forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: RichieW on May 05, 2020, 08:17:21 AM
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Picked this up for under £30 and thought it would be an ideal kit to experiment with a few new things and hopefully learn some new skills. For the price I paid I'd say this is a very impressive kit, there are some very obvious moulding flaws but this is the kind of thing many of us grew up dealing with so no problem.
First up I carved a propeller, never done that before. Then I carved another using parts of the same veneer that had a little tonal variety, this looked much more in keeping with the few British props I have seen. Lastly I downloaded a photo of an original SE5a prop and use my cutting machine to cut the shape out of different shades of card. This was all glued together and whittled just like the other two, I didn't enjoy the process as much. Not sure I like the result much either but it's a promising technique that maybe just needs refining. These are in the order I made them, the card one has since been stained with oils to tone down the contrast a bit. Still don't like it much though.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49851050028_e0bb59d9b9.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iXaEoy)home made props. Bottom one is from card. (https://flic.kr/p/2iXaEoy) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Next I performed a bit of surgery on the wing pulley inspection ports. These are solid on the Roden kit with the suggestion that a decal be placed over the top. I cleaned up the inside by running Tamiya extra thin cement down the side to melt all the little burrs my scraping and filing produced. I've never dared chop parts from a kit before but this was fun. I have a little tidying up to do but I think it will be straightforward enough.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49846473977_1b2d61f955.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iWLd68)Roden SE5a pulley inspection ports cut out. (https://flic.kr/p/2iWLd68) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I need to represent this;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49734768803_c9ffe8ccf5.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iLTG2R)SE5a, pulley inspection port (https://flic.kr/p/2iLTG2R) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Was thinking micro washers could be used to make the pulleys, I have some on order. Making the fittings might be tricky but I'm keen to have a go.
For the windows I was thinking of just building up layers of crystal clear glue, anybody done this or have any suggestions?
Haven't got round to sticking anything together yet, the engine parts look excellent but I'm not going to be displaying it so it will be just stuck together and painted as simply as possible.
Thanks for reading, all advice, comments, criticisms are very welcome. I'm keen to learn! :)
Richie
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Great project richie! When it comes to the inspection panels, I‘d cut them of thin clear material in a triangle shape. I‘d cut it as large as the outer borders of the triangle, including the taping, and glue them onto the wings. Then I‘d only have to mask a smaller triangle in the middle of it and spraypaint PC-10 — then there should be both, window and taping around. Just my two cents...
Andreas
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You are busy man in front of the bench Richie ;) I don't care for the card prop either to be honest with you . The middle prop is beautiful ! Man that looks good , your a fast learner ;) Following along on this adventure as well .
Have you thought about investing in a punch set ? Very handy for making such details and other disc of different sizes . I have a Hasegawa set and some others I got from my Dad . For bolt heads I have hex rod stock by Plastruct in 4 different sizes . The framing can be made from thick tin foil or bits from a left over PE tree .
Terri
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Andreas thank you, that sounds like a much simpler solution. I'm not sure what's available but I'll have a search around.
Terri, thank you too. I was so proud of the middle prop, it took me 2 whole days of whittling with a scalpel and sandpaper glued round paintbrush handles and cocktail sticks. Haha, the card prop is truly ghastly though isn't it! :)
I was looking at punch and die sets online today but having had a WNW panic buy recently they look quite costly. Would be very useful though! Was thinking left over PE fret too but thick foil might be easier to work with. Good tips Terri, really appreciated.
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You are must welcome Richie , yes some sets can be pricey . And I meet to say Hex rod ;) Nothing wrong with buying a few more WNW kits 8)
Terri
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Ugh your killing me Richie, I myself was cleaning up parts on this very same kit.
Last thing I need is another plastic distraction!
Good show in the props and Andreas speaks the truth, clear plastic triangle will fit the bill nicely. You might even get away with acetate. You get get it cheap on a pasta box.
Terri also is right about punch sets, once you get a set you will wonder how you ever got on without it! Short of that you could stretch sprue and use that with a bit of tape to represent the pulley retainer.
