forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

The David Wilson Memorial Group Build 2024 => The David Wilson Memorial Group Build 2024 => Topic started by: NigelR on May 04, 2024, 04:37:11 AM

Title: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: NigelR on May 04, 2024, 04:37:11 AM
Here's my contribution to the group build, a WNW Pfalz D.IIIa that I picked up at Scale ModelWorld last year:

 (https://i.imgur.com/MIZWBid.jpeg)

I'll be doing Hertel's scheme as that winged sword looks very cool and I've never seen that scheme built up:

(https://i.imgur.com/PdYyHAe.jpeg)

I forgot to take photos of the inside of the box, but I can promise you this has not been started. I have a vignette project to finish off first based on the Strutter I just completed, then it will be on to this one.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: DaddyO on May 04, 2024, 05:14:09 AM
Excellent choice Nigel and a great scheme as well (like you I can't remember seeing one using that before)

Cheers
Paul
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: RAGIII on May 04, 2024, 05:42:23 AM
Great choice for a Tribute Build! That is a very good kit and the markings will really set it off!
RAGIII
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: AngryJazz on May 04, 2024, 06:23:25 AM
Cant wait to see this one come together! Love the look of the Pfalz!
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: Brad Cancian on May 04, 2024, 08:11:38 AM
Great choice Nigel - what's not to love about the Pfalz!

Cheers,

BC
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: Dirigible-Al on May 05, 2024, 06:37:44 AM
I agree with the others the Pfalz with the winged sword is the best one. Looks like there's lozenge on the wings too. This will look great.
Alan.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on May 05, 2024, 07:00:08 PM
Looks like there's lozenge on the wings too.
There is indeed, it really adds to attractiveness of the scheme. I have the Aviattic decals ready to go.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: KiwiZac on May 22, 2024, 01:54:26 PM
Another Pfalz? Dave would be so pleased! I know I am!
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on June 16, 2024, 08:29:18 PM
Now that the Strutter diorama is finished I've started work on my tribute build Pfalz.

Here's the box with everything still on the sprues plus Taurus bits and Aviattic decals:

(https://i.imgur.com/Zl3qXYx.jpeg)

Here's where I am at with the interior so far. I added a few bits like (what could be) the spark advance lever and some simplified piping coming from the switch board but I am not going too mad with extra bits and bobs:

(https://i.imgur.com/lJxNj7s.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/x2n0zsD.jpeg)

Here's the interior inside a fuselage half. IMO the wickelrumpf is overdone (as it's not apparent in any photos) but it does look quite good:
(https://i.imgur.com/qqoqEiy.jpeg)

It's on to the rest of the interior now.

Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: RAGIII on June 16, 2024, 10:54:10 PM
Lovely work Nigel. crisp details and I Love the wear on the painted wood surfaces!
RAGIII
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: macsporran on June 16, 2024, 11:54:39 PM
Just caught this one, Nigel - great start.
I've been swithering on what scheme for a Pfalz and hadn't really thought of this one, but it looks like a beauty with the lozenge wings. I'll follow your expert build with great interest.
Sandy
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: AngryJazz on June 17, 2024, 02:31:02 AM
Very nice work so far! Good work on the wear on the floor and painted wood for the instruments  ;)
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on June 17, 2024, 06:52:50 PM
Thanks very much Rick, Sandy and Ben. I'm enjoying this so far. The weathering on the floor worked well and was quite easy. I painted the floor a wood colour with oils, varnished it and then oversprayed with a MIG grey/blue. I then just wet the end of a blunted toothpick and gently scraped away some of the paint, no need for chipping fluid in this case.

Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on June 21, 2024, 01:23:20 AM
A bit more progress on the interior of the Pfalz:

(https://i.imgur.com/HHDFGcc.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/psJFwDM.jpeg)

Just got the seat belts to add and then it's on to the engine.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: RAGIII on June 21, 2024, 02:18:19 AM
This is continuing to look sharp! Like I said, crisp and clean work!
RAGIII
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: Dutch522 on June 21, 2024, 03:15:36 AM
That's lovely, N, that faux-finish on the wood is perfect. I haven't seen the WNW Pfalz in any detail, and these shots just make me kick myself even harder that I missed the boat on this and so many of those other kits.

Dutch
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: gedmundson on June 21, 2024, 04:30:26 AM
Impressive work, Nigel. The small lines you've added to the interior are a very nice touch.
Cheers,
Gary
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on June 21, 2024, 04:43:27 AM
Thanks very much Rick, Dutch and Gary. It's going well so far....

I haven't seen the WNW Pfalz in any detail, and these shots just make me kick myself even harder that I missed the boat on this and so many of those other kits.

The Pfalz is a lovely kit, I missed it first time round but managed to pick one up at a reasonable price at Scale Modelworld last year. I also just bought a WNW Fokker EIV on eBay for a reasonable price, so please hurry up with those decals..... ;)
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: Dutch522 on June 21, 2024, 10:49:25 AM
I'm actually working on the E.IV cockpit decals tonight, they're the last thing I need to finish up before the whole shooting match gets launched across the pond to Stroud... can't wait to see what you do with them :D

Dutch
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: AngryJazz on June 21, 2024, 03:32:45 PM
Really nice work. The little added details make a huge difference. It almost feel like the cockpit of these planes can be a display piece in themselves  :)
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: PrzemoL on June 21, 2024, 05:28:18 PM
That pit looks gorgeous. I especially like the leather seat...
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on June 21, 2024, 06:28:23 PM
Thanks guys!

It almost feel like the cockpit of these planes can be a display piece in themselves  :)
They definitely can. Then you close up the fuselage and most of it disappears forever!

I especially like the leather seat...
Thanks - that's where my crossover from figure painting helps.

I'm actually working on the E.IV cockpit decals tonight, they're the last thing I need to finish up before the whole shooting match gets launched across the pond to Stroud... can't wait to see what you do with them :D
Excellent! I'll be doing Boelcke's EIV. I've already found Gary's great build of that plane so will use that as my guide.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: gedmundson on June 22, 2024, 01:00:38 AM

Excellent! I'll be doing Boelcke's EIV. I've already found Gary's great build of that plane so will use that as my guide.

Thanks for that, Nigel. A word of caution on following that build if you weren't already aware. It was done before I realized the correct configuration of the floor of the cockpit and associated part that sits below (which WnW got wrong). I modified this area on my Immelmann E.II built soon after. Looking forward to seeing your E.IV "Boelcke" :)
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on June 22, 2024, 06:15:33 PM
A word of caution on following that build if you weren't already aware. It was done before I realized the correct configuration of the floor of the cockpit and associated part that sits below (which WnW got wrong). I modified this area on my Immelmann E.II built soon after.
Thanks for the heads up Gary. I vaguely remember reading about that on a build thread somewhere, it was probably yours..... ;)
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: Allan31 on June 26, 2024, 08:10:45 AM
Perfect inspiration as I'm about to start my own Pfalz DIII but in 1/48.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: Edo on June 26, 2024, 03:44:22 PM
I particularely like the leather effect....
very well done!

ciao
edo
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on July 03, 2024, 07:28:38 PM
Thanks Allan and Edo.

I have made some more progress here, got the seat belts fitted and the engine completed:

(https://i.imgur.com/DmVlxuX.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/g43RYOd.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/pJHp2Cg.jpeg)

I probably spent far too long on the engine but it will be quite visible on this one as it has cut down cowling panels. I replaced the valve springs with a Taurus set but couldn't use the Taurus cam shaft as some of the rocker boxes had their bolts broken off. So I had to adapt the WNW plastic camshaft and valve lifters, which was a bit of a faff. I also added Taurus manifold nuts on the intakes and priming cup blanking plates, which of course have disappeared into the clutches of Schrodinger. I was going to add the actual priming cups but I am glad I didn't as they would hardly have been visible and I am sure I would have knocked them all off while assembling the engine.

