forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Vacform Kits => Topic started by: NinetythirdLiberator on April 29, 2013, 11:15:38 AM
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Or as I like to say...
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/Mordor_zps4c22efdc.jpg)
Decent into Mordor... :o
Gregory sent this along with a Tom's Model Works 48th Albatros as well! Thanks so much, Gregory! I was glad to get it and it really isn't as horrible as I'm suggesting. Just playing around. Here are the major pieces next to the WNW parts for comparison.
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/DSCN4714_zpsee7736fd.jpg)
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/DSCN4715_zpsf5169c32.jpg)
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/DSCN4716_zps22d8d5ca.jpg)
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/DSCN4717_zps94e1d5d6.jpg)
There are some shape issues and the ribbing is a bit fierce. But the challenge will be to get to up to speed and see if we can tell it apart from the WNW example. Mordor is appropriate too since there's a link to WNW and Peter Jackson ::)
Wish me luck on this latest vac adventure...
Cheers,
Dan
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You are a better man than me! I am looking forward to what you do with this one! I threw my copy of that vac away a long time ago :-X
RAGIII
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Yipes! Go Dan go!
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OMG, Dan! (I never thought I'd live to see the day when I would type "OMG". See what you did, Dan?) I had never seen this kit. Only read about it many years ago in WS. This is going to be a fun build to watch. I'm rootin' for ya, buddy.
Cheers,
Bud
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Dan,
I knew I'd sent the kit to a good home my old friend. No it's not even close to WNW quality but in talented hands the ol'vac can build up into a real stunner. You've certainly the talent as well as the needed skil and craftsmanship to do just that. I'm very looking forward to following this thread to watch the vac-magic unfold.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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There can only be one, my precious! ;D
Good luck!
VB
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A bit more on Precious last night... ::)
I did saw off the fin/rudder since it needs to be reshaped a bit. It's too sloping and thick anyway. I didn't show it, but I also put the stabilizer together and cut off the elevator. It looks like things will be ok there.
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/DSCN4719_zps0e68822a.jpg)
The main work now is putting the fuselage on a diet and trying to reshape the rear taper to the tail when you look at it from top or bottom. The side profile (except for the cockpit opening) looks pretty good!
So in the pictures, I hope you can see a before and after and the fuselage getting a bit skinnier. Still more work to go but it's getting there ;)
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/DSCN4718_zps2582893e.jpg)
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/DSCN4720_zpsec128ac7.jpg)
Thanks for checking it all out. I'm just taking it one little piece at a time. Who knows how it will end up???
Dan The Vac Man
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Dan,
You Da Man Doctor Vac!!
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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Great start! Your work on thinning the fuselage is evident in the photo!
RAGIII
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Looking at your comparison photos, I think I would prefer the trip to Mordor than what you are attempting. I've never seen an active volcano in person or an orc for that matter, it would be... educational.
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I'm just glad to discover there is someone crazier than me here ;D
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You'll all be laughing when it sits next to a lovely WNW and the judges can't tell the difference!! ::)
This will be just as educational as seeing an orc or a volcano...but perhaps less dangerous. Or maybe not.
Stay tuned for more entertainment. I have to make a trip to the auto parts store for some bondo soon! ;D
Dan
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A bit more done on Precious...
Since the cockpit opening is too large (it goes too far down the fuselage sides and too far forward), I simply cut out the offending area along wood panel lines and will fill it in later with the correct sized opening. Not too tough and it will really make things look much better.
I also opened up the area over the guns and engine. Just for fun, I stuck in the WNW engine to see how things will look.
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/DSCN4722_zpsb20fe619.jpg)
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/DSCN4723_zpsdaea3da2.jpg)
I have to say, with an engine in there, it's starting to look legitimate! I'll keep plugging a way a bit at a time. I think I'll start with the interior now since placing those pieces in will start keying the correct location for everything else and make me feel like I'm making headway... ::)
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/DSCN4721_zps40410ef3.jpg)
Cheers to all,
Dan
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I suggest you cut a few more panels from the top and replace with WnW parts. Once dry, cut away the remaining lower panels and do likewise 8)
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I suggest you cut a few more panels from the top and replace with WnW parts. Once dry, cut away the remaining lower panels and do likewise 8)
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Hey, I may agree but I am really intrigued to see the results of this one!
RAGIII
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Oh, you guys!! ::)
The whole goal is to keep as much of the original plastic as possible. I don't hope it gets as far as replacing ALL the panels!
This is all very intriguing to say the least. Stay buckled in and we'll get through this...somehow... ;D
Dan
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Dan (AKA Dr. Vac),
The Ol'Girl is looking more and more the part my old friend. Keep the outstanding progress.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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Dr. Vac,
You're a hero. Trying to build this kit, when there is a WNW kit available (which I presume is a little bit more detailed and has a sligtly better fit ;) )
I'm waiting to see what you are going to achieve. And yes, perhaps no jury will see the difference!
regards,
Ivo
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All,
A tiny bit more on the Albatros. I started putting little bits of interior in so I can register where things will go. Things are not perfect, but the overall effect will be pleasing. Tomorrow I'll work on getting a seat made and start painting the interior you see here. Then it's the control column, the switches on the right side and rudder bar.
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/DSCN4724_zps98f6c7e3.jpg)
All in good fun! ::)
Thanks for looking,
Dan
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Hi Guys and Gals,
I was looking around on the internet and found a great site that has tons of old balsa wood model plans to download. I still build lots of free flight stuff and I found this from an old Guillow's kit:
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/guillow_zps510b5325.jpg)
If you look at the 3-view and the fuselage contour with the rudder/fin...it looks just like my I.D. Albatros before surgery. Just an interesting observation. I wonder if they all got their info from the same source?
