Jim R's Airfix 1/72 De Havilland Vampire T.11

[Jim R]

Here we go. Lots of fun just to see what I can do without the hundreds of pounds worth of airbrush, compressor, paints, pots of this and that and all the other gubbins I have collected over the years. I didn't build models as a child so this is my chance to recapture a lost childhood
Thanks Peter for the idea for this GB. Here is my contribution.










6 paints and 2 brushes!! - aren't I the lucky one

Jim

 

[peterairfix]

Good luck there's always one who has to have more paint than anyone else
And I do recommend that you give the kit a good wash and I speak from experience as in the past I have ruined many a starting kit because I didn't wash it.

 

[Deleted member 4539]

Should be a fun build.

 

[Deleted member 5819]

Hi Two Brushes Senior, there's a lot of silver paint to be done without brushes. Good luck with the build sir.
Pete.

 

[Fernando N]

Smart man to pick a kit with six paints and two brushes.

Good luck Jim.

 

[BBdave]

I nearly did one of these I have a picture of my dad loading ammo. into one in Aden.

Dave

 

[papa 695]

Nice one Jim

 

[Jim R]

Hi all
Peter - I shall definitely wash the sprues especially as I'm not allowed primer and I want the paint to stick

Well I may have 6 paints and 2 brushes but I have already run into problems. Firstly I can't use the two pilot figures as I have no skin coloured paint and nothing that would mix to a flesh colour. No real problem 'cause I'll simply make it with the canopy open and say the pilots have gone for a cuppa
The real problem is that the instructions say I need to put 7grams of weight in the nose. What do people use that is small and heavy. I have not built many planes and not come across this before. I presume the weight is to balance the model?
Another issue is the decal for the instrument panel. The carrier film around the decal really needs to fold back at the edges but without Micro-sol or similar it ain't gonna go. It may have to have the carrier edges trimmed off.

I reckon Peter has a sadistic streak in him suggesting this GB. Like asking Gordon Ramsey to cook a meal using only the microwave!!

Jim

 

[papa 695]

Yes I think Peter is also sick and twisted Jim.

 

[Deleted member 4539]

I use airgun pellets for weight.

 

[John Race]

QUOTE="papa 695, post: 431256, member: 516"]
Yes I think Peter is also sick and twisted Jim.
[/QUOTE]

And is on commission !

 

[John Race]

Lead Jim, try asking asking any shifty looking men in Transits.
John.

 

[rtfoe]

Good pick Jim, looks like a new mold. The two brushes aren't going to help with covering the body with silver unless you tie them together.

If you fish then you'll be familiar with the lead weights. The big ones are easily cut and hammered into shape to fit the nose compartment. Secure them with CA or two part putty.

We had Vampires in Butterworth back in the fifties.

Cheers,
Richard

 

[Jim R]

Thanks guys.
"If you fish then you'll be familiar with the lead weights. The big ones are easily cut and hammered into shape to fit the nose compartment. Secure them with CA or two part putty."
I will look into fishing weights - hadn't thought of that
".... shifty looking men in Transits"
I shall certainly look for shifty men in transits for suppliers of lead. If I don't find any there is a church down the road and I'm sure they wouldn't miss a bit of their flashing.
Jim

 

[Deleted member 5819]

Hi Jim if you're after lead weights just go to your local tyre outlet and ask for half a dozen old wheel balance weights.
Pete.

 

[Jim R]

Cheers Pete - good idea.

This kit says "Skill Level 1" - I must be at "Skill level 0" Need more advice please!

In the instructions (stage 7) we join the fuselage halves together. There is a box at the top right with a question mark indicating an alternative. It would have me drill two holes in the bottom of the fuselage to attach whatever those bits in the box are. They are not numbered and there is nothing on any of the sprues that look like those parts.


Also you can see where the 7g weight goes.

Jim - very confused.com!!

 

[Ranwulf]

Jim
Your Vampire must have been offered in a 'Dog fight doubles' kit at sometime in its life. Holes are for a stand(pictured) and a second aircraft would have been marketed.
It may still be offered??

 

[Jim R]

Hi Randall
A stand - that answers the question. Thanks
Jim

 

[peterairfix]

Your Vampire must have been offered in a 'Dog fight doubles' kit

I have just had a good look on the old net and on scalmates but I can't find any reference to being offered in a dogfight doubles kit if it was It wasn't they must have very few.

 

[Jim R]

Hi Peter
It was the stand that was confusing me. I suppose it was either part of another boxing of the Vampire or maybe stands can be bought separately. The kit is actually quite modern and the parts have crisp detail and no flash. The fit seems excellent as well.
Jim