Handley-Page Halifax GRII – 1/32nd scale vacform
This was a year long project and started life as a very basic vacform (the old ID Models' kit now marketed as Tigger Models) and involved a great deal of scratch building.
Kits such as these come as a blank canvas - the shell of the main structure is provided but the rest is down to the modeller. I have scratch-built the complete interior (including turrets,) bomb bays, undercarriage, propellers and all of the small detail parts. Evergreen strip and plastic card was the medium. I also made my own elevators and rudders, as well as scribing all surface detail on to the model. The turrets were also moulded by making a master and crash-moulding. The exposed Merlin engine was a modified Tamiya Spitfire engine, back-dated to a series XX engine.
All markings were sprayed on to the model; Xtracolour enamels were used throughout the build.
The only after-market items used was a harness set and guns from Aries and Master brass barrels.
The model represents a Halifax GRII (Series IA) of RAF Coastal Command (this aircraft grabbed my attention as it retained it's Bomber Command camouflage,) which flew with 58 Squadron from St Davids.
It's a big model once completed - the span is a smidge under 38".
Stunning work indeed, Thomas...especially in a vacuform build (I never DID have much luck with those). A quality build, sir...the detail and finish are excellent.
Hi Craig - and many thanks for your complimentary feedback.
Many very accomplished modellers are put off by vacforms - all it takes is a bit of patience, perseverance and some thinking 'out of the box'. Everyone should have a go ; they're great fun!
You've done yourself proud Thomas.
Outstanding effort & result.
Welcome onboard iModeler, Thomas. That's an awesome first post, hope to see more of your modeling soon!
Super job Tom, your detailing is stunning.
One word, Thomas: inspirational.
Another word: unbelieveable!
Awesome!
WOW. That is impressive on a lot of levels. gorgeous work.
Many thanks for the kind words gentlemen.
The next project of this genre will be a 1/32nd Short Stirling... I'll start a 'Work in Progress' thread when I get started so you can see the build process.
Cool! I've often wondered how vac forms build up - look forward to it.
I must say my jaw dropped when I began to grasp what you have done. By the time i was midway through the images, it had hit the floor. By the time I got to the last one, I had lost it entirely, I think it rolled in the next room...
I do not have time to comment on every model I see on iModeler, they are, as a rule, quite impressive, but this one and your B-29 are mind boggling to me!
Hooray for your dedication, skill, art and the gumption it took to even attempt these "feats of model building prowess"!
-Ralph
Tremendous, in every sense of the word!
Outstanding.
Thomas,
Late to the party with my comment and I am almost speechless. Your skills are amazing. I have seen ID kits and I would never have believed that thy would ever look this good. You have definitely turned the sows ear into a magnificent silk purse. I now move on to your B-29.