Just fascinating to me...Cheers,
Dan
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Or maybe I.D. used the Guillow's plans as the source? :o
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Dan,
How about sharing the site? I've been doing much the same thing lately looking for Pre-War aircraft drawings. I'll come across some very interesting designs too. In the mean time I'm looking forward to seeing more of your ID Albatros project.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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Hi Gregory,
Here she is: http://www.outerzone.co.uk/index.asp
Just search in the little box. I used "guillow" and "sterling" and "comet"...lots to look at. Maybe have to make some sawdust soon!
I'll be working more on the Alby tonight.
Cheers,
Dan
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Tiny Update... :)
I have started placing some more interior bits like tach, machine gun mounts, flow panel on the right side and taped on the new and improved cockpit opening. This makes the whole shooting-match look much better and more like an Albatros!
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/DSCN4726_zps36980be5.jpg)
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/DSCN4725_zps3f19181c.jpg)
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/DSCN4727_zpsc5b257f6.jpg)
I hope to start painting the interior a bit tonight and also begin making the seat, floor and control column. We'll see....
Thanks for looking at Precious,
Dan
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Dan,
Awesome improvements to date my old friend. Looking forward to the interior paint work.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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my current favorite build log on the site.
I should have extra WNW PE spandau MG jackets if they are of use?
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Thanks, Guys...it's going quite well, I must say. Not the fidelity of WNW but fun all the same. I think it will stand up well!
Thanks, Bo...I am just going to use those plastic guns from my WNW and save the jackets for that lovely machine. I think the plastic is fine for this old beast.
Maybe the I.D. will turn out SO WELL that I'll need to have a way to tell them apart. That's where the plastic guns will help. ;) ;)
More tonight....Dan
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Really coming along nicely, Dan. Already, she's shaping up to be a lovely model.
Cheers,
Bud
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Fellow Crazies:
A bit more done on the old girl. I still have to add my compass, Bosch generator on the left and a couple other do-dads. The next painful thing will be fabricating the ammo holders. I guess I'll start by using the WNW as examples though I doubt they will fit exactly.
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/DSCN4731_zps53284a2a.jpg)
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/DSCN4729_zpsbca748e7.jpg)
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/DSCN4728_zpsd84f9687.jpg)
I also need to put a good face on my tach. My paint job is lame.
Thanks for looking...more tomorrow! ;D
Dan
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I admire your patience with this one. I can only say, that if I were you, I would forget this vacu and either concentrate on WNW kit or scratch build the whole model. The second option being much less probable... ;)
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Your work on this kit that I threw away continues to amaze and inspire me. If I can eventually bring that 1/24th kit even close to this I will be a happy Modeler!
RAGIII
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Dan,
Outstanding progress my old friend. Keep up the high standard of excellence.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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Hi All,
It's been a long time! Lots going on in life and work but I finally did a bit more work on this beast. I made part of the ammo containers so you can see them roughed in here. Not the greatest picture, but you get the idea.
I'll be able to work on it a bit more regularly now so hopefully more progress at a regular clip from now on.
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee260/smithdr/DSCN4900_zpsb46f4c1f.jpg)
Thanks for looking,
Dan
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Dan,
Long wait yes , but oh so worth the wait. Outstanding progress my old friend. Very much looking forward to seeing more of this Magnum Opus in the works.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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I must agree with Gregory, well worth the wait! Looking fantastic!!
RAGIII
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This is coming along beautifully Dan, what you have achieved so far is amazing and the results are stunning, well done and I look forward to further updates.
Des.
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Why such a terrible cucumber when You can get a WNW? :o
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Soren,
I believe I understand where you're coming from my friend. As a builder of countless vacuform kits over the years I can tell the main reason to build a kit of this type is the challenge and the enjoyment of completing the project. I would also pass on to you that they are not for everyone as they require you to do most if not all the work yourself. Certainly not everyone's cup of tea at all. But what fun they are. Try one of these vacuform kits sometime yourself and I'm certain you'll see why we Vac builders love these Vac kits so.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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I've built the old LaG-5 from Karo Ass several years ago. To my luck some parts like the prop or the landing gear were made of resin. Also I could convert a resin cockpit for a La-5FN. For several years I was one of the few modelers which had a LaG-5. But I would always prefer a injection kit if aviable
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@NinetythirdLiberator
Sorry that I've misused Your thread with a little bit off topic
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Soeren...no worries. This is a place for good discussions! I agree that the WNW is vastly superior, but I am enjoying the challenge and I enjoy scratch building. Next up is the engine! Oh, boy. The goal is to sit this guy next to the WNW version and make a direct comparison. We'll see what materilaizes. ::)
I just got an old Joy Stick vacform I want to start...too many things in the fire!
More soon and please keep looking and commenting.
Cheers,
Dan
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How are things progressing with this one Dan, I'm very interested to see the comparison between this kit and the WNW version.
Des.
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Dan, "to each his own" springs to mind. I really have to hand it to you for
tackling such a project. Best of luck, although by the looks of your progress,
you don't need much. Thanks for sharing the saga. ;) ;D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Hello Folks...the old Albi is still on the bench with intentions of starting her back up ASAP. Just lots of projects on the fire and life getting in the way. Among other things, a couple of WWII era vacs with complete interiors...slow progress.
I will start up again once some other projects are cleared off the bench. Engine is next!
Thanks for spurring me on.... ;)
Dan
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Thanks Dan for letting us know, I'm looking forward to seeing you get back into this one again.
Des.
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Nice work here Dan! 8)
You make it look fun. :)