forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Epeeman on December 04, 2012, 03:23:37 AM
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All,
Been persuaded to post up a build thread of my efforts of the 'Lafayette' version of Roden's Spad VII. This is a bit late in so much as I am currently three weeks into this project. This will be mostly OOB with a couple of minor alterations here and there.
As you may have seen elsewhere on these forums, this particular kit has been a real battle so far due to an atrocious level of fit (Note: Des has built this kit and found overall fit to be good so either down to my poor efforts or I have a bad kit - don't be put off by my experience therefore) of parts - mainly upper and lower cowlings, seat support structure, lower wing and tailplane - especially with the fin. Consequently, lots of work getting parts to fit followed by a lot of tidying up work.
Anyway, some pictures below showing where I currently am - I intend to build the version as depicted on the box artwork. The cowling and rudder were painted (after some measuring and drawing out the lines with pencil on paint base coat once dry) by hand (this model will be entirely brush painted as is normal for me) without masking tape simply following drawn pencil line with fine brush and touching up where it was required.
The alterations made so far have been opening up the cowling louvres to improve look by drilling out and trimming with model knife. I have also cut and shortened the axle fairing so that the under carriage will (hopefully) be more vertical (when viewed from the front) as internet research has shown that this part is too long making undercarriage 'splayed out'. The join has been strengthened with metal pin and now requires tidying up.
I will be doing some more work on this evening so will post up progress reports later.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/001-41.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002-38.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/003-33.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/004-25.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/005-17.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/006-14.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/008-12.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/011-9.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/009-12.jpg)
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All,
A bit more work completed this evening -
Added the cabane struts and the struts that support tailplane. Have aligned (as best as possible) the cabane struts against the top wing. Also, I wondered if I could improve the look of the kit supplied Vickers gun moulded solid. I therefore drilled and trimmed to shape (with model knife) out the face of the gun jacket and muzzle of gun barrel as shown below.
Getting close to be able to start painting fuselage - update to follow in due course.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/013-4.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/012-5.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/014-6.jpg)
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Nice!! It looks like youre winning the battle.
Steve
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Dave,
Your SPAD is coming along splendidly my old friend. I'm very much looking forward to following along with your outstanding progress. Keep up the great work.
Highest Regards.
Gregory Jouette
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Dave,
you may be battling this kit but you're clearly winning. Keep up the great work - no surrender!
Andrew
p.s. your hand brushing is an inspiration for those of us who also handbrush ;)
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Nice start. Great choice of subject too. I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out.
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This is a kit I'd like to try myself one day, so I'll be following this with interest.
The progress you've made already looks great. Not sure I'd have the patience to cut out all those louves so neatly- but it'll look great on the finished model.
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Some further progress to report -
Completed the painting to the fuselage and added the cowling ring. Painted Vickers gun and assembled landing gear after tidying up fairing. Making a small start on working the exhaust pipes.
Painting went well but getting the cowling ring on proved to be another fit nightmare - got there in the end but had to undertake a fair bit tidying up and touching up afterwards. Consequently, the fit does not look as neat as I would have liked but was forced to except the best 'fit' I could get.
Next stage will be to add the fuselage decals.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/003-34.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002-39.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/001-42.jpg)
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Great combination of colours. Nice to see the problem areas have been overcome - next the wings etc!!
Steve
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She is shaping up very nicely Dave, I really like the colours you have used on the fuselage and all the little extra detailing you are doing is making this a very attractive model.
Des.
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Dave,
The little SPAD is coming along very well my old friend. What did you use for your French yellows? Spot on and very pleasing. Keep up the outstanding work.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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I agree with all of the above, Dave. That fuselage is lovely. Great work, mate.
Cheers,
Bud
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I'm still pretty new to this hobby so my skills are growing little by little. Can you offer any tips on brush painting large areas of color such as your very impressive fuselage? Any advice would be appreciated. Great Spad! Always been my favorite.
Rick
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Many thanks, gentleman -
To answer some questions -
Gregory - I always brush paint using Revell 'Aqua colours' - the linen colour is Revell's Biege silk matt which I use for all my models where linen is required. The brown is 'Africa brown'
Rick - I used a larger flat paint brush for the fuselage - this helps cover larger area easier and the straight edge to the brush means I was able to follow the straight line of the forward brown colour. Always make sure (regardless of paint type used) that you always thin the paint prior to use - it will then flow nicely from the brush and will not leave brush marks behind once dry. Use a base coat colour prior to applying top coat. In the case of the linen (beige) colour, I used plain white. Other times I use light grey but base coat colour will depend mostly on top coat colour to be applied. Experience has shown me what base coat colour works best for top coat colour. Painting is built up in thin layers. I have at least eight coats of top coat on base colour. Alternate brush strokes in different directions between each coat - move in same direction with brush, e.g. first coat may go horizontal, followed by diagonal, vertical, etc, etc. always end with final coat going in direction of airflow over aircraft surface where possible.
