forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Scratch builds => Topic started by: rhallinger on February 16, 2014, 02:15:40 AM
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In light of the unanimous opinion of my fellows here (and because it's really what I want to do ;) ), I have decided to undertake a project to scratchbuild this Sopwith Tabloid in 1/32 scale. This is the aircraft used by Lt. Marix in the Dusseldorf raid which bombed and destroyed Zeppelin Z-IX. I have the Windsock Mini Datafile, along with some other references and drawings, some of which are shown below:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7222_zps0f1ac6d7.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7222_zps0f1ac6d7.jpg.html)
The Osprey Publications "The Zeppelin Base Raids" also has helpful information on this aircraft. Here is a photo of the full-size reproduction of No. 168, which I believe is displayed at RAF Hendon (feel free to correct me if I am mistaken):
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/640sopwith-tabloid_zpsaa8cb2df.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/640sopwith-tabloid_zpsaa8cb2df.jpg.html)
I will be following the techniques Des used in his Caudron build log on the main site. I may need to vacuform the engine cowling top and bottom. Everything else should be fairly straightforward.
If anyone has photos, drawings or plans they are willing to share, feel free to post or PM me. Thanks! I will be doing some planning for the next couple of weeks, so construction will not begin for a bit.
Regards,
Bob
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. . . or should this be over in "Under Construction"? My dear Mr. Moderator please assist and adjust as you deem appropriate. Many thanks!
Cheers,
Bob
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Great choice Bob, and thus the journey begins. Looking forward to following you through on this, something I'd like to do before they take my trusty #11 Hobby Knife away from me for fear of me hurting myself! :o
Cheers,
Lance
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Great to see you take the plunge and decided to actually go ahead and build this model. You have started in the right place, scratch built, this is exactly what you will be doing, and when it is completed you can post the photos of the finished model in the completed models board.
The wings of this aeroplane look very straight forward and should not pose any problems, the only major issue that I can see is like you said, the top and bottom engine cowls, but I'm sure that you will work through that without any problems.
Looking forward to seeing you make a start on this model, I will be following along intently.
Des.
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Great project Bob. I didn't voice an opinion but was definitely pulling for you to throw down with the tabloid. Looking forward to watching this one unfold.
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Delighted to see that you settled on this one, Bob! Such a sweet little kite. This will be a blast to follow.
Cheers,
Bud
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Yep, looking forward to watching this one, Bob.
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Hi Bob,
Looking forward to see your start on this one. I will follow your log (which will be outstanding as usual) with great interest. Admire those scratch builders.
Kind regards and good luck
Patrick
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Thanks everyone. As I'm puzzling out the various aspects of this build and thinking things through, I have a question I need help with. It will likely be the first of several. ;)
My drawings, and photos as well, show an interesting horizontal wing front profile. The center section (6 ribs) of the wings are flat, with no dihedral, but there is a small bit of dihedral on each side of this section out to the wingtips. If I use Des's sheet styrene lamination method to get the correct airfoil cross section for the wing, adding this dihedral might be difficult. I am thinking that I may need to cut the wing into three sections, with the center six rib section remaining flat, i.e., without dihedral. The face of the inner rib of the wingtip sections could then be sanded to an angle for the dihedral, and the wings could then be reassembled with pins and glue in a simple jig to impart the correct dihedral to the outer portions of the wing.
For reference, in 1/32 scale the wingspan of this model with be 9.5 inches, with the center 2 inches flat.
Does anyone have any other ideas for imparting dihedral to the wings without deforming the airfoil cross section? As far as I can see, the only way to do it is as I have described above, but I am open to other suggtions.
Thanks for any assistance and thoughts. :D
Regards,
Bob
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Great to see that you are going to have a go at a scratch build and of a machine that is under-represented in my opinion. But then the early machines have always interested me more. I admire you having a go in the giant scale (1/32) as I have this some way down my list for God's Own Scale. Best of luck with it - I too will be following it with great interest. The cowling should not present you with too many problems and as you say the rest looks prettily straightforward.
As for the wing problem I think that you have come to the best solution - in 1/72 it could be bent in hot water, but in the scale that you are working in I think that separate pieces is the best option.
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Bob. Looking at the photos of the Tabloid there doesn't appear to be a great deal of dihedral so this should not pose a problem. What I would do is to make the wing in one piece with the wing airfoil shape across the entire span. Once the glue has dried and the wing is rigid mark the centre section which is to remain level, then using a razor saw score the wing (the bottom of the wing) only cut about half way through, then bend the wing slightly to achieve the correct dihedral. A gap will appear on the bottom of the wing, fill this with glue and allow to dry, then it is a simple matter of applying a small amount of filler to finish off the job, you will end up with a wing with a flat centre section and dihedral on both outer portions of the wing.
Des.
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Glad you plumbed for the Tabloid, Bob - Good choice! ;)
I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.
Cheers,
BvB
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Looking forward to this one!
RAGIII
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Thanks Des! Great idea. :D Just like your dihedral correction for the bottom wing of the Academy Camel. ;D That certainly sounds easier than what I was thinking of. The dihedral is so minimal that this technique should work without deforming the airfoil shape of the wing chord.
Cheers,
Bob
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Okay. Now I'm puzzled again. Have a look at these photos of the RAF Museum reproduction of No. 168 which I just came across:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/2873251_zps5bffffc8.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/2873251_zps5bffffc8.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/540392_zps0ef1d3c8.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/540392_zps0ef1d3c8.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/540396_zpse987626a.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/540396_zpse987626a.jpg.html)
I note two relevant things from these photos: first, I can see little, if any, dihedral in the wings; second, There appears to be a slight separation between the center top wing section and the wing ends. I can see through that gap. Does anyone know what that is? Any thoughts based on these photos? Thanks.
Regards,
Bob
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You will also notice that the bottom wing has a corresponding gap as well. If you look at the following photo you will see that the wings are made up from sections, the top and bottom wings have a centre section and fitted to these are the outer wing sections. As far as dihedral goes, it appears that the top wing is level while the bottom wing has a very slight dihedral, similar to the Camel.
Des.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nSNniheYlNM/UwGAaWBzjAI/AAAAAAAAMBQ/GJTewEMw18M/s1024/Tabloid.jpg)
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Thanks Des, I agree. Just some further speculation based upon my drawings showing the flying wires entering the wings: is the dihedral shown in some drawings transient, based upon the wing warping control for this early aircraft? Is this why the wing tips appear to be separate from the center section in the photos above, so that the wing tips lift up slightly as part of the wing warping?
Just some random thoughts. Anyone know more about this? Thanks.
Regards,
Bob
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Here is another photo which clearly shows the wing joint top and bottom.
Des.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FSbHjs8v2f4/UwGDJDSUHsI/AAAAAAAAMBk/hMv1xuAngyk/s947/Sopwith-Tabloid-Floatplane-6369489.jpg)
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Thanks Des! That's a very helpful photo. Do you have any more, or a link to the website where these can be found?
Regards,
Bob
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Hi Bob - I took some photos of the Tabloid when I was in the UK over Xmas which I'll upload tonight. Hope these are useful to you. Regards Jim
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Bob - photos are in the aircraft section. Look forward to seeing your build.
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Thanks again Jim! These will be very helpful. Much appreciated. ;D
Regards,
Bob
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Hi Bob,
I have installed 24 images of the Tabloid on my website. The images can be found in Jim's post here: http://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=3074.0 (http://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=3074.0)
Good Luck!
vb
(http://www.bobsbuckles.co.uk/Tabloid/1.jpg)
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Thanks again Bob! These will be extremely helpful. :D
Cheers,
Bob
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Okay folks, here we go! I have enlarged my drawings to 1/32 and made templates for the parts to be cut from sheet styrene, i.e., the wings and tail planes. The fuselage will be made by constructing a frame of 1mm (0.40) styrene strip to be covered with .25mm (0.10) styrene sheet. The cowling will probably need to be vacuformed or push molded because it has vent holes than will have to be cut from the plastic. A solid or built-up shape simply won't work.
