Tamiya 1/48 Swowdfish

Robert1968

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Hi guys I know I have been away from the forum for a while ( work is a b**** just lately ) and a few other things but I'm still plodding away.
Now The god lady asks me what I want for Xmas and well I thought about it and I'm still in two minds on a 1/32 Tempest ( think the wife will get it ) But I have ordered my self a Swordfish ( Tamiya 1/48 my usual scale I like to work with.
I've never really got into bi planes before so this will be a first and new concept for me. I've tried my hand at a few 1/72 bi planes but never really got into rigging.
I've read that the Tamiya Rigging set can look too thick so I would like some advice on the best rigging type of wire that would look to scale. I have ordered all the extra detail sets to go with the kit cockpit etc. Advice and any suggests would be most grateful.

Regards

Robert
 

takeslousyphotos

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Good luck with that Robert. I'm sure you'll make a blinding job of it. :smiling3:
 

colin m

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I agree the Tamiya wires do look a bit too thick. But, then so do the real ones. I have one of these to build and am thinking, if I don't use the Tamiya PE, the finished model might look wrong.
 
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dubster72

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Hi Robert, looking forward to seeing you building the Swordfish. One can't but admire the bravery of their crews.

I've never built a biplane, but I've seen people recommend EZ Line for the rigging. I believe that John sells it in the online shop.
 
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Lauri (or whatever he calls himself on here now ) built one with the Tamiya etched rigging set. He said it was a lot of hassle. I've got the rigging set for mine. But I'm thinking I might do it the old way by drilling thru the wing and using fishing line.
 

Robert1968

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Thanks for all the help with this one ( still waiting to arrive from Hong Kong Models ( it was only £36 but with the etched sets around £48 )
I also have cockpit upgrades too arriving from USA and resin MG etc etc
I agree with Dubster these guts the guys had to fly in basically antiquated Bi planes was amazing considering the developments of aircraft back then.
Now I have the Ez line ( sock elastic thread think it's called ) but that to me for a 1/48 seems a little thin so I might go down the route of Daves suggest and go with the drilling and the fishing line and give a steel paint brush to simulate metal.
Ref also says that the Tamiya kits paint schemes are wrong too but I'll be using Vallejo paints and correct WW2 colours.
I e also got a couple of ref books too for this project
Once it arrives I'll do a proper kit breakdown and build thread as this will be a new venture for me. All other projects I'm working on will be halted until this is finished ( that's what the wife told me )
She who must be obeyed.

Regards

Robert
 

Robert1968

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Thanks Colin that really is what she said " when it comes you down tools on all other projects and work on the Swordfish ( she hares it when I take her literally!!!
 
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