forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Mike Norris (UK) on October 02, 2024, 06:34:34 AM

Title: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on October 02, 2024, 06:34:34 AM: Hi all,
I thought it was time to build one of the 'pushers' in my stash.
So next build a 'Wingnut Wings' model.

Airco DH.2, Serial No.5966 as flown by Capt. Alan Machin Wilkinson of ‘C’ Flight, No.24 Squadron, Bertangles, August 1916.

Mike

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/header.jpg)
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: William Adair on October 02, 2024, 08:27:58 AM: One of my all-time favourites. Really looking forward to this ;D
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Brad Cancian on October 02, 2024, 07:21:19 PM: Mike you truly are prolific - where on earth do you find the time...! :o

Here comes another masterpiece! ;D

Cheers,

BC
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: William Adair on October 02, 2024, 07:57:15 PM: Quote from: Brad Cancian on October 02, 2024, 07:21:19 PM
Mike you truly are prolific - where on earth do you find the time...!

I was wondering how he gets so bloody efficient! 8)
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on October 03, 2024, 05:21:57 AM: Quote from: Brad Cancian on October 02, 2024, 07:21:19 PM
Mike you truly are prolific - where on earth do you find the time...! :o

Here comes another masterpiece! ;D

Cheers,

BC

Hi Brad,
After extending for another two years, I finally retired in 2016.
So I have all day to model and a very understanding wife ;)

Mike
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: NigelR on October 03, 2024, 06:15:50 PM: Quote from: Mike Norris (UK) on October 03, 2024, 05:21:57 AM
So I have all day to model and a very understanding wife ;)
A great combination, I have the same. Mind you, I am incredibly slow at getting anything done despite all the alleged time I have available!
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: FAf on October 03, 2024, 08:24:13 PM: Yes! Brilliant choice of model. I'll tag along, as usual.
/Fredrik
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on October 10, 2024, 06:04:22 AM: Hi all,
The basic nacelle is complete.
I've added some extra details:

Two pipes on the fuel fine control (forward, top of nacelle left side frame)
Pipe from the hand operated pressure pump (nacelle left side frame)
Tachometer drive (nacelle right side frame)
Rudder control cables
Aileron control cables (hidden by pilots seat)
Crossed bracing wires in nacelle side frames
Crossed bracing wires over top of the engine drip tray in rear of nacelle.

A second pair of crossed bracing wires behind the engine will be fitted once the lower wing is fitted (wires attached to lower wing rear spar.
The Lewis machine gun will be fitted later in the build.
Now onto the outside of the nacelle,

Mike

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/nacdone1.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/nacdone2.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/nacdone3.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/nacdone.jpg)
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: NigelR on October 10, 2024, 05:50:32 PM: Lovely work Mike, that's an excellent cockpit. The wood grain looks really good in this one.
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: DaddyO on October 10, 2024, 07:19:14 PM: What's not to like - it's a pusher with lots of lovely details. 8)
Great job so far Mike; looking forward to the next update already

Paul
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on October 10, 2024, 11:56:27 PM: Hi all,
The engine is completed.
I added ignition leads made from annealed 0.125 mm diameter copper wire,

Mike

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/engdone1.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/engdone2.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/engdone3.jpg)
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Vickers on October 11, 2024, 01:33:38 AM: Outstanding detailing, Mike. This one is already shaping up to be a real stunner!
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: NigelR on October 11, 2024, 04:03:54 AM: Very nice, love that wiring!
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on October 12, 2024, 04:05:46 AM: Hi all,
I've replaced the pre-molded stitching on the nacelle as I thought it looked slightly flat.
I used photo-etch stitching from the ‘HGW Models’ AMC DH.2 set (132097).
I've also added the cover strip between the nose and nacelle upper cowl.
That was cut from 0.2 mm thick plastic card,

Mike

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/etchon.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/nacpaint.jpg)
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: NigelR on October 14, 2024, 05:59:54 PM: Good work there Mike, this is coming on nicely.
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: RAGIII on October 15, 2024, 03:04:28 AM: Beautiful Interior, engine and linen work Mike!
RAGIII
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on October 16, 2024, 03:59:14 AM: Hi all,
The basic nacelle is now complete.
Apart from replacing the stitching, I've also replaced the molded straps on the rear cover.
These were made from strips of 0.1 mm thick plastic card with photo-etch buckle ends.
The underside sliding panel was replaced with photo-etch.
I added the nacelle drain hole and the two pairs of attachment end fittings.
Weathering was with 'Flory Models' Dart Dirt wash.

