DONE @p.3 +++ 1:72 Cunliffe-Owen Marlin SR.2 of the Royal Navy, Korean War

Dizzyfugu · July 24, 2018, 09:22:19 AM

With some delay, some visual WiP documentation; things started with the cockpit interior and the implanted gun barbette:

1:72 Cunliffe-Owen "Marlin" SR.2 (Whif/converted Fujimi Aichi B7N) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Cunliffe-Owen "Marlin" SR.2 (Whif/converted Fujimi Aichi B7N) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Worked better than expected - but the B7N2 is not a small aircraft, so there's enough width and internal space for the complete chin turret from an Airfix B-17G wreck.

Then the engine - the Centaurus comes from a PM Model Sea Fury. The diameter is fine, but the B7N2's fuselage diameter is slightly oval. I wanted to keep the array of single exhaust stubs (and shunned the potential extra PSR work), so I tried to change the cowling into a more suitable shape. With the help of some subtle force and 2C putty as internal stabilizer, the plan worked like a charm!

1:72 Cunliffe-Owen "Marlin" SR.2 (Whif/converted Fujimi Aichi B7N) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Cunliffe-Owen "Marlin" SR.2 (Whif/converted Fujimi Aichi B7N) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The (dry-fitted) five blade prop from the Sea Fury adds some more muscle:

1:72 Cunliffe-Owen "Marlin" SR.2 (Whif/converted Fujimi Aichi B7N) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The canopy is also easily adapted to the new weapon station:

1:72 Cunliffe-Owen "Marlin" SR.2 (Whif/converted Fujimi Aichi B7N) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

The rest remains OOB - just a radar pod was added under the port wing (actually a modified cardboard drop tank from a P-51D):

1:72 Cunliffe-Owen "Marlin" SR.2 (Whif/converted Fujimi Aichi B7N) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

And as another custom step, the canopy was cut into five pieces, for optional open display:

1:72 Cunliffe-Owen "Marlin" SR.2 (Whif/converted Fujimi Aichi B7N) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

More to come soon.

PR19_Kit · July 24, 2018, 09:27:43 AM

Jeepers, that looks BIG, and complicated too.

But putting the model in a VICE? That's a first on here I think.

Dizzyfugu · July 24, 2018, 10:20:38 AM

Well, the kit is not too complicated - but it is a big aircraft, reminds of an athletic Curtiss SB2C. Very modern lines, though, a pretty bird.

And now image the Spearfish, which was even bigger (20' more wing span IRL and 33% more MTOW)!

NARSES2 · July 25, 2018, 01:04:52 AM

Quote from: PR19_Kit on July 24, 2018, 09:27:43 AM

But putting the model in a VICE? That's a first on here I think.

Possibly, certainly fascinated me. Great way of changing the shape

NARSES2 · July 25, 2018, 01:06:22 AM

Quote from: Dizzyfugu on July 24, 2018, 10:20:38 AM

And now image the Spearfish, which was even bigger (20' more wing span IRL and 33% more MTOW)!

Yup and my Magna one probably took 200% more putty just on the wing joints

Dizzyfugu · July 25, 2018, 10:12:21 AM

Slowly the pics catch up with the real life status of the Marlin - here's the painting progress:

1:72 Cunliffe-Owen "Marlin" SR.2 (Whif/converted Fujimi Aichi B7N) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Cunliffe-Owen "Marlin" SR.2 (Whif/converted Fujimi Aichi B7N) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Further work currently stalls because I realized that I have to order morw white decal material for the ID stripes! $:-\$

Doug K · July 25, 2018, 02:34:52 PM

Looking really good, love the subtle use of brute force 😁

loupgarou · July 25, 2018, 02:40:50 PM

I hope the engine won't sprang round again !

Maybe the use of heat from an hair dryer (or an hot air gun) while in the vice would have softened the plastic a little so it would adapt to new shape without need for the putty.

Dizzyfugu · July 25, 2018, 11:48:36 PM

The cowling is stable - thanks to the full-width blob of 2C putty inside, which distributes the pressure/tension well. And the cowling actually cracked on one side (hidden under some more putty...), so there's no danger of late collateral damage.

Dizzyfugu · July 26, 2018, 11:56:37 PM

Good news: the ordered decal material arrived over night, and I immediately started, under 100° F, to add the invasion stripes and other markings. Pics to follow this evening, if either the kit or kit haven't melted away until then...

Dizzyfugu · July 27, 2018, 07:58:06 AM

Other markings beyond the ID stripes were puzzled together from a PrintScale Fairey Firefly sheet, from different Korean War era aircraft.

1:72 Cunliffe-Owen "Marlin" SR.2; aircraft "235-R (s/n WB266)" of the Fleet Air Arm 812 Squadron, HMS Glory during the Korea War, 1951 (Whif/converted Fujimi Aichi B7A) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

Knightflyer · July 27, 2018, 08:35:21 AM

As always, another masterpiece in the making (and very nearly done

)

Dizzyfugu · July 28, 2018, 12:11:29 AM

Thank you very much!

Yes, the finish line is coming closer, but work is not easy - it's so hot at the moment here that the paint dries up on the brush within seconds! Still some detail work to do, though, I do not think that I will get it finished this weekend. But I might already start with my Sea Fury Mk. XII, the engine and the prop can be prepared separately.

NARSES2 · July 28, 2018, 02:31:04 AM

That looks so right, it's ridiculous

Dizzyfugu · July 28, 2018, 05:11:49 AM

Doesn't it? The B7A has a LOT of whiffing potential. I can see this one in Lufwaffe colors, as well as in an all-dark-blue USN guise, too. Lovely aircraft!