The Border Models 1/32 Lancaster BI/III

[Steve-the-Duck]

That structure just forward of the Elsan, is that meant to be the flare chute because it looks a bit huge? Most of the photos I've seen only show a singler compartment with a big curved lid

[Neil Merryweather]

That structure just forward of the Elsan, is that meant to be the flare chute because it looks a bit huge? Most of the photos I've seen only show a singler compartment with a big curved lid

chaff dispenser?

[BarryW]

That structure just forward of the Elsan, is that meant to be the flare chute because it looks a bit huge? Most of the photos I've seen only show a singler compartment with a big curved lid

It’s the late style flare chute. The smaller round earlier one is an option.

[BarryW]

The internal canopy frame is in place.

[Jim R]

Fine progress Barry. The canopy frame looks very nice - your patience in fitting it has paid dividends. Your idea of recreating the strengthening rib on the fuselage with Mr S 500 sounds like a plan. Hope it works.

[Gern]

Most unlike you Barry! What's that untidy mess in that storage unit?

[Steve-the-Duck]

It’s the late style flare chute. The smaller round earlier one is an option.

Right. All my pics and references are of the early one, for my 'first in service' still incomplete partwork build. Nice to know this kit has options for other marks. Does it also have both late and early nose blisters? I couldn't see the transparencies in the parts pics

"Can't see the transparencies? Well, that's because they're TRANSPARENT!"

[BarryW]

Right. All my pics and references are of the early one, for my 'first in service' still incomplete partwork build. Nice to know this kit has options for other marks. Does it also have both late and early nose blisters? I couldn't see the transparencies in the parts pics

"Can't see the transparencies? Well, that's because they're TRANSPARENT!"

There are two different nose blisters Steve.

[Waspie]

chaff dispenser?

Serious Question. Did they have 'Chaff' then? (Horrid stuff!!) Mr Google time!!!!!

Mr Google wins. 1942 it was invented. That surprised me!

[Steve-the-Duck]

Serious Question. Did they have 'Chaff' then? (Horrid stuff!!) Mr Google time!!!!!

Mr Google wins. 1942 it was invented. That surprised me!

Yes, but back then it was called 'window,' by us, and 'duppel' by the Germans. Or, whatever is the German word for 'where did all this tinfoil come from?"

[Guest]

Or, whatever is the German word for 'where did all this tinfoil come from?"

Don’t pat yourself on the back too much Britain and Germany independently invented Window/Düppel at about the same time, and both kept it secret because they figured that if they used it, the other side would immediately know what it was for and duplicate it. The UK was the first to use it in combat, and though German civilians of course were puzzled by metallic paper strips on the ground after a bombing raid, as soon as word of it got to people who knew about Düppel, they knew they didn’t need to keep their version secret any longer.

[BarryW]

More progress.

The canopy fitted very well. I did have some minor adjustments to make to the inner frame but nothing to worry about.



Reviews suggest that the top inserts are a little too wide for the fuselage. Solutions tried include using plastic sheet to make the fuselage wider.

did not do that and just cemented the two fuselage sides into place. I ended up with a gap in the two short sections of top fuselage, behind the canopy and at the tail. I filled these with Vallejo Plastic Putty and after letting it fully cure I sanded it and then applied some Mr Dissolved Putty to the join. It will need a little light sanding tomorrow once that has cured. You can also see in the picture that there is no gap with the fuselage sides fitting snugly together in the middle section. As you can see I did nothing to correct the alleged wider insert…

I say alleged, because a test fit below shows the inserts fitting perfectly. And are exactly the right width! Note that in the picture they are just loosely placed
So, I am not sure why reviews say the inserts are too wide!

Below you can see that I have started work on the bomb bay doors and tail sections.

[boatman]

Barry i know this is a stupid question but will this lanc take the gramdslam bomb ?

[BarryW]

Barry i know this is a stupid question but will this lanc take the gramdslam bomb ?

No, that Lanc was a special conversion. HKM have produced on in that version.

[BarryW]

In built up the tail/stabs and then realised that they won’t slide onto the location points due to protrusion from the flap attachment. You were meant to attach the flaps after sliding the tail on. I suspect the theory behind it was to lock the tail in place with the flaps.

You can see the protrusion inside towards the bottom.

It was a simple 5 minute job getting a razor saw inside to cut it up to weaken it then break it off and file the area smooth.
Then they slid on perfectly giving a nice close fit.


I have not cemented them in place yet.