Ryan
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Clear film from a pasta box, now that is a good idea Ryan, thanks! I have loads of little detail photos of the SE5a on Flickr, some are from an original undergoing some work. You get a good view of some of the internals of the engine compartment. All a bit rubbish due to using my mobile but you get to see bits at least.
Yes, I've got to listen to you guys who work in so much detail, a punch and die set has to be ordered. I can't spend anything on going out so I maybe I should treat myself!
Looking forward to seeing your SE5a, I'm still marvelling at the tiny rivers you made on another build!
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Wow Richie, you are as much of a Machine as Me! Nice start on the inspection panels! As for the props I would be pleased with any of them!
RAGIII
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Thanks Rick, not sure my machine runs as smoothly as yours but the desk is equally messy! ;)
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This is a kit of interest for me, as their doesn't seem to be many WNW SE5's around.
I did the same surgery on my Sopwith Pup wings, only I have the benefit of having a lathe to make parts.
I'll be following along with interest.
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Richie,
Watch out for the interaction of the side fuselage parts to the lower wing, it looks as though you might have to notch the front of the fuse halves to fit.
I can't post a pic this instant, but will later.
Ryan
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Thanks for the heads up Ryan, I had a dry fit of just the fuse halves today it looked potentially very troublesome. Would love to see pics.
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Be great to have you along Ken, any advice or tips you can pass along will be hugely appreciated. I've been doing a bit paint prep on another build today so nothing more to show yet.
Have ordered a punch and die set though, so many times I've wished I had one.
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Be great to have you along Ken, any advice or tips you can pass along will be hugely appreciated. I've been doing a bit paint prep on another build today so nothing more to show yet.
Have ordered a punch and die set though, so many times I've wished I had one.
I have "Sort Of" built this kit twice. The first one was completely rigged when I dropped it, tried to catch the falling model and pretty much destroyed the thing.
The second one I just totally screwed up on the struts and mounting of the upper wing, eventually scrapped it and purchased another WNW kit :-[ One thing I had no issues with was Mounting the fuselage to the lower wing but being aware there could be a problem doesn't hurt. In retrospect I recommend drilling and pinning the struts as that would have eliminated My Mistakes. Lance also has a good method for aligning cabane struts that you might want to try. I am attaching a link to My second build even though it has a sad ending ;D
RAGIII
https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=5104.0
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Argh, bet the air turned blue when you dropped the first one Rick!
Thanks so much for the info and links, I shall have a good read up after dinner. I have no great expectations of this one but I've learned heaps from it already without even gluing any bits together. I have scratch built and test fitted a new seat today. Also used milliput for the first time to make new cushions. Will post pictures when they're painted tomorrow. Got to spend the evening being sociable with the Mrs, apparently I may have become a little obsessed recently! ;)
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Have you thought about investing in a punch set ?
Terri was faster, this I want to recommend too!
Recently to cut also little pulley with such a set. It can be used for plastic sheet, decals, foils ....
Andreas thank you, that sounds like a much simpler solution. I'm not sure what's available but I'll have a search around.
Look also for sweets! There are some sweets with a glued in clear window into the card box.
If you find something you know it can be glued, you got a foil for free and sweets for your nerves.
Some pasta boxes uses also clear windows, just check the thickness. You got the idea.
Cheers,
Frank
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Well Richie you do not waste time when it comes to building kits! I too would recommend a punch set - I have been meaning to buy one for a long time too but I do know how useful they would be. The two wood props are splendid - less written about the card one the better!
Stephen.
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Thanks Frank, I sense a sweet, cake, pasta mission is on the cards. If the clear plastic is no use at least I shall have great snacks!
Thanks Stephen, yes I seem to have a lot of projects on the go at the moment. I may even finish some of them! This one is being used a test bed for a few techniques I need to learn before attempting a scratch build.
Agreed on the card prop, it really is horrible. It wasn't even to make. Lose, lose situation!
I have a punch set on order now, should be here next week. Really looking forward to having a play!
