Knights of the Sky II- The End

Brad,

That is some nice work on the interior!   I am looking forward to watching your progress on the SE5a.

More Power Scotty wrote:

For KOTS I I built the Eduard strip-down Fokker Dr.1 in 1/72 scale...

Ah, yes... I loved that build.  That was one to remember Scott.

Hello Frank! I'm here! I broke sprue tonight on the D VII. Going to stick with the instructions and start with the engine. Removed all the engine parts and cleaned them up so far. Does anybody know how much of the engine is visible when the fuselage halves are assembled. I do'nt like wasting time on details that can't been seen when it is done.

                                                                                   Soulcrusher

 Outstanding!  Glad to see you over here SC.  Sorry I cannot help you with that one, but I am anxious to hear how you like that Eduard kit.

 Hey Scotty, I remember that Stripped Fokker. It is phenomenal, I was totally amazed at the level of detail on that one. You posted a pic with a couple of other 1/72 Dr1's you'd built. Very cool.

 dcaponeII, the Fokker DVI is looking good. I've got to get over my lozengeitis(Fear of the lozenge decals). Looks like you've done a great job on the DVI's lozenge camo.

 Brad, looking forward to seeing more on the SE5. A spectacular start on the pit!

 Soulcrusher, looking forward to seeing pics of the DVII.

 Daywalker, Any progress on the Saulnier? I'm gettin close to finishing an Eindecker. Was wondering if you would put me down for an Eduard 1/48 Fokker EII/III? (WARNING)I'll post a couple of pics over the weekend.

 Mobious

Mo- You got it!  Page one updated.   Looking forward to those pics!

I haven't worked on the Morane in a week or so, waiting for the oil paint woodgrain to dry so I can clearcoat it.  Hoping to work on it later today though!

I received a set of replacement decals for my Albatros D.III from Eduard in the mail yesterday, and they look MUCH better.  Glad to be able to start that one soon!

Frank, I'm looking forward to those progress pics!

Mobious - Wow!! Another one!? Sounds like we're in for a treat. Can't wait to see how that one turns out!

SC - I was able to locate an old pic of my D.VII under construction. As you can see, mostly the top half of the engine is visible, and that's where I'd pay the most attention to. The lower part of the engine and the bulkhead can be seen if you look directly from above and shine a light into it, so I wouldn't go too crazy with that area, especially from a weathering perspective.

Thanks Mike. I am building the same variant also. I am really impressed so far with this kit. I assembled the engine tonight and everything fit beautifully. I left off the exaust manifold until I am ready to put the engine in the right side fuselage so I do not have alignment problems latter.

I assembled both the upper and lower wings and the fit is perfect. I also did a check of the fuselage halves and it looks like a perfect fit also. This kit really is a gem. This is one of the best fitting kits I have build in a long time. Perfect for my first serious WWI build. I build some of the old Revell double wingers when I was a kid way back in the day . Really glad I decided to join the GB and glad that Frank and everyone else recomended this kit. I definetly will be working on this one every chance I get.

                                                                                         Soulcrusher

 A few pics of Ernst Udet's Fokker EII105/15, while serving with KEK Habsheim. I knocked the gunsight off and it landed in my desk drawer. It appears it is time to clean the desk drawer. I had no idea there were that many dust bunnies the same size and shape as a Spandau LMG gun sight.

 Thanks for checking in.

 Mobious

SC - Glad you're enjoying that gem from Eduard so far my friend, and that we didn't steer you wrong. It really is a great kit and I for one can't wait to see how yours turns out. I went the same route when it came to installing the exhausts too, waiting until later in the build in order to make masking and painting easier. They will fit like a dream and actually be quite easy to install down the road. I'm really looking forward to seeing some pics!

Mobious - Dang!! That is sweet!!! Seriously one of the nicest finishes I've seen. The pre (post?) shading on the ribs is superb, and you just have to tell me how you achieved that particular metal finish on the cowling. I love it!!

As far as my E.V build goes, I've finally got some paint in the office, and it's been clear-coated, ready for a wash, flat coat, some drybrushing, and assembly. Hope to have some pics up by this weekend.

Mobious wrote:

". . . Ernst Udet's Fokker EII105/15, while serving with KEK Habsheim. . . Thanks for checking in.  Mobious

Nicely Done Mobious.

ruddratt wrote:

Mobious - Dang!! That is sweet!!! Seriously one of the nicest finishes I've seen. The pre (post?) shading on the ribs is superb, and you just have to tell me how you achieved that particular metal finish on the cowling. I love it!!

