Roden 1/32 Sopwith Strutter from April

[macsporran]

Thanks everybody.
Several more applications of Clearfix and we're just about there. Lower wings fine, upper need another couple of drops, but it's going in the right direction.
Thanks guys
Sandy

[macsporran]

Aaargh. This one is just taking forever and I am making really stupid mistakes!
Probably because I'm only getting 10 minutes work in here and there - anyway I decided to get the cross-bracing in the open centre section of upper wing done and just ploughed ahead without checking refs.
What was I thinking? I've been model-making for sixty years but I can still commit crass schoolboy errors.

So, I drilled the awkward holes in the frame corners and got to work with some stiff material (from an Airfix galleon rigging skein). Took a while due to angles, but I got it done and touched up damage to the wood effect. Then when I looked next day I thought it didn't look right. Back to refs - stupid me, the cross-bracing runs across two or three bays, not each bay. Doh! Oh well, here's a picture of the wasted work, before it gets chopped out and we start again.

Meanwhile, on the positive side, the padded gun butt looks good!
Onwards and upwards
Sandy

[NigelR]

It's going to be worth the effort.......

What was I thinking? I've been model-making for sixty years but I can still commit crass schoolboy errors.

Glad to see it's not just me! (also been model making for close to 60 years.....)

[kensar]

I think you did it the easy way the first time.
Believe me, you're not the only one that rushes into something only to find it's not right.
Still, detail shots look good.

[macsporran]

Here's what the cross bracing should look like.
(Maybe helpful for others building this kit.)
S

[RAGIII]

Makes Me glad mine has the solid upper wing 
RAGIII

[NigelR]

Here's what the cross bracing should look like.

Thanks. They clearly weren't thinking of the model makers of the future when they designed this......

[macsporran]

Heehee - spot on Nigel!

Anyway I wanted to cover up my mistake quickly, so out with the scalpel, off with the silly rigging and to work with a micro saw to cut slots into the kit's spacer ribs, ready for the necessary wooden bracing posts.

These fashioned from 0.020 x .030 plastruct and attached into the slots.
S

[macsporran]

With plastruct in place I filled the attaching corners with thick glue and then some Clearfix for the finer finishing. (Hving used so much of this in the inspection panels I felt I knew exactly how it would flow and dry in these tiny spaces and indeed I think it was very successful as a (micro) filler!

Then, yet again, out with the acryic beige followed by oils to touch up the work and tone-in the new wooden bracing spars.
Then a little cleaning up with enamel thinner.

I have another thought in mind for the four internal bracing wires - but enough of that later.

So far, I'm happy with the restorative work.
Sandy

[davec]

Your restoration looks great!!

[Tim Mixon]

Looks great so far.  Nice correction work. 

[RAGIII]

excellent fix Sandy! Looks very convincing!
RAGIII

[RichieW]

That fix has worked out really well Sandy. On a side note I love your CDL colour for the lower surfaces  and the way you have picked out the structure.

Richie

[kensar]

Looks very good, Sandy.

[Davos522]

Nice save & generally looking great, Sandy... and I agree with Richie, love that lower CDL!

Dutch