AIRFIX CHIPMUNK 1/48 - how to build it!

[@lxtechmangood9503]

That wing fit is definitely a blooper by Airfix

[@davidhinkson8856]

It's taken me a while to get back to this video, but this came out really nice despite the fit issues.

[@daveonbass79]

If I had to guess about the canopy...I'd say its in multiple parts because the rear seat has a "bubble" to it. So in order to get the part out of the mold cleanly (and easily) they made them separate and gave you something extra to build. But...great job getting it done and looking good. 👍

[@garys_stuff]

There is a different version of the sides of the canopy supplied (maybe for the prototype), also means ey don't have to have a slide fitting on the mound that adds considerable costs.

[@barrywalker8790]

Very nice Gary it was a pleasure watching you build that, lovely engine detail shame you covered it up but your aircraft your the captain, l remember seeing a Chipmunk in the colours of Number 2 Flying Training School at an air display at North Weald airfield in Essex in the 90s and in the hands of a good pilot the aerobatics was something to see it's a 👍from me

[@garys_stuff]

Cheers Barry - my first one I did with an open engine cowling. I do love a Chipmunk.

[@chrisfirth1803]

Nice build, looks a lovely kit when finished given the slightly mismatched parts. But that's the challenge that makes modeling so interesting. Can i also say it was nice to see a slighty longer build video.

[@garys_stuff]

I always worry that longer videos put people off, but then shorter ones don't always contain enough detail. Quite a balancing act!

[@chrisfirth1803]

@@garys_stuff well on this occasion I think you hit the balance perfectly.

[@dannyhill5437]

Really nice job Garry, nice finish on the paint job

[@Lee-70ish]

Yup ATC 1965 had a waggle of the stick. Great little learner planes

[@iannicholls7476]

Nice build Gary and thanks for the useful hints on the wings. I now feel strong enough to look at mine again!

[@paulsmodels]

I'm shocked at the amount of gaps in this kit. Thanks for showing it, now I can add this to my list of kits to stay away from.

[@willwoods6466]

Thanks Gary, very helpful tutorial. There is a chap here in Yorkton that does aerial crop spraying and uses a Chipmunk to train pilots in the art of crop spraying. He's got it painted grey with Invasion Strips, rather unique. I'll send you some pictures on Facebook.

[@garys_stuff]

I guess a lot of crop sprayers are tail draggers too? I love invasions stripes of a Chippie!

[@crazybrit-nasafan]

Awesome build and finish. A small note is that that part you didn't glue onto the jig is part of the canopy frame. (I checked the pilots notes I have in the collection) I love the detail you put into this. A beautiful job.

[@martryan2060]

Memories of my flying days mind you would be hard to recreate the shaky canopy glazing. Lol 😀

[@typhoon2827]

I built mine at the weekend and didn't have any issues with the wings or any gaps. The cowls fitted no probs. Couid there be more than one mold? Reading some of the comments on here is like I've built a different kit. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@garys_stuff]

I do wonder of there was a different mould, maybe a corrected one for a later pressing? My kit is well over a year old.

[@ronaldbyrne3320]

Good to see the Chipmunk in camo. 😍

[@markfranks1329]

Nicely done, Gary and good to see a scheme not usually associated with a Chipmunk. It's usually masking contortions for the more familiar, red, white and grey finish or the easy way out with an all over mono tone scheme. Nice to see you've ensured that the undercart struts and wheels are perpendicular to the ground and not the dihedral, too. I've seen so many well completed models ruined by 'splayed' undercarriage. Ugh!😖

[@Nigel1writer]

Nice work. If i can find my ancient 3822 I'll build one I flew in at Honington in 81. 43 years ago? 😮

[@ronandanne1]

Wow that airplane looks like it would be fun to fly.

[@garys_stuff]

It's little beauty, fully aerobatic and handles really nicely.

[@keithdraycott]

Sad they didn't include an AEF colour scheme. As you said, for so many their first experience of flight was as a young ATC cadet strapped into the back, barely able to see over the sides. I had my first ever flight in one at Hamble and subsequent flights at Coningsby and St Athan while on annual camp. Missed opportunity by Airfix.

