forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Completed models => Topic started by: Brad Cancian on October 29, 2021, 05:50:39 PM
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Hello everyone,
Here is my latest completion, the Airfix 1/72 DH4.
(https://i.imgur.com/JpvNVjv.jpg)
This kit has its origins in 1967, making it some 54 years old. Despite its age, the kit is generally accurate in outline and dimensions, and is a great base for a detailing project. It does need some TLC, as the base kit has exaggerated wing ribs, incorrect engine cowling / louver details at the front end, and no cockpit to speak of. It also has a rudimentary “U” shaped set of struts, which slot into channels in the upper wing (leaving unsightly and inaccurate gaps). Hence, I filled in the strut channels, sanded down the flying surfaces, scratch built a new cockpit, corrected the engine louvers to more accurately represent a Rolls Royce Eagle powered variant, added new guns, and various other bits and pieces. I painted the model in the markings of A7422 of No 110 SQN, mid 1917. The markings are a combination of sprayed (for the SQN insignia and number), and decals (roundels, serials). Rigging is using Uschii elastic.
Anyways, here are some pictures. I made up a base that paid homage to the old “Palitoy” boxings from the 1980s (this kit never saw a boxing during this time).
(https://i.imgur.com/p9GoaEw.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3YbjECf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QBCvfAl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6Ws7KwB.jpg)
Here’s some more ‘normal’ pictures:
(https://i.imgur.com/NNBoZ5T.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Z1HUzxl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/K4jokaa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uZTnPkW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/aCXUAvj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DYCUnAQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/SsjzKYu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kwL5ZYk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uiyw7in.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jypsjTT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oYAzDzb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0pIHtev.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NF7kxen.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/LOiItkt.jpg)
And some progress pictures (for more progress pictures and details of the build, see here https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=12349.0 ):
(https://i.imgur.com/hs7vynV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/W3M6pK1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/k81gMOV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iqMaQGY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BTsABgr.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/LeT715j.jpg)
And lastly, I couldn’t resist making up my own Palitoy boxtop (noting again that this kit was never released in this type of boxing):
(https://i.imgur.com/Gzjpcp4.jpg)
.... oh, and here’s my ‘dogfight double’; with the old Airfix Albatros from 1957 (for more, see here - https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=11390.0 )
(https://i.imgur.com/q1kadPL.jpg)
This kit is actually quite a good one for its time. It builds easily, is generally accurate, and is a solid base for some additional detailing. Quite a fun project, and a tribute to a simpler time, all in all 😊
All comments and feedback welcome!
Cheers,
Brad
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Omg that is brilliant. A wonderful tribute indeed. The shading, the rigging, the everything is absolutely first rate. Incredibly inspiring!
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Brad,
I agree 100% with William, this is a beautiful build.
Its impossible to pick out any one element as the whole is stunning, but your treatment of the shading to the wing ribs and fuselage structure adds a whole extra dimension. It gives a marvellously subtle degree of tonal variation to what could be an otherwise relatively dull camouflage scheme. Inspirational!
Kind regards,
Mark
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Thanks William, Mark - so very kind of you!
Cheers!
BC
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Superb, Brad -
If it were not for your (simple and clever) display base, you would never guess this was the ancient Airfix kit.
Regards
Dave
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Absolutely stunning build. In THAT scale. Just jawdropping... Many thanks for sharing it, Brad.
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That is breathtakingly spectacular Brad and I think is the best build I have ever seen of an Airfix WW1 model. I had to keep reminding myself this is 1/72 scale and moreover, a kit I made myself back in the 1960s when it cost 25c. It was a nice model and an enjoyable build but you have taken it to a whole new level of detailed excellence.
I urge you to contact Airfix with this and show them what their classics can be turned in to, and encourage them to produce more WW1 subjects for us.
I love the unique display base concept too, a really unique and professional presentation!
cheers
Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
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This is a lovely model, Brad, beautifully built and detailed, and so lovely on that base! Looking Great with the Albatross... Regards, Marc
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Superb in all Aspects Brad! Stunning Model!!
