GWH P61A Black Widow - 1/48

[BarryW]

I have been applying individual dial decals to the ip. This has really tested my patience. I have used individual dials before in 1/32 scale but not 1/48 and never so many so close together. I had to stop using MicroSet as dials already positioned would float off. The problem is that you cannot really seat them into position so they stay. Trying to press them with a cotton bud does not work as the decal comes away with the bud. The only option was to press them down with a cocktail stick so they are left sorta hanging not bedded on. The good news is that two of each dial was included on the sheet so those that disappeared could be replaced. I think most are in the right position but I doubt that any are the right way around. I also left a few off that are just to small to bother with. It’s a good job that you will not get more than an impression of an ip when peering into the pit.

This process confirmed my guess that this kit was originally designed to be 1/32, as I am sure that GWH would see how impractical this method would be in such a small scale.

Anyway this is how it looks before applying Microsol. It’s not great but hey-ho it teaches me to find 3D decal or pe sets in future.

Take a good look, at least one disappeared (top right small one) when applying Microsol I got away lightly as I really expected more to ‘float’ away
It will do in this small scale I would not be happy if this was 1/32 though.

[adt70hk]

That doesn't look like it was fun Barry. Well done for persevering!!

[BarryW]

A bit of artistic licence here. Some of the left over decals used on the bulkhead to add some detail. Not sure if it will be seen but it does make it look better.

[Tim Marlow]

What a strange way of doing things. Still, it will look suitably busy through the glass.

Edit, I mean the IP, not the bulkhead LOL……you posted seconds before me….

[Jim R]

Hi Barry
A real test of patience but I'm sure that once in place it will look the part. It does seem a step too far. A single decal on a smoothish surface would have been more reasonable.
Jim

[PhilJ]

Bloody fiddly eh? I always have a set of instrument decals on hand from airscale, that way the cursing and threating is only temporary

[BarryW]

Some pictures of the cockpit subs before I close it all up












Finally a decision to make. The front wheel leg is meant to be inserted between the fuselage halves before closing it up. But, the pins are very small and this piece will be very vulnerable. Should I leave it out and when doing final fittings cut off one of the pins to cement it in place? I am inclined to do so even though it will weaken the fixing even more. By the way, those two moulded in aerials did break off and I have kept them safe to reattach in finals.

[Tim Marlow]

Not sure of the wheel bay arrangement on that front leg, but is, it possible to slot one of the fixings from below (keeping the top of the hole intact so the leg stays level) to allow the leg to be added after assembly? That way you maintain the little strength that is already there, and can glue both sides to improve strength if you think it necessary.

[BarryW]

Not sure of the wheel bay arrangement on that front leg, but is, it possible to slot one of the fixings from below (keeping the top of the hole intact so the leg stays level) to allow the leg to be added after assembly? That way you maintain the little strength that is already there, and can glue both sides to improve strength if you think it necessary.

No, I have tried a dry fit to see if I could find an option like that but no luck at all. Incidentally, the fuselage clicks together beautifully…..

[Allen Dewire]

Hi Barry,

When you clamp the landing gear between the fuselage halves, does it retract forwards or rearwards? If forwards, does the counterwight interfere wit it going into the fuselage? Looking at the destructions, it looks like it would move if you don't attach part F49. Could you blue tac it in place and/or cover it so it doesn't get damaged? Just my 2 Pfennings worth looking at the destructions.............

Prost
Allen

[BarryW]

Hi Barry,

When you clamp the landing gear between the fuselage halves, does it retract forwards or rearwards? If forwards, does the counterwight interfere wit it going into the fuselage? Looking at the destructions, it looks like it would move if you don't attach part F49. Could you blue tac it in place and/or cover it so it doesn't get damaged? Just my 2 Pfennings worth looking at the destructions.............

Prost
Allen

I don’t really see how you can protect it from damage to be honest. I have decided to add it after as a final fitting and rely on F49 cemented in place to give it a little strength.

While the fuselage sides fit well in the first test fit, actually there will be an issue with all the internals in place. The guns need threading into the holes and I have already removed some detail that gets in the way of doing that. I am currently trying to work out why the front wheel well does not fit well into the other fuselage side. I have not worked that one out yet and I think trying to do it with the wheel in place will just give me more problems.

[BarryW]

A couple of photos of the internals

[Jim R]

Stunning looking cockpit. The landing gear is a real dilemma. If you fit it as they say and don't knock it off that's ideal. If it is knocked off, very likely, then reattaching will make for a weak fix and there is a high chance of damaging paintwork. If you fit it later with one pin removed you have a weaker join but at least it's all planned and the glue is where it should be :thinking:
This modelling lark is just decision after decision!
Jim

[Andy the Sheep]

Barry, a really fascinating job with that cockpit.
I'm following your build with attention, waiting for the black livery moment, when I will discover what I could have done better with my P70.:flushed:
...and I already know I should have used MRP instead of Tamiya :tongue-out3:

Andrea

[BarryW]

I had a real fight with this kit to join the fuselage halves. The main problem was the wheel well sides, I just could not get them to fit neatly into position despite a dry fit working. In the end I managed it with superglue which has left a bit of a mess.


The above can be cleaned up, no problem.

A bigger problem is how some interior parts broke loose or broke ‘during the fight’.


I am hoping that I can fix them back into place. If not, you know me, I am not one to mess around, I will call it a day with this kit. Not at that point yet.