Airfix 1/48 Folland Gnat

[yak face]

Dave , maybe the bulkhead was designed to attach the canopy in the open position , if doing it closed you might have had to cut the offending bit off anyway ? Just a thought as the angle of the bit sticking up looks just right to attach the canopy at the correct angle , cheers tony

[Dave W]

Dave , maybe the bulkhead was designed to attach the canopy in the open position , if doing it closed you might have had to cut the offending bit off anyway ? Just a thought as the angle of the bit sticking up looks just right to attach the canopy at the correct angle , cheers tony

If that was Airfix intention,I think they would have put something in the instructions and provided a part to fill in the hole left by cutting the top of the bulkhead off.Ive emailed them as I think there is a problem with the kit.I also said I wasn't after a replacement or a refund.

[Dave W]

Dave , maybe the bulkhead was designed to attach the canopy in the open position , if doing it closed you might have had to cut the offending bit off anyway ? Just a thought as the angle of the bit sticking up looks just right to attach the canopy at the correct angle , cheers tony

Having had another look at the model Ive changed my mind and think you may be right Tony.Ive sent Airfix another email asking if this is the case.

[Dave W]

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Be just removed the tape and I'm pleased to say the fairing over the rear instrument panel is fixed in the correct position.Ive now glued the wing on and clamped it into position whilst the glue sets.Next job will be to sort out the hole in the rear bulkhead.The pictures in the instructions show it located under the front edge of the wing section.I advise anyone building this kit not to attach the rear bulkhead to the cockpit tub until you are ready to fit the wing.I believe I've followed the instructions correctly.

[Dave W]

Having had another look at the model Ive changed my mind and think you may be right Tony.Ive sent Airfix another email asking if this is the case.

I've changed my mind again Tony.In a later stage photo you can see the bulkhead fitted under the wing!.so I've either assembled it wrong or the angle of the Bach of the cockpit tub is too upright.I suspect the later.

[papa 695]

I was going to say it looks a nice kit Dave, but it seems to be a troublesome little kit for you at the moment

[The Migrant]

If it's any encouragement Dave, I was reading a build of this kit on another forum and the builder was encountering some of the same issues as you are. He also had to file the base of the seats down because the canopy wouldn't fit otherwise, so it seems as if maybe there are some issues with the positioning of the cockpit tub. I have this kit myself so am watching your progress with interest.

[Dave W]

If it's any encouragement Dave, I was reading a build of this kit on another forum and the builder was encountering some of the same issues as you are. He also had to file the base of the seats down because the canopy wouldn't fit otherwise, so it seems as if maybe there are some issues with the positioning of the cockpit tub. I have this kit myself so am watching your progress with interest.

The height of the cockpit tub is set by the nose gear bay which I ns glued to the underside in an early construction sequence.Mine is fitted as per the instructions and lines up perfectly with the cut out in the fuselage.ive just checked and will need to thin the base of my seats as well to get the canopy to fit.The front of the tub locates against a raised ring inside the fuselage.I don't think it is possible to fit it in wrong.So there must be a problem with the kit.

Now the wing is glued on its going to need some filler to get rid of the joins.The underside of the fuselage will as well.I thought this was going to be a quick build.I was really looking forward to building this.Now I'm fed up with it and am going to carry on with my 1/24 spitfire instead .At least I knew that was going to be a kit with problems when I bought it.Its a Pitty Tamiya or Hasegawa don't do a Gnat.There wouldn't be any of these problems.Although it would probably cost three times as much.Ive never been a big Airfix fan and have only bought their kits when no one else has done one of a type I really want.This kit has done nothing to change my opinion.

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[rickoshea52]

It's a shame this isn't working out for you Dave as I enjoy reading about your builds and the end product. Sometimes it's best to take a step back from a project that isn't going well and regroup, enjoy something else for a bit then come back refreshed; often things just go much easier after a break.

[Guest]

Don't loose heart with it Dave you seem to be taming the beast. this one will be a credit to your skills.

scott

[Dave W]

It's a shame this isn't working out for you Dave as I enjoy reading about your builds and the end product. Sometimes it's best to take a step back from a project that isn't going well and regroup, enjoy something else for a bit then come back refreshed; often things just go much easier after a break.

That's exactly what I intend to do Rick.I always get the better of a kit in the end.Its just that I was expecting this one to be better than it is.I wonder if Airfix actually build one of their new kits before putting them on sale to make sure they go together as intended?.

[Guest]

Look forward to return of the Gnat Dave,

[john i am]

Shame about the fit issues cause the detailing looks great I'm sure after a break you will comeback and wrestle this into shape.To be fair to airfix they are making big improvements and in the scheme of things this is a setback for them.I will be putting this on my not to buy list.I wouldnt be put of from buying other new airfix kits though as some of these are very good and go together really well and compared to their old stuff they are worlds apart look forward to the next update cheers John

[flyjoe180]

I had a look at some builds of this kit online Dave. I have come to the conclusion from looking at your bulkhead and then the others, that yours is in back to front. The step under the very top rounded piece should face the front of the aeroplane. You had it facing rearwards. The slots in the face of it are to position the seats up against.

[flyjoe180]

Here's the instruction sheet stage showing the correct orientation of the bulkhead. It is the reverse of how yours was positioned. Solved I think.

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