forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: gedmundson on September 09, 2022, 01:58:13 AM

Title: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b - finished
Post by: gedmundson on September 09, 2022, 01:58:13 AM
I started to build an WnW Albatros D.Va very soon after finishing a D.V a couple of months ago since I enjoyed the finished result so much. Having a few in the stash (in the form of the Green Tail Trilogy) allowed a wide choice of subjects. Inspired by the fact that I have close relatives in Würzburg, Germany I chose to build the aircraft flown by Karl Hopf in Jasta 76b on which he adourned the City of Würzburg crest on the side from where he was from.

Getting decals for this was a challenge, but quickly solved with help from this forum when a fellow member offered to send me the crests I needed. I later realized I needed the checkerboard decals, since it would have been very difficult to paint that scheme by hand - and again our modelling community helped me out there as well.

Since this project is now in the finishing stages, I wanted to summarize the build and show a few things I added to the kit. Thanks to our fellow modeller  Bertl "Umlaufmotor" for his hints and tips of which I tried to incorporate late in my build.

(https://i.imgur.com/hx93nV1.jpg)
I had to break into my kit to start #1 of the three contained.

(https://i.imgur.com/t2pECsV.jpg)
My chosen scheme

(https://i.imgur.com/PYh7MIR.jpg)
Taurus Models details added (the missing spark plug I luckily found later)

(https://i.imgur.com/SdVUIJ4.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/aCrcH4q.jpg)
Barracuda Studios manifold with insulation

(https://i.imgur.com/xgpE7Xs.jpg)
.010" lead wire for the ignition cables

(https://i.imgur.com/nJ3CpMj.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/IUgOwiG.jpg)


Cheers,
Gary

Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: DaveB on September 09, 2022, 02:26:40 AM
Your off to a good start here, Gary -

Great engine and I really like the oil staining.

Regards

Dave
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: William Adair on September 09, 2022, 06:38:33 PM
Gosh that is nice.  It’s like a lesson in figure painting.  ;)
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: Luftace on September 09, 2022, 11:41:32 PM
That engine looks just right, Gary. Nice job with the added details and painting, looking forward to seeing more as you progress on this build.

Chad
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: Rookie on September 10, 2022, 12:01:14 AM
I just stumbled over this. What a great job you did on the Daimler-Mercedes engine Gary. Very beautifully detailed.

Looking forward to the rest of the build with high expectations!

Willem
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: gedmundson on September 10, 2022, 12:07:51 AM
Thanks Dave, William and Chad! And Willem...who posted at exactly the same time as I did :)

For the propeller, it was stated that it had a Neindorf type. The hub was removed since the spinner will cover it. I painted it by airbrushing a light colour, then masking a pattern of laminations, and respraying it slightly darker. After the tape was removed I touched up the lines with some Vallejo acrylic, and gave it a gloss coat. Following a light wash of oil paint, more gloss, then the two decals.

I replaced the kit spinner with one from Proper Plane which has a more blunt profile.

Cheers,
Gary

(https://i.imgur.com/pJs09jm.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/rUDwET4.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/5Z33NcT.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/buieqcA.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/cjnVifB.jpg)
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: Umlaufmotor on September 10, 2022, 05:17:59 AM
The propeller looks excellent.
Very nice and beautiful work on the six cylinder Mercedes Gary.

Servus
Bertl
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: gedmundson on September 11, 2022, 01:58:59 AM
Thanks for that, Bertl.

The cockpit interior was upgraded with some seatbelts from HWG. I had to pull the control cable for the ailerons through holes in the sides, and through holes I drilled in the pulley assemblies (and yes - I painted them the wrong colour...should be reddish brown). It was tricky to get all that installed before buttoning up the fuselage halves.

The ammo bins were painted Alclad II Duraluminum with some squiggles painted on with Vallejo acrylic silver. And I made fuel selector handles using bent & flattened brass tubing 0.5mm.

Cheers,
Gary

(https://i.imgur.com/Fq0DBtZ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/dgE6xIm.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/mwtkJwU.jpg)
The left hand seat belt will be left to swing outside and rest on the fuselage side.
(https://i.imgur.com/MQsj3Xr.jpg)
Once the fuselage halves were joined - the control cables were pulled taught and glued from the outside in the wing-roots.
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: FAf on September 11, 2022, 06:38:02 AM
Sorry! I missed this Albatros build... so even more of an Albatros scourge and this equally amazing!

/Fredrik
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: Alexis on September 12, 2022, 12:42:53 AM
Out standing work in the pit Gary  :) , love that engine as well !


Alexis
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: gedmundson on September 12, 2022, 10:45:12 AM
Fredrik & Alexis - thanks for your comments which are very much appreciated.

I joined together the fuselage halves and modified the outlet holes for the upper elevator control lines. After painting on the wood grain for the front of the fuselage, I added HGW nail-head decals. The checkerboard decals for the fuselage & tail went on quite well - I'm amazed at how WnW engineered these. And the city of Würzburg decals for the sides, courtesy of Forum member Jorgo - thanks so much!

