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Lerxst
Andy Ball (Lerxst)
GB

Short Sunderland Mk.III

Album image #1
Some levers attached, and the straps for the pedals 
 

Album image #2
Detail in cockpit pretty good. Will enhance with some scratch building  
 

Album image #3
Bought this for reference  
 

Album image #4
Cockpit references  
 

Album image #5
Cavernous by WWII standards  
 

Album image #6
Fuselage halves not the happiest going together on a dry fit. But surely better than Airfix’s ancient offering? 
 

Album image #7
Cartograf supplied decals look terrific- 4 options including <<Maritime>>French  
 

Album image #8
Looking at the internal Eduard offering, I think the plastic panel and this decal supplied will be as good and will save the pennies. 
 

Album image #9
Attached the decal using PVA and a sharp scalpel to allow it to conform a little better 
 

Album image #10
After a few hours drying. Also a drop of PVA on the ends of the scratch built levers to simulate the knobs. 
 

Album image #11
The bomb rack has 32 pieces and looks good in this scale. Each bomb is 5 pieces. Intricate and so far no sacrifices made to the carpet monster  
 

Album image #12
Another view of said rack 
 

Album image #13
I have had quite the challenge with this kit of late. Soft plastic that is shiny-waxey that didn’t take the black primer at all and therefore came away with the masking tape. Thus we have stripped as much away as we can, washed in detergent and will now start afresh. I also decided to fill and remove the ejector pin marks too. Frustrating  
 

Album image #14
back to basics.
Stripped/Mr Surfacer 500 for those pesky ejector holes/Vallejo grey primer.
Start as we mean to go on. Will add aluminium and interior green tomorrow to give all this a chance to cure. 
 

Album image #15
Bombs and props primed, ready for the yellow. Bombs are 5 pieces each, but make into something resembling resin-like. 
 

Album image #16
Beginning to put the cockpit together. This kit has many parts, perhaps too over-engineered. Throttle controls are scratch. 
 

Album image #17
Eu-bl00dy-reka!
Respray largely went on with only a few parts peeling as the primer was still underneath. Note to self: never use anything for the first time without doing a dummy run first!
 
 

Album image #18
Struggling with the primer again, as it’s affected all the cockpit and interior details. However with a little remedial work I think we can ‘blag’ it. 
 

Album image #19
All o.o.t.b.
Only added seat belts and scratch built the throttle levers. 
 

Album image #20
The rear cabin  
 

Album image #21
Out towards the aft of the lower cabin- you even get tiny decals above the doors “Emergency Exit”! Hope we can see most of this detail when we close her up. 
 

Album image #22
Last day in November. Added the bombs. Used 2 different yellows to mix it up a bit and pretend they’re from different batches. Used a decal for the red line. Count ‘em: 72 pieces in this bit alone- plus the decals  
 

Album image #23
Started a bit of mucking-up  
 

Album image #24
Trying the oils bought from Scale Model World. Burnt Umber and Smoke 
 

Album image #25
Pleased so far with the results. The paint has largely stayed on. 
 

Album image #26
Some side shots of the detailing- still have issues with the paint peeling. Going to mate the interior with the port side first. 
 

Album image #27
All additions are from the PE spares box and some electrical wire. 
 

Album image #28
The first challenge- mating the interior to the fuselage without robust fixing pins. You need to use a clamp to bring the fuselage in to the contours of the floors and bulkheads. So far, just about got away with it! 
 

Album image #29
The overhead control panel with guitar strings and PE to enhance. 
 

Album image #30
Anchor and winch in situ and some extra touch-ups 
 

Album image #31
Moving along the starboard mid-rear cabins. The delicate nature of the mid-upper turret area is clear to be seen and has got to be aligned before the two halves go together  
 

Album image #32
There are still some fitting issues, things popped out due to the mis-alignment of bulkheads etc., but once I’m closed I’m hoping it will all hold? 
 

Album image #33
The little details that please me! Even if they will be lost ? 
 

Album image #34
In between running a half marathon (and the training for it), I’ve managed some progress- sides together. Primer on, “rust” shading, masking, and my first use of Mr Surfacer for the little blemishes that always dog my builds. 
 

Album image #35
The hull and floats of the Sunderland were coated in a lanolin-based material for protection. So I have preshaded. I will add the ‘scum’ mark around the hull once I am happy with the general colours 
 

Album image #36
Quite a bit done of late: at last some preshading that’s worked, (along with rescribing the panel lines). 
 

Album image #37
I used X-2 gloss white by Tamiya to negate the need to use the Pledge. Also lightly sanded with 7000 sticks to give a smoother surface for the decals, (the ever-excellent Cartograf)….Many fiddly stencils applied and the big codes done now: this due to the aerials that will drop into those 8 holes each side 
 

Album image #38
Again, happy with the white-weathered undersides of the wings. Decided to do these stages to allow for easier final fit. A dry run shows issues with gaps between wings and fuselage. Ho hum….. 
 

Album image #39
The cowlings have worked well, I’ll need to dust-up the white to fit in with the rest of the appearance. Special Hobby’s PUR porcupine exhausts are a good touch and included in the kit. 
 

Album image #40
Hercules engines enhanced with a bit of wire. 
 

Album image #41
As was anticipated- wing roots gaps were not alleviated by rigorous sanding of the faces ? 
 

Album image #42
Undersides will need attention too 
 

Album image #43
It is quite impressive now it’s all together  
 

Album image #44
Very pleased with my masking around the canopies 
 

Album image #45
Here's my reference now that I'm beginning the descent into Castle Archdale! 
 

Album image #46

Album image #47
Album image #48
Becoming an S.L.O. (Sunderland-like object).  
 

Album image #49
Leaving the aerials until the very last moment, but their locations and mounts are attached. Very careful handling is now required  
 

Album image #50
Sadly the engines will not slip into their cowels, and will require reductions on the cylinder heads- should’ve tried this before I glued! 
 

Album image #51
The de-icing boots were covered in white paint and would wear through. I will need to interpret as best I can. 
 

Album image #52
Port side view 
 

Album image #53
Good port side view 
 

Album image #54
More references-should’ve researched these earlier! 
 

Album image #55

Album image #56
It’s serious now….the floats, their supports and associated rigging…without any real locator help. In fact, you have to fill the original under wing holes and re-drill some new ones ? 
 

