forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: AngryJazz on April 13, 2025, 04:40:25 AM
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I had a hard time choosing a kit to work on while I wait on the Nieuport.
It seems like all kits have their challenges for things I haven't tried yet. I finally settled on the Ninak - there's something about the look that talks to me. Guess i'll figure out the challenges along the way :)
Haven't quite settled on the scheme yet. I like the red tail, but then I would have to move the stitching on the side. I'm not a fan of photo etch so its holding me back a bit.
(https://i.imgur.com/iC5L8w0.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nlazJiW.jpg)
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Just finishing my wartime version. Most enjoyable kit I've built. Good luck, looking forward to seeing how yours turns out.
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Thanks Scaleber - nice to know ;D
Now, getting the most dreaded task out of the way first.
Now only the top part where I need to cut into the fuselage is left.
Placing the PE parts before I commit and sand off the existing details.
(https://i.imgur.com/ITce0rq.jpg)
Phew... Now there's no way back!
(https://i.imgur.com/rxLXuKs.jpg)
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Good start, looking forward to seeing more.
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Tagging along when I can !
Alexis
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Good start. Enjoy, this is a great kit and build to a spectacular model.
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Great start. That D.H. 9 are really nice Aircraft. I am keen on following this build.
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Thank you all for the support and motivation ;D
I have been working on the cockpit. Still a long way to go, but its starting to come alive.
Weathering and detail work is still ongoing. Want to work on the leather details etc a bit more.
One small note - I know the rigging for the foot pedals is wrong. I took an easier approach than having 2 individual lines... since its not noticeable after i close up the cockpit 😅
In terms on rigging. I'm trying something new with twisting the wire around itself and appling CA. I did make some rigging with my usual micro tubes, but it just did not look good. I cut them off and started over.
This way with the twist is something suggested from the Gary Boxall books and i've noticed other people doing it as well.
(https://i.imgur.com/LOLUJNE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ffh85ZE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5uRKZoe.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vujEFlO.jpg)
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That's all looking very nice and don't worry about simplifying the rigging, I think most of us do that from time to time. I never bother putting turnbuckles on interior wires because it's so hard to see them when the cockpit is closed up.....
In terms on rigging. I'm trying something new with twisting the wire around itself and appling CA. I did make some rigging with my usual micro tubes, but it just did not look good. I cut them off and started over.
I use that method, inspired by both Gary Boxall and David Lane (Mentaldental on here). Cutting the "tails" off can be challemging but I think it looks more realistic than the brass tubing approach (IMO of course).
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In terms on rigging. I'm trying something new with twisting the wire around itself and appling CA.
It all looks very promising with great colours to the interior. With the twist approach to rigging... are you using fishing line and how do you manage to tighten the line before fixing it with super glue?
/Fredrik
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Nice start and very interesting rigging approach.
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Thank you Nigel! Yes you are right with a shortcut sometimes, it's just very noticeable while you build and can see everything. I know I cannot see anything through the cockpit on my finished builds :)
This year I have really been focusing on getting my builds done. Make an effort on things most visible and maybe skip the areas you dont see. Hopefully this means the Ninak wont take 6-12 months like other WNW kits ???
David Lane has been my go to for checking details and builds. They are just stunning! So that's also part of my inspiration to try another approach.
@FAf / Fredrik. The first twist is difficult because both ends are lose. I try to make the twist - press and hold the lines with my fingers to the table - apply the CA.
It takes some trial and error, so not all of the loops look perfect (yet).
The book suggests adding some CA gel to the line - then twisting it. But its covering the technique with a turnbuckle in one end and the loop in the other.
I think maybe taping down one end would work on more troublesome places.
@ Borsos - thank you!
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Engine and some smaller stuff have been added :)
The kit has also been reminding me how important it is to clean every connection point. Just some paint is enough to move stuff where it no longer fits, so had to scrape most areas.
I decided not to wire up the engine spark plugs. I'm not sure I will display this one without the cowlings. Also the way the engine is layed out - it would not be so noticeable with wiring unlike the Albatros.
