regards, Marc.

[KiwiZac]

Oh wow Mike, that looks stunning! I'm very excited to see the completed engine!

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
The basic Rolls-Royce 'Falcon' V12 engine is complete.
There are other parts that can only be fitted once the engine has been installed in the fuselage.
I've added representations of carburetor/magneto controls and fuel supply/drain pipes.
Although the rear of the engine will hardly be visible once installed.
I've also added oil pipes, spark plugs and ignition leads.

All with a combination of:
0.2 and 0.3 mm diameter Nickel-Silver tube (controls, spark plugs)
0.3 and 0.5 mm diameter Brass tube (fuel supply/drain pipes)
0.4 mm diameter flexible tube (black) (oil pipes)
Steel coloured silk thread (ignition leads).

Weathered with oil paint and enamel wash.

Mike

[NigelR]

Lovely work Mike, I really like all the wiring and additions. Are you leaving some panels off? I would hate all of this to be lost to sight forever.......

[Mike Norris]

Lovely work Mike, I really like all the wiring and additions. Are you leaving some panels off? I would hate all of this to be lost to sight forever.......

Hi Nigel,
Yes, but I think just the upper right panel with mechanic doing maintenance.
I wanted to have the aircraft as complete as possible with just some of the engine visible.
Also finding clear period photographs showing how exactly all of the controls and pipework were routed is difficult.
Most show the later Falcon III engine, which was different, as were the engine panels,

Mike

[Rookie]

Fabulous research and build as usual Mike.

Every engine you do is a masterclass for me!

Cheers,
Willem

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
The cockpit is nearly completed.
The pilots seat is a replacement from 'Gaspatch'.
I've added the control cables for the ailerons, rudder and tail plane incidence control.
The elevator cables are external, so not in the cockpit as such.
Also I've added the trigger cable on the control column for the pilots Vickers machine gun.
Finally I added control rods from the pilots throttle quadrant and the radiator shutters control.
Weather was done using 'Flory Models' wash (Grime).

The cockpit assembly is now fitted into the closed up fuselage.
However I do have a problem to solve.
I got distracted, so unfortunately, I fitted the cockpit into the fuselage without any bracing wires fitted.
I now have to try and fit them all through the cockpit opening in the fuselage.
It happens,

Mike

[Brad Cancian]

Beautiful job on the engine and interior Mike - it looks like you could sit in that cockpit and start her up!

I love the choice of markings too; 111SQN handed these aircraft over to 1SQN Australian Flying Corps, so it's a subject that tingles my Aussie heart!

Cheers,

BC

[Tim Mixon]

That interior looks fantastic Mike. I’m wondering what material the observer’s floor is?  I haven’t noticed it before, is it wicker?

[Mike Norris]

That interior looks fantastic Mike. I’m wondering what material the observer’s floor is?  I haven’t noticed it before, is it wicker?

Hi Tim,
I think it represents a coarse fibre type mat,

Mike

[Tim Mixon]

Many thanks Mike.  I’ll have to remember that for my future builds.

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
I've added the cockpit bracing wires.
These are 0.2 mm diameter Nickel-Silver rod.
Each was cut to the required length then secured in position using CA adhesive,

Mike

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
Photographs of this particular aircraft show what seems to be an ‘in-field’ modification to the two upper access panels over the engine
The blister on each panel was needed to clear the panel from the engine upper coolant pipes.
On this aircraft the blisters were cut away in order to provide an opening for, I assume, additional engine cooling, as the aircraft operated in the warmer climate of Palestine.
Also the upper right access panel will be displayed open and therefore the two upper panels need to be modified accordingly.
It's not clear if all of the aircraft in this squadron had the in-field modification carried out on the two upper access panels over the engine.

Mike

[NigelR]

Lovely work on the interior Mike, it looks really realistic. 

Photographs of this particular aircraft show what seems to be an ‘in-field’ modification to the two upper access panels over the engine

You never choose the easy builds do you.....