Mike

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/done1.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/done2.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/done3.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/done4.jpg)
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Vickers on October 16, 2024, 06:07:29 AM: Looking mahvelrous, Mike! You're making rapid progress on this lattice tail beastie.
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: RAGIII on October 16, 2024, 08:43:28 AM: Lovely weathering Mike!
RAGIII
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: FAf on October 16, 2024, 05:59:05 PM: So beautiful! The wash is really effective in bringing life to the model.
/Fredrik
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: NigelR on October 16, 2024, 06:58:29 PM: Excellent work Mike. The stitching looks great and the weathering is very effective.
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: KiwiZac on October 21, 2024, 02:20:05 PM: Lovely work so far Mike! I LOVE the DH.2 so it?s a treat to see you work your magic on this kit.
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on October 22, 2024, 07:44:52 AM: Hi all,
The undersides have been prepared for applying 'Aviattic' CDL decal.
First primed with 'Tamiya' Fine Surface Primer aerosole (grey).
Then airbrushed with ?MRP? acrylic lacquer Dark Wood (MRP-262).
Thin strips of masking were applied to represent the internal structure.
Then airbrushed with ?MRP? acrylic lacquer Clear Doped Linen (MRP-256).
All masking tape removed.
Then airbrushed with ?MRP? acrylic lacquer Clear Doped Linen (MRP-256) to fade the internal structure.

The DH.2 was fitted with either a two or for bladed propeller.
The four bladed propeller fitted to the DH.2 was the ?Darracq? T7928 type that had been already fitted to the FE.8 fighter.
Some had metal plates fitted to the blade leading edge tips to protect against damage or erosion.
Others had the tips wrapped in doped linen for the same reasons.
I chose to represent the linen wrapping type.
Masked then airbrushed with ?MRP? acrylic lacquer Clear Doped Linen (MRP-256).
Lined weathered with 'Tamiya' Weathering Master Set D (Oil Stain).
Single 'Darracq' company logo applied to one blade (as seen on an FE.8 propeller).

Mike

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/structure.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/PP2.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/PP5.jpg)
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Vickers on October 22, 2024, 09:55:15 AM: That's some seriously intricate paintwork, Mike. Looks great! And your propeller is stellar. I'm really enjoying watching your progress on this one and I'll be sure to review this topic whenever I summon the guts to build mine.
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: NigelR on October 22, 2024, 06:54:46 PM: That's excellent work on the transparent effect Mike, it will look very effective when the decal is on top. This is coming together really well, lovely work so far.
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: PrzemoL on October 23, 2024, 07:12:27 PM: A couple of days off and here - such a treat. You are cruising, Mike. Another of your gems in the making. I love your build reports, so full of good advice.
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on October 24, 2024, 04:44:39 AM: Hi all,
Decals have been applied.
The upper surfaces are 'Aviattic' white backed linen effect PC10 'light' (ATT32808).
The underside surfaces are 'Aviattic' clear backed Clear Doped Linen bleached effect (ATT32044).
The rudder serial 5966 was made from ?Xtradecal? RAF numbers/letters (32021).

Mike

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/decals3.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/decals4.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/decals5.jpg)
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: NigelR on October 24, 2024, 06:22:08 PM: Those wings look really good with the decals applied, especially the underside with the ribs showing through. Very nice work.
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Vickers on October 25, 2024, 12:02:49 PM: Coming along very nicely, Mike!
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on October 29, 2024, 05:11:46 AM: Hi all,
Weathering done using 'Flory Models' Dark Dirt and Grime washes.
Now it's onto preparing for rigging before assembly,

Mike

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/washoff4.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/washoff3.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/washoff2.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/washoff1.jpg)
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: NigelR on October 29, 2024, 07:30:33 PM: That's a really smart looking selection of subassemblies. Can't wait to see them come together..........
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on October 30, 2024, 12:12:59 AM: Hi all,
A couple of modifications.

