forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: lcarroll on September 08, 2021, 01:15:58 AM
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My next Build is Vickers Built SE.5a B'525 of 56 Sqn flown by 25 victory Ace Lt. Arthur PF Rhys Davids when he was credited with shooting down the famous German Ace, Ltn. Werner Voss on 20 Oct. 1917.
I built this Kit as McCudden's B'4891 shortly after WNW released it in their original 4 subjects. I really like the Kit, it is one of their best in my experience and I am fortunate in having two in my Stash! The aircraft, along with the Albatros D.III and D.V Series, is at the top of my list of favorites of the era.
(https://i.imgur.com/OWcVjSJ.jpg)
....... and the standard "Sprue Shot":
(https://i.imgur.com/dcnA96J.jpg)
This is the scheme as depicted in the Osprey book on SE5/5a Aces by Norman Franks:
(https://i.imgur.com/AdL7HKR.jpg)
As an aside I highly recommend this excellent book on the life of Arthur Rhys Davids by Alex Revell, I really enjoyed it.
(https://i.imgur.com/7IfkBz9.jpg)
For references I have the Kit plans and Wingnut Wings on line photo Gallery along with the Osprey Aces book and the three outstanding volumes from Albatros Productions. (Thank you for all you've done for the study and hobby over the years Ray!)
(https://i.imgur.com/H2As7uE.jpg)
The Kit will be mainly an OOB Build with the exception of decals from Pheon and the HGW fabric seat belts. I'll document any "Scratched" additions as we roll along.
(https://i.imgur.com/FQFdlY0.jpg)
Cheers,
Lance
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Looking forward to this Lance as you always produce the highest quality models even though you do not overload them with small details.
Another inspiring build to follow!
Stephen.
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Spot on, Lance....capital idea. Enjoy.
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Oh yes, Lance is back to a WWI subject! And a SE.5a is a nice subject.
Not only a nice WNW kit, also the number of references and add-ons is impressive 8)
I have to watch for sure :D I would like to join with a Eduard kit of this type, but I have to many started projects ::)
Have fun,
Frank
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This was the only WNW kit I had, and I sold it to buy the two Roden Zeppelin Staakens....
STUPID STUPID STUPID!!!!
>:( >:( >:(
So, I will be watching this build from the first row Lance!
Willem
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I missed out on this kit so following with keen interest. The WNW SE5a seems to have achieved legendary status in its brief lifetime.
Richie
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I am really looking forward to your build of this one Lance! Sort of a "Duel" build to My DFW 8)
RAGIII
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Looking forward to your build as I plan on doing the same with mine (when I get to it)
Ed
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Will follow when I can Lance , always enjoy your work :)
Alexis
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Thank you all for checking in and for your encouraging comments. I've started on the basic interior which will be step/module number one in the Build. All smooth sailing so far .......
(https://i.imgur.com/wyv1k6P.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/24lLe8M.jpg)
Next some oil wood grain and CDL on the fabric portions. The engine area wont be detailed as it will be closed up however I will be adding cross bracing to the frame in the cockpit area.
Cheers,
Lance
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Excellent start Lance!
RAGIII
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Looking great Lance - I'm well tuned in here and looking forward to your progress. Those Pen & Sword books are great. I've started to fill a book shelf at home with them (and have read every one as they arrive). I'll put that one on order right away.
Cheers,
Gary
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you're off to a great start and i'll certainly be following along
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Another SE5a! Must follow!
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Thanks for your comments Guys, I'm getting a few very short sessions here and there only thus progress is slow. Fall is the busiest season in the Great White North, especially if you live in a country setting as I do. Better to do the grooming and yard work now then at 35-40 below Centigrade!! I'll hopefully get some photos of where I'm at on this slow Build soon.
