Hi there

Here are a few construction pics of the Classic Airframes Sea Hornet NF.21.

The interior is basically black. I've done it very dark grey with a wash and dry-brushing to try to bring out the detail. I can't say I'm that happy with the result, so does anyone have any tips I can try next time?



Detail colours are pure speculation to busy things up a bit. Not much will be visible, particularly in the radar-operator's office.



The airframe is just about complete - a few joints needed some work, but not too bad for a limited run kit.



I hope to get the tail on and things primed tomorrow, so I can judge how much extra filling will be needed.

All the best

Rowan

Looking great Merlin, Did the tail come like that in the kit or did you cut it off? Judging by the looks of that seat they looked really comfortable to fly in #:-)
Can't wait to see more.
Paul

Cheers Paul

Ooops!! I forgot the seat!! No - I've actually left it and the control column out until later, so the beast wasn't really that uncomfortable in real life.

I've got a few photos of Hornet & Sea Hornets on the ground. Most show the elevators drooped and the rudder offset, so I've sliced them off on the kit. It's frustrating - if Classic Airframes had moulded the stabilizer attachments like the fin, I wouldn't have had to add the scrap plastic inserts.

All the best

Rowan

Another beauty I think, you really do some great work on the cockpits of your kits.
What scale is it, 1/700?

Hi Martin

I had that coming - I won't show you the undercarriage :-)

A Sea Hornet would look pretty cool on a post-war carrier...

All the best

Rowan

Nice one Rowan. One of my favourite prop aircraft.

It would be unusual for the elevator trim wheel to be red. Red is usually reserved for emergency devices, like extinguisher handles. Trim wheels were often light grey or natural brown bakelite.

Regards Dave

Hi Dave

Thanks for the heads up on the trim-wheel. I could see it was coloured in my reference photo, but not how... it's lucky I left the seat out, because I can still put things right! :-)

Was there standardized colour-coding for British equipment? It would be great to be able to make more educated guesses when I can't find a colour pic.

Isn't it tragic that no Hornets or Seah Hornets survived.

All the best

Rowan

Well, there's a bit of filling to be done... but nothing too bad.



The radome is going to be the critical area - the plastic and resin parts are a fair match, but any problems wil really stand out.

This is actually my first proper try at using Halfords primer. It seems OK but, because the weather was so bad, I used it indoors... WOW!! does it STINK!! An open window is NOT sufficient ventillation...

All the best

Rowan

Hi Merlin,

The office has turned out superbly.. Great piece of work there!

Looking forward to more pics. BTW, I've finished off the complete cockpit area on my SHAR, and from this week on, it's onward to the painting!!

Cheers,
BP.

Hy Merlin, you've done a great job !
Most of all it's a classic airframes model !

I know what you mean about spraying primer indoors, not only does it stink but I spent the next day picking grey bogies out of my nose .

IThe kit really is coming along nicely, what colour scheme are you going to be using?

:-) Looking good Rowan
When I use Halfords Grey plastic primer I usually rub it down with 0000 grade wire wool, makes it nice and smooth :-) I sprayed it indoors, once. Her who will be obeyed was not impressed :-)
Mal

Martin, I'm not sure I needed to know that! :-)

As regards the colour scheme, it's Sky undersurfaces with Extra Dark Sea Grey on top. Reference pics show the real a/c got pretty dirty, so some pre-shading won't go amiss.




Cheers Mal - thanks to your and others' help, I finally tracked down some fine wire wool and it's polished up the primer really nicely.

Now, I've just to go and blow my nose for the 100th time today...

Cheers everyone

Rowan