Here are a couple of pix of the Tamiya 48 scale B IV Mosquito, converted to the ‘Highball’ configuration. 60 of the B IV’s were modified to this standard, ‘Highball’ was the junior version of the ‘Upkeep’ [the Dams mine] and only carried a 10th of the explosive charge used in the Dams Mines, these were intended to be used against shipping targets, this being the Tirpitz.
The 24 aircraft bourght to Australia were to be used against the Japanese Navy
This model was built with all of the basic external kit components only, it has an AM cockpit set installed with the ‘Highball’ bomb bay:- the cockpit is from Aires, the ‘Highball’ was a Paragon conversion for the Airfix Mosquito 48 kit, I addapted it to the Tamiya with very little alteration. The decals and stencils are from the kit decal sheet, the white outlined red ‘F’ is taken from a Spitfire kit. Ths model was displayed in a shop, when I retrieved it, this model was broken. Hence after my demands for a new kit and the replacement parts to repair my modified model, at the shops expense, I was told I’m no longer allowed in the shop.
now please tell us what aftermarket stuff you used, and where you got it from, which decals etc etc (you don’t get away that easily![;)]), as i really want to do this variation, and a spare mossie B sitting “in the hangar” right now![(-D]
Does someone make the Highball bombs?? I have been looking for some of the Cookie bombs as well…anyone make that variant of the Mossie with the bulged bay??
Guy’s,
Sorry for not replying earlier, under the edited post is an explanation as to why I only posted two pix of the model.
nmayhew,
Answers to your questions, the entire cockpit is the 48 Aires set for the Mossie, the ‘Highball’ was an old Paragon set, that was originally designed to modify the old 48 Airfix Mosquito kit, the wheels on my bird have been heated and flatened.
djmodels19999,
There is not a great deal of info on these aircraft, 60 were modified for this configuration and 24 were shipped to Australia to be used again the Japanese, as far as I’m aware they were test flown in and around Northern England and in Scotland.
Jeeves,
The Highball was an old Paragon conversion, [I don’t know if this will be re-issued], as for the extended bomb bay and Coockie bombs, Scale Magic are in the process of releasing some resin modification and conversions to the Mosquito. Scale Magic is my resin business.
Very nice build Lobbie
I may be able to get information for you on these aircraft if you want. Depending on what your looking for. My Grandfather was a member of 617 sqdn and shortly after the Damns raids he went New Zealand (I think) where he helped train members of the RAAF with the Highball bombs/mines and I know he went on some of thier flights to evaluate thier succesfullness. I have Tamiyas 1/48 Lanc to build his aircraft on the Damns Raids (just not skilled enough yet to build it) Anytime I have questions about aircraft he always more than happy to provide info.
Very nice build Rob. I have experienced some damage to models displayed in Hobby Shops as well. Nothing major, but a broken pitot tube or 2 & a couple of anttenae wires. The LHS makes good by giving me very generous discounts on all of my purchases, so it evens out.
Lobbie, that is a beautiful build and I love seeing a modeler do something different with a common subject. As I’ve often said on these pages, that B/PR IV kit has been one of the most enjoyable builds I’ve done in years. I thought mine as a little different, because I put the Aeromaster markings with the question mark for a squadron code (since it was used as a recce bird for various units), and I added two flash bombs to the cameras in the excellently detailed bomb bay. The only departure from OOB was a little scratchbuilding here and there and some true details wheels (which look like they are practically flat tires). And here I thought I had a nice, sort of different Mosquito. I think I’ve been left in the dirt.
Great build based on a great idea Rob.
Tom
That is one build I had seen displayed and admired, the concept of using the real photo’s is a great idea, it’s a pity you’re model was damaged, but knowing you it’ll be repaired and placed in the collection. Incidently how many Mossie’s do you have now ? I know of 9 so far.