Cheers,
Lance
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Thanks for your comments Guys, I'm getting a few very short sessions here and there only thus progress is slow. Fall is the busiest season in the Great White North, especially if you live in a country setting as I do. Better to do the grooming and yard work now then at 35-40 below Centigrade!! I'll hopefully get some photos of where I'm at on this slow Build soon.
Cheers,
Lance
35-40 below zero! I can't even begin to imagine how cold that is. That sounds like a time for bears to hibernate and Lance to build the SE5a without worrying about clearing up outside. I feel cold just thinking about it!
Richie
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It's all relative Richie, I wait until it's warmed up to a balmy 20-25 below Centigrade before I venture out for snow clearing etc! It is becoming more temperate with climate change as well, I recall our first Winter here in 1981-82 when the temp. hit minus 52 on New Years Eve ........ now that's cold!
Cheers,
Lance
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This is a very interesting report.
I am very curious about the next steps :)
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I've finally wrestled some leisure time from the jaws of real life and got a bit of progress accomplished on this Build. It's time for an update before I close up the fuselage.
The Instrument panel and shelf has been completed with the Kit components and Aero Club etched instrument bezels.
(https://i.imgur.com/ILu7WXW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2N0VbMU.jpg)
Cockpit control cables were installed using monofil and the HGW belts added.
(https://i.imgur.com/DYyCNrl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ULGzv1u.jpg)
Cockpit frame braces were done with very fine stainless steel wire from a Model Railroad supplier out of my spare bits collection. A few got stretched out of shape however shouldn't be visible once it's all together.
(https://i.imgur.com/L7BnvQM.jpg)
The instrument panel showed "posed" in position.
(https://i.imgur.com/YX1dmeM.jpg)
...... and finally the components ready for assembly and close up. It's not possible to follow the Kit assembly sequence if you wish to have the control cables installed. Getting the second fuselage half mated is going to be a delicate operation to fit it into and around the slots in the lower wing assembly which includes the cockpit floor, foul language is no doubt a feature of that step imminently!
(https://i.imgur.com/H7p50ex.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uBjhcQC.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yUu3bp5.jpg)
More to follow soon I hope!
Cheers,
Lance
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Excellent progress Lance. The IP looks impressive! The assembly sequence does make it challenging to do the control wires. I think I used sprue and left them loose through drilled holes at the rear location, then very carefully pulled them forward and secured them. A challenging process No Matter what way one goes.
RAGIII
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Hi Lance:
Just catching up a bit here. Looks like you're on your way to another show stopper. This isn't an easy kit to build, as I am sure you are finding out. Tolerances are very tight, that being written, what you have done so far looks the business. Funny how real life activities invade our modeling space and we have to re-adjust our priorities. I'm keeping an eye on this space.
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Wonderful work on the interior Lance, the control panel looks like the real thing. Actually that's probably a little unfair to single out one component because it all looks incredibly life like.
Richie
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Excellent work so far, Lance and progressing lovely.
I thought this was one of WNW's best kits in terms of assembly.
Regards
Dave
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Wonderful interieur, Lance. The wood looks really great as the instruments, very clean.
Bye,
Manni
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Super interior Lance. It may be a bit fiddly to assemble but I am sure that you will master it in dur course. Such a shame that so much of this will not be visible on the completed model.
Stephen.
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Thanks All, very much appreciated! This doesn't look like much in the way of progress however it was a relief to get it closed up. Getting the second fuselage half into the slots on the lower wing and mated to the other half took a bit of trimming and a lot of "short unprintable words" as the author Paul Brickhill once termed it!
(https://i.imgur.com/XRnFl0e.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Jc2HuXn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5kkrGlg.jpg)
The seams are near invisible but were given a light treatment of Tamiya Surface Primer. After a second coat and a bit of sanding I can start on the taping for the pre-shading.
Cheers,
Lance
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I am happy to see you managed to fit that left fuselage Lance! Looking great. It is nice to see someone actually using the wrinkled fuselage halves. Most builds I remember used the flat ones 8)
RAGIII
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I wonder what those "short unprintable words" were Lance.... please could you email me a few so that I might be able to use them when I am having difficulties with some of my models.