There should have been a throttle linkage on the carburettors. I had an HGW etched part ready to go but it disappeared into the clutches of either the desk mess monster or the carpet monster. So sadly the poor pilot won't be able to control the engine very well. Which is no bad thing because it will run like a dog anyway, because after hours of faffing and swearing I only managed to attach four magneto cables on one side and five on the other. So she will misfire like hell!

Hopefully things will proceed a bit quicker now......
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: macsporran on July 03, 2024, 07:38:47 PM
Seatbelts look great, Nigel - what are they? Brass. paper, foil?

These things are my bugbear - no matter how much I anneal the brass ones and bend them, they always seem to sit up off the seat at the last moment. I usually resort to a spot of white glue, but this can be rather hit and miss.
I recently tried the KitsWorld 3D decals, but these are still a bit stiff looking

How do you do yours?
Ta
Sandy
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on July 03, 2024, 09:40:33 PM
Thanks Sandy.

Seatbelts look great, Nigel - what are they? Brass. paper, foil?

These things are my bugbear - no matter how much I anneal the brass ones and bend them, they always seem to sit up off the seat at the last moment.
The seatbelts are brass. I'm not a huge fan of them but after having tried paper seat belts, I have to say I prefer brass. Two things I have done that have helped with using the brass seatbelts are to make sure I anneal them properly and bend them into shape before painting. In the past I just passed the brass through a flame, now I really make sure they are heated up and discolour. This helps make them more flexible.

I then bend them into shape before painting them. The trick here is to bend them in to shape on the seat but then take them off and bend the ends down even more, because that helps stopping them lift off the seat when you glue them. Do lots of dry fitting to ensure you have eliminated the tendency to lift off the seat.

I don't like the look of those seat belt decals myself. They look overscale and rather clunky. Plus I like to paint my seatbelts because that way I can control how they look.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: macsporran on July 03, 2024, 10:27:00 PM
Thanks for your reply, Nigel.

Yes, I tend to anneal, paint, then bend - with not very great results. I shall try your method of annealing,  bending to shape, then exaggerating the bends, prior to applying paint. Makes a lot of sense.
Never too old to learn!

The 3D things aren't great, very rubbery and glossy-clean. I thought they'd droop to shape but they don't, they remain stiff and flat.

Cheers, mate
Sandy
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: DaddyO on July 03, 2024, 10:43:18 PM
Wowzer Nigel we need to talk you're getting too good at this my friend  ;D
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: RAGIII on July 04, 2024, 06:01:36 AM
Beautiful engine details and painting. It all looks great in place!
RAGIII
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on July 04, 2024, 06:00:50 PM
Thanks Paul and Rick, much appreciated. Paul, you are too kind but I have learned a lot from looking at all the builds and techniques people have shared on this forum. Being retired helps as well, as I have time to practice things!
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: Dutch522 on July 05, 2024, 02:13:03 AM
Beautiful stuff, Nigel, and I'm with Sandy, those belts look amazingly realistic. And your powerplant is a work of art; I'm taking notes on all this in case this Eindecker madness ever comes to an end and I have the freedom to build something with two wings.

Dutch
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: Dirigible-Al on July 05, 2024, 05:17:30 AM
That engine looks so real!
Alan.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: Brad Cancian on July 05, 2024, 05:58:17 PM
Outstanding work Nigel - that interior really looks the business.

