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100th Anniversary of WWI GB

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  • Member since
    January 2014
  • From: Toronto
Posted by Rob S. on Monday, September 15, 2014 8:15 PM

Blue...thanks for sure...it's coming along. Your build is moving along at a pace commensurate with the outstanding showpiece you are producing!! Slow and steady!! I seem to be moving along quickly, simply cuz I have no life, LOL!! No, really, I live alone and have little else to do, so, I get lot's o'bench time!!

About my rib tapes...I think using the decals was a mistake: I should have masked and painted every rib!! The problem is, the decals, even with lots of Sol are not showing the fasteners underneath. Got the second lower wing Balkenkruez on and finished the rib taping. Now, i have to struggle with the thoughts of doing it again on the upper wing....not looking forward to that. 

Here's the thing..with the sensitivity of using exclusively decals for the both wings, would the lozenge decals survive being masked repeatedly for 44 ribs?? I'm thinking not...so, I'll have to finish it off with the decals.

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On the Bench: Nothing on the go ATM

  • Member since
    October 2013
Posted by Big Blue on Monday, September 15, 2014 7:24 PM

Marc: Sorry to hear about the challenges from Wingnuts, but it looks like you have overcome them with grace.  That's a great looking build so far.

RR: I love that scheme!  The painting and weathering look first rate.  Very convincing!

Rob: Wow!  Your Roland is turning out to be a real show piece!  I love the wood graining effect you have achieved (colored pencils, yes?), and the paint job is lovely.  I am also amazed at how you can produce this nice work at a relatively quick pace (at least versus me).  The engine and Spandaus look quite nice as well.  Great tip regarding the rib tapes.

Mike: I am sure the time away from your Tripe will be well spent.

Steve & Dale: Looking forward to seeing your progress.

John:  Very sorry to hear about your mishap, but the pictures look great!  I hope the repair goes/went smoothly for you.

As for my build, I have been plodding along at my slow pace.  Here is where I am now:

The pictures of the top and (particularly) the bottom are overly green due to poor color balance by me.  The reflection from the flash also obscures much of the grunge on the underside of the fuselage.

All of the "fabric" surfaces received a coat of Alclad Matte to take down the gloss finish and blend the weathering into the surface.  I finished the various leather grommets using Tamiya Red Brow, and added the oil leaks along the bottom of the airframe using a combination of MIG pigments (Russian Earth and Black Smoke), and thinned AK Interactive Fuel Stains enamel paint applied with a brush.  I removed the masking from the metal work, and assembled the front end of the aircraft.  I also added the trigger cable from the back of the control stick to the Spandau machine gun using EZ Line (it is currently attached below the cowling where the butt end of the gun will be.)

I have made a small start on the rigging process by drilling and adding eyelets made from fine wire to the undercarriage, and running monofilament elevator wires from the bottom of the control stick to the small opening where they re-enter the fuselage:

I ran a small piece of medium weight wire through the hole that I had pre-drilled through the control horn, and looped the control line over it.  Additionally, I finished off the wing warping control lines that have been sticking out of the fuselage by attaching them to 1/48 scale Gaspatch turnbuckles.  I closed the loops off using polyimide tubing to represent the wrappings.

On a less positive note, the top seam where the fuselage halves meet seems to have reappeared at some point over the weekend:

I noticed it after dry fitting one of the wings.  The fit is exceptionally tight, and I think in working the wing back and forth to insert and remove it, I must have put excessive pressure on the fuselage which unsettled the filler.  It has a bit bummed out, and I am debating stripping the top down to repair it.  I'd likely have to paint the blue band around the entire fuselage as I doubt I could match the color (not to mention that the white and black could be off as well), and I'd have a tough time getting the gray-green to match the sides given the oil washes etc.  I would also have to either mask and paint or replicate the Iron Cross decal.  I need to decide if I can live with the seam line before I continue on to rigging, because that would be a point of no return.  Bummer.

That's all I've got to share at the moment.  Comments, questions and advice are welcome.  

Keep up the good work all!

Blue

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • From: Toronto
Posted by Rob S. on Monday, September 15, 2014 6:57 PM

Doug....epic build!! That black/white is absolutely striking!! Love it...well done and thanks for the inspiration for a future WW1 build...YesYes

Thanks Mike for the encouraging words on my challenging build...I'm in this one because of you..Cheers...