Looks super - and I agree with Rick, the wrinkled fuselage sides look far more realistic than flat sides. Just wish I could replicate that on some of my builds.
Stephen.
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Rick, Stephen,
Thanks for looking and for commenting. I was quite taken by those wrinkled fuselage halves, genius move on WNW's part to provide the option!
Stephen, the reference is to a quote from "Reach for the Sky", the Biography of Sir Douglas Bader. I suspect the word the author referred to rhymes with "truck"! My copy is a wreck, I bought it in 1960 while in school and treasure it. It's traveled with me since that time and certainly looks it!
Cheers,
Lance
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Beautiful work Lance! Thanks for sharing your talents!
Best regards,
Ernie
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Beautiful work so far, with living insides.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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Nice work on the interior, Lance. The wrinkling seems to be quite common on these aircraft.
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glad you got the 2 halves together, it's looking great
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That is a big step Lance: It's always with fear and trepidation and a big deep breath when the modeler buttons up the fuselage, hoping with crossed fingers that it all fits. You done good Lance. Got it together with minimum clean up, what more could one ask for? The rest is all downhill as they say.
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Thanks for commenting Guys, your encouragement is appreciated! I got it sanded today and it's more or less ready to start on the paint phase. Preshading is next on the list.
Cheers,
Lance
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As I've already mentioned here, this is the worst time of the year to find time for important things, like building model airplanes; far too much preparation for 6 months of Winter for my taste! :(
I have managed to complete the pre-shading, drilled out the holes for the rigging eyelet anchors, and have started their installation. As you will know the SE5a had a lot of double rigging lines so the eyelet installation is a "fiddly" and time consuming process. It seemed like a million bits of masking strips went into this phase!
(https://i.imgur.com/Axz7E0o.jpg)
.....and the end results:
(https://i.imgur.com/KNgQpmQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3iKzUY8.jpg)
...... and a couple of the eyelets. I'm using my own ones made with nichrome wire and Bob's Buckles as well on this model.
(https://i.imgur.com/L5ffxmE.jpg)
Hopefully the next update will come sooner then this!
Cheers,
Lance
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Looking great. Lance. I'm sure with the weather like this today you'll be staying cozy at the model bench :)
Cheers,
Gary
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Great progress. I am looking forward to see more of it.
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The pre shading looks excellent and yes that was a lot of masking!
RAGIII
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nicely done, those rigging eyelets look proper fiddly
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Great progress, LC. Nice prep work and splendid interior. (Like you I remember the difficulty of getting the fuselage halves together with the wing and flooring in place.)
Sandy
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Thanks for your comments Guys. You are correct Gary, the weather has shifted into winter mode and the Model Desk has a lot of appeal presently. Sandy, I agree, despite the genius level of engineering in the Wingnut Wings line I still puzzle at the assembly sequence and challenges of getting the lower wing, cockpit module, and fuselage halves together without considerable bending, forcing, and plain old abuse of the King's English on this Kit. To be honest I don't recall how, in the end, it all fell together!
Cheers,
Lance
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All I can say Lance is when you're good, it "falls together" beautifully, although
they say talking to it...gently...seems to help ease the urge to de-hair oneself.
Great update and the pre-shading looks amazing! Well done, my friend.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Thanks Ernie. The bottom of the fuselage wouldn't fit past the floor edge and had to be trimmed a bit at a time to finally "snap" into place so tightly that I had to use extra thin CA "wicked" into the seams to get a permanent joint. More luck then good management but I'll take it!
Cheers,
Lance
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No wonder the update was a long time coming... that was indeed a lot of fiddly work with the masking. Now it looks as though you have a lot more with all the eyelets etc. But keep it up Lnce - another mini-masterpiece is in the making.
Stephen.
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Yep, lots of atpe there, great progress, things should go a little faster now.
