Beyond the Pillars of Herkules

[PR19_Kit]

Mach 2 have an outstanding range of kits which are remarkably badly produced, and ridiculously badly documented too.

But they do make into excellent models if you've the skills and patience to put the work into them.

[Scotaidh]

Mach 2 have an outstanding range of kits which are remarkably badly produced, and ridiculously badly documented too.

But they do make into excellent models if you've the skills and patience to put the work into them.

Hear, hear!  I believe that if we don't challenge our skill levels, they'll never increase, so every now and then we've got to build a kit that's outside our comfort zone.  And, if I make a hash of it, then I've got make more of that type until I'm comfortable with it. 

Brave words, but of course, I seldom actually do that. The last challenge model I did was when a friend challenged me to build a kit using primarily my non-primary hand - my left one.  (It was a kit-bash of an X-wing.)


Before that it was a vacc-form Spiteful


I do have another "challenge model" on the shelves - have had for some time.  It's the "Robotech Trigon" and when I'm certain I've achieved the skill levels needed, I'll tackle it.

[zenrat]

A Model are enough of a challenge for me.

[PR19_Kit]

When I built my Martin Monterey MR1 (a Mach 2 Seamaster in RAF service) I had to scratchbuild maybe 90% of the beaching trolley as most of the parts were missing and the others didn't fit each other.

Build thread here if you have a spare year or two.....

https://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=43912.0

That taught me SO much about modelling, and made a terrific model when it was all done, although I say it myself. 

[zenrat]

When If I really want to challenge myself I do have a vac form 1/72 Valiant a very nice man gifted me.  One day it'll become tha basis of a flying wing.

[Wardukw]

OK..so their models which require alot of work but also they make models of obscure subjects which no one else makes..and it's a real challenge to build ..that does sound rather interesting to be honest.
Like most things here ..ive never seen a Mach 2 kitset here and probably won't and that makes me wonder if it would be worth getting one from overseas.
The only other issue is which model would grab my attention.
I might have to take some time and have a wee looksie. 🤔

[Wardukw]

OK I took some time and had a gander at Hannets as they've got a good pile of Mach 2 models on offer and I did find a few which I like even if they are in the wrong scale 
There are 5 which that got my attention and they are the Martin RB-57F ...Arado AR-232B ..PBY-2 Coronado..the AW Argosy and last but not least the Avro York ..the prices tho are ouch ..the Argosy is £45  $96nz ..if I do bite the bullet and get a Mach 2 kit it's gonna be a very long minute before I do.

[PR19_Kit]

Their RB-57F is actually quite good, apart from the canopy, as usual.

I used one to build my General Dynamics Canberra PR9 during the RAF Centenary Group Build, see build thread here.

https://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=45584.0

[Wardukw]

Their RB-57F is actually quite good, apart from the canopy, as usual.

I used one to build my General Dynamics Canberra PR9 during the RAF Centenary Group Build, see build thread here.

https://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=45584.0

That's a lovely build Kit 😊
The Rb-57 has been a fav of mine for a long time..well the B-57 in general..the way the US changed the cockpit layout made the plane look far better even tho pretty is not a word to describe the Canberra 
I've wanted to build a 48th version for the longest time .

[Pellson]

A Model are enough of a challenge for me.

I find Amodel and Mach2 rather similar, in some ways. The instructions for an Amodel is however slightly, but just slightly better. The castings are comparable.

Sorry for kidnapping your Herky thread, Lee.

[The Wooksta!]

Progress update.  The port wing is now in place and just needs a bit more sanding.  Tailplanes should be on and fixed by the end of the week.

Willie has told me that there's a YouTube video slating the kit out there, mainly saying that the central engine was wrong.  Upon doing some t'nterweb research, it turns out that all three engines are wrong, which given Mach Poi's reputation and dedication to accuracy came as no great shock.
During the research, I chanced upon mention of a proposed Ju 352B, to be powered by 3 BMW801s.

So I have three choices - go with the kit, fix the cowlings (and having looked at the photos, it doesn't look too difficult) or swerve the whole issue and replace the engines entirely.

[PR19_Kit]

You KNOW you want to change them, but maybe not for 801s, that'd be FAR too realistic! 

[The Wooksta!]

TBH, I'm more minded to fix them, because I'm pretty sure I can.  I've a Fw 200B Condor* going Spanish which is getting 801s, so that's already taken care of.
I like the proposed optional BMW 801 reality, as it fits with my need for a toe hold in believability.  But it's not what I want to do with this one.


* There is a part assembled one which was going to get 801s, but will probably stay OOB bar markings.

[The Wooksta!]

Got the bulk of the wing root sanding sorted, just needs a small amount and it's done, plus some minor rescribing.
The tailplanes are on and filled, so there some sanding there to do.  Possibly some surgery, but it's looking OK so far.

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Once the sanding is done, I can get the actuators on and possibly some paint.  At least an initial coat of silver to find the wing flaws.

[Wardukw]

Looking smooth Lee 👌 😎