Engine and guns were mounted with the telescopic sight...between which sits the etched metal front cover plate which WnW engineered well for the D.Va better than the D.V kit.

Cheers,
Gary

(https://i.imgur.com/osNXA2D.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/2KnK1UQ.jpg)
Removing the carrier film from the nail head decals, applied using Microsol.

(https://i.imgur.com/JnST7Qr.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/YJvriTS.jpg)
The engine looks ok sitting mounted here, but the left side cowling didn't fit at all.
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: Jorgo on September 12, 2022, 09:27:46 PM
The engine, cockpit and wood grain are excellently done, and all at top speed . Chapeau, Gary! I also like the telescopic sight and the nail heads.

Best regards
Jörg
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: kensar on September 12, 2022, 10:01:50 PM
All of your results are looking excellent, Gary.
Which brand of nail head decals did you use?  They look smaller than HGW nail heads.
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: gedmundson on September 14, 2022, 01:17:24 AM
The engine, cockpit and wood grain are excellently done, and all at top speed . Chapeau, Gary! I also like the telescopic sight and the nail heads.

Best regards
Jörg

Thanks, Jörg. This was the quickest build I'd made on a WnW project actually. Took me a couple of months (while I also worked on that ICM Dornier)
Cheers,
Gary
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: gedmundson on September 14, 2022, 01:20:02 AM
All of your results are looking excellent, Gary.
Which brand of nail head decals did you use?  They look smaller than HGW nail heads.

Thanks Ken - the nail head decals were the HGW ones which I'd also used on the Udet project - set number 321015 specifically done for the WnW Albatros D.V/Va. I bought two sheets - and now have to buy more for a couple of future projects.
Cheers,
Gary


Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: gedmundson on September 14, 2022, 01:30:47 AM
As mentioned in my last update - the Barracuda intake manifold didn't allow the left hand cowling to fit properly, so I had to remove a good chunk of it and repaint before that cowling got glued into place.

I made small springs with fine copper wire for the cowling attachments, and drilled some holes to allow the etched metal front straps to be pinned into place with slightly thicker copper wire for strength.
Cheers,
Gary

(https://i.imgur.com/Kkjou81.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/GFx7n8s.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/GQeKrsI.jpg)
Fine model ship rigging was used to make the section of the tail skid reinforcement wrap.

(https://i.imgur.com/IDNDsKT.jpg)
A handle and actuation rod were added to the upper wing

(https://i.imgur.com/Q0c4Va9.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/wmXaFp1.jpg)
One of the painted lower wings, prepared for rigging with E-ZLine and Gaspatch 1/48 turnbuckles.

Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: KiwiZac on September 15, 2022, 08:24:13 AM
Stunning work Gary - I have a big smile on my face after seeing your latest update.
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: rhwinter on September 15, 2022, 05:17:54 PM
Very beautiful!
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: gedmundson on September 17, 2022, 02:41:57 AM
Thanks Zac & RH - you comments are appreciated.

Gluing on the top wing is always a challenge, but seemed to go well with a bit of help from my little clamps - applied with VERY gentle pressure while the glue set. Rigging was a bit tricky, trying to get EZ-Line to go into the tiny holes of the turnbuckles, of which some needed a bit of reaming out (but difficult due to the hardness of the metal.

I was able to glue the seatbelt over the side of the fuselage, but found the "double side printed" HGW belts a bit more stiff to manage than the single-side print ones. First time I've used these, but like them better than the etched metal kit ones.

Cheers,
Gary

(https://i.imgur.com/foMwjch.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/15jRqSk.jpg)
I tried Bertl's advice on the exhaust - tried to get a bit of the same look with different mediums.

(https://i.imgur.com/oladYKt.jpg)
Finished off with a touch of chalk pastel.

(https://i.imgur.com/g4GOrTB.jpg)
I used a "helping hands" tool to pull tension on the EZ-Line rigging then applied a bit of cyano glue to the point of contact.

(https://i.imgur.com/F08wc94.jpg)
To add an effect of wear on the wing fabric, I used some Humbrol Khaki enamel applied with a piece of abrasive pad.

(https://i.imgur.com/BDYTsDA.jpg)
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: FAf on September 17, 2022, 03:55:31 AM
It looking really good! I must say that all of these Albatroses/Albatri and the fabulous work done on them, really pushes me towards the ones I have in my own stash.

/Fredrik
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: Luftace on September 17, 2022, 08:18:02 AM
Excellent job on this Gary! Your painting and added details are top notch. Looking forward to the completion.

Chad
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: KiwiZac on September 17, 2022, 09:47:24 AM
What they said, she's shaping up so nicely!
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: Alexis on September 18, 2022, 03:33:52 PM
So , do you use a some short of a speed pill ? This one is going quick which is brillant so far ! :)


Alexis
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: gedmundson on September 18, 2022, 11:58:44 PM
Fredrick, Chad and Zac - thanks for the kind words!

