DH Mosquito FB Mk VI Tamiya 1/48
Here is a build that was a real learning experience for me. I built it out of the box without photo etch and used the kit decals with serial number rearranged to represent an aircraft of Coastal Command - flown by Flight Lieutenant Nunn of 235 Squadron Banff Strike Wing 1944. References came from the Squadron Signal book DH Mosquito in Action. A bit late for the D-Day anniversary but oh well. It was my first successful airbrush finish and oil wash (not much to do for the wooden wings but some around the engines and few panels). The exhaust stacks were tricky to fit and are resin replacements from Ultracast, since they were exposed on this particular a/c. I masked the complex canopy framing myself but ran into problems by accidentally chipping off paint when removing the many tiny masks. After some consternation and nearly ready to shelve the model, I came up with the idea of using strips of decal airbrushed in the fuselage color to cover the ragged looking framing. It worked perfectly and invisibly repaired all the damage. Nice straight and uniform framing after a near disaster. I was lucky with the technique. Somehow, the paint didn't disintegrate or flake off when I soaked to the decal strip to release it from the painted backing sheet. I have done similar repairs on other models since but you need to start with sturdy decal material.
I couple of other small enhancements I notice now. I added Eduard etch screens for the engine intakes. I also cut and re-positioned the rudder and elevators. Even though I bought resin replacements for these, I did not use them as the kit parts were fine. Not much else to say about the model, except that it went together as a Tamiya kit should. Paints are also Tamiya with a lightened Polyscale Sky undersides, if I recall. Invasion Stripes are airbrushed.
BTW, the Mosquito has some sentimental meaning for me in that my grandmother helped build them in the DH Canada factory in Malton (now Toronto), Ontario during the war. She was a genuine Rosie the Riveter who did the wiring in the wings. I have watched newsreels about this factory from the period and I think I can actually see her at work - but a lot of the workers were female with similar hair styles.
Nicely done Colin, I can sympathize with the frame masking. Interesting idea too with the decals. I now run a very sharp fine blade lightly along the edge of my canopy masks, just to help them pull away without the framing. Seems to work, just feel like I'm doing something wrong otherwise.
I like the painting and the finish.
Thanks, Andrew. That is a good suggestion on avoiding problems with masks and I may try it sometime. Luckily, Eduard's laser cut kabuki tape masks have worked very well for me on my more recent models. They are much less prone to pulling excess paint away than homemade masks.
Nicely done and well done with the airbrush. I'm starting to break-down and buy masks for multi-frame clear parts
Thanks, George. I am with you on the Eduard masks. They are mostly really precise, although I had a heck of a time with them on my 1/48 TBF Avenger. For some reason almost all the panels were either too large or too small.
Very nice result here Colin. Good save on the canopy. One of my favorite kits, and you have made the most of what was there in the box.
Thank you , Tom. Yes, it is a very relaxing build and a beautiful aircraft. I have the 1/32nd Tamiya version in my stash to do as well with Canadian markings. Hopefully, it will be equally forgiving to build.
That's a greatly built model, Colin!
Even more so because of the emotional vibes it brings along.
I love Tamiya Mosquitos, got myself on to build (an FBVI if I can recall well).
You made an excellent work of it and I loved the remedial canopy framing mishap action.
Thanks, Spiros, Happy to hear the canopy solution was worth reading about. I like to share model hacking techniques - especially "saves", having benefited so much from what I've read on-line from others over the years.
Good looking Mossie Colin, especially like the fact it has a family connection. Nicely done and good save on the canopy.
Thanks, Tom. I have learned a lot about Canadian history by digging deeper into family stories. Their lives became so entwined with these fascinating historical events and, of course, their life experiences give a different perspective than the history books, sometimes.
Great looking Mossie. This is a really good kit and you have made it shine.
Thanks, Haslam. It was a pleasure to work on, even when getting over the issues I mentioned. Tamiya kits are some of the best all around.
Fantastic build you have there, Colin.
Very nice paint job and weathering, I really like it.
Thanks, John. The color scheme is simple but it gave me a chance to lighten and darken the greys here and there for panel wear effects.
Handsomely done!
Thanks, Tim. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Great job Colin @coling, well done!
Thanks, James. Great to get your feedback.
Very nice!
Thank you, Greg. I am happy you like it. Always great to hear from you.