Tamiya 1/48 Fairey Swordfish MK II\update

[strawnobi]

UPDATE: I've just added a bunch of new photos. The reason being I touched up some mistakes from the original build.

1. Mainly this was the cowling. I had made a goof with the original weathering that you could see in the original photos.
2.I repainted and weathered the white part.
3.Also, I masked and painted the thin ring behind the copper exhaust ring.
4. I replaced the cotton thread radio antenna with stretched sprue like what I did with the control cables.
5. Also, I put the no walk stripes on the wing. I realize that according to the instructions this was only on the C version. But, I'm skeptical as to whether that was true or not. Regardless, I like the look of them.
Ultimately, we all revisit previous builds from time to time and these little details were bugging me. I hope you enjoy the new photos.


Hello All. I recently completed another project. It's the Tamiya 1/48 Fairey Swordfish Mk. II. I added the Tamiya photo etch set as well. I originally started this swordfish last October after I finished the Phantom. I got quite aways. But I lost my mojo for awhile. I had the flu and bronchitis in January. But, I finally dug it out again last week. I think part of the problem too was that I hate doing rigging. It's one of those kits you really want to relax and enjoy. So, forcing it at the time would not have been good. It's good to have this guy under my belt though.

Needless to say, this is one of the most fun kits I've built by Tamiya. I have to say that it is about as difficult a build as any of their 1/32's. Mainly this is due to the rigging that's involved. Also, the fit of the wings along their root and the struts are a little tricky. Take your time and get the fit with the fuselage as well as the landing gear struts correct. The photo etch set works pretty well. Although, I'd probably do it differently next time. Also, the paint scheme is a little complicated. But It's really fun and I highly recommend this to someone with some experience.

I airbrushed it with Tamiya and Mr. Color. I used Mr. Color Buffables for the metallics and dry brushing. Everything is washed with a chocolate colored enamel wash that I mix myself. I did use the Tamiya decals this time. They worked pretty well.

I hope you enjoy the pictures. I might take some better photos soon.

Happy Modelling!!!!!!


Update: I've included some photos of the cockpit area. As usual, the detail Tamiya provides make this a little kit in itself. I'm sure if one was ambitious enough, they could really jazz it up with some aftermarket stuff.


Update 2: It turns out I wasn't quite done when I took the original shots. I added the pull-pull rudder and elevator cables to the tail using the stretched sprue technique. I like this technique to make antenna or cables because it holds its shape real well.

[Aliktren]

Lovely, swore I would never build a biplane again after my 1/72 airfix swordfish but this makes me want to start over!

[SteveW]

Awsome job mate. I have two in my stash but haven't the courage to start them yet.

[shortCummins]

love the stringbag great job

[Willem]

Beautiful job mate. Love it.

[CJSomerset]

Lovely, swore I would never build a biplane again after my 1/72 airfix swordfish but this makes me want to start over!

That's the only kit that has ever beaten me

But this one looks amazing! Great job on the paint work

[strawnobi]

Thank you for the kind words gents. My philosophy with modelling is that it is important to listen to what the model wants. If you feel like its fighting you at every turn, it's a good time to step back and take a deep breath. It's why it took me two more months before I touched it again. I try to work with the kit in the flow of a build. However, since I've finished it, It has inspired me to want to attempt a wingnut wings kit now. @CJsomerset - I hope you give this kit another go. @Aliktren - You will probably find this is better than the Airfix kit. It is complex though. The PE rigging is a pain in the butt. But, In all honesty, I think it's one of Tamiya's best kits. @SteveW -I came to a point in this build where I was nervous to move forward probably because of the rigging and strut work. I say, give it a go. Since you have two of them, you have some room for error. And, the fit and Tamiya's quality make it a real joy to put together. Anyway, take care guys and happy modelling. If I can be of help to you in building your versions of this, please let me know. ISM is the bomb for great people in this hobby.

[rwsmith14]

NIce !!!

[LudvigN]

How have I missed this one? Wow!

[Paul]

Excellent work, I've got this kit in the stash and it looks a brilliant kit

[UKguyInUSA]

That is sweet! I'm seriously tempted to get this kit, and...it's a Tamiya to boot!

[strawnobi]

Hey guys, the last couple of shots are of the pull-pull cables I added using stretched sprue. Thanks for looking. @UKguyinUSA - I think it's one of Tamiya's best kits. I really want to build their float plane version. But, the kit was discontinued and can be hard to find. You will really enjoy this puppy I think.

[strawnobi]

Just a few update shots. I detailed the improvements in the description.