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On the Bench: Nothing on the go ATM

  • Member since
    October 2008
  • From: Georgia
Posted by Rigidrider on Monday, September 15, 2014 6:15 PM

OK, I finished up today...

There is virtually no rigging to the DVII and all in all its a nice little kit.

I have the new SPAD Kit in now and will begin on it after satisfying 1 other commitment... Ive noted and learned a few things from my mistakes and some masterful building here, Maybe the SPAD part 2 will go abit smoother. Thanks all and back soon!

Doug

When Life Hands You A Bucket Of Lemons...

Make Lemonade!

Then Sell It Back At $2 Bucks A Glass...

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Monday, September 15, 2014 2:43 PM

Rob, wow, that is beautiful.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Monday, September 15, 2014 2:42 PM

Now that is nice John. I was wondering how the dragon decals would turn out. Glad to hear that were not to bad. I just hope I can do as well, I hope to start mine in the new year.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • From: Toronto
Posted by Rob S. on Monday, September 15, 2014 2:40 PM

Just a beauty John...very nice!! YesYes

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On the Bench: Nothing on the go ATM

  • Member since
    September 2011
  • From: Milaca, Minnesota
Posted by falconmod on Monday, September 15, 2014 7:11 AM

Well I got some good work done this weekend.  got all the decals on except the small ones on the wing struts.  I was really scared about the four piece decal on the side of the fuselage, but It wasn't to bad at all.

I thought i was going to be spared this on this build but no!  the plane did fly out of my hands and flew 3 feet,  straight down of course breaking 2 wing struts.  UGH!    But anyway here are the most current pics.  Still need to finish the propeller.

Almost ready for a plat coat and final weathering.  Woo Hoo!

John

On the Bench: 1/72 Ki-67, 1/48 T-38

1/144 AC-130, 1/72 AV-8A Harrier

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Proctor. MN
Posted by 65ss on Sunday, September 14, 2014 7:10 PM

Rob-That is some terrific work your doing!

Wing Nut-The interior looks great!

Rigidrider-your plane looks good! That is a striking camo(?) theme.

John-That little plane is looking good! Can't wait to see it in it's decals.

Rocker-Looks good so far!

Blue-The work you have done so far looks great!

As for myself between work, and the weather I have not got much done. We had a unseasonable cold snap, and all my painting stuff is in the garage. When the weather warmed up and I could get some of the interior pieces painted I thought I had an extra bottle of flat white. Got the floor primed and painted using up the rest of one bottle of white, The next day (yesterday) I opened the second bottle of flat white and found out I mixed some other colors in it to make a cream color. Well I had some other things to do around the house, and figured I go to the one hobby shop that's open on Sunday and get some more. They had no flat white. I'm kind of stuck until I can get the interior painted.

Dale

  • Member since
    October 2008
  • From: Georgia
Posted by Rigidrider on Sunday, September 14, 2014 6:42 PM

Rob... That is BEAUTIFUL!

When Life Hands You A Bucket Of Lemons...

Make Lemonade!

Then Sell It Back At $2 Bucks A Glass...

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • From: Toronto
Posted by Rob S. on Sunday, September 14, 2014 6:29 PM

A bit more work today. Gotta stop, as the rib taping decals are getting too tedious and I need a break!!

The whole fuselage was coated with several coats of Future and some decalling took place. Spent a whole bunch of time on the real wing decals and have to wait for that whole thing to dry to start patching up the missed spot (as mentioned above to SchattenS).

Lots of surface sheen, thus, got no ghosting on the decals so far:

Lower wing with rib taping. Started at the trailing edge with a long piece then folded over leading edge and then back down to trailing on the underside...big time and effort saver:

Oh, and a big 'ole Balkenkreuz on one side:

This is where I should have set the decals on the rear wing 'before' inserting the control arms and inserting it into the fuselage...lots of trimming and final patchwork required, oh well Embarrassed:

Need a break from it, back at it tomorrow, perhaps.

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On the Bench: Nothing on the go ATM

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • From: Toronto
Posted by Rob S. on Sunday, September 14, 2014 6:09 PM

SchattenSpartan

Rob, how did those huge decals on the wings work out for you? I#m really scared of that part regarding my Roland kit...

Hey SS. Not gonna lie...not having fun with them. Some suggestions. The lower wing 'upper sufrace', luckily, can be done in two parts as well as the 'lower'. The upper wing, however, may have to go on in one piece, above and below. I am using Microset and sol for this as well. I am always 'freaked out' when the sol starts to wrinkle these huge decals SOOO much!! The temptation is to jump on right away and start blotting, but, wait it out. I did a final air-bubble wrinkle check after about an hour. they are working out fine so far. Fortunately WNW give extra decals for mistakes. 

