GM - man, that is some serious rigging! Absolutely love it!

OK fellas, I'm calling the E.III done. This was really a fun kit to build and suprisingly simple to rig in spite of how it may appear, especially with the Gaspatch buckles - man, they make the job so much easier. Tim & Aaron, I cannot remember ever having this much fun in a GB - thank you so much for putting this on - you guys are great hosts, and even though my build is complete, I hope you don't mind if I still hang around for a while. There are so many excellent builds still going on here and I want to see 'em all!

Mike, I hope you'll just pick up another kit and keep building here.  It has been great fun to watch everyone here, but your model is another of those I can just hold in my mind as the standard to reach to.

GMorrison

Felix is ready for the dreaded top wing fit.

I am enjoying the control wire exercise.

Look at it this way,"GM", that rigging ought to get you excellent TV reception!

Mike, that is truly a thing of beauty. Really impressed with your artistry.

GMorrison, equally striking work on the Felixstowe tail rigging. I can't quite tell from the photos--how did you eventually lick your problem with the split yokes on the control lines?

Gamera, thanks for the rundown on the Alclad.

My thanks also to Tim and Aaron for hosting the GB. It's a great group, small enough that everybody can get an elbow in. Lots of fun, and learned a lot. (And, done or not, I'm not leaving till they lock the door. Actually, I'm trying to figure whether I can get one more bird done before it's over. Thinking....)

Mike - without doubt, truly wonderful job you have done with the Eindecker.  Again, great job on making a monotone scheme into a very colourful one with all the subtle shades.  I'm still awaiting your reply on whether you had re-worked the pattern on the cowl since your first posted pics.  Btw, it does look spot on.

GM - man that rigging looks busy, great stuff there.

Marc - as mentioned by others, really awesome work.  Your refined techniques lend quite well to those close up shots.

regards,

Jack

Mike- Absolutely incredible job. Very well done.

GM- That is some busy looking rigging you have going on there. Good work and can't wait to see the rest of it.

Many thanks for the compliments fellas. It's an absolute pleasure to take part in this GB with all of you.

John - I didn't know that another entry was an option, and 1.5 months does not leave much time, but maybe, just maybe, that Roden 1/48 Nieuport 28 sitting in my stash will find its way to the workbench - still a lot of outdoor stuff around the house that needs attention, so we'll see (plus, I promised the Mrs. I'd cut down a bit on the all-night bench sessions so I'm awake at a decent hour the next morning ).

Jack - sorry I missed your inquiry about the metal/cowling. There was no touching up on my part after it was completed. The first photo of it is exactly how it appears on the finished model. I have been goofing around a bit with my camera settings though.

Jeez Louise Mike that is freakin' awesome.  I was very excited when WNW announced they were making that kit.  Been wanting to do one.  I just don't see the pint now.   I lift my glass to you sir 

Thanks to comments from the last update.  You are all too kind.

It's official... IT'S A BIPLANE!!!

Got all the eyelets in place, and cobbled together the radiator louver handle and it was finally time to mount the upoper wing.  That jug I used worked great and the wing was in perfect alignment.

Marc - looking quite splendrous, very close to crossing the finish line.

regards,

Jack

Mike: WOW!!! That's just beautiful work! Love how the faded fabric came out. And the wooden prop... and the metal finish on the cowling... and the rigging... and the... well I just love the whole darn thing!!!!!

Marc: Awesome, just a little more rigging and I'll assume you're done!?!

Good morning!

I hope everyone had a great weekend. 

Congratulations, Ruddratt, on a splendiferous Eindecker! I can't really add any more to what's already been said. Excellent work!

Marc, you are so close I can smell the petrol -- or is that Castor oil?

Thursday and Friday were full of trials for me and the D.VII. After a beautifully laid white primer, my red went on rough, and though I knocked it down with some sandpaper, my clear coat exacerbated the texture. Very frustrating. I've gone back and rubbed down the fuse with sandpaper, trying not to kill any detail, but I'm hesitant to lean into it too much. I'll hit it again with some clear at some point this week and cross my fingers that I put enough on to smooth everything out for the decals.

GAH! Even after a weekend away and trying not to think about it, I'm still fairly irritated about the whole thing.

Spoiler alert: Aaron has made progress! I've seen it!

