forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: lcarroll on March 23, 2021, 07:05:03 AM
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I was planning an Off Topic Build "Yellow Wings" Era US Navy Fighter however I needed a reasonably simple Build to just unwind, I think this Covid "thing" is starting to get to me! I've settled on this little gem; a simple construction, low parts count, plain finish and a design I've always found appealing. Keeping an eye on Gisbod's progress on his 1:48 Scale model of the "Bullet" was further inspiration to pull this Kit out of the stash.
(https://i.imgur.com/osemEal.jpg)
Other then some on-line information my only reference is the Windsock Data File #58.
(https://i.imgur.com/47nkMpw.jpg)
Here's a few shots of the box contents. This will be an essentially out of the box effort with the exception of some "scratching" of the cockpit interior and I've ordered a GasPatch Lewis Gun for it.
(https://i.imgur.com/FdOe5q0.jpg)
The markings offered are pretty plain, there were only two squadrons of these in the RFC. The Kit has a decent PE Sheet and wind shield but I'll be doing a quick scratch built replacement for the latter. I'll also be using some spare wingnut wings Instrument face decals and Air Scale bezels.
(https://i.imgur.com/QhLg02B.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4ubCRM1.jpg)
First step will be cleaning up the parts, it's an older Kit with a fair amount of flash.
Cheers,
Lance
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Following along.
I love these cute little bullets.
Cheers,
Hugh
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Ah lovely Lance!
Can’t wait to see this unfold. I’m still waiting on my masks - so it’s stalled, but fingers crossed the next day or two.
I found plain linen quite a challenge. I’d be interested to see you tackle yours.
Guy
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Really looking forward to the construction of this kit . I don't recall ever seeing one built and with your talent ...it will be a show stopper !
Alexis
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Nice choice, Lance! Every one need such a bullet in the cabinet!
And yes, the title painting of your Windsock reminds me of the one on skies in my cabinet ;)
Have fun (beating the Covid Blues!) and good luck!
Cheers,
Frank
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Excellent choice Lance. I will watch closely as this one is on MY want list.
RAGIII
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Thanks for all the well wishes! Not much of a start yet; I've found the plastic is quite soft and several of the smaller parts may need replacement as they are pretty flimsy!
Guy, I'm not sure whether I'll go the paint route on the linen or toss caution to the wind and try the Aviattic RFC Linen I think I have ferreted away somewhere around here........ something a little different!
Cheers,
Lance
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Following this one closely Lance as I want to make this kit too but I am delighted to wait and be guided by your build.
cheers
Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
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I completely understand your „Covid-blues“ as Frank called it, same here. I am sure you‘ll build a great model out of that kit. I also love the MS Monoplanes and will follow closely. There is some interesting information on British MS Bullets in Osprey‘s 60th Squadron book, just let me know If I shall send you some pictures.
Best regards,
Andreas
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I love the look of the Aviattic linen Lance. I’m just put off by applying it.
Good luck with that conical fuselage! ???
Guy
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Good luck, Lance!
::) ::) ::)
vB
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Interesting work Lance. I'll follow you!
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Hi Lance,
It's not a bad kit considering its age.
I built it some time ago and added a 1.0 mm brass rod through the cockpit and into the wings as a front 'spar', to give them additional support.
The rod is far enough forward in the cockpit not to be seen.
If I recall correctly, I did similar for a rear 'spar', but the wing are thinner there, so smaller rod was used.
I printed the MS logo for the sides of the engine cowl, but I believe they are available 'Tom's Model Works'.
http://www.tomsmodelworks.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=482 (http://www.tomsmodelworks.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=482)
Looking forward to your model, which I'm sure will be a stunner,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/MORANE-N/Moraneshots/3.jpg)
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i'm sure that you won't mind if I follow along too Lance. Monoplanes offer a distinct challenge, especially with the undercarriage. I agree with Alexis: with your skill this is going to be another stunner.
Stephen.
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Thanks for all the encouragement everyone, I'm looking forward to this one.
