Day 2 of the IBG Models Gotha Go 242 A kit build
Step 1. Assembly of the cargo/hold floor and location of the wing spar. The floor parts 'lock' the spar into position. First part to be glued 'H5' is a transparency in the lower forward fuselage. I opted to leave this part until the two fuselage halves are ready to be joined. All internal parts to be painted in 02 are sprayed in black 'primer'. I use Halfords 'Volvo Dark Grey' from the can.
Step 2. Detailing the cockpit. Part number 'F27' is the pilot's yoke/control column. F10 is a 'stick' for the right-hand seat. There is a second control column, part number 'F28' - which is not mentioned in the instructions. I'm guessing this is for the 244 motorised variant. The 242 requires the 'F10' stick. In the end I put both yokes in. Part number 'F22' the trim wheel and lever is difficult to get off the sprue. Mine broke. No idea what F25 is. Seems to be a gunner's position in the lower part of the forward fuselage.
Step 3. Adding the photo-etch rudder pedals and straps. I've left the seat harnesses until after painting.
Step 4. Having located the cockpit 'module' to the fuselage floor, I'm testing the fit of the fuselage sides. No issues with the spar or floor clipping into the bottom of each side. The internal framework next.
Below; internals sprayed in 02. Hold floor (pin) washed around the details and streaked with Raw Umber oil paint. I note that at least one Polish modeller has painted the cockpit in 66 - although there is nothing in the painting instructions. He has also painted the (presumably) doped canvas internal finish a red-brown. I did not know if the internal framework on the fuselage sides was wooden or metal because it needs to be picked out in the appropriate colour..Becker highlights " die Stahlrohrkonstruktion des Rumpfes zeigte Stoffbespannung.." or in other words 'the tubular steel construction of the fuselage was fabric covered..' I think this is self-evident from the image posted yesterday showing the open Rumpfheck, while this PK photo (below) shows a Go 242 wreck in the Cholm Kessel ('Wrack eines zerstörten Lastensegler Gotha Go 242' by PK Fotograf Muck). This picture appears to show the Gotha tail section on its side with the large clear 'window' being one of the MG 15 positions on the roof of this section. Which raises another question..how were the MG 15s (as many as eight) stowed in the hold when not in use?
Below; cockpit layout for the Go 244. The lower panel is a set of engine instruments. The upper panel of instruments is mounted in the cockpit ceiling as per the Go 242.
End of day 2.