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Nice looking props! Thisis smoething I need to try myself!
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Thanks Gazza, definitely have a go. I was surprised how easy it was. It is great fun too!
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With WNW SE.5a's now commanding silly money, the Roden kits look very attractive indeed - and you can choose the Hispano or the Viper enginned versions.
I built the Encore version. A bit fiddly, but creates a great kit - for instance, the pulley windows come in resin - 4 tiny little pulleys - and you basically hack a hole in the wing and glue them in.
If you want to go overboard, there is also the PART photo etch set. Never have I seen a set with more numerous parts of such small size!
The props look brilliant, I wish I had the patience to do them.
Looking forward to this build, be fascinating to see more Roden kits being made. As they are so much cheaper than WNW, I think some people may actually enjoy them more than the WNW kits. They take a bit more effort, but knowing you can replace it for around £25 can make for a relaxing build, whereas if you mess the WNW SE.5a up, it's damned expensive to get another.
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Thanks Dekenba, please don't expect too much from me though! I haven't completed a model since last year. :)
Agreed about the relatively stress free experience, I feel liberated knowing that if make a proper mess of this one it won't be an expensive mistake. I'm certainly having fun trying new things that I wouldn't dare do on WNW kit. Overall the Roden kit seems pretty good although the decals are badly out of register. I was going to mask the roundels anyway so it's not an issue. Will try to get a bit done today and post an update.
Richie
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Richie,
Here is the notch I made to allow the lower wing to fit better. Note I have only done this to one side so far.
Ryan
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49862651856_cf547a8441_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iYc8d5)SE5a (https://flic.kr/p/2iYc8d5) by The 3rd Placer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51690681@N03/), on Flickr
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I have this kit in the stash, so I will be following along closely as you guide us around the pitfalls! Looking good so far.
Best regards,
Bob
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Thanks Ryan, appreciate that. Doesn't look like I'm getting much bench time today though. On the plus side my punch set arrived already, will get to play with it tomorrow.
Hi Bob, be careful I don't guide you into those pitfalls. I've never completed a biplane before so I hope it's not a case of the blind leading the blind. Thankfully there are some truly superb and inspirational modellers who often drop by my builds to offer wise advice!
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Not had a lot of time today but I made a new seat using the kit part as template. I shaped some plastic card to the right angle by clamping it to the kit seat and plunging it into boiling water followed by iced water. I then stuck on some light, fine grained wood veneer and filed it to shape. Amazingly enough it fits!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49863683597_93a5117358.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iYhpUH)20200506_164028 (https://flic.kr/p/2iYhpUH) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I made a cushion and head rest from milliput yesterday and painted them with Vallejo model colour acrylics followed by a quick wipe with Burnt Sienna oil paint. They are just held with blue tack here.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49862840258_8c650f6068.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iYd6do)20200506_163840 (https://flic.kr/p/2iYd6do) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49862839998_57528039b4.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iYd68U)20200506_163742 (https://flic.kr/p/2iYd68U) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Perhaps not the most refined but I really am enjoying experimenting with new things.
I'd never used plastic card or miiliput before and the only things I'd ever scratchbuilt before were the props in this thread and a Sutton harness from Tamiya tape. All the techniques and inspiration to do this came from this forum and Des's amazing website.
Thanks for reading, all criticisms, tips and words of wisdom gratefully received.
Be happy people
Richie
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Excellent work Richie. You don't know how much it lifts Me Up to see Your enthusiasm! I am really enjoying all of your builds!
RAGIII
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Thanks Rick, I really appreciate that. All the advice and amazing builds on this brilliant forum have given me such a huge boost, it's great to be able to put something back. Some of my happiest childhood memories are of making models round the dining room table with my Dad and my brothers. That little boy enthusiasm seems to be back in force since joining this forum. :)
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That seat looks very good, especially the cushions which for a first effort are to be very highly commended. Working with plastic card is not difficult and you will soon learn a few simple tricks which make it easy. I do like the idea of using wood veneer on the plastic - never thought of that!