Borsos, I have the book however didn't even think of it until your comments, many thanks for that!
Mike, Thanks for the link; I have some decal versions of the MS Logo I was "gifted" by Des years ago and they'll end up on this Build "In Memory" of a generous and much respected friend.
Cheers,
Lance
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I've found the plastic is quite soft and several of the smaller parts may need replacement as they are pretty flimsy!
Lance, that is called live demonstration! And in 1/48 the parts are even thinner. Now you know why I replaced all those struts and co on my recent projects, e.g. the Special Hobby Fokker D.V
Cheers,
Frank
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Very nice subject, following.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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This project looks real nice. I'm very interested in this plane so I'll follow along.
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A great project to choose, Lance! And in your capable hands will turn out a stunner! A bit out of the ordinary, and so appealing! In my thoroughly disorganised stash this kit may be lurking, the French boxing, I think... so I will pay rapt attention! Regards, Marc.
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Thanks all, as always I really enjoy your comments!
Progress has been slow but here's another update. The cockpit module is complete and it has been test fitted into the fuselage. Trimming required was marginal as there's not very much that can be reduced without compromising the entire frame. The three instruments were scratched using Air Scale decal faces and Aero Scale PE Bezels. I added control cables to the rudder bar and pear wood veneer foot boards.
(https://i.imgur.com/C412sXc.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CLtH84N.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FeLdFwh.jpg)
The Fuselage interior frame and longerons were done with Evergreen Styrene Strips. The two larger holes are the original kit wing alignment holes, the third (middle one) has been added to receive the brass tube that the wings have been drilled for to add a bit of strength.
(https://i.imgur.com/2yEgeKo.jpg)
The Kit's PE Seat Belts were replaced with some spares from an HGW Fabric set which I far prefer.:
(https://i.imgur.com/Cjq7Wlf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/L1joNf8.jpg)
I also subjected the wings to a bit of hair dryer torture and they are now (and hopefully permanently) straightened. I figure she's ready to be "buttoned up"!
Cheers,
Lance
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You are making good progress on this Lance. The pearwood veneer on the floor boards is a nice touch. The Instruments are nicely done and the whole cockpit assembly looks pretty outstanding from my side of the computer screen. Looking forward to see how the wings work for you. Looks like you have the situation well in hand.
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Nice clean work Lance , nothing like adding real wood to a build . Those are lovely floor boards :)
Alexis
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Beautiful work on the cockpit Lance, and very nice stitching detail on the seatbelts. I hope it will all stay visible once the fuselage is closed.
Willem
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It put a smile on my face when you wrote the three instruments were scratched, considering how many instruments they use today.
Progres is nice Lance.
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Lovely Lance,
I too, love a bit of real wood.
Guy
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It put a smile on my face when you wrote the three instruments were scratched, considering how many instruments they use today.
Progres is nice Lance.
Thanks for looking and commenting. The wood floor boards are strictly my own embellishment, I couldn't find any photos or a diagram of the cockpit bottom but there had to be some sort of support there between the Pilot and the fabric bottom! As for the scratched instruments Fvdm, can you imagine trying to "scratch" a full "glass" cockpit like today's aircraft?!
I'm hoping to get the fuselage closed up today, with more to follow.
Cheers,
Lance
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You are making good progress on this Lance. The pearwood veneer on the floor boards is a nice touch. The Instruments are nicely done and the whole cockpit assembly looks pretty outstanding from my side of the computer screen. Looking forward to see how the wings work for you. Looks like you have the situation well in hand.
I agree with all Mark has said. I Love the floorboards. Nice touch!
RAGIII
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Thank you Rick, real wood is hard to beat alright. I'll add a mini update as I got the fuselage closed up as planned today. The fit was much better then I anticipated with only three small fill ins required. I did my usual fumble fingered routine and "pinged" off the instrument on the right sill, but located it before the floor monster swallowed so it's easily reinstalled later.