RAGIII
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Simply beautiful Brad, outstanding modelling skills at their best, lovely work!
Cheers,
Lance
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What a nice looking model and display base! My mind boggles when I try to believe that it's done in 1/72 scale.
Cheers Fredrik
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Are you going to delight us with a part III ?
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an awesome and inspirational build, i thoroughly enjoyed watching this being built
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Possibly the finest Airfix DH4 on the Planet.....Bravo!
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Fantastic model, and that in God's own scale, and a very nice presentation. Stunning!
Also smaller models can show wonderful details and painting - it does not always have to be WNW ;)
Thanks for sharing,
Frank
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Superb build of an Airfix classic. I too remember building the kit when it was released, but never dreamed that it could be made to look as realistic as yours.
Stephen.
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You're a master in the art of brail scale :o
Awesome work, Brad!
Bob ;)
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Many thanks all for the very kind words!
Cheers!
Brad
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You're a master in the art of brail scale :o
Awesome work, Brad!
Bob ;)
I second that! Brad, your paint work is terrific, but where did you get the giant Humbrol tin? ;D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Hello Brad!
You did a wonderful job with the DH4. For me, the model is a feast for the eyes, and that in two respects:
Firstly, because the model looks first class with the fine details.
Secondly, because the DH4 was the very first plastic model I built. It must have been around 1967 or 1968 when I received the kit as a gift. So I thank you for the time travel over more than 50 years that you took me on.
By the way, I was able to buy one of these kits a few years ago, still packed in the plastic bag that was common in the sixties.
(https://www.puchiweb.at/Modellbau/ww1aircraft/diverse/DH4.jpg)
It has a place of honour in my display case.
Best regards,
Karl
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Hello Brad!
You did a wonderful job with the DH4. For me, the model is a feast for the eyes, and that in two respects:
Firstly, because the model looks first class with the fine details.
Secondly, because the DH4 was the very first plastic model I built. It must have been around 1967 or 1968 when I received the kit as a gift. So I thank you for the time travel over more than 50 years that you took me on.
By the way, I was able to buy one of these kits a few years ago, still packed in the plastic bag that was common in the sixties.
(http://www.puchiweb.at/Modellbau/ww1aircraft/diverse/DH4.jpg)
It has a place of honour in my display case.
Best regards,
Karl
Hi Karl! Your story resonates with me; there is just something a little special about these older kits. They bring up feelings of nostalgia, of childhood and of simpler times, before life got complicated. I especially remember growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, and seeing these Airfix kits in their palitoy and Vintage Aircraft boxes; so much so, in the last year or so I have collected the 'set' :)
(https://i.imgur.com/5ADyPmW.jpg)
These kits, though old, still have some good life in them, and often only need a little bit of TLC to come up nicely.
Thanks again!
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Wow, what a great collection! The Roland C-11 is also a model that reminds me of childhood. It was the third model I built after the DH4 and the Supermarine S6B.
Thank you for the picture!
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Beautiful little DH4, Marvellous detail in a small scale, nicely "used" and perfect presentation on its plinth.
Oh my, 54 years you say. I remember hot footing it to Woolworths, pocket money burning my hand, to buy this on its first release. Tempus fugit.
Sandy
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Superb result, Brad. This model really looks nice. I hope some manufacturer does one in 1/32 sometime. And nice collection of kits.
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Such a delightful buld Brad !
Alexis
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Just great, Brad! Thanks for the inspiration!
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Brad,
I cannot add any superlative that hasn't already been used in this thread: Simply a beautiful build all the way around. Like others, I'm amazed at the shading, and I'd love to know how you did that on the wing ribs/tapes in 1/72nd as that's something I'm struggling with right now.
WD
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Wonderful work, Brad. I love the presentation.Your models are real gems, so many details and great paintjob. Wonderful.
Bye,
Manni
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Absolutely brilliant, Brad. I'm astonished at how much detail you've packed into that small model. Fantastic finishing on it. Hard to believe it's 1/72 scale.
Cheers,
Gary
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Superb! Both the model, and the photgraphy :)
Hard to believe that's an, ehh, rather classic, Airfix model.