forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: DaveB on April 18, 2021, 07:31:19 PM
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Dear all
Decided to take the plunge on doing a group build. I normally worry when I do these in case I make a foul up and also this will really only be an OOB build.
So, without further ado I present this kit that I will soon start:
(https://i.imgur.com/FEHcjSZ.jpg)
So please wish me luck!
More will follow in due course
Regards
Dave
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So please wish me luck!
Dave, of course: Good luck!
Hmm, I'm not sure about the colors on your box.
Some time ago I have done a Phönix D.I in 1/48:
https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=8558
If I'm not wrong there are some pages about the Kriegsmarine in the Windsock Datafile 31 "Phönix D.I-II".
Cheers,
Frank
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Looking forward to your build Dave :)
Alexis
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Looking forward to your build Dave :)
Alexis
Likewise!
RAGIII
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Looking forward to seeing this come together, not an aircraft I am at all familiar with.
Richie
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Ah, this a nice one Dave!
Willem
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Thank you all, kindly folks!
Frank - thank you for lovely build of this aircraft. Not sure about the colours myself but the instructions state these ones had a green mottle applied.
I'll have a think on it and consider this once I finally get that stage.
In the meantime, I have washed and dried the kit so will most likely start this in the next couple of days. Here is a shot of the sprues and what is included in the box.
(https://i.imgur.com/oD3Xrtz.jpg)
Regards
Dave
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This one will be interesting Dave. A-H aircraft generally seem to be under-represented on modelling sites so it will be good to see another being built. OOB or modified I know from past experience that this will be another gem to add to your collection.
Stephen.
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It's definitely a start.
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Good luck Dave.
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Best of luck Dave! I have a bunch of MAC kits in my stash but haven't built one yet. I'll be looking forward to your opinion of the kit.
Stuart
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Thanks, folks!
This MAC kit is a first for me also, Stuart - I will soon be making a proper start on this one so should have initial work to share soon.
Regards
Dave
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This looks interesting. I have developed a soft spot for A-H aircraft for some reason, especially KuK Kriegsmarine.
I built the MAC Fokker D.VII a few years back and it went together fairly well. I replaced the engine with a spare Roden one and made new struts but otherwise I don't recall any problems with it.
Ian
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Thanks, Ian!
Right, I've actually made a (very) small start on this one today.
The cockpit (as all the kit) is pretty basic (and some part detail is a bit on the crude side) meaning there are minimal parts supplied and seem simplified. That said, dry fitting the fuselage halves shows that the cockpit opening is such that not much will be seen anyway.
Both the engine and seat attach to the one floor. Engine is made of several parts and the crackcase and cylinders are two piece affair that will need a bit of clean up and maybe some filler once glue has fully dried. Here is the part in question:
(https://i.imgur.com/4RQXqgk.jpg)
I'll attach the rest of the engine components once I finish cleaning up this part. Stick and rudder are supplied as very fine PE (urgh! - I hate working with PE parts) parts so will attach them once the rest is built and painted. Instructions give no guide as to what colours should be what within the interior. I will therefore go with wood for cockpit floor, inside of fuselage and instrument (also PE part) panel. Not too sure about the seat - probably wood? PE fret also provides tiny four point harness that will require some careful fitting.
One half of the fuselage has the annoying raised pin marks that will interfere with the engine fit if not removed as seen (apologies for poor quality photo) here:
(https://i.imgur.com/7xANnDU.jpg)
I cut this away with rounded model knife blade:
(https://i.imgur.com/hUVaMHV.jpg)
Looking as the exhaust part shows some flash and seams to remove prior to fitting. I intend to drill out the exhaust openings once I get this.
(http://i.imgur.com/MTH5gxD.jpg) (https://imgur.com/MTH5gxD)
More progress to follow in due course.
Regards
Dave
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Good start Dave. The parts do look pretty basic as you write, but as little will be seen that will not matter too much.
I hope that the injury on your finger was not inflicted in the course of this build.
Stephen.
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Good start! The parts are indeed bsic but as has been stated not much will be seen.