I decided to start with the wings, and followed Des's technique of cutting out two 1mm sheet styrene "blanks" in the plan shape of the wings and gluing them together with Humbrol liquid cement and then clamping the wing into the airfoil jig overnight. See Des's Caudron and Bleriot build logs on the main site for a full description. Here are the parts cut out and glued together after an evening in the jig, with the top wing partly sanded and the bottom wing out of the jig but unsanded:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7223_zps5f621a2a.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7223_zps5f621a2a.jpg.html)
I will discuss details of the bottom wing when I begin working on it. Once sanded to the correct taper, I will use Von Buckles strippers for rib tapes and spray with auto primer, again per Des. Here is the sanding progress on the top wing, in cross section:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7224_zpsff46dfc6.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7224_zpsff46dfc6.jpg.html)
As Des has noted, this wing technique involves a lot of sanding. I'll come up for air in a few days and let you see how they turned out. Strippers are in the mail, and will arrive in about a week or so. More later.
Regards,
Bob
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Brilliant start, Bob! I'm really going to enjoy this one.
Cheers,
Bud
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Good to see a start on this one Bob, the wings looked like they work out well for you, it is a very easy technique to make wings but they do require a bit of sanding. I knock the bulk of the material off with a really course paper first then finish off with fine, i find this gets the wing in shape real quick. Looking forward to seeing more progress Bob.
Des.
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It was a wounderfull start, Bob.
Martin
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Looking good Bob! These Scratch Built Projects are a joy to follow; there's just no limit to the subjects and this is no exception. "Keep on truckin"!! :) ;)
Cheers,
Lance
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Looking good Bob! These Scratch Built Projects are a joy to follow; there's just no limit to the subjects and this is no exception. "Keep on truckin"!! :) ;)
Cheers,
Lance
I agree with Lance, Bob. I admire your talents and look forward to the rest of your build.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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All looking rather splendid, Bob ;)
Keep up the great work.
Von B
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hell yea man, this will be another fun one. should be easier than the lloyd due to the simpler modified box fuselage and more conventional wing setup. great one man.
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Great work again Bob. How I admire that!
Kind regards
Patrick
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I have made some progress with this build, but have spent a good deal of time just thinking things through the past week. I have decided to build the fuselage as a frame of styrene strip to be covered with thin sheet styrene, I considered vacuforming the fuselage, but decided that the frame method wood look better, although it will be a bit tedious to construct. However, I will likely vacuform or push mold the engine cowling in two pieces.
I have completed the rough forming and sanding of the wings and tailplanes, along with one side frame for the fuselage:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7265_zps52277f57.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7265_zps52277f57.jpg.html)
My contemporary drawings of the airframe show the cabane struts incorporated as part of the side frame. Although the fuselage will be covered entirely, I have added gussets in the frame and will rig the frame for added strength, as Des did with the Taube.
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7266_zpscb948840.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7266_zpscb948840.jpg.html)
Here is the rudder and fin, with fittings to be added later.
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7267_zps2bf2729e.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7267_zps2bf2729e.jpg.html)
I originally intended to install the bottom wings as one piece, fitting up into a notch in the fuselage, for added strength. However, this would have presented its own set of design and construction problems for the fuselage, so I will cut out the center section and attach the bottom wings to the fuselage with brass rod representing wing spars. This will be more prototypical and easier in the long run, I think.
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7268_zps7814cd60.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7268_zps7814cd60.jpg.html)
Although there is a gap in the wings between the center section and the outer wings, I do not think it is visible at scale viewing distances. If I cut the wings I foresee problems with strength and alignment. I think the abutting rib tapes will be sufficient to establish this joint without cutting the wings. Speaking of which, I need some advice. I will prime the wings with Mr. Surfacer followed by auto primer. Should the Von Buckler vinyl stripper rib tapes go on first, after the Mr. Surfacer, or after the first coat of auto primer? Thoughts?
Thanks for looking in. I will start the second side frame and the get to the rigging. This will take some time.
Regards,
Bob
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on the gaps in the wings you are probably right, perhaps just scribe all the way around alongside a ruler and voila. as far as the buckle strippers i am not sure how thick they are. i have scratched a few wings recently and what i did after i got the shape,cord and cambre right i marked and glued evergreen strip. then i held the wing port tip up at a steep angle and sprayed with auto filler primer which has talc or some other sandable filler to make the paint thick. it puddled up to the evergreen strip. then i did the same with the starboard tip up so that i had puddling on the other side of the rib tape. this took 2 coats to achieve what i wanted and then i used sanding sticks to expose the white of the rib strip stock and use swizzle stiks(which are sanding sticks that are only half a cm wide) to sand btw the ribs cord wise. i like the look of a slight belly in btw the rib tapes. and i imagine it was diff on diff craft because there are some guys who swear up and down that the wings should be flat, no bellies with tapes slightly proud. but i have seen many photos that show there was a slight dip, at least on certain planes. so its artistic licence and to me at scale it looks better. to me more like a fabric covered frame which the fabric has been shrunk to fit tight. only my humble opinion from what i have seen.
as for the fuselage and splitting the bottom wing i agree here too. but i have an idea for the nose. what if you make a balsa nose from a squareish stick and did like harry woodman made cowls for rotaries. he would cut a hole in balsa sheet , heat styrene sheet on top and plunge a rounded dowl down thru the hole from above which would keep the plastic tight to the male portion and give you what amounts to a vac looking cowl. do you get me? i dont know if it will work but thats what i would try first.
glad you started this one and i will be checking in regularly like i did on the lloyd, damn i wish i coulda got a copy of your vac fuselage for that one. oh well. cheers to your progress.
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She is shaping up really well Bob, I like your idea with the fuselage structure, it will make it look more authentic. Not cutting the wings to simulate the joins is a good idea, at 1:32 scale the small gap visible on the original would be hardly noticeable. I sprayed my wings with a few coats of auto primer after I had finished all the shaping and sanding, once they were nice and smooth I added Bob's strippers, I used the 0.5mm wide strips. Once all fitted I sprayed the entire wings with two coats of auto primer, then I finished off with 0000 steel wool which resulted in a very glossy finish ready for the top coat.
Des.
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Thanks Alby and Des! Your insights are very helpful. For the wings, the photos of the prototype show a slightly concave dishing between the wing ribs, so I will sand a little to represent that. I have used .005 strips of cut sheet styrene to represent wing rib tapes previously, and it works well. In this case though, I want to try the self-adhesive strippers, since they seemed to work well for Des on the Bleriot. Just an experiment with a new technique. :) If I botch it, I can always scrape them off and go back to styrene. ;) I have the 0.5mm wide strippers, and they are very thin material, which should be perfect for rib tapes. I just have to be careful handling them so they don't fold up. We'll see how it works out.
Alby, I believe the process you described for molding the cowl is what I referred to as "push molding." Lone Modeler used and described it in his scratch Sopwith Gunbus thread, and I'm not surprised at all to learn that it was a technique used by Harry Woodman. :D It looks like it's a good way to make smaller parts with compound curves that need to be formed from styrene. It will be perfect for these engine cowling pieces, so I will try it here, even though I have the vac machine available. This is a good opportunity to try something new. The vacuform is great for larger pieces like a fuselage, but probably not necessary for a cowling panel.
Speaking of vac fuselages, sorry I can't send you a Lloyd fuselage. You may recall that as part of my vac learning process, I foolishly sprayed my fuselage masters with black enamel paint in an effort to reduce the wood grain of the balsa (I should have used bass wood coated with CA). The paint coating fused to the hot styrene during the vac process, giving me nice plastic forms, but I had to chisel out the wood masters to free the plastic molded fuselage halves! >:( Alas, the masters were sacrificed. :'( Fortunately, the parts were good enough for the Lloyd fuselage, and the rest, as they say, is history . . . :D
Take care guys! I'll be back as soon as I have the fuselage frame complete. Again, thanks for your help!
Regards,
Bob
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Great update, Bob. I admire your obvious talent in this project. Well done!
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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A very impressive sequence you've got going, Bob, and your problem solving skills are getting a good (and successful) workout. Fascinating stuff, keep those updates coming!
Cheers,
Lance
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That is a very good update Bob. I will see more.
Martin
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This is a fascinating build and I especially like your fuselage frame which looks very realistic. I agree with the others on the wings - too many gaps and they become weak and as Des has written the gap in the upper wing would not be visible in the scale in which you are working. Please keep us posted on progress - this is really good and you are clearly a master modeller.
PS It was the FE 2 where I described the push moulding technique for the nacelle - the Gunbus was made from card on a simple frame. The method you described from Woodman seems the same as the one that I used.
