Airfix "Harry Tate"

[Squiffy]

After seeing DannyVM's superb WNW 1/32 scale R.E8, and after missing out on buying one of those, I have pulled this from the stash. I bought it at Telford, last year, for the bargain price of Three Pounds Sterling. 

Looks like an early 1980s issue.


What did I get for my 3 quid?

A very old and basic kit, dating from 1958! Lots to do do make it acceptable to my own admittedly low standards.

And they're off!

Sanding the prominent wing ribs...

[Des]

Great to see one of these old Airfix kit re-surface Squiffy and in your very capable hands I'm sure it will turn into a real gem of a model, looking forward to following along with your build, it will be interesting.

Des.

[RAGIII]

Squiffy, I am looking forward to following your build. Nice start!
RAGIII

[GAJouette]

 Squiffy,
Alright, alright my favorite ancient Airfix kit! I'm looking forward to following this project thread my friend.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette

[IanB]

Looking forward to seeing what you can do with this one....you've taken on a big challenge!

Ian

[lcarroll]

   I did this one as a 14 year old or so when it first came out! Looks about the same as I recall, have fun Squiffy, and I'll be following along "for old times sake"!
Cheers,
Lance

[Nigel Jackson]

I am so looking forward to this build, Squiffy. Good luck with it.

Best wishes
Nigel

[Squiffy]

Break out the drills and files!

By comparing photos in my previous post you'll notice that the lower planes on the kit parts are solid where they join the fuselage but there should in fact be openings here. To make these I drilled a sequence of holes and then cut with a Stanley knife to link them up. Files and sandpaper were used to smooth the openings and to thin the trailing edges.

The plane/fuselage joint is going to take some filling...

[coyotemagic]

Excellent work, Squiffy!  I've been inspired by, first Danny's then, yours to the point where I've hauled my Aeroclub RE8 out of the stash and place her next in the queue. 
Having the WNW instructions to work from makes for an interesting build.
Cheers,
Bud

[DannyVM]

These old Airfix kit's are a real joy to see. 1/72 isn't really my favorite scale, but i am always curious how they turn out. So, for this build i will give myself a seat on the first row, and enjoy you're work.

Greetz

Danny

[Des]

Nice work with the bottom wing modifications Squiffy, looking forward to seeing more updates.

Des.

[pietro]

Squiffy, this is going to be great. There was a squadron of these doing combat with the Revell  Albatroses handing from my bedroom ceiling, all lovingly crafted with high gloss (non-drying) Testors paint and rigged with extra fuzzy thread. I was so proud.

Pietro

[RAGIII]

Squiffy,
Terrific work on the wing root openings. Coming along nicely!
RAGIII

[Squiffy]

Thanks for the encouraging words, chaps. 

Altering the fuselage.

There is no interior whatsoever, save for a couple of moulded tags for the crew figures to sit on.


Holes filled and some paint applied to the interior. In the foreground is a piece of plasticard that I have shaped to be the dash panel.

[Squiffy]

An evening's work and Harry now has an interior.

The framing and floor is made from strips cut from a sheet of plasticard and the observer's seat is also plasticard that was punched out using a paper punch.

The pilot's seat is a spare part from another kit and the dashboard (in previous post) is now covered by a computer printout that was drawn in Photoshop and printed on my PC's inkjet printer.