Ok, you HAVE to tell us how you acheived the finish on that little gem!  I have been staring at the photos trying to figure out exactly how you did it, but am not sure.  As Mike said, one of the nicest finishes I have ever seen.

Mike- I am looking forward to your pics!  Hopefully, we can both get some photos up here this weekend.  I just need to finish the gauges then install a couple of pieces to the cockpit then the office is finished.

Mobious wrote:

A few pics of Ernst Udet's Fokker EII105/15, while serving with KEK Habsheim. I knocked the gunsight off and it landed in my desk drawer. It appears it is time to clean the desk drawer. I had no idea there were that many dust bunnies the same size and shape as a Spandau LMG gun sight.          Thanks for checking in.  Mobious

very very nice

my dr.1's have stalled a bit as the weather has been bad here(loads of snow)and my next stage is spraying...hopefully this week...

That is a sweet looking build there mobious. Beautifully weathered. Hats of to you my freind

                                                                                        Soulcrusher

Shame on you guys!  All of this talk about how great the 1/48 Eduard Fokker D.VII kit is...

I just had to buy one two. Went to my LHS today and they had the dual combo in stock, so I bought one.

 Ludwig, Soulcrusher, ruddratt, Stephen, Frank, Thanks for the positive comments.

 Stephen, I do have the Osprey book and it has wealth of information on the early airwar years. It is a great read with lots of excerpts from war diaries.

 The finish was done almost entirely with a freehanded airbrush. A filter of lightened yellow was added on the fabric areas to help blend the shadows/highlights. The cowling was painted aluminum, detailed with panzer grey, then airbrushed with a black filter.

 Frank, that's an excellent question that I've been wanting to ask as well.  

 Thanks again all for checking in. Looking forward to updates from all.

 Mo

Mo- You make is sound so easy.  I would love to see a step-by-step tutorial on your weathering process.  It turns out some of the most stunning results I have seen.

I made some progress on the Morane Saulnier today.  Buttoned up the cockpit, and added a little weathering to the engine.  I did not spend a lot of time on the cockpit, as most of it is invisible once the fuselage is closed up.  Some woodgrain, details on the guages, and some simple tape seatbelts.  I didn't add any detail to the ends of the seatbelts as they are not visible after installed.

The bulk of the differences on the D-VII between the different manu. tends to be in the vents on the cowling.  I've got a good set of drawings that I'll try and scan for you later this evening.

The Moraine is looking good.  I built mine last fall and had a blast with it.

Here's my D-VI as of this evening.  The struts have been a pain but are coming along

Here's that drawing of the Fokker D-VII versions that I've got.  I hope it helps.  It's from Peter Gray's book called "Fokker Fighters of WWI"  It the reference I've been using for my D-VI conversion.

 Daywalker, looks like your off to a great start with the Moraine. The engine is very nice!

 dcaponeII, the DVI is looking REALLY nice! The reference book you're using looks very informative. I can see by the drawings that there is not only differences between the manufacturers, but also between early and late production craft.

 Looking forward to updates everyone!

 Mobious

Donald- Excellent work, looks like she's really coming together now.

Thanks for that info on the Fokkers, that is EXACTLY what I was looking for.

Thanks Mo!  I appreciate that.

Mobious, thanks much for the weathering techniques on your build. The results simply make them a must-try for me!

Frank, looks like you beat me to the pics buddy! She's lookin' real sharp! ....and it's about time you went out and grabbed yourself a D.VII!!

dcapone, great info on the D.VII. Plus, your VI is really coming along nicely. That plane has some great lines to it - very appealing!

Thanks Mike, when do we get to see that Flying Razor of yours?  After building mine last year, I have wanted to see how one looks in a pro's hands.  Let's see those pics!

I can see why that D.VII kit is so highly regarded- a stunning looking kit by any measure.

Hello gang,

A wee update from me. Most of the pre shading is now complete. The top wing has had the silber grau treatment. Sorry for being sooooo slow but life is getting in the way at the moment.

Cheers,

Bob

Excellent work Bob, love the look of that preshading!

Donald- Congrats on 1000 posts!

I hadn't even noticed the 1000+ posts.  Thanks.  Here's this weekend's progress.  Struts are done.  Clear flat with shading is done.  Got the rigging and prop yet to do but I think I just might have her done for San Antonio.