The assembled fuselage, the brass rod support for the wings is "posed" for the photo:
(https://i.imgur.com/59PUDnN.jpg)
A small bit of putty around the headrest area:
(https://i.imgur.com/m7mOgOC.jpg)
More in two small spots on the underside:
(https://i.imgur.com/qzxTL6g.jpg)
.......... and two small "sink holes" where the tail skid support frame attaches.
(https://i.imgur.com/yyH9f7l.jpg)
Next I'll complete the engine along with the prop, spinner, and cowling.
Cheers,
Lance
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Looking really good Lance. I'm following this build for reference to my own later.
cheers
Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
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Thanks Dave. The most valuable hint I can pass on at this point is regarding the framed cockpit assembly. The instructions are pretty basic and I struggled with the width of the component until I realized that the firewall would determine that. The other lateral frame members all were too long so were installed and then trimmed to match to outside face of the longitudinal frame pieces after the firewall was assembled to the front of the frame.; it then fell together beautifully and fitted the fuselage perfectly!
Cheers,
Lance
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Quick work Lance. Your Morane is taking shape and the construction looks excellent!
RAGIII
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Quick work Lance. Your Morane is taking shape and the construction looks excellent!
RAGIII
Second Ricks comments :)
Alexis
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I will add a third to Rick. I have not been able to drop by recently and it is eye-opening to see how you have moved this one forward. The seat belts look very realistic and the instrument s are so life like! This may seem to be a "simple" kit Lance, but I can see that it is not by any means. Super model in the making.
Stephen.
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Thanks for the encouraging words! Today I installed the PE "sill plates" along the sides of the cockpit and got the engine, a Le Rhone 9C about 80% completed. I also got a base coat of dull aluminum on the cowling and spinner in preparation for some AK chipping fluid. The engine will be all but completely concealed by the huge spinner but as we all say, "i know it's there"! The engine is a combination of a resin "block", styrene manifold, and several PE bits and builds up quite nicely. I'll post a photo or two once it's finished.
Cheers,
Lance
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I finally got a bit of time on this latest project and completed the finish on the major components. I had planned to use Aviattic Clear Doped Linen for the overall scheme however experiments with the fuselage proved the results would be pretty bad! I revised the plan and used Humbrol #74 "Linen" for the basic color and, once weathered and highlighted, the finish should be fine. The Kit decals proved excellent and I used strips of solid black for the taped outlines of the wings and tail components with some freehand brush touch ups and curved sections to finish them off. The chipping and wear effects on the cowling and engine panels was done with AK Chipping "Worn Effects" Fluid.
(https://i.imgur.com/TDhEhwi.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6icDdj0.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1SlWMXm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/krjIPjp.jpg)
Now I can settle down for a long session of washing/weathering to cover all of that shiny enamel finish!
Cheers,
Lance
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That's coming together nicely, Lance. Great work in the cockpit.
I built this one a couple of years and thought it not a bad kit overall. Loom forward to seeing more progress work.
Regards
Dave
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Looking great Lance, those decal strips have given great taped edges. The chipping effects look very realistic too, impressive stuff!
Richie
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I do like the chipped paintwork on your models Lance - it is so realistic. At the moment the other colours do look a bit glossy - no doubt that will change in due course! Looking forward to seeing more.
Stephen.
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Excellent work on a great looking and colorful scheme. Your outlining looks terrific as does the chipping and roundels!
RAGIII
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Thanks Gents, glad you like it!
Cheers,
Lance
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Lance, that can be called progress! I really like your dark red shade :-*
May be it is a bit late, the round little head rest looks strange! I replaced it on my Eduard bird with some milliput, so it looks more as on the real bird:
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e4/bf/b0/e4bfb0ce9eaf4ad765ede8c079fcf92a.jpg)
I think the original shape could not be moulded due to the fuselage halves.
Cheers,
Frank
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Coming along wonderfully so far Lance , very nice work on the cowl . That dark red stands out sharply with the chipping effect .
Alexis
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Top job all around, Lance. Chipping looks great.
If you put a pilot in it, don't forget the cigarette!
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Thanks for your comments All.
