forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Mike Norris (UK) on December 06, 2020, 10:53:11 PM
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Hi all,
I'm waiting for the display case to complete my model of the Nieuport 28C.1.
Therefore I thought I'd start on a model that's been in my stash since it was first released.
The resin model kit is one of the best made and presented 1:32nd scale WW1 aircraft kits around and is available from Richard at 'Aviattic'.
This model will represent the Ansaldo A.1 ‘Balilla’, Serial No:16538 of pilot Tenente Leopoldo Eleuteri of No:70a Squadriglia, operating from Caccia, Padovano, during the October of 1918.
He was the only pilot to shoot down one enemy aircraft whilst flying the 'Balilla'.
'Balilla' (little boy) was the nickname of Giovanni Battista Perasso, a Genoese boy who started the revolt of 1746 against the Habsburg forces that occupied the city in the War of the Austrian Succession.
The legend is that while some Austrian soldiers were dragging an artillery piece along a muddy road in the Portoria neighbourhood of Genoa, the artillery piece got stuck in a moat.
The soldiers forced onlookers and passers-by to dislodge it.
Disgusted by the scene, Perasso allegedly grabbed a stone from the road and threw it at the Austrian patrol, calling on those around to join him.
This act set in motion a sequence of events that eventually caused the Austrian garrison to be evicted from the city.
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/pageheader.jpg)
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I've read about this kit Mike.
It's one you can really dig your teeth in. There is a wonderful build log in Meng AFV magazine issues 75 through 81.
Willem
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This is an outstanding kit and with your skills I am sure this will be a Fantastic build log to follow!
RAGIII
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I've read about this kit Mike.
It's one you can really dig your teeth in. There is a wonderful build log in Meng AFV magazine issues 75 through 81.
Willem
Yes I think this model will be more of a challenge than other resin kits I've built.
Primarily because there are many very small and finely detail parts so care will need to be taken:
Not to lose parts to the 'carpet monster'.
Avoid breaking the fragile parts, as resin is brittle.
Mike
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got my popcorn ready for the show!
ciao
edo
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It's a wonderful kit, Mike, and I know you will do a Spectacular job with it. I have the Polish version almost finished. You've inspired me to get back on it after the holidays.
Cheers,
Bud
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This certainly is a very interesting airplane. Have fun building it.
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Looking forward to it, Mike! Lovely history lesson.. Regards, Marc.
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Super interesting subject, looking forward to it!
Best,
Tim
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Hi all,
The web site at 'Aviattic' has a fully detailed build log (in Adobe PDF format) for the 'Balilla', which can be downloaded.
It is extensive and details every part of the build.
I have found a few part numbers in the build log that don't match those on the physical parts, so these will corrected in my own build log.
Section 1 covers the building of the S.P.A 6A engine, which I've now completed.
Now onto the internals for the fuselage, which includes many minutely detailed photo-etch components, which will prove interesting to build,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/engdone1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/engdone2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/engdone3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/engdone4.jpg)
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Ahhh, great start Mike.
I love it when an engine comes together....
Willem
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Wonderful to see you, Mike, tackle this amazing kit, so rarely being built... Very fine realistic engine, as usual from your hands. I will be watching the following with great interest.
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Marvelous looking engine and great use of color. Nice casting on the crankcase with the logo included.
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Wow, that engine looks fantastic. Well done
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Nice to see my kit being build again on the forum good luck with the build! Mine is still on the bench seeing this build I think I will finally finish it myself :)
I have made it once to get the instructions finished but did not paint that model, and lost my mojo to build it myself because I had been working on this kit for 3 years to get it out.
Regards Ron
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Simply Stunning engine! Like has been stated the colors are great and the detailing is superb!
RAGIII
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That engine is superb, Mike, looks so real! A great start, Regards, Marc.
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Hi all,
I've been working on the preparation of the fuselage internals.
The fuselage is moulded as a single piece, so has to be worked through the available openings.
The forward bulkhead frame needed to be reduce in width as the front of the fuselage was too wide to fit the photo-etch front frame.