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yes i remember because i asked you back then if you would part with a fuselage vac shell and i heard the to my horror as well as yours the incident. which is fine. but its always good to have a headstart. a 1/32 lloyd would be quite nice. my plan is to cast my scratchs as i go. in case i want to build another at the very least. i dont post photos of my stuff for a few reasons. 1. i dont have a decent camera that would take clear pics. 2. i think it would take up alot of my modelling time to document and post my builds in a thread. 3. i am too easily distracted, ie i start something and a week or 2 into it i get a wild hair for something else. all of my build threads would end up closeing before i finished anything. although i have a few that are ending soon. perhaps i post some ready for inspections soon.
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Brilliant work, as usual, Bob, and incorporating the cabane struts into the framing is genius!
Cheers,
Bud
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Thanks for the kind words everyone. :D Bud, I guess Tommy Sopwith was the genius, as I'm just following his lead. ;) There are period sketches of the fuselage construction detail in the mini datafile, and they show that the prototype incorporated the cabanes into the fuselage framing, similar to the way the tripelane is designed. It makes lots of sense from a modeling perspective also, as it creates perfect alignment and substantial strength for the cabanes. :D Thank you, Sir Thomas!
LM, thanks for the correction. Your pusher builds are all inspiring to me, but I'm glad to have the FE 2 build reference for when I need to look at your tutorial on push molding again. I am looking forward to trying it. :) Thanks for your help.
I am currently fabricating and installing the rigging gussets for the second fuselage side frame. They are tiny and there are many of them. As Des has noted, this step is a bit tedious. I'll then rig the side frames and then assemble the fuselage frame with cross members. This will probably take several days. Until then,
Cheers,
Bob
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Looks like another magnificent build is taking place at your workshop. Everything looks so refined!
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There is some additional progress this week. I finished rigging the fuselage frames, which took a bit of time:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7270_zpsac14f489.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7270_zpsac14f489.jpg.html)
I did this rigging more for strength than appearance, since most of it will be invisible under the fuselage covering. For the areas visible through the cockpit opening I used the steel colored monofilament from Steve Robson, which worked very well.
I have also cut out fuselage cross-frames from templates provided in the drawings, reducing the width by the width of the side frames. These include an engine firewall, instrument panel, cockpit backrest and a couple of others. They are not entirely prototypical, but I am using them for additional strength and rigidity in the fuselage over scale framing cross-braces, and because they will largely not be visible. Here they are:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7269_zpsb8001493.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7269_zpsb8001493.jpg.html)
Within the next few days I hope to have the fuselage frame fully assembled. The cockpit, fuel tank and engine will follow. I am using the WNW 80 hp Gnome 7-cylinder kit for the engine. Most of it will be invisible under the cowling.
More soon. Thanks for stopping in. ;)
Regards,
Bob
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You have done a beautiful job with the fuselage frames and the rigging, and the bulkheads all look very good, once assembled it will really look the part, you are doing fantastic work with this scratch build Bob and I look forward to the next update.
Des.
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Great to see this taking shape, Bob ;)
Keep up the great work!
vB
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A really interesting build, Bob, thanks for sharing it with us. I can't wait to see how things develop over the next few days.
Best wishes
Nigel
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Hello Bob,
This is such a nice and informative build. Great build log too. Every little peace is neat, well finished. Tremendous modeling!
Kind regards
Patrick
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Great work until yet, Bob.
Martin
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This is an inspiring build - the level of detail is wonderful. A most interesting build thread which I am following with great interest. I have pencilled in a Tabloid in 1/72 scale for the future and this will be an important part of my research material.
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Time for a mini-update. Fuselage assembly has begun, with some of the cockpit detail added, and the base coat for the wood applied and glossed before oils will be applied. The bulkheads are glued in place back to the cockpit headrest, with the mid-fuselage bulkhead just fitted in position and the rear clamped together. I'll glue those and add other cross-members after I have added the final bits to the cockpit. Here she is tonight:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7273_zps766c2528.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7273_zps766c2528.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7274_zps6fbdef6a.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7274_zps6fbdef6a.jpg.html)
Starting to look a bit like a Tabloid now! ;D I'll add some closeups once the fuselage detail is added. You can see the unpainted fuel tank and the cushionless seat off to the side. I'll paint the tank and add a seat cushion tomorrow. Once the wood oils are dry, I will complete the cockpit. In the meantime, I'll go ahead and do the engine.
Regards,
Bob
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It really is starting to look like a Tabloid now, Bob. You must be terribly excited. I know I am. Awesome update, buddy.
Cheers,
Bud
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Excellent update Bob, she is really starting to take shape now, looking forward to seeing all the cockpit detail up close.
Des.
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Hello Bob,
That is not a mini update, that's a great step forward. I forgot to mention that the bracing is extremely well done!
Kind regards
Patrick
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Bob,
This is shaping up beautifully. You must be very pleased with the way this build is coming together - I know I would be!
Cheers,
Bob ;)
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Your fuselage is really taking shape now, literally! Beautiful work!!
RAGIII
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Great update, Bob! She's really starting to take shape now. I like the rigging you have
done very much. Is the tubing brass? Also, could you tell me what is the size of the
tubes? Excellent work, my friend!
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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This is an incredible build. Everything is so neat and fits so well that it could almost be mistaken for the real thing. I would give a great deal to be able to build to this standard.
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Thanks much for the kind and supportive comments everyone. :D LM, you are a great modeller, and I draw much inspiration and motivation from your pusher conversions. ;D You proved with your Penguin trainer that you can build whatever you want. ;D
The Tabloid cockpit is essentially complete, along with the gas tank and engine. There is little reference material I could find on the Tabloid cockpit other than a period sketch in the Mini-Datafile, so I just sort of cobbled something together that is approximate. It will do since the cockpit opening is small and not much will be visible. The instruments are Airscale decals with Aeroclub bezels. The throttle quadrant is PE from the spares box. Seat and gas tank are from sheet styrene, with the seat cushion made from Sculpy. Here she is:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7275_zps378fd78c.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7275_zps378fd78c.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7278_zpsb7f56fc6.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7278_zpsb7f56fc6.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7279_zps940a3b80.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7279_zps940a3b80.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7280_zpsbc3aa3b9.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7280_zpsbc3aa3b9.jpg.html)
I'm currently planning out further steps, but it looks like next up will be closing up the rear fuselage, adding the cross bracing, and molding the upper and lower cowlings. More soon.
Regards,
Bob
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Oh, man, Bob! That's AWESOME!
Cheers,
Bud
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Excellent work Bob, this is looking amazing, the instrument panel is very well done as is the fuel tank.
Des.
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Looking superb, Bob ;)
Keep going!!
Cheers,
vB
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Hi Bob
Great progress, it's shaping up beautifully.
Incidentally yesterday I received the Spring 2014 edition of Windsock. Inside the subject of the Great War Paint feature is the 1914 Tabloid
Best wishes
Nigel
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Hi Bob,
Your interior is incredibly nice. Instrument panel, tank beautiful. Admiring your unlimited skills.
Kind regards
Patrick
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That looks really cool Bob!
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Thanks for the support everyone! ;D Nigel, thanks for the heads up on the next Windsock issue. Mine will be along shortly, I'm sure. I'll be interested to see the Tabloid feature on painting.
Cheers,
Bob
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Your wood finish is so convincing that I could have believed that it was real. Did I miss something but where did the engine come from? The rest of the model is just gob-smacking.
-
Oh yeah, the engine . . . ooops! Forgot to mention it's provenance. Simple: it's just a WNW kit of the 80hp Gnome 7 cylinder. Since it will be extremely well hidden by the cowling, I haven't bothered with further detailing, but I still need to dirty it up a good bit. ;D Three cylinders tips at the bottom will protrude slightly below the lower cowling, but in that position they are nearly invisible while the aircraft is upright.
Cheers,
Bob
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Wow Bob, what a beauty so far................I may have to venture into this special little niche of modelling, this is an inspiration.
Nice work!
Cheers,
Lance
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Hi Bob
This seems to be coming together quickly and is looking great. I always thought the Tabloid looked ahead of it's time, and very attractive too. Enjoying following this build.
Cheers
Tom
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Very nice Bob, she's looking great!
Was the fuel tank really that big? I don't recall seeing anything else that had a tank that filled the entire space between firewall and instrument panel...I ask only because I have a 1:72 vac kit of the Tabloid and want to get it right...