Stephen.
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Thanks Stephen, without you gently nudging me towards scratch building I wouldn't be doing any of this.
I have since found that the kit parts are even further from what an SE5e seat looked like than I realised so have been doing a few refinements. I'm finding that modifying or making parts myself is the most satisfying thing I've done in modelling. I can well understand why you scratch build everything now.
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Nice seat!
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Richie,
Quote: "I'm finding that modifying or making parts myself is the most satisfying thing I've done in modelling."
.......... and therein lies the secret to enjoying this Hobby IMHO, it's all about the "fun" factor. I agree with your statement, there's always something in the Kit that begs improvement or particularly additions, and then it becomes unique and your own version! I think you've found "it"! :)
Enjoy!
Lance
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Thanks Gazza, been making a few, what I hope are improvements to it today.
Thanks Lance, I always appreciate your wise words. How's the post winter clear up going?.
Yes it's been a real revelation to me, at first I was so disappointed that I couldn't get a WNW kit of this great fighter but I rejoiced when I opened the box of this one and saw what was inside. It's basically a very good kit that is crying out for a few alterations. Picking up cheaply is just the icing on the cake, I actually bought the Roden 'Hisso' kit too. Two around the price of 1 WNW kit, not a bad haul! :)
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Richie,
Despite the superb quality of the Wingnut Wings Kits there are plenty of really good (and good value for the $) other Kits available. I enjoy the Roden ones, a little extra attention and they build up beautifully. Add the potential of Copper States possible future releases and we'll have lots to chose from.
Spring clean up has yet to really get underway, I'd better get serious or it'll be winter again! The greatest failing of this area is the short summers, and I'm no great fan of the cold. Have fun with the "SE", it's coming along very nicely.
Cheers,
Lance
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Not much real progress, the weather has been glorious here in London so I've mostly been sitting in the garden with the BBQ on the go and some nice cold beers. I did manage to whittle another prop, no real need to but it's fun to do. This one only took a few hours, I used the cutting machine to make the out of wood veneers, stuck the together and just got to work with a set of files I got recently.
I modified the seat I scratched, hopefully this looks a little more like it should. I have trawled the internet for photos of the real thing without success but had a look at Des's WNW build log and tried to base the seat on that. The weather is due to take a turn for the worse so hopefully I'll have a bit more to show soon.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49874094728_ffeb290812.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iZcLLY)20200509_140305 (https://flic.kr/p/2iZcLLY) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Richie
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You are going to have to edit your profile and change your handle to Richie the Prop Guy.
That is a dandy prop that would make any model look better.
sp
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LOL, thanks SP. Don't think I'll be changing my profile though, there was another one I nearly completed before realising I'd carved the twist the wrong way round. Whittling under the influence of alcohol is bad in so many ways! :)
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Didn't geared engines have props that turned the other way around? Might be useful for a Hisso or Doplhin! :)
Seriously, that looks really good, both the seat and the prop! I'm still meddling along with my Corona-Shelf-of-someday-I'll-get-to-them Corsairs (and a little garden project since our sunscreen broke and could not be repaired...). This really makes me want to pick up another of those stalled projects, the WNW Camel...
Jeroen
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Thanks Jeroen, I had a look at the Roden 'Hisso' and the prop does turn the other way but the shape seems very different. At least I killed a few lockdown hours in the sunshine.
My WNW Camel got stalled for a few months due to a serious decalling blunder. Definitely pick yours up again, it is fun pottering in the garden though! :)
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Awesome Prop Richie! Love the seat and head rest also!
RAGIII
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Sweet looking prop!
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That's a really beautiful prop! Practice makes perfect!
/Fredrik
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I did manage to whittle another prop, no real need to but it's fun to do.
:) Well done, Sir!
I'm feeling the same! I really like to sit on the balcony and sand a airscrew. So if I start a new build, this is often done in a early phase of the build.
To work with wood is really relaxing for me 8)
A cold beer now would be nice too ;)
Cheers,
Frank
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I'm finding that modifying or making parts myself is the most satisfying thing I've done in modelling.
