Roden 1/32 SPAD XIII - detail added

[Rookie]

I don't know what to say that hasn't already been said...

Stunning work! 

Willem

[RichieW]

That interior is glorious Ken!

Richie

[kensar]

Just a very small update.  Not much progress to show, but I've been working on different things.

I got the fuselage top on.  I filled a gap under the edge of the engine covers with 0.010" styrene.  Otherwise, it fit fairly well.



I've also been prepping the upper wing for painting, cutting roundel masks, and drilled some holes for the rigging.  I'm planning to use the provisions that Roden has made for the rigging, in addition to some of the PART PE pieces.

Here are some holes drilled in the rigging supports on the wings.  I have drilled 0.011" holes.  The three holes together are 0.020" apart.  I don't think this would have been possible without a mill for precise positioning.  The drill bit wanders some if the plastic surface isn't flat.



The 2 outside holes for the flying wires and the middle one is for the landing wires.

[DaveB]

Wow, that really is precise drilling in the struts .........

Good progress, mate.

Regards

Dave

[RichieW]

That's exactly the kind of precision that is one of the defining features of a Ken build! Well worth taking the time and care over.

Richie

[Alexis]

Truly wonderful stuff !


Alexis

[Monty]

I am in awe! Lovely detailing going on Ken, the Masterclass in building this kit! Thank you for the detailed explanations - much appreciated. Regards, Marc.

[Early Bird Fan]

my word they are some tiny tightly grouped holes, loving your workmanship

[kensar]

Thanks, all.  Another short  update.

The bottom of the fuse where the fuel tank is has some detail.  Here, I've used the PART PE straps from the SPAD VII set.  Unfortunately, the VII only has 2 straps where the XIII has three.  The tank has 4 long bolts holding in place as well.  There is a drain in the sump area, too.



Some masking, getting ready for paint.


I have installed a spreader to widen the front of the fuselage sides to match the width of the cowling.  It's a bit overkill, but I used what was handy.


The bottom pan is installed.  One can see wood framework around the edges of the tank, so this area was painted brown.


The cowling set in place to check the fit.


I haven't come up with anything special for the louvers, so they may just get some black paint on the open ends.
Thanks for following along.

[RichieW]

Looking great Ken. I think painting the louvre openings black is a very sensible option. Trying to open them all out looks like a properly fiddly and potentially disastrous job. It would be in my hands at least!

Richie

[bobs_buckles]

Nice detailed work, Ken 

Bob 

[kensar]

Thanks Ritchie.  I try to strike a balance between feasible and doable! 

Hi Bob! Nice to see you here.  Are you building anything at the moment?  I've been seeing your gifs - hilarious!

[Bughunter]

Ken, that will be a beautiful SPAD! I love all the details And I'm a detail junkie, you know 
louvre opening
Cheers,
Frank
PS: Put a started project back into the rack because I have now idea for this louvre openings in 1/48 .... Failed to create it form alu sheet.

[RAGIII]

Wow Ken, your SPAD is really stunning! Your extra work is really paying off! I am envious of your ability to drill those holes through the struts, something I didn't dare to try 
I am looking forward to more!
RAGIII

[jamieg]

Beautiful work, Ken. I don't really see any way to open those louvres that isn't potentially hazardous to my mental health, so I'm just going to use a black wash...