The supplied photo-etch sheet is, to say the least, comprehensive and highly detailed with many tiny components.
Fortunately some parts are also supplied as resin, if you don't want the 'challenge' of building the photo-etch parts.
Fortunately it's not necessary to build the aileron and additional flight controls, as both would be completely hidden under the pilot's seat and can't be seen.
However the engine controls can be seen so need to be built.
The throttle quadrant alone is made up of 15 separate pieces.
This model is definitely not for the photo-etch faint hearted.
Anyway, now it's on to the painting phase,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/pitprep1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/pitprep2.jpg)
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It may be challenging but the results are worth the effort! That throttle quadrant is unbelievable!
RAGIII
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looking very nice indeed!!!
A little bit jealous as I didn't buy one at the time, had one on pre-order but my finances and skills were not up to it.
But at least we all can enjoy your build!! good luck!!
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Some intricate beautiful work, Mike! Just so nice... Marc
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Great engine, I'm really tempted to tackle my own one.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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It may be challenging but the results are worth the effort! That throttle quadrant is unbelievable!
RAGIII
I can only agree with this.
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That looks phenomenal!!
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Very nice work, as usual, Mike. And you just reminded me my steps with this kit. Yes, I confirm, there is a lot of PE bits, but just wait for the rigging stations :-) They are truly fun! Wow, it would be lovely to build it again, some time in the future.
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He heh - yes I've seen the rigging anchors :-\
Hi all,
Just a few progress shots of the internals of the fuselage.
There's still a lot to do yet.
Control rods and some wiring, seat harness, machine guns, engine fit, oil tank, gun synchronisation gear etc.
Also the final finish and weathering.
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/pitprep3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/pitprep4.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/pitprep5.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/pitprep6.jpg)
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Your cockpit looks Brilliant Mike! Beautifully painted and detail work is superb!
RAGIII
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Great work on the photo etch controls. It looks quite large in the photos but knowing the dimensions one can only assume the hassle that went into building it so accurately.
Best,
Tim
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Hi all,
Dry fit for the engine and turtle deck,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/pitfit1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/pitfit2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/pitfit3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/pitfit4.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/pitfit5.jpg)
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Lovely interiors work, very realistic.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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Very impressive work as usual Mike, mine's is going on next year's build list (once you've done the hard graft and posted your log ).It's too good a kit to sit in the stash indefinitely.
Cheers,
Dave.
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Looking Superb Mike!
RAGIII
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Hi all,
The 'Aviattic' supplied wood effect fuselage and tail unit decals have now been applied.
Not too easily carried out as the decals need to be accurately cut out from their sheets as they're not 'cookie' cut.
They've all been gloss coated as the next step is to apply the 'HGW Models' nail head decals.
Then it'll be adding the remaining decals and all of the photo-etch details,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/fusdecals2.jpg)
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Terrific work with the decals Mike. Beautiful aircraft!
RAGIII
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Those wooddecals look real good. I can see this wasn't an easy job but you did it great.
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What a nice progress on a great model!
Andreas
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Superb work, Mike.
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Beautiful wood finishing.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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Hi all,
The model is supplied with decals for the various nail lines on the fuselage, produced by 'HGW Models'.
These are intended to be applied onto the wood effect decals.
These nail line decals will shown on lighter coloured surfaces, such as on the unpainted fuselage of an Albatros or Roland fighter.
However, they are more or less invisible on a darker background, such as the wood effect decals used on this version of the 'Balilla'.
Therefore instead of using the decals, I used a 'Rosie the Riveter' (0.75 mm) to create by hand the nail lines, using the decal illustration as a guide.
Then wearing a cotton glove, dipped a finger into Dark Earth pigment powder ('Flory Models') and rub the pigment over the fuselage.
Finally a light sealing coat of 'Alclad' Aqua Gloss (ALC-600) was airbrushed over the fuselage,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/naillines.jpg)
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Very effective technique Mike, looks great. Did you use guides for the rivetting or freehand it?
Cheers,
Dave.
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great effect indeed!
ciao
edo
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Very effective technique Mike, looks great. Did you use guides for the rivetting or freehand it?