Album image #57
Smokes, floats. About as far as I will go for now. I’m waiting for some spare parts to replace the forward turret that I’ve managed to lose. 
 

Album image #58
May finish some of the float rigging before NY if I get time. 
 

Album image #59
The rigging between the floats’ legs didn’t really turn out as I’d like. This time I tried stretched sprue. May have a rethink here…. 
 

Album image #60
….same on this side….Uschi? 
 

Album image #61
The engines are on.
Porcupine exhausts have benefitted from a little scratch built supports- will need to fiddle with the once the engines have been properly cured to the airframe with the glue. 
 

Album image #62
I decide Uschi was my best bet in the end. I have every admiration for those WW1 modellers who have to rig their struts….these few lines alone took hours! 
 

Album image #63
Floats all rigged. Found a technique that works (for me) I used Bare Metal foil for the lights’ reflectors. 
 

Album image #64
Props are on, the ASVs on the wings too. 
 

Album image #65
Just need to tidy up the de-icing boots. I have changed the grey-white demarcation around the wing roots that better represents the sources I have. 
 

Album image #66
Mid turret in situ. Leaving the final aerials off as I’m still handling the model quite a lot. 
 

Album image #67
I knew this would happen ?
Hanging by a thread(s) as they say.
Orthopaedic rescue commences with guitar string inserts…. 
 

Album image #68
The orthopaedic theatre is readied 
 

Album image #69
Remember this?....it will be done, soon! 
 

Album image #70
Sunderland test II 
 

Album image #71
Sunderland test III 
 

Album image #72
Last night I started playing with the oils to replicate the tide-lines and rust/dirt spots. Today I oversprayed to bring them back down a notch. Still not sure I’m happy, but I want to get the overall “work-horse” look of the subject. When is enough, enough? 
 

Album image #73
Landed: Lough Erne....April 2023. 
 

Album image #74
Canon EOS 5D4, 135mm L (@ f.29/ISO 200) 
 

Album image #75
A protracted build: had me working on every little part (the gun turrets, and aerials) right until the end. 
 

Album image #76
Port side. Obviously. 
 

Album image #77
Port side, 3/4 view. 
 

Album image #78
Das Fliegende Schtachelschwein, Indeed. 
 

Album image #79
Mr. Gauzy is great to glaze the canopy and port holes, allows some of the interior to be seen better 
 

Album image #80
I will try some underbelly shots, however with aerial arrangements it is proving a challenge.... 
 

Album image #81
Castle Archdale, Lough Erne early- to mid-1944. Perhaps after the sinking of U-625. 
 

