Folland Gnat T1 - Airfix (Old Tool)

Folland Gnat T1 - Airfix (Old Tool)

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Eric Mc

Original Poster:

122,035 posts

265 months

Monday 18th August 2014
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Although Airfix have produced a lovely new technology tooling of the Gnat, I have had a few examples of their old 1960s tooling in my unbuilt stash for many years.

I decided that some of these old kits are still worth building - if for no other reason being that they have so few parts that they take very little time to knock together. The quick build time is, however, sometimes negated by the need to fill the various gaps that are the result of old and worn moulding machines.

As with the FROG Vampire I finished recently, I will be building this one "wheels up" and it will more than likely end up in a little Red Arrows tribute build consisting of a Hawk and a Yellow Jacks Gnat.

This is the boxing of the Gnat I am using - one of the last issues of the original 1960s mould.



As can be seen, filler was needed along the wing roots and one side of the tail fin also need some filler along the trailing edge. I am ready now to start priming and getting the model ready for its red paint.




Eric Mc

Original Poster:

122,035 posts

265 months

Tuesday 19th August 2014
quotequote all
After a first spray with grey primer - gaps, gaps and more gaps.

Time for a filler fest, I fear.

My advice - if you fancy building a 1/72 Gnat, go for the new kit.

Eric Mc

Original Poster:

122,035 posts

265 months

Wednesday 20th August 2014
quotequote all
Impressive stuff. The Airfix 1/48 TSR2 is pretty good.

The 1/72 Airfix TSR2 is not the best kit in the world fit wise. It was one of the last new kits produced by the "old" Airfix before they were taken over by Hornby.

However, with a bit of care it can still be made look good. This is a rendition from one of the Farnborough Club members -




And yes, the extended nose wheel is correct (although not featured in the kit as it is boxed).


Eric Mc

Original Poster:

122,035 posts

265 months

Wednesday 20th August 2014
quotequote all
And it still is.

But it's still impressive though.

Eric Mc

Original Poster:

122,035 posts

265 months

Thursday 21st August 2014
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I won't be preshading my Gnat.

Eric Mc

Original Poster:

122,035 posts

265 months

Thursday 21st August 2014
quotequote all
Sorry but can we not discuss TSR2 and relevant weathering techniques on this thread. The old thread has been semi-resurrected so that would be the ideal location for further discussion on TSR2s and how dirty they got.

I'd like to keep this one for Gnatty things.

Eric Mc

Original Poster:

122,035 posts

265 months

Thursday 21st August 2014
quotequote all
The solution would be for me to post some updates on the Gnat project. I have it primed (again - after filling some more gaps). Next up is the canopy which has only the vaguest of framing details to act as a guide.

Eric Mc

Original Poster:

122,035 posts

265 months

Friday 22nd August 2014
quotequote all
One of the best inventions in recent years (i.e. within the last 15 years or so) for the modeller. It allows the thin polystyrene cement (not glue) to be applied pretty much exactly where it is needed.

It removes the need to use the old fashioned tube cement that we all used to use. Tube cement still has its uses, but only in limited circumstances.

Humbrol and others also do their own take on the theme.






Eric Mc

Original Poster:

122,035 posts

265 months

Sunday 31st August 2014
quotequote all
Finished





It's a crude kit and I look forward to building the new tooling at some time.

Eric Mc

Original Poster:

122,035 posts

265 months

Sunday 31st August 2014
quotequote all
It's flying formation alongside my recently completed Vampire FB5 on my display shelf and it makes the Vampire look big.

Eric Mc

Original Poster:

122,035 posts

265 months

Sunday 31st August 2014
quotequote all
The Gnat was nippier - with a fantastic rate of role - helped by the fact that the Reds removed an inhibitor in the aileron circuit which allowed an even faster rate of role than on standard Gnats.

The Hawk always looked ponderous in comparison.

Eric Mc

Original Poster:

122,035 posts

265 months

Friday 12th September 2014
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shambollic said:
Love the model, but love the old Airfix plastic stand even more. A great wave of nostalgia washed over me when I saw that! I haven't seen one of those in years.
They haven't been supplied with Airfix kits for decades - bit you can buy them separately in an assortment pack these days.



Eric Mc

Original Poster:

122,035 posts

265 months

Friday 12th September 2014
quotequote all
Most Airfix kits don't have the slot "pre-cut". It generally needs to be cut out. The location of where the slot needs to be cut is usually clearly marked.

Eric Mc

Original Poster:

122,035 posts

265 months

Friday 12th September 2014
quotequote all
Not a problem. There's only so much that one can say about Gnats anyway.

Eric Mc

Original Poster:

122,035 posts

265 months

Friday 12th September 2014
quotequote all
You'll have to change your PH name.