RAF Be12a - mangled Airfix 1/72

[torbiorn]

As part of the memorial group build for Dave, I have rebuilt an Airfix Be2c into a Be12a.

The model depicts a No 50 squadron Home Defense night fighter, used in the defense against the German terror bombings around 1917. The overall black paint was to prevent blinding reflections caused by the Holt flares used during the dangerous night-time landings.

The conversion includes scratchbuilt wings, new forward section and various details. Decals from Blue Rider and the kit.












and finally a comparison with the same Be2c kit built out of the box:

[DaddyO]

Nice work all round 
Paul

[Rip Van Winkle]

Nicely done! I really like to see kit bashed and scratch built models.  It takes a lot of talent.

[PrzemoL]

Great conversion. Lovely final result - a real night bird.

[Brad Cancian]

Well done sir, an excellent conversion, and an interesting scheme to boot! Dave would have been pleased as punch

I have had a similar plan for many years to do something similar with the Roden BE2c, you have inspired me to get the creative juices on this old project flowing again.

Cheers!

BC

[NigelR]

That has turned out really well. Excellent modelling skills all round to produce this from the Airfix Be2. I really like the overall finish and in particular the way you handed the CDL and weathering on the underside. An interesting subject as well.

[DaveB]

Totally agree with others here - a clever conversion project resulting in a great looking model.

Regards

Dave

[lone modeller]

I too like to see conversions - especially ones as good as this. A very interesting subject which we do not see very often - another reason for liking this so much.

Stephen.

[torbiorn]

Thank you for all the kind coments. I too got the inspiration from all black BE:s posted on this site

[NMLeonov]

Good day torbiorn, your model is certainly not "mangled" - more like polished and perfected. I love how you varied the natural wood color between the prop and the interplane struts. What is your rigging material of choice? It suits your work in 1/72 scale very well.

Nick.

[KiwiZac]

Mangled certainly isn't the word I would use! Bravo on a terrific conversion!

[macsporran]

Nice result and a great addition to the shelf, certainly looks menacing in its black livery

Great stuff.
Sandy

[torbiorn]

Thanks again - mangling refers to what I felt about the process getting the nose into shape - and the nosedive she took from the shelf after I finished rigging

Nick, for rigging I use hair raided from the hairbrushes of the ladies in the house. It?s ridiculous how strong the stuff is (as evident from the nosedive which only resulted in minor damage) and although I?m a bit worried about longevity, there are ship models with hair as rigging that are several hundred years old.

[macsporran]

Wow! You've got an understanding wife and family.

I tried a girlfriend's hair a while ago - but the relationship didn't last very long ....
S

[torbiorn]

Common beginner?s mistake, but you shouldn?t have started with rigging this one: