Hi all,
I'm still waiting for a couple of things to arrive for the Hansa-Brandenburg W.12 model.
Therefore I'm making a start on another model, this time the Bristol F.2b 'Biff' or 'Brisfit' as it was commonly called.

This model will represents represents Bristol F.2b, Serial No. A-7194 of No.111 Squadron RFC, Deir-el-Belah, Palestine during 1917.

This particular Bristol F.2b, Serial No. A-7194 (along with 7190 and 7198) was delivered on the 25th of August to No.111 Squadron (RFC).
No.111 Squadron (RFC) was formed on the 1st of August 1917 at Deir-el-Belah, Palestine and was commanded by Major Shekleton.
The Squadron was formed from aircraft of No.14 and often escorted No.1 Squadron (AFC) on their missions.
During it time with No.111 Squadron (RFC), A-7149 was noted as having engaged the enemy on at least two occasions:

8th of October 1917 - 2nd Lt. R.C Steele (Canada) and Lt. John J Lloyd-Williams drove down the Albatros D.II, Serial No.636/14 of Oblt. Dittmar of Fab300.
This was the first German aircraft captured in Egypt. Pilot Steel was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).

15th of October 1917 - 2nd Lt. R.C Steele (Canada) and Lt. John J Lloyd-Williams destroyed an Albatross D.III.
Initially the enemy pilot indicated he was surrendering, but then tried to make for his lines and had his wing shot off.

The squadron was always intended to be a single seat fighter unit.
In January 1918 the squadron handed over its Bristol F.2b aircraft to No.1 Squadron (AFC) after being equipped with the SE5a fighters.

No.1 Squadron (AFC) operated with No.111 Squadron (RFC) and later No.142 Squadron (RFC) as part of the 40th (Army) Wing (RFC).
The wing formed part of the Palestine Brigade (RFC), the other part of the Brigade was formed by 5th (Corps) Wing (RFC), comprised of No.14 and No.113 Squadrons (RFC).

Bristol F.2b, Serial No. A-7194 was transferred from No.111 Squadron (RFC) via Kantara to No.1 Squadron (AFC) on the 11th of January 1918.
During its time with No.1 Squadron (AFC) it flew regular missions with different crews through February and March, before crashing on take-off on March the 28th.

NOTE: The change in the aircraft colour scheme and style of the serial number when serving with No.1 Squadron (AFC).

Mike

No.111 Squadron (RFC) in 1917.






No.1 Squadron (AFC) in 1918.

Hi all,
Here's the basic Rolls Royce 'Falcon' V12 in-line engine.
It still needs additions, such as ignition leads, controls and pipes and weathering,

Mike

I was a long-time simmer before I realized the bottom wing doesn't touch the fuselage. Looking forward to this build!

Hi Rick,
Yes not a usual design feature.
By the way, I'm loving the 'Riiiick Rawliiiings' videoes

Mike

Thank you, I really appreciate that. I am very envious of your model making skills so if I can return even a small amount of the joy I get from seeing your builds, I would be glad!

Hi all,
The basic Rolls-Royce 'Falcon' V12 engine is complete.
There are other parts that can only be fitted once the engine has been installed in the fuselage.
I've added representations of carburetor/magneto controls and fuel supply/drain pipes.
Although the rear of the engine will hardly be visible once installed.
I've also added oil pipes, spark plugs and ignition leads.

All with a combination of:
0.2 and 0.3 mm diameter Nickel-Silver tube (controls, spark plugs)
0.3 and 0.5 mm diameter Brass tube (fuel supply/drain pipes)
0.4 mm diameter flexible tube (black) (oil pipes)
Steel coloured silk thread (ignition leads).

Weathered with oil paint and enamel wash.

Mike

Amazing! That whole piece is like, what, two inches long?

Hi Rick,
Actually 1 3/4" long

Mike

That's quite the detail for such a small model.

I'll second Rick's sentiments, Mike, seeing your builds is one of the main reasons I check the forums on any regular basis. Your attention to detail is genuinely awe inspiring.

Cheers!

I'll second CaptSopwith's seconding of my comments!

Hi all,
The cockpit is nearly completed.
The pilots seat is a replacement from 'Gaspatch'.
I've added the control cables for the ailerons, rudder and tail plane incidence control.
The elevator cables are external, so not in the cockpit as such.
Also I've added the trigger cable on the control column for the pilots Vickers machine gun.
Finally I added control rods from the pilots throttle quadrant and the radiator shutters control.
Weather was done using 'Flory Models' wash (Grime).

The cockpit assembly is now fitted into the closed up fuselage.
However I do have a problem to solve.
I got distracted, so unfortunately, I fitted the cockpit into the fuselage without any bracing wires fitted.
I now have to try and fit them all through the cockpit opening in the fuselage.
It happens,

Mike

Hi all,
I've added the cockpit bracing wires.
These are 0.2 mm diameter Nickel-Silver rod.
Each was cut to the required length then secured in position using CA adhesive,

Mike

Beautiful work! Loving the wicker basket seat.

Hi all,
Photographs of this particular aircraft show what seems to be an ‘in-field’ modification to the two upper access panels over the engine
The blister on each panel was needed to clear the panel from the engine upper coolant pipes.
On this aircraft the blisters were cut away in order to provide an opening for, I assume, additional engine cooling, as the aircraft operated in the warmer climate of Palestine.
Also the upper right access panel will be displayed open and therefore the two upper panels need to be modified accordingly.
It's not clear if all of the aircraft in this squadron had the in-field modification carried out on the two upper access panels over the engine.

Mike

Wow! Going great!

Mike, will you have a tutorial on weaving the basket seat? Your work is over the top mate!

Wow, amazing work as always!

Hi all,
The basic modification to the engine access panels, although not yet finished.
The upper access panels have had their blisters removed.
Also, the panel locating tabs were removed and their locating recesses filled.
These panels were secured together with an added 0.5 mm diameter Brass rod to represent the centre hinge.
The three lower panels have had their air intake scoops reduced in thickness to look more in-scale.

Mike

Looking really impressive Mike. Well done so far.