Uh oh, I've started another one...

[Brad Cancian]

Having just finished my Pfalz, I couldn’t take only having two projects on the bench at once…. So I had to start another! This time, the new Roden 1/48 Sunbeam Arab powered Bristol F.2b, which I plan to do in the markings of one of the 7 SQN Australian Flying Corps aircraft - I know that one particular ‘Dromer out there will be happy with my marking choice (Carpo I’m looking at you!!). All I have done so far is the engine compartment.



Now, onto details for those who are interested. Roden supply a reasonably complete Sunbeam Arab engine. Included are the basic crank case, cylinder blocks, carburetor, distributors, and the prominent tubing between the cylinders. The engine is mounted onto engine bearers which attach onto a firewall, along with a small oil tank. The front of the engine bearers attach to the back of the radiator. That said, there are some omissions – namely the rear of the radiator being totally blank save two prominent sink marks.

[Brad Cancian]

Unfortunately I had no pictures of the engine installed onto an F.2b. Bummer. As such, as my primary reference I used a copy of “Janes Fighting Aircraft of World War One”, which has an excellent section on engines. In this section are 3 photos of the Sunbeam Arab engine. Detailing started with the 16 ignition(?) wires. These wires cross over back and forth over the rear of the engine in a rather prominent wiring loom, then onto their individual spark plugs – some also head through to the rear of the engine. Various other wires were added according to the reference pictures. The carburetor intake was also opened, and a myriad of other minor details were added from sprue, solder, wire and metal foil. Here she is before paint.



The engine was painted overall aluminum, with the cylinder blocks in black. Other details were picked out in silver or brass. The prominent manufacturer’s placards were added onto the cylinder blocks using spare decals. The engine bay was given a clear protective coat then a wash using black/brown oils, followed by a light dry brushing.

[Brad Cancian]

The firewall was rather blank, so I added some rivet detail as well as attachment points for the cowling from foil. I sanded the detail from the oil tank and made some retaining straps from foil. The fuel line was made from fine solder. Again, before and after paint:

[Brad Cancian]

The rear of the radiator was its own challenge as it was totally blank and I had no references showing this on the real aircraft. As such, I used some logic and artistic lisence, adding the rear of the radiator grille from fine mesh based on the pattern on the front of the radiator. As on the firewall, I added attachment points for the cowling from foil. Other details were added from wire and solder. The front of the radiator was also detailed with fine mesh and wire based on the box top illustration.



Thats it so far, next, onto the cockpit... all comments welcome!

BC

[AchimEngels]

Hi Brad Cancian,

This is the reason why I am hardly seen here in this section of the Forum.

These tiny amazing pieces of true art which will never let you go again.

What a wonderfull piece of work! I really admire your skills, although they show me how limited mine are!

Cheers!

Achim

[josef scott]

Jaw-dropping, Brad...again.

<sigh>

Keep it coming...

[JohnReid]

WOW!
Cheers! John.

[StephenLawson]

Go get 'em Brad anothe fine effort begun. Question: the wrap around tubing that is on the perimeter of the inside face? What is that? Gizmology?

[John Masters]

Amazing work, Brad. What museum are you donating your builds to? Someday when I'm older I'll be there, but until then, I count my self in with the amatuers...


From the Factory on the hill,
John

[bobs_buckles]

Top banana!!

Superb work Brad... The bar has been raised yet again!!... looks like I need to learn the limbo dance to keep up with you lot

Bob Von Buckle