Javarian A-5 Menaz

John Howling Mouse · March 10, 2008, 01:35:49 PM

Oh, the headbashing's really going strong now. I took today off from work for the final stretch.

How to make stringers with weight-reducing holes? Drill 'em from some 5/32" channel! This was fun.

Here are a couple of vertical ribs in progress. They will go around the fueltank that holds the cowl to the front bulkhead on the fuselage. I kept telling myself I don't have time for anymore airframe details like this but here they are.

The finished cut outs:

John Howling Mouse · March 10, 2008, 01:38:07 PM

Starting to panic as I do not yet have drop one of paint for the final scheme on the airframe but here is a sneak preview:

And a darker pic (romantic, isn't it?):

Brian da Basher · March 10, 2008, 01:40:45 PM

Mr Howling Mouse, I'm running out of superlatives and plaudets to heap upon you for this phenomenal project! With every update you demonstrate to me your immeasurable skill, talent and imagination!

Brian da Basher

Captain Canada · March 10, 2008, 05:34:02 PM

Marvelous !

And Baz, I find beer really helps when striken by a panic attack. Try it !

cthulhu77 · March 10, 2008, 05:34:30 PM

Buddy, if you ever make it down to Arizona, the drinks are on me...we have fresh orange juice daily. Nice work!

John Howling Mouse · March 10, 2008, 06:43:29 PM

I got to the painting stage and realized I was rushing it to the point where the lack of quality would show in the final product. I'm therefore asking Brian to please relocate this thread to the regular "In Progress and Completed Builds" sub-forum.

I'd have to say this is probably the most exciting Group Build I've ever been priviledged to be part of.

Now, the really hard thing is going to be in choosing my favorite from all these outstanding builds!

Just to let you know how far I got today, here is a progress update. The ribs/stringers and fueltank-cowl all got assembled today.

Pylons got attached too. They look ready to drop ordnance!

Close-up of the pylons in place:

Underside got painted and this is when I realized that to get the most out of my time already invested, the bird needs a proper paintjob.

And, as of 7:42 PM tonight, this is where the old gal stands:

Ed S · March 10, 2008, 07:05:49 PM

Quote from: John Howling Mouse on March 10, 2008, 06:43:29 PM

Underside got painted and this is when I realized that to get the most out of my time already invested, the bird needs a proper paintjob.

I can appreciate that sentiment. It does deserve a fitting finish.

I guess I can honestly say I have mixed feelings about this. I'm sorry you won't get if finished because you've worked hard and put in lots of hours on it. But I'm relieved since this might give the rest of us a chance in this GB.

Ed

BlackOps · March 10, 2008, 07:27:20 PM

Barry, I think you made the right choice, unlike myself who botched his paintjob by trying to take the quick route. I'll have to live with it now because there's no way I'm re-doing all those spots

trying to get some time to finish...cuttin' it close.

By the way, I expect to see some scale cobwebs on this baby when she's done

cthulhu77 · March 10, 2008, 10:49:42 PM

Suck it up! You still have a few hours! Outstanding whiffery...truly amazing creativity.

Radish · March 11, 2008, 12:06:45 AM

I am in awe

Mossie · March 11, 2008, 03:02:31 AM

Wow. That's all I can say.

Baz, this build has given me ideas of how to go about a build I had in mind, which I may or may not ever get around to. I saw pics of an EE Lightning left on a fire dump, panels missing & instruments & equipment canabalised, but it still managed to retain some diginty. If I ever do it, I'll come back to this thread.

Brian da Basher · March 11, 2008, 03:25:10 AM

Simply incredible, Mr. Howling Mouse! You were soo very close but I think you're right in not rushing it. I've never regretted taking extra time on a project but many times I've paid the price for my haste.

I really like the look of those ribs and stringers around the fuel tank and those pylons look the real deal!

Brian da Basher

nev · March 11, 2008, 04:53:40 AM

This the one you on about Mossie?

Mossie · March 11, 2008, 05:15:40 AM

It's not Nev, the one I'm thinking about was at Binbrook I think. It was around the early eighties when a lot of Lightnings were being retired & many found use as airfield decoys or as practice airframes for firecrews. I'll find the book it's in & see if I can find a pic.

That old girl in your pic though would make a very good model subject though, if a sad one.

kitnut617 · March 11, 2008, 06:04:15 AM

On my one and only visit back to the UK (2001) since I emigrated in 1980, me & SWMBO were driving from Sheffield to Hertford down the A3 when I saw a Lightning just like that parked in a field which looked like it was a childrens playground. A bit further south I came across the front entrance to an RAF base but for the life of me I can't remember the name of it, there was a Harrier parked as a gate guard though.