Next is the cutout in the fuselage for the storage locker... It has me worried.. Never done that to a kit before :o
(https://i.imgur.com/jFbQ9Qu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0iQEShH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mhm0kSu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZhzGfsZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/sc1esYA.jpg)
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Your work on this model is really excellent Ben, as are all of your builds. I often debate whether to add detail that is not easily seen, especially as I like to close up all my engine cowlings. Cheers!
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That's all lovely work, the interior and engine are looking really good so far.
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Thank you very much guys!
The wiring really only caused me a headache on my Dolphin build... And in the end I closed the cowlings anyways ;D I wanted to see how much it really matters on this build.
I am a bit further ahead with the build, i'm just slow getting the pictures uploaded.
Managed to get the cut done for the fuselage. Luckily it turned out fairly good! Only one of the PE stitchings popped off ;D
Had to repair the wood painting on the inside. It would have been smart to wait with all of the painting until after the modification... Oh well lesson learned.
I think the choice of red tone wood for the inside was a bad one. I was looking at different builds, pictures and references and at that time it seemed like a good idea. However I think the contrast of the 2 colors are too strong, so a more brown or dark yellow would have been better.
(https://i.imgur.com/QwKnq90.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lAYzoPw.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/TIPosXM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/pGARPjm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wqu7OFB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/N1bOqPf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2sgQyVk.jpg)
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That looks really good, I really like the leatherwork. I don't think the reddish wood looks too bad, you could always just put a thin wash of burnt umber oils over it if you want to tone it down.....
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This is looking beautiful Ben. Just beautiful! I'm excited for the next update.
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Thanks Nigel - that's a good idea I will keep in mind for another build :)
Thanks Zac!
Spend a few evenings working on the not so fun things... Seams and repair work. ::)
I know the fit issues are likely my own fault, but I really thought i took extra care this time around.
It's like the inner cockpit pushed out both the top and bottom casing seams and gaps. Also had a minor issue with an internal wood frame in the very back, but luckily it cannot be seen.
Scraped down the entire wooden frame to get the bottom piece in. Filled gaps with streched sprue and CA glue (with CA powder). Scribed back the panel.
The top was fixed with some plastic card.
And a thumb print along with PE details that popped off were fixed.
Can feel my modeling ADHD kicking in as im starting looking at that new Magic Factory kit I just got ;D But no gotta keep going the fuselage is ready for primer before a break ;)
Top gap
(https://i.imgur.com/agiJ981.jpg)
Fix
(https://i.imgur.com/Bn0xci9.jpg)
Bottom gaps
(https://i.imgur.com/Wsi8PQw.jpg)
Stretched sprue (bit messy I know)
(https://i.imgur.com/eWFZl8I.jpg)
Thumbprint
(https://i.imgur.com/hpoaSgq.jpg)
All caught up before the weekend.
(https://i.imgur.com/XzAXEie.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lMGMou5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xDGVbGl.jpg)
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What a nice interior!I love it.
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Some nasty gaps there Ben, but you have done a great job filling them. Stay focused, we want to see another WWI build!
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Now that is a lovely interior !
Alexis
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Thanks Borsos, Nigel and Alexis :)
Could not leave that M10 Booker kit alone... So had a look and sanded a few road wheels... Then returned to the Ninak - phew!
Got the radiator painted up and installed. Then the cowlings aligned - they are now a click fit - and the exhaust drilled and base painted.
Added pins to all control surfaces for a more secure fit. One aileron did not fit. It almost seemed like it was shrunk by 0,5 - 1mm so some cutting was needed. It's not perfect, but good enough.
The correct way would have been to cut the aileron in half and insert a piece of plastic card... but idea came to me too late.
Other than the above Im just cleaning up parts and dry fitting.
(https://i.imgur.com/hUqcl5J.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tvqZpGx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/pUIfOvl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5xKL3jH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6plgbdE.jpg)
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Just catching up on your progress Ben and it all looks excellent. I have to say that pinning the control surfaces is essential to these builds, especially with having to handle them during the subsequent painting and rigging stages. Those ailerons, elevators & rudder parts are so delicately held in position and seem to need a much stronger bond than just glue. I also found on a recent build that an aileron wasn't quite sized correctly for the wing - which was odd for WnW.
Cheers,
Gary
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Looks great. Excellent work.