Cheers,
Dave.
Hi Dave,
Freehand using the 'HGW Models' illustration as a visual guide.
The 'Rosie the Riveter' tools are easy to use, you just need to take care along curves,
Mike
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Excellent results from your riveting Mike! Dare I say "You Nailed it" ;D
RAGIII
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The nailing looks fantastic. I really like the look of it.
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Hi all,
All fuselage decals have now been applied, including rib tapes for the fin and undersides of the tail plane and elevators.
Now it's onto the various photo-etch details for the fuselage and weathering etc,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/decdone1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/decdone2.jpg)
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That wood grain and rivet effect looks excellent. The fuselage is shaping up beautifully Mike.
Cheers,
Gary
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Beautiful work!
RAGIII
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I just love it! Absolutely convincing and a wonderful lesson in different techniques... Regards, Marc
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Hi all,
Just a quick update.
The 'Aviattic' fuselage wood effect decals have circular access panels printed, but these look rather ‘flat’.
Therefore to raise these panels and make them stand out more, I added extra decals.
I'm now working my way through the fuselage photo-etch,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/woodpanels1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/woodpanels2.jpg)
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Ad my kudos to all the above, await completion !!
Ed
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Yep, better with each update Mike!
RAGIII
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Very fine. Great to see you solve little and bigger problems. Pity you could not effectively use the HGW nail head decals. I have found them very attractive on the bright wood in my Polish A.1.
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Very fine. Great to see you solve little and bigger problems. Pity you could not effectively use the HGW nail head decals. I have found them very attractive on the bright wood in my Polish A.1.
Yes your build and others is why I tried them, but as I said you can barely see them on dark wood.
Mike
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Hi Mike!
I reply now to your email, I see now that some of my comments are in late.
First of all is that fuselage sides of Balillas were not cutted in the manner of kit's decals.
This is for all of you that have same kit to build.
I will follow your build, the kit is well realized by Aviattic but not so accurate, first in colors.
Here some useful photos, 16553 was 90% original when we started to restore it, in 2003:
https://gavs-torino.com/2015/04/07/ansaldo-a-1-balilla/
Regards,
Roberto
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Hi Roberto,
As usual, thankyou for your help :)
Mike
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Hi all,
The basic fuselage is now complete, apart from the windscreen and flying wire anchor points.
The final display will be the aircraft undergoing engine maintenance, so the engine front twin cowl panel will be removed.
I’ve added the coolant/vent pipe from the rear of the radiator header tank, made from 0.5 mm tube.
Two bracing lines were fitted between the forward fuselage cabane struts and an inverted tubular ‘V’ frame, which was attached to the insides of the fuselage and over the top of the engine camshaft.
This was made from formed 0.8 mm diameter tube with ’GasPatch’ resin 1:48th anchor points.
A tubular retaining frame was fitted over the inverted ‘V’ frame and attached to the inside of the fuselage sides.
This was made from annealed 0.375 mm diameter copper wire.
I’ve changed the aircraft serial number by replacing the number 3 with the number 5.
The supplied decal for the particular aircraft is 16538.
However is seems the only ‘Balilla’ aircraft serial numbers recorded for No:70a Squadriglia were 16550, 16555, 16556 and 16558.
Therefore my assumption is that this aircraft serial number was probably 16558, not 16538.
Also this aircraft had two light coloured bar markings on the left of the turtle decal, just behind the cockpit.
The exact colour of these bands is not known or if they were repeated on the other side of the turtle deck.
Now onto the undercarriage before starting on the wings and rigging preparation,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/pilot2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/RIG12.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/restrainingframe1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/restrainingframe2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/fusdone1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/fusdone2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/fusdone3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/fusdone4.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/fusdone5.jpg)
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Simply stunning Mike, great update.
Cheers,
Dave.
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Looking good Mike
Alexis
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A great milestone - completing the fuselage. This build is progressing nicely, with your attention to detail.
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Superb as always Mike!
RAGIII
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Hi Mike!
There are two italian Aces pictured with right side of a 70a Squadriglia's Balilla and no traces of the two strange bands on turtledeck of that side.