Finally, small brush for small areas, with increasing larger brushes depending on size of surface to be painted. I also try to avoid using masking tape - otherwise, you can end up with visible 'ridge' which looks untidy. I have now starting to drawn out line (using masking tape to act as 'ruler' to obtain straight line) and then simply paint along it with the brush. The result (if carefully done) is a nice even match with no visible 'ridge'. Some touching in is always required though.
Please feel free to PM for more details. Others who paint brush will most likely have their own preferred method.
Regards
Dave
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Dave,
You are doing a far better job on dealing with the fit issues and basic construction than I did on my SPAD VII. You have come close to catching up with where I am on my build! I love your color choice for the fuselage, looks great!
RAgIII
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Dave,
You are doing a far better job on dealing with the fit issues and basic construction than I did on my SPAD VII. You have come close to catching up with where I am on my build! I love your color choice for the fuselage, looks great!
RAgIII
Hello, RAGIII -
Thanks, mate - your one is progressing nicely and looks great. I was inspired to buy this kit by an online article by Marc Flake (internet modeller I think) but have had this kit in my stash for a while. It was your build thread that actually inspired me to start work on this one.
Regards
Dave
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All,
Things starting to progress nicely now -
Got the decals on now. The stars and stripes motif on the tail was fiddly but not impossible - just a small bit of touching up where decal broke. Added several coats of 'clear' to seal in the decals afterwards and when all dry installed the parts for the fuselage. With the exception of the exhaust pipes and Vickers gun, the windscreen, rudder, elevators and footstep fitted on nicely.
Have also made a small start on rigging - rigged using 'EZ Line' on cabane struts, and fin. Used 1lb fishing line with stretched cotton bud handle for rudder cable to add a bid of strength here. Rigged cabane struts now, to ease rigging in this location as the wing gap looks narrow when top wing fitted.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/032.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/031.jpg)
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Dave,
Great colours and the decals look perfect. It's going to be very impressive when finished, looking forward to more............
Cheers,
Lance :)
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Beautiful, Dave. You're inspiring me to build an early SPAD.
Cheers,
Bud
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Great looking scheme. Another problem area beaten - fragile Roden decals!!
Steve
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Dave,
Progressing beautifully! I was considering this scheme for my next SPAD VII but may go with an RFC version now ! Do you have the Aviatik book on the VII? There is another picture taken from the left side that shows two oblique bands on the upper wing. Tomasz guesses yellow. The more common photo shows no bands on the upper surface so either way is apparently correct.
RAGIII
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Thank you, all again gents. The kit is now showing some promise - I just hope I don't muck it all up now!!!
RAGIII -
Don't have the book you refer too, I'm afraid. I'm simply following the paint/decal guide from the kit. Interesting what you say about the upper wing bands. In fact, you have (very helpfully) clarified the instructions on this point. Not overly clear on paint guide but appeared to call for these bands. From you say, I cannot go wrong which ever way I decide although I'm leaning to painting in the bands just to add a bit more colour!!
Regards
Dave
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Thank you, all again gents. The kit is now showing some promise - I just hope I don't muck it all up now!!!
RAGIII -
Don't have the book you refer too, I'm afraid. I'm simply following the paint/decal guide from the kit. Interesting what you say about the upper wing bands. In fact, you have (very helpfully) clarified the instructions on this point. Not overly clear on paint guide but appeared to call for these bands. From you say, I cannot go wrong which ever way I decide although I'm leaning to painting in the bands just to add a bit more colour!!
Regards
Dave
Dave, glad iI was of assistance. Just looked at the directions and you are right they do not make it very clear that these were painted bands. No color callout (I guess because Yellow is conjectural).
RAGIII
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Very nice indeed, Dave. I've just read this log from start to finish and I'll be using it to help whn I get to my SPAD VII. I also like your choice of colours. I'm not sure which scheme I'll do, but if it's a "yellow" scheme, I'll use them.
Thanks.
Dal.
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All,
Not much progress to report due to illness this week - starting to recover now so making a small comeback....
Before getting ill, I had already knocked up some eyelets (from twisted 5 amp fuse wire) and turnbuckles from stretched cotton bud handles. I have now installed the eyelets in pre-drilled holes to the insides of both wings. This will be my first attempt using this full rigging method so will be a bit nervous once I get to the main wing rigging - especially as this aircraft does not have much space to work in between them!