Lukasz
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Steady progress. A pleasure to watch.
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Coming along nicely, all this prep work is essential for a good end result.
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Thank you all for the kind words :)
It's nice to know about the aileron issue, Gary, I thought I was going crazy.
For progress. I finally managed to get all the small parts cleaned up and drilled for the rigging phase.
The landing gear was mounted along with the shielding for the bottom of the engine area. I would have prefered to leave the gear off until the end, but the shield locks the gear into place. I wanted to make sure the joint for the shield would be perfect, so it was needed.
Currently started priming, so won't be long before colors ;D
(https://i.imgur.com/cnVGhNT.jpg)
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Catching up and it's lovely to see the interior with all of its bits and bobs in different colours. Looking at the later pictures, it's quite obvious that ignition leads weren't necessary. 😃
/Fredrik
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Very nice progress. Having the fuselage together is always that Great Leap Forward they were talking about so many years ago in a completely different context :D
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Just caught up on this one. Lovely interior, great progress.
Sandy
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Thanks Fredrik, Borsos and Sandy ;D
Work had me traveling to Italy this week, so not much modeling has been done... but I did get some great hours with colleagues :)
Before I left I managed to get the Ninak primed and base coated.
I mixed AK Extreme matte aluminium with AK Realcolor Medium Grey to get the doped aluminium color(2 to 1 ratio). It could maybe have been a bit more shiny, but after some varnish I think it will be close enough.
Today I masked and painted the aluminum and red parts. Next up is some detail painting of brackets etc.
(https://i.imgur.com/8XtOHnG.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jI0RWEj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zocqdpg.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rSKpNXj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/P38LxZ0.jpg)
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Interesting Jazz .....
Alexis
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Good progress here, this is going to look very impressive when done.
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Thanks for the comments :)
Been a while since the last update. I have just slowly been working on the Ninak.
Got all the small details painted.
Decals applied... Was a disaster... just like my Dolphin build. Decals were very brittle, so they cracked if you touched them too much.
They did not react to Microsol... Well not until I heated a lot with a hairdryer on MAX ::)
Then it was many rounds of heating... Microsol.. rest... repeat.
After semi gloss varnish I shaded the ribs with a black / brown mix.
It looked a bit too strong so went back with the base color to tone it down. It still looks a bit strong, but the black is very hard to cover up. So I will remember this next time ;D
Well it's not too bad now... its workable. The camera makes it look worse than it is.
Next is pin wash / oils and assembly before starting the rigging and attaching the wings.
(https://i.imgur.com/Anhmse7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/sjAGbXk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QzUwOGM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NPUbgtN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/u6S25fE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fowAERO.jpg)
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Now THAT is looking splendid !!
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I have always considered DH.9a in silver livery as spectacular models. Yours is no exception.
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Those damn WNW decals! What a pain, but you got them looking OK. This is going to be a very impressive and colourful build. The rib taping effect is a bit strong for my liking but as you say it's a lesson learned. Still a lovely looking build.
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Thank you very much Allan, Przemol and Nigel :)
I fully agree on it being a bit too strong of an effect, but i'm not sure I want to press my luck further now that the decals are on.
I have hit a small problem and could use a tip or two.
My Modelkasten rigging can't go through the RAF turnbuckles 1/48.... I can get my 0,12mm fishing line through but its not flexible...
Should I order the 1/32 Turnbuckles?
Or else im thinking about ordering some Modelkasten 1/350 line... Its 0,1mm in diameter, so should in theory fit.
Alternative is Infinimodel 1/48 rigging line (0,082mm)... But im not sure if this brand is "round" when stretched like Modelkasten?
(https://i.imgur.com/FkhNVWm.jpg)
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Hi Ben,
try the following combination:
1/32 Turnbuckles (resin) - PRYM (flat elastic thread).
(https://www.mchost.gr/thumb/5f4a8d465e/77971.jpg) (https://www.mchost.gr/v/77971) (https://www.mchost.gr/thumb/5f4a8d465e/77968.jpg) (https://www.mchost.gr/v/77968)
(https://www.mchost.gr/thumb/5f4a8d465e/77165.JPG) (https://www.mchost.gr/v/77165)
Spyros
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Thank you Spyros, I have ordered come 1/32 turnbuckles.
