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1/48 Ardpol SZD-9 Bocian E sailplane

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  • Member since
    September 2017
  • From: western North Carolina
1/48 Ardpol SZD-9 Bocian E sailplane
Posted by kensar on Thursday, October 11, 2018 5:39 PM

Ardpol makes a number of resin sailplane models in 1/48 scale.   I've been collecting them since the castings are excellent with fine surface detail and the subjects are of modern and classic sailplanes.  I especially like the SZD sailplane designs, finding them pleasing to the eye.

I have a couple of Bocians and a IS-2 Mucha so far.  This is the Bocian E, a two place trainer sailplane.  Most of the work is in the cockpit, as is the case for most sailplanes.



I'm planning to put together a diorama with several sailplanes and a Pilatus Porter tow plane.  Couldn't find a Citabria, which I would have preferred.

 

Tags: Ardpol , Bocian

Kensar

 

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Poland
Posted by Pawel on Thursday, October 11, 2018 6:05 PM

Hello Kensar!

That glider really looks good! It is also special to me, because I've once had the chance to fly it as a passenger on an air show! The best tow plane here would be the PZL Wilga, but I don't think they make it in 1:48. Good luck with your build and have a nice day

Paweł

All comments and critique welcomed. Thanks for your honest opinions!

www.vietnam.net.pl

  • Member since
    September 2017
  • From: western North Carolina
Posted by kensar on Friday, October 12, 2018 6:50 AM

Hi Pawel,

Thanks for posting.  I agree the Wilga would be an appropriate tug in Europe.  Models of common tow planes are very limited (Super Cub, primarily), and I wanted something else, so the Porter was the best choice I found.

Kensar

 

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Friday, October 12, 2018 7:26 AM

For the US tow planes, Minicraft offers a number of 1:48 lightplanes, Cessna, Piper and Beechcraft.  There is also a nice Stinson Reliant.

 

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    September 2017
  • From: western North Carolina
Posted by kensar on Friday, October 12, 2018 8:37 AM

I chose the Porter for the 'cool' factor. 

I saw a Minicraft Cessna 172 at a model show recently and it looked like a very good model.  Narrow engraved panel lines and good detail.  I have the Beech Bonanza, but this project enabled me to justify buying another kit!

Kensar

 

  • Member since
    September 2017
  • From: western North Carolina
Posted by kensar on Sunday, October 21, 2018 8:24 AM

Update for Oct21

Got the painting and decaling done.  The Ardpol decals are extremely thin and can be very tricky to work with, especially long thin stripes.



Clear coat is next, then moving on to the canopy.

 

Kensar

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Lyons Colorado, USA
Posted by Ray Marotta on Monday, October 22, 2018 6:08 PM
Pawel, For an interesting modification to a PZL Wilga, on youtube, look up "Wilga Draco." Ray

 ]

 

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Lyons Colorado, USA
Posted by Ray Marotta on Monday, October 22, 2018 6:12 PM
Pilatus makes some interesting airplanes. I used to fly the Pilatus PC-11B4 which is an all metal aerobatic sailplane...

 ]

 

 

  • Member since
    December 2014
Posted by SteveFL on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 10:10 AM

Probably the most common and recommended glider tow is the ever popular Piper Pawnee; with its powerful engine, single seat, and bubble canopy that gives 360 visibility it is the go-to tow plane.  Heritage Aviation makes a 1/48 scale kit of this beautiful classic plane.  I built one myself and with some elbow grease it makes a great and unique addition to any civilian aviation collection. There are many youtube videos of the Pawnee towing gliders that are fun to watch.   Your glider looks fantastic!

  • Member since
    September 2017
  • From: western North Carolina
Posted by kensar on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 10:29 AM

Thanks.

I had seen the Heritage Aviation Pawnee but could not find anyplace where they were available.  Anyway, I've started the Porter.

 

Kensar

 

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Poland
Posted by Pawel on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 3:01 PM

Hello Ray!

I sure did look it up and I'm impressed! That's a monster of a plane! They have put the same engine on it that the Turbo Porter has and the Wilga is much lighter! Dang, it could probably do a vertical take-off with an engine this strong!

Have a nice day

Paweł

All comments and critique welcomed. Thanks for your honest opinions!

www.vietnam.net.pl

  • Member since
    September 2017
  • From: western North Carolina
Posted by kensar on Friday, November 23, 2018 9:40 AM

The Bocian has taken a backseat to the Pilatus Porter, but I am managing to work on the canopy.

Installed IP.

 

Kensar

 

  • Member since
    September 2017
  • From: western North Carolina
Posted by kensar on Thursday, November 29, 2018 6:47 AM

Finished this one.  Detailed the shallow panel lines with gray oil paint.  I'm not sure if gray is the best color but I wanted something subtle to go on the white surfaces.  Black would be too stark in contrast.  Also need a light gray or blue background for these white planes.

Comments welcome.

Kensar

 

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Thursday, November 29, 2018 7:01 AM

Looks great!

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    September 2017
  • From: western North Carolina
Posted by kensar on Thursday, November 29, 2018 11:21 AM

Thanks, Don. 

The Pilatus Porter should not be too far behind.  Then I will think about a diorama setup for some of these sailplane models.

Kensar

 

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Friday, November 30, 2018 8:50 AM

kensar

Thanks, Don. 

The Pilatus Porter should not be too far behind.  Then I will think about a diorama setup for some of these sailplane models.

 

I have long planned such a diorama, but have not acted on it yet.   I had first thought of a Wilga tow and European glider, but decided to go with a US scene.  I do have a Reliant kit in the stash but that seems like a pretty big and fancy plane to dedicate to towing.  I also have a Super Cub which may be more appropriate.

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    June 2014
  • From: New Braunfels , Texas
Posted by Tanker - Builder on Friday, November 30, 2018 3:34 PM

Ahem ! Sir ; That is one pretty Bird ! !

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Saturday, December 1, 2018 12:26 AM

That turned out nice.  Those gliders look so graceful.  Well done.

Thanks,

John

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