Ian
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Thanks Ian. The interior for this machine is somewhat speculative on my part, but is based largely on this contemporary cutaway drawing on the back cover of the datafile:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7289_zpse2e44ebd.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7289_zpse2e44ebd.jpg.html)
The aircraft depicted in the drawing is an early 2-seater with side-by-side seats. I assume that the general arrangement of engine, firewall, gas tank and IP are generally similar in the single seat No. 168. I also have one photo of the cockpit of the Hendon reproduction aircraft, which doesn't show much detail but does include a stick rather than a steering wheel. There are no original interior photos I could find, so I have relied on this drawing and modern photo for guidance. The gas tank does take up a good deal of space, but will end up being completely hidden under the upper cowling anyway. ;)
Regards,
Bob
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Quite an interesting concept having the two side-by-side seats, and it certainly is a huge fuel tank. It's good to have drawings like this to go by, at least it gives you an idea of the general layout, wish I had the same for my Battaille.
Des.
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it looks to me like the fuel tank in the drawing only extends about half as far back as yours. Or is that Captain Obvious speaking?
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I believe you are correct Bo. My layout is a compromise between the drawing arrangement and the location of the IP bulkhead in the Datafile plan drawings of the fuselage. The Datafile plan locates the IP bulkhead further back from the firewall than is shown in the cutaway drawing. This may have no historical basis and simply be based on model construction factors when the plan was drawn. However, The fuselage is the same width at the firewall and either IP location, so I'm not sure why the plan would not have located it further forward. Whatever the case, the tank appears to fill the space between the firewall bulkhead and the IP bulkhead, so I went with the plan IP bulkhead location and made an "extended range" fuel tank ;) to fill the space. It's probably too long, but that's assuming the cutaway 3/4 angle drawing is accurate (I can think of no reaqson why it wouldn't be, other than human fallibility). In any event, the upper cowling will completely mask my sins, and upon it's installation we will never see the fuel tank again. ;D
Speaking of the upper cowling, I'd like some input on fabrication of the cowling and side panels, which appear to be aluminum in the prototype photos. I've been thinking about using either thin metal, a la Bo's Alby, for these, or thin sheet styrene (ten thou) for the side panels and vacuformed or push molded sheet styrene (20-30 thou) for the top and bottom cowling. There are pros and cons to both approachs. The metal would require a sort of smash or hammer molding process like Bo has done, which would require that I learn a new technique (always a good thing, but sometimes approached with trepidation). Metal would also look better, most likely. However, rivets and screws might be more difficult to simulate--there are plenty of them on the side panels. As for plastic, the main drawback is appearance. I suppose I could use Mr. Color Aluminum or Alclad to get a finish close to metal, but it's still not the same. On the other hand, rivets and screws are more easily simulated on plastic with resin decal strips from Archer, which will be covered with the metallic paint. In any event, the nice aspect of this is that I can experiment a bit with both and see which I prefer, before attaching anything to the airframe. :D What is the considered wisdom of my friends and modeling colleagues on this issue? Thanks for your input!
Regards,
Bob
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well if you go with metal I will share a few secrets learned pounding on old Alfas ;)
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Modest progress this week. I did manage to get the remainging fuselage framing completed and the bottom of the fuselage covered with ten thou sheet styrene. From the rear of the cockpit forward the covering is a metal panel, and I painted the inside with Mr. Metal Aluminum. I'll do the exterior later.
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7304_zps99202c86.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7304_zps99202c86.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7305_zpsa5dd27a0.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7305_zpsa5dd27a0.jpg.html)
The turtledeck area is a declining convex surface which narrows on a a curve toward the tail. I think I will need to use five thou sheet styrene for this (essentially paper thin) to get the curve right and have the sides sit properly. Because of the compound curves, I am making a paper template pattern to ensure that the top covering will fit well. Does anyone have a better idea for this?
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7303_zpsc382c8f2.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7303_zpsc382c8f2.jpg.html)
I have decided to first try to fabricate the metal cowling panels from sheet styrene and vacuforming. I will need to carve the pattern for the top and bottom cowling pattern from wood for the vacuforming. Maybe by next weekend. :)
Regards,
Bob
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very impressive, Bob!
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Hi Bob
This is taking shape beautifully. It's a real treat to see a Tabloid under way at this scale and quality.
Best wishes
Nigel
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Hello Bob,
Outstanding work on the fuselage my friend. This is going to be a super build!
Kind regards
Patrick
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That is one stupendous build - modelling at its best. I think that the aluminium paint will link very realistic when it is finished and plastic is easier to work than metal in my (limited) experience.
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Hi Bob
This is taking shape beautifully. It's a real treat to see a Tabloid under way at this scale and quality.
Best wishes
Nigel
Big ditto !!!
ED
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Here's the weekly update. I managed to get the turtle deck covered with 10 thou plastic card. I have also fabricated the tail skid, but will add it to the fuselage after painting. I have laid out the fabric portion of the fuselage sides on sheet plastic, and will add those soon.
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7376_zpse1f337df.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7376_zpse1f337df.jpg.html)
I used a pencil and French curve/straight edge to emboss the ribs on the reverse side of the turtle deck covering. You can see it a little here:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7377_zpse69fb480.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7377_zpse69fb480.jpg.html)
It's now time to fabricate the metal upper and lower cowling. Here is the basswood vac master for the upper cowling:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7378_zps32e489f4.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7378_zps32e489f4.jpg.html)
I'll fire up the vac box/vacuum cleaner in the next few days and try a couple of pulls. I still need to carve the lower cowling, which is much smaller. That's all for now.
Cheers,
Bob
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That fuselage looks awesome!
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Very nice work on the turtle deck Bob, I'm looking forward to seeing how your cowling turns out, good luck with the vac forming.
Des.
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Fascinating Bob, and truly impressive results. I'm very much enjoying following your progress here, and learning with every update. Looking forward to More!
Cheers,
Lance
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Woaw ! superb work
I will take a seat and follow carefully ;D
Dric
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Very impressive turtle decking - I will note that for future reference. Your mould looks very nice indeed. When I make my moulds I do not cover the male former with anything - just use bare wood because just once I did use talcum powder/dope grain filler. It was unnecessary and actually the filler cracked! Just the benefit of my experience for what it is worth (if anything).
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Thank you all. LM, thanks for the advice. I learned this the hard way my first time out with vacforming of the Lloyd C.V fuselage. I used balsa for my master rather than basswood, and sprayed it with Krylon to reduce the grain. Big mistakeon both counts! The heated plastic must have melted the Krylon and fused the formed plastic to the master. :o I literally had to chisel the balsa "masters" out of the formed plastic fuselage shells. >:( Fortunately I had made separate halves so I had a complete fuselage that worked well, but no more masters. ::) Lesson learned. ;D
Cheers,
Bob
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Outstanding work, Bob! That turtle deck is d' BOMB!
Cheers,
Bud
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This update is a cautionary tale for the casual scratch builder like me. Here is the first vac pull. On a positive note, the master came right out undamaged. :D
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7380_zps190b60c0.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7380_zps190b60c0.jpg.html)
After trimming and sanding the cowling to fit, I found that I was not satisfied with the overall shape and fit, particularly the way the way the rear portion does not lay flat against the turtle deck:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7383_zps7ea38bc9.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7383_zps7ea38bc9.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7384_zps651be890.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7384_zps651be890.jpg.html)
I worked on the part a bit more, but finally decided to make a new master a bit more carefully this time. I made a set of forms to get the correct profile of the cowling:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7385_zpsa11d0a4b.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7385_zpsa11d0a4b.jpg.html)
I am happy that I have learned to be patient enough to start over and get something right, rather than trying to save time by taking shortcuts and forcing unacceptable tolerances. I am confident that the second go round will be much better. :D More soon!
Cheers,
Bob
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Beautiful work, Bob ;)
Keep going!!
vB
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Excellent vac forming Bob, this is one process I have never tried. Looking forward to seeing your next updates.
Des.
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This is such an interesting build, Bob, and I feel that I'm learning so much. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Best wishes
Nigel
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I am happy that I have learned to be patient enough to start over and get something right, rather than trying to save time by taking shortcuts and forcing unacceptable tolerances. I am confident that the second go round will be much better. :D
When the parts stop getting any better and I stop learning anything -- that's when I pick up and I move on. Your patience here will pay great dividends.
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Hello Bob,
This unbelievable build continues to amaze me. Really admire your work my friend!
Kind regards
Patrick
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I am happy that I have learned to be patient enough to start over and get something right, rather than trying to save time by taking shortcuts and forcing unacceptable tolerances. I am confident that the second go round will be much better. :D
When the parts stop getting any better and I stop learning anything -- that's when I pick up and I move on. Your patience here will pay great dividends.