To not waste my 1/48 turnbuckles I have ordered some 1/48 Infinimodel rigging line to try out.
I will look for the Prym line too.
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I got my order pretty fast!
The good news is that Modelkasten 0,13mm line fits easily on the 1/32 turnbuckles. However the 1/32 do look a bit oversized to my eye... They can work, but yeah.
The 1/48 Infini model rigging does not fit the smaller 1/48 turnbuckles... A line up to 0,1mm should fit (noticed there was a guide in the box :-[), but they don't(0,082mm). It doesn't help the line is very flexible so it can't be forced in like say a fishing line.
A smaller Modelkasten line may work... They are a bit more rigid, but i'm not sure i'll spend another 60? to test it ???
Apart from drilling through the wings to be able to tighten the fishing line with 1/48 turnbuckles - i'm not sure how to do it. I may go with the 1/32 or even skip the turnbuckle.
Size difference
(https://i.imgur.com/Epop4zI.jpg)
Guide
(https://i.imgur.com/D3ARPOh.jpg)
Edit a picture of the primed 1/32 turnbuckle on the wing for refference
(https://i.imgur.com/kjrLJxf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/W10KEVk.jpg)
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The good news is that Modelkasten 0,13mm line fits easily on the 1/32 turnbuckles. However the 1/32 do look a bit oversized to my eye... They can work, but yeah.
There are magnificent builds on here where things like same-scale turnbuckles (and linen decals) take me out of, for lack of better words, my suspension of disbelief that making a model attempts to achieve. They strike me as being too big, but I speak from (I believe) the reverse perspective of many modellers where I've seen 1/1 turnbuckles in use on WW1 aircraft in up close and personal far, far more than I've worked on replicating them in 1/32. So the idea of using 1/48 turnbuckles appeals to me...but then you've struck this issue! I hope you're able to find a solution as this model really deserves it.
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Hi,
I've used the 1/48 version with 0.1 mm fishing line and I think I used a metal wire of the right diameter to clear the path, so to speak. I suspect that the elastic thread you're using is the main problem.
Good work though and I don't think you'll find the 1/32 scale version odd, once it's all done.
/Fredrik
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@Zac - Thanks for your input. I may be overthink the issue and the 1/32 will be fine once in place.
@Fredrik - thanks for your suggestion. I found the fishing line is perfect for 1/48, but getting the line tight enough may be hard.
Im sure I will think of a perfect solution once im done with the rigging ;D
By the way the Infinimodel 1/48 rigging line is slightly flat and not round. Just if anyone needs to know for future builds.
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@Fredrik - thanks for your suggestion. I found the fishing line is perfect for 1/48, but getting the line tight enough may be hard.
I glued one end of the fishing line straight into the plastic, e.g. the lower wing. On the other end I inserted small eyelets from electrical copper wire. If you make them small enough (0.3 mm diameter) and you set them low enough in the plastic and you turn them the right way then, lot's of its and buts I know, you run the fishing line through the end terminal and through the eyelet, but you don't run it back up again. Instead you let the fishing line run off to somewhere, Slite the end terminal into position, pull the fishing line to tighten it and add superglue.
Fiddly? Yes! Strong bond? Yes, but not as good as the normal way.
Good luck!
/Fredrik
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I like that idea. :)
Not sure I will do it on this build, but the eyelets are the way to go. Think that also was my conclusion after the Dolphin build too. They are just a stronger anchor point and make the rigging simpler. May not always look correct, but if placed right they are not notable.
Small update on the general build.
While waiting on new turnbuckles I applied the wash / weathering. Painted the last parts along with the propellor.
Installed a few C type buckles also in preparation for the rigging.
A note on the under wing bomb racks... They do not fit the cutout made by WNW. The racks are too long.
(https://i.imgur.com/fG0tYY6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/idwXAF2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Ck68Iqz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iOoAp0t.jpg)
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The whole turnbuckle question is a conundrum. I resisted using them for many years for a) speed of building and b) issues around realism. They can look out of scale, and getting them properly aligned is also challenging (if you use the 3D printed ones). But they can add a certain something to builds in 1/32 and larger scales.