Frank, the head rest is a separate piece on the Kit, not part of the fuselage, and you are right, I will fashion one from putty as I considered in the first place. You caught me being lazy!
Ken, it's too late to add an ash tray to the now closed cockpit. I'm always amazed at the commonly seen smoking in and around the aircraft in period photos. I recall back in my Student days an old instructor of mine who would light up and puff away in the back seat of our F-5 with an oxygen mask hanging from his face inches away from the cigarette...... used to make me just a little nervous!!
Cheers,
Lance
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Excellent progress on your Morane Saulnier.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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Those are nice progress shots Lance. The chipping on the cowling looks good. I tried to get some of that chipping fluid but; the shop didn't have any. I do like the effect. The decal work is a nice touch as well and looks nice and sharp. No Ash Tray? I can imagine during that time period if you didn't smoke you were an oddity. Looking forward to seeing it come together.
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Thanks Mark and Giuseppe, your comments are appreciated! Yes, isn't that so true about smoking, "back in the day" everyone smoked and now it's quite the opposite,but as you know Mark we still can't resist a good cigar once in a while! (Silly old fools that we are!) ;) :)
Cheers,
Lance
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I've got this kit in my stash (well, two actually) and I'm considering it for my next project. So I'm interested to see how you get on with this Lance
Looks good so far!
Richard
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Looks great Lance ;)
I must admit I didn’t envy you decalling that conical fuselage! It looks lovely as it is. Looks like you’re having fun with it anyway. Great progress!
Guy
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Looks excellent, Lance. Always loved the look of that aircraft after Tony built the 1/72 Revell kit when we were kids.
Cheers,
Gary
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Thanks Guys; yes Guy, I sort of "wimped out" on the CDL Decal plan, there's enough stress going around these days as is. The GasPatch Vickers arrived yesterday so I have no more excuses, time to get going on this beauty!
Cheers,
Lance
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Great progress Lance.
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Great progress Lance.
Sort of progress but slow! I'm now "bogged down" adding the cane strips that were used in lieu of rib tapes on the wings. According to the Refs they were either varnished or painted black like the wing edge tapes, I'm going with the former using decal strips from an old brown wood grain sheet. I experimented with some strips and even considered using stretched sprue but didn't at all like the results. My decal sheet is really old and delicate to work with, success is hardly optimum at present. Then there's the question of were the roundels painted over the strips (most likely IMHO) or not, particularly since the original French roundels were over painted when the aircraft were put into RFC Service. Surprise, careful study of all the photos appears to show BOTH methods! Since my roundels were already on the wings I chose the easy way, and the strips are on top of the roundel colors. Ahhhh, the joys of AMS!
Needless to say the foregoing adventure took several days of "fussing about", hand wringing, numerous cups of hot liquids and a beer or two in the evening bench visits to ponder! That's "OMS" by the way, otherwise know as "Old Man Syndrome" ......... "Futzing or fiddling" more or less needlessly at an Olympic level. I thank the gods that I have this hobby to relax me! ::) ::) Photos of said madness will follow in the next update.
Cheers,
Lance
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This Build is another slow paced event, must be the press of Spring time clean up duties and a fall of the "Modeling Mojo" index which I attribute to this seemingly endless Pandemic. There's also the nature of the Kit playing a part, there are many areas that I can't resist attempts to improve on or add detail to which further slows down progress. On the other hand it's an enjoyable project for certain.
The fuselage was weathered and the longeron locations accented using Tamiya Weathering Master pigments. I was pleased with the three dimensional look that resulted. Most of the reference photos show well worn and soiled finishes on these aircraft and the red metal areas, added as a recognition feature to hopefully prevent "friendly fire" incidents, was quickly chipped and marred by use. Here's the before weathering results:
(https://i.imgur.com/1SlWMXm.jpg)
........ and a few shots of the weathered fuselage:
(https://i.imgur.com/0GcVMId.jpg)
side tape strips still in place......
(https://i.imgur.com/S7C4cnh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/sr4lx6U.jpg)
....and the finished effect .....