Just wait until you have to cut and shape 50 wing ribs and 50 more compression ribs for a scratch build.....! Actually making your own parts really is most satisfying.
Your new propellor and seat are top notch. Carving wood is, as Frank writes, very satisfying - which is why I am carving struts at the moment.
Stephen.
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Not much real progress, the weather has been glorious here in London so I've mostly been sitting in the garden with the BBQ on the go and some nice cold beers. I did manage to whittle another prop, no real need to but it's fun to do. This one only took a few hours, I used the cutting machine to make the out of wood veneers, stuck the together and just got to work with a set of files I got recently.
I modified the seat I scratched, hopefully this looks a little more like it should. I have trawled the internet for photos of the real thing without success but had a look at Des's WNW build log and tried to base the seat on that. The weather is due to take a turn for the worse so hopefully I'll have a bit more to show soon.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49874094728_ffeb290812.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iZcLLY)20200509_140305 (https://flic.kr/p/2iZcLLY) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
You have quite the talent for carving propellers! It's an incredibly difficult skill to attain and, as far as propellers are concerned, now you'll be set for life.
You can always look at WNW model page for photo's, of both archival and current examples. They typically post a couple of dozen for each kit.
Richie
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Thanks chaps, I really appreciate your kind words.
Gazza, have a go at prop carving, I had never tried before starting this build. Be warned though, it is highly addictive!
Thanks Fredrik, I must have another go at a paper one. I think mine went so wrong because I used card which didn't fully absorb the glue.
Frank, agreed, whittling is so therapeutic. I have found myself looking at my stash and planning more prop carving. I've been banned from carving in the house though so it's a sunny day hobby only now. :)
Stephen that sounds like a Herculean task you are undertaking, looking forward to seeing the results. I will be trying to join the scratch builders club, I need to work out how to scratch an Anzani 25hp 3 cylinder engine first. ;)
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Thanks Dekenba, yes I must download as much of WNW instructions as possible before their website vanishes forever. I've really enjoyed carving props these last few weeks but need to get on with the model making now. Unfortunately my favourite airbrush decided to stop working today so I need to wait for some 'O' rings to arrive.
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I've been banned from carving in the house though so it's a sunny day hobby only now. :)
If I need to do a airscrew inside (winter time ...) then I have a vacuum cleaner running at lowest setting. The sanding dust of some types of wood is not exactly beneficial to health, some can also cause allergies.
Cheers,
Frank
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Seat turned out really well Richie . I will have to make a few parts more then once from over sanding and carving . You are getting really good and the prop thingy , each one gets better and better :)
Terri
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Nice work on propeller and seat.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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Good idea re the vacuum cleaner Frank.
Hi Giuseppe, many thanks for looking in and your kind compliment.
Hi Terri, hope you're starting to heal up now. I really appreciate you dropping by with some kind words. Especially after such a bad experience recently. The prop thingy has become a bit obsessive recently. I'd I'd stick with painting the kit parts and spent the time saved on modelling I might have finished all 3 of my projects by now. But then I wouldn't have had anywhere near as much fun. ;)
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Small update but I may have made a breakthrough with wing pulleys. I made a sandwich with micro washers and a nasty brass etch 'turnbuckle' and threaded it onto a short length of 0.3mm brass tube. The first few attempts pinged across the room never to be seen again, this one is just tacked on with Krystal Kleer.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49879853793_bf57be5e37.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iZHhKc)20200510_223939 (https://flic.kr/p/2iZHhKc) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I had to make a D shaped cut out, is this piece usually solid like mine on other peoples kits? Is the round recess supposed to be there?
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49883712563_0df1af950e.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j144PH)20200511_174447 (https://flic.kr/p/2j144PH) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
After much scraping and filing I ended up with a reasonable thickness, I was contemplating the more drastic step of chopping a section out and replacing it all with plastic card but I think this looks OK now.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49883859843_7fb18bd271.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j14PB2)20200511_222357 (https://flic.kr/p/2j14PB2) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I still haven't glued anything!
