forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Epeeman on January 07, 2013, 06:03:50 AM
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Hello, again all -
After having my confidence destroyed after breaking my last build (32nd Roden Spad VII - many thanks to you all for the moral support as it was very much appreciated) I thought long and hard about posting another progress report - I now worry that I might be tempting fate again. However, my younger son (Andrew) has persuaded me to do another. So, after taking breath have decided to fully grasp the bull very firmly by the horns again .................
This will be a build report on Wingnut's latest release of the Fokker DVII. I am currently about 10 days into the build so early days as yet.
The first thing to say is that you need to decide on exactly what version (colours/markings) before starting work. This is necessary because depending on the version you choose, different parts will be required to complete the build. This turned out to be a difficult choice as all the schemes are very good. Finally decided on version 'D' in the kit (as pictured below) for Fritz Oppenhorst of Jasta 71. A brave decision for me because this scheme is pretty much lozenge marking so I hope the lozenge decals work out well for this one. As is usual for me, this will mainly be OOB and brush painted model build.
I have now built up the cockpit/engine support structure as shown below. Fit is very good but assembling this structure was very, very fiddly. I caution some care removing the cockpit frame structure from the sprue - these parts are molded very fine and could be easily broken whilst cutting from sprue or during part clean up prior to assembly. Luckily, I have not managed to break any of these delicate parts - phew! Artist oils (burnt sienna) over ochre base were used to simulate the wood.
The other thing I have made up are the MG's with the PE air cooled jackets. I did these now as on a previous build (WNW Pfalz DXII) managed to crush the jackets during assembly. I therefore wanted to get this out the way early. Luckily, I now seemed to have worked out how to get these together. I worked out that the plastic at the breech end of the guns (where PE jacket sits on) is overly large and required a fair bit of trimming down before fitting. I followed WNW's guide (on their website) on fitting these jackets and hollowing out the muzzles,etc.
Next stop - the engine. Some pictures below on where I am currently up to.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002-42.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/003-35.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/008-13.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/007-13.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/006-15.jpg)
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Excellent start Dave, it is good to see you jump straight back in after your previous disaster. The cockpit looks great so far, very well painted, I'm looking forward to seeing you progress with this kit.
Des.
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Outstanding work on the cockpit and guns, mate, and an excellent choice of schemes. Very striking. Really glad to see you back in the saddle.
Cheers,
Bud
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Dave,
Outstanding first progress my old friend. Love that detailed interior. I'm looking forward to following this thread!
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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Welcome back to the fray Dave! Great model choice. Beautiful job on the cockpit! I'll be enjoying this one. :)
Regards,
Bob
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Great start, looking forward to seeing this kit built...
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Hello Dave:
Glad to see you back at it and doing the DVII. I have the OAW version and will be following as you progress through this build. So far you have hit the deck running and giving it an outstanding start. I am like you; pretty much OOB.
Best
Mark
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Great jump out of the gate!!
Steve
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Great start Dave keep them pics coming!
michael
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Just want to confirm (read lazy) This is the version I use for Loerzers b/w machine?
Steve
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Gentleman - thank you for your comments. Steve - this is version D for Oppenhorst of Jasta 71.
Latest progress:
Test fitting the cockpit structure into the fuselage revealed a not-so-good fit. It would seem it is critical to ensure that this structure is built and fitted together correctly to ensure things go together nicely further into the build. I have therefore had to trim some of the structure at the seat end (where it seems I went wrong somehow although I did follow the instruction diagram as carefully as I could) on either side of the frame. You will see the area I had to trim in the photos below where bare plastic is showing. Thankfully, things seem to fit together quite well now.
The above was undertaken whilst working on the motor. I have completed the engine adding some very basic detail in the form of spark plugs (stretched sprue), ignition leads and valve springs using 5amp fuse wire. Not brilliant, but enough to add a bit more interest. Installed completed engine onto the engine mount within the cockpit structure. This fitted, but was not great fit whereby I had to use CA glue to hold engine neatly in place.
I can now move onto fitting structure in fuselage and closing all up. Hoping this all goes together well!
Apologies for the standard of photography of the engine, but the others have come reasonably well. Next update to follow in due course.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/003-36.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/005-18.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/007-14.jpg)
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Very nicely done Dave, the engine looks great sitting in the frame.
Des.
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Very nicely done Dave, the engine looks great sitting in the frame.
Des.
I agree, Dave. Makes a damned fine model just as it is.