Album image #82
Belly-up I 
 

Album image #83
Belly-up II 
 

Album image #84
Belly-up III 
 

Album image #85
Aerials 
 

Commenti

202 14 November 2022, 16:38
Robert Podkoński
Ambitious! Watching, of course! 😉
14 November 2022, 18:22
Cuajete
Me 2!
14 November 2022, 19:00
Andy Ball
Thanks Cuajete and Robert. I'm going to give the Condor some company over the Bay of Biscay!
14 November 2022, 20:41
Villiers de Vos
Off to a good start and the beginning of another masterpiece.
15 November 2022, 04:16
Andy Ball
Villiers, you're too kind! My work compared to yours makes me aspire to moving up to that level! Thanks for popping by.
15 November 2022, 08:34
Łukasz Gliński
Oh, that one I have to watch, always dreamed of a Sunderland on my shelf
15 November 2022, 08:50
Andy Ball
Yes Ł, I will need a big shelf too- to incorporate the Il-62 if possible. In fact its not a shelf, it's an apron.
15 November 2022, 10:26
Michael Kohl
I am taking a seat too
15 November 2022, 11:24
Andy Ball
Thank-you Michael. Done some work on this today. There is a full interior's worth of out of the box detailing.
15 November 2022, 16:54
Andy Ball
Thanks art81. Appreciate your call
15 November 2022, 19:22
Andy Ball
Thanks Neil!
15 November 2022, 22:34
Neil Patrick
Crickey Andy. Didn't guess you had this coming. And I've not seen one of these built yet either. Will watch with great interest. 🙂
15 November 2022, 22:36
Jay Dubya
Keen to keep an eye on your progress with this one, Andy. Mind if I pop by on the sly?
16 November 2022, 04:20
Andy Ball
Merci Marc !
16 November 2022, 09:14
Andy Ball
Hi Neil, I am a master of the "let's do something else from the stash" without actually or necessarily finishing it so soon….but I hope to buck the trend!
16 November 2022, 09:15
Andy Ball
Jay, you are more than welcome. I hope you don't mind the script that will accompany the build, but it's there for anyone who ever attempts this.
16 November 2022, 09:16
Andy Ball
Thanks Franck! Appreciate the like
16 November 2022, 09:26
Łukasz Gliński
Never thought of making knobs w/PVA glue, thx 👍
16 November 2022, 10:17
Andy Ball
Thanks Bernd, glad you had a look.
16 November 2022, 11:13
Andy Ball
Glad to pay some ideas forward Ł!
17 November 2022, 20:06
Andy Ball
Thanks Pietro and all, for the 'likes'
18 November 2022, 16:49
Andy Ball
Thanks Marcel, appreciate your interest!
18 November 2022, 23:01
Andy Ball
Thank-you Axel!
19 November 2022, 13:32
Andy Ball
LucLuke B, thank-you for having a look/
19 November 2022, 16:47
Gary Kitchen
Just catching up after some time away. Looking great Andy. I like your scratch build as always. I've got the mkV special Hobby on the bench at the moment so am right behind you but not brave enough to scratch build so using Eduard PE. I'll try and get some photos going too. I wasn't sure about the all black interior so I went green but your booklet confirms black it looks like.
20 November 2022, 00:29
Andy Ball
Glad you're back in circulation Gary! I must confess there won't be too much s/build, the interior as you know is pretty good, so some highlights here and there. Regarding the interior- I bet it may have changed over the 'Marks' and could they have painted them differently in the different factories?, who knows. I'm sticking to the instructions, as I don't have the patience to do the research!
21 November 2022, 23:02
Andy Ball
Thanks Edward! Will try and push forward a bit this week.
28 November 2022, 11:19
Andy Ball
thanks Sukhoi 242, nice to see you around.
28 November 2022, 17:05
Andy Ball
Thanks to you too, Dietmar.
28 November 2022, 18:08
Guy Rump
Looking good Andy, I have the Italeri version. It'll be interesting to compare them both. 👍
28 November 2022, 20:28
Gary Kitchen
The finish on the cockpit floor and silver of the flight deck looks a bit special Andy. Is there a technique or treatment you've used. Almost looks like some sort of surfacing. Also loving the PVA knobs much better than the folded PE imo.
28 November 2022, 21:31
Andy Ball
Thank-you Ian for having a look.
28 November 2022, 22:20
Lost_Erik
Looking good. That is quite a surprise about the plastic/primer situation.
29 November 2022, 04:13
Andy Ball
@ Lost_Erik I bought a spray can auto primer. Said it would work on plastics. Never again. I'm also advising a soapy wash and gentle fine sander just to make sure. Vallejo Grey Primer will be cured today, and I'll retry.
29 November 2022, 07:52
Łukasz Gliński
Perhaps some Alclad, Mr.Paint or other lacqeur would help? They literally bite into the plastic.
29 November 2022, 08:38
Andy Ball
@Łukasz, I'm very impressed with AK Xtreme. That's what I used previously, but on top of woeful primer it didn't stand a chance.
29 November 2022, 10:13
Andy Ball
@Guy- downsides IMHO: the plastic is soft, waxey and no locator lugs. The parts count high. Ejector pin marks on inside- not sure whether they matter once closed up. Complicated spruce locator as no parts are numbered
Upside: detailing great, decals superb, and PUR porcupine exhausts should make for an interesting finish
29 November 2022, 10:16
Andy Ball
@Gary: no mythical finishing- perhaps the one good point of the black primer is to give a subtle texture to AK Xtreme aluminium. The black cockpit could be the light in the room. I will dry brush and let you judge the final finish!
29 November 2022, 10:18
Andy Ball
Thanks again Micky! Great to have your appreciation!
29 November 2022, 22:15
Cuajete
Nice interiors, Andy 👍.
I wonder how much of all that will be seen once the fuselage is closed. I'd like to know so I know if it's worth it by the time I make mine. All of that is OOB?
30 November 2022, 18:11
David Taylor
In on.
30 November 2022, 18:50
Thomas Bischoff
Should gave signed in long ago!
30 November 2022, 19:06
David Taylor
Looking at the parts breakdown Andy it looks as though you may be able to make any of the marks.
30 November 2022, 19:09
Andy Ball
Merci Jean-Louis!
30 November 2022, 19:17
Andy Ball
@Cuajete: thanks for popping by….possibly quite a bit if the side panels are stowed away to facilitate the bombs coming out, and there's the option of allowing the front door to be open, and the front turret can be retracted. Not sure which of those I'll do yet….
And, yes…pretty much all o/o/t/b - just a few bits here and there!
30 November 2022, 21:10
Andy Ball
@David- sure, there's the parts for the other Mks. Makes for a confused sprue layout and locator 😞
30 November 2022, 21:13
Andy Ball
Better late than never @Thomas- good to hear from you again!
30 November 2022, 21:13
Andy Ball
Thank-you Karl. Appreciate the look!
30 November 2022, 22:17
Lochsa River
Checking this out...a cool floatplane
1 December 2022, 06:56
Andy Ball
Thanks Axel!
1 December 2022, 11:02
Andy Ball
@Lochsa- honoured to have you around for a look!
1 December 2022, 11:03
Cuajete
Thank you, Andy 🙂 👍
1 December 2022, 18:11
Transall NG
I take a seat ! 🙂
1 December 2022, 20:34
Andy Ball
Thanks Transall NG, it's turning into quite a challenge having dry fitted the interior to the fuselage. Oh, boy!
2 December 2022, 14:46
Bernd Grün
Nice progress, Andy. Follow your build with great interest. Cheers!
3 December 2022, 19:08
Andy Ball
I'll need all the moral support I can get in this one Bernd! Thanks for jour words!
3 December 2022, 22:20
Andy Ball
Thanks David R. and others for the 'likes'.
5 December 2022, 22:38
Finn
Looking good
6 December 2022, 17:42
David Taylor
Loads of nice detail Andy.
6 December 2022, 19:28
Lochsa River
Great work, Andy....fun to take in your work...
6 December 2022, 20:35
Cuajete
Fantastic interiors. I love it!
6 December 2022, 21:39
Andy Ball
Merci Jean-Louis pour votre "like".
6 December 2022, 22:50
Andy Ball
Thanks Finn again for the interest. @David & Cuajete- there's plenty of details you can add - Eduard's detailing set can attest to that. But as we all know in 72nd, it's probably going to disappear behind distorted transparencies even if in show!
6 December 2022, 22:53
Andy Ball
Lochsa, likewise I love your narratives from your works. Thanks for popping by
6 December 2022, 22:54
Andy Ball
Thanks Rui!
7 December 2022, 07:34
Andy Ball
Thanks Patryk S and others!
7 December 2022, 21:52
Andy Ball
Thanks Alberto.
9 December 2022, 00:23
Andy Ball
Appreciate the look-in Wiktor! Good luck with your country's determination to be free.
9 December 2022, 00:29
Andy Ball
Thanks Jeff and all for your continued interest!
9 December 2022, 06:20
Andy Ball
Merci Pierre pour ton intérêt.
12 December 2022, 19:11
David Taylor
Porcupine takes shape.
12 December 2022, 20:34
Andy Ball
@David....it's getting pricklier!
12 December 2022, 21:55
Andy Ball
Thanks Tom for taking the trouble to look.
12 December 2022, 21:55
Villiers de Vos
Prenominal progress.
12 December 2022, 22:38
Andy Ball
Thank-you Villiers, it's quite an involving kit....many many pieces, so chipping away at it daily.
13 December 2022, 13:58
Andy Ball
Thanks Vicente!
13 December 2022, 22:56
Gary Kitchen
Going well Andy. I've paused mine just now. I had stupidly thought I'd do it as a Christmas present for my father-in-law who flew in one post-war national service. Then I saw the number of parts and complexity and realised, no chance! His birthday is in June so that's my new target. I'll be following closely to learn from yours. 👍
14 December 2022, 13:07
Andy Ball
Thanks Juergen for taking a look
14 December 2022, 23:22
Andy Ball
@Gary: you could leave a lot of the interior detail out - most of mine can't be seen 😞….but it isn't an easy, throw together kit. That said, the details are good, I'd be interested in a comparison with Revell's offering….
14 December 2022, 23:27
Andy Ball
@Roland, great to have you along for the ride!
14 December 2022, 23:28
Pietro De Angelis
Masterpiece!
16 December 2022, 18:25
Guy Rump
Looking great Andy; the enamel white paint sounds like a good idea. Looking at the decals I can see, it seems to have been a very successful experiment. 👍
