Aerocraft Models MB.3 & MB.4

Gondor · January 05, 2026, 08:50:59 AM

First build of 2026, as if I don't have anything else to work on, and the first real modelling since my eye operation.

As I am seeing more out of my left eye, I have decided to do a little modelling, so something easy and straightforward, the Aerocraft Models Martin Baker MB 4 Bubble Top.

So far, I am simply separating parts from their trees using a CMK mini saw and a GodHand set of side cutters I bought at Telford specifically for cutting 3D printed trees.

Gondor · January 05, 2026, 01:38:13 PM

I was going to glue some of the parts together this evening, until I found that I had still not unpacked my glue from my trip to Telford last year. :

Gondor · January 07, 2026, 10:06:19 AM

After just doing a bit of fettling yesterday, I have managed to stick a couple of pieces together.

It's not much at the moment, but then, as I have a gas bubble in my left eye after an operation just before Christmas, and the close-up focal distance for that eye has changed slightly, I will take this as a win for now. Maybe some painting this evening.

kerick · January 07, 2026, 12:22:31 PM

Looking good! Will it be the usual green and grey?

Gondor · January 07, 2026, 12:25:53 PM

Quote from: kerick on January 07, 2026, 12:22:31 PMLooking good! Will it be the usual green and grey?

Maybe

Gondor · January 09, 2026, 09:13:45 AM

So I decided that, as both the MB.3 and the MB.4 were very similar in construction, I may as well build both at the same time.

Going by the photographs, I don't have the gun barrel blocks 100% square with the wings, but a little bit of filler and a touch of sanding should sort that out.

I should start painting the cockpit interiors tomorrow. Not sure if they should be British interior green or black. I am thinking green for the MB. 3 and Black for the MB. 4

Gondor

Gondor · January 09, 2026, 01:56:02 PM

A little more work done on the MB. 3.

I have given the control surfaces a small amount of deflection to add some visual interest.

The disc at the front of the engine has been fitted.

The cockpit tub needs a bit of tidying up; there is the remains of a print support between the throttle quadrant and the bottom of the cockpit still. I am glad it's the bit at the bottom that needs removed at the moment.

The instrument panel looks great as well.

Alister has done some really nice work. Very tight tolerances with all the parts I have fitted so far. I have been very carefully sanding/filing and checking the fit, over and over again, to minimise any later work. Of course, everything fits exactly until you apply glue $:-\$

Captain Canada · January 09, 2026, 04:59:21 PM

The three gun pack looks great !

NARSES2 · January 10, 2026, 02:18:48 AM

Quote from: Captain Canada on January 09, 2026, 04:59:21 PMThe three gun pack looks great !

It's always slightly odd to me on the MB desings, it's just so pronounced.

Quote from: Gondor on January 09, 2026, 09:13:45 AMI should start painting the cockpit interiors tomorrow. Not sure if they should be British interior green or black. I am thinking green for the MB. 3 and Black for the MB. 4

Gondor

Sounds about right

Must admit the quality of the casting looks rather good.

Gondor · January 10, 2026, 02:44:10 AM

Quote from: NARSES2 on January 10, 2026, 02:18:48 AMMust admit the quality of the casting looks rather good.

3D printed, not cast. There is a great deal more flexability in what you can do with the 3D printing than with casting.

Gondor · January 10, 2026, 10:23:11 AM

I have been throwing paint around, you can tell by the colour of my fingertips $:-\$

First up, a picture of the parts I have painted of the MB.3

Now a couple of parts for the MB.4

With the MB.4 being Centaurus-powered, you have an engine to paint as well. Looking at pictures on the net, I will be repainting the engine in Xtracolor X128 FS16076, labelled as Engine Grey, rather than the Humbrol 21 Gloss Black I have used, saying that, it will be handy as a base for the lighter colours that will be going on the piston casings later.

NARSES2 · January 11, 2026, 01:17:31 AM

Quote from: Gondor on January 10, 2026, 02:44:10 AM
Quote from: NARSES2 on January 10, 2026, 02:18:48 AMMust admit the quality of the casting looks rather good.

3D printed, not cast. There is a great deal more flexability in what you can do with the 3D printing than with casting.

Ah, thank you

Gondor · January 11, 2026, 02:56:56 AM

Quote from: NARSES2 on January 11, 2026, 01:17:31 AM
Quote from: Gondor on January 10, 2026, 02:44:10 AM
Quote from: NARSES2 on January 10, 2026, 02:18:48 AMMust admit the quality of the casting looks rather good.

3D printed, not cast. There is a great deal more flexability in what you can do with the 3D printing than with casting.

Ah, thank you

I should have also said that this is 3D printing with liquid resin rather than 3D printing using filament. With filament printing, you can get lots of layer lines; liquid resin printing gives a much smoother finish.

The Wooksta! · January 11, 2026, 05:05:06 AM

Ironically, I've just dug out my assembled but unprimed Magna MB3. This is intended to be the bubble top. There's another couple tucked away in the loft. As it's one of Magna's better efforts (other than the canopy...), I refrained from buying the Aircraft one and just bought the MB4.

Trying to think where the Centaurus MB5 I converted is hiding. It's somewhere in the loft...

Charlie_c67 · January 11, 2026, 03:08:28 PM

Just figured out what was bugging me. I thought the MB.4 was basically a MB.3 with a RR Griffon rather than a Napier Sabre. Is the one you're building a whif in the same vein as the AZ MB.6?