Cheers

BC
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on July 13, 2024, 05:09:36 AM
Thanks very much Brad, Alan and Dutch. I was hoping to post an update because I have been working hard on getting all the struts, undercart and small parts painted while closing up the fuselage and applying paint ready for decals. However, the modelling gods decided to laugh at me. I sprayed a clear gloss coat ready for decals and it reacted with the white painted areas. Not the black fuselage or the primed wings, just the white tail area. The gloss coat has gone like crazy paving. I will try to rescue this by sanding gently and applying more gloss over the top, but right now we are teetering on the brink...... >:( :(
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: DaddyO on July 13, 2024, 05:38:08 AM
Thanks very much Brad, Alan and Dutch. I was hoping to post an update because I have been working hard on getting all the struts, undercart and small parts painted while closing up the fuselage and applying paint ready for decals. However, the modelling gods decided to laugh at me. I sprayed a clear gloss coat ready for decals and it reacted with the white painted areas. Not the black fuselage or the primed wings, just the white tail area. The gloss coat has gone like crazy paving. I will try to rescue this by sanding gently and applying more gloss over the top, but right now we are teetering on the brink...... >:( :(

Arrrrrgh! as they say in the Beano (or at least they used to they probably say something different nowadays since it's a long time since I read one) Anyway back to the Arrrrgh! I'm sure it will come good Nigel - a nice calming show is what you need and hey presto one is coming on Sunday to forget all about crazy paved white paint and Pfalz's; at least for a few hours  ;D

Cheers
Paul
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: Brad Cancian on July 13, 2024, 07:49:33 AM
That's a bummer Nigel, we've all had experiences like that. Do you think it was due to perhaps different paint types? What brands / types were you using for the base coat and clear coats? I've seen this happen when using 'hot' paints (lacquers, etc) over the top of acrylics, for example.

Keep at it, this one is too good to stop now!

Cheers

BC
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: Dirigible-Al on July 13, 2024, 08:54:37 AM
For all it's worth I would replicate what you have done already on scrap bits of plastic, basically creating exactly the same scenario again and practice repairing that rather than potentially digging a deeper hole for yourself trying to repair what you have already built. Best of luck
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on July 13, 2024, 05:55:12 PM
Thanks for the encouragement guys. Yes Paul, a nice day at a model show will help take my mind off it, so it's a good thing I'll see you at one tomorrow ;D

Brad, it's a combination that I usually use which is Tamiya gloss out of a rattle can over Vallejo acrylics. I've had issues in the past with the varnish pooling if I am too enthusiastic with the spraying (so I tend to go in light coats) but never with it attacking the paint. It's probably a combination of too much varnish and the paint underneath not having fully cured.

The worst affected part is the rudder, which is fortunately not attached so I can strip and respray that. The underside of the white tailplane is also affected but I am hoping I can reduce the effect with sanding and then get a good enough finish that I can complete the build. And then never pick it up and look at the underside again!   
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: RAGIII on July 15, 2024, 12:58:11 AM
I am confident you will sort things out with the white paint. Looking forward to the update!
RAGIII
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: Allan31 on July 17, 2024, 11:30:03 PM
Looks amazing Nigel, best of luck with the paint save, Tamiya is too hot for me, I just use Future.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on July 19, 2024, 04:58:50 AM
We are back in the saddle! The white paint on the stabiliser does not bear close inspection but the worst of it is underneath so can't really be seen. A bit of weathering later on will help distract the eye.

I've painted and glossed the fuselage and have started decalling, it's on to the lozenge next:

(https://i.imgur.com/zZBi9mL.jpeg)

Tamiya is too hot for me, I just use Future.
I think you are right Allan. But I found I had a rattle can of Mr Hobby water-based varnish so I tried that and it is superb! Sprays really easily from  the can and gives a nice hard wearing finish. So I rushed out and bought several cans and it's working really well.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: RAGIII on July 20, 2024, 12:52:19 AM
Excellent recovery, Looks Beautiful! That scheme is really striking!
RAGIII
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: DaddyO on July 20, 2024, 02:22:54 AM
Love it Nigel (I must try some of the Mr Hobby stuff as well) ;)

Paul
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: Dirigible-Al on July 20, 2024, 04:20:44 AM
That looks superb, I can't see any evidence of the misdemeanor.
Alan
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: PrzemoL on July 20, 2024, 06:07:44 AM
Great work all around. The interior is marvelous and the black finish with the sword - striking.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on July 20, 2024, 07:19:04 PM
Thanks very much everyone. The scheme is indeed very striking and I've never seen it built anywhere. It's the later "special" boxing of the Pfalz so I guess most of them are stuck on people's shelves (this one was liberated from Rod Janes' shelf).