16 December 2022, 18:30
Gary Kitchen
Going strong👍
16 December 2022, 18:53
Łukasz Gliński
That's a grand looking shading 👍
16 December 2022, 19:39
Cuajete
Great white effect 👌
16 December 2022, 20:16
Bernd Grün
On the way to a masterpiece. Looks good, Andy.👍🏻
16 December 2022, 20:42
Lochsa River
...rescribed all those line, did you? good thing there weren't many! soothing music helps....
16 December 2022, 20:46
Villiers de Vos
Very nice painting progress.
17 December 2022, 08:34
Andy Ball
Thanks Tom!
17 December 2022, 13:55
Andy Ball
Thanks Chris
17 December 2022, 15:54
Andy Ball
@Pietro, I don't think it'll hang in the Uffizi gallery just yet! 😂
17 December 2022, 15:57
Andy Ball
@Guy and Gary- thanks for the comments, always pleased that you're encouraging me through! Yes, the gloss white seems to have worked with a little 7000 grit sanding.
17 December 2022, 15:59
Andy Ball
Ł, thanks, I'm a little shady on this build I can assure you!, and @Cuajete my white effect was modelled on my hair colour! 😂
17 December 2022, 16:00
Andy Ball
@Bernd, not quite in the league of the Flemish school, but I thank you for the comment.
@Lochsa I find listening to 70s prog rock albums helps!…., and in fairness I've only lightly followed the existing lines to give a bit more, (surprising), depth and definition
17 December 2022, 16:04
Andy Ball
Thanks Oner O
17 December 2022, 17:41
Andy Ball
Thank-you Villiers, it seems to be going better than planned
17 December 2022, 18:35
Andy Ball
Thanks Mirko, appreciate your viewing
17 December 2022, 18:37
Andy Ball
Thanks Cliff for popping by
17 December 2022, 21:25
Andy Ball
Thanks John E
17 December 2022, 22:43
Andy Ball
Thanks Cameron for checking it over
18 December 2022, 09:19
Cuajete
Nice progress, Andy. Those colors suit it so well 👍
I guess you'll have to fill those trenches, sand and repaint. I wonder what the union between the wings and the fuselage will be like in the Italeri kit.
19 December 2022, 20:36
Andy Ball
Thanks Ben M for having a look
19 December 2022, 21:00
Łukasz Gliński
Envying your canopy masking, but what about these wing joints? Ouch!
19 December 2022, 21:19
Andy Ball
Thanks Cuajete, those gaps have now largely disappeared- courtesy of Mr White Filler and Surfacer 1000. It's not completely hidden, but I'll live with it. Yes, I'd love to know how this compares to Italeri. I'm looking forward to the final camo coating
19 December 2022, 21:28
Andy Ball
Łukasz- they're quite cavernous aren't they?
In retrospect I probably should've used some slivers of plasticard first, but my first try of Mr Putty went reasonably well.
19 December 2022, 23:40
Cuajete
It looks majestic, Andy!
Merry Christmas to you and all mates!
23 December 2022, 18:36
Andy Ball
Thank-you Eelco!
23 December 2022, 23:30
Andy Ball
Cuajete- and to you too. Wishing you a peaceful Season
23 December 2022, 23:31
Andy Ball
Wow Diego DH thanks for this and all your likes!
23 December 2022, 23:38
Villiers de Vos
Impressive. Very nice progress.
24 December 2022, 06:12
Andy Ball
Thx Villiers, edging along. Pausing for Christmas, soon.
24 December 2022, 08:30
David Taylor
Good progress Andy.
24 December 2022, 08:36
Bob Leader
Great effort, not an easy kit! I backdated a MK-V to this ship, so I know the challenges,
24 December 2022, 16:12
Andy Ball
Thanks Bob, I'll wear my medal with you once I'm over the line!
24 December 2022, 18:53
Bernd Grün
I think my promise was right.
Your build turnes out awesome. 👌👌👌
Merry Christmas
24 December 2022, 23:03
Andy Ball
frohe Weihnachten Bernd und danke!
24 December 2022, 23:34
Andy Ball
Thanks Paul!!
25 December 2022, 18:18
Andy Ball
Thank-you, Jan
26 December 2022, 17:15
Andy Ball
Antoine, many thanks
26 December 2022, 20:01
Michael Kohl
What a massive plane - and beautifully executed too. Good luck with the cowlings. I think it is easier to thin them than to sand down the cylinder heads.
26 December 2022, 20:13
Andy Ball
Thank-you Michael, Santa has brought me a Proxxon drill/sander so I will practice on some other pieces before I attempt the insides of the cowlings!
26 December 2022, 22:15
Andy Ball
Thanks Lukas!!
27 December 2022, 14:50
Andy Ball
Thanks Ventsislav!
27 December 2022, 20:44
Michael Kohl
Looks like Santa followed you on Scalemates too.
27 December 2022, 21:24
Andy Ball
@ Michael 😂😂😂
27 December 2022, 22:26
Andy Ball
Thanks Simontie! A bit more work today- getting trickier!
28 December 2022, 15:09
Cuajete
Looking so good, Andy 👌.
Rig floats supports are made from guitar cords? In my Do-24 I used rigid copper wire and the result was apparently good too 🙂
28 December 2022, 19:19
Andy Ball
Cuajete, riggings from stretched spruce - trying that method out first. Will see if I need to resort to Uschi stuff
29 December 2022, 00:32
Cuajete
👍
29 December 2022, 18:46
Andy Ball
Thanks Viacheslav! appreciate you having another peek at the works!
29 December 2022, 20:24
Cuajete
Interesting comparison with the Ju-88. Sundie looks fantastic so far!
Happy 2023!
31 December 2022, 19:43
Andy Ball
Thanks Freak!
1 January 2023, 12:45
Andy Ball
Cuajete- it's quite an impressive size. Alas I don't think I'll finish it soon. Best wishes for the NY too!!
1 January 2023, 12:46
David Taylor
Watch yourself Andy those two don't play nice together HNY.
1 January 2023, 14:36
Andy Ball
Hahaha David, you're right. Hope you have a prosperous NY too
1 January 2023, 16:08
Guy Rump
It's looking good Andy. Happy New Year. 🙂
1 January 2023, 17:16
Alec K
Late to the party here, but this is shaping up very nicely Andy 👍. Happy New Year!
1 January 2023, 17:36
Andy Ball
@Guy, all the best to you for '23… hope to see those projects shape up - especially B-17F.
@Alec K, always happy to welcome you at any hour to the party! HNY from over the pond!
1 January 2023, 17:47
Fritz01
Marvelous in every detail. Very well executed!
1 January 2023, 19:54
Andy Ball
Too kind Fritz01!! There's lots to execute still!, or be executed by?!🤔😂
1 January 2023, 20:28
Gary Kitchen
Great progress Andy. Hoping that turret arrives soon so I can see the finished thing before I start properly on mine. Happy New Year.
1 January 2023, 21:05
Andy Ball
I may scratch build turret Gary, although Special Hobby are prepared to send me the spruce for a modest cost/free if I order from their online shop. Tempted! NHY to you too!
2 January 2023, 07:28
Andy Ball
Belated thanks Donald for your interest
2 January 2023, 22:12
Andy Ball
Thank-you Sy Bar!
3 January 2023, 10:03
Andy Ball
Thanks Benjamin!! Appreciate your 'like'
3 January 2023, 18:20
Andy Ball
Andrew, thanks for the like
3 January 2023, 23:33
Andy Ball
Thanks Kenneth!!
4 January 2023, 20:54
KollHBM
Nice looking Sunderland
4 January 2023, 21:26
Andy Ball
Thanks KollHBM it's a slow build…
4 January 2023, 21:48
Andy Ball
Ludwig, thank-you for your like
4 January 2023, 21:49
Kyle DeHart
Looking very nice.
4 January 2023, 22:30
Andy Ball
Thanks Kyle, hope it'll turn out ok in the end
4 January 2023, 22:43
Kyle DeHart
No doubt it will!
4 January 2023, 23:51
Juergen Klinglhuber
I am sure too, it will .... 👍
5 January 2023, 06:25
István Szücs
Outstanding work!
5 January 2023, 09:52
Patryk S.
Looking great! A real stunner!
5 January 2023, 10:07
Andy Ball
Thanks Hang Li for taking the trouble to havre a look!
5 January 2023, 14:54
Andy Ball
@István and Patryk - very motivating comments...it will spur me on to doing some more to this, thank-you.
5 January 2023, 14:56
Andy Ball
thanks Marco!
5 January 2023, 15:37
Guy Rump
Really good rigging Andy. 👍 Not far to go at all. Looking great. 👍
6 January 2023, 22:29
Andy Ball
Thank-you Juskifo!
@Guy I appreciate your patience on this odyssey- this project has taught me a little about rigging…hope I can see the Lough in my 12-o'clock, flaps are coming down!!
6 January 2023, 22:45
Juskifo
very organized and neat assembly
inspiring
not finished but already successful👏
6 January 2023, 22:45
Andy Ball
Merci encore Juskifo. There's a Maritime version in this kit too.
6 January 2023, 22:52
Juskifo
👍🙏
6 January 2023, 23:03
Villiers de Vos
Golden hands and nerves of steel.
7 January 2023, 06:40
Robert Podkoński
I wholly agree with Villiers... Good work, Andy!
7 January 2023, 07:40
Moreno Baruffini
Simply wonderful! 👏🏻
7 January 2023, 08:58
Andy Ball
Palo M 👍
7 January 2023, 08:58
Andy Ball
@ Villiers and @ Robert many thanks, again you have been on the mission throughout. Brave!
7 January 2023, 08:59
Treehugger
Lovely thread rigging. 🙂
7 January 2023, 09:18
Andy Ball
Thanks Bradley for liking this!
@Treehugger: not bad for a first go, I guess!
7 January 2023, 12:09
Cuajete
I agree with all mates. Great job with rigging! 👌
7 January 2023, 18:15
Andy Ball
Cheers to all mates! I'll take the "rigging endorsement "!
7 January 2023, 19:34
Andy Ball
Thanks Philipp for taking a look
7 January 2023, 22:28
Bob Leader
Great rigging job,and love your weathering effects!
9 January 2023, 00:33
Andy Ball
Thanks Bob, very much work in progress- and an homage to those who flew in her
9 January 2023, 00:44
Andy Ball
Thanks Arif, appreciate your interest
9 January 2023, 07:34
Behemonth Magnus
amazing, I am gonna build the same, but, in civil service, as a consequence, I need to make some modifications.
9 January 2023, 09:50
Andy Ball
Damianos: I hope the long build narrative helps you along the way?….as you know with it being the manufacturer they are, they're not easy to simply build. I look forward to yours?!
9 January 2023, 10:32
Andy Ball
Appreciate the viewing, Volker!
9 January 2023, 10:39
Lothar Linke
I love it 😍
15 March 2023, 12:57
Andy Ball
Thanks Lothar, you've been pretty busy too! Thanks to Dave too 🇨🇦
15 March 2023, 15:21
Łukasz Gliński
Looks gorgeous on the black background - reminds me of the classic Airfix boxart which tempted me for ages to buy it 😄 Which I never accomplished 😄
15 March 2023, 15:41
Michael .
Looks great!

