Author Topic: MY first proper biplane build (WNW Albatros V)  (Read 3647 times)

Offline Softscience

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MY first proper biplane build (WNW Albatros V)
« on: January 19, 2013, 01:51:00 PM »
Let me say upfront that what you'll see here is not going to be on par with some of the jaw droppingly beautiful models I've seen all over this site.

I've been building models for quite some time, but this is my first biplane (not counting a few false-starts over the last few years).  I'm also not the world's most talented modeler, but that is neither here nor there. I aim to have fun first and foremost.

Without further delay then, the WNW Alby


I began construction several months ago and started with the wing.  I made small eyelets for the turnbuckles from jewelry wire and screwed them into predrilled holes. Easy so far.

I'll probably be hitting up Mr. Bob's Turnbuckles Bob for the thin tubes though, as so far every attempt to scratchbuild them has failed.




Here is my take on the wood grain effect. Perhaps a bit dark for the type of wood used on these aircraft, but the color is really pleasing to my eye.




And some of the cockpit work. I have a few small bits to still paint. Also, I really beefed it on the seat, so I lifted up the PE belts and started rubbing the paint off.

I'm going to try simulating a stuffed leather cushion using painters' tape and a very fine foam I have laying around the house.  More to come soon.

Offline uncletony

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Re: MY first proper biplane build (WNW Albatros V)
« Reply #1 on: January 19, 2013, 02:08:58 PM »
Welcome aboard! We are all learning so don't be intimidated posting.

Looks great so far, wood grain is convincing. Nice work with the fiddly cockpit rigging...

Keep it coming!


Offline coyotemagic

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Re: MY first proper biplane build (WNW Albatros V)
« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2013, 02:16:10 PM »
Excellent start, Ralph.  That cockpit looks fantastic.  Your 25+ years of modeling are certainly apparent.
Cheers,
Bud
"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream in the dark recesses of the night awake in the day to find all was vanity. But the dreamers of day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, and make it possible." -T. E. Lawrence

Offline Des

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Re: MY first proper biplane build (WNW Albatros V)
« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2013, 02:46:03 PM »
Very nicely done so far Ralph, hard to believe this is your first bi-plane. The wood grain is a great colour and suits the aeroplane, and your cockpit is great, keep up the good work and I'm looking forward to seeing your next step.

Des.
Late Founder of ww1aircraftmodels.com and forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

Offline michael

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Re: MY first proper biplane build (WNW Albatros V)
« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2013, 07:52:23 PM »
Great start.

nice job on the woodwork.

michael
“An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory.”

Offline GAJouette

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Re: MY first proper biplane build (WNW Albatros V)
« Reply #5 on: January 19, 2013, 08:30:29 PM »
  Ralph,
Outstanding first progress my friend. Excellent wood work too. Keep up the great work.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
" What Me Worry"

Offline Epeeman

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Re: MY first proper biplane build (WNW Albatros V)
« Reply #6 on: January 19, 2013, 11:06:01 PM »
Ralph,

Had you not said, I would never have guessed you have not built a biplane before - you work looks excellent.

Look forward to more

Regards

Dave
As we say in fencing, what's the point?

Offline pepperman42

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Re: MY first proper biplane build (WNW Albatros V)
« Reply #7 on: January 20, 2013, 12:36:01 AM »
Very good work indeed!! Keep us posted on this one.

Steve

Offline andonio64

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Re: MY first proper biplane build (WNW Albatros V)
« Reply #8 on: January 20, 2013, 01:20:47 AM »
Beautiful start, my friend, I wish I was as good as you at my first attempt!!!

;-)

Antonio

Offline Adam

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Re: MY first proper biplane build (WNW Albatros V)
« Reply #9 on: January 21, 2013, 02:00:19 AM »
Welcome here.
Albatroses are my favorite planes, I will drop in here.

Adam.

Offline Graham t

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Re: MY first proper biplane build (WNW Albatros V)
« Reply #10 on: January 21, 2013, 03:41:33 AM »
Nothing wrong with that!  I see you were wise enough either ot prevent paint getting into the locations for the bulkheads or to clean them out if it did.  I didn't & it resulted in a rather poor fit & a lot of extra work!  By the way, that inclined bulkhead in the engine bay is a pane as the parts aren't engineered to allow for it.  Watch out.

Offline Pete Nottingham

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Re: MY first proper biplane build (WNW Albatros V)
« Reply #11 on: January 21, 2013, 09:57:20 PM »
Great start Ralph, just keep those location slots clean and you should have no trouble with the bulkheads, however some of the parts are very fragile and can easily break when you try to put the fusilage together, what I found helped, was test fitting the fusilage halves as you do each bulkhead.

Cheers

Pete.

Offline Softscience

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Re: MY first proper biplane build (WNW Albatros V)
« Reply #12 on: January 22, 2013, 11:58:46 AM »
Hey guys. Thanks for the kind words. Some progress.

I finished the cockpit and improved the seat and harnesses.






Test fit the lower wing. If only all kits fit this well...


Offline uncletony

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Re: MY first proper biplane build (WNW Albatros V)
« Reply #13 on: January 22, 2013, 12:06:33 PM »
That looks great so far. You are already ahead of me  :(

From what I understand there is a potential issue with the lower wings -- they tend to want to point down too much -- see comments in PrzemoL's build (toward the end) for more info.

Offline mgunns

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Re: MY first proper biplane build (WNW Albatros V)
« Reply #14 on: January 22, 2013, 12:43:27 PM »
Hello Ralph:

Great job so far.  The interior wood has a nice warm feel to it and replicates many of the builds done here and elsewhere.  Looking forward to more as you progress through the build.  You can't beat Bob's buckles for service and quality. 

Good luck

Mark
Mark

We few, we happy few.....