forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Completed models => Topic started by: lone modeller on April 07, 2019, 07:24:30 AM
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Evening All,
Nearly 6 years ago I posted the first pictures of two of my models on this site: they were conversions from the Airfix D.H.4 to a Vickers F.B.5 and F.B.9 gunbus. I was a little apprehensive because I had only recently returned to modelling after a 30+ year break and wrote that I was not sure whether my models were "up to the mark" when compared with others that had already been posted. In the first response to my post Des wrote that: "They are two very impressive models" and that the forum "caters for all levels of modellers". Many others also wrote very positive comments which together with Des' comment encouraged me to continue converting kits and later scratch building. Normally I build models in 1/72 scale but last year I decided that I wanted to do something a little different and chose this subject and the scale that Des most favoured - 1/32. This is my first scratch build in this scale and my first attempt to show the structure of an aircraft - something which I think Des could have done very well indeed had he chosen to. Unfortunately I cannot enter this in the current GB to Des' memory so I am making it a personal tribute to him: it is through this forum which he created and you forumites that I have learned so much and gained in confidence - thank you Des, you were a truly inspirational modeller and a great person.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7814/33671623358_1e1aa70dd2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TirSwj)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7926/47495432282_5b0a6277a2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2fn1viu)
The model is based on the first Vickers FB 5 (Fighting Biplane no 5) "Gunbus" to land in France on February 2nd 1915. It was allocated to No 2 Squadron and flown by Lt. Chidson. On 10 February it was moved to 16 Squadron but on 28th of the month it was captured intact by the Germans and Lt. Chidson and his observer Lt. Sanders were made prisoner. It is known that the machine was test flown by the Germans for a time.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7822/33673716178_87f2304236_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TiCADq)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7901/33673715928_0feac62746_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TiCAz7)
The first orders for this variant of a series of gun carrying pusher biplanes which had been designed and built by Vickers were placed just after the outbreak of war in August 1914. They were to be armed with a Vickers machine gun, and 1621 was equipped with such a gun when it was captured. However the gun proved to be unwieldy in the air and was soon replaced with a Lewis. Single machines were sent to France in 1915 until the first squadron (no. 11), to be equipped with the type arrived in July of that year.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7917/33673716138_af0ba6a038_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TiCACJ)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7897/47497609352_44226ef286_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2fncEtb)
Most of these machines were used as escorts for Avro 504 and B.E.2c reconnaissance aircraft: it was found that unescorted Avro's and BE's were attacked, but if an escort was provided enemy pilots stayed away. However the type was too slow to be able to persue other enemy types and its ceiling was restricted to approximately 8000 feet which even then was rather low, so by early 1916 it had become outclassed and was being withdrawn to home squadrons where it was used for training.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7925/33673716058_56213f5965_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TiCABm)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7885/33673715198_1a2685c2b4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TiCAmw)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7826/33673715668_160bf0d059_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TiCAuC)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7836/33673715908_a603fc903a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TiCAyL)
For those who are interested there is a build log in the scratch builds section of this site. The model is made from brass rod, brass bar, styrene sheet, strip and rod, wood, and the engine, seat, machine gun and spoked wheel are aftermarket units. This was the first time that I had attempted soldering and representing an uncovered airframe. The model is rigged with monofilament thread and EZ line.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7906/40584330693_1366026e53_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24Qiizx)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7802/33673715788_db56eb6775_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TiCAwG)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7824/40584330573_7ac8529825_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24Qiixt)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7923/33673715458_660ba56275_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TiCAr1)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7844/33673715548_8fc816f701_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TiCAsy)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7895/40584330183_663d76585e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24QiiqK)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7839/33673715398_d638f11971_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TiCApY)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7906/40584329833_10d8d377af_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24QiijH)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7823/40584330403_cacd4705e7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24Qiiux)
Thanks for looking.
Stephen.
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Stephen,
You have taken your already impressive scratch building skills to a FEW Levels above AWESOME! I followed closely and was more Gobsmacked with each update ;D I am sure Des would have LOVED this build! It is right up his alley, clean, detailed, and well painted! I could go on but I will stop with Brilliant!
RAGIII
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Stephen,
That’s simply amazing! What an incredible model and what an enormous amount of work you must have put into it.
Really well done ;)
Thank goodness for the rest of us you missed the group build! ;D
Guy
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A brilliant and fitting tribute Stephen, well done. :) :)
As RAGIII stated above, I'm sure Des would have loved it!!
Andrew
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Stephen, beautifully done. The details are amazing and I agree with Rick, Des would have loved what you did. Loved following your build.
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Stephen, this is one of the most impressive models I ever seen and I join the others comment on how Des would have loved this. Congratulations!
Ciao
Giuseppe
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just one world: spectacular!
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Congratulations on this fantastic model. You nailed it!
Andreas
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Oh my... What a model!!! :o
And the truly fitting tribute to Des...
Thanks for showing it, Stephen. I am in awe.
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I can only echo the others, this definitely is one of the most impressive models I have ever seen, bravo!
Cheers
Ondra
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A fine model, indeed. 8) And it was your first foray into 1/32 scale and scratchbuilding!
You can now call yourself a model builder, not just an assembler.
Your knowledge of the history of this plane also shows you did your homework.
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Truly breathtaking, Stephen! Never seen anything to compare to it! Amazing!
Cheers,
Bud
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Evening ALL,
Gentlemen, thank you very much indeed for the very generous comments which you have made: I really appreciate them. It was fun to build this model and it was wonderful to have your supportive comments on the way too. I am also pleased that you think that Des would have appreciated this too.
I have started a thread in Des' memorial GB in the hope that I will be able to complete the model within the deadline, life circumstances permitting!
Stephen.
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A truly fitting tribute to Des, He is all smiles.
Ed
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Hi Stephen
What an outstanding model and such a wonderful tribute to Des. He would love it as you have perfectly captured the love he had for fine detailing and scratchbuilding.
Just superb modelling and thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
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That's a mighty model in every respect.
I think I need to up my game ???
Mike
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Many thanks Ed, Dave and Mike for the very kind comments.
Stephen.
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Hello Stephen, just saw this - absolutely fantastic work. Congratulations on truly a stunning project.
Cheers,
Gary
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Missed this. Beautiful work!!
Steve
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That's crazy awesome!