RAGIII
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Not a bad start at all Dave . Still doesn't look like that bad of kit even if it's basic .
For the interior , it is all wood with metal fittings in black ;) Pressure pumps alum with brass details . ;)
Alexis
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Thanks, Rick!
Alexis - thank you - very helpful advice on interior painting - obviously one that you are very familiar with?
Regards
Dave
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Not a bad start at all Dave . Still doesn't look like that bad of kit even if it's basic .
For the interior , it is all wood with metal fittings in black ;) Pressure pumps alum with brass details . ;)
Alexis
Hi all,
Some Austro-hungarians aircraft industry (Phönix, Hansa-Brandenburg) used to paint the cockpit upper sides in white in order to ease instrumental visibility. Notice that Phönix has a deep cockpit . There are some pictures of DII where you can see it. Please check bibilography: Windsock or the JaPo publishing.
I am building a Phönix DII from MAC as well. You can see in this forum (sorry in spanish) a detailed motor:
https://unosetentaydos.mforos.com/1675593/13017771-phonix-d-i-1-72-mac/ (https://unosetentaydos.mforos.com/1675593/13017771-phonix-d-i-1-72-mac/)
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That's really helpful, thank you.
I like what you have done with the engine on your one.
Regards
Dave
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Some further (small) progress:
Adding a bulkhead panel to separate the engine bay and cockpit
(https://i.imgur.com/g3aVIUa.jpg)
Exhaust added to engine and drilled out opening for them
(https://i.imgur.com/eGunUq9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/D4Tv1bB.jpg)
Basecoat of Ochre ready for applying oil paint to simulate wood
(https://i.imgur.com/aH5EOvX.jpg)
Drilled out opening for machine gun blast tubes opening
(https://i.imgur.com/tRMKqFI.jpg)
Burnt umber artist oils applied over the dried basecoat of ochre and 'pulled out' so as to not look to heavy
(https://i.imgur.com/Bv4vAa6.jpg)
Will now have to put to one side and wait for a couple of days to allow oil paint to dry.
More progress to follow
Regards
Dave
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Keep at it Dave, you're off to a great start.
WD
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Very nice fine details there Dave, and the wood effect with the ochre paint is very realistic.
Stephen.
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I second Stephens comments ! :)
Alexis
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Thank you, WD, Stephen and Alexis!
Regards
Dave
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Things are starting to move along nicely now.
Once the oil paint dried, I sealed in using clear orange followed by a couple of coats of clear matt. I was then able to paint the engine, cockpit and other details. Assembly could now begin - engine, cockpit and further bulkhead put together so:
(https://i.imgur.com/Ihi5ELj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lOs2F5w.jpg)
Just a bit of careful line up of engine and cockpit - once all set, I then bought the fuselage halves together glueing and clamping till had set hard.
(https://i.imgur.com/IXcgTOF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7QygA8q.jpg)
Glad to report that the fuselage halves went together very well. The next process with to clean up the joins. It ended up that I only need to sand and smooth things out without having to use any filler which shows how good the fit here was. I used paint along all joints to test that no joint would be visible before proceeding further.
(https://i.imgur.com/PHAzZ9G.jpg)
In between all this I cut the elevator which is molded with stabiliser so I could pose dynamically.
(https://i.imgur.com/UveF6LI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/InFACby.jpg)
I have also pre-drilled some rigging holes in the fuselage before adding any other pieces as it is easier to do. I have also removed the lower wings from the sprue, cleaned up and pre-drilled further rigging holes. These wings feature very small molded points that are supposed to match corresponding (shallow moulded) holes in the fuselage. This does not look overly strong to me so cut these points from the wing, drilling out where they were and adding some wire. I then more deeply drilled out the fuselage wing location points.
(https://i.imgur.com/fgFGkkJ.jpg)
I have put aside for today and will attach the lower wings once everything has had a chance to set further.
Regards
Dave
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Outstanding progress. Your added detailing and the wood grain are excellent ! Looks great with the fuselage together and engine/details added. The wing should be much more secure with the longer pins.