Cheers,
Bud
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Great Progress Dave, it's good to see you throw yourself into this - your doing mighty fine.
Looking forward to more progress ;)
Andrew
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Just want to confirm (read lazy) This is the version I use for Loerzers b/w machine?
Steve
Yes build her as an early. Not sure which top deck to use, I plumped for the later without the gun troughs. One thing you'll need though is lower wing crosses from the D.Va
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d190/kornbeef/DVII02.jpg)
Thats how I've interpreted it.
Dave, she's looking mighty fine.
Keith
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Thats the ticket!!. Thanks for the info. Nice model too. Dave, yours is coming along very well too.
Steve
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Dave,
Terriffic looking cockpit/engine/frame module, you've made pretty fast progress with no compromise in quality. I won't be getting to mine real soon (any of the three!) however I'm enjoying following your Build and will be gleaning a lot of hints as you go, and as I already have. Nicely done so far.
Cheers,
Lance
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Thanks, Lance - nice of you to say.
Latest progress report:
As stated previously, test fitting the fuselage halves revealed a less than perfect fit. I therefore trimmed down some of the cockpit structure to aid fit. Well, the good news is this was worth the effort. When I got to it, installing the cockpit/engine compartment into the fuselage gave me no problems and all went together effortlessly.
My advice on closing up the fuselage halves is to follow as advised within WNW's instructions. That is, you glue the top half first, allow to set, then glue the bottom half. This method worked extremely well. In fact, the fit was so good, very little filler was required on the top deck.
The next stage will be to see if all the cowling parts go together as they should - looking at other builds this seems to be a problem area regarding good fit.
More update/progress in due course.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/001-45.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/003-37.jpg)
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Hello Dave:
Looking good. Everything is first rate and looking forward to seeing more. Glad to see you back in the ring with a real champion.
Best
Mark
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Fantastic job in closing her up, Dave. She's looks nice and tight.
Cheers,
Bud
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Nice work Dave, she's coming together nicely.
With the glueing regime that WNW recommends and you followed, I take it that it allows absolute control of surface mating so that minimal filler is required. What intrigues me is if the top of the fuse is all nice and smoothly mated and then the bottom somehow doesn't match smoothly. In that case do you guys totally rely on filler/sanding or can you somehow manipulate the two halves into smoother alignment? It may sound like a silly question but that manipulation would be extremely difficult if not impossible?
Secondly, WNW fine tolerances notwithstanding, what would you do if the lower fuse somehow didn't match in a major way?
Andrew
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Thanks, gents -
Andrew - thankfully all went to plan here. Once the top half had set, I got glue into the lower gap half mixed with a bit CA. I then used a set of model clamps just to hold the lower gap in place until dry. Once this dried, glued in place the molded stitching - no filler is therefore required as this part covers up the join nicely.
In all honesty, not sure what I would have done had this not worked!
So far, this is a nice kit, but tolerances are ultra fine. The key to getting things together nicely seems to be ensuring the cockpit structure is assembled perfectly. I've just test fitted the radiator and chin cowl and note I will need to do a bit of fine tuning here to avoid a gap underneath cowling.
Dave
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Dave,
Perhaps with more than average attention I am following your build. Studying your latest pictures I noticed that you added spark plugs and plug leads too. They look excellent!
I also see that you closed the fuselage, which should be my next step when I finish detailling.
But I have just one question. It seems that you have closed the holes in the fuselage for the aileron controls with filler. They are at top level between the tank and the empty shell container. Apart from the rigging at the landing gear and the tail controls it is about the only rigging on this aircraft.
I hope to see more of your progress. I also like the lozenge detail on the inside of the cockpit. I haven't used them as they weren't used in the LVA Fokkers (just one D.VIIF, perhaps a future build).
regards,
Ivo
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Hello, Ivo - thank you.
Don't worry, I've not filled these holes. What you see is the white paint leaking through I used as a base coat for the cockpit lozenge decals.
More progress report to follow shortly.
Regards
Dave
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Dave,
She's shaping up to be one awesome Fokker D.VII my old friend. Excellent update too .I'm looking forward to the next one as well.Have pencils sharpened for taking notes.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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Thank you, Gregory!
Next update:
I now have the cowling panels, cockpit coaming and MG's installed. However, the fit has been a problem in all these areas.
Not assembling the cockpit/engine structure correctly has really come back to haunt me. I have therefore struggled to get a decent fit in these areas. The result has been some work (lots of filing and careful trimming) to get things together.
