The 1/48 SE 5a kit scale instrument panel with basic modifications without photoetch is a good excercise in drybrushing. 

Now for those of you who don't plan on adding photoetch, here is a modification to the 1/32 kit Instrument Panel.  In this larger scale it may be a bit easier to see what I did in the 1/48 version.  Drill out the gauge faces carefully.  You don't want to distort the molded bezels with the heat generated by a motor tool. You put the clear panels on the back side first.  Then add the decals attaching them behind the clear plastic by their faces.  Let dry then paint the decal backs and the clear with white or black depending on the gauge details. Viola!

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It is a hard world Stachel...unconfirmed by Armee means unconfirmed!!!!
http://www.wwi-n-plastic.com WWI aviation kit reviews
http://aeroscale.kitmaker.net/ see Early Aviation forum.
http://theaerodrome.com See Models and Aircraft forums.

Daywalker wrote:

Stephen- That IP is gorgeous!  Those PE parts really make it pop.  Well done!  Your idea about the dials on clear film with paint behind- BRILLIANT!  I am gonna try that on my next bird.  Thanks for the tip.

Thanks Frank you are too kind.  The placement of the clear plastic sheet on the back of the drilled out instrument panel eliminates the need to to try and plot the location of the decals.  Using the excess glue from the waterslide decal sheet the decals snug down nicely.  You just have to make sure they are oriented correctly before they dry. 

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It is a hard world Stachel...unconfirmed by Armee means unconfirmed!!!!
http://www.wwi-n-plastic.com WWI aviation kit reviews
http://aeroscale.kitmaker.net/ see Early Aviation forum.
http://theaerodrome.com See Models and Aircraft forums.

Stephen,

I appreciated the link to the photos on your Fokker D VII builds.  Once again, you certainly are a prolific builder.  I have never really scheduled my builds, which is probably why I just jump from one project to the next.  I also have no time constraints, unless I am building for someone else.  Being in the nuclear business, I am so used to regimented schedules at work that I can not say that I think of using those same tools at home.  I am particularly bad when the weather is nice as I will jump on the bike and log some miles before I think about getting out the glue and paint.  I am at least starting to think about setting some build deadlines, just to see if I can stick to a schedule, but then again, this is my hobby, not my job, and I kind of like it that way.

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Scott

My Dr.I kits arrived today!  Took a quick peek through the box, looks like a fun kit to build.

I have a question about the extra parts in the kit though.  There are differently shaped elevators, ailerons, prop, and guns included.  Would these potentially be for a different version of the plane?  Such as Werner Voss' bird?  Just wondering.

Also, this GB officially ends in just under 6 weeks.  I think there are people still working on their builds, not sure how many though.  I am wondering if I should extend the build to allow time for unfinished builds to be completed, or should this one end as scheduled and should a "KOTS 2" start say, in a couple of months?  If we did do another, I am considering shortening up the time frame to say, 4 or six months.  That might help keep more interest in the build and potentially prevent the dreaded "mid-GB burnout."  I want to build this new Fokker Dr.I, and I guess I am wondering whether to extend this GB and try to finish it by the end or save it for a future GB.

I would like to know your thoughts, anyone?

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Frank

 Hello Everyone,

 Whew, I was becoming concernd with the end date so close. I just got my UPS notification on my Roden kit. Thanks for the extension.

 Best Regards,

Mobious- Glad to hear your Fokker is due to arrive soon!  I look forward to seeing pics when you get her and have a chance to start on it.

SD- Another 1/28 scale kit for you?  Excellent!  I'd love to see what you do with that one.

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Frank

Mike,

Hopefully you will be able to build that Spad, I'd love to see it!  I was impressed with the DML kit I built, especially when one considers their age.

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Frank

I noticed the PE was a little tough at times.  Most notably, the gun cooling jackets.  Crumpled into tiny messes when I even thought about bending them.  Replaced them with Eduard pieces, worked a treat!  I wouldn't hesitate to build another.

Shall I go ahead and put you down for the Spad?

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Frank