So , do you use a some short of a speed pill ? This one is going quick which is brillant so far ! :)


Alexis

Thanks Alexis - it helps being retired 😎, but to be honest I was well into the build before I had a chance to post any pictures.
Cheers,
Gary
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: gedmundson on September 19, 2022, 04:08:24 AM
Thanks to some helpful advice from Bertl (Umlaufmotor) I was able to correct an over-sight on the colour of the lower wing roots, which should be in a natural wood colour. Also he also sent me a reference that showed that this aircraft had a datum line on the starboard side (not called for in the WnW instruction guide) and a flare pistol mount & rack by the pilot's right hand side. I incorporated these additions to make my build more accurate. Many thanks again to the generous help from Bertl!.
Cheers,
Gary

(https://i.imgur.com/1iqKHAE.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/dGOua6s.jpg)
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: Dirigible-Al on September 19, 2022, 07:32:57 AM
 I have been following this and it's an absolute joy to see this level of workmanship on what is my favourite aircraft.
Alan.
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: William Adair on September 19, 2022, 04:22:42 PM
It looks wonderful.  Very inspiring!
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: Tim Mixon on September 19, 2022, 10:23:23 PM
This is looking so nice!  I never realized the lower wing roots were wooden. Great additional details with the flare gun and flares. 
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: Umlaufmotor on September 21, 2022, 03:55:59 AM
Very nice decal scheme chosen and absolutely beautifully built.
BRAVO!

Servus
Bertl
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: rhwinter on September 21, 2022, 04:38:19 AM
Great! Simply a joy to see your Albatros „come to life“!
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: bobs_buckles on September 21, 2022, 04:42:59 AM
Beautiful work, Gary.  :o

Well done!!

Bob
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b
Post by: RAGIII on September 23, 2022, 05:10:02 AM
This is an absolutely Beautiful Build! I am Gobsmacked for sure!! The wood grain is stunning as are the details! I think I need to find another Albatros DV to try and do better than My previous efforts  8)
RAGIII
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b finished
Post by: gedmundson on September 25, 2022, 06:07:58 AM
Thanks to everyone for the kind words on my build, and because of the help I've received from folks here I'm calling this one done. I've never been big on what I've referred to as "clown-like" colour schemes on aircraft, but this one appealed. Plus my wife chose it when we were flipping through an Osprey book on Albatros Aces. The fact that it had a German city of Würzburg crest on the side clinched it (I have a cousin who is a keen modeller from there). Thanks for looking and I'll get some pics posted soon on the finished models page.
Cheers,
Gary

(https://i.imgur.com/5PPc9QN.jpg)
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b - finished
Post by: Dirigible-Al on September 26, 2022, 04:49:43 AM
WOW Gary, what a beauty. I would like to comment on what I particularly like but I can't because I like everything about it. Brilliant job. I do however like your line 'my wife chose it'. That would never happen in my house, there would be more chance of the Pope coming round and taking interest here than the wife, bless her.
Alan.
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b - finished
Post by: Thumbs up on September 26, 2022, 05:36:43 AM
The metal looks like metal,the wood looks like wood,the aircraft looks like a DVa,that happened to land in your front room!Marvelous!
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b - finished
Post by: gedmundson on September 29, 2022, 11:02:31 AM
I do however like your line 'my wife chose it'. That would never happen in my house, there would be more chance of the Pope coming round and taking interest here than the wife, bless her.
Alan.

Thanks for that Alan - I’m lucky that Marianne is a big supporter of my hobby, and enjoys being a “second set of eyes” when I’m in need of that differing point of view. She also encourages me to go that extra step...not cut corners....make less compromises to get the project finished as best I can.
Cheers,
Gary
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b - finished
Post by: PetworthPilot on September 29, 2022, 02:08:35 PM
Pure genius. Thanks for shooting and sharing.
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b - finished
Post by: FAf on September 29, 2022, 03:10:53 PM
👍👍👍
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b - finished
Post by: Tim Mixon on September 29, 2022, 08:36:05 PM
Beautiful build!  Very inspirational. It great that you include your wife in your hobby. I do my best to be interested in hers also!
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b - finished
Post by: mess on October 15, 2022, 08:22:13 PM
Nice work, Gary!
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b - finished
Post by: macsporran on October 15, 2022, 08:34:56 PM
Absolutely stunning model, Gary.
Your attention to detail is staggering and the overall effect just beautiful.
Sandy
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b - finished
Post by: Rookie on October 16, 2022, 07:15:02 PM
What a gem Gary, it looks fantastic!

Willem
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b - finished
Post by: PetworthPilot on October 17, 2022, 11:57:08 PM
Your photography skills are as good as your modeling.
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b - finished
Post by: jknaus on October 18, 2022, 02:13:26 AM
She's gorgeous. Now After a long hiatus I am eyeing one of my Albies. Very nice.
James
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b - finished
Post by: torbiorn on October 18, 2022, 03:11:19 AM
Absolutely wonderful. I am glad you selected the ”clown”, it’s inspirational. 
Title: Re: WnW 1/32 Albatros D.Va Karl Hopf Jasta 76b - finished
Post by: Allan31 on October 23, 2022, 01:45:33 PM
Beautiful build Gary, My better half is also involved in my builds as well, always welcome input.
The Albatros near me at Rhinebeck is now painted in the same scheme.