Further small work was installing the elevator crank 'things' and painting the interplane struts using artist oils to simulate wood grain look. Made a start on tidying up the kit prop which had the usual Roden sink holes at the hub - I can then make a start on painting it.
Next stage will be to complete painting both wings and installed the decals prior to top wing assembly.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/004-26.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002-40.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/001-43.jpg)
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Get well soon, mate. I'm looking forward to seeing this beauty completed.
Cheers,
Bud
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Excellent progress on this one Dave, and what abeautiful colour scheme you have used, the decals also look great. Hope you are feeling 100% again soon.
Des.
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Dave,
Get well soon my old friend. Great update today,is's coming along very well and looks excellent in her livery.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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Thank you all kindly, gentlemen -
Brought a smile to my face and have cheered me up in between my (annoying) cough!!!
More progress reports to follow in due course ............
Regards
Dave
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Hello Dave:
This is really taking shape nicely. I too have this kit and have been gun shy about tackling it. Yours and RAGIII's are truly inspirational, I have to tackle this.
Looking forward to more. If it's not too late, I find that pre rigging the upper wing will aleviate a lot of headache.
Best
Mark
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Hello Dave:
This is really taking shape nicely. I too have this kit and have been gun shy about tackling it. Yours and RAGIII's are truly inspirational, I have to tackle this.
Looking forward to more. If it's not too late, I find that pre rigging the upper wing will aleviate a lot of headache.
Best
Mark
Thanks, Mark - nice of you to say - as regards the rigging, please see the latest update below.
Regards
Dave
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All,
Latest update -
I have now finished painting and applying decals to both wings. Roden's instructions call for two diagonal bands coloured yellow which I followed (brush/hand painting following pre-drawn pencil lines) as per instructions. The yellow colour looks odd to me and wondered if the actual colour should be blue to match the fuselage diagonal band - will have to live with now though!
To try and ease rigging, I have used 'EZ line' for the inboard interplane struts. I will do the same for the outboard ones once the top wing is in place. All other rigging will then be 2lb fishing line threaded through the pre installed eyelets and stretched cotton bud handles.
Applied artist oils (burnt sienna and burnt umber) over 'ochre' base and this will now need several days to dry out fully.
The next stage will be to make a start installing the top wing.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002-41.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/001-44.jpg)
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Dave,
Beautifully paint work my old friend.I'm very impressed with how you carry off such an excellent job using a paint brush. Well Done!
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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Looks great!! Youre on the home stretch.
Steve
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very impressive indeed. I'm using a paintbrush to paint small details, but never thought one could do such a nice paint job on larger surfaces. you clearly have mastered this technique. Looking fwd to see the final result!
all the best
Flip
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Incredible painting skills Dave, you certainly have perfected the art, brilliant work all round.
Des,
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Beautiful work Dave! You did a far better job on the Roden wing decals than I did using a better quality product. Love the scheme!
RAGIII
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I'm in agreement with the rest, Dave. Your painting skills are superb. I wish I could get results that good with an airbrush. Brilliant work on the decals, as well. How did you get them to conform so well?
Cheers,
Bud
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I'm in agreement with the rest, Dave. Your painting skills are superb. I wish I could get results that good with an airbrush. Brilliant work on the decals, as well. How did you get them to conform so well?
Cheers,
Bud
Thank you all gentlemen -
Bud - I use the same method for applying all decals. Start by applying some decal setting solution on the model surface where decal is to go - I use Humbrul 'Decal fix'. Apply the decal. I then press gently (with firm pressure) with damp kitchen paper. Next, I brush on some decal soften solution - Revell 'Decal soft'. Leave this solution for a few minutes to soften the decal. Next, get a soft (but firm) clean paint brush and gently brush the decal over the surface so that the decal starts to conform to the shape of the surface details. Finally, once on, I then immediately brush on several coats of 'clear' which, when dry, really pull decal onto model nicely.
With Roden decals, they tend to chip in places (as they did here) so you are forced to paint in the broken area with a close a colour match as is possible before painting on clear coat.
Regards
Dave
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All,
Bad news regarding the build -
After successfully getting the top wing on with no problems, whilst rigging this morning, I managed to drop the model. As I think I have said before, I work off the kitchen table. Our kitchen floor consists of hard, stone tiles. Consequently, the model hit the floor hard smashing into several pieces. The damage is beyond repair. I managed to get one of my fingers caught in a previously installed line - the kit literally spun in my hand before landing hard on the floor.
