Tamiya's Masterpiece - Their 1/32 scale Mosquito

[Jim R]

Hi Barry
Always nice to get a long join to fit so well. Credit to Tamiya and your preparation. Looking forward to the engines.
Jim

[BarryW]

Engines coming along well.

Here is an example of Tamiya’s thoughtful and intelligent engineering. Where some companies really don’t care Tamiya do and their kits never fight you.

In the photos you can see a jig to help make sure the cylinder blocks are fixed at exactly the right angle. This is not the only place where jigs are provided.


Below is a pic of the jig fitted and waiting for the cement to dry. Tonight I remove the jig.

By the way, there are some very strong positive location tabs on the engine blocks as well!

[papa 695]

This is coming along great Barry.

[Guest]

I'm so new to model making that I don't feel qualified to comment on the build topics of others but I simply can't help myself. The level of detail in that cockpit is stunning, truly something for a novice like me to aspire to.

[Jim R]

Hi Barry
All credit to Tamiya for supplying the jigs.
Jim

[Mr Bowcat]

Just caught up Barry, absolutely stunning work so far.

Despite not having the space to display this kit, I am going to have to get one.

[BarryW]

I have to say that this kit really does live up to its reputation and none of the plaudits that Tamiya has received for this kit are exaggerated. The only kit that I have built that can compare is the previous 1/32 Tamiya release, the Corsair. With every new release in this series of kits they set a new benchmark for excellence. Rumours abound about a new Tamiya 1/32 release next month at the big Japanese model show without any real information of what it might be.

My mind boggles at where Tamiya may take this hobby next and if they do release another in this range I will certainly buy it without knowing anything about it at all regardless of price or what it is. There is no other company I can say that for. As for what it might be rumours include a P38, P47, Bf109, Me262 or my big hope a Beaufighter. Most likely a Bf109 or P47 in my view.

[BarryW]

I promised to get some better pics of the cockpit. The rear area won’t be finished until the wing is fitted. Here are some pics.






I have been working on the engines. They said that if something goes wrong with a Tamiya kit then it is always something that you have done. Well the tale of two engines demonstrates that.

Now I like to have clean lines on my aircraft so I done have panels open. Even though this kits engine panels are designed with magnets to be removable I am not one for moving parts, taking off panels etc, after all it is not a toy. So my plan is to just build the engines to enjoy the engineering for fun, not paint them and I will cement the panels in place. With that intention I probably set about the first engine with a little excess speed and confidence....

I changed the order somewhat and did not read the instructions very thoroughly. A page from the instructions that I did a stage later than I should....


That part P54 would not fit into place and then it broke. Not having the engine on display it is not really a problem. I threw the part away.



The engine fitted perfectly dropping into place with ease but it is fixed with two screws to the firewall and in trying to screw them in I bent and weakened a strut. It may break and give me problems later. Incidentally, I was only able to get one screw into place. Perfectly fitting as the engine was, the second screw would not screw in. So I just liberally went around every where with cement to make sure the one screw was enough.

I then realised that I would have left some sprue in place, yes the instructions said so, to protect the struts!! See below. The instructions say remove it at a later stage.



And I built the engine in the order Tamiya says and, guess what, P54 slips perfectly into place.



Here is that second engine all perfectly aligned and In place.



However. I could still only get one screw in.

So there you have it. Read the instructions and do what Mr Tamiya san says....all will be well. But even so why did only one screw fit on each engine? (not the same one).....

[Steven000]

Nice progress, looks very detailed :thumb2:
Cheers, Steven

[Neil Merryweather]

that cockpit looks the biz, Barry!
and thank you for sharing your mishap- it makes us lesser mortals feel a bit better!
Neil

[minitnkr]

Beautiful office. Scews??? PaulE

[BarryW]

Couple more progress pics.

I black primed the interior of the wheel wells and sprayed silver as per the instructions and also picked out some detail. I will spray some gloss varnish and weather them next with AK enamel washes. There are some odd decals to apply as well.



I have also started assembling the centre section for the wing


All the fit was spot on but some care is needed with the p.e. ribs inside the wheel wells.

[papa 695]

Coming along great guns Barry

[Steven000]

Looking good Barry :thumb2:
Cheers, Steven

[scottie3158]

Barry,
Looking really good.