CLICK HERE to see posts in last 24 hours
| Welcome to Mainly Military modelling. We hope you enjoy your visit. You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free. Join our community! If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: |
| Airfix 1/72 RLNI Severn Class Lifeboat | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: Mar 23 2013, 09:44 PM (590 Views) | |
| peebeep | Mar 23 2013, 09:44 PM Post #1 |
|
resin fondler
|
I was offered this kit for review elsewhere and whilst this forum is 'Mainly Military' I'm sure there will be some interest in this subject, so let's have a look. This is the second iteration of the kit and it was commissioned by Airfix prior to the takeover by Hornby. It now comes in the smart red livery and very eye catching box. Box art is very similar, but not identical to the original issue: ![]() The box feels quite heavy and when you open it you can see why! It is jam packed with sprues that are brimming with parts: ![]() Instructions come in the form of an A4 booklet. Print quality is a bit iffy, but it is just about fit for purpose. You get the usual graphical step-by-step illustrations, plus some handy reference photos and a well illustrated painting guide: ![]() ![]() Decals are glossy and nicely printed. As they are intended to go over not only dark but also vibrant colours, you have to hope they are printed sufficiently densely to avoid any 'grinning': ![]() All the parts look to be moulded nicely with no signs of warping, although there are a number of the more heavily moulded components suffering with some shrinkage. The railing is very delicate and fragile looking and I'm not confident about removing some of the other more daintily moulded parts without getting some breakages: ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() All in all it looks to be a very appetising package. peebeep |
![]() |
|
| peebeep | Mar 23 2013, 09:45 PM Post #2 |
|
resin fondler
|
On to the build. I admit to spending some time looking at the parts and perusing the instructions with some trepidation, but hey, it's only a plastic kit and it doesn't bite! The idea will be to follow the instructions as closely as possible, but it's already clear that some deviations will be made. I removed the main hull components and set to cleaning them up. I could see that it would be essential to make sure any trace of the sprue gates would need to be removed from the rebates that form the join between the lower and upper hull parts. This is quite tricky as the rebate is very small and visually challenging. I eventually managed it with a sharp blade and small file, then finished of with some sponge sanders: ![]() The bow thruster fit was a bit iffy and it's difficult to work out how to tweak it due to the narrow confine it is located in. I cemented one side with liquid cement, let it set a bit then cemented the other side whilst pinching the hull to close any gap. To my surprise it worked, leaving a bit of filing inside the duct after everything was set. I reasoned that the hull sides would fit best from a fixed point and having worked out that there is a very noticeable step between the lower and upper hull (confirmed by photo references) the best way forward seemed to be by first fixing the upper transom. Once this was hardened up each side was cemented in turn to the transom, then working stern to stem the joint was cemented bit by bit. The fit of both sides is sufficiently good that the bow joint meets in the right place and can be cemented and everything left to fir, up: ![]() ![]() After the cement had hardened up I ran around the joints with file and sanders to remove any excess cement and polish out any cement induced fingerprints (!): ![]() Now for the diversion from the instructions. Steps two and three would have you fit the shafts, screws, trim tabs, actuators and stands/cradles. I'm leaving these off to minimise breakage and for ease of painting. I've tacked the cradles on with Blue Tack. So the next job was to fit the one piece deck and this clicks into place, leaving you to run liquid cement around the joint. Easy peasy: ![]() So that's the hull substantially complete, next the superstructure, but that's for the next session. peebeep |
![]() |
|
| Mark M | Mar 23 2013, 10:02 PM Post #3 |
|
Hawk T1
|
cracking mate i keep looking at this as i have a family conection to life boats i think this is the first wip ive seen you do |
![]() |
|
| Mosquito | Mar 23 2013, 10:59 PM Post #4 |
![]()
Kit reviewer
|
Great review mate. |
![]() |
|
| beowulf | Mar 24 2013, 01:48 AM Post #5 |
|
Lt. Paul 'Red Dog' Rose
|
this will be interesting, im always thinking about doing something like this since its something different |
![]() |
|
| Deleted User | Mar 24 2013, 06:04 AM Post #6 |
|
Deleted User
|
Spent my childhood going to cromer and sheringham for holidays so Ive got a soft spot for these. Looking forward to this
|
|
|
| Olde Farte | Mar 24 2013, 09:27 AM Post #7 |
|
Lt. Derek 'Smurfy' Reeve
|
I will follow this as I've seen a couple of made up kits and they looked tremendous. |
![]() |
|
| Daz Greenwood | Mar 24 2013, 11:09 AM Post #8 |
|
The voices told me to do it!
|
I wanted one of these, but always missed it somehow. Looking good so far Paul. |
![]() |
|
| DevilFish | Mar 25 2013, 09:16 AM Post #9 |
|
LCDR Paul "Voodoo" Carter
|
My neighbour gave me half of this kit before they moved. Unfortunately the hull is missing....... |
![]() |
|
| Johni044 | Mar 25 2013, 09:51 AM Post #10 |
|
Lt John "bullet" Irwing
|
I was pondering getting one when Airfix had them reduced to clear there initial release but unfortunately didn't. Looks good Paul and will watch with interest as I will most likely get one some time in future. |
![]() |
|
| tc2324 | Mar 25 2013, 03:57 PM Post #11 |
|
LCDR Tony `Banana's` Clay
|
|
![]() |
|
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous) | |
| « Previous Topic · Airfix Kit Reviews · Next Topic » |






















7:33 PM Jul 11