That looks superb, I can't see any evidence of the misdemeanor.
And you never will unless you see it up close  ;) All photos will be carefully staged to hide the misdemeanour ;D
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: macsporran on July 20, 2024, 08:23:23 PM
Great work - and great choice Nigel.
You're right This boxing is sitting on my shelf and I was going to build Holtzem in the standard kit first - but your lovely creation is making me think again.
Sandy
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: Brad Cancian on July 21, 2024, 06:31:17 PM
I echo Rick's comments - that scheme looks 'the business'. A favourite of mine and great to see it so well done :)

Cheers,

BC
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on July 25, 2024, 03:45:40 AM
Thanks Sandy and Brad, appreciate the comments. I've made some more progress, decalling all finished, ready for weathering, final assembly and rigging. I am going to try using turnbuckles for the first time, wish me luck......

(https://i.imgur.com/6VxhiPd.jpeg)

Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: DaddyO on July 25, 2024, 04:34:43 AM
Looks fabulous Nigel. Turnbuckles eh? Good luck matey 8)

Paul
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on July 25, 2024, 05:41:20 PM
Looks fabulous Nigel. Turnbuckles eh? Good luck matey 8)
Thanks, it's a great scheme.

I have been doing a lot of practising with various approaches to turnbuckles, I think I have a way forward but we will see......
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: Allan31 on July 25, 2024, 08:54:43 PM
Love the scheme. Best of luck with the buckles.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: Dutch522 on July 26, 2024, 05:14:56 AM
As Bob Crachitt said after tasting the Christmas pudding, "Another triumph, my dear." This is going to be a knockout.

And I'm with you 110% on the Mr Hobby clearcoats, Curt gave me one of each of the finishes about a month ago and I've been using the gloss under all the Aviattic decals, you can't beat 'em. I've never had much luck spraying Future.

Dutch
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: RAGIII on July 27, 2024, 05:21:44 AM
Such a Beautiful scheme and The Lozenge Really sets it off!
RAGIII
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on July 29, 2024, 09:10:14 PM
Thanks again for following this Allan, Dutch and Rick. We have some more progress. I have applied some basic weathering and the final varnish coat, now on to more weathering, final assembly and rigging.....

(https://i.imgur.com/8pPXD2C.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/FiEwSon.jpeg)

I'm trying to get this finished for a big show in the UK next Sunday, so fingers crossed.

And I'm with you 110% on the Mr Hobby clearcoats, Curt gave me one of each of the finishes about a month ago and I've been using the gloss under all the Aviattic decals, you can't beat 'em. I've never had much luck spraying Future.
I too have never been able to spray Future consistently. I have been applying it by brush but have found it takes at least three coats to get a decent level of gloss for the Aviattic decals. Now, just one coat of Mr Hobby gloss and we are good to go. I also spray gloss over the top of the decals when applied and it's much more hard wearing than Future. A game changer for me.....

Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: AngryJazz on July 29, 2024, 10:20:31 PM
Back from my vacation and wow what a stunning model you made so far! Lovely shine on the fuselage and the lozenge looks amazing with the black  ;)
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: RAGIII on July 30, 2024, 05:09:50 AM
what a Beauty! Your work is precise, clean, and Gorgeous! Oh how I wish these kits weren't so outrageously priced now! You really make Me want to do another!!
RAGIII
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: Dirigible-Al on July 30, 2024, 04:12:27 PM
Great painting. How was the edges of the metal hatches and nuts done' was the silver dry brushed?
Alan.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on July 30, 2024, 05:57:23 PM
Thanks very much Ben, Rick and Alan. Rick, I've been fortunate enough to pick up some WNW kits at reasonable prices, either from modellers selling stashes at shows or from a particular UK trader who sells them at reasonable prices - I picked up the Collishaw Triplane last weekend for £120 from this guy. But that's probably not much help in the US..... Still, there's always CSM and their new Nieuports :)

Great painting. How was the edges of the metal hatches and nuts done' was the silver dry brushed?
Thanks Alan. The edges of the hatches and other raised detail on the fuselage was drybrushed in a medium grey colour. I find the MIG Oilbrushers really good for this, they have just the right consistency. I use a very large, very soft brush, pick up some of the appropriate Oilbrusher colour on the tip of the brush, wipe it so it is very nearly dry and then very gently dry brush the whole fuselage. The raised detail gradually picks up some colour but if you are gentle you do not get drybrushing streaks on the fuselage. It's a little "unrealistic" but it helps the eye see the detail that's there (especially on a dark fuselage).

The cowl fixing nuts are picked out with graphite metallic and some of the cowling panels were outlined and scratched using a silver pencil.

Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: PrzemoL on July 30, 2024, 06:39:00 PM
Beautiful. Fine details, striking scheme!
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: DaddyO on July 30, 2024, 08:22:21 PM
Looking great Nigel  8)
(I was quite disappointed to see my black fuselage turn 'silver' and am now thinking of another one, possibly one of the later Albie's with a black fuselage)

Paul
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on August 01, 2024, 12:48:00 AM
Thanks Przem and Paul. Paul, you can never have enough black fuselages..... ;)

We are entering the final stages. Here's a few quickly taken progress shots. A bit more weathering has been done, all assembly done except the prop and front radiator pipe, and of course the rigging needs to be added.

(https://i.imgur.com/guOwoM6.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/GMgbXgt.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Ujvmt2C.jpeg)

I'll post some completed pics when she is finished.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: RAGIII on August 01, 2024, 12:50:40 AM
Outstanding work and a Stunning scheme. I am looking forward to the final Photos!
RAGIII
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: FokkerFodder on August 01, 2024, 01:28:00 AM
Love it! It’s a really striking scheme for what to me is a very elegant plane….

Cheers
Matt
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: AngryJazz on August 02, 2024, 06:55:44 PM
Wow its really stunning! I thought the black schemes would look kinda boring, so I avoided them.... But wow it is very beutiful!  ;D
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: macsporran on August 02, 2024, 09:54:39 PM
I always thought a Pfalz just had to be Silbergrau - but this beauty has changed my mind.

Lovely model.
Sandy
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: NigelR on August 03, 2024, 01:55:32 AM
Thanks for the words of encouragement Rick, Matt, Ben and Sandy. I am on the home stretch, just finishing off the last bits of rigging. I've been using turnbuckles for the first time and boy has that been hard work and taken a long time. But I wanted to push myself a bit on this build as the site has been a huge help and inspiration to me so I kind of felt I owed it to Dave.

Wow its really stunning! I thought the black schemes would look kinda boring, so I avoided them.... But wow it is very beutiful!  ;D
It is a fab scheme, I was drawn to the sword (see what I did there..... ;)). The black has been a bit challenging because if you just paint everything the same black it looks very dull. I think a bit of highlighting has helped plus I tried to make the panels a bit different to the fuselage....
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa
Post by: DaddyO on August 03, 2024, 03:15:19 AM
Beautiful work Nigel  8)
(I must find out what colours you are using for the tyres which look great)

Catch up on Sunday
P
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: NigelR on August 06, 2024, 03:40:35 AM
The Pfalz is pfinished. It's a lovely kit, a really easy build that goes together very well, fitting the top wing was really straightforward. It's the second "Flying Circus" boxing of the Pfalz completed as Werner Hertel's mount from Jasta 40s. It's out of the box with a bit of extra detailing on the engine and the screw holes added to the spinner (a rather obvious omission by WNW). The lozenge is of course a lovely Aviattic set. Weathering is subtle because photos of Hertel's machine show it looking pretty clean.