Ed
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You've been very busy while I've been away Lance! All that masking must have taken a great deal of patience!
The kit looks amazing, the fabric wrinkles and stitches are amazingly well defined.
Richie
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Yes Stephen, I'm glad the masking tape can be put away for a while, but as Ed points out things should progress a little faster now. Richie, it is a very nice Kit. I did one as James McCudden's B4891
https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=211.0
shortly after it was released at least ten years ago and besides their Brisfit view it as their best with the exception of the assembly sequence. I'm actually using it as a rigging reference for this Build as the Rigging Diagram in the Instructions Booklet is not as good as most of the Wingnut Wings Kits. On the other hand I believe the detail on this one is outstanding!
Cheers,
Lance
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Lots of masking tape but well worth as you got a terrific pre-shading.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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Well, it's been two months since the last entry here so it's time to update this "Snail fest"! Real life, Wonder Dog, and the trials of another Winter in the Great White North have kept progress rather modest to say the least, however I'm getting closer to the end of this project.
Since completing the taping and pre-shading the rigging eyelets were all installed and all control surfaces "pinned" using fine stainless steel wire. Then the main components received their coats of PC-10 upper and CDL lower using mixes of Tamiya acrylics. That was followed by 4 generous coats of future to provide for the decals.
Fuselage with lower wing installed:
(https://i.imgur.com/UnF9SKe.jpg)
A couple of the rigging attachment eyelets:
(https://i.imgur.com/61Tf5qh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/sdW0xb1.jpg)
Rear fuselage, the tail plane serial numbers were custom printed by my good friend and fellow Forum Member Chris Johnson to replace the Pheon ones I misplaced ...... many thanks Chris! The white tail band was cut from spare decal stock.
(https://i.imgur.com/pjb55hF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WDGFgyG.jpg)
Decal work on the wings, a mix of Pheon, Encore, and Kit markings.
(https://i.imgur.com/YMSyxWz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ItWNDCs.jpg)
The Upper wing tank fuel vent pipes molded on the Kit were removed, the surface sanded, and wire replacements (shown "posed" here) were scratch built from steel wire.
(https://i.imgur.com/gOhkXsS.jpg)
...... and with the new vents.
(https://i.imgur.com/0slO2B7.jpg)
Most of the other sub components are completed and I'll be installing them soon as this all comes together, hopefully sooner rather then later!
Cheers,
Lance
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Wow, that is very fine and clear work shown on the pictures! This really looks like a SE.5a 8)
Cheers,
Frank
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Outstanding progress Lance. I Love the PC 10 color you mixed. Looks more brownish in some photos and more greenish in others. Perfect! Nicely done detailing also!!
RAGIII
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Nice work Lance on the those cold winter days
Alexis
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Fine progress. Especially that exchange of vent lines.
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I can't really understand how I've missed this!? Great work on a really nice model!
/Fredrik
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Beautiful work sir.
WD
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Thank you all for your nice comments. I've completed installation of all the control horns and hope to get the engine, Radiator, and upper cowling on next. So far the engineering and "fit" of this Kit is incredibly good!
Cheers,
Lance
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Stunning progress, Lance -
Love the wrinkled fabric effect
Regards
Dave
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Nice update, Lance. Good to see some progress.
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Sorry that I missed this update Lance. You may have been a while posting but you have certainly made excellent progress and added some super extra details. How you install those rigging attachment points beats me!
Stephen.
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Dave, Kensar,
Thanks for checking in and for your comments.
Stephen,
How do I install the rigging attachment points?? Slowly, very slowly!
Cheers,
Lance
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Coming together beautifully, Lance!
Keep on keeping on.
Cheers,
Bob ;)
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"Keeping on at keeping on" as Bob put it. I've added the landing gear frame and horizontal stabilator and completed all but a few of the remaining smaller bits, most of which will be installed after the upper wing goes on and the rigging is finished.