I wholly agree with Bo - learning is as important a part of getting models right as any other activity. More haste, less speed has always served me well. I think that what you have done so far is just excellent - and that mould is very good.
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You have a spectacular model coming along here Bob. Your cautious and thorough approach is the hallmark of a great builder; stay the course, take those backward or repeat steps when required, and you'll be far more happy with the results. I really like this Build, keep the updates flowing! 8)
Cheers,
Lance
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Bob you have make an outatanding work.
Martin
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Beautiful, realy beautiful!!! :o
Servus
Bertl
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Thanks for the encouragement everyone. :D Progress has been slow lately for a variety of reasons, but partly because I have been struggling a bit to get the cowling molding right. This is the new basswood master along with the last pull and the master for the chin cowling:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7413_zps78f3610f.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7413_zps78f3610f.jpg.html)
Here is the progression of three pulls; the second and third are from the new master:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7412_zpsba3107ed.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7412_zpsba3107ed.jpg.html)
The second pull fit better, but after cleaning and trimming I found that it was too wide. I promptly broke out the sandpaper and narrowed the master accordingly, to produce the last pull:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7414_zps63e938d4.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7414_zps63e938d4.jpg.html)
As you can see, the last two pulls had some webbing at the corners. This might be because my plastic holder for the vacform is fairly thin and warps a bit when heating, resulting in the hot plastic maybe not drawing down evenly. I plan to correct this by making a sturdier holder from thicker wood this week, and trying some more pulls.
Here is the latest cowling sample in place. It's close, but not quite. I also need to narrow the slots for the cabanes, as the openings are far too wide:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7411_zps5692d5cd.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7411_zps5692d5cd.jpg.html)
So, the trial and error and tinkering continues. I'll get there soon! ;)
Regards,
Bob
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Looks fantastic, Bob! I think that once you get the cockpit cut out it will really look the part.
Cheers,
Bud
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Bob this is extremely nice to follow. I admire your craftmanship very much. Very good progress!
Kind regards
Patrick
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Each of those cowls looks pretty good to me Bob, the more I see of this Vac forming technique the more intrigued I become, looking forward to seeing more Bob.
Des.
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I see that you are having problems with moulds too. I use a simpler system but I too sometimes have to sand the male down or push another one because something is not quite right. Frustrating I know but it really is worth the time and effort in the end - because you really can say truthfully: "All my own work"!
Brilliant modelling - it is great to watch a master at work.
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Bob this was a very good update. Nice to follow your treat.
Martin
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thanks for the play by play. i really need to make me a vac machine ,very useful tool.
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thanks for the play by play. i really need to make me a vac machine ,very useful tool.
+1
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Hi folks! Not much progress lately, as my mother-in-law has taken over the modeling room until next week. I have managed to get a good pull for the top cowling, and one that may work for the chin cowling, although I will have to deal with some webbing:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7447_zps9e860006.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7447_zps9e860006.jpg.html)
With summer upon us, along with travel and vacations, it looks like this project will take me into the Fall. An appropriate way to spend the centenary year. I'll be back with more progress next month.
Regards,
Bob
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Those moulds look really good and the progress made so far is excellent. A pity that we will have to wait a bit for the completed model, but then all of the best things are well worth waiting for and this will be no exception.
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You make a great job Bob.
Martin
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Okay folks, now here's what I'm talking about, a top cowling that finally is trimmed and fits well, after three or four vac pulls:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7455_zps09b7b82a.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7455_zps09b7b82a.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7456_zps6d8b6d51.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7456_zps6d8b6d51.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7453_zpsdd1acdb6.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7453_zpsdd1acdb6.jpg.html)
The engine is now in place. The prop shaft will be trimmed to appropriate length later. Once the top and chin cowls are in place, I have some detailing to do on the joint and prop hub. The sides are next, and then on to the wings! ;D
Regards,
Bob
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In your previous posts I really failed to see what was bothering you 8) Now I know what it is to have a vision of what things should look like!
RAGIII
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Excellent work with the cowlings Bob, the extra effort was well worth it. looking forward to seeing the wings go on.
Des.
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really looks great bob.
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The cowling looks fantastic, Bob! That was a major step.
Cheers,
Bud
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Well done, Bob! It was certainly worth all the effort and ingenuity you put into it.
Best wishes
Nigel
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Nice job on the cowling parts !
Terri
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Excellent work, Sir!
A great project, too!
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Working your magic with this one, Bob!
Excellent skills and perseverance ;)
More!!!
vB
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Really good modelling with that cowling. Moulding is a tricky process at the best of times, however it is done. You have done a tremendously good job there. Looking forward to seeing more of this construction.
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Hello Bob,
breathtaking. I admire those who are able to create this. A fascinating and surreal.
Cheers,
Vladimir
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Thanks for your kind comments everyone! I have made some progress in the last two weeks. The Cowlings are now in place, along with the aft portion of the fuselage sides:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7471_zps3c093ddc.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7471_zps3c093ddc.jpg.html)
The fuselage covering is ten thou sheet styrene, which will also be used for the metal side panels on the forward fuselage. These will take a bit more work, as access panels and rivets (resin decals from Archer) must be added.
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7472_zps1f492913.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7472_zps1f492913.jpg.html)
The cowling looks a bit sloppy now with the putty filler showing, but I think it will be fine once the metallic paint is applied, I hope. ::) Note that the engine cylinders do not protrude slightly below the chin cowling as shown on my plans. This was probably the result of mounting the engine slightly too high on the firewall and cutting the arc of the cowl opening slightly too low. Ahhh, close enough. These early machines were hand built in small batches of one or two, so parts and details varied between aircraft (this is actually true in the case of the Tabloid). That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it! ;D
I also neglected (forgot) to drill out cooling ports in the front top cowling. Photos show that early models did not have these, others had varied size, number and location of ports, and there are no photos of No. 168 (she was left somewhere in Belgium after the Dusseldorf raid when Lt. Marix could not nurse his shot-up machine any further, and was never recovered as Marix made it back to Antwerp by train and lorry just in time to catch the last ship out with his withdrawing squadron). However, the reproduction of No. 168 at Hendon has small ovoid horizontal ports on the top front cowling. I have not yet decided whether to add these. It would have been much easier to do before affixing the cowling. I would hate to balls up the cowling now if I make a mistake! :o Since this model is just a "look and feel" representation rather than a precise replica, I may just leave well enough alone. We'll see.
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7469_zpsa98c9b7d.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7469_zpsa98c9b7d.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7468_zps7b802120.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7468_zps7b802120.jpg.html)
I still have some details to add to the cowling joint. After the front metal sides are in place, it's back to completing the wings! ;D
Regards,
Bob
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Amazing work, Bob. It is such a treat following a build of
someone with so much talent. Looking forward to the
next updates.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Stunning work Bob.
Martin
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Looking better with every update Bob. Those forward side panels with the details as you mention should really pull this one together. Great work and the results are showing it!
Cheers,
Lance
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Your skillful work is paying off, Bob ;)
Keep up the great work.
VB
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Extraordinary work, Bob! A true masterpiece in the works here.
Cheers,
Bud
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Wonderful workmanship and truly great modelling. As you write, these machines were hand built and varied like the days of the week so small variations in detail probably do not matter too much and if no photos exist who can be sure? In any event if someone knows better let them make a better model than you. I defy them to!!!
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Extraordinary work, Bob! A true masterpiece in the works here.
I couldn't put it any better Bob, so I'll jump in and repeat Bud's comments!
Cheers,
Chris
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Extraordinary work, Bob! A true masterpiece in the works here.
Cheers,
Bud
I must agree with my Amigo! Just continuing to be both inspirational and amazing at the same time!
RAGIII
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Just caught up on this one. Fantastic work, as stated by everyone else! That extra time spent getting the cowlings right has certainly paid off. Have you thought about using an empty beer can (or similar) for the metal forward panels - saves painting the aluminium inside, and it's very easy to work with, especially if you're making pretty much flat panels....
Ian
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Truly remarkable craftsmanship so far !
Terri
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hell yeah, great update.
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Hi folks! Thanks for the kind comments. This is a mini-update, primarily to show how resin rivet decals can be easily used to supply rivets where needed. Here is the first forward fuselage side frame with the rivets applied, along with the small access hatch cover I made from .005 sheet styrene:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7476_zps45a6db9c.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7476_zps45a6db9c.jpg.html)
Sorry for the fuzzy photo, but you get the idea. After adding the access hatches I primed the sides with Vallejo gray primer then glossed them with Future for the rivet decals application. I then cut a strip of rivets from the Archer sheet and applied them where indicated in plans and photos. The long straight sections can be carefully applied in one decal strip. Going around the curved front part required groups of two or three rivets at a time, a bit tedious but not too bad. I like the effect, and it's quite easy.