This was my first time using turnbuckles on a 1/32 build. I've been putting off using them because I have convinced myself they don't look realistic but I have been experimenting and I think the combination of GasPatch turnbuckles and Modelkasten rigging material (which is round in section) looks ok. As this is a memorial build, I thought it was time to push myself a bit in memory of both Dave and Des, who contributed so much to WWI modelling. These shaky 67 year old hands found them really hard work, it took me three days to rig the plane instead of the usual three to four hours with EZ Line. But I had to try and I think they look ok. Painting the black Modelkasten was also a pain, the nerd in me prefers a metal coloured rigging rather than black.

(https://i.imgur.com/s9Xreip.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/YWGPydd.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/1lPHD3u.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/LyK4FSv.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/y9fjcNv.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/lVAwwUX.jpeg) 

Blue skies Dave (and Des)
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: Allan31 on August 06, 2024, 04:49:52 AM
Exquisite results on that build, excellent.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: DaddyO on August 06, 2024, 05:19:08 AM
I was lucky enough to have a really close look at this one yesterday at the Avon show when displaying on the WW1 SIG stand with Nigel and must say that the photos barely do it justice.
I'll often look at a model and think about areas I might have done differently or 'improved' and after a long hard study I couldn't see anything that I would have like to have seen changed - it really is that good. Everywhere I looked there was some little detail that drew me into studying it closer and trying to work out how it had been done.

Modelling straight out of the top drawer - Congrats Nigel  ;D
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: NigelR on August 06, 2024, 06:18:23 PM
Thanks Allan, and thanks very much Paul, you are very kind. It is the help and feedback that I've had from people on here that's helped me improve.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: macsporran on August 06, 2024, 10:02:16 PM
Glorious model, Nigel.

You said I'd helped you decide on a wooden fuselage Roland - you have certainly encouraged me to go for a black fuselage Pfalz. What a beauty.

Sandy
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: Dutch522 on August 06, 2024, 10:12:18 PM
Well, Nigel, you already stood high in my esteem of talents here on the Forum, but this one raises you squarely to the Pour le Merit level of modeling as far as I'm concerned, in company with PrzemoL, Gary, Brad, Bertl, and a handful of others.

Beautiful, beautiful work. On to the E.IV now?

Dutch
(PS, speaking of which, did you ever get the PM I sent a while back with the preview of the E.IV sheets? I uploaded the finished files to Richard last week; if they're not out already they should be very soon.)
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: FokkerFodder on August 07, 2024, 12:27:16 AM
Fantastic outcome…. Your combing is exquisite and obviously reflects your figure painting skills… but broadly, do you apply a light colour and build up the darker tones or vice versa… I’ve tried on occasion to get this look but come close.
Cheers
Matt
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: NigelR on August 07, 2024, 02:47:52 AM
Thanks so much Sandy, Dutch and Matt, very much appreciated :)

....did you ever get the PM I sent a while back with the preview of the E.IV sheets? I uploaded the finished files to Richard last week; if they're not out already they should be very soon.
Yes I did, I preordered an EIII and an EIV set which I picked up from Richard at the weekend. The finished articles look fantastic, well done. And yes, it's the EIV next

do you apply a light colour and build up the darker tones or vice versa…
It's neither actually :) I start with a medium leather tone, then I apply increasing highlights ending up with some quite bright touches here and there. Then I apply  one or more coats of Citadel Snakebite Leather contrast paint which brings everything together and settles in the creases to give the shading effects. There are several brands of these type of paints, they are a bit like a wash but have more pigment in them. Then a coat of clear semi gloss varnish to give a nice sheen. HTH.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: Dirigible-Al on August 07, 2024, 04:44:22 AM
It looks absolutely amazing.
Alan.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: lcarroll on August 07, 2024, 06:24:20 AM
     Absolutely beautiful from start to finish Nigel, a magnificent model and wonderful tribute!
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: Brad Cancian on August 07, 2024, 07:06:20 AM
Stunning result Nigel, really top shelf modelling. One that i'll be studying to glean as many clever techniques as I can :) Hat's off to you, sir!