RAGIII
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Great work. Certainly in this small scale, well done
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Lovely update Dave, your wood tones look warm and inviting. Drilling the exhausts out makes a world of difference, you've done it so neatly. You must have everything lined up very precisely to get such a neat fuselage join. All coming along beautifully.
Richie
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This is looking very good so far. How easy will it be to mask the exhausts to paint the front end? Could it be easier to carefully remove them then refit later maybe?
Ian
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You are making quick work with this one Dave , looking good ! :)
Alexis
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Beautiful job, extra value given by small scale.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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Thank you all very kindly for following me on this journey and for the words of encouragement - much appreciate!
Ian - regarding the exhaust: Yes, did wonder about this but don't want to cut them away now as clean up could be tricky. Looking at the gap between fuselage and exhaust should give me just enough space to get a brush behind anyway. It will involve a bit of touching in on the exhausts but should be doable.
Things are really moving along nicely now (there are not many parts in the kit) so here is where I am now. No filler was needed for the fuselage - I was able to file, sand and smooth out nicely. Great fit on this part. I was expecting to have to use filler here so this was a nice surprise. This has therefore speeded up things somewhat.
Installed lower wings, tailplane, windscreen, gunsites and undercarriage. I am also preparing wheels, prop, rudder and fin for painting along with the rest.
(https://i.imgur.com/hG3Bhpy.jpg)
Also cut and separated the ailerons to pose dynamically along with the elevators. Will just need to tidy up once glue has fully set.
(http://i.imgur.com/p8oWWEf.jpg) (https://imgur.com/p8oWWEf)
I will now need to start on the painting which I know will take a bit of time to apply.
Regards
Dave
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Outstanding progress here Dave! It is always Terrific when no filler is needed...doesn't happen very often 8)
RAGIII
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Great work Dave! I made one in 48th here
https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=2805.0 (https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=2805.0)
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Really good progress Dave, I find biplanes in 1/72 are tough but you're moving along really smoothly. It's all looking very good.
Richie
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Great work, Dave. I've been following along quietly.
I don't recall seeing many Phonix before - interesting aircraft.
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Thank you, Rick, Andonio, Richie and Kensar.
Andonio - wonderful work on your 48th scale version! And yes, I built the same kit very recently strangely enough
Regards
Dave
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Been away Dave so I am catching up - and your speed is leaving me breathless! The interior looks great and the fit of the fuselage is super: just wish my fuselage halves would fit as well! Not much more construction left but the painting will take time although I know that you finish will be first class - it always is.
Stephen.
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Thanks, Steve -
Now you've said that, I hope I don't fall flat on this now!
Regards
Dave
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Okay, next stage of work on this one:
First stage of the wood effect is to paint on a base coat of matt ochre
(https://i.imgur.com/DLKdFVT.jpg)
This was put away to dry for a couple of days so have now put on the artist oil (burnt umber) and then 'drawn' out with stiff brush to hopefully get a wood tone look. This will now need to dry for between 24-48 hours or so before next stage
(https://i.imgur.com/ssmE5Rm.jpg)
I also started work on the kit prop. Painted as above but then hand painted with fine brush (biege paint) to simulate the laminated wood look.
(https://i.imgur.com/DxBBfFR.jpg)
Unfortunately, the picture is out of focus but you get the idea. I added on the same oil paint once this had dried and really drew the paint out as I only wanted a get a faint grained wood look otherwise you would not see the laminate effect.