I admit to being really disappointed in myself getting these things wrong. Thus far, this has proved to be a tougher build than anticipated - especially as I was eagerly awaiting the release of this kit. On the nose, I have ended up with a slight space from the front rounded panels (parts 13 & 14) when it should be level with edge of the radiator. I could leave as is or I could attempt using model filler to try and get the right profile - what do you all think?
Coaming did not fit well either - got there in the end but getting it on resulted (only discovered this later) in the rear mounts being pushed out of alignment. Which of course, meant I did not get a great fit here for the MG's either.
I can only hope I am over the worst of my self inflicted fit issues!
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/001-46.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002-43.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/004-27.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/007-15.jpg)
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Dave, don't believe its only you, I had a awful time getting the nose set, mine mysteriously decided to warp to oneside ofernight too. I think its partly compounded by the multitude of anels to get the sides together. I really feel it was rather a Uncalled for corner cutting exercise WNW not supplying early and late fuselage halves for instance when they gave you wrinkled and amooth fuselage halves for the SE5a
As constructed the side cowlings won't naturally sit flush as theyre designed to have the upper cowls behind so a degree of jiggery pokery is needed. I had troubles with my coaming too, maybe we both made the same fundimental errors then?
Anyway all things said you've done a cracking job so far.
Keith
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Dave,
You're quite ahead of me and I am trying to find based on your experience where I can go wrong. I don't see the problem with the coaming in my version it almost slides automatically over the cockpit:
(http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x412/Ivotb/Fokker%20D-VII/IMG_26511600x1200_zps2430ebfd.jpg)
It clicks over the fuel caps and I don't have any problem with the MG supports. You might discover on the other hand what I did wrong. The magazine box is tilted slightly forward, which leans in front on the edge on the coaming too much and results in a not exact fit of the bullit belts into the Spandaus. It can probably easily be avoided in taking a little bit more care with glueing the empty belt box and the magazine box together. At least that is where I think I made the mistake.
The fit of the coaming however is not completely snug to the fuselage halves:
(http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x412/Ivotb/Fokker%20D-VII/IMG_26521600x1200_zps17d6e50d.jpg)
Nothing is fixed here in this picture. The fuselage is slightly opened at the front, but will close to the pieces of the firewall, which are marked inside the fuselage halve. Also the coaming can be pushed gently in the correct position, thus resulting in the required fit.
I haven't progressed to the engine panels yet. I read at modelling madness that Tom Cleaver ran into problems here too. I do find just as you did that the radiator doesn't fit very well to the chin cowl:
(http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x412/Ivotb/Fokker%20D-VII/IMG_26491600x1200_zpsea008a16.jpg)
I have already tried some filing at the outer edges of the chin cowl, but it doesn't really help. After painting you might not notice it this strong, also because at the real thing they were all separate parts.
Hope to see more of your progress.
regards,
Ivo
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Thank you for your feedback, Ivo - helpful and appreciated.
If others are experiencing these same issues, is it then not likely that this kit may not be engineered to WNW usual high standards? I'm wondering if us modellers should give (constructive) feedback to WNW on the problems encountered in this particular model - what do the rest of you think?
Regards
Dave
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Interesting if the "bugs" in this kit are found by others. Considering the length of time it took to arrive you'd think they would all be worked out.
Steve
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Another thing to note id the coaming has a VERY prominent overlap/lip on the real thing, something WNW didnt decide to represent, A pity as its a natural join easily diguised.
Still all said, gripes aside its a lovely kit but seemingly rather buggier than expected given its long development and WNW's reasoning for that length of time was *to get everything perfect* or something similar.
Wont stop me buying more though ;D
Keith
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Another thing to note id the coaming has a VERY prominent overlap/lip on the real thing, something WNW didnt decide to represent, A pity as its a natural join easily diguised.
Still all said, gripes aside its a lovely kit but seemingly rather buggier than expected given its long development and WNW's reasoning for that length of time was *to get everything perfect* or something similar.
Wont stop me buying more though ;D
Keith
Thanks, Keith - yes, a lot more difficult than expected (so far) for me anyway. I still feel that the fit in these areas could be better and lets this kit down a bit in my expectations. That said, I am still plodding on and do not intend to give up on this one. Your previous advice on using a bit of jiggery pokery (thank you!) has paid off to a certain extent. I carefully removed the cowling panels and tried moving things around for a about an hour or so. After a bit of careful placement and some filing on the inside of the front (side) rounded panels got about as best a fit (still not perfect but more acceptable to my eyes) as was humanly possible. See picture below.