Many thanks for taking the time read. All advice, criticism etc very gladly received.
Richie
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Yes my wing opening was half flashed over.
Enjoying your progress.
Ryan
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Richie, great idea and experimentation for the pulleys! I admire your thought storming on how to represent something in miniature. True modeling at its best! Well done.
Best regards,
Bob
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The opening is correct, and inside should be a cross, see here the view from below:
https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=9848.msg179719#msg179719
Cheers,
Frank
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Brilliant, thanks Frank!
Bob, very kind words. Much appreciated! The pulleys are a bit over scale but the best solution for my tired eyes and clumsy hands! :)
Thanks Ryan, your input has been very helpful. I modified the wing roots a little as suggested. The lower wing really did not want to fit without it!
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Wow Richie, great work on the pulleys! Your D cutout looks perfect!
RAGIII
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Looking good so far Richie ! Nice job on opening up the " D " and thinning it down . I do like how your pulleys turned out . Look up Grant Line railroad products ....vast sortment of nuts and bolts , washers etc ...etc ;)
Terri
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Glad to help Richie, great to see your continued enthusiasm.
BTW I checked out the Part brass detail set for this kit....whoa. You should take a look.
Ryan
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Fine bit of scratch building with the pulleys there Richie. Super-detailing like this is a good preparation for scratch building!
Stephen.
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Nice progress and upgrading the kit details, Ritchie. Once you've done a few upgrades like this, scratchbuilding isn't so much of a challenge.
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Thanks chaps, I'm really touched by the interest and support you are giving in this build. I'll do my very best to not disappoint you all. This is very much an experimental build for me so I may well get things horribly wrong at some point but I shall certainly have fun on the way.
Ryan, I might have a play with Part set on the Roden Hisso in my stash, it looks pretty comprehensive but I'm going to try to scratch as much of this as possible. Wish me luck!
Been feeling a bit rough for a few days (not Covid) so nothing to report today. Hoping to add some framework and an oil dump tomorrow.
Many thanks
Richie
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There’s no deadline Richie, get well and have fun.
Ryan
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Brilliant, thanks Frank!
Bob, very kind words. Much appreciated! The pulleys are a bit over scale but the best solution for my tired eyes and clumsy hands! :)
Thanks Ryan, your input has been very helpful. I modified the wing roots a little as suggested. The lower wing really did not want to fit without it!
Richie,
I've used the photo-etch pulleys and brackets from the 'HGW Models’ Sopwith Triplane detail set (132099), using parts 6 and 7.
Convincing and in scale - just a thought,
Mike
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There’s no deadline Richie.
Wise words, thanks Ryan. I've been very guilty in the past of putting pressure on myself by forgetting that this!
Brilliant, thanks Frank!
Bob, very kind words. Much appreciated! The pulleys are a bit over scale but the best solution for my tired eyes and clumsy hands! :)
Thanks Ryan, your input has been very helpful. I modified the wing roots a little as suggested. The lower wing really did not want to fit without it!
Richie,
I've used the photo-etch pulleys and brackets from the 'HGW Models’ Sopwith Triplane detail set (132099), using parts 6 and 7.
Convincing and in scale - just a thought,
Mike
Thanks Mike, that's a good suggestion and one I may well follow up on. I'm going to have a play with a punch and die set to see what I can fabricate myself. I'm desperately trying to learn to be more precise and scratchbuild things. Your builds have been very inspiring! :)
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Thanks Mike, that's a good suggestion and one I may well follow up on. I'm going to have a play with a punch and die set to see what I can fabricate myself. I'm desperately trying to learn to be more precise and scratchbuild things. Your builds have been very inspiring! :)
Richie - my advice is to take your time when trying to scratch build anything, and accept that not everything you will make will be perfect, first time or any time come to that! I work on the principle that close enough is good enough - in that way I get to finish models in a reasonable time frame or before I run out of interest!
Stephen.
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Stephen speaks the truth Richie.