Before adding the landing gear assembly the internal bracing in the bay above the landing gear behind the engine was completed. (Wish I'd done it before the panel was installed!)
(https://i.imgur.com/KKcwOiH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Fvl66Bn.jpg)
The landing gear framework was completed before installation on the model and the wheels finished for intallation later.
(https://i.imgur.com/a1V9Bl9.jpg)
The landing gear installation took some extra effort to ensure it was level and once that was achieved the bracing was added.
(https://i.imgur.com/MB3216j.jpg)
Both guns were finished and the Vickers installed in the fuselage. The exhaust pipe assemblies are ready for installation as well. They were airbrushed with assorted Alclad II shades and some copper dry brushing.
(https://i.imgur.com/6ALaHZw.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ipFVPnX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FHPqpnM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HGHwjp5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Nqe1Ptj.jpg)
All of the control horns have been drilled and added.
(https://i.imgur.com/52qVP7j.jpg)
The radiator was actually completed and installed first in this sequence:
(https://i.imgur.com/vPwsnut.jpg)
She's finally starting to look like an "SE".
(https://i.imgur.com/X6kgzHz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1z0dQTC.jpg)
Now comes the fun part ....... struts, upper wing, and wires!
Cheers,
Lance
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Really nice up-date Lance for those cold Canadian winters . For the rigging on the undercarriage , what did you use for this , it seems to be very fine
Alexis
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Alexis,
The landing gear rigging is my usual Maxima Chameleon 0.12mm mono fishing line. It probably looks so fine because of not being painted yet and poor lighting/photography.
As far as "cold Canadian winters" go, this is a real beauty, isn't it?!
Cheers,
Lance
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Excellent update Lance. I do love the PC 10 color and the subtle weathering on the Metal areas. With the positive locators on the struts this kit is pretty straightforward when mounting the wing. Your SE is further inspiration to get back to My refit of the Roden SE5a soon!
RAGIII
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Well done so far sir.
WD
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Excellent update Lance. I am sure that adding the top wing and other details will not be as difficult as you
fear imagine!
Stephen.
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Thanks all. I'm hoping to get some Bench time tomorrow and get the struts mounted. The "positive locators" Rick mentions are a nice feature and should eliminate a lot of the normal concerns of this stage of assembly.
Cheers,
Lance
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Wow Lance, that will be a four-blade? Cool 8)
I hope we will see again a wooden one?
I have the half of my Royal boxing in 1/48 and that radiator as Brassin. I want to build the second SE.5a with a four blade prop, but can't decide for a marking ???
Cheers,
Frank
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Thanks Frank. Yes, a four blade as the references are conflicting and specify a two or four blade depending on which you believe. Pheon indicate either/or in their instructions in the SE.5a "Aces" Sheet Reference and Rowan is a very studied kind of guy from what I've observed. Since it's an English prop with the typical close grain and one type of stock I'm going with the kit one. Here's it's beginnings, still needs some varnish and paint on the hub.
(https://i.imgur.com/80vPCfq.jpg)
For your second one how about one of McCudden's ? B.4891 perhaps?
(https://i.imgur.com/fyxCLv0.jpg)
Cheers,
Lance
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Excellent work on the prop Lance! I also went with the 4 blade on My build. As far as I know the only photo of B 525 was later after taken over by Fielding Johnson. Coded V with the regular exhausts and IIRC a 4 blade prop. My thoughts on this AC were that the cut down exhausts were popular in 56 at the time so I did Mine that way. I am looking forward to your Next Update Lance.
RAGIII
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Very fine prop. Though I think I would try carving the veneers, even if the are from the same wood sort. ;)
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Good work and a very nice prop! Like Frank I've got Eduard's Royal Class boxing and I'm tempted to give that a start now...
/Fredrik
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Thanks for the comments folks, much appreciated! I'm staying with the full length exhaust pipes as Rowan illustrated them ...... so many "unknowns" in this business!