I have now commenced some painting to cowling and cockpit coaming. Note: I should have checked the paint guide carefully as in the paint guide this version colour is both black and dark green. When following instructions on installing the coaming the colour call out was just for dark green only! I therefore had to carefully paint under MG and in front of windscreen to get the correct colours - argh!!!
More progress to follow
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002-44.jpg)
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Really looking good, Dave! From the photo, you'd never know there were issues.
Cheers,
Bud
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Looks great ! I read all of the post so now I know what to look for when I get this far ! Keepem coming Thanks Willi
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OK, some more progress -
Due to the snow in the UK at the moment, I have had the chance to spend the time and really get to work on this kit.
I started by painting the cowling and tried to weather as best I could. Next, painted the fuselage white matt (several coats because the rear section of the plane is white) with the black lines added as decals. Once dry, clear coated with gloss. I had previously assembled the lower wings (and filled the join on leading and trailing edges) and did pretty much the same as above.
I could then add on the lozenge decals once I had cut them to size (printed as one so I guess these are used on the other DVII versions) required before applying. All other markings added once these had dried. The paint/decal guide for this version stated applying a brown glaze to tone down the lozenge colours. I achieved this by adding gloss brown into matt clear coat. I think this worked really well making for a darker (toned down) shade and had added benefit of making it all looked a bit weathered. Lower wings treated in the same manner.
Once all was nice and dry, finally fitted the lower wing, installed the MG flash guards and flare rack.
Starting to come together now. The decals are lovely to work with and the fit of other parts has been much better with no build issues (thus far) t report. More to follow in due course.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/006-17.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/005-19.jpg)
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That looks great Dave. I really like the scheme you chose.
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That looks great Dave. I really like the scheme you chose.
+1 ;)
Andrew
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Excellent progress, Dave. Beautiful job on the painting and decaling. This is really an interesting and colorful scheme.
Cheers,
Bud
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You're trailblazing with this D.VII build Dave! Looks great! :) I really like the lozenge on the fuselage, and the contrast with the black/white contrast at both ends. ;D Keep up the good work!
Regards,
Bob
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Wow!! Great jump forward. Looks great!!
Steve
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Dave,
Great scheme you've chosen, and you're doing a great job on it. Looks like you have solved any fit problems with no adverse impact, all looking very nice. Looking forward to more updates, she's going to be a real winner!
Cheers,
Lance
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Dave,
Outstanding progress my old friend. Love those stripes!
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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Looks very nice, good job so far Dave.
Cheers
Pete.
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Thank you all kindly, gentlemen -
I hope to do a bit work on her later on this evening so will keep everyone posted.
Regards
Dave
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great tip for the glaze! cheers
michael
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Good Progress Dave and looking good to boot. It looks like once you got past the cockpit coming issues you are moving right along. I too like how the toned down look looks.
Looking forward to more.
Best
Mark
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Dave, some nice work, and good problem solving; I like the "brown glaze-tint" application as well. How well did the trailing edges come out on the wings? How does the decal lay into the scallops?
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Thanks, again gents -
Mike - I pre painted the wings then applied clear gloss as advised in instructions. Once dry, applied decals using a decal setting solution. When all lined up, pressed down firmly with damp tissue. I then went over decal surface with a decal softening solution - left for a minute or so then carefully brushed out the decal with soft, firm paint brush so that decal took on the contours of model surface. Finally, I applied several coats of semi matt clear coat. After a few hours, everything has 'pulled in' nice and tight onto model surface. I use this method for all models I build. NOTE: WNW do not recommend any decal setting/softening solutions in the instructions but I have never had any problems so far.
As regards trailing edge, I had already filled any slight gaps prior to painting. All I did after applying decals was to run flat of paint brush along this edge using a biege colour just so that no plastic was showing.
Regards
Dave
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Latest update, all -
I have now got the tailplane painted and decals applied. Assembly is straightforward although I managed a 'bummer' moment by incorrectly assembling fin before installing elevator - which I only discovered once I tried to fit it ........... argh! So had to gently prise apart and start again. Moral of the story - follow the instructions!!!
This particular version requires rigging the the fin. This I have done using home made eyelets and stretched cotton bud handles to create turnbuckles. Not sure if turnbuckles were fitted on the real aircraft here but done it anyway! Also rigged all control surfaces as well.
