Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

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Henrik Hammer
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Re: Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

Postby Henrik Hammer » June 1st, 2013, 2:25 pm

Hello

Finally I got the test flight done today, very nice weather except for a missing sun. The model flew right out of the box it needed no trim at all, it handles very very smooth and has no bad habbits at all. The only small issue is the outer geardoors on the mains, I have to move the horn for the servo a little because it could not close the doors in flight. It is an easy fix so I am very happy with the result so far.
Here are a couple of photos, they are a little grey and dark because of the missing sun. ;)
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In front of the Control Tower
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Checking the Fail Safe
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Take off for the first time
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Final Aproach
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Touch Down
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A very happy pilot and his new model
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Paul Holt
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Re: Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

Postby Paul Holt » June 2nd, 2013, 8:45 am

Looks fantastic Henrik!

Alan Cantwell 1131
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Re: Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

Postby Alan Cantwell 1131 » June 2nd, 2013, 9:47 am

Pretty damned awsome, :shock:

Henrik Hammer
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Joined: December 5th, 2012, 9:49 am
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Re: Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

Postby Henrik Hammer » June 3rd, 2013, 2:17 pm

Hello

Thanks guys, it is always nice when a new model flies great and you have a good feeling about everything. Hope to get some video later.

Best Regards Henrik Hammer

Here is the crew relaxing after the first flight :)
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Henrik Hammer
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Re: Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

Postby Henrik Hammer » June 9th, 2013, 1:14 pm

Hello again

Got flight number two saturday, now with some sunshine so we got some nice photos of the model.
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Henrik Hammer
Posts: 13
Joined: December 5th, 2012, 9:49 am
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Re: Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

Postby Henrik Hammer » July 1st, 2013, 5:11 pm

Hello

We got flight number 3-4-5 done this sunday, the weather was very nice, a good wind on the runway,but the sun is still hiding a little behind the clouds.
This is the very first video my wife took with her new camera so the clips are a little short, but we hope you can get an impression of the model both in the air and on the ground.

We will go practicing a little more with the camera and hopefully the sun can burn through the clouds, we certainly need some nice summer weather here in Denmark. :)

Here is the link to the model: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l8b_m1FYvw

Here is a link to the real Panchito: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19vAVDzVno0

Best Regards Henrik Hammer

Henrik Hammer
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Joined: December 5th, 2012, 9:49 am
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Re: Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

Postby Henrik Hammer » August 6th, 2013, 5:16 pm

Hello again

A couple of nice summer photos, I have now 10 flights with the model and I am still very very happy with its performance :)
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David Jones
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Joined: January 24th, 2010, 8:21 pm
Location: Rossendale Lancs
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Re: Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

Postby David Jones » March 14th, 2017, 12:47 pm

My last entry on this build thread was January 2013, the thread was then diverted from my build to other peoples models for a couple of pages until it faded into history. In the meantime, I have built a second B25 to replace the original, which came to a sad demise before it was finished, due to a mechanical problem. The second model has been built exactly the same as the first one, it has been test flown successfully and now has its CAA Exemption Certificate.

After the proving flights were completed, Alan took the model home, stripped the engines and landing gear out and commenced the finishing process. Three scale crew members were purchased from Best Pilots in the USA, pilot, co-pilot and nose gunner, all full bodied. As the upper turret and rear gunners are basically just a head and shoulders “bust”, two latex pilot figures were purchased from JR Perkins. I set about making up and painting the figures while Alan set about constructing the interiors, and Mike began to make up the instrument panel.
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David Jones
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Joined: January 24th, 2010, 8:21 pm
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Re: Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

Postby David Jones » March 14th, 2017, 12:51 pm

More pics.
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David Jones
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Joined: January 24th, 2010, 8:21 pm
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Re: Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

