For a change from painting "stars n bars" I thought it was about time I got the big Tiffie that I purchased a couple of years ago onto the bench.


I'm pretty much going OOB on this, with the addition of seatbelts and some cockpit details. No scratchbuilding and only the top area of the engine exposed.

Off we go then,
First few sections of the instructions complete.


And then everything gets a base coat of my scale black.

Time to do a bit of research and see how the colours on this area are going to end up as there appears to be a few differences of opinion around this.( What a surprise)

Nigel,
this should be an excellent build with your skills. I'm pulling up a chair, and will be following the Tiffie till it's conclusion.
Joel

Good heavens! There are a lot of parts going into this in 1/24! By the time you're done you'll know the a/c inside and out. I will follow with interest.

Nice one Nige, too big for me but I'm still following along. Now as for the colours, since Hawker painted their frame work silver and did not leave it natural metal I would go with a scaled silver finish on the frame.

I shall enjoy watching this, and seeing how it all goes together, as I have one in the stash.
BTW Happy Birthday mate.
Andy

..been tempted to have a go at this one too..but the price has to be right, if anyone knows where they can be purchased for not much, I'm all ears. Reckon you'll finish this by Christmas then Nige...? Christmas 2017 I mean..?!

Hi Neil

Christmas 2017?! - Nige is getting this ready for Telford later this month!

Nice one Nige - I'll definitely be following this build. I must admit the new car-door Tiffie has me tempted, but I've got more than enough to keep me busy, so my wallet's safe (for a while at least...).

All the best

Rowan

I'm on board for this journey, this will look great displayed beside the big Jug !

Cheers, D

About time




Christmas 2017! more like 2020

Yep the cockpit doesn't need much else and the only thing needed on the engine is wiring.

Make sure that the engine is seated correctly or you may have issues with the cowling panels, tolerances are impressively tight. The under rear fuselage is good but you may find that you think that you have to trim something, you don't. Follow the instructions and everything goes really well

We can have a chat about this stuff at Telford?

Will do,

See you at the weekend guys

I cannot say enough nice things about the Brassin wheels and the Master Caster rockets - I know they're expensive, but having bought a set I am amazed by the quality.


I also have the Airscale instruments, which are beautiful.


And ICYMI - there's an update to the instructions on the Airfix website, clarification on a step.

Been steadily plodding on with this in between working on the big Tamiya Mustang.





Hardest part seems to be figuring out what bits to leave off depending on how many sections of engine cowling the modeller wants to fit.

Not had much time this week to spend on the Tiffie.
Seatbelts and instrument panels always take forever with me and this is no exception.
Just got the lap belts to finish and then I can fit the seat before moving onto the instruments and side panels.

Inbetween the cockpit and steadily painting the markings on the Tamiya Mustang Ive made a start on the engine too.

Looks awesome Nige, great work.

Cheers, D

So now the Tamiya Mustang is finished and I'm adding the last bits and pieces onto a P-47 build I've finally got some more done on the big Tiffie and the build is getting a new lease of life after being bogged down in seatbelts and instrument panel doldrums.





A test fit onto the wing base and it'll soon be time to decide what version I'm going to build so I can drill the locating holes for the ordnance.

Hey Nige - which harness did you use? The RB one?

The cockpit and engine thus far, look the biz Nigel.

Ernest

Nigel,

That Tiffy cockpit looks so nice it seems almost a shame to shut it up inside the fuselage - great work!

Nig,
The cockpit looks great. Outstanding job on those belts and harness.

Joel

Thanks everyone.
I can't remember exactly which harness set I used but its one of the fabric ones. Really nice and well worth the extra.

Since the last post I've got some more done.
The wheel wells have been built up and painted since I took this photo. Once the masking tape that's holding them in place while the glue cures is removed I'll post another photo.

I've also decided to finish it as a bomb carrying version.

Beautiful work to date Nigel



Terri

Thanks Terri

More progress.

Wheel bays closed up


Just the guns to attach and then the top sections of the wings can go on.

Nigel,
Those wheel wells really do look rather good.
Joel

Awesome work on the wheel wells Nigel. Was it difficult to align the parts?

Ernest

Lovely work on the cockpit and wheel wells Nigel

Following along with interest