Ian, I considered used real metal for the panels, but opted for sheet styrene because I'm comfortable woring it, it will glue nicely to the fuselage frame, and I know the rivet decals will adhere to it. In addition, I have to paint the vac cowlings a metallic paint anyway. Nice thought though. Also, I will be gluing the plastic wings to these sides, so plastic to plastic might work better. Speaking of which, I forgot to locate and mask off the wing profile on the sides before painting, so I have to scrape off the paint there so the glue will work when the wings are attached (the small holes in the panel are for the wing root locating brass pins, but they are just for positioning, not attachment strength).
That's all for now. Just wanted to pass on the rivet decal option. I'll complete the other side panel and then think about painting the fuselage. ;D The wings are next, waiting in the, er, . . . wings. :o
Cheers,
Bob
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Excellent workmanship on the Archer rivets Bob. Looking forward to seeing what magic you'll do with the wings!
Cheers,
Chris
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That's a "nice touch" with the rivets, Bob. This is going to be an exceptional model when complete.
Cheers,
Lance
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Those rivets look pretty good! Sounds as though plastic is definitely the best bet in this situation.
Ian
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Those rivets are very convincing. This is going to be a super model when it is finished - really looking forward to see how you make the wings.
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Bob, just read thru, and am amazed at how easy you are making this look. I may have missed it, but will this go on floats?
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Very nicely done with the rivets Bob, I have used the Archer rivets in the past and found them to be a good product. Looking forward to seeing how the panel will look on the aircraft.
Des.
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Nicely done! The archer products seem great. I am hoping to have some of the stitching in route soon.
RAGIII
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Hi Bob,
I just stumbled on your build. Exquisite work. I very much like the clean and controlled approach. Thanks for sharing.
Greetings,
Dagmar
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Thanks everyone for your kind comments. I have been away a good deal over the last six weeks, and am off this evening to the IPMS USA national in Virginia, but I'll be back at the workbench soon and have some updated photos. The fuselage is all covered now and essentially finished. I am currently working on adding ribs to the wings. More soon!
Cheers,
Bob
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Thanks Bob, I look forward to seeing your next lot of updated photos.
Des.
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Thanks for all of your support and gracious comments.
Mike, this Tabloid will be the one Lt. Marix flew on the Zepplin shed raid to Dusseldorf, so no floats.
I have been working a bit lately, and here are the pics:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7489_zpsdb38d2dd.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7489_zpsdb38d2dd.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7492_zps88bba1ca.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7492_zps88bba1ca.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7493_zps0cd4acf0.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7493_zps0cd4acf0.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7494_zps3edf49e3.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7494_zps3edf49e3.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7495_zps052f1cf1.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7495_zps052f1cf1.jpg.html)
The wheel struts are made from Evergreen styrene strip. They are taped to a homemade styrene jig to establish the proper fit of the undercarriage to the fuselage. The wheels will be Tom's Model Works Nie. 17 wheels, which look right and are the correct size.
The wings have been wet sanded and coated with Mr. Surfacer 1000 from the rattle can. I just received my 1mm vinyl strippers from BvB, and will start to apply the ribs soon. They will then be sealed with auto primer before CDL final finish.
The fuselage is ready for painting whenever I get to it. I think things will progress more quickly now. :D
Regards,
Bob
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You are making excellent progress Bob, what you have done so far is brilliant. One question, the small brackets you made and fitted to your undercarriage frame (circles on the photo), could you tell me how you made them please.
Des.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aW1BxZbWlKE/U_VSVtm4MRI/AAAAAAAAOK0/W4crhwCDcHs/s1024/Tabloid%2520undercart.jpg)
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Great to see this terrific project moving along. Super work Bob.
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Very nice to see you back at this unique Build, Bob. You are doing outstanding work on a true one of a kind project, and it's a pleasure and a learning experience to follow along!
Cheers,
Lance
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Thanks Bo and Des! That's high praise coming from two masters of the craft. ;D
Des, for those brackets I followed your lead from the Bataille and used 5 thou sheet styrene (.13 mm), with the holes punched with a Waldron tap and die set. They were then cut to shape, bent as necessary and glued in place. I am happy with the appearance, and I am sure they will look better after painting.
Regards,
Bob
.
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Thanks for the reply Bob, I had a feeling that you used the styrene sheet method but thought I had better check just in case you had come up with a new idea. I'm looking forward to seeing the next set of progress photos, this is turning into a real gem.
Des.
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Des, I rely on you and Bo for new techniques! ;)
Cheers,
Bob
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Extraordinary work, Bob. Really looking forward to seeing her under some paint.
Cheers,
Bud
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A really interesting update, Bob. I admire you scratch builders and enjoy
following this build. Well done!
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Hi Bob,
I'm pleased those naughty little 'Strippers' made it across the pond in one strip! ;D
Your magic is crafting a super little Tabloid, Bob! Great stuff!!
Cheers, BvB
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The amazing build continues. First class work which I am really enjoying following. Thanks for the latest update.
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Great to see more progress on this, Sir!
Very much like that 'sheet jig' idea, and may pirate it at some point in future....
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looks great bob, i like tabloids, they are an important and unique aircaft.
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This Tabloid scratch build of yours is most impressive, Bob. This one is truly showcasing your technical acumen and already looks marvelous. Did you vacuform the upper cowling? The contours look perfect.
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I'm going to have try the jig for the under carriage . What method did you use for the wings ?
Terri
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Thanks folks!
I borrowed the undercarriage jig idea from Rick or Lance or someone here. It's particularly helpful whenever the undercarriage does not have pre-made fitting holes in the fuselage. :o
Vickers: Yes, the upper cowling is vacuformed, along with the chin cowling (see earlier pages of this log for details). It was a bit of a struggle, as the first basswood master did not produce a shape and fit I was happy with, so I made a second master and fiddled with it until I got an acceptable shape and fit over the styrene stringer fuselage frame. It took about a half dozen pulls to get it right. I am happy with the way it turned out. The "fabric" portions of the fuselage are 10 thou styrene sheet over the styrene stringer frame with bulkheads. I adapted techniques Des used in his Taube scratch build log. Lots to be learned there! :D
Terri: I borrowed the wing technique from Des, as described in his Bataille build log. Two 1mm pieces of sheet styrene were cut in the shape of the wing then glued together in a lamination and immediately taped to a cylinder of appropriate camber/arc. Des used an aerosol can, I used the wing bending jig I made for my Lloyd C.V scratch build, which jig I also borrowed from Des as described in his Voisin build log. Allow the glue to cure overnight, and the airfoil shape will be permanent. As you can tell by now, I owe much to Des for all of these techniques. Thanks Des!
I am currently applying Von Buckles's 1mm vinyl strippers to the primed wings to make the ribs (yet another technique borrowed from Des in his Bleriot build log!). I'm really just a copycat! ;)
I will post more pix soon. :D
Regards,
Bob
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Copycat or not Rob you are a master modeller and no mistake.
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Thanks LM. :) Here are some pics of the strippers being applied to the wings:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7498_zps39ca2185.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7498_zps39ca2185.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7499_zps96f6210e.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7499_zps96f6210e.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7500_zps1891f10f.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7500_zps1891f10f.jpg.html)
Once the strippers are all in place, I will use a few coats of auto primer to firmly affix them in place and fill in the edges. I think this will look very much like the photos of the Hendon reproduction Tabloid. CDL color will go over that. More soon.
Regards,
Bob
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More superb modelling in action……...
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Hello Bob,
Your build continous to amaze me. Wonderful work on the rivets. I am so full of admiration for your craftmanship as for all the scratch builders. This is a category apart which is given only to the best!
Kind regards
Patrick
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Thanks Patrick and LM! Here is a mini-update. I have painted the fuselage, but it still needs some weathering. Most of the period photos in the data file do not show any bulkhead or longeron shading on the fuselage, but I may add some hints with chalks and a template. Here is the fuselage:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7501_zps13329c88.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7501_zps13329c88.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7502_zps58d49a25.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7502_zps58d49a25.jpg.html)
The CDL is Model Master Acryl Radome Tan, and the metal cowling is Mr. Metal Aluminum.
