The Little World

The Mister Craft Fairey Fulmar is proceeding apace.

There were so few pieces to assemble that the basic structure went together in a day – and the decision to use solvent-based lacquers meant that the following day saw most of the painting taken care of. So now it is sitting on the jig airing out overnight in preparation for the decals. High points:

a. The landing gear fit in perfectly. It’s not complex struts to start with but there were three sockets that had to be filled at the same time and on both post and starboard the legs locked in at the right angle. Score one over the Czech factories.

b. The canopy was so precise that it seemed a pity not to mask it and glue it in. I’m always nervous about this, however, as you have committed to several coats of paint and varnish before you can release those masks.

c. What an odd crew setup. The nav/observer is set way far back away from the pilot and would depend upon a mike or speaking tubes to get any sort of communication – he can’t reach anywhere near the front seat.

d. I’m not sure I don’t regret freehanding the camouflage pattern but FAA is so dark anyway that it probably won’t matter. Let’s hope the matt varnish flattens everything.

e.The yellow tail is striking, but makes a mockery of the rest of the camouflage. However, it, and the red machine gun port covers, proved to me that it is perfectly possible to paint Mr. Color on trim or discreet panels by hand. Just add a small amount of self-levelling thinner and brush two light coats. It eliminates the worry about masking and overspray.

f. I’m still not game to put pitots and gear doors on until all the rest of the thing is complete. The doors are moulded as shut but they provide a cutting line so that you can separate them for landed position.