Hi all,
After the trials and tribulations of several resin model builds recently, I thought I'd do a 'mojo' build.
I've chosen the 'Special Hobby' 1:32nd Bristol M1.c 'Bullet'.



This particular model build will depict the Bristol M.1c ‘Bullet’, Serial No. C4907 of No.150 Squadron RAF, operating in Macedonia during 1918.
This aircraft was flown by Lt. K.B. Moseley, who was credited with the shooting down of an Albatros D.V on the 9th of July, 1918 over the Rupel Pass.
This same aircraft was also flown by Lt. J.P. Cavers, who was credited with the shooting down of a LVG on the 1st of September and another LVG on the 2nd of September.

The underside of the wings and fuselage were said to be a light blue colour, apparently to reduce the absorbed heat reflected from the ground.
It's thought the propeller spinner was of the same colour.
The colour of the upper surfaces has been depicted as either a red/brown (PC 12) or an olive green (early PC10).
The kit instructions and the colour profile by artist Ronnie Barr have the PC12 colour, whereas the ‘Windsock’ Data file colour is PC10.
As always the definition of colours from early monochrome photographs has always been problematic and the shade differences between PC10 and PC12 are no exception.
The ’Windsock’ Data file states that it may have been that these aircraft were painted with PC12 when routed through the aircraft depot at Salonika, Greece.
However, it was more likely the colour of aircraft operated in Macedonia were PC10, with the possible exception of No.72 Squadron.
I've decided to use the PC10 colour, based on the ‘Windsock’ data.

Mike

Hi Mike;

Did I miss your posting of the completed Ansaldo, or are you still waiting for the case and grass matt, or some other component.

Regards

Hi Rob,
Yes I'm waiting for the display case.
Once that's here I'll complete it in a couple of hours and post photos,

Mike

Hi all,
The engine for the Bristol is done.
It's the basic kit engine with just the ignition leads added.
The leads were made from twisted 0.125 mm copper wire and annealed to soften and discolour them.
The engine was painted with 'Alclad' lacquers - Black Base (ALC-305-60), Steel (ALC-112) and Exhaust Manifold (ALC-123).

The kit engine was used as it is a good enough quality not to require an aftermarket version.
Besides, once fitted, very little of the engine will be visible inside the engine cowl and behind the propeller and huge spinner.

Now it's onto the cockpit,

Mike

Hi all,
I'm working my way through the cockpit assembly.
Most is assembled ready for painting.
There are other parts to add after they've been painted.
I've drill 0.3 mm diameter holes and added 'GasPatch' 1:48th 'one end' turnbuckles to the rudder bar.
Added a 0.3 mm rod to the control column to add strength to its attachment to the floor (hole drilled to receive the rod).
I've also drilled 0.3 mm diameter holes across the control column for the elevator control wires.

The instrument panel of the cockpit right side frame is orientated incorrectly in the instructions.
The photograph shows how it was mounted, so I've gone with that,

Mike

Mike, looking at your last post on my IPad, slowly scrolling down as I’m reading and the cockpit comes into view. “Darn, he works fast.” That is the thought that came into my head. Yep, you are that good.

Looks like it's going to be another epic build from OoB Productions !!!

Cheers,
shredward

Actually Ted, this build will be as close to OOB as I've done to date

Hi all,
Most of the cockpit has been assembled now.
The control lines and bracing lines are 0.08 mm diameter mono-filament, with 0.4 mm diameter Nickel-Silver tubes and 'Gaspatch 1:48th scale turnbuckles.
I've still fit the engine controls and rods and the pilot's seat with harness.
Then it's a bit of weathering and finally sealing, to add the semi-sheen finish to the wood work and leather seat cushion,

Mike

Hi all,
The cockpit is ready to be fitted into the fuselage, when most of it won't be visible (why do we do it).
Additional pipes are 0.4 mm diameter lead wire.
Engine control rods are 0.4 mm diameter Nickel-Silver tube, chemically blackened with 'Black-It'.
The supplied seat harness was photo-etch and looked remarkably the same as the 'Eduard' set for the WW2 Fairy 'Swordfish' aircraft.
Needless to say I replaced them with the coloured textile set from 'HGW Models',

Mike.

Mike;

Have you considered the possibility of a mod to allow for panel removal to display some of the internals? It would be cool!!

Hi Rob,
Yes I have plans for that sort of thing on larger, multi-seater models, as they'll be even more to see.

Mike

Hi all,
Just a few updates.
I've modified the front end to accept a 'ProperPlane' laminated propeller ('Lang' type).
This entailed replacing the propeller shaft on the engine with 2.0 mm tube and filing the front face of the spinner support ring.
Also sanding the rear face of the propeller hub, re-profiling the spinner cut-outs and thinning the walls of the engine cowl and spinner.



The Vickers Mk.1 machine gun was replaced with a 'GasPatch' version, which required lengthening the fuselage recess to accept the weapon.
The two ammunition feed guards were also slightly re-profiled.
I also drilled out what was a solid ammunition ejector chute.



The undercarriage struts attachment to the fuselage was poor and didn't allow for the struts to be angled correctly.
These were modified to have 0.4 mm diameter locating rods and the tops of the struts chamfered to the shape of the fuselage.
Also the two axle torque bars were replaced with stronger 1.0 mm diameter rod.



Mike

Sandbagger, could you post a photo of your completed cockpit from the same angle as the photo of the real cockpit you posted above? Your work is so detailed I'd love to compare the two side by side. Thanks.

Hi,
This is the best I could do as the fuselage is closed up now,

Mike

WOW! That is amazing. At first blush either of those could pass as the real cockpit. That is a testament to your exceptional skills. Thanks for posting the comparison.

At the rate you are building Mike, you will probably need an addition to your work shop to store all those models. It must be getting cramped in there!

I don't think Mike has to worry. I'm sure if he ever wanted, there would be more than a few of us who you gladly help him clear some space in his collection .

.

Another beauty there Mike, and well on the way to completion. That pancake-style petrol tank is interesting and I imagine it did a better job of maintaining CG as the fuel level dropped. Now then, as to helping thin out the collection in order to make room, I believe you have my shipping address on file, and if not I can certainly get it to you.

.

Hi all,
Yes display room is starting to get a tad tight, but there's still a way to go yet - sorry,

Mike

PS: Lou, I don't think the fuel tank was actually that design.
I think, like the tank in the Wingnut Wings Sopwith Camel, its just been moulded that way as you can't see past the front of the tank once it's inside the fuselage.