1/72 KP Ago C.IV

[Rip Van Winkle]

   This was a more difficult build than it should have been mainly because of the lack of a Datafile or other reference material. There was some variation of this aircraft based on which manufacturer built it.  This may not be completely accurate but was close enough for me.

[Rip Van Winkle]

   The wings have a rough finish. Gently sand these so that your decals will settle.  Mine silvered a little bit.  Also I  removed the bumps on the top wings and added the wing spars with plastic  card into pre carved slots. I estimated about 1mm space between  the top wing.

[Rip Van Winkle]

       The wing  strut attachment slots on my model were ill defined so that meant I had to adjust the struts later on in the build. The key was to know that the inter wing distance in this scale was about 1 inch. When I set the cabane struts it seemed too high. I cut down the cabane struts until I got the desired height. I was able to set the top wing with the front cabane and the two inner inter wing struts. The rear cabane had to be scratch built.

[Rip Van Winkle]

   Those changes affected the engine exhaust placement. I could have broken the last two exhaust legs and had them go around the cabane strut. This was done on some actual aircraft but I was too late in the build when I realized this.

[Rip Van Winkle]

     The outer struts were then placed after adjusting them to the correct inter wing height. This was a bit tricky. Lots of sanding and touchup. The rest of the build was uneventful. Rigging was with .004 stainless steel wire. This aircraft has some double flying wires.  The rigging was an estimated guess based on photos. Colors were Tamiya XF 53 Neutral Grey and Vallejo underside blue. The forward machine gun was from a Pfalz D.III and the Parabellum was a Gas Patch item. The decals had a bit of carrier film and the AGO logo decal disintegrated so it is not present.  I hope this helps  with others who attempt this kit.

[Davos522]

What an unusual planform...  despite sixty years' experience of looking at WWI aeroplanes, I have to admit this is a new one on me. You did a great job on it, Jim, especially given the problems you mention. Love that color scheme...

Dutch

[Rip Van Winkle]

 Thankyou for the nice comment.  I will build another one in the future knowing the pitfalls ahead of time. 

[DaddyO]

I picked up the KP kit as soon as it appeared because of the unusual planform, but haven't yet got around to it so your build notes are helpful RvW (even if not unexpected given I've built a couple of KP's kits now and am no longer surprised by rough casting, poor decals etc.)

Yours turned out nicely and is certainly a different shape.
Apparently there were two inboard struts originally, but I understand one was removed to increase the field of fire for the rear gun (which explains the unusual strut arrangement)

Nice job
Paul

[NigelR]

You did a great job on this one, looks like it needed a fair bit of work. Great rsearch and modelling!

[lone modeller]

A new one to me too. The wing planform is unusual but it make an interesting model.

Stephen.

[WD]

You did great work on what looks like a difficult build.

Warren

[Brad Cancian]

Hi Rip - I love this build! Great work! Your finished model captures the essence of this strange looking little biplane.

Well done my friend!

Cheers,

BC

[djuggie]

Rip,
Very nice model.  It is so good to see a crude and poorly documented model come together as nice your build.  Excellent work.

Dennis

[RAGIII]

Excellent results! Lovely build all around.
RAGIII