Marc - Awesome work on the Albatros. It just gets better and better.

Tim - Truly sorry to hear about your difficulties with paint. Hope it responds to corrective measures without (gulp!) having to seriously redo anything.

Tim Kidwell

Spoiler alert: Aaron has made progress! I've seen it!

Like Bigfoot, I want to believe it--but I need to see it for myself....

Well...since the armistice won't be declared for another month and a half, and since the Central Powers look to outnumber the Victorious Allies, I think the good guys could use another bird in the air. I tried to think of a subject that was simple enough to possibly finish on time, and coincidentally less likely to be gotten to anytime soon for any other reason. This is what I picked:

No extra wing to worry about, and fairly simple (I hope) rigging, it should be manageable. This is the non-Profipack version without any PE, though two choices of markings, and they included some pre-cut masks as well. We'll see.

One interesting feature I don't think I've ever seen before--some irregular silver blobs included on the decal sheet for weathering the cowling:

Not sure I'll use it, but it's a cool idea.

Onward and upward.

GMorrisson - regarding the challenge,  not sure if you want a direct equivalent or the type most encountered by the pilot - though the foe most certainly would be Italian.  If I had to choose a single type, it would  be the Ansaldo SVA-5.

Tim - sometimes these things happen.  I've faith in you, and in the words of Rob Schneider:

Greg - excellant choice given the amount of time that is left.  Looking forward to see what you do with this one.

--------------

Gradually I'm re-attaching all the parts that were knocked off during the decal marathon.  Also have the wheels in place, which provide the lone splash of colour for this particular aircraft.  Painted red from the Misterkit series of paints, it is an official Austrian colour, but reminds me a lot of the McLaren race car when it was done up in Marlboro colours.

Also my first foray with turnbuckles, compliments of Gaspatch.  You just might be able to make them out on the fuselage end of the rigging for the landing gear struts.

regards,

Jack

Gentlemen, again, thank you very much for the compliments. Sharing in this GB with you guys has been the most enjoyable of experiences. I was looking at my Roden Nieuport and it looks like a fairly simple kit (only two sprues), but I don't feel that 1.5 months will be enough to do it justice, especially at the rate of 3-5 hours/week. Still, I'll be hanging out here and cheering you fellas on from the sidelines. Lots of great stuff coming down the line based on what I'm seeing!

Marc - man, what can I say? You are the king of the wingnut wings ! That thing just blows me away every time I look at it!

Greg - after seeing your amazing first entry, I'm super-stoked to see this next build!

Tim - I have faith in ya buddy! Have you ever tried those green Scotchbrite pads for smoothing out rough painted surfaces? I use them on occasion and they work great, without sacrificing surface detail. A little Verlinden trick I picked up along the way.

Jack - that paint scheme is absolutely striking, and applied as expertly as you have on an airframe as sleek as the Albatros makes for a combo that's tough to beat! Very nice!

ruddratt

Jack - that paint scheme is absolutely striking, and applied as expertly as you have on an airframe as sleek as the Albatros makes for a combo that's tough to beat! Very nice!

What Mike said. Even upside-down, it's gorgeous.

Mike - incredible job, sir.  I love the faded "used" look.  Can't think of any superlatives to add that haven't been used - just outstanding.

Marc - masterful job!  You've got me wanting to break my Albie out of hiding.

Jack - perseverance has its rewards...beautiful job!

Gmorrison - speaking of perseverance!  I can't wait to see the finished boat - she looks marvelous.

Sorry I've been "quiet" until now - a little late to the congrats party for those who have launched from the 'drome.  I've had a bum foot now for a few days, and am well behind on my bench allotment.  A Trumpeter 1/32 Skyraider has rudely landed and taken up residence as well...and my workshop isn't that big.  I have a "pre-assembly" pic to post soon.  Take care all!  Excellent work, and inspiring!

I don't think that there are appropriate words to describe the incredible work that everyone is doing. For a subject that I have always shied away from I have to admit that I had a great time doing this group build and want to thank everyone for their tips and increasing my interest in a great subject.

I would also like to thank Aaron and Tim for hosting this GB and saying job well done on their tips and Vlogs which are always fun and informative to watch.

I haven't had much time in the last week to do much works as my Taekwon-do club is getting ready to host a tournament this Saturday and it's been a little hectic trying to set up for it.

Again my hat is off to all and a well deserved "JOB WELL DONE"

WOW Jack, like Mike said... if it looks that good on its back... can't wait to see upright.

Tim... I smell something too... and it ain't oil

I was able to get in a nice long session at the bench this evening.  Enough to wrap this one up.  It’ll never make to the show tables, but still, I am not unhappy.  The rigging was a particular PITA this time and of course of my own doing.  I forgot to drill out some of the holes for the turnbuckles and a few of them kept popping of since I couldn't glue the “pin” down far enough.  And when I used the hot match to tighten some of the slack in some of the line I melted them and had to redo them. Still a few that I need to tend to.

Tim thanks for running such a great BG.  And all the guys that participant the same goes out to you. 

 Now my entry… WNW 1/32 Albatros D.Va.

Marc, the only reason not to take this model to a show is to avoid humiliating all the other entrants.  It's been a Master Class watching it come together.

Chuck - great to know you're still with us on the GB. Been wondering what happened and how the Dr.I was progressing. Take care of that foot, and definitely post some updates of your build! Looking forward to 'em!

shiv - great post, and my sentiments exactly. We've got a great and talented bunch assembled here who have been doing awe-inspiring work.

Marc - Hot dam! That is jaw-dropping stuff - I mean just beautiful, beautiful work! Leaves me shaking my head and wondering "How the heck does he do that?!"

  It’ll never make to the show tables, but still, I am not unhappy. 

Oh shut up!

Yes the landing gear strut rigging isn't tight.

WIng_nut:   A absolutely  stunning build,  just beautiful.  frankly 1/32 scale scares me to death.  I think it should be on a table in the Air and Space museum.  Oh and the LG cables not tight! it was probably from a heavy landing so even more realism!!

John  (falconmod)

WOWSERS Marc!!! You'd have to point out what's wrong there because she looks perfect to me!

Stunning!!!

Gee, one day I'll have to try a Wingnut Wings model, though I'm not sure I'd be able to do her justice.

Marc, outstanding work! What technique did you use to weather the spinner? Get your ribbon; it's well-deserved!

Shiv, I'm glad you've enjoyed the GB thus far and have liked the vlogs. We're thinking about how to make them better for the next GB we host -- yeah, we have plans for another GB in the second half of the year.

Guys, I must admit I'm starting to get a little nervous. Half way through June and six planes are finished, and all of them are beautiful models that you guys should be immensely proud of.

I gotta get my rear in gear and finish up!

Mike, Marc, those two builds are just stunning. What you have out into these, especially to get the look of the wood and metal is amazing. Out of this world doesn't even come close. This is the sort of work you very really see in post WW1 aircraft models.

Hats off to the pair of you. Its been a real pleasure.

Thanks for the comments and compliments.  

Tim, that's the hairspray once again.

What will keep it off the contest table?  I can't get a photo that shows it but the cable that have one end at the fuselage on the bottom wing... 4 each side... 3 out of 4 each side popped off at least once and a couple several times.  The CA was starting to build up and make little blobs, a couple of seams that needed some attention.. a Modeling 101 basic.  And a total brain fade on the elevator.   Got it all weathered and the tube frame shaded for some depth (pic below).... but should have painted it blue first and not noticing until it was pretty firmly glued in place. As for the not unhappy... how thew wood turned out.

Marc - this looks A1 !  

The overall finish, the techniques you employed, is just flawless.  Other than some of the rigging problems (which I didn't even notice till it was pointed out), I still say it is a super build.  Honestly, I think you are just making more excuses why you need to build another one.

regards,

Jack

GMorrison

  It’ll never make to the show tables, but still, I am not unhappy. 

Oh shut up!

 

As in, great model and a winner in my book!

Hi Guys, sorry to barge in on your GB but I figured this is the best place to find out what I need to know.

I just got a 1/72 Roden Albatross D3 and the one I want to model is an Oeffag s.153 early.

a. What was the color of thew very fine "stipple" over the matt scarlett red?

b. Did these planes not have the spinner on the nose (sqn is that of Godwin Brumovski) It seems that it was just the spinner's backplate behind the prop. Yet other 153's have the spinner on.

Thanx

Theuns