If you are using them I wouldn't worry too much about the scale size. After all there are many things we do which aren't "to scale" but look good on the finished model. If you can get the effect working a way that satisfies you, go for it.
Having said that, I find that EZ Line fine fits through the 1/48 British terminals. And I assume that the wires going through the terminals should be aerofoil in their cross section (rather than round) as they are RAFwires. So EZ Line or Infini is more correct than Modelkasten, provided of course you don't get any twists in it (which is not easy!!). And provided you can actually see the difference (which TBH I can't....).
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Thanks for the helpful tips and peace of mind Nigel :)
I may try to rig the next one only using eyelets... As you say its easier and from 50cm away you dont really notice much difference. As always I have a habit of overthinking and over estimating my skills.
I decided to go with the 1/32 turnbuckles.
But I did not have fun rigging the first stage... Was going fine until suddenly a wire just did not want to stay in place... It like my CA works perfect and sets instantly or well stays "wet" and I have to hold it for 2min.
On a critical point it OFC did not want to set. No worries ill just drill the hole a bit deeper to make it easier...
SNAP...
Drill stuck in the model... And I cant get the bit out...
Okay ill drill a small hole next to it. The other bit is only poking out a little and I can cover it with the rigging line...
SNAP...
Same thing happens....
I get frustrated and grap the UV glue I just got... Maybe this will work and set the darn line...
Well it did... but looked awful even after some paint.
Ended up cutting the line and trying again. Getting it cleaned up the best I could. It not perfect, but I couldn't sand down the drill bit and get it flush...
It is what it is... Moving on... another lesson for another time.
Wings on... Very tight fit so decided not to glue them.
(https://i.imgur.com/fVUMH4m.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kafwx30.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/K47255s.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9dPxWHD.jpg)
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What a nightmare with the drill bit! The same thing happening to me caused me to abandon my Dolphin build. But it's looking good. Those terminal points don't look bad to me.....
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Too bad about the mishaps! It's going to look good though, so keep at it!
/Fredrik
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Ouch Nigel... Yeah I know the feeling, was pretty sad about it... But I guess it's okay now considering there's 2 drill bits hiding there ;D
Thanks Fredrik!
Dont know why I did not rig the center section differently. What I learned from my Dolphin build - was to always glue the rigging on the bottom wing first. Its especially important when using this combination of line, turnbuckles and CA glue. If you make a error or use too much CA its better to be on the underside of the top wing - where its not seen.
I did this with the wings and it worked out much better... Must have though that the rigging points were difficult to get to.
Anyhow the model is completed now - so just a few pictures to catch up on progress 😊
Got the wings on and aligned!
(https://i.imgur.com/BXEgXbO.jpeg)
The small valve on the radiator is pretty noticeable in the instructions, but there is no part in the kit.
(https://i.imgur.com/H8nI7Ci.png)
I just added a very simplified version from stretched sprue and copper wire. Then painted the wire brass color (forgot a picture).
(https://i.imgur.com/89OFwai.jpeg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6KgV2w4.jpeg)
For something different I decided to move the spare wheel to the side instead of having it stowed underneath. Think it will add more visual interest. Huge thanks to Sam for sharing the image on FB for inspiration.
(https://i.imgur.com/7udKr6W.jpeg)
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Nice job on the valve. This is going to look very impressive when done, a big model in an eye-catching scheme.
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Thanks Nigel!
Its is indeed a huge model - makes my other Wingnut kits looks small in comparison ;D
The build is finished now - I just need to edit the pictures. Thanks for the motivation along the way!
Expect a post in the completed section soon :)
(https://i.imgur.com/7hpYA4x.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lJx9bwv.jpg)
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Well I'm very pleased to know that I'm not the only one who has had issues with drill bits .
Beautiful build , very impressive I must say . Looking forward on viewing more .
Alexis
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Truly amazing results, an outstanding beauty.
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Well Ben - that finished model is impressive. Really outstanding. And your story of the build even more so. The snapped drill bits are something that I have had happen many times myself...and so I feel for your perseverance at correcting the mess it made (which turned out well!). Great to follow you build and I'm looking forward to seeing your finished pics.
Cheers,
Gary