34055 Fighter Pilot from an Airfix kit.

[The Evil Bus Driver]

I really like this build. It shows what's possible with what start out as static kits. Maybe I'll have a go too. I'd like to do a railbus at some stage soon but I'll avoid the airfix made ones due to their age as I've heard the plastic goes brittle over time. 

[cctransuk]

6 minutes ago, The Evil Bus Driver said:

I really like this build. It shows what's possible with what start out as static kits. Maybe I'll have a go too. I'd like to do a railbus at some stage soon but I'll avoid the airfix made ones due to their age as I've heard the plastic goes brittle over time. 

 

I avoid the Dapol made kits - the moulds are worn out; the detail is far less defined; the plastic is 'rubbery', and has a tendency to warp.

 

Airfix originals every time for me!

 

CJI.

[The Evil Bus Driver]

On 25/07/2023 at 14:52, cctransuk said:

 

I avoid the Dapol made kits - the moulds are worn out; the detail is far less defined; the plastic is 'rubbery', and has a tendency to warp.

 

Airfix originals every time for me!

 

CJI.

Ah OK I didn't realise that. I know the moulds are pretty worn out from age but didn't realise the plastic was spongy. I have a couple of Airfix wagons which will never be assembled due to the plastic becoming brittle. Besides one is wrapped in cellophane so I'll leave it as it is. 

[sagaguy]

I think Dapol plastic is recycled plastic, I started a Kitmaster Bulleid Pacific after the Dapol model and Kitmaster plastic is definitely harder!.

 

        Ray.

[brightspark]

I agree. I have built several kits in this range especially the mogul.

The older the plastic the more firm it is. I don't think that this is age hardening, just a better mix of raw material.

The Dapol plastic is very soft and is recycled. I think that it is a shame that the soft plastic is used as these model loco kits were meant for children to put together and have a push along model. It is certainly something I had a go at when I was in short trousers.

As for the Dapol moulds, they hold their shape together (i.e. I have had no problem when aligning boilers and chimneys), but as said above, small detail may get washed out.

For our purposes though I think that they are adequate and give a good basis for the body shape. We don't need the plastic chassis and wheels and will add on the extra detail.

 

 

[DCB]

I was hoping for an update about the performance.   Sounds reminiscent of my battles with DS11 and the like in heavy locos..    Then again for a B of B  I would have started with a GR Wrenn WC chassis...  

[brightspark]

Nothing else to report on the motor performance . As the loco is only used on an end to end layout, I don't think that it will get the chance to overheat. So I will leave it as is. 

The test will come at the the layout rehearsal in a month or so's time and at Gaydon where Swaynton is showing.

 

Progress is painfully slow.

But here are some photos from the workbench just now.

 

I have cut and inserted the cab windows and these have been fixed with Klear.

They look a bit frosty, but that is because of the light reflection. At normal viewing distance they are fine.

Also attached under each side of the cab are the various pipes. 

A bit of fettling had to be done here, especially on the right hand side to allow the pony truck to still move.

 

With the windows in I can start to fit out the cab. 

Here is the backhead painted up and ready to mount.

 

However the current focus is on making up the brake gear.

 

So lots of small details to go on yet. 

[brightspark]

I really must get on with this.

 

I finally got around to building up the brake gear today.

 

It is nicely detailed and runs both sides of the wheels. A recipe for shorting? I hope not.

 

I put the model outside for a couple of photos. Still lots of detail to add.

Up to 176 hours so far, but take off 30 or so for the reworking of errors.

 

Brighton to Bournemouth headcode.  I still need to add front hook and pipes.

Compare to these pictures taken a couple of years later, after the tender was cut down. (both from Flickr) photo Ian Nolan.

Photo - Alwyn Ladell

 

 

To be added, brake gear- speedometer and a another coat of paint on that door.

 

I didn't spot that the wheel is off the rails. Canvas roof cover is in place, doors and pipes now fixed.

 

Almost ready for nameplates.

 

Edited August 20, 2023 by brightspark
typo

[brightspark]

I think, at last, I may have got to the end of this build.

 

 

I have clocked just over 180hours. 

I suspect that the clock watching is what made it seem to drag on. 

A lot of that time was spent correcting errors on the Airfix body and 20 hours or so correcting mistakes that I made.

 

With no more bits to glue or bolt on, I can fix the name board and shield and she is ready for service.

 

So here it is. 34055 completed. 

 

 

 

 

Well almost complete. It needs a crew and some weathering. But it is ready for it's outing at Gaydon in October.

More updates to follow, eventually.

 

[brightspark]

'tis finally done.

 

Model now weathered and crew added.

 

 

compare to

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/sr-bulleid-battle-of-britain-class-462-no-34055-fighter-pilot--373587731571701460/

on pintrest

 

I noticed that the weathering on the roof of these loco's seemed to form a distinct pattern.

That is a V from the chimney to a point just above the front (or before they were blanked off- the second) sandbox filler.

The weathered condition is as it appears in may/june 1960 and is based on photos available on the www.

 

Hopefully it will be pulling trains at Gaydon next month. 

If you are there come and say hello.

 

[brightspark]

So the Gaydon show went well and Fighter Pilot performed her duties well with no hiccups. 

 

I was intending to take some photos of her but found that I didn't have time to do that and look around the show and museum, plus I forgot.

I have looked at a couple videos made at the show, but none of them have this loco in them.

 

Did anyone get a photo of her in action?

Edited October 31, 2023 by brightspark
typo