The individual 'rib tapes' are tedious!! I am finding you can do the upper and lower surface in one strip by running it to the edge, folding it over and running it to the opposite edge. Glad I didn't cut them in half and try to do the upper and lower tapes as separate jobs (double work for nothing).

Oh, don't do what I did and apply the rear wing decals BEFORE you fix the wing on the fuselage. I'm now having to do some patch work because of my lack of foresight!! I got too focused on the paint job and masking that I didn't think it was going to be much trouble..I was wrong Sad.

The decals are extremely fragile at the trailing edge and I've been having trouble with minor chipping and bunching up while handling. 

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On the Bench: Nothing on the go ATM

  • Member since
    August 2007
  • From: back country of SO-CAL, at the birth place of Naval Aviation
Posted by DUSTER on Sunday, September 14, 2014 3:28 PM

WOW You guys are really making spectacular progress. 

But no matter how great your builds are; I'm still gonna build my St Chamond ,as soon as I get a couple more chores done      an'   

Steve

Building the perfect model---just not quite yet  Confused

  • Member since
    April 2013
Posted by SchattenSpartan on Sunday, September 14, 2014 3:02 PM

Rob, how did those huge decals on the wings work out for you? I#m really scared of that part regarding my Roland kit...

  • Member since
    April 2013
Posted by SchattenSpartan on Sunday, September 14, 2014 3:01 PM

It's been quite some time since I last checked in here and I have to say you guys are making some fantastic progress. Lots of great stuff going on in here! I especially love the awesome wood-grain effect on every single aircraft model!

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Sunday, September 14, 2014 4:39 AM

I can only echo Mike, some stunning work. I am really impressed with all of the wood effects, I could swear there were real wood. Its not something I have to deal with in my usual models, a box maybe or a few rifles, but that's it. What I am seeing here is amazing.

And the variety of paint schemes is just endless. Awesome work guys.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
    February 2006
  • From: Smithers, BC, Canada
Posted by ruddratt on Sunday, September 14, 2014 4:32 AM

Man, you fellas are just cruisin' right along! I have to say that the level of skill I'm seeing on the Albies, Eindeckers, Harry Tates, Rolands, D.VII's, Nieuports & SPAD's has been a real joy to watch!  You guys are doing awesome work!  Yes  As for myself,  it seems I've reached a point where I'm not quite sure where I want to go with the Tripe at the moment,  which is why progress has been so slow - very little progress in the past few weeks to the point where I've put it aside to rethink a few things.  Nothing to be alarmed about - that happens a lot in this workshop, but they all get completed eventually. Focus for the time being will probably be shifting to a WnW Roland and Emil Koch's mount (the one with the black & white horizontal stripes) - a sharp looking aircraft that got my attention as soon as I received the kit in the mail.

Keep up the great work guys!

Mike

 "We have our own ammunition. It's filled with paint. When we fire it, it makes pretty pictures....scares the hell outta people."

 

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • From: Toronto
Posted by Rob S. on Saturday, September 13, 2014 8:57 PM

Made some big progress tonight (mostly thanks to NOT having to paint the Roland's wings due to the massive lozenge decals!!).

Anyway, woodgraining of the outer fuselage and start of white fuselage stripping:

2nd white and wide black band:

Rearward black and white tail section and Spandau's fixed:

Lower wing lozenge pattern decals in place. That's all for today:

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On the Bench: Nothing on the go ATM

  • Member since
    October 2008
  • From: Georgia
Posted by Rigidrider on Saturday, September 13, 2014 8:51 PM

Got a little more done between yard work and painting the house... Blasted interuptions... LOL...

Well, shes on her wheels...

The upper wing and support struts in place...

Starting to get the markingd on...

And thats about all for now... should be finished soon...

Thanks. 

When Life Hands You A Bucket Of Lemons...

Make Lemonade!

Then Sell It Back At $2 Bucks A Glass...

  • Member since
    October 2008
  • From: Georgia
Posted by Rigidrider on Saturday, September 13, 2014 8:36 PM

Marc... That frame is amazing! Beautiful job!

When Life Hands You A Bucket Of Lemons...

Make Lemonade!

Then Sell It Back At $2 Bucks A Glass...