Cheers,
Lance
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She's finally starting to look like an "SE".
(https://i.imgur.com/X6kgzHz.jpg)
I dunno about the rest of you but that's looking darned good to me:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51020559758_b3c053c90a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJvGTq)dsc06869_35680438235_o (https://flic.kr/p/2kJvGTq) by Zac Yates (https://www.flickr.com/photos/zacyates/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51020559573_42a81a120b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJvGQe)dsc06886_35680430915_o (https://flic.kr/p/2kJvGQe) by Zac Yates (https://www.flickr.com/photos/zacyates/), on Flickr
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For your second one how about one of McCudden's ? B.4891 perhaps?
Lance, thank you very much to made me aware of this machine!
The kit has markings for McCudden's B4863 with nearly the same markings, 4blade, same radiator, short exhausts.
I like the wooden undercarriage of the 4891, so with a new serial number I should be able to do this 8)
Cheers,
Frank
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Frank,
B4891 had the short exhausts and wooden landing gear as you say and also the modified (raised) cockpit enclosure which if I remember was different then the modification on B.4863. I used an A/M resin set which again I think was produced by True Details and was still available, it's been almost 10 years since I built this one. (I see the front frame mount for the Aldis Sight has popped loose)
(https://i.imgur.com/LJkkeWV.jpg)
If the Kit has this feature included it would be an easy Build, otherwise maybe a challenging Scratch-Built addition?
It would make for a lovely model with that Kit.
Cheers,
Lance
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I am Not Convinced that McCuddens B 4891, "6" had the bulged cockpit. I think we discussed this a long time ago. I have Stared at the available photos countless times and in some it looks like a straight up SE5a cockpit and in others I can almost imagine a slight bulge. I am pretty certain that "If" it was bulged it wasn't the same and was much more subtle than B 4863 "G". I went with Encore on this one and used the standard cockpit arrangement. As I can't prove things one way or the other your choice is as Valid as any and your build was/is Beautiful! 8)
RAGIII
(https://i.postimg.cc/NG74KQpm/IMG-20220201-192520623-HDR.jpg)
PS: Not meaning to be controversial, just giving Frank an option 8)
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The propellor is looking super Lance - with varnish it will not be easy to see that it is not wood. Another first class build on the way to being finished.
Stephen.
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Sorry for the lateness in replying Lance , thanks for the reply on the rigging line for the undercarriage .
Love the work on the prop so far :)
Alexis
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Thanks for checking in and for your kind comments, Rick, Stephen, and Alexis. Rick, as I always say, when it comes to WW.I Aircraft details "The only thing we can be 100% sure of ........ is we're just not sure"!!
Cheers,
Lance
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Rick, as I always say, when it comes to WW.I Aircraft details "The only thing we can be 100% sure of ........ is we're just not sure"!!
Cheers,
Lance
AMEN Brother!
RAGIII
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Rick, as I always say, when it comes to WW.I Aircraft details "The only thing we can be 100% sure of ........ is we're just not sure"!!
And now I finally have my forum signature ;D ;D
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Sorry Lance, I don't wanted to hijack your thread, but thank you very much Lance and Rick for such useful information!
Cheers,
Frank
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Thanks for sharing a great build with us, and probably my favorite WW1 subject. I haven't yet got to grips with posting photos on this site but my SE5a build can be seen on the WNW website under customer models/SE5a Hisso. It is the first model to appear in this section and also the first ever WNW build for me. Rigging was a challenge, but taken slowly, it's fine.
Keep up the good work
Rgds
Brian A. from NZ
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Thank you Brian and my apologies for the late reply. I just checked out your Build on the WNW Site, very nice and especially given it's your first ever WWI subject. I encourage you to add a few photos of it to the" Specific Aircraft Build links" Board for the SE5a in the WWI Aircraft Modelling Section, there's a trove of information and inspiration there and the more added the better!
