Airfix 1/72 Vickers Valiant (A11001)

[Ratch]

I shall build this as XD823, which is version A in the boxing.

I began by sticking the ladder into the cockpit.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397326916.jpg

I then had a novel idea (for me) of priming all the parts with Halford’s grey acrylic primer while still on their runners.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397326914.jpg

The front section of the cockpit was airbrushed and the rear bulkhead hand brushed.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397326913.jpg

Decals were applied to surfaces prepared with Klear, using Microset and Microsol products.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397326911.jpg

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397326910.jpg

Paints used (so far)

XF-1: Flat Black = cockpit, pilot’s seat, co-pilot’s seat

XF-26: Deep Green = navigator’s seat, bomb aimer’s seat, radar operator’s seat, rear bulkhead

Hu: 118 Matt US Tan = seat backs Hu: 224 Matt Dark Slate Grey = pilot’s seat, co-pilot’s seat

Hu: 62 Matt Leather = seat cushions XF-55: Deck Tan = safety harnesses.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397326909.jpg

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397326908.jpg

These are stages 1 to 6 of the assembly sequence.

Stage 7 is only applicable to Operation Grapple aircraft, and involves removing the tail cone with a razor saw.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397326907.jpg

The instructions call for 22g of nose weight, I thought 30g was better.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397382761.jpg

I was having such fun with my airbrush I decided on some pre-shading.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397382760.jpg

I'm considering airbrushing the white before assembly. Of course it'll need retouching after.

OK, here's my experiment with pre-painting.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397483859.jpg

I cut the air pressure right down and used Vallejo Model Air 71001 White with a dash of tap water and a drop of Winsor & Newton Acrylic Flow Improver.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397483858.jpg

I have airbrushed fairly lightly in an attempt not to over-cook the effect.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397483855.jpg

This is not the finished article, but I think it will prove a good foundation for the airbrushing process that will follow construction.

The next stage to be undertaken was the Blue Danube nuclear device and bomb bay.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397501651.jpg

Marrying the fuselage requires some force to minimise the chance of a gap. I used masking tape to hold the pieces together.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397501650.jpg

I could then fit the bomb bay.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397501649.jpg

Fitting the wheel wells and engine intakes to the wings is fairly straightforward.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397501647.jpg

I can imagine some folk complaining that the intakes are not smooth enough but, knowing the limitations of the injection moulding process, I'm quite happy with their appearance.

Clamps ensured all surfaces met correctly.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397501646.jpg

Once again, the fit if the main wing to the fuselage is very snug.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397501645.jpg

But I think it makes for a better fit.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23687432/397501644.jpg

On the Stencil Placement sheet there are two panels with stencil numbers in an oval around them, below the illustration of the undersurfaces. Although it is not stated, they relate to the panels inboard and forward of the main undercarriage. That's if you're a Stencil Masochist like me.

After the second airbrushing session...

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23840904/397530968.jpg

The masking on the canopy worked the best I've ever experienced.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23840904/397530967.jpg

You can actually see the seats inside! Sure it needs a bit of touching up, but nowhere near as much as I usually do. And then with the decals on.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23840904/397530966.jpg

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23840904/397530969.jpg

The eagle eyed will notice that I've strayed a little from the pure OOB build. I have a photo of XD823 (while at Wittering) with the black fin tip (not white) and not carrying additional fuel tanks, so that's how I'm building her.

And here she is! The Vickers Valiant was the first of the V-bombers to enter service with the RAF, and therefore was heavily involved with the testing of nuclear weapons. No. 49 Squadron was formed at RAF Wittering on 1st May 1956 and stayed for five years, departing on 26th June 1961. During that time the squadron was involved in tests such as those for the hydrogen bombs in Operation “Grapple”, Christmas Island, 19th June 1957. On 19th June, a third test was made using XD823. The aircraft were returned to normal standard configurations upon return to the UK.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23731654/397553818.jpg
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http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL761/13303934/23731654/397553809.jpg

[Dad Paul B]

Nice work Ratch. The battering on the seats looks fantastic. This is my next project. I am planning 823 in Operational Configuration (I have pictures of her with the Grey and Black panels under the nose and solid serials and Roundels. I have already seen this kit up close and it is lovely). An Operation Musketeer option is suggested by the huge conventional payload (actually supplied unlike the Lancaster). Looking forward to getting started once the Lightning is finished. The Victor next year.

The Valiant is hard to find now so may be due for a reissue.

[Ratch]

Thanks Paul, I'm sure you will enjoy your build. I have another two to do. I'm anticipating the Victor with eagerness too.

[Oliver Hyett]

hi

i recentley finnished the model and i did it the same as paul will do it as it is a bit more interesting than just white.

even so,your model is way way way better than mine

[Jonathan Mock]

As a kid I used to have a framed photo of one of the prototypes - I may still have it in the attic somewhere.

 

I'd like to get around to making mime sometime, but in the camo colours. Big old beast!

 

[david_fleming]

Saem here - although I do want a white 1/144th one!

[Ratch]

For Nos. 2 & 3 I'll be building WZ400 as used by Bomber Command Development Unit, appearing at Wittering during 1960 and XD875 of 138 Sqn also at Wittering but in 1961.

[Biggyinn]

Lovelly work on the Valliant Ratch  turned out nice

[Ratch]

 Cheers

[Kenneth ONeill]

Why does the physics package look brown on my machine?  😆

[Ratch]

 Sorry, you've lost me 😬

[Kenneth ONeill]

 Sorry, you've lost me 😬

Joke (well sort of) based on the "Blue Danube" code name, and the muddy brown colour that the river actually is.

[Timmas]

This one's on my wish list. I'm hoping Airfix will re-issue it soon as I'm not going to lob out the thick end of £200 for it on Ebay!