The decals are lovely and went on very well - if only a bit fiddly (lining up/getting on straight, etc) getting on the different black bands that make up the tail marking.
More update to follow.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/007-16.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/003-38.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002-46.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/001-48.jpg)
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Dave,
Wow she's coming right along and headed for the home stretch my old friend. Excellent decal application tooby the way.
Highest Regards,
Gregroy Jouette
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Very sharp. The ear bud/turnbuckle method - tube is heat stretched?
Steve
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Very sharp. The ear bud/turnbuckle method - tube is heat stretched?
Steve
Steve -
Thanks - yes, heat stretched handles over candle flame. Takes several attempts to get the right size tube without becoming fine hair! Also, I'm still fairly new to this method so taking me some time to develop a knack with it. In some ways, I find drilling straight through a wing and pulling line through easier. I will most likely use a combination of methods for my future builds.
Cheers
Dave
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Cant beat the Bob's Buckles method!
Steve
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She's a beaut Dave.
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Cant beat the Bob's Buckles method!
Steve
Sorry for jumping over this thread ???
Steve,
Here is one I prepared earlier... like, years earlier! Thread the former through the q-tip tube soften the cotton bud handle over a flame and with beating heart and sweaty palm, pull for all you're worth! Takes a weeee bit of practice, but practice makes perfect... So I'm told ;D
Hope it helps with producing cotton bud tubes of your own. You will need to scale up the wire former for 1/32nd goodies.
Cheers,
Von Busy Buckle-Maker :)
(http://www.bobsbuckles.co.uk/drome/bud.jpg)
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The plane looks great !
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Great work Dave that looks spot on !
as a brush painter myself how do you get such a good finish on the white areas?
michael
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Thank you gentlemen -
Michael - I'm always glad to hear from another brush painter!! White is a difficult colour to work with actually. Normally, I like a neutral colour (normally light grey but does very much depending on top coat colour) but what is a neutral colour for white?
With this one, just built up layer upon layer of white with no base coat. I also alternate the direction of brush strokes until you cannot see any of the plastic through the paint. There is probably at least 10 coats of white here.
Regards
Dave
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Steve -
Thanks - yes, heat stretched handles over candle flame. Takes several attempts to get the right size tube without becoming fine hair! Also, I'm still fairly new to this method so taking me some time to develop a knack with it. In some ways, I find drilling straight through a wing and pulling line through easier. I will most likely use a combination of methods for my future builds.
Cheers
Dave
You might look into Polyimide tubing from Amazon Supply. The stuff comes in diameters down to where you can hardly tell it's hollow. It's not very expensive, and compared to the process of stretching the cotton bud tubes (which I used to do) it's down right cheap. You can get it here:
http://www.amazonsupply.com/translucent-amber-miniature-polyimide-tubing/dp/B003TLNL5I/ref=sr_1_1?sr=1-1&qid=1359148509&filterBy.feature_seven_browse-bin=5485625011
Give it a try. I bet you'll never go back to stretching cotton bud tubes!
Mike
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Mike -
Thank you!
I'll have a look to see if I can find any UK suppliers of this tubing material.
Cheers
Dave
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Hi Dave ,
This is where I get my micro tubing JBModel.eu metal materials I think it is page 6 HTH
Willi
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Here's some alternatives - comes in many colors:
www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/item/SM-750204-0000/66300/Unique-Fly-Fishing-Liquid-Lace.html (http://www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/item/SM-750204-0000/66300/Unique-Fly-Fishing-Liquid-Lace.html)
www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/item/SM-750160-0000/search/Hareline-Hollow-Tubing.html (http://www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/item/SM-750160-0000/search/Hareline-Hollow-Tubing.html)
And some useful wire alternatives:
www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/category/62000 (http://www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/category/62000)
www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?&category=62000&start=10 (http://www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?&category=62000&start=10)
Also available at Amazon & prob. some UK Flyfishing suppliers ??
( edited after complete foul up :P )
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thanks for the reply Dave - the whites that good i thought it was a spray can !
michael
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Bob - your bud tube over former is simple genius!! This is the second time in a week that an idea so simple has come to light while I was taking the complicated route. Thanx!!!!
Steve
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Willi/Falcon -
Thank you for the links - I will have a good look at these - much appreciated, chaps.