The aileron control cables exited the nacelle from their pulley fairings and were retained at the leading edge of each lower wing by either two or three cable fairleads, before being turned rearwards around the outer pulleys.
I chose to fit three fairleads to both lower wings after the wing decals were applied.
Fairleads made from 0.4 mm diameter Nickel-Silver tube.

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/fairleads1.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/fairleadsdone.jpg)

The fuel from the gravity tank on the upper wing was transferred through a pipe, attached between the underside of the upper wing and the tank in the nacelle.
The kit only supplies this pipe on the front, left cabane strut for the off-set gravity tank, not the centrally mounted tank.
That tank feed pipe was routed from the underside of the tank and across to the forward, left cabane strut and into the nacelle.
Made from 0.7 mm diameter Nickel-Silver tube and 0.4 mm diameter flexible tube.

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/fuelline1.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/fuelline2.jpg)

Mike
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on November 03, 2024, 01:57:47 AM: Hi all,
I've pre-rigged the upper wing, nacelle and landing gear.
Now the upper wing has been fitted.
Next is to finally rig the wings before assembly continues,

Mike

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/wingon.jpg)
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Borsos on November 03, 2024, 02:33:03 AM: This is looking very nicely! The D.H. 2 is a fascinating aircraft.
Andreas
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: NigelR on November 03, 2024, 02:57:41 AM: That is all looking very nice indeed! Excellent work as always, the fabric surfaces look great.
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Dutch522 on November 04, 2024, 12:50:07 PM: You're outdoing yourself on this one, Mike.

Twenty years ago I started scratchbuilding a CDL DH.2 in 1:24 after realizing that the dimensions of the Revell 1:28 Dr.I Oberursel were actually closer to 1:24... my head was full of visions that it would turn out like this one, but I think I'll leave the bits safely in their drawer.

Dutch
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on November 04, 2024, 08:06:59 PM: Hi all,
A slight faux pas with the interplane struts.
The rear outer struts are blue with a central white segment.
The front outer struts are blue with two white segments.
When I was test fitting the upper wing, it was going well so I decided to cement it onto the struts.
It was the following day I saw that I had the blue/white struts in the wrong positions.
The painted struts were fixed in position and the model already pre-rigged, so airbrushing the struts was not an option.
So I brush painted the struts blue then add the white segments using white 'Xtradecal' strips.
Lesson learnt ::)

Mike

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/wingon1.jpg)
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: NigelR on November 04, 2024, 10:05:30 PM: Quote from: Mike Norris (UK) on November 04, 2024, 08:06:59 PM
When I was test fitting the upper wing, it was going well so I decided to cement it onto the struts.
It was the following day I saw that I had the blue/white struts in the wrong positions.
The painted struts were fixed in position and the model already pre-rigged, so airbrushing the struts was not an option.
So I brush painted the struts blue then add the white segments using white 'Xtradecal' strips.
Oh dear, we've all been there! But you have saved this very well. Crack on!
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Vickers on November 04, 2024, 11:14:13 PM: Good save, Mike! That must have been a fiddly evolution getting the struts repainted and decaled in situ. I once finished a dual build of the 1/48th Roden S.E.5a for MacCudden and Lewis. I was painting the MacCudden model in a more brownish PC-10 than that of Lewis. I got my undercarriages mixed up early on during the painting phase and after the models were complete I realized that they both ended up with the wrong type of undercarriage. Doh!
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on November 06, 2024, 03:31:41 AM: Hi all,
The basic wing rigging is complete.

I've added:
Twin flying wires (x 16)
Single landing wires x 8
Interplane strut bracing wires (x 16)
Cabane strut bracing wires (x 4)

Still to add later:
Rudder, elevator and aileron control cables
Upper and lower drag/tail boom wires
Landing gear bracing wires

