Beaufighter Blues Part I

Military ID models 1:72nd, 1:144th, 1:50th scale { Luftwaffe} and others like the Topping IDs. Bryan Brown Identification model specialist and major collector is the moderator.
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Beaufighter Blues Part I

Postby sandmanoverhaul » Wed Aug 02, 2017 11:18 pm

Acquired a "Busted Bronzart Beaufighter" from another collector. He told me right up front that the tail was broken off and not much he could do. He packed it very well and sure enough the masking tape wrapped around the two section had split right down the crack. So, what is the best option for heavy cast and hollow fuselage and tail? My money is on this combination- Super Glue and Epoxy

Here is the process-
1) Clean the two surfaces with alcohol or acetone
2) Use a quality 5-minute Epoxy
3) Use MEDIUM Viscosity Cyanoacrylate Glue (super glue) WITH Accelerator- preferably dripped to the surface.
4) Check the fit and make "hash marks" to allow you to quickly align and mate the two sections
5) Properly mix the epoxy in the correct ratio.
6) Apply the epoxy to 1/2 the surface leaving opposite sections (polar) untouched for the super glue.
7) Apply Accelerator to one side in the two untouched sections.
8) Apply the MEDIUM Viscosity to the mirrored section on the remaining sections. NOTE do not mix the two glues anywhere!!
9) Carefully align the sections and press together. Count to 100 by 1-100, 2-100.. etc.
10) Lay the model on some wax paper and walk away for 24 HOURS!

The Epoxy is stout stuff and its works best with porous surfaces such as those with the spelter or white metal metal recipes used in producing these model. View the pics to see the repaired area before paint.

Regards, Tom
SANDMAN OVERHAUL
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Beaufighter Blues Part II

Postby sandmanoverhaul » Wed Aug 02, 2017 11:49 pm

Now onto that Bugaboo of how to display these Bronzart Recognition Models! Hanging one from a wire is just a worrisome solution although that is what they were meant to do when originally produced....SEVENTY PLUS years ago!
These metals are always affected by the air, especially airborne chemicals and certainly mishandling. So what is another option? Looking back in previous threads, you will recognize that I used the following system on a Bronzart B-17E.

Originally a metal or wood ball would be attached to a wire and slipped through the fuselage vertically using the large diameter hole on the bottom and the small hole on the top. The ball would add surface area to the bottom so it remained stable when hung from the ceiling. It also lessened the chance to crack the belly mount. In 2017, hanging these model is not an option just because we cannot see any possible corrosion from the inside out where it usually begins. Big shame to let one fall a literally shatter on the floor. Instead, I use a system to allow the model to be displayed on a stand like most other models.

I use 6-32 BLIND JACK NUTS that compress and support the belly and give a bolt-on threaded section. Here are the steps....

1) Make sure the belly hole is big enough for the "barrel" of the jack nut to slip through. Make sure it beginning height is still short enough to fit the model.
2) Slip the jack nut through the hole.
3) The bottom of the jack nut looks like a large washer. Grip this with a pair of strong, grippy pliers as you turn the bolt.
4) It will seem like forever but eventually the legs of the barrel collapse inside the belly and safely compress against the belly metal.
5) For added security, I apply 5 minute epoxy in the gaps between the curved belly and the bottom washer plate.
6) After a few hours you can bolt the model to a stand.
See pics for reference

Regards, Tom
SANDMAN OVERHAUL
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Re: Beaufighter Blues Part I

Postby BWBrown » Tue Aug 08, 2017 4:51 am

Hi Tom -
Good work on the Beaufighter! I've used a slightly different technique. In an example of art imitating life, I got a FW-200 Kurier with the tail broken off. I got it tacked together with some gap-filling super gel,and then made a bed of sand to support the model while I worked on it. I used a 2-part epoxy putty, like POR-15, and started building up the inside. I embedded some brass rods in the mix, extending an inch or two on either side of the break. The brass probably wasn't necessary, but I did it anyway. The cover plate was broken, too, and I used the same repair technique on it. After that, all I had to do was drill a hole for the screw and fasten things back together.
Keep up the great work!
Cheers! -- Bryan
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Re: Beaufighter Blues Part I

Postby sandmanoverhaul » Sat Aug 26, 2017 11:59 am

Thanks Bryan. Good ideas!

As a follow-up on the Beaufighter, here is the rest of the story....

The model was purchased by a Bronzart collector here in the Midwest. A real lover of the Bristol Beaufighter! He requested that I paint the model to depict a night fighter stationed in the UK flying with the RAF. Here are the results-
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Re: Beaufighter Blues Part I

Postby Toyplaneguy » Sat Aug 26, 2017 10:47 pm

Again, WOW!!

Very nice!
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