Cheers,
Lance
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So, here we are six weeks since my last update; I'll admit to my "Modelling Mojo" being somewhat dampened by the world events of the past several weeks. This Build is finally entering the "Home Stretch" with the addition of the Cabane struts and the bottom end of all the rigging lines except for the tail section and flight control cables. The Cabanes were aligned using a simple template jig. The struts were wrapped with Tamiya Tape to represent the fabric wrapping applied for extra strength and sealed with several coats of extra thin CA before painting.
(https://i.imgur.com/Jqf7owG.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gmNBUQl.jpg)
The upper wing (shown posed here) fitted beautifully.
(https://i.imgur.com/qd8OB88.jpg)
The Aldis and "Ring and Bead" Sights were added.
(https://i.imgur.com/di50EeX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/spcE0X1.jpg)
..... and a subtle bit of post shading added to the wing roundels.
(https://i.imgur.com/QJiiEeX.jpg)
At this point the exhaust pipes were added:
(https://i.imgur.com/SRCIIcx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hejug21.jpg)
Next came the Wind Screen and finally the upper wing was installed on the cabane struts. The next step will be the addition of the four inter-plane struts. As usual I've included a good ration of dust in the close up photos!
(https://i.imgur.com/y3fuWhC.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/O0yFEBf.jpg)
....... and last the prop was finished with a coat of flat varnish and the Hub or Boss picked out with some steel and silver.
(https://i.imgur.com/WNvTPpV.jpg)
..... and that's where she sits. Now it's time for some serious rigging work!
Cheers,
Lance
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I swear there's a conspiracy by "Big SE.5a" to get me to build one of these things in 1/48 - yet another beautiful build in the making! Gorgeous work, Lance! A wonderful comeback update.
So, here we are six weeks since my last update; I'll admit to my "Modelling Mojo" being somewhat dampened by the world events of the past several weeks.
I'm the same way, and you'd think having to semi-isolate would be a boon to modelling but it's only in the last few days I've felt motivated to approach the bench. As the kids these days say: "that feel"!
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Hi Lance, great work on this beautiful kit, and thanks for sharing. I’m keen to know why you use a little template jig to mount the cabane struts. I’ve never done this and am not sure of the advantage over simply using the top wing. I feel like having the whole wing up there would allow you to line up the wings - and therefore the struts - more precisely. But I’d love to know how this approach works better.
Thanks,
-- John
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John,
I've done it both ways over the years but find it much more manageable with a template. I find using the wing itself a delicate balancing act that results, more often then not, in dropping it or worse! I do use 5 minute epoxy for the join to allow time for final alignment of the bottom strut to fuselage joints once the epoxy is partially set. It might not work any better then your version but it works best for me and my arthritic and fumble prone fingers! :)
Cheers,
Lance
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Lance
Your SE5a looks awesome and is progressing at a wonderful rate. I made this kit back in 2009 and like you used wrapped Tamiya tape for the fabric on the struts. I can say after all these years the tape is still in place.
Your build is really impressive and your PC10 is a nice shade within the accepted green range.
cheers
Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
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Hi Lance,
I've been following this build and its looking to be a stunner.
I've built the SE5a already but have another in my stash.
I'm hoping to do something different with that kit.
Unless I'm mistaken I see you are using the 'Kronos' third hand.
I have one to and they're great when it comes to rigging some models,
Mike
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Thanks for your comments Dave and Mike. Yes, this is also my second go at this Kit and it is a real winner and one of Wingnut's best in my experience. I actually have a third one in the Stash Pile and hope to do it in the "grey diamonds and NIVO" Night Fighter scheme released by Pheon Decals some time ago.
Dave, my at least ten year old Tamiya taped struts on the first one I built are still in the original condition as well, it's a great product.
Mike, yes, it is the "Magic Third Hand" she's strapped into, my undisputed favorite tool on the bench and I use it so much I wish I could find a second one for fear of it breaking! I have several other "Jigs" which rarely get used but this one is priceless and not just for rigging. If anyone reading this has one in good condition they would like to sell let me know!