In between all this, I started work on the fin and rudder. I removed from sprue and cleaned up the seams. I then base coated in white and gloss painted in clear in readiness for the supplied decal. I could tell looking at the decal sheet these look 'hard' printed on the sheet so carefully placed the decal in dish of shallow, warm water. All seemed to be going well until I slid (carefully) the decal from the backing paper onto model surface. As soon as I stared to slide the decal frome the paper the decal broke apart. I tried to assemble the broken decal jigsaw like but quite a bit of the design has completely disintigrated as shown
(https://i.imgur.com/ci6I1Xz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hqE4Qqu.jpg)
This is a big problem here as it is easy to hand paint in the overall red colour, but there is an image of a crown over a shield motif that would be tricky to repair. I have no spares to use so I was forced to make the best of what I had. I sealed in the decal (broken) using a couple of coats of clear matt. When this dried, I first painted in the overall red for red/white background band. This was fairly straightforward. However, the crown and shield emblem in the centre proved more difficult. Using very fine brushes, I touched in the red on the shield. I followed up with another equally fine brush using yellow and free hand painted in as best as I could to complete the missing sections of the crown. This took several attempts to get right. I accept this is not ideal and far from perfect, but is better than nothing. Luckily, the markings on this kit are fairly basic apart from this one part.
(https://i.imgur.com/hqE4Qqu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ci6I1Xz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8YMQ8Bz.jpg)
After painting in:
(https://i.imgur.com/KwY3lZy.jpg)
Hopefully, from a distance and in this scale I will get away with this repair.
Just waiting for the artist oils to dry before moving on further.
Regards
Dave
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The wood grain on the fuselage looks great. The rudder markings came out Fantastic in My Opinion !
RAGIII
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Really nice wood tones Dave and I side with Rick in regards to the rudder decals ..Excellent save :)
Alexis
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Yes, good save on the decal.
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A very fine progress. This MAC kit is a nice one, save the decals, you should have fun, indeed, you have. Good luck with the rest of the build.
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I just wish more people could see your wood tones for real and not via a camera as they are so realistic Dave. Your recovery of the tail badge is very good - not an easy transfer to save but you have done so and I am sure that very few people will notice.
Stephen.
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Nice save on the decals!
Ian
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Great job restoring the broken decal, if you only showed me the final picture I would never have known you had encountered such a problem. Equally I would never known what a brilliant solution you had come up with!
Your wood effect on the fuselage is superb!
Richie
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Thank you all for following this one and words of encouragement - very much appreciated.
I am now experiencing some very serious issues with the other decals (for the fuselage) so will post up further progress shortly.
Regards
Dave
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Dear all -
Next stages of progress:
Once the oil paint had dried on fuselage this was sealed in with one coat of clear orange followed by two coats of clear. The next part was to add the dark green mottle pattern to fuselage. For this I cut a small piece of kitchen sponge and put into spring loaded tweezers. I thinned down the dark green paint in a small dish dipping the end of the sponge into it. I dabbed off the excess paint onto paper before (carefully and lightly) dabbing onto model surface. I then built up the mottle slowly until I was satisfied with the result.
(https://i.imgur.com/launIoj.jpg)
I later clear glossed ready for applying the decals. This is where the serious decal problem really showed itself again. I wanted the version with the white diagonal band around fuselage. Long story short, the decals broke apart as soon as touched water so I decided to hand paint in freehand. I also had to hand paint the serial numbers as I had no suitable spare decals. This is far from ideal and I have tried my best but admit it looks poor close up - I just hope it will look okay when viewed from a distance.
(https://i.imgur.com/xqPkn49.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fSDHCTj.jpg)
Rudder and fin were glued on the next day. After this had set, I decided I needed to rig the undercarriage and rudder (I had already added a control horn to rudder made from stretched sprue) cable. I'm using smoke coloured mending thread for main structural rigging and Oschi elastic fine for control cables.
(https://i.imgur.com/sH3rBZu.jpg)
Now I could paint the underside of the lower wing. Decals are provided for the red bands but even before I discovered the problems with kit supplied decals, I had decided to paint these on anyway. Being a brush painter, I cannot use masking tape to paint along as it will leave a distinct 'ridge' once dry. Much neater then to paint without using tape - I use the tape as a ruler to draw straight line using a pencil. The first stage then is to paint a white base coat. Once dry, I carefully drew out where the bands will run. I can then simply paint along drawn lines with brush and touch in where needed thus:
(https://i.imgur.com/juvOK55.jpg)
I start by painting the lightest colour first as it is easier to paint dark over light colours.