OK, next update:
Landing gear now installed. This was one of the easiest undercarriages to assemble and get on with no problems. This is usually a part of the build that gives me grief - especially getting all on straight and without leaning over to one side. This made a refreshing change. The standard of fit was so good it pretty much snapped into place!
Rigged the landing gear and touched up the paint where required. Touch wood (tapping my head at this point) all is progressing very smoothly (and quickly) now with no further fit issues to report. I just hope all goes as well for installing the top wing and aligns well - time will tell .................
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/004-29.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/003-39.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002-47.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/001-49.jpg)
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Turning out just dandy there Dave. Just dont drop her on her nose while installing the upper wing like I did.
I found the upper wing fitted just right on mine, hopefully you'll have the same.
Keith
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Mike -
Thank you!
I'll have a look to see if I can find any UK suppliers of this tubing material.
Cheers
Dave
You can't, well I couldn't. If you get any joy please let me know.
Gary
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That looks fantastic! I'm tempted to get one of these now... have to keep reminding myself I have enough to get through as it is...
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Not sure if turnbuckles were fitted on the real aircraft here but done it anyway!
I followed the ongoing discussion about streched tube and supply of it, but missed this note. Well as far as I can see there are always turnbuckles near the stabiliser, but not near the fin. So what you have done is absolutely right in my perspective. I do see lots of different arangement in rigging for the landing gear. There are single and double rigging lines and most do only have turnbuckles near the wheels and not near the fuselage, but there seem to be exeptions here too.
Nice Fokker D.VII by the way :)
regards,
Ivo
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Dave,
She's looking outstanding up on her feet my old friend. Beautiful works.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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Thank you all gentlemen - I really appreciate the help, advice and support!
Gregory - going off pat a bit here, but how are you getting on with the Vacform Nieuport 28 which was for the OKGB build ? - I've been meaning to ask for ages.
Regards
Dave
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Hello Dave:
This is coming along nicely. Brush painting? Could have fooled me. As to turnbuckle or not, that is the question. To me it's what works best for the modeler. I think yours looks the business.
Best
Mark
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Thanks, Mark - appreciate your comments regarding turnbuckles!
Next update all:
Have installed the cabane struts and completed the top wing including last bit of rigging. Also made a start on the prop. Tried a slightly different method here, brush painting laminated wood effect using 'ochre' and semi-matt biege. Once dry, applied a mixture of burnt and raw sienna oil paints. I then drew out the oil paint using a flat (fairly stiff) paint brush. After this dried (after three days) applied a mix of clear red and orange. Final stage will be to paint in the boss then apply a final coat of semi matt clear.
I'm now ready to install top wing - holding my breath now hoping that this bit all goes well - I will let you all know in due course!
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/001-50.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002-48.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/003-40.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/004-30.jpg)
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looks great -- love the prop.
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Dave,
Otto is really looking the part as a Fokker D.VII my old friend. Brillant work on his decals.Looking forward to the next awesome update.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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Such a nice aircraft, well chosen.
Please, what kind of green colour did you use for the struts?
Stefan
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bet your pleased with the prop, it looks class
michael
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Many thanks, gents -
Stefan - the colour of the cabane struts is Revell's 'Dark Green' and all other struts are Revell 'Greenish grey'. If you need the colour code numbers I can dig them out for you later.
Michael - Yes, I am pretty pleased with the result especially as the laminate is painted free hand with no masks being used. The oil paint colour/tone worked well so will use this method again.
I'm hoping to have a chance at getting the top wing on tonight ..........
All the best
Dave
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Coming along nicely Dave: The prop looks mighty fine, I like the thin lines between the laminate. Impressive.
Let's see that top wing on. How are you going to do the rigging? Is it EZ Line?
Best
Mark
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It's building up into an impressive model Dave. It's really an eye catching marking scheme.
Cheers,
Chris
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Chris/Mark - thank you both kindly!
Alright, next update:
The top wing has now been installed and for all intents and purposes is pretty much complete. Top wing installation is actually straightforward and the fit very good. in fact, once on, the 'lock up' is surprisingly strong. However, I did run into a minor hiccup whilst getting this on. When installed, the cabane strut on one side was buckled. After looking at all very carefully, I quickly discovered that I had mounted this strut slightly off centre so did not line up parallel with the other side when view from above. Fortunately, the fix was dead easy - I simply cut the offending strut at the base (where it meets with the landing gear strut) and re-aligned (so that it sat slightly lower) resulting in a very good fit. Hey presto - all was good!