Another strange thing to me are the bend exhaust tubes, the last two in the line. 16552 and 16553 have original straight exhaust tubes and here some other useful photos: http://www.airwar.ru/enc/fww1/a1.html
Other interesting photos here: http://www.cmpr.it/Balilla%20-%20E.Molteni/balilla.htm
Hope useful!
Roberto
P.S.: Good that you had corrected serial number on your model: two different italian sources mentioned 16558 as the mount of Eleuteri on the only Balilla's victory of entire WWI.
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Just fantastic.
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Hi Mike!
There are two italian Aces pictured with right side of a 70a Squadriglia's Balilla and no traces of the two strange bands on turtledeck of that side.
Another strange thing to me are the bend exhaust tubes, the last two in the line. 16552 and 16553 have original straight exhaust tubes and here some other useful photos: http://www.airwar.ru/enc/fww1/a1.html
Other interesting photos here: http://www.cmpr.it/Balilla%20-%20E.Molteni/balilla.htm
Hope useful!
Roberto
P.S.: Good that you had corrected serial number on your model: two different Italian sources mentioned 16558 as the mount of Eleuteri on the only Balilla's victory of entire WWI.
Hi Roberto,
That's good to know,
Yes that photograph was apparently a 'factory' shot.
That engine does have bends in the exhaust pipes, but I can't find any information why.
All other references show all pipes straight, although Windsock data file states that on some aircraft, the second pipe from the rear was longer?
Thanks again,
Mike
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Your fuselage looks fantastic!
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Hi all,
Some modellers think photo-etch 'is your friend'.
Here are the wing and strut rigging attachments plus the aileron control levers.
All are photo-etch and with self-aligning 'hinged' anchor plates for attaching the rigging lines.
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/wingPE1.jpg)
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Outstanding progress. I am amazed at the details Aviattic included but it takes a Real Modeler to bring it all together!
RAGIII
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PE is the devils details ...you got him beat !
Alexis
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Great work on the PE.
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Hi all,
I've finally applied all of the required decals.
Accurate cutting out of the decals is necessary for the wing coverings and alignment of edges is necessary.
Slight overhang of dried decal was gently sanded away.
Weather, although slight, was done using 'Flory Models' Dark Dirt fine clay wash, sealed with 'Alclad' Semi-Matte lacquer.
Now it's onto fitting the photo-etch rigging anchors before pre-rigging is carried out.
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/washdone1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/washdone2.jpg)
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Excellent work on the decals and wash Mike. Looking Great!
RAGIII
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Another masterpiece in the making
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excellent paint and weathering, Mike.
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Very nice looking colours! I'm also very impressed with your PE-work! Fiddly - but self leveling attachment points sounds nice.
/Fredrik
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Hi all,
An example of pre-rigging a twin flying wire anchor for the lower wing roots.
A combination of 0.08 mm and 0.15 mm diameter mono-filament and 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm blackened brass tubes.
All together there will be sixteen various types of hinged rigging anchors to pre-rig before the wings are fitted,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/prerig1.jpg)
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Mike, Your rigging is truly magnificent! I m envious of your talents to say the least!
RAGIII
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Nice !
Alexis
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Hi Mike!
Great work until now, you're sure victorious over photo-etched "enemies"!
From my computer it seems that your CDL is too much on the white side, maybe the using of a flash to made photos?
Same as Ansaldo Baby and SVAs, Balilla too had central rudder not painted white but CDL as fin.
Another thing is that on original ones camouflage over main wing and tail was applied AFTER national insignias, so is good that we don't see camouflage "under" white ring of cockades, as I saw in other models in modelling meetings.
Keep up the good work!
Roberto
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Hi Roberto,
Yes the photographs were taken under daylight LED lights so the CDL appears lighter than it actually is.
It is light, but not that light.
Yes I remembered your advice for the rudder on my Macchi and 'Baby' builds, so this rudder is CDL also.
The camouflage decals for the upper wing have white circles printed for the roundels so that no colours shown through.
Mike
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Hi all,
Well that's the pre-rigging of the anchor points done now.
