Hi everyone,
It's been a while since my last completed model post here. A lot has changed, I was following Des's website before the forum even appeared. I was saddened to read recently of his passing. His recommendations have proved invaluable to me and I continue to use the airbrush he recommended to me years ago.
This is an A-Model Nieuport 11. This kit has been without a doubt the most troublesome build I have had in possibly my entire model building career. I don't think a single thing has fitted together except for the fuselage and the elevators! The engine, for example, was too big for the cowling and I basically had to chop off half the back. The cylinders are large enough that they meet the engine cowling and therefore my first 1/32 can't have a spinning propeller. The induction tubes I'm pretty confident are back to front and the push rods are flat out wrong, with me only discovering that after I'd shaved off the front of the crank case to make the pushrod assembly fit!
I admit the possibility that I got the whole thing hopelessly wrong - but the instructions aren't all that helpful either. Some foul-ups are my own. I have the wrong kind of lewis drum on for example.
In the end, I simply just gave up and pushed on. Despite everything, on account of finally getting the hang of airbrushing and my rigging skills have the full benefit of eyelets and Bob's Buckles, I ironically have the best model I've ever made. So despite everything I'm rather pleased. I just wish someone did an Italian seated pilot figure.
All up, the kit cost me $44 Australian (about 20-22 pounds, US dollars) and my first grey hairs (alright I kid). I can only recommend this for those who either a) need a challenge or b) want to get out of WW1 aircraft modelling!
For the record, I mostly followed the replica Vintage Aviator built Nieuport 11, though deviating a bit when I found out I had it wrong and couldn't be bothered! (See above)
Anyway - enjoy?
(as an aside, it's amazing how photos can hide so many flaws!)