[@garys_stuff]

I guess they may do it in a second release, but the first one should have targeted all of us who have fond memories of the Chippie form AEF flying, for lots of people this was their first experience of flight as package holidays were still a new thing.

[@typhoon2827]

Wowsers. I'm just about ready for priming mine. I don't know what all the fuss about the cowling is; mine's built into a good representation of it despite my crappy eyesight and fat fingers. I'm going to to the A scheme as that's what I remember seeing as a kid.

[@ianturvey3894]

Very good how to video. My first air experience flight was in a Chipmunk at RAF Valley. Definitely going to get this kit! Shame about the issues hi-lighted though. I would have expected these to have been picked up, on a preproduction prototype and rectified by Airfix. As you say, can be worked around.

[@gavinbooth]

Nice build Gary i think the lighter shade of brown works well marra . Regards Gav.

[@garys_stuff]

Cheers Gav, I think I'm happier with it too. I've been looking at the ICM suggested scheme for their Beaufort and the brown they have is really dark. Might paint something up quickly to compare. All the best marra!

[@DirtRat62]

Happy memories flying one of those with 1476 Squadron ATC. Just got one on Prime Day. Just a quick observation Gary, you did take the mask off the landing light I hope? Keep up the good work! 👍

[@garys_stuff]

I forget again. And the one under the wing. But I've done it now!

[@robertgarner11]

Thanks for pointing out the flaws. I must admit I’ve been very disappointed with Airfix kits as most recent ones have been real labours of love and not that enjoyable. If only there was an Allied plane in 1:72 or 1:48 that’s a dream to put together!

[@randytaylor1258]

Looks great! No seatbelts -- again!

[@garys_stuff]

My one's got seatbelts....

[@NigelSimkin-u3x]

the underside of my wing wont fit on properly I've got to remove a bit of plastic to get it to fit in

[@ellie26cat]

Hi Gary, what was the name of the canopy glue , thanks really enjoying your builds ,Steve

[@garys_stuff]

Normally I use AK Crystal Magic, but any clear PVA will work really well.

[@robertnorth7609]

Ok guys let's see a Piper PA 18 done properly! Fun!

[@grahamrowberry3327]

Which glue was used to assemble canopy on jig?

[@garys_stuff]

Normally I'd use AK Crystal magic, it's a good clear PVA type glue. On this one, if you've got the fit just right, hen you can use a tiny amount of extra thin cement and touch it to one end of the join and let capillary action take it through. If it's all set up right, you'll see the line of glue going into the joint. But the parts have to be really well fitting. Crystal Magic does a great job of filling any tiny gaps that might be there.

[@MultiPedroAndrade]

flew as an air force cadet in 1983, now i have both the 1/72 and that 1/48 to build, portuguese colors

[@BobMuir100]

“Irksome “ Gary?! I feel you are being generous mate some fit n finish was appalling! However you coped well and delivered a well presented plane however it must be red for me. Bob England

[@garys_stuff]

I'm being calm, mate, just trying to keep calm and not let things get to me too much...!!!

[@BobMuir100]

@@garys_stuff very good news matey

[@_stoatchaser]

Is this one alvin simon or Theodore

[@bugler75]

😂

[@lxtechmangood9503]

Yeesh thats a lot filler around the engine cover and back towards the canopy. 😮

[@garys_stuff]

It's a lot of smoothing rather than panel fit, but still for a 2021 release....

[@Georgeconna32]

Stop with the tweezers!!!. Saw you a tellers. Lot larger in real life!!! Good vid.

[@sos_legio_primus]

For modern Airfix; this kit has a terrible fit. It is so gappy; it looks like a Revell kit.

[@garys_stuff]

oooh, steady on!

[@paulsmodels]

I've built some older Revell kits that had less gaps!

[@rodblievers620]

The broad-chord rudder had NOTHING to do with spin recovery! You’re just perpetuating a myth.

[@garys_stuff]

So what was it for then? Presumably some sort of directional stability or yaw authority. Was it to do with changing the prop, maybe that altered the wash characteristics? I can guarantee that, whether intended or not, when recovering from a stable upright neutral spin, a bigger bootful of opposite rudder will counteract the yaw quicker.