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/prerig1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/prerig2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/prerig3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/prerig4.jpg)
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Looking good Mike. Are you using Gaspatch turnbuckles? Or maybe Bob's buckles?
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Looking good Mike. Are you using Gaspatch turnbuckles? Or maybe Bob's buckles?
I use the metal 'Gaspatch' 1:48th scale turnbuckles as their 1:32nd scale seem a too large.
I use their metal versions, as although they are moulded better, the resin versions are a bit weak.
The tubing I use is 0.5 mm and 0.4 mm from 'Albion Alloys', blackened with 'Blacken-It' solution,
Mike
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Very fine and beautiful work on the turnbuckles and anchor points, Mike...
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Looking good Mike. Are you using Gaspatch turnbuckles? Or maybe Bob's buckles?
I use the metal 'Gaspatch' 1:48th scale turnbuckles as their 1:32nd scale seem a too large.
I use their metal versions, as although they are moulded better, the resin versions are a bit weak.
The tubing I use is 0.5 mm and 0.4 mm from 'Albion Alloys', blackened with 'Blacken-It' solution,
Mike
Thanks Mike.
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Stunning Mike! :o
You’re bringing it to life...
Guy
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Amazing work on attachment points and rigging connections.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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Hi all,
Just a few updates.
The lower wings with the twin flying wire anchors are fitted.
Also two 'plates' have been made from spare photo-etch and fitted to the wing roots.
These plates may have been step plates or access covers to the rigging anchors.
I've assembled the landing gear (wheels only test fitted), but its yet to be weathered etc.
The 'bungee' suspension cord is EZ white (heavy) line and bracing wires added but not yet tightened.
I've added between the front and rear struts the axle restraining cables, made from 0.4 mm annealed copper wire.
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/lowwingson.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/wingplates.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/ucprep.jpg)
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Really taking shape Mike. Rigging attachments, wings, gear and cables all look the Part!
RAGIII
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Hi all,
Unfortunately at this stage of the build I've realised that two of the four interplane struts have no reinforcing rods, which are needed as otherwise the resin strut will bend and break easily.
Normally I would make replacement struts from brass tube, but the end fittings of these struts are square in section, which would be difficult to replicate.
The customer service from Richard at 'Aviattic' is second to none so I'm hoping he'll be able to find replacements for me.
While I'm waiting for replacement struts I've started on the figures.
The pilot figure is the ‘Copper State Models’ Italian flying ace (F32-030).
The mechanic is the ‘Model Kasten’ mechanic from Set B., as is the ladder.
I've altered the mechanic figure from German to a more generic figure and replaced the head with head H1 from the ‘Hornet’ bare heads-mature faces (HH/8) set.
I may reshape the head as it seems rather tall?
To stop the figure from falling off the ladder, I've pinned the right arm into the ladder to plank.
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/pilot1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/mechanic.jpg)
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I like the pose of the guy standing on the ladder :)
Alexis
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Hi all,
All of the photo-etch rigging anchors (pre-rigged) have been fitted to the upper and lower wings.
Now comes the tricky part - fitting the upper wing onto its struts through the rigging anchors,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/prerig5.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/prerig6.jpg)
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Hi all,
Well a bit of a disaster tonight.
Whilst preparing to fit the upper wing I found real problems with the photo-etch rigging points.
Most detached from the model surface, despite cleaning up the contact surfaces.
More importantly, several actually broke apart with the side members breaking away from the main body.
This was without apply any undue stress to them.
In fact several very thin parts had already broken off during pre-rigging, but I though I might get away with it.
It could be that as usual with photo-etch, I annealed the parts before assembly so maybe that weakened them.
I must admit I had my doubts as to how durable these parts would be and I'm glad I found out now before fitting the upper wing.
Anyway I'm too far into the build now, so I've removed and disposed of all but four of the rigging points and will go back to 'Gaspatch' turnbuckle rigging.
Hey-Ho,
Mike
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Bummer! Glad to see you have already a solution for the problem.
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Hi all,
Pre-rigging Part 2.
