TC`s build thread.

[Taiidantomcat]

Very nice! I always enjoy seeing one side using the others gear 

[tc2324]

Very nice! I always enjoy seeing one side using the others gear 

Thanks Taiidantomcat.

So this little beauty turned up today with plenty of donor parts for my 8th AF Lanc....

[tc2324]

Today I got round to making a few bits and bob`s from the Privateer kit and then making a few basic calculations on how this is all going to fit together.

The final answer to these calculations can be defined in one word...., Bugger!! 

This picture is where I am at with some of the turrets made up and perspex completed for the waist guns.



This next image shows my proposed front section. The ball turret section is resting in front of the Lanc so the proportions may be a little out. While I can cut away sections of the Lanc`s front end to fit height wise, it`s the width that bother me and will need looking into.



Now for `tail end charlie`. the first picture shows that I could just place the turret in a `like for like` swap, but the top of the turret would be taller than the rear fuselage section, and to me that looks out of place. So the second picture shows an option for me to `trim` the rear section back a bit and then add the rear turret and fittings from the Privateer. Again the sections shown are resting in front of the Lanc and will look a little bit out of proportion.





What to do, what to do..

[rickshaw]

For the tail turret, I'd go for the first option and just build the fuselage top deck up slightly so its approximately the same height as the turret roof.  The space underneath the turret in real life is where all the support services for the turret go - motors, ammunition feed, etc.  In fact you might need to beef that area up as well, to take into account the greater mass of the new turret.

The front one, I'd extend the nose slightly and build it up around the turret so that you have a slightly more stream-lined shape.  Just as on the Privateer, it wouldn't have to be a smooth mating with the turret.

[tc2324]

For the tail turret, I'd go for the first option and just build the fuselage top deck up slightly so its approximately the same height as the turret roof.  The space underneath the turret in real life is where all the support services for the turret go - motors, ammunition feed, etc.  In fact you might need to beef that area up as well, to take into account the greater mass of the new turret.

The front one, I'd extend the nose slightly and build it up around the turret so that you have a slightly more stream-lined shape.  Just as on the Privateer, it wouldn't have to be a smooth mating with the turret.

Thanks for your opinions on my options rickshaw. will look to take some of them on board when the time comes. 

[tc2324]

Quick update from todays model mayhem......, cut to shape the front end of the Lanc to fit the front ball turret and bomb aimers section, cut and moved the mid upper turret position and while I put a bit of time and work into the cockpit section, it`s not perfect, but will do considering you wont see much of it in the finished product. 

Pictures 1 and 2 are profile shots of the new gun positions while pics 3 and 4 are front and back profiles of the cockpit area.

[tc2324]

Dealt with that pesky issue of installing the waist gun positions today. 

Step one, mark out and then drill some holes along the inside of the intended cut. That way you have plenty of room in case of mistakes.



Step two, cut along the holes and very carefully `pop` out the bit you don`t want and file down the edges to fit.



And step three, glue the sections in place and wait to dry.



Next up, it`s filler time...!! 

[sequoiaranger]

...of construction and concept, I might suggest moving the forward-most top turret more toward the cockpit (as in the Privateer) so the two top turrets aren't so close as to interfere with each other's angles and cones of fire. If I were in the (what appears to be the future) rearmost turret, I would be REALLY NERVOUS if an enemy plane approached from the rear!!

I would second "rickshaw"s suggestion of just adding a semi-circular fairing (or build up the fuselage) upwind from the turret. Probably part of a cut-down old bubble canopy, or something, would work.

But I really like where this is going, and appreciate the work already put into it.

[tc2324]

...of construction and concept, I might suggest moving the forward-most top turret more toward the cockpit (as in the Privateer) so the two top turrets aren't so close as to interfere with each other's angles and cones of fire. If I were in the (what appears to be the future) rearmost turret, I would be REALLY NERVOUS if an enemy plane approached from the rear!!

I would second "rickshaw"s suggestion of just adding a semi-circular fairing (or build up the fuselage) upwind from the turret. Probably part of a cut-down old bubble canopy, or something, would work.

But I really like where this is going, and appreciate the work already put into it.

Cheers for the input there sequoiarnger. My fault really as I should have mentioned with regards to the top turrets that there will only be the one turret. The hole for the original Lanc turret will be filled.

Took a quick picture to show the overall profile with waist gunner positions fitted. Going to have to scratch build an extension for the nose now so it fits as richshaw mentioned previously. Will the fun never end...??

[sotoolslinger]

Very cool build TC

[tc2324]

Very cool build TC

Cheers sotoolslinger..

Quick update on the progress so far.   Had a few problems with the top turret, ie, fitting a larger turret into a smaller turrets hole, but seemed to have overcome that after about 2 hours of `tinkering`.   First picture is an overall profile shot while the second is a closer look at the defensive turret layout. Next job is to scratch build that nose section.  

[tc2324]

Started on the nose section today. As I do not have any plastic card I took a leaf out of the old recycling book and cut up some scrap plastic I had laying about. First pic shows the `skeleton` frame work and thenone layer at a time I started to fill the gap up. Second pic shows where I`m at now and need this to dry rock hard before I start to sculpt the area into shape.

[tc2324]

Coming together nicely.....

[Taiidantomcat]

Can't believe how natural that looks  as far as the modeling nuts and bolts go, you have done an excellent job  seamless integration of kits

[tc2324]

Thanks tomcat.

Another quick update. Gave the Lanc it`s legs and engines and still need to fix the canopy in place and completed a few minor details and touch up`s prior to decals and weathering.