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • From: Toronto
Posted by Rob S. on Friday, September 12, 2014 5:10 PM

Epic work, of course, Marc...

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On the Bench: Nothing on the go ATM

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Friday, September 12, 2014 11:21 AM

Thanks guys and hope you can use my technique. Just look for it in a future FSM issue. Mine with the needle was in the last issue. It's simple, cheap and works every time.

Wnut... beautiful work on that frame and components. That's what I like about these WW I planes.

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Piscataway, NJ!
Posted by wing_nut on Friday, September 12, 2014 10:03 AM

Oops sorry, dupe of a dupe.

Marc  

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Piscataway, NJ!
Posted by wing_nut on Friday, September 12, 2014 10:02 AM

dupe

Marc  

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Piscataway, NJ!
Posted by wing_nut on Friday, September 12, 2014 9:59 AM

That is a handy tip PJ.  I've made thin CA applicators that fit the end of the bottle from the tip of a plastic pipette about he size of an #80 bit and its stay hollow.  I wonder how thin you can go?

 

 

1st major sub-assembly photos and a couple of gripes.

 Seems this would be a good time to make some observations about the engineering of this kit.  So far I have found this to be quite different than the other WNW kits I’ve built.  That is just 3 different aircraft so it may be that what I feel is superior about them may be the exception and the RE.8 is the norm.

 The interior frame work is very thin and fragile and molding as 2 halves puts a mold line along the edge that are fair big compared to other kits, and not just their own. Lots of delicate clean up.  In the case of the tank on the interior frame, this is molded as 2 halves side by side.  The seam runs down the center across some very fine detail.  This tank is exposed when the fuselage it put together so there isn’t any, “Oh well, that won’t be seen once all buttoned up.”  The easiest thing to do was sand it all clean, fix he seam and re-make the detail.  Given the size and shape of other parts of the kit I would have though it could have been down as a top and bottom half.  Like I said, no clue what dictates that kind of decision. In the end not a big job and more of a head scratcher.

 

 

I reworked the telegraph key that was just a little layered chunk of plastic with a round thing for the end of the key.  Some spare PE fret and a slice off a .3” did the trick.

 

 

Here’s the interior to go into the fuselage.  More stuff will be added later for the “passenger” as the instruction refers to the guy in the back.  Some how I don’t think that guy is kicking back waiting for the flight attendant to bring more peanuts when there’s an Albatros hot on their tail.

 

 

 

 

 

Marc  

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • From: Toronto
Posted by Rob S. on Friday, September 12, 2014 4:50 AM

Thanks plastic...that really makes sense. Nice technique.

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On the Bench: Nothing on the go ATM

  • Member since
    October 2013
Posted by Big Blue on Thursday, September 11, 2014 10:01 PM

That rigging looks great PJ.  Thanks for the walkthrough.  I usually seem to have trouble managing not to overdue the Q-tip stretching so I use metal tubing, but the idea is basically the same.  I like the idea of using a hairdryer to tighten things up.

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Thursday, September 11, 2014 5:28 PM

Rob Sherman

Hey plastic, can you expand more on the 'hollow Q Tip handles' stretched out? Thanks..


 
Get the plastic hollowed  Q tips. Got mine at Target really cheap. Stretch the tube over a candle as it will keep the hollow cavity in place. Slice up to approximate size. This method works with any scale as you can adjust the thickness of the tube as you stretch.
 
I use invincible thread for the wires which is thin and made of nylon and comes in different diameters. I loop the thread in the turnbuckle and secure with thin ca applied with my modified sewing needle applicator (featured in the last FSM issue under reader tips). Make your connections as tight as you can and it's ok to have slight slack. Then I take a hair dryer and gently blow hot air on the rigging. The heat will tighten up the rigging. Then paint it silver or steel.
 
I submitted the entire procedure with pictures in the magazine tip section.

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • From: Toronto
Posted by Rob S. on Thursday, September 11, 2014 5:05 PM

Hey plastic, can you expand more on the 'hollow Q Tip handles' stretched out? Thanks..

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On the Bench: Nothing on the go ATM

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Thursday, September 11, 2014 10:55 AM

Speaking of rigging, this is how I do mine:

 

I use invisible thread, hollow plastic Q Tip handles stretched out for turnbuckles and thin ca to secure things.

Here's a picture of the finished product:

 

What I like about this method is that the rigging doesn't have to be initially stretched  tight. You can have some light slack that will be stretched drum tight with a hair drier.

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

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