Now it's onto rigging the two tail booms before continuing with assembly,

Mike

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/wingrig.jpg)
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: PrzemoL on November 06, 2024, 07:03:00 AM: Magnifique...
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: KiwiZac on November 06, 2024, 01:26:16 PM: Quote from: Dutch522 on November 04, 2024, 12:50:07 PM
Twenty years ago I started scratchbuilding a CDL DH.2 in 1:24 after realizing that the dimensions of the Revell 1:28 Dr.I Oberursel were actually closer to 1:24...
I hate to take away from Mike's build, but I would love to see what you've done with this Dutch. What a great idea!
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on November 06, 2024, 06:47:55 PM: Quote from: KiwiZac on November 06, 2024, 01:26:16 PM
Quote from: Dutch522 on November 04, 2024, 12:50:07 PM
Twenty years ago I started scratchbuilding a CDL DH.2 in 1:24 after realizing that the dimensions of the Revell 1:28 Dr.I Oberursel were actually closer to 1:24...
I hate to take away from Mike's build, but I would love to see what you've done with this Dutch. What a great idea!

Me to ;)

Mike
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on November 07, 2024, 08:45:21 PM: Hi all,
The tail booms have been added.
I've added 12 crossed bracing wires.
The forward two on each side extend forward to become the upper and lower drag wires.

Still to add:
Rudder/fin bracing wires (x 4)
Tailplane bracing wires (x 4)
Landing gear bracing wires (x 4)
Rudder/tail skis control cables
Elevator control cables
Aileron control cables.

Mike

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/boomrig1.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/boomrig2.jpg)
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on November 08, 2024, 07:53:31 PM: Hi all,
The tail plane bracing wires have been added.
Also the crossed bracing wires at the rear of the tail booms.
The crossed bracing wires on the landing gear.

Now to rig the rudder, tail skid, elevator control cables.

Once they are done it just leaves the aileron control cables and wings to tail boom bracing wires to fit,

Mike

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/tailon.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/tailrig.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/gearon.jpg)
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Flik63J on November 08, 2024, 11:40:17 PM: Excellent progress Mike??almost at the finish line.
The model looks fantastic,

David
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on November 09, 2024, 06:43:31 AM: Hi all,
And more.
Rudder and tail skid control cables,

Mike

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/rudskid1.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/rudskid2.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/rudskid3.jpg)
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: FAf on November 09, 2024, 07:00:24 PM: All work and all photos look stunning! But that last photo of the rudder... that could easily be the real thing!

I'm struggling hard to stick with my plan to build the Albatros B.II when seeing this...
/Fredrik
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on November 11, 2024, 01:57:44 AM: Hi all,
Rigging is completed.
Bracing wires from upper and lower wings to tail booms.
Aileron control cables from underside of nacelle out through leading edge fairleads to underside pulley fairing.
Aileron control cables from underside pulley fairings to lower aileron control horns.
Aileron control cables from lower ailerons to upper ailerons.

Now onto finishing the assembly of remaining parts,

Mike

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/boomrig3.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/boomrig4.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/ailrig1.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/ailrig2.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/ailrig3.jpg)
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on November 11, 2024, 07:17:55 AM: Hi all,
A couple of additions.
The fuel supply pipe from the gravity tank on the upper wing.
Tethering rings on the underside of the lower wings,

Mike

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/fuelline3.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/rings.jpg)
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: NigelR on November 12, 2024, 12:31:14 AM: This is looking superb Mike, really impressive work all round. I like your attention to detail on the rigging.
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: gedmundson on November 13, 2024, 05:59:47 AM: Great work indeed, that's some of the finest rigging work I've seen. Well done Mike.
Cheers,
Gary
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on November 15, 2024, 05:13:04 AM: Hi all,
The two figures are complete and painted.
'Kellerkind' French dressing pilot (54/110).
'Blackdog' RFC Mechanic (BDF32020).

Mike

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/pilotdone.jpg)

(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/DH2/mechdone.jpg)
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: Mike Norris (UK) on November 16, 2024, 08:50:53 PM: Hi all,
The completed Airco De-Havilland DH.2 is now up in the Completed Models page.
Thanks for you comments a support during this build,

Mike
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: William Adair on November 17, 2024, 08:28:46 PM: Great work! I just saw the finished images over on FB and it is a tremendous result. Congratulations!!!
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: andonio64 on December 19, 2024, 06:00:43 PM: Mike, your work is super fine! You honored this plane which is one of my favourite WWI planes.
Title: Re: 1:32nd scale Airco DH.2
Post by: macsporran on December 19, 2024, 10:53:10 PM: Wonderful
Sandy