Cheers,

BC
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: KiwiZac on August 07, 2024, 11:56:03 AM
My goodness, it just gets better and better!
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: NigelR on August 07, 2024, 07:59:56 PM
Thanks very much Alan, Lance, Brad and Zac. I am pleased with the way it turned out, I'm glad I didn't scrap it when I had the issues early on with the varnish crazing.

Brad, one thing I use a lot are the MIG Oilbrushers. I find them very useful because the consistency out of the bottle allows them to be used in a variety of ways. The starship filth, earth and dark mud are great for general weathering and staining effects. 
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: PrzemoL on August 08, 2024, 07:58:08 PM
As I already commented elsewhere - this is a gorgeous model. I like everything in it, form the colour scheme to the subtle weathering.
It is curious though to read, that you prefer EZLine for rigging rather than the monofilament with turnbuckles... Funny enough, my feelings are totally opposite :-)
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: NigelR on August 08, 2024, 11:11:46 PM
Thanks very much Przem, I appreciate the feedback.

It is curious though to read, that you prefer EZLine for rigging rather than the monofilament with turnbuckles... Funny enough, my feelings are totally opposite :-)

I actually used Modelkasten for the rigging on this one, as it looks better with turnbuckles than EZ Line IMO. This was my first build where I used turnbuckles throughout.

I have just ordered some monofilament that is the same size as the Modelkasten because I can see myself using a combination of the two on future builds.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: RAGIII on August 08, 2024, 11:24:46 PM
Stunning results in every aspect of the build Nigel! The painting, weathering, and decals/scheme really catch the eye. Your turnbuckles look perfect to me. All go the right direction as far as I can tell.  Dave would love your tribute!
RAGIII
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: NigelR on August 09, 2024, 06:17:06 PM
Dave would love your tribute!
Thanks very much for the comments Rick, I'm glad you think Dave would appreciate this one.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: Tim Mixon on August 09, 2024, 09:38:48 PM
Beautifully done Nigel. A very interesting scheme that is just exceptionally executed. I think your rigging and turnbuckles are very realistic.

Tim
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: lone modeller on August 13, 2024, 08:03:41 AM
Sorry to have missed this build Nigel, but I have just spent a very happy and inspiring time reading through this thread. The finish that you have achieved is truly stunning - especially the black fuselage. If I had done that it would have been monochromatic!

That is a truly wonderful tribute to David and Des and I am sure that they are both looking down and feel very chuffed at your super effort.

Stephen.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: NigelR on August 13, 2024, 05:59:36 PM
Thanks very much for the kind words Tim and Stephen, I'm glad you liked this one.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: AngryJazz on August 19, 2024, 06:50:20 PM
Sorry also a bit late catch up from me. Life and work keeping me busy.

You really made a beautiful and stunning model. I love everything about it! If I ever get a Pfalz it could very well be on my build list  ;)
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: dr 1 ace on August 22, 2024, 04:21:39 AM
Ditto all the above !!

Ed
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: NigelR on August 22, 2024, 06:21:24 PM
Thanks very much Ben and Ed. Ben, if you can get hold of a Pfalz at reasonable prices I do recommend it, it's a lovely kit.
Title: Re: WNW Pfalz D.IIIa - NOW COMPLETED
Post by: FAf on August 22, 2024, 09:54:26 PM
Sorry if I'm late for the party, but what a great result! Very striking paintscheme!
/Fredrik