HK Models 1/48 Avro Lancaster B Mk.1
This is my first build of an HK models kit and it did not dissappoint. The kit does have a few weak points but overall I really enjoyed the build.
See all my models at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/98961263@N00/albums/72157603606379755
Photograpy: Nikon D300; Focus Stacking using Helicon Focus; Editing using LightRoom
Paint: AK RAF Dark Green RC286, Dark Earth RC287, Tamiya AS-63 NATO Black (decanted)
Accessories: Belcher Bits resin wheels (BB12) - these are excellent
Kit Strengths:
- Best of all is the surface detail. The rivets and recessed panel lines are the best I've ever seen. They are very sharp and very deep so don't become clogged with paint and therefore accept a wash very well. They are so good, I considered not doing a wash because they show very nicely under several layers of paint. In the end I did do a wash of light grey which think looks great.
- Fit. Generally the fit of the major components it excellent. The wings snap on and do not require cement.
- Interior detail. Plenty of interior detail to satisfy many.
- Transparencies. Super clear and well moulded.
Kit Weaknesses:
- Fit. This is also a strength but there are some trouble spots. I had trouble with he fit of the canopy which required some fill. Also, the horizontal stabilizers were difficult to attach. What I found was that the tabs were exactly the same size as the slots which did not provide enough tolerance to slid them in. Many of the smaller parts suffered from this as well so a lot of trimming was necessary through the build.
- Transparencies. This too is a strength and a weakness. The glass for the nose and turrets was designed very well albeit with little mating surface; which I'm sure was unavoidable. However, the canopy too had very little mating surface which results in no margin for error. Perhaps this was unavoidable too but it is a challenging aspect of the kit. Also, the canopy has an insert for the side windows offering the option of a bubble or a flat surface. The small amount of mating surface again leaves little room for error compounded by a slightly poor fit. I wish HK would have provided two canopies rather than the insert as well as integrating some fuselage panels with the glass to get around the mating surface problem.
Although I've written more about the weaknesses of the kit than the strengths but I consider this kit to be excellent overall and I would highly recommend it.
Thanks for looking,
Richard
Amazing job, Richard!
A beauty!
thank you!
Fabulous! Well done!
Excellent build!
Amazing build, Richard @rbungay
Beautiful paintwork and finishing.
thanks
The reason the fit is so tight for the wings and horizontal stabilizers is so they do not need glue, allowing disassembly for storage.
The model's even better than you report if you have ever built a Tamiya Lancaster to compare the process with.
Very nice result on this. Excellent work on your part.
Excellent work, Richard. Great paintwork. The only reason I haven’t built mine yet is that I’m still finishing a new display area for large models in our new house.
Awesome results!
Very nice. Are those decals from the box?
yup - kit decals were great
Sweet. Skin detail is pretty slick.
That's a beauty! Well done.
It’s difficult to accept that something as beautiful as this was basically designed as a killing machine. Great work on this, Richard.
That is one of the best Lancaster builds that I’ve seen in a long time, congratulations Richard. I don’t know the HK kit at all but it looks impressively accurate; I know the “pundits” were critical of some aspects of the 1/32 kit, like the shape and size of the radiator openings but by golly I’d be happy to have that model in my collection! The paint finish and excellent photography certainly enhance matters.
By the way, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster flew low (under 1000’) over my house recently, it was awe inspiring! Made my day.
Outstanding build and presentation. I appreciate the review of the kit too; I've been weighing up buying one of these, although the required commitment to building and painting it is a little intimidating. Thanks for sharing.
Life is too short for weighing it up, go for it, Tim @timtozer231.
Beautiful work!
Amazing build. Really good display of an exciting new kit, also. One of the best Lancasters posted anywhere.
Thanks for posting.
Richard,
Your build gets about as close to being "Art" as a kit can get. The stuff that dreams are made of and what modelers hope for.
Two thumbs up.
Had no choice but, to smash the like button.
Richard
I’m going to echo the compliments mentioned above. This is the best Lancaster model that I’ve ever seen. I’m definitely going to be pressing the “like” button too !
You have captured the looks and the paint is perfect.
If we still had the “model of the month” contest here on Imodeler, your Lancaster would definitely be a contender.
Two thumbs up for sure !
The Lanc is one of my favorite heavies, and you did a wonderful job on this one!