1/16 Sopwith Camel!

[Gisbod]

Hello All,

Just got an email from the Scale Aviation Modeller editor who is in Phoenix for the USA IPMS nationals to say he’s bringing me back a Hasegawa 1/16 Camel in his suitcase! 

I don’t know much about the kit, but a look on line seems to suggest it’s got potential? Anyone built it?

Is there any aftermarket for it?

What would you recommend for turnbuckles in this scale? Flat rigging?

Doesn’t look like a weekend build  Will post pics once I get my sticky mitts on it!

Stay tuned...



Guy

[Bughunter]

I do not know the Camel, but I have build the Hasegawa 1/8 Fokker Dr.I, which is now on the ceil of our living room.
The build was pure fun! This museums scale series is great.




After some years I replaced the plastic propeller by a wooden one, this was the start point of my self made wooden propellers.

Cheers,
Frank

[Gisbod]

Lovely Frank!

Yes, I would have preferred the wooden 1/8 Camel, but beggars can’t be choosers!

The Camel is all plastic.

Guy

[lcarroll]

Guy,
     I viewed a built one at a contest a year or so back, it looks indeed like anything but a weekend Build! It certainly was impressive by size and intricacy, I'll be very interested in following this little adventure!
Cheers,
Lance

[Bughunter]

I don’t know much about the kit, but a look on line seems to suggest it’s got potential? Anyone built it?

Here is the Camel page on Scalemates with a build model, linked shops (seems to be available) and some reviews.
What I have seen so far it seems to be a good kit to build a strip down Camel.
https://www.scalemates.com/kits/225676-hasegawa-50031-sopwith-camel-f-1

Cheers,
Frank

[Gisbod]

Thanks Frank, that’s very helpful

Guy

[Gisbod]

So... Finally,

I’ve got round to getting this beast onto the workbench. Thought I’d share the official unboxing event.

One question.. the chromed pieces. Will I have to strip the chrome? If so, what with? I can’t see leaving it as is. Even if you did, you’d have the attachment points and sanding to deal with. Can I prime it and paint on top?

Impressive kit.














Just to give an idea of size of the prop (crying out for a hand carved version!)





A few of the ‘mixed media’ aspects of the kit...





The ‘offending’ chrome fret...





Big fuselage parts...





It also has numerous A3 plans showing the rigging and detail...





Can’t wait to get started.



Guy

[Ryan]

Dang it Guy, this is one I wish to acquire some day!

You'll make something great out of it!.

Ryan

[Ryan]

You can use oven cleaner to strip the chrome, brake fluid will prob work as well.

I think even household bleach does the trick.

One thing though, the fragile plating will strip off but there typically is a more durable clear coat applied right beneath and it should remain.

In other words just leave in long enough to strip plating....experiment on a sprue.

Ryan

[Gisbod]

Thanks Ryan,

So I can’t just prime & paint?

Guy

[Ryan]

Yes you could, but you will likely need to sand out seams etc, it may be best to strip the plated parts first.

perhaps others could chime in.

[Ryan]

BTW strip is a strong word, you may find the bleach or oven cleaner will instantly remove the plating...you won't be at it all day.

Ryan

[Gisbod]

Thanks Ryan,

I obviously need to experiment!

Guy

[krow113]

Whatever you use to strip , test it on the sprue first.

[macsporran]

Yes, I agree with Ryan. I use oven cleaner all the time to remove the chrome plating from the car models I'm currently building. I use Mr Muscle Oven Cleaner, decanted into a glass jar. You'll have to give it a while for the foam to settle back into liquid form. It's pretty smelly stuff and quite noxious so I leave it outside while settling.
Once liquefied you just pop the parts in for a few seconds and the chrome disappears. Wash thoroughly and you're ready for primer.

Thanks for posting pics, I've been wondering what this kit is like for a while. Looks pretty good.
Sandy