I am currently working on painting the wings. More this weekend perhaps. I'll finally be home! ;)
Regards,
Bob
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a looks like a tabloid to me. i built the special hobby kit and the detail on your scratch build looks better than what is available on the comercially available kit. i would be proud if i had accomplished the same.
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Wow Bob, this is looking great. I wish Wingnuts would do this one.
Sean
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Amazing build, Bob!
Mark G
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Your Tabloid is looking Super! Beautiful work!!
RAGIII
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Everything is so clean and exact. Simply stunning in its execution Bob.
Cheers,
Chris
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Mighty fine work, Bob!
Keep those updates rollin'
Cheers,
VB
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Thanks everyone!
Everything is so clean and exact. Simply stunning in its execution Bob.
Chris, I suspect scratchbuilding is much like the old adage about sausage-making--you really don't want to see every step in the process! ;) I'm glad that she looks good in her robe of paint at this point, but the process was a bit ugly midstream. All's well that ends well, though! :D
I will spend the next few days shading the wings, then I must locate and drill the strut holes at test fit everything (one of the cabanes ended up a bit short--or three of them are a bit long, depending upon your perspective, so I will have to deal with that). Once I have everything aligned with the help of jigs, I will fabricate the wing struts, then drill all of the holes for the rigging. I will also have to finish off the tailplanes and undercarriage. I think I will add a modified bomb rack under the cockpit along with the pair of 20 pound Hale bombs No. 168 carried on the raid, since I have those in one of the Fee kits. Hmmm . . . England's first tactical bomber. I like that!
Perhaps I will have her done near the centenary of the Dusseldorf raid in early October. ;D
Regards,
Bob
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Modelling by an expert and no mistake. Whatever the problems you had midway, they do not show now. Excellent and I am looking forward to more.
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Hello to all,
Very beautiful work, I like it. I'll follow this construction. ;)
Best regards.
Alain.
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Here is a brief update. The top surface of the wings has been shaded subtly with chalk powder:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7503_zps59b36125.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7503_zps59b36125.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7504_zps653cdc9a.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7504_zps653cdc9a.jpg.html)
I will seal these with Future then use chalks or pencils for spar and rib shading on the lower surfaces.
These may be the last photos for a bit, as SWMBO has managed to lose the battery charger for the camera, and the power level indicator is now in the red zone. :o I have ordered a replacement, but it will take a few days to get here. I'm taking personal custody of this one! ;)
Regards,
Bob
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Hi Bob,
Did you employ the 'Stripper' method with those lovely wings?
They look great!
Cheers,
Vb
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Thanks VB, those are your lovely strippers under auto primer and paint. :D. They were easy to use and I am very happy with the appearance of the wings.
Cheers,
Bob
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As you wrote Bob, it's a nice subtle effect you've got there.
Cheers,
Chris
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This is looking really great, Sir!
Quite a treat.
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Outstanding work on the wings and ribs. The painting is excellent!
RAGIII
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The wings look fabulous Bob, you have done a superb job with the ribs and the shading.
Des.
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Thanks Chris, OM, Rick and Des! Your support keeps me going. :D
Here is the state of the bits this morning:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7527_zps2b2f3393.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7527_zps2b2f3393.jpg.html)
This photo is deceptive in that it appears that I have only to assemble the main components and she's done! :) Not quite so fast. I am presently fabricating all of the little details and fittings such as the elevator and rudder control horns, etc., which need to be done while the component parts are still loose. Frankly, at this stage much of the game involves reviewing plans, drawings and photos to make sure I have not overlooked too many of these details. ;)
Here are the tailplanes. I still have to add representations of the hinges for the elevator and rudder:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7528_zps91ecca9b.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7528_zps91ecca9b.jpg.html)
Hmmm. The photo reminds me that I have to make the "168" decal for the rudder some time soon. ;D It's the only marking on the aircraft. Easy paint scheme! ;)
Here is the cockpit opening with combing added:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7529_zps0218c835.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7529_zps0218c835.jpg.html)
I used soft plastic tubing from the LHS for this, and struggled a bit with application. I first tried slicing the tube lengthwise with a #11 blade to fit the opened tube over the edge of the cowling cockpit opening. This proved impossible due to my large fingers, the compound curves of the opening edge and the elastic tendency of the slit tubing to close up. I tried using tweezers to hold the tubing open, but to no avail. I finally taped the tubing to my bench in the shape of the opening for about five days to fix the shape. That helped, but I was still only able to slip the front part before the first big curve onto the cowling edge and CA in place. The rest is just glued to the edge with CA. I think it looks passable, but what a struggle! :o Des, how do you do this?
The wings still need to have the strut fittings located and drilled for pins:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7530_zps18adecfb.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7530_zps18adecfb.jpg.html)
Finally, I have been working on detailing the landing gear. The axle has been added, and the wheels are in process. There is some additional hardware I need to add around the axle attachments including a radius flange and fittings for the bungees.
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7531_zps83550282.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7531_zps83550282.jpg.html)
I will be away this weekend, but home next weekend. I hope to have the jig out and assembly beginning by then. I'll add the bomb rack and two Hale 20 lb. bombs after basic assembly.
Thanks for looking in. I can see the light at the end of the build tunnel! ;D
Regards,
Bob
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Bob,
It's coming together very nicely now, the overall "cleanliness" is most impressive for a Scratch Built. The "jigged up" landing gear assembly is brilliant, gives you accuracy in all axis' and will save you a lot of heartache later. One of a kind and lovely work!
Cheers,
Lance
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Excellent update! The ribs and detail on the wings and tail look awesome! As for that tubing I remember trying that a ccouple of times and never got it to work. I don't know how Des manages, and others?
RAGIII
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Bob,
I bow down in your general direction :) You scratcher boys are a breed apart from this mere mortal. Excellent work!
The photo reminds me that I have to make the "168" decal for the rudder some time soon. ;D
Send me the file with the number "168" and I will see if I can cut a mask for you.
Keep up the great work.
VB
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Another wonderful demonstration of your skills. I really admire your persistence with the the cockpit coaming - items like that take a very good model into the exceptional class. This is most definitely in the latter category.
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Hello Bob,
Your work is such an amazing demonstration of your craftmanship. Scratch building is only for the best, but this build is really the top. Outstanding in neatness, patience, accuracy and research. My hat off for what you accomplish Bob!
Kind regards
Patrick
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Thanks everyone! I've been working on details and thinking through the rest of this project, and I am very close to assembly. The only parts remaining to be fabricated are the tailplane struts. I have rendered the cowling vents and gas and oil filler openings, along with the wood bulkhead end which divides the upper cowling. Here she is with the bottom wings fitted but not yet affixed:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7538_zps14faa3fe.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7538_zps14faa3fe.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7536_zps4c831c74.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7536_zps4c831c74.jpg.html)
. . . and with the top wing just set in place for fun ;D:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7535_zps9ff628bd.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7535_zps9ff628bd.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7533_zpsd96e0907.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7533_zpsd96e0907.jpg.html)
All of the "wood" parts (undercarriage, tailskid, prop and interplane struts) are colored with oil over dark yellow Tamiya acrylic, and are presently in the drying box. I will drill all of the rigging attachment points on the wings and fuselage and add Bob's Buckles eyelets, and then glue on the bottom wings tomorrow. The finish line is in sight. Two more weeks or so. ;)
Regards,
Bob
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It's always very tempting to sit the top wing on just for looks, and yours certainly looks great. You are doing a spectacular job with this build and I am looking forward to seeing all the wood bits fitted.
Des.
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very nice, i always look forward to updates on these projects.
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This has been one of my favourite builds, Bob and a master class for me. It is all coming together so beautifully and I'm very much looking forward to the next stages.
Best wishes
Nigel
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Beautiful work, Bob :)
Keep going!
vB
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This has been an outstanding piece of scratch building. It looks to be the standard of WNW but is all home made - a real tribute to your skill. I am waiting with anticipation to see it completed.
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Truly enjoyable so far !
For the combing , have you tried using the covering from striped wire ? Works well in 48 scale .
Terri
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A wonderful work Bob.
Martin
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Truly beautiful! I've been following and lurking but now it's high time to say "Excellent! Well Done!!!"
Really a model to be proud of...and not often modeled!
Dan
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Beautiful Model and really looks great with the wing resting in place!
RAGIII
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Crisp, clean and so inspiring. Fantastic modelling, Bob.
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Excellent job, Bob. I have to hand it to you talented scratch-building modellers!
