forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: AngryJazz on February 12, 2026, 04:55:22 AM
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I'm back to the WW1 World of biplanes after a long hiatus where I built a lot of different subjects.
WW1 kits is strangely taking up the most of my stash, but it's also the kits I build the least of...
Hopefully this is the year I will change some of that!
The Pfalz D.IIIa from Wingnut Wings was the one I been hunting for years. When one came up for sale it was always a ridiculous high price that I could not justify. I just had to wait patiently and hope... That's how I slowly built my collection.
Finally last year one turned up and the correct boxing! Even better - it was a kit located in Denmark, so no shipping across the world this time 😄
I'm going to be building the - Pfalz D.IIIa 5895/