I'm now pretty angry and fed up with myself. This was no easy build but had started to come together very well. Cost of the kit aside (bad enough) the several weeks of hard work that had gone into it has left me pretty despondent.
I have now totally lost interest in any further builds for time being - I'm still awaiting delivery of WNW order but even if these arrive I am not going to be able to work up the enthusiasm to build them.
Regards
Dave
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Dave:
What a shame! :-[ I know you must be feeling inconsolable right now, and words just won't help. Some time away from the table would be good. Remember though, you are not the first or only great modeler that this has happened to. If it is true that misery loves company, check out this link to see a broken Roden 1/32 Fokker F.1 which resulted from a similar drop (scroll up and see picture at top of page):
http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=65072&pid=714761&mode=threaded&start=#entry714761
It looked hopeless to this modeler, but he took some time away, and managed to put it back together. I don't know if you will be able to do that, but you were doing such a great job on this that I hope you'll at least consider trying at some point in the future. Let yourself calm down a bit. Take care my friend. You have lots of support here. We all hope you'll come back stronger than ever before too long. Take care.
Regards,
Bob
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I'm awfully sorry to read of your mishap, Dave. She was shaping up to be a gorgeous model. Some time away from the bench might be good for now, but I know you'll be itching to get back to it soon. Maybe releasing some of the anger and frustration with a little sword play is in order? Anyway, there are 2 types of modelers: Those who have had this sort of accident and those that will. I fall into the latter catagory and I know it's coming. Just a matter of time. Doug Baumann had the same thing happen with a beautifully scratch-built 1/35 scale AEG G.IV, had totally given up on it, but within a few month put it all back together and finished it. Take a break, buddy. Just don't stay away too long.
Cheers,
Bud
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Bob/Bud,
Thank you -
Bob - unfortunately, the damage is well beyond repair. I'll have a little break from WW1 aircraft and see how things go from there.
In the meantime, I'll still be on the forum so I can keep up to date with the work everybody else is doing.
Have a good Christmas & New Year
Regards
Dave
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Dave,
Gawd, I feel your pain! I think everyone's advice has a common thread; take a short break and return, just don't "not come back". Tell you a little story........... I am doing the WNW F2b "Bif" for our Group Build, just posted my first real update today. In the update I mention the dog hair in the photos.............all 95 lbs. of the little devil. He tossed his "Kong" (a pound or more of hard rubber dumbell) onto my bench this PM in an effort to get me to go outside and throw it for him. I had just placed my completed cockpit assembly, at a minimum 30 hours of work, into a small plastic box for safe keeping. Can you imagine the potential? Point is, as Bud said, those that have and those that will, I got lucky today while your number came up.
It was a great project, your work is exceptional, and we'll miss you if you don't return. Take a break, recharge those batteries, and I look forward to you starting your next thread.
Cheers,
Lance ;) :)
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Hello, Lance -
Really nice to get these replies - I have found them to be really uplifting - fear not, I do not intend to be away for ever - I am a bit 'down in the dumps' at present - still recovering from the viral infection (which has knocked me out of work for a couple of weeks); getting really frustrated with UK Parcelforce over the length of time for them to get my WNW order through - unlikely to get this until after Christmas now; and obviously upset with the amount of work that had gone into, what was, a demanding build.
However, I am feeling a bit better now, so my plan (now) is to tackle one of WNW kits (when I finally get hold of them) when it gets here - I'll probably tackle the Fokker DVII first due to the limited amount of rigging which will make a change.
So, in essence, I was just letting off a bit of steam. This is such a great forum and I would really miss the interaction of all the members - making some really great contacts here.
Best regards
Dave
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Most of us have been in exactly the same place you have at one or more times in our modelling lives Dave. Enjoyment, learning and satisfaction are what drive us on, issues like this dent our pride and faith in our skills or just frustrate the hell out of us so don't imagine for a moment we don't appreciate how you feel right now. I'VE SEVERAL AWARDS FOR FAT FINGEREDNESS ::)
The WNW D.VII is gorgeous but take care assembling her, she's unforgiving when it comes to fit and alignment of the internals.
Hang in there and I look forwards to seeing you blogging again.
Keith
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Dave, Been there done that! I was building a review Model of the Roden 1/32nd SE5a for Internet Modeler. I had the rigging virtually complete and all I needed to do was a little touch up and detailing. I was sitting in my desk chair, spun around and the chair back knocked the model off of my display case. I actually tried to catch it causing further damage. BASKET case to say the least. I do feel your pain! I was enjoying watching your model develope on a level ablove my current build and getting ideas for my next SPAD VII when I decide to build the kit! Your work is lovely, hang in there. Take the time you need but come back, we need your inspiration!!