All of the photo-etch rigging plates, except four, have been removed and replaced with 'GasPatch' pre-rigged lines.
So, now onto fitting the upper wing,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/prerig7.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/prerig8.jpg)
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Swift recovery! Good looking too! To bad the PE didn't work out, but why have you kept four of them?
/Fredrik
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Hi Fredrik,
The two rigging brackets at the lower wing roots are made of two separate photo-etch parts and so are stronger.
Also they have a hole that allows them to slide onto the wing reinforcing steel rods.
When the lower wings are fitted the brackets can't move as they are mounted on the rods and also held in recesses in the wing roots.
The two double sided brackets on the underside of the upper wing are for the front cabane struts.
Again these are more sturdy than the others, plus the have a larger contact area.
I was reluctant to remove them from the surface of the wing in case they lifted the decal underneath,
Mike
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I am sorry to hear about your problems with rigging stations, though I am sure your remedy will work just fine. Still I wonder, were not all of them made with holes for the strut reinforcing wire to pass through and so to fix them to their positions?
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Hi PrzemoL,
I think the damage was done when I annealed them, as on fitting the side members on some brackets just broke away.
Now you've mentioned it, the holes in the sides of the brackets - use to pin brackets to struts - :-\
To late for me now, but it does make sense - I just wish the instructions in the supplied build log would have mentioned that.
All the instructions say is to glue the brackets in position, no mention of pinning to the struts ::)
Good information though for anyone else taking on this model,
Mike
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Aha, thanks for the explanation.
/F
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Good recovery and nice to see you back on track so quickly!
RAGIII
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Hi all,
Upper wing fitted.
The kit has two exposed fuel pipes between the underside of the fuel tank in the upper wing and the top of the rear engine cowl panel.
However, this particular aircraft, like many 'Balilla's', had these pipes covered by a fairing.
So, before starting the final rigging I'll need to make this pipe fairing.
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/wingon.jpg)
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Hi all,
When I test fitted the propeller to the model, it seemed to me that the propeller looked as though its diameter was a bit small.
When I scaled a photograph of the model and its propeller to the illustration in the data file, it seemed to bear this out.
Also photographs of the aircraft indicate that the propeller tips were more or less aligned with the landing gear axle (propeller vertical).
Anyway right or wrong, I decide to modify the propeller.
I cut off the two blades, then used 1.0 mm diameter rod to re-join them to the hub, but with a gap in each.
This gap was filled with 'Green Stuff' putty and once cured, filed and sanded to restore the blades profiles.
The overlay below shows the difference before and after modification,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/propdifference4.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/modprop.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/propdifference3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/unnamed.jpg)
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Hi all,
There were two fuel lines between the fuel tank in the upper wing and the engine bay.
Some ‘Balilla’ aircraft had these fuel pipes exposed, however, this particular aircraft being modelled had the fuel pipes covered with a fairing.
This was made from 1.0 mm thick plastic card, cut and shaped to fit between the underside of the upper wing and engine cowl.
The edges were rounded and indications of fasteners added.
It was then covered with the 'Aviattic' CDL decal and secured in position under the fuel tank in the upper wing.
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/pipefairing2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/fairingdone.jpg)
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Excellent work on the prop and fairing for the fuel lines!
RAGIII
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Hi Mike!
Great work on propeller, I think now it have right lenght.
Photo that you posted of restored 16553 shows plane with its original propeller, restored too.
You may see tyres color too.
I think that Ansaldo was inspired by SPADs for fuel lines fairing, and you reproduce it in a perfect manner.
Congrats for the work!
Roberto
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Some great fixes on the rigging, the prop and the pipe fairing, Mike... absolutely top-notch work! An inspirational build... ATB, Marc.
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Hi all,
I've now fully rigged the wings.
This includes 'twin' flying and landing wires, cabane and interplane incidence wires and two bracing wires from the upper wing into the engine bay.
The only wires not fully connected are the two drift wires from the rear spar of the upper wing.
To avoid damaging them, they will be connected to the radiator area later in the build.
For the same reason, the moveable aileron control levers in the upper wing will be connected to their control rods later in the build.