(https://i.imgur.com/mhz6zSm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MvqwcMR.jpg)
I made one last attempt with the underside cross decals which was a complete waste of time
(https://i.imgur.com/Odb5HyJ.jpg)
I tried to draw with pencil but was not successful. I raided my spares box and found a set of approximate Germany crosses of similiar size and style although these had the white surround. I decided to use and then paint in the white bands black
(https://i.imgur.com/STxFyvo.jpg)
This was not as easy as it sounds and took many attempts to get right - again, as before, far from perfect if viewed up close.
(https://i.imgur.com/gAqDyFM.jpg)
Unfortunately, I will have to live with it otherwise I cannot complete the model .............
The decals in this kit are the very worse ones I have ever encountered and Roden decals seem a dream in comparison. Luckily, I found suitable replacement for the upper wing markings which should make life easier here.
The next stage will be paint the upper surface of the lower wing including the drak green mottle. More to follow in due course.
Regards
Dave
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You do a good job on this little bird!
The issue of the decals is a great pity.
If I notice that a decal set is very brittle, the remaining decals can still be saved with an over-spray with Gunze Mr. Metal Primer (a clear coat). That one is also recommended on the manual sheet of self printed decals. But if you use a rattle can of that, only a single spray! It will dissolve the decal, and a second spray onto this wet decal sheet will rearrange the pixels (Don't ask me how I know that) ::)
Cheers,
Frank
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Even though the kit decals are a nightmare , your hand painted versions are really well done Dave :) Mottling effect also came out fantastic :) All of the build so far is coming along lovely .
For decal which like to fall apart can be saved by either spraying Testors decal film over them or any lacquer clear coat will work as well . This can be brushed on as well starting with a very , very light coat . Mircoscale also has a decal film which can be brushed on . Diluted white glue with water will also work on keeping the decal together but it is a delicate working this method . But once the decal is dried to the surface the white glue can be wipe off with water . This method takes a bit of practice and not one I use very often .
If you not happy with the lower wing crosses I should have the size you need , just need to know the length ;)
Alexis
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It is certainly a good thing you are so handy with a brush Dave! Your saves on the decals are well done. Hopefully the rest of this build will be smooth sailing! Looking great to My eyes 8)
RAGIII
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Thank you all kindly -
Frank: Apreciate the tip although too late for this build I can certainly bank this for a future build
Alexis - Thank you for the kind offer a replacement decals. On this occcasion I may as well live with it now - luckily on the underside, so will not be overly noticed when done!
Rick - thanks, mate - hopefully, this gives a good insight to what is involved with brush painting a model.
Regards
Dave
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Dave,
Very nice! I really like the sponge method. Some of the old tricks still work quite well.
I have used Microscale Liquid Decal Film on old decals. I don't remember if it was successful or not. I do know it did not attack the decals.
Stuart
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Such a shame about the decals but your hand painting skills have saved the day. Without zooming in on the photos it looks fine to me.
Your sponged mottled effect is excellent, and the model is taking shape really well.
Good job!
Richie
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The mottle on the fuselage is very effective. That is a real disappointment with the transfers - but you have already had advice on what to do next time. I print my own transfers and use artists varnish to stabilise them - it has been successful every time so far. Painting on the red/white/red markings on the wings is certainly the best method.
Stephen.
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Very good looking painting scheme 8)
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Thank you all for following and posting comments!
Things are starting to move along nicely now, so latest progress report:
Painted upper surface of lower wing using 'dark earth' with the dark green mottle applied as before
(https://i.imgur.com/RIciQ2V.jpg)
Once all this had dried, added the cabane struts making sure they have aligned with the corresponding location points on apper wing
(https://i.imgur.com/SZAdi9s.jpg)
Underside of the upper wing painted in the same manner as underside of lower wing
(https://i.imgur.com/ghIY9c7.jpg)
Yesterday after the cabane struts and upper wing underside paint had all set and dried, attached the top wing to the cabane struts
(https://i.imgur.com/foSWDJG.jpg)
I then used some fuse wire (bent to approximate shape) added from top wing to engine to simulate radiator plumbing. When this had all set, I simply attached the interplane struts
(https://i.imgur.com/HpWQc5C.jpg)
Again, once all set (later in the day) I decided to install the main wing rigging
(https://i.imgur.com/oczgBoA.jpg)
The next stage will be to remove excess thread and tidy up the holes in upper wing from rigging.