RAGIII
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Keith/RAGIII,
Thank you both for the positive comments - honestly, I really appreciate them and as I said in a previous reply, I find this all uplifting for the sole!
I'm over the anger and frustration now - let's be honest, family life (rightly) demands attention elsewhere especially as the last run down to Christmas is getting ever closer!
I forgot to mention I ordered a Japanese sword (samurai) 1/3rd scale set (my other interest is in arms/ armour and Roman history and enjoy sport fencing - hence my forum name) so may even build this kit first to get back into the swing of things.
RAGIII - how is your Spad progressing?
Best regards
Dave
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Taking a break can be a good thing sometimes. Im sure every time you log onto the forum though, your urge to build will be rekindled. This is where Im at now. enjoy the holidays and have a fresh start in the new year!!
Steve
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I too feel your pain and when trying to install the cockpit in my last project, I managed to smash it quite thoroughly. Note the broken instrument panel among other things.
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l474/ChrisJohnson56/DSCN3973.jpg)
I thought it was irreparable and was pretty despondent about it too, but after a bit of time, just as the others here suggested, I put everything back together again and was off to the races. Stubbornness is a good thing at times.
Cheers,
Chris
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Keith/RAGIII,
RAGIII - how is your Spad progressing?
Best regards
Dave
Dave, My build is going fine. Need to touch up the decala. I am beginning the rigging process. Check it out occasionally and feel free to offer advice!
RAGIII
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Hi Dave:
What a shame. I too know the feeling. Take some time, take pause, breathe, regroup and tackle something that you will enjoy; be it WWI, armor, cars, figures, ships, whatever, something you enjoy. In the meantime, as you say, hang out, have a cup of coffee and watch the hijinx and chicanery unfold as we all make attempts at that perfect model. It is a learning experience, at least for me, and this is such a great venue for sharing and learning. Not only this forum but the others as well. Your build log will be referred to by me as I tackle that kit, it was inspiring to see that that model can be built and turned into something noteworthy as you were doing. Salvage the parts, put them in a box, put them aside and at some time, when you are motivated to do it again, you won't have to re-invent the wheel on some of the areas that you managed to salvage.
Take care, have a merry Christmas and a great new year.
Best
Mark
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Thanks again, gentleman -
Chris - I'm pleased you managed to sort your one out. Unfortunately, the Spad is well and truly broken beyond repair.
Fear not, I shall return!
Let's all have a really good Christmas & New Year!!
All the best
Dave
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Dave,
Sad news on your SPAD my old friend. Even more so since she's irreparably. Just take a modelling break for now and come back later with a fresh new project.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
Merry Christmas to You and Yours
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So sorry to hear of your misfortune Dave, such a shame that it is irrepairable though. Onward and upward is the way to look now, put the past behind you and take great pleasure in building your next kit which I'm sure will be to your usual high standards.
I won't tell you what happened to my Hannover a few days ago, a near disaster.
Des.
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Sorry to hear about your accident, after all that hard work. I feel your pain. I have a 20 lb Maine Coon cat that thinks my workbench is hers. Cat hairs all over and her lounging on top of kit boxes or worst yet a work in progress!
Just take a deep breath and push forward! ;)
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Thank you all again, gentlemen -
The good news is that I feel better about it all now. Whilst waiting for my WNW order, I do have one last 32nd scale Roden kit in my stash - the Fokker DVI - getting tempted to pull this one out soon .............
Best regards
Dave
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Oh man, we've all been there. I was just five minutes or so away from finishing a 1:48 F-100 Super Sabre (SEA scheme), for a contest a few years back, when I accidentally splooshed an entire bottle of MM metalizer all over it! As a hobby, sometimes things don't go as we had planned. I have finished many kits since then, and am always aware that things may not go perfectly, but that's pretty much all of life, as far as I'm concerned. We just do the best we can, and continue on.
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A shame that your SPAD is now dead, but consider that it does live on in the pictures you have taken the time to share with all of us here!
Since I was a kid reading modeling magazines, I almost always found the build story and background research as compelling, if not more, than the final product. I'm sure most of us that blog here probably thought as kids working for a model mag was the best job in the universe...
We all have different motivations for doing this hobby I suppose; for me it is the process that is the reward far more than the final product- which invariably gets parked on a shelf to slowly fall apart / fade / get knocked off etc.
That's what is so cool about this forum and others like it. We can all be modeling journalists (to whatever level we like) and be able to share our miniature triumphs and tribulations with other folks that are actually interested. The process documented is just as much a product as the model itself. At least that's how I see it.
Anyway, the SPAD is dead but your craftsmanship endures. Carry on!