Postby David Jones » March 14th, 2017, 12:54 pm

Once satisfied with the interior detailing, the glazing was then permanently fixed and masked off. The model was then given another coat of primer, then handed over to me for panel lines and riveting. 1/64th fine line graphic tape was used for the panel lines.
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David Jones
Posts: 413
Joined: January 24th, 2010, 8:21 pm
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Re: Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

Postby David Jones » March 14th, 2017, 12:56 pm

More pics.
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David Jones
Posts: 413
Joined: January 24th, 2010, 8:21 pm
Location: Rossendale Lancs
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Re: Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

Postby David Jones » March 14th, 2017, 12:59 pm

More pics
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David Jones
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Joined: January 24th, 2010, 8:21 pm
Location: Rossendale Lancs
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Re: Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

Postby David Jones » March 14th, 2017, 1:00 pm

PVA was used for the rivets.
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David Jones
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Joined: January 24th, 2010, 8:21 pm
Location: Rossendale Lancs
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Re: Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

Postby David Jones » March 14th, 2017, 1:04 pm

The entire model was then sprayed with silver coloured automotive base coat, invasion stripes were added to the wings and fuselage. Other graphics such as the stars and bars, squadron markings and the nose art were then painted on, using laser cut paint masks purchased from Flightline Graphics. At this time, the nose art is still incomplete in so far that the ubiquitous scantily clad female has to be draped over the writing. We haven’t got a paint mask for this, so we are looking at other alternatives. She will be added in due course.

The model was given a final coat of clear, satin finish, lacquer this weekend just gone. A start was made on removing the masking tape from the glazing after some all round back slapping took place.
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David Jones
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Re: Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

Postby David Jones » March 14th, 2017, 1:05 pm

I’m afraid that, as yet, the model hasn’t been fully assembled since it was sprayed so, as yet, we don’t have any pictures of it in all its glory. The model will be fully assembled at the Haydock Park seminar this coming Sunday, where we will have ample opportunity to photograph it and, no doubt, do some more back slapping.

The three of us should all be together as a group with the Mitchell, Mike’s Vampire and my Dakota on display, where we will be happy to chat about the models to anyone who cares to give us a visit. I will post pictures of the fully assembled Mitchell as soon as I can, which will be my parting shot for this, somewhat, lengthy build thread. Then, I suppose, it will be onto the next project…..hmmm.

David Jones
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Re: Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

Postby David Jones » March 20th, 2017, 11:41 am

Here are some pics taken at the Haydock Park seminar. The front machine gun has been left out for fear of it being caught by passing people. The last pic is of Alan Greaves, looking well chuffed with his model. There's just the nose art to be finished and the dummy engines to be painted and then she is done.
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David Baker
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Re: Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

Postby David Baker » May 30th, 2017, 10:30 pm

Just thought it worth sharing...
Here is a video of the successful test flight of Alan's B25 on Sunday

Test Pilot is Dave Johnson
Video by Christine Evans on her iPhone

https://youtu.be/iLqU9jjjdd4

The test flight showed a lack of aileron authority, the model was landed and some adjustments made to the ailerons then a second flight was made showing much improvement in the handling, a very nice model

Thanks
David

David Jones
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Joined: January 24th, 2010, 8:21 pm
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Re: Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

Postby David Jones » May 31st, 2017, 9:57 am

Thanks for the update and video Dave and Chris. Dave Johnson did comment that the model didn't feel as "agile" as he remembered from the previous test flights before the model was finished. For the second flight we added more aileron throw which did improve the handling somewhat. The general consensus is that, due to the detailing and pilot figures, cockpit detail etc, the c of g has changed and the model has become slightly too nose heavy, (better that than tail heavy). This will be a quick remedy so that we can get some more flights in before Cosford. David Jones.

Alan Cantwell 1131
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Re: Zirolli B25 Mitchell build

Postby Alan Cantwell 1131 » May 31st, 2017, 6:12 pm

Already changing the prop nuts from stainless to aluminium Dave, its a start


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