HK Models 1/32 Dambuster released

I know because I am in on the R&D. Getting hold of maintainance manuals, blueprints, walk around getting on my motorbike and going to see surviving examples etc. Helping check CADs online discussions over detailing and best way to show off interiors etc and giving the veteran network a kick to see who can give me access to subjects after hours etc.

Spent hours in the RAF Museum library with Lancaster manuals, Merlin Manuals and Operation Chastise file held there. lots of interesting stuff in that file!

How do you even get access to stuff if you’re forbidden to identify the next reveal? Something doesn’t sound right. Obviously your friend or whoever he is, likes to sing like a canary....

Toshi,

I think that the more you know about the design and production process the more it helps with your own build process as you have a better understanding of the subject and the process that brought you that subject to build and then it is much easier through research on the original subject to make changes and add extra detail if you wish to do so.

I will now admit to being in on these subjects as the boss of HK Models is another good friend of mine and I provided blueprints, maintainance manuals walk round pictures and also followed the BBMF Lancaster's major maintainance and rebuild at the ARC facility at Duxford To get more detail information such as shape of cowlings, engine support structure etc.

HK do have some very interesting subjects in the works which I am forbidden to discuss, but once announced should spark considerable interest.

They are only a very small company, but bring us some big things!

snapdragonxxx

What are known as test shots and builds are prototypes and pre-release versions to test the moulds and the parts and the fit of them together to make any adjustments as needed before production runs. The final moulds are used to produce a few test shotw which are either built up in house or sent out to test builders who report back on the kit and it's build and fit of parts.

The picture in my post is a test shot build and is part of the pre-production process.

 

What are known as test shots and builds are prototypes and pre-release versions to test the moulds and the parts and the fit of them together to make any adjustments as needed before production runs. The final moulds are used to produce a few test shotw which are either built up in house or sent out to test builders who report back on the kit and it's build and fit of parts.

The picture in my post is a test shot build and is part of the pre-production process.

GMorrison

Toshi- there was a magazine whose name escapes me right now that featured build reviews of models that were not painted. Or, obviously, puttied or otherwise had "body work".

It was a really useful thing. Airplane forum I think.

Beware, there's a tendency in the PE industry, esp. "Lion Roar", to feature unpainted models with the PE installed. It's done to show off the PE, which is fine, but it isn't the way to build a model.

 

Your Friend, Toshi

snapdragonxxx

AFAIK this kit will feature two positions for the rear lamp. Information has come to light from the Operation Chastise file held in the RAF Museum that the rear light was originally right behind the bomb and was moved to the REAR of the bomb bay on the fairing to stop the lamp getting covered with oil. One Lancaster on the raid had the lamp fitted where the underside turret was as this machine was a prototype and had that fitted. Both positions are chooseable by the builder.

 

Toshi- there was a magazine whose name escapes me right now that featured build reviews of models that were not painted. Or, obviously, puttied or otherwise had "body work".

It was a really useful thing. Airplane forum I think.

Beware, there's a tendency in the PE industry, esp. "Lion Roar", to feature unpainted models with the PE installed. It's done to show off the PE, which is fine, but it isn't the way to build a model.

snapdragonxxx

Hi Toshi,

It isn't my build. That is one of the test shots built up in HK's factory. Looks good doesn't she?

Can you be tempted with  this beast? She's big!

I do have their Mk I Lancaster and this one will be coming to me shortly so I will have 2 to build

 

I feel and think to build a aircraft with no paint and only glue would be a very hard challenge.  The closest thing I’ve ever done like this was a Tamiya 1/32 Mustang Chrome Edition.  What was not Chromed in the kit, I AB with MM Chrome type enamel paints for cars.  In order for me to fuse the styrene together I had to meticulously scrape off the chrome from the mating areas.  It came out really nice IMHO.  Dear Sir, Thank you in advance!

Your friend, Toshi

What a beast!

The diorama will be huge. The aircraft will be about 22 1/2" above the surface of the lake.

Not sure exactly how to support it either.

But a nice idea.

An idea for the lights would be to put LED's in the aircraft, but light the water from below. It might be easier that way to control the shape of the circles.

Hi Toshi,

It isn't my build. That is one of the test shots built up in HK's factory. Looks good doesn't she?

Can you be tempted with  this beast? She's big!

I do have their Mk I Lancaster and this one will be coming to me shortly so I will have 2 to build

To my good friend snapdragonxxx,

         Is that a photo of your build in your work space?  If so, that is awesome!

Your friend, Toshi

The main difference between the two will be the exterior which the WnW has the textured exterior whereas the HK kit doesn't apart from panels and rivets etc. Also keep in mind that WnW has no interior apart from around the rear door and cockpit. I don't know about the Bomb Aimers position or turret detail. I have seen some CADS of WnW which look impressive and I am sure it will be a great build and it is a shame that these two kits will be compared to each other. I am reasonably sure that both will find their way onto my bench in the future. I know the HK one will and it very much depends on WnW price point!

both companies and the people who work there should be praised for bringing these kits to the hobby and giving us the opportunity to do some big stuff!

I have seen WnW’s version. I must say it is very impressive compared to HK version. Both will be pricey with WnW being on the high end of the scale. The WnW definitely is my Holy Grail kit.