(https://i.imgur.com/WEWZDz3.jpg)
As mentioned earlier the cane half round wood rib "tapes" were added using wood grain decal stock ......
(https://i.imgur.com/Q8jqq6l.jpg)
Next came the double anchor points for the rigging and wing warping control wires which were made from salvaged copper wire. These will be filled and touched up in the final stages.
(https://i.imgur.com/55uuioD.jpg)
The empennage components were highlighted and the tiny PE Control Horns added, I found these PE components were very well made and fit beautifully.
(https://i.imgur.com/nYwZHQp.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WSCuYsa.jpg)
The landing main frame was "pinned" with stainless wire and modified by opening up the axle slot, I'll add some scratched bungee later when the support brace has been installed. Here it is "posed" for the photo...... and before sub assembly.....
(https://i.imgur.com/hLMbpjM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wySb3HW.jpg)
Last for this update the support frames for the rigging and flight control wires top and bottom seen here with the landing gear struts:
(https://i.imgur.com/W4nabkP.jpg)
The upper support frame has a pulley to guide the wing warping control wires which is supplied in the Kit Resin Package. It is TINY! I spent hours trying to duplicate it in brass and styrene with no success which was a colossal waste of time. When I reverted back to the original one I was pleasantly surprised, it was beautifully molded and with the supplied PE mounting plate should be sufficiently strong enough to do the job. Kudos to whoever produced that little gem! Note the molding details here:
(https://i.imgur.com/HTBeGh9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rnWsaM2.jpg)
and the Number 11 blade for scale:
(https://i.imgur.com/0AosscY.jpg)
Now it's sit back and ponder the sequence for the rest of the Build; I'm thinking rig the wings, then assemble and rig the tail feathers before adding the landing gear and engine etc. Yes indeed, small parts count, mostly OOB, and a simple little model to relax with ......... :o ::) :o ::)
Cheers,
Lance
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Excellent update Lance. I am impressed with the chipping of the red paint, very convincing. Your overall scheme is beautiful and really moves this one up in My "Wants" list! That pulley does look excellent! Hopefully it will hold up to the rigging as you expect!
RAGIII
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Fantastic update Lance - your efforts are producing a spectacular result as usual. Your "colossal waste of time" story had me laughing out loud, since we've all had those moments ;)
Cheers,
Gary
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Lance, that weathering is amazingly effective. The before picture is of a seriously pretty Morane but the 'after shots are of a real stunner!
Richie
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Lance, that is a wonderful update!
Your weathering idea for the fuselage is great! The only issue is that it comes to late for my build ??? , because I done want to do that on a finished model.
Cheers,
Frank
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Thanks for looking Guys, and for your encouraging comments, they are very much appreciated. Frank, I haven't got back to that headrest cushion, but it's on the list!
Cheers,
Lance
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The chipping on the red paint is stunning Lance, as is the rest of the weathering effect. You may had suffered from depressed mojo but you have not lost any of your ability to manipulate tiny parts - that pulley for the wing warping really is tiny!
I am like Gary as I too smiled from ear to ear reading about your "colossal waste of time": that rang quite a few bells for me!
Stephen.
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Thanks Stephen. As the old saying goes, "Hindsight is 100%"! Once I went back to the original pulley I realized how completely unnecessary the efforts to rebuild it were. Ah well, wasted bench time is far better then no bench time!
Cheers,
Lance
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That's some great progress Lance.
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Exceptional detailing work on all sections, I love it!
Willem
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Looking wonderful, Lance -
Love all those little details you adding
Regards
Dave
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Lance , she is shaping up wonderfully so far ! Really like the weathering you done so far ...outstanding :)
Alexis
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Thank you All, I really enjoy your comments. I'm now immersed in the "plan", the lower Flight Control Wire Frame is installed and a couple of wires added, I'll get the bottom finished prior to photos or an update. I will admit to exercising my lexicon of the very finest profanity with the first several wires however things have now settled down and I believe I'll make it! More to follow shortly.
Cheers,
Lance
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Beautiful work, Lance. So many nice details and additions. The paint job is also very good.