Now it's onto completing the tail unit before tackling the inserts between the flying and landing wires,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/wingsrigged.jpg)
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It's looking absolutely magnificent Mike, thanks for the update,
Cheers,
Dave.
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yes! beautiful indeed!
ciao
edo
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Those Italian planes are mostly beautifull
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Hi all,
The tail unit is rigged now.
Twin bracing wires, rudder control line and elevator hinges.
Also added the 'metal' retaining strap at the rear of the fuselage at the tail plane leading edge,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/taildone1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/taildone2.jpg)
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Great updates, she's coming beautiful.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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The rigging looks Terrific Mike. I am glad that wing went on without a hitch! Lovely aircraft and Model.
RAGIII
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Hi Rich,
Yes this is one of the few models I've built where the upper wing fits so positively.
The square ends to the struts and their reinforcing steel rods makes for a firm, almost 'click' fit into their wing recesses,
Mike
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Hi all,
My last model was the Nieuport 28C.1, which has twin flying wires fitted with full length inserts.
On that model I was able to represent the inserts strips between the flying wires with plastic card strips, decaled and secured between the pairs of wires.
However on this build, the length and spread of the flying and landing wires meant that I wasn't able to hold the strips in position, as the lines were too flexible.
Therefore I'm cutting the full length insert strips, cut from 0.2 mm thick plastic card, in half and using 1.0 mm wide strips of kitchen baking foil to suspend the insert on the wires.
In this way I'm able to pinch the suspended insert between the two wires (using flat ended tweezers) and apply thin CA adhesive to track along and secure it between the wires.
The foil strips are then folded around the wires/insert and secured in position using the CA adhesive, as these will be the base for the linen wrappings.
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/inserts3.jpg)
Later I'll paint the foil strips to blend with the inserts then use thin white decal strips over the foils to represent the linen wrappings.
I think this is going to take a while as there are 16 half insert strips to fit,
Mike
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I was wondering how you were going to replicate the rigging bands. Now I see. Amazing, as is your entire modeling. Chapeau bas!
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very clever!
and very well dine!
ciao
edo
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Awesome Mike!
RAGIII
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Clever solution to a challenging detail work.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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Great work Mike!
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Hi all,
Just a quick note to say I've re-rigged the forward flying and landing wires as I'm trying something easier and quicker to add these infills strips.
Although my previous method worked on the Nieuport 28C.1, I had problems on this 'Balilla'.
I think it's because the twin wires on the 'Balilla' are longer and wider apart.
That and the curl on the cut plastic card strips made it extremely difficult to hold in place and secure.
I'll post on the revised method once I've moved on with it,
Mike
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That is looking beautiful Mike. Very neat and precise. Your techniques and tips are really inspiring, looking forward to what you come up with! Regards, Marc.
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Hi all,
After experimenting with thin plastic card, decal, card, metal foil etc, I finally decided on this approach to represent the full length inserts between twin flying and landing wires.
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/inserts1.jpg)
Basically I used kitchen baking parchment paper.
The reasons being it's very thin and is easily positioned and secured to the rigging lines using PVA adhesive, which also gives you time to reposition if necessary.
With the model fully rigged and the lines as taut:
Strips of baking parchment paper were cut to length and width (span) of the twin rigging wires.
PVA adhesive was brushed onto the rigging wires and one face of the strip.
The strip was laid onto the rigging wires and positioned to span and align with the wires.
More PVA adhesive was brushed over both sides of the applied strip and lines.
The thin paper self-grips onto the wires and adhesive.
The PVA adhesive not only secures the 'inserts' in position, but also seals the paper, ready for painting.
This method gives a smoother and flatter surface than other methods I tried.
The shots below show the strips that still need painting etc to finish them off
The next step will be to brush paint the rigging with the appropriate and thinned acrylic paint.
Lastly will be to apply thin white decal strips to represent the wrapping bands around the lines.
Having spent three day on this, I'm hoping the end result justifies the time spent - we'll see,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/inserts4.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/inserts5.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/inserts6.jpg)
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Elegant solution Mike, well done!