To make sure the top lined up straight I used the WNW method of using the model box as a simple alignment jig until it had set. All perfectly straight now. So, in summary, this glitch was a result of an error on my part and NOT the kit. The moral of the story here is to ensure these cabane struts align perfectly before installing top wing.
My only other problem was attaching the wires that operate the ailerons. I planned to use EZ line (pre installed on top wing) with intention of pulling into place and gluing in using CA. After many, many attempts, I gave up trying to get the line to stick here. In the end, I had to use stretched sprue (which works well) but is a bit thicker than I would have liked. Hey ho!
I then added my prop (which I completed whilst waiting for wing to set), footstep and rear fuselage handle things. Paint was then touched in where required and I tried to weather things up a bit by dry brushing Revell 'dark earth' where I thought it looked right.
There is one other thing I want to do and that it to have a go at knocking up a display base to set the model off a little bit more. This will be interesting as I have never done one of these for a model aircraft! Still, you have start somewhere I guess.
I'll therefore post up pictures into the 'Ready for inspection' section as soon as I have done this.
Finally some passing thoughts on the build - would I build another WNW Fok DVII? I probably would but not yet. It is a great kit overall but I do think the engineering could have been better regarding the engine cowling setup and fit. Also, it is critical (or so it seems) to get the cockpit and engine structure dead right to ensure good fit further along in the build. This was more work than it should have been in my opinion. The decals though are absolutely superb - very easy to work with and fit very, very well. I now have lots of spares from the kit and plenty of decals left over!
A few 'taster' shots below.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/003_zps1b89d056.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002_zps1a1230e9.jpg)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/001_zps7becf0a6.jpg)
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Dave,
Beautiful plane, excellent result!
Slowly I am getting an idea what mine should look like and thank you for the hint on the cabane strut (and I am planning to use EZ line too ??? ).
I like your second picture best showing both upper and lower lozenge.
Ready for take-off.
Ivo
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Dave -- really nice, congrats.
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Dave,
Outstanding project my old friend. Love those markings. Well Done and thanks for an excellent thread to follow.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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Thats a great looking machine. Thanks for the build log!!
Steve
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Great Work Dave! ;D She's a beauty. The finish looks marvelous, particularly for a brush application. Also, congratulations on being (I think?) the first completed WNW D.VII buld log on this forum. :) You have blazed the trail very well indeed! Good to see you back in the "win" column, as well. ;)
Regards,
Bob
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That's a fantastic result- and a display base for it would be a great final addition I think. How about a pilot too?
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Gentlemen -
Many thanks for all your support along the way. It really helps to keep you motivated when you hit the problem areas. I'm also really pleased I got this together especially as I have had my fair share of modelling disasters recently!
Rizzo - I would love to add a figure but I'm inclined to keep things simple on my first effort on a dio. If things go well, I can always try on a future build.
Regards
Dave
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Dave,
I have enjoyed following this duel between you and the Fokker. You have parried his attacks and with a successful riposte have earned a well-deserved victory over this stubborn foe. ;)
Awesome job,
John
PS. I've not yet built up the courage to tackle the lozenge - my only other attempt was a Roden DVII, which I botched badly. I couldn't get the engine to fit on that one either.
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Great looking model well built - what more can you ask for !
michael
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Dave- Beautiful job. Congrats.
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Great looking Fokker.
Adam.
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Hello Dave:
Yes, a great build and I am sure the championship committee would be honored to give you the belt for an outstanding job. I too have no bases for my models. Went to a show today in Rochester MN and saw a WNW Gotha, Roland and DH2 entered. The later two were on bases and what an enhancement to the model. The Gotha was in the pale blue scheme. Really impressive to see it up close and personal. Don't mean to steal your thread. Your DVII is the first one out of the chute and looks great. It was good to follow your build log, and will be source of reference when I tackle mine.
Best
Mark
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Excellent result Dave, she is a beautiful looking model. Thank you for your build log, it will be very useful for others wanting to do the same kit.
Des.
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Gentlemen, again thank you very much for your kind comments!
I've made a small start on a display base this afternoon. As soon as complete I will post all up in the relevant section.
John - a bit of good fencing jargon there - not a fellow fencer yourself are you?
Regards
Dave
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That's just beautiful, Dave. Well done, mate.
Dal.
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Thanks, Dal!
Regards
Dave
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Very nice ! A thumbs up , Congrats!