I am looking forward to the next updates.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Now that is starting to look like an aeroplane, Sir!
Excellent work.
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Thanks for the support everyone! You keep me going when it seems challenging.
For the combing , have you tried using the covering from striped wire ? Works well in 48 scale .
Thanks for the tip Terri! I will give that a try.
There has been progress this week, although it doesn't necessarily show in outward appearance. The wood toned parts are now complete, although I still have to drill and add the rigging points and eyelets to the undercarriage. Much time this week was spent on drilling and attaching the rigging eyelets in the fuselage and wings, a somewhat laborious process that doesn't much change the appearance of the model.
Here is the undercarriage with the fittings painted:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7541_zpsa2f0d032.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7541_zpsa2f0d032.jpg.html)
The struts are a bit overscale in thickness, but I needed the extra size for strength and rigidity, and I think it looks the part anyway. Here is a closeup of the axle/bungee area:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7542_zps3dabb98d.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7542_zps3dabb98d.jpg.html)
The fittings holding the bungees in place are plastic strip and brass rod. I made the bungees by wrapping thread around two finishing nails appropriately spaced on a scrap piece of basswood, tied up the bungee bundles as shown in period detail drawngs of the axle area, then threaded the brass rod through each end of the bungee bundle and the drilled out fittings.
I always have a difficult time with getting the interplane struts the correct length, since often my models bear only a passing resemblance to the plans! :o Actually, it's not that bad, but minor dimensional variance does tend to creep in at various points, and getting interplane strut length to match up with the cabanes is always a bit of a struggle for me. This time I was smart and borrowed a trick I saw someone use here: I made a test template for the interplane struts by gluing extra plan copies of the side profile showing the interplane struts to index card stock and cutting out the strut area. This template was then taped to the bottom wing at the correct location and then the top wing was fitted on to the cabane attachment points (brass pins in the cabanes). It looks like this:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7540_zpsdeff3616.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7540_zpsdeff3616.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7543_zps46f30522.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7543_zps46f30522.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7544_zpsab4b95b6.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7544_zpsab4b95b6.jpg.html)
Based on this fitting, I determined that the rear strut on one side was too high, and I trimmed the tremplate to properly match the undersurface curve of the top wing. Once I got everthing to align well, the templates then served as a measure to trim the struts to proper length. At least that's the theory. We'll see if it works as soon as I get the rigging installed in areas where it will be easier to do before the top wing is mounted, by tomorrow I hope. :D
Getting close now! ;D Maybe I'll actually get this done in time to finish the D.VII Group Build!
Cheers,
Bob
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Excellent work on the undercarriage Bob, the wood colour and the brackets look very convincing. Making the templates for your wing struts will prove very useful, well done.
Des.
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Hello to all,
It's looks terribly realistic. Wahou !! Great work ! Congratulations.
Best regards.
Alain.
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quite a nice update, moving right along eh?
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Beautiful skids! The wing alignment jig looks simple but effective.
RAGIII
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Thank you all for your kind comments.
I wanted to post a progress report today, as it is the centenary of the Dusseldorf Raid. On October 8, 1914, Lt. Reggie Marix flew Tabloid 168 from his base near Antwerp, Belgium, to Dusseldorf and successfully dropped a 20 lb. Hales bomb on the Zeppelin shed at Lohausen, destroying Zeppelin Z.XI inside, in one of the first long distance bombing raids in aviation history.
Although I was unable to complete this build in time for this milestone, I have managed to get the major airframe components assembled, save the undercarriage, and to complete the interplane rigging. Here she is, looking more like Tabloid No. 168 on this auspicious anniversary:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7552_zpsa39f76cd.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7552_zpsa39f76cd.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7549_zps8ae3ac5b.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7549_zps8ae3ac5b.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7546_zpsb334641b.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7546_zpsb334641b.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7545_zps70e65f24.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7545_zps70e65f24.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7553_zps7e8f7bb2.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7553_zps7e8f7bb2.jpg.html)
One of the things I love about the Tabloid is the clean basic design and elegant lines of the airframe, along with the unadorned CDL finish. Simple and basic aviation beauty! ;)
The top wing installation went rather painlessly, and the rigging was also fairly simple because of the limited amount, even with double wires, and the ample space between the wings. I managed to knock of the tail skid while installing the tailplanes, so I will have to fix that. The only things left, other than the footstep and bombs, is installation and rigging of the undercarriage and rigging the rudder and elevator. Almost there, 100 years later! ;D
Cheers,
Bob
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Your Tabloid is looking fantastic Bob, it really is a beautiful looking aeroplane. You did a superb job with the top wing placement and the rigging, not far to go now before she will be up on her feet.
Des.
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Hello to all,
I agree with Des. I liket it !!
Best regards.
Alain.
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Bob,
What a beauty! ;)
You must be one proud modeller.
I look forward to seeing her complete.
VB :)
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Your Tabloid is OUTSTANDING! I also appreciate the History. You came very close to making it for the 100th anniversary!
RAGIII
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Beautiful work Bob, and a tribute to your talents. You've created a masterpiece here, and I'm looking forward to seeing her on her feet and completed.
Cheers,
Lance
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A fantastic work Bob.
Martin
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I have been away recently so only just caught up. Another amazing early type - that is a model to be truly proud of. The bungees just look so realistic and the idea for the struts is an excellent one. Thanks for sharing with us.
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Hi Bob
This is one of those builds where I feel that I'm learning so much. Thank you for sharing it all with us.
Best wishes
Nigel
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Very nice, Bob! The rigging looks great. Beautiful model, nearing
completion.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Thanks to all of you for your support. :D
The elevator and rudder are now fully rigged with control wires. I used EZ-Line for this, as it puts less pressure on the delicate control horns and is easier to get taught without misshaping near the attacment points on these short runs. The interplane rigging is all monofilament with Bob's Buckles for strength and support, particularly for the bottom wings.
The undercarriage is partially rigged and now cemented in place with CA on the brass pins and epoxy applied carefully with a dental tool to fill gaps. I used mono to rig the lateral and rear rigging, and EZ-Line for the front cross rigging, since I was not worried about strength, but was concerned about puling the "horns" of the landing skids inward, since there is no lateral support member forward of the axle on this undercarriage, and lateral pressure from rigging lines forward of the axle could tow in (or out) the skids. I will be using EZ-Line for the wires running from the forward outside edge of the skids to the bottom of the lower wing, for the same reason.
I expect to have the undercarrige rigging completed tomorrow night, and will post some pics then. Only thing after that is the footstep and the bomb rack and Hales bombs, liberated from a WNW Fee kit. ;D Speaking of which, I need your help with one point on which I am unsure.
The Fee kits (and perhaps others) indicate a bomb release cable running from the cockpit OUTSIDE the fuselage and underneath to the rack. I suspect this was the case with the Tabloid, since it was jury-rigged for bombing missions. However, it is certainly possible that mechanics could have run the cable from the cockpit through the bottom of the fuselage covering to the rack, a much shorter run ( and one which would look much better for display of the model, IMO). Does anyone have any information or thoughts on this issue? Since I have no information on this, I may end up just doing what I want. ;)
Regards,
Bob
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She is now on her feet, and only the footstep, bombs and rack need to be added. Here are some final workbench shots:
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7554_zps19c9dbf2.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7554_zps19c9dbf2.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7556_zps60106676.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7556_zps60106676.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7557_zpsc201997e.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7557_zpsc201997e.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7560_zps6ae91679.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7560_zps6ae91679.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7563_zps5b33d5a5.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7563_zps5b33d5a5.jpg.html)
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a632/rhallinger/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7565_zpsb5ca08c8.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/rhallinger/media/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20HOME-PC/IMG_7565_zpsb5ca08c8.jpg.html)
I am very pleased with how this one turned out, although it took eight months. ::) I will add the bombs and footstep and post more pictures over in Completed Models later in the week, assuming the wings don't fall off before then. ;) Thanks to all of you who have followed along and been so supportive. On to the D.VII Group Build! ;D
Regards,
Bob
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Congratulations Bob, she is absolutely stunning, you should be very proud of your achievement. I look forward to seeing your last series of photos.
Des.
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Very impressive Bob. You are so near to completing what has been a fascinating project.
Best wishes
Nigel
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What Des said +1
Beautiful work, Bob :)
vB
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Magnificent work!
RAGIII
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Superb craftsmanship Bob. Simply superb! She's a real beauty.
Cheers,
Chris
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Hi Bob,
Jaw dropping build. Respect!
Dagmar