forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: gedmundson on April 24, 2025, 07:35:20 AM
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After completing the WnW RNAS Sopwith Pup recently I searched for another project similar in nature and debated whether to put together the WnW Sopwith Triplane. Starting into a "valuable" model is somewhat daunting, but I always think a kit is just a box of plastic parts waiting to be turned into a nice replica of something. I'd acquired the it a few years ago when a fellow modeller was selling his stash.
I was not best pleased with the choices of markings in the kit, but as luck would have it a good friend down in Calgary offered to send me the Pheon decal sheet (designed for the Roden kit) which had over 25 different choices, so I was set. I wanted to build an example of the aircraft that featured a bare-metal cowling, and the "Sopwith" factory stencil on the CDL tail, and serial no. N5430 filled that bill. It was the only one of this type to be delivered to the RFC.
After finally getting some pictures loaded up into the image hosting service I can share some progress so far. Cheers!
(https://i.imgur.com/WPajnZy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ULn2Ypo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/B5GkYcy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xE4eyBY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KW4wGqB.jpg)
The propeller was masked and airbrushed with two brown colours.
(https://i.imgur.com/viicVBN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nQSc8nW.jpg)
I added HGW seatbelts to the pilot's seat.
(https://i.imgur.com/qe0Qs8P.jpg)
RB Productions turnbuckles were added to the interior rigging & control lines.
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I love watching your work. It's a pure pleasure.
Lukasz
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Nice work so far. Those seatbelts look especially real!
Kreston
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Great start! I will enjoy following along :)
And yes sometimes it can almost feel scary to cut the parts of the sprues... knowing what it would sell for. Like you I feel - a model is to be built and enjoyed ;)
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That's some pretty incredible wood grain. Ditto on the seat belts. Great subject too.
Warren Q
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Wow so much beautiful work so far it's difficult to know where to start, but I really like the overall patina of finish that you've achieved Gary - items look realistic rather than painted 8)
Paul
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Absolutely beautiful Gary, a lovely start. That control board in particular looks fantastic!
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Hi Gary,
As the others have said, it's looking very nice.
Especially the small details, such as the part filled Pulsometer, propeller wood grain and lap belts.
Mike
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Beautiful work as usual Gary!
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Great start! I think you're doing the right thing when you're starting into your valuable models. If you have it and want to build it, then just do it!
/Fredrik
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Great choice of the subject and not less great start - your usual immaculate interior is especially appealing.
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Thanks to everyone who took the time to look in and comment - much appreciated!
I tried something different to emulate the worked-metal look on the cowling this time. After airbrushing the parts with Alclad II Dark Aluminum, I used plastic screen to make a template to place some silver dots on the surface, with the idea of keeping the dots small and (somewhat) in alignment. Using copper clips to hold the screen in place, I took silver printers ink and touched each spot through the holes using a fine tipped brush.
The cowling sections were done separately to ease the process, and were sealed with Future afterward. The fit was tested to make sure there would be a clean joint when they were all glued in place. Cheers!
(https://i.imgur.com/n43KCi7.jpg)
After aligning the screen on the dark aluminum, silver printers ink was painted through the holes.
(https://i.imgur.com/qhqieLO.jpg)
The front cowling was trickier to do with the curved section to manage. Clips were moved over a bit to hit all of the holes.
(https://i.imgur.com/ujj3ujY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xSuAgqg.jpg)
Although not perfect, the pattern ended up better than my previous attempts.
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Very clever way of aligning the dots :)