Cheers,
Lance
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Thanks for your comments Dave and Mike. Yes, this is also my second go at this Kit and it is a real winner and one of Wingnut's best in my experience. I actually have a third one in the Stash Pile and hope to do it in the "grey diamonds and NIVO" Night Fighter scheme released by Pheon Decals some time ago.
Dave, my at least ten year old Tamiya taped struts on the first one I built are still in the original condition as well, it's a great product.
Mike, yes, it is the "Magic Third Hand" she's strapped into, my undisputed favorite tool on the bench and I use it so much I wish I could find a second one for fear of it breaking! I have several other "Jigs" which rarely get used but this one is priceless and not just for rigging. If anyone reading this has one in good condition they would like to sell let me know!
Cheers,
Lance
Hi Lance,
The FB page is still up at 'Kronos Designs'.
The last entry was 2015 but I ordered mine way after that, so the contact details may still be viable,
Mike
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I somehow lost track of this build...
I think the IP looks great as does the cockpit combing. Bulged cockpit or not, I think it looks wonderful Lance!
Great paint job too, I like her colors.
Willem
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Excellent update Lance of an excellent model. Your modifications are very good - I for one would not know how you have modified this kit, and BTW I could not see the dust!
Stephen.
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Great progress on your SE5a Lance. Your method of lining up the struts is very efficient. Although I haven't found it necessary on WNW kits, it certainly is beneficial on other makes like Roden.
RAGIII
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Fantastic looking work! I am inspired by your template for the struts! I think I will incorporate it into future builds.
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Thank you all for your comments. This one has few and not significant modifications, I may have induced some confusion by inserting a photo of my earlier Build of McCudden's B.4891.
Mike, the Kronus contact info has provided no replies since about 4 years ago and I don't use Face Book (which may be the problem) The promotional video returns as "No longer available" so I suspect a "previously enjoyed" one will have to be the only option, if I can locate one.
Cheers,
Lance
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Great work on a great kit!
You wrote that this is may be the best WNW kit - at least is shows a great amount of nice details.
Cheers,
Frank
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Thanks Frank, it is very well detailed and, considering it was one of the four original releases, still held it's apparent high comparative quality with the final releases in my opinion. Their F2B Bristol Fighter (also in the original four released) still ranks as their very best in my experience and I've built approximately two dozen of their models to date.
Cheers,
Lance
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I actually have a third one in the Stash Pile and hope to do it in the "grey diamonds and NIVO" Night Fighter scheme released by Pheon Decals some time ago.
When I build my WNW SE5 I will almost certainly paint it like the one from the film Darling Lili - a favourite paint scheme of mine all my life. I did a test run on this 1/48 Roden kit to see what to do and especially what not to do when I do the WNW kit.
I assume this scheme was inspired by the Night Fighter colours but, I suppose, brightened up to be camera-ready for the movie.
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Nice progress indeed, Lance. That little trick of the jig for the cabanes is great - I'll be using that one for sure from now on!
Cheers,
Gary
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Well, I'm going to call this one completed. I got the upper wing mounted without difficulty, completed the rigging and the flight control cables, and completed a myriad of touch ups. I'll be posting more photos on the Completed Models Board shortly.
(https://i.imgur.com/OPE7a5y.jpg)
Cheers,
Lance
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Outstanding work Lance. I am sure the two SE5's I am working on won't be quite as Pretty 8) I will comment more in the completed section!
RAGIII
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Bravo Lance, she looks terrific!
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What a beautiful aircraft this has become Lance.
Very fine detail and weathering. The mud splatter on the underside of the wing is a nice detail.
Willem
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Looks like a great outcome. I am looking forward to the final gallery.
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Hey Lance, get thoose photos posted please. That looks truly stunning - well up to your usual very high standards.
Stephen.