Regards
Dave
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This is looking very good indeed Dave. Somehow the line on the fuselage and hand painted serial do not look as bad as you feared now that there is more to distract the eye.
Stephen.
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Great to see the upper wing mounted! The lower wing camo looks great as well! A real example that brush painting can look Great!!
RAGIII
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Dave,
I think you've done great so far, and your mottling looks superb IMHO. I had no idea the decals in MAC kits were so bad, as you said they make Roden decals look great by comparison.
I've got a couple of MAC kits in the stash, and one in stalled progress, but I'll depend on aftermarket decals, etc for my MAC builds.
Keep at it sir!
WD
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Thank you, Steve and Rick!
Dave,
I think you've done great so far, and your mottling looks superb IMHO. I had no idea the decals in MAC kits were so bad, as you said they make Roden decals look great by comparison.
I've got a couple of MAC kits in the stash, and one in stalled progress, but I'll depend on aftermarket decals, etc for my MAC builds.
Keep at it sir!
WD
WD - they are dreadful in this particular kit but I cannot comment on others in thier range. That said, I will be relunctant to pick up another because of this - which is a shame as the kit itself is going together well. Thank you for your kind comments regarding the build.
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Really moving on to the final hurdle on this one now.
Removed the excess rigging thread from top of wing, filled holes then sanded out when dry thus:
(https://i.imgur.com/iQXbM3m.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/12Aj344.jpg)
The next stage was to paint the upper wing following the same manner as previous
(https://i.imgur.com/bpw02b3.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Dgbjx8g.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RPCU6b0.jpg)
When all this was done I added the mottle dabbing on with sponge as before. I then glossed everything ready for decalling:
(https://i.imgur.com/ZgeRwXv.jpg)
Luckily, for the upper wing, I found in my spares box large crosses of approximate size to those in the kit. Glad to report these went on with absolutely no problems. As soon as I have the decals on and have smoothed out on the model surface I apply four coats of clear matt in fairly quick succession. I then set aside to dry. I find doing it this way that as everything dries out fully, it pulls the decal more tightly into the model surface giving an almost painted on look.
(https://i.imgur.com/egoMOgb.jpg)
The next (final) stage will be to make up some control horns (from stretched sprue), rig these then add the wing mounted radiator and prop.
Regards
Dave
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Excellent update Dave! Really looks great with the rigging added and the upper wing painted!! Well done.
RAGIII
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That is looking really nice Dave ;) :)
Alexis
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Good to see tis one nearing completion Dave. The mottling on the wings and fuselage is most effective and your method for applying transfers and then varnishing is a very good one.
Stephen.
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Great work, Dave, I wish there will be a Phönix in 1/32nd in the future.
Looking forward to see your next steps.
Bye Manni
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Very nicely done Dave, I need to add one of these to my stash...(no, I really don't, but I probably will!)
Ian
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Thank you, Rick, Alexis, Stephen, Manni and Ian!
Last update:
Added control for aeilorons made from sections of stretched sprue inserted through pre-drilled hole.
(https://i.imgur.com/Hrec6HS.jpg)
Once set, trimmed to length, rigged and painted. Final assembly was adding wing mounted radiator and prop.
(https://i.imgur.com/WvM8bGW.jpg)
I'm now calling this complete and will add to 'Completed models' section.
Best regards
Dave
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Bravo Dave, a real triumph over decal based adversity.
Richie
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Excellent model Dave inspite of the transfers problem. I am off to have another look in the completed models section.
Stephen.
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As always I enjoyed following your processes Dave! The result is superb!
RAGIII
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Thanks, Chaps!
Regards
Dave
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Fantastic result!