Scratch Built Fairey Swordfish Finished Project.

**T haf** · #1 05-20-2022, 11:28 AM

This is a model I've had finished and on display in my house for a while now.

My goal building this model was to make it as realistic as possible. I did not focus too much on moving parts, though it still has one. I am pretty satisfied with the finished product. In my opinion, it is the best model I’ve ever made.
I started this one off by building the radial engine on the nose. I then moved on to the body of the plane. It is built by connecting paper ribs to square wooden stringers. I used paper to replicate armored panels of the real plane. Where there is no armor I used stretchy fabric over the wooden stringers. That method is used on the entire empennage and wings. The wings fold in for carrier storage as they would on the real plane. To close the wings you would lift the red levers near the wing roots and that will unlock the wings allowing them to pivot. This was the first model I had ever really weathered. The majority of it was made up while some was referenced. I added dirt, worn down paint, and general weathering on the plane. The interior features accurate gauges, seats made to look like fabric by using a band aide. Seatbelts add a bit of realism to the build as well. The middle seat is for the navigator/radio operator. This station has an old radio set and a map with the route this plane flew on its mission to attack the Bismarck. The rear seat is meant for the rear gunner. He has a Lewis machine gun and 3 extra drums in storage compartments.

I worked on this one through July 2020 to January 2021. 7 months, Est. 375hrs. While this plane took a while to build it was the quickest I’ve ever put one together.

Would you guys like for me to do updated thread posts with build progress?
I would include photos, descriptions, details, challenges, and features to the build progress.