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That looks amazing to me, Mike! Very well done. A well-imagined solution that really looks the part. Thanks for sharing this. Oh, by the way, the Balillas looks fantastic! ;D
Best,
Bob
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Another Terrific solution to the inserts Mike! They look awesome.
RAGIII
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Hi all,
The flying and landing wire inserts are finished - brush painted 'Tamiya' Sky Grey (XF19) and dusted with Earth pigments.
The ailerons are fitted and at the correct angles to match the control column position.
Aileron control rods fitted to the the operating levers in the upper wing, which again are at the correct angles to match the ailerons.
Windscreen fitted. I discarded the supplied acetate transparencies and used 'Microscale' Krystal Clear solution (basically refined PVA adhesive).
I also noticed many 'Balilla's' were fitted with a forward facing pipe in the fuel tank in the upper wing, so that's been fitted also.
So now it's onto the last two jobs - landing gear and propeller,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/screendone.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/inserts8.jpg)
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8)
RAGIII
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Mike,
Every build you present demonstrates another trick from up your sleeve.
What’s next? We’ll have to see with your next unique build. Just amazing work.
Kevin
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Real nice 👌.
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Hi all,
Landing gear fitted.
Bracing wires are 0.12 mm diameter mono-filament with 1:48th scale 'GasPatch' turnbuckles.
Rigging tubes are 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm diameter blackened brass.
Weathering is 'Flory Models' pigment and 'Tamiya' Weathering Master Set A (Mud).
Now onto the propeller,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/geardone.jpg)
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Spectacularrrr.
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Hi all,
The final part of the aircraft build is the propeller.
Airbrushed with a 70/30 mix of 'Tamiya' Flat Red (XF7) and Hull Red (XF9) to represent the dark finish needed.
A sealing coat of 'Alclad' Light Sheen (ALC-311) was airbrushed over the propeller.
Propeller bosses brush painted with 'Mr. Colour' Stainless Steel (213), then washed with 'AK Interactive' Kerosene (3029).
Finally the edges were lightly sponged with 'Tamiya' Weathering Master Set D (Oil Stain).
So, now onto the figures,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ANSALDO-BALILLA/propdone.jpg)
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The gear and prop are icing on the Cake Mike!
RAGIII
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Hi,
Sorry to hear that your PE broke! Indeed it is not necessary to heat the parts they can be just bent up in shape without this. I have test build one myself for the instructions of this kit and mine worked out fine.
Heating brass is when you roll a barrel of a Vickers for example makes rolling it easy but for straight bends always use the brass as is.
Regards Ron
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Hi Ron,
Yes - I've gotten into the habit over the years of annealing most photo-etch parts.
However, you're correct that not all need annealing.
My guess is that in this case it weakened the rigging brackets, which is why they were breaking.
Not to worry - lesson learned.
I have to say the resin moulding is probably the best I seen.
Especially the clever way you managed to mould into the fuselage the receptacles for the lower wing support rods.
That's a great idea and I think unique.
Mike
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Hi Mike!
Your Balilla is a beauty!
Two news from the real one: the double rigging wires have an internal wooden "soul" held together with the cables with linen clamps. Wire/wood/wire have an oval section. When I reproduced them in 1/72 scale I used some white glue to fill the space between the cables and give them the right and pot-bellied look.
Windscreen had a wooden structure, not metal. I remember well because the one of 16553 was broken when we took out the plane from the Rock of Bergamo.
Hope I'm not in late, if yes I'm sorry.
You're near to the end!
Regards,
Roberto
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Hi Roberto,
Thanks.
Yes I used PVA adhesive not only to secure the flying and landing wires but also to 'fill the underside as best I could, to replicate the 'full' wire inserts.
As for the windscreen - hmm - I may be able to remove it and represent a wood finish, although it stuch firm.
if not I may try to paint it in position.
We'll see ???
Mike
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Hi all,
The 'Balilla' is finished and up in the Completed Models page.
Many thanks for your comments and support throughout this build.
A big thanks to Roberto Andervill for his knowledge and help,
Mike