Vacuform Group Build -- Bring it Here --

[Jonathan]

some of you - some a yous guys - expressed interest, maybe even a glimmer of enthusiasm, for a vacuform group build recently.

Ive been in a dry spell recently, can't seem to finish even the easiest Arii kit, but I think a vacuform challenge would fire me up, and I'd be glad to pull anyone else along.

Maybe this shouldnt be a formal Group Build with a sub forum and individual builds - I'll just go ahead and start, and we'll see what happens.

beside my collection of AirCraft Models, which I have a number of Welsh kits near the top of the pile, some large and some small, a few samples -


DeHavilland Dove


Handley-Page Hastings


KC-135


C-133

[ajmm]

Ooh C-133, C-133!

I'm keen although I have only one vac form which is the Welsh Gannet and it's missing bits and is quite scary fiddly. I'm keen on the jet provost or the Twin Pooneer.

Whatever you go for I'm sure it will be a masterclass.

[Jonathan]

well, not as much enthusiasm as I had anticipated..

I have decided to start with the Hastings.

I have old models decals for the RNZAF 40 sqdn

These aircraft were seen on Kwajalein in the early 1960s. The upper left image on Old models' packet is a photo taken by JD Voss on Kwajalein c.1963. A larger version of it can be seen here: http://www.airport-data.com/airport/photo/011787.html

[F_IV]

I can't think of any vac forms out there that I'd go for. Is there a list of manufacturers or kits at all? I could really go a Lockheed Hudson if there was one available.

[Jonathan]

Welsh models is the only current manufacturer, and they are phasing out vacuform in favor of cast resin.
They never did any WWII aircraft that I am aware of, aside from the DC-3 and DC-4.
Peter started a Welsh models kit list viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2983
Many of the older kits especialy the combat aircraft, are OOP and rare.

Air Craft Models has been out of business for at least a decade and the kits are now rare. There have been a few other minor players in 1/144 who made modern airliner kits.

[bootneck42]

well, not as much enthusiasm as I had anticipated..

Verilly Sir, Is that a gauntlet that I see thrust down before me?

'tis off, post-haste to the attic, with a pondering as to what may be afound amongst the chattles within!
.

[Jonathan]

Splendid! We are off and running!

edit to add, since its just a few of us, and more of a clinic, with no time lines or deadlines, I'd suggest you go ahead and post in this here thread, rather than starting more threads, and getting the mods involved organizing and so on... just a suggestion, of course...whatever works is fine.

[bootneck42]

I'm keen although I have only one vac form which is the Welsh Gannet and it's missing bits and is quite scary fiddly. I'm keen on the jet provost or the Twin Pooneer..

The Gannet is not as difficult as it initially looks, plus WM provide a guide-piece to align the wings correctly. Here is mine that I did last year:

Wing alignment template


Model placed on template


Finished model


Mike

[Jonathan]

That's the stuff! Vacuform will require tooling like that, and engineering - spars, bulkheads, wheelwell boxes, and other scratch made bits and bobs. Frequently the instructions say "make from scrap", and you get plenty of that in every kit. If there's a part missing, youll just have to nake it.
Mike, nice finished model!

[bootneck42]

Thanks Jonathan,

I've just returned from the dark recesses of the attic and found about 60 vacforms, mostly WM but also some from Air-Craft, Formaplane, Griffin and V.L.E.
It might take me as long to choose which one to build as it will to actually make!!

Back in a while!

Mike