Bye Manni
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Getting into the fray a little late, but here none the less. I know what you mean about OMS and Fussing about. I do it on a daily basis. Anyway, the build is looking good thus far lance. A couple of things, when I did my Eindeckers I used stretch line for the underwing rigging and for the upper surfaces I used that Chameleon Monofiliment for strength and kept the wing level. I rigged all the attachment points but left them loose and then tightened from inboard to outboard to keep the wings level. You may want to put the elevators on first for a reference point for the wing rigging and align the wing with the elevators, ensuring of course that the elevators are 90 degrees to the tail. Just my $00.02 worth. It's coming along though and will be a neat little model when you get it wrapped up. The more challenging the kit the greater the reward and satisfaction that you did it. Remember," we're in this together."
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I can't believe it's been more then a month since I last updated this Build log. Bench time has been at a premium, I believe I had more leisure time when still working full time then as a retiree! So, it's done, the rigging went well overall and after a few more details were added she's on the shelf.
The Gas patch Lewis with a support added:
(https://i.imgur.com/f5brQLj.jpg)
.... and in place (Rigging still in progress)
(https://i.imgur.com/9bUmk8I.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NeVQqBL.jpg)
Engine, cowling and prop added:
(https://i.imgur.com/tVPUAoi.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NcijZGA.jpg)
.... and a scratched windshield with some engine oil added. Also some rigging details:
(https://i.imgur.com/GdK90Js.jpg)
Some engine oil tossed around:
(https://i.imgur.com/TJrjXQY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/eclfkst.jpg)
....... and she's done:
(https://i.imgur.com/mZVmpoU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qYfmQTs.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ECvfo24.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cKobgp1.jpg)
No Kit for a beginner but it does build up nicely with a bit of extra effort. I elected to leave the original cushion headrest in place as it was CA'ed solidly in place and I didn't want to damage the model ripping it off.
The Morane Saulnier logos on the cowling were a gift from Des shortly before he passed; a nice reminder of a great friend I never met in person but will never forget.
Cheers,
Lance
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Stunning results Lance! The rigging is the icing on a well made cake !
RAGIII
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What a beautiful endresult Lace!
I love the weathering and rigging is fabulous!
Willem
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Wow - stunning result, Lance -
Love your pulley detail on the wing pylon and your really looks realistic.
Regards
Dave
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Awesome looking results, Lance.
All the little details and the paint chipping make this very visually interesting.
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Wow, Lance! A great model with every aspect just so well done! Masterful! Regards, Marc.
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Thanks all for the comments, much appreciated!
Dave, I had intended to mention that pulley. It was included in the resin accessories as part of the Kit and the set was the best resin I've ever seen. Solid, great detail, and easy to work with!
Cheers,
Lance
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Glorious, Lance, what a crackerjack. The colours really pop and the weathering is very realistic. I've got one at the bottom of the stash somewhere but yours would make it much higher priority.
Sandy
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That's just fabulous Lance. Extremely well done!
Best regards,
Bob
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What a wonderful MS, Lance. It looks really great!
Andreas
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Sandy, Bob and Andreas,
Thanks for looking in and taking the time to leave your very much appreciated comments!
Cheers,
Lance
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That is awesome Lance. The chipping of the red on the metal parts is just right. Come to that the rest of the model is excellent too - such superb detail in all of the parts. A super build log too.
Stephen.
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Really beautiful result, utterly convincing weathering. I'd say it looks like the real thing in miniature but it doesn't, it just looks like the real thing in 1/1 scale!
Richie
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Thumbs up Lance :)
Alexis
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You did such a great job on this one Lance. Now I want one to so I will ad it to the wishlist
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Thanks so very much, all of you! As I mentioned already when I strive for heavy wear and weathering I am always afraid I've overdone it! Your favorable assessments are very much appreciated!
Cheers,
Lance
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You nailed it Lance. Very impressed.
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You nailed it Lance. Very impressed.
Thank you very much Dave, and welcome back from the "Dark Side"!