What technique did YOU use for your rigging. You said you found one that works for you. I've only done one rigging job so far and I can't get them taught enough and they looks bleh. You did an amazing job on the rigging.
15 March 2023, 15:49
Cuajete
Great, Andy! I'm looking forward to seeing the end result.
Will you make a display base with water?
15 March 2023, 19:31
Andy Ball
Hello Ł: Airfix/Roy Cross was my inspiration too! I built 2 of them when I was a kid, the 2@G one. I'd love to know how the Italeri one works, I think it may be the better release of a Mk III. It'll dwarf Pinky and his pals on the shelf though!
15 March 2023, 23:21
Andy Ball
@Michael: hope the PM helps answer your question?
@Cuajete: funny that!, I'm looking for a suitable piece of padding/foam to represent the Lough (lake/loch) she sat in…I hate the beaching trolley set up-ruins the look!
@Austin, cheers my man!
15 March 2023, 23:25
Gary Kitchen
Looks fabulous Andy. Mine's back in the box for now. I have two Italeri ones and this one that I once thought I'd production line a I, III, and V side by side. How naive 😄 Wisdom prevails. I wouldn't have the space anyway.
16 March 2023, 14:11
Dave
Andy, once again. Amazing looking aircraft. Rummaging through the photos and foot notes on your journey. Love the details and creative ideas for that final touch, such as guitar strings for cables.
16 March 2023, 15:00
David Taylor
Another belter Andy.
16 March 2023, 15:18
Andy Ball
@Gary: you'd need a workbench approaching the size of Short's own Belfast factory to build 3 of 'em!...I'm guessing Italeri may be a more straightforward build...but only *you* can tell us that if/when you do?...if you want the reference booklet shown when the time comes, let me know and I'll donate mine... @Dave, I'm glad I've given a wee bit of insight into their model- sure helps to play guitar- those strings make for useful implants! @David: mucho appreciato my SM...and thanks to the ever-friendly Cuajete!!
17 March 2023, 09:39
Nigel Brand
If you can get to the RAF Museum in London a Sunderland Mk V is on display and very interesting.
17 March 2023, 11:37
Andy Ball
@earlybrit- yes I have, many years back...it's a Mk.V? nevertheless very impressive close-up. Thanks for the interest.
17 March 2023, 11:54
Alexander Grivonev
you've stepped up your game mate, brilliant work!
17 March 2023, 15:53
James C
Thats a stunning looking Sunderland Andy. Fantastic! 👍
17 March 2023, 15:55
Andy Ball
@Alexander and @James: too kind, too kind! But thanks!!
17 March 2023, 23:56
Neil Patrick
Gosh Andy. I cannot keep up with your posting, let alone your modelling speed and creativity. But it's marvellous to behold the Sunderland on final approach now! Magnificent!
18 March 2023, 11:35
bughunter
Wonderful paint job 👍
18 March 2023, 17:58
Andy Ball
@Neil, it helps to have a WFH job, with the model bench just to one side of the 'proper' work. The model has taken a few months as you probably remember from Telford, @bughunter- thanks for the motivation @Timmie,@jan and @Slavo- and others, collectively...thank-you.
20 March 2023, 16:08
Andy Ball
@Bernard-looking at your eclectic collection I'm very pleased you like this.
21 March 2023, 08:07
Rui S
A Beauty 👍
24 March 2023, 23:14
Skyhiker
That's pretty impressive.
24 March 2023, 23:27
Andy Ball
@Rui and @Skywalker: many thanks mates. I'm going to have another push on the build this week, and hope to get it over the line soon.
28 March 2023, 10:36
Andy Ball
Thanks Stefan, appreciate your viewing
28 March 2023, 15:03
Andy Ball
Thanks Chris, too
28 March 2023, 21:16
Kyle DeHart
Really great Andy!
29 March 2023, 03:19
Mark K
Magnificent!
29 March 2023, 05:27
Gary Victory
Really nice work Andy. Love the weathering. Looking forward to seeing the completed build.
29 March 2023, 06:10
Andy Ball
@Clement thanks for the like, and to Kyle, Mark and Gary I'll hope to push push push this one to the finish line....
29 March 2023, 14:17
Andy Ball
Cheers Tony!
30 March 2023, 21:18
Andy Ball
Short Sunderland Mk.III, Blackburn built, EK591/2@U. No.422 (RCAF) Sqn.
On 10th of March 1944 the crew of W/O Morton were on patrol whereupon they came across U-625. Morton was new to the Sunderland and his trainer F/L Butler was at the controls.
The U-boat was attacked and sank, the Sunderland holed by a shell with other fragments puncturing its hull. All damage was repaired using the crew's chewing gum rations!
The crew of U-625 were seen getting into lifeboats, but never seen again, succumbing to the North Atlantic's weather.
In recognition of their achievement each crew member received a 24-pack of gum from Wrigley's"