Ryan
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That sounds like more excellent advice Stephen, I really appreciate the time you spend sharing your considerable knowledge with me.
Ryan, yep Stephen is a very wise presence in the modelling community!
Not a huge amount of progress, I have pretty much thrown the engine together. Very little will be visible once (if!) the model is completed so I didn't want to spend too much time on it. It's almost a shame not to give it more attention as it is excellent and would be a great model in its own right. In fact it can be bought separately quite cheaply. Scratch built SE5a anyone?
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49913492847_1697bf532c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j3FGsT)20200519_175536 (https://flic.kr/p/2j3FGsT) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I removed the moulded frame from the fuselage and replaced it with 1mm plastic strips, a first for me. A small step for a modeller but a giant step for my kind! After consulting photographs in my newly arrived SE5a data file I can see my home made oil sump is massive. I had fun with milliput and plastic card so I don't mind that too much. This is after all more about experimenting than anything else.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49912680023_2532a31bd1.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j3BwQF)20200519_175555 (https://flic.kr/p/2j3BwQF) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The firewall(?) on the kit part is completely flat on what I think is cockpit side, the part doesn't seem to appear in the instructions, so I had a bit more of a play with plastic card. This was taped to the side with the recessed grooves and embossed with my gargantuan classical guitarist's thumb nail. I think the details are supposed to be raised on the reverse side. Can you see what I did wrong there?
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49912680148_b9950ae8c2.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2j3BwSQ)20200519_175432 (https://flic.kr/p/2j3BwSQ) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Despite the various challenges and mishaps I am having a heck of a lot of fun with this kit. I have hardly glued any pieces together yet and reckon I have more than had my money's worth already.
Thanks for reading, hope to have a bit more to show soon.
Richie
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Nope, can't see the error?
Ryan
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I stuck the plastic card on the wrong way up so both sides are recessed. I even made a mental note not to do that. All part of the fun!😀
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In fact it can be bought separately quite cheaply. Scratch built SE5a anyone?
I was rather hoping that you would scratch build one Richie!!!
Good to read that you are having fun. As Lance wrote a while ago, that is what the hobby is supposed to be about.
For a so-called first timer you are doing an excellent job on that kit.
Stephen.
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You've talked me into it Stephen. I'll have a bash at scratch building one myself. Having bought the data file it would be rude not to try!
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Nice work on the interior Richie! No one would have noticed the firewall had you not mentioned it and also one cant really see it once everything is together. If I recall correctly the part is hard to pick out on the directions but it is an integral part of the assembly. It makes the whole fuselage structure on the front end solid ;D I am enjoying watching your processes and the amount of enjoyment you are getting from them!
RAGIII
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Thanks Rick, I had yet another dry fit and think I sussed out the precise location of the firewall. I'm glad you enjoy my builds, they'll never win any beauty contests but I have a good time putting them together and pick up a lot of helpful tips and encouragement along the way.
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Well Richie , must say that I really like how fast you pick up of stuff and press forward , shows in your work ! :)
Terri
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Nice progress, and the wood grain looks good.
I'm glad to see you're having fun experimenting with this. Not all experiments succeed and this demotivates some people, but I think you have the right attitude.
It takes motivation and persistence to do a whole scratchbuild and fun is a big part of keeping one going.
I'm looking forward to see what you will tackle - after you finish this!
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Thanks Terri, been trying to do a little bit every day. Weather is beautiful here so it might be time to get the bike out and get rid of the lock down blubber.
Thanks Ken, really appreciate the compliment. I was thinking of doing a Bleriot XI but the challenge of scratching an SE5a has been thrown down. Was trying to plan it out last night. Very intimidating for me but this kit comes with a spare Foster lewis gun mount and am least getting a reasonable idea of what an SE5a looks like. Hhhmmmm, decisions to be made! :)
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I'd love to scratch a model one day, but will prolly go to 16th scale.
Ryan
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1/16 sounds like a very good idea Ryan! I'm giggling at the thought of monstrosity I might create, Dr Frankenstein's got nothing on me!😂