To those on all sides of the Battle of the Atlantic, we remember.
2 April 2023, 13:41
Michael Kohl
Yeah, that's my Sunderland. Fantastic rendition of this massive machine. You made maximum use of the huge canvas it supplies. Amazing result (and I am not American. I use "amazing" sparingly. (No offence, my American mates. 🙂 ))
2 April 2023, 13:48
Guy Rump
Excellent build Andy, glad to see she's finally landed. Great back story too. 👍
2 April 2023, 13:48
Michael Jonker
A great result with very convincing weathering.
2 April 2023, 14:02
Moreno Baruffini
Mamma mia! A perfect landing 🙂
I'm Italian but I use "mamma mia" sparingly 🙂
2 April 2023, 15:13
James C
An outstanding finish Andy, congrats! 👍
2 April 2023, 15:26
Thomas Bischoff
Fantastic result - enjoyed every moment of flight till the final landing 👍
2 April 2023, 16:04
Andy Ball
@Michael K yep, it's one heck of a canvas. "Mustn't grumble" as we English like to say!….
2 April 2023, 18:20
Andy Ball
@Guy and Michael thank-you for your patience with my build. I appreciate having you along on the odyssey.
2 April 2023, 18:22
Andy Ball
Cheers Moreno,"cheers mate" as we say in parts of England! I'm so surprised the Italians stole that phrase from ABBA.
2 April 2023, 18:23
Andy Ball
Bless ya James, thanks for the comment!
Igor- thanks for popping in too, et aussi Jean-Louis
2 April 2023, 18:24
Andy Ball
Thomas- always a great pleasure to see your comments- best, Andy
2 April 2023, 18:29
Moreno Baruffini
@Andy: to tell the truth, ABBA stole the phrase from the Italians 😉
BTW I really enjoy to interact with so many mates from all the Europe and beyond! Again, congratulations for the super result!
2 April 2023, 18:32
Andy Ball
@Moreno: REALLY!???….😉 I stand corrected (I drive an Alfa Giulia QV and have been known to eat a pizza every once in while) Mille Grazie
2 April 2023, 18:35
Cuajete
Andy, I wouldn't want to abuse one of the many words we use in Spain either... but your Sundie is "cojonudo" 🤭
Congrats!
2 April 2023, 19:51
Andy Ball
@Cuajete ¡olé! as you say in parts of Cordoba!…
Y, gracias.
2 April 2023, 20:44
Gary Victory
Andy, Really great build and finish..👍. Love the weathering and staining around the hull. Top Job Sir.
Shame the Sunderland doesn't get much love... i have the Mk.V in my stash and once i thin out my bench work load out a bit more i hope to start on it this year... well that's the plan anyway...😏
3 April 2023, 06:51
Andy Ball
thanks Gary, are you doing Italeri's? if so, please alert me when- the SH is a great kit, but overambitious in terms of detail and fit....but as you state, builds well eventually. Thanks for coming on the mission with me.
@Sea, @Andy M: thanks for the like and those others I may have missed too.
3 April 2023, 08:11
Andy Ball
Nenad, thanks!
3 April 2023, 17:09
Andy Ball
Harvey H W - appreciate your like
3 April 2023, 19:57
Gary Victory
Andy, nope the Mk V is also a Special Hobby Kit - i went for the SH kit due to the heavy panel surface detail on the italeri kit, which looks a little trench like to me.
Looking at he instructions for the italeri kit, the breakdown and assembly look pretty close to the SH kit - just PE parts in the cockpit look like the main difference. One thing to bare in mind is that the Special Hobby kit is more of a limited run kit so properly doesn't have the main stream finesse, so fit issues more likely, but a kit I'm definitely looking to doing. 😉
4 April 2023, 10:47
Andy Ball
Thanks Palo G
4 April 2023, 18:29
Andy Ball
Brendan, appreciate the viewing
4 April 2023, 21:45
Łukasz Gliński
Lovely job and photos A! Hats off for the shading of the white part, sth I truly envy 👍
Hard for me to admit after so many years, but your last pics scores higher than my favourite ever-tempting boxart of the Airfix-photo series:
Short Sunderland III (Airfix 06001, 1:72)

06001
 
5 April 2023, 08:00
Neuling
Excellent work. Shading is first class. Great modelling!
5 April 2023, 08:11
Andy Ball
@Łukasz: in summer 1976 when staying at my grandparents I built the Airfix one. Took so much time in getting it painted and built right with precisely the Airfix paint numbers over 3-4 days. We then had to return by train to my house- a 4 hour journey. Said Sunderland was put in a plastic carrier bag for me to carry, with the inevitable outcome of everything breaking. Like you, when building this, I thought I wanted to even the score in my head of that build. Many builds on here are about old Airfix kits, repeated with their modern successors-the spirit remains! Thanks for the compliment, I hope you have a similar experience one day with this subject?
@Neuling: thanks again for your observations- I hope the shading isn't too over-the-top, but they did get sea-weathered, I guess!
@Nils, thanks for the like and to the others I may have missed...
5 April 2023, 09:01
Bob Leader
Super job Andy, I am taken with your weathering effects, as they much surpass my efforts. I have an Italery and an Airfix in the stash and hope to get to them eventually.
5 April 2023, 13:31
Mirko Römer
Totally agree with every praise you got before, Andy! What a highly realistic looking model it is! Ok, no pressure, but we both know it cries out for a diorama. 😉
5 April 2023, 17:48
Pietro De Angelis
Without words,
i just repeat myself,
"MASTERPIECE"!
Only one thing, if i can afford it, i agree with Mirko, a dio would be just fine...
5 April 2023, 18:30
Michael .
What's interesting about this is a few weeks ago I saw a documentary about the Coulson Martin Mars

photos-e1.flightcdn...5646246cec37a3464a1c

and I looked up to see if there were any models of the aircraft. Then this one pops up in the feed a few days later. LOL...
5 April 2023, 18:39
Andy Ball
Hey Bob, I appreciate the comment. The weathering is really trial and error, on a white base it can be easy to over do it. It's a tribute to the Canadian's who fought with us (and still do). Good luck when you come to the builds- I bet Italeri will be the straightforward one c.f. 'fix.
6 April 2023, 08:32
Andy Ball
@Mirko- you naughty person, you....with your accomplice @Pietro!: now you've got me scouring for suitable foam packing pieces....I would like to do a mooring at Lough Erne rather than anything wavy/N.Atlantic-like. Watch this space (or expanse of water)....
@Pietro: thanks for the double "masterpiece"....a tad humble - mille grazie
6 April 2023, 08:36
Andy Ball
Michael: spooky, eh....that's a big bird in the photo....you're going all out for one?
6 April 2023, 08:38
Michael .
@Andy, It's on my to do list. But right now we're still putting together my office. We had a small fire and after waiting on the restoration and other BS we're finally getting the room back together and my workspace is taking longer than I'd like. I still have a few other models I'm in the middle of. LOL...
6 April 2023, 11:16
Neil Patrick
Congratulations Andy. Never seen a better looking Sunderland. Weathering just right too IMHO. Lovely! 🙂
7 April 2023, 00:32
Mike Siemers
Absolutely beautiful, great job!!!
7 April 2023, 12:21
Andy Ball
Sorry to hear@Michael- I hope a phoenix from the ashes - literally!
@Neil: thanks, your builds are way ahead of mine- that Hanomag being a case in point!
@Mike- cheers! I must look over some of your builds!
And to the others who have 'liked' this "I salute you!"
7 April 2023, 21:52
Andy Ball
Nagas77 et.al., thanks for taking a look - glad you like it!
17 April 2023, 06:45
Slavo Hazucha
Cool stuff - I really like the "used flying boat" treatment with the twin water-line sedimentation and the green stains on the submerged surfaces - quite an unusual set of effects on a plane 🙂

Lovely work start-to-finish, one almost gets the impression you really like the subject 😉 Especially the clear parts being so crisp adds a good deal of realism and scale impression - great job 👍
17 April 2023, 07:54
Andy Ball
Bless you Slavo! I thought the 2 lines (evidenced on a couple of photos) may have been due to the plane's displacement loaded and unloaded in the Lough? My approach to modelling is to hide your imperfections with much weathering!! And a subject such as she would have taken a lot of the Atlantic and Northern Irish elements all year round. I was a bit indifferent about the kit, it is too ambitious in styrene for what it wants to achieve, Jeez!, I mean 32 pieces for the bomb racks alone!, without the objective comparison of Italeri's kit I think it's a leap forward from the veteran Airfix offering. Thanks again Slavo for having a look!
Thanks Wout for having a look too and the others!
17 April 2023, 09:43
Amenofys
Simply impresive.
17 April 2023, 18:04
Andy Ball
Amenofys, thank-you for looking and commenting and liking too!
17 April 2023, 19:07
Живко Джаков
Is a unique! I admire your work! I want to ask. Does anyone know what the three colored lights on the plane under the left wing are for? In photo 83 they are very well seen.
18 April 2023, 05:35
Andy Ball
exactly Zhivko!, I have no idea either...the decal is there though. I wondered if formation lights (seen on USAAF subjects), or whether it showed the status of the bomb racks (closed/opened/under wing and ready). Thank-you for the comment, and glad you came along on this mission.
@Vincent and all the others....I salute you, thanks!
18 April 2023, 08:09
Живко Джаков
Andy, the lights are also on Spitfire including. I've come across them as recognition lights, but I have no idea what that term means.
18 April 2023, 09:17
Erik De Smet
I have read on the internet in an article on a P47 with such lights that it was a kind of identification system : the lights would flash according an agreed code to identify the plane as friendly to troups below.
18 April 2023, 09:34
Живко Джаков
Thanks for the info Eric!
18 April 2023, 09:43
Andy Ball
Terrific information Erik, thanks.
We can now go out into the Bay of Biscay and not be shot at by the Royal Navy?!
Thanks Marco, Sy Bar and others for the look-in
18 April 2023, 14:21
Andy Ball
Thanks J35J, sadly I think I'm too late to submit this into the GB suggested on here….😞
15 August 2023, 00:42
Andy Ball
Thanks Ogre-Trombone for taking a look!
20 August 2023, 13:01
David Taylor
The 3 lights were used at night to identify friend or foe.They could be changed on a regular basis(coded).Still wonder though as early as BoB aircraft had IFF transponders fitted.
20 August 2023, 18:21
Edward MacKenzie
What a great work! Wow, i am really impressed...!
20 August 2023, 18:27
Andy Ball
Thanks David, this seems to be the theme to the mystery- so in future I may represent them a little more 'light-like'.
Edward, if that impresses you- it impresses me too!! Sterling work in your Tempest- looking forward to some escort service for the Sunderland!!
20 August 2023, 18:45
Treehugger
Are those forward facing fixed machineguns at the bottom front area in photo 71?
20 August 2023, 18:55
David Culp
That's a daunting project, but the results are fantastic!
20 August 2023, 20:08
Edward MacKenzie
It would be a pleasure to see my Tempest escorting your Sunderland. It will come soon i hope.
21 August 2023, 03:57
Andy Ball
@Treehugger, they are indeed: and required a small drilled hole into each of them to make them more realistic.
21 August 2023, 13:47
Andy Ball
@David: it's quite an ambitious kit in '72nd without many locator lugs and a series of instructions that don't quite pinpoint things accurately, plus the parts count is excessive IMHO. Thanks for taking a look.
21 August 2023, 13:48
Andy Ball
Thanks Dale!
26 August 2023, 20:40
Andy Ball
Thank-you Alister and others who've recently had a look at the build, glad you popped by…
27 August 2023, 22:46
Andy Ball
Sébastien and others, many many thanks!!
28 August 2023, 22:04
Andy Ball
Thanks too, Lukas!
5 September 2023, 15:01
Andy Ball
Thanks Neil!!
Edgars too!
31 October 2023, 12:51
Andy Ball
and thanks Matt!
1 November 2023, 11:44
Erik Torp
A very nice build! I have to admit I have not read all comments… How was the overall fit of this kit? Any issues?
1 November 2023, 13:37
Andy Ball
@Erik, thank-you s much!....there were a distinct lack of good locating pins, and some of the internal structures were often misaligned...maybe me/maybe kit?...but several dry fits sort it out. very ambitious internal details, and many many parts [bomb racks alone were around 70]...and most won't be seen....floats and rigging were tricky. I can't compare to Revell's, but this is a leap forward from the venerable Airfix kit of the 1960s.

and thanks Alberto!
1 November 2023, 14:54
Andy Ball
Christos, I appreciate the look-over this one too
3 November 2023, 08:57
Andy Ball
Thanks again Lukas!
7 November 2023, 12:57
Andy Ball
Mid Franconian, merci pour votre visite
11 November 2023, 11:19
Andy Ball
Grazie alessandro!
12 November 2023, 11:17
Neil Patrick
This turned out great Andy. Really like the weathered finish. What's next?
15 November 2023, 10:36
Andy Ball
Huya Neil, we're keeping the maritime theme having just knocked off a Mozzie and a Canadian Beau...but I'm a bit haphazard with builds currently...how was Telford?

Thanks Matti!
21 November 2023, 08:58
Landlubber Mike
Wow, this is really well done, congratulations! I ended up finding this kit and thanks to your detailed log, I now can appreciate what I'm in for.
7 February, 07:13
Andy Ball
Landlubber Mike: delighted it will help, it builds into a great specimen. Too many parts and test/test/test your pieces before committing them to glue!!
Please keep me posted, I'd love to see the progress!
10 February, 17:27
Andy Ball
Thanks/vielen danke Nicolas!
12 February, 22:56
Andy Ball
Hey, thanks Duster_d !!
18 February, 17:59

Project info

85 immagini
1:72
Completato
1:72 Short Sunderland Mk.III (Special Hobby SH72304)1:72 WWII RAF Accessories (Airwaves AEC72021)1:72 Refueling Probe - NATO Standard (Master AM-72-018)
Short Sunderland Mk.III
CA Royal Canadian Air Force - Aviation royale canadienne (1924-1968)
422 Sqn. EK591 / 2-U (W/O Morton/F/L Butler)
Marzo 1944 Sinking of U-625 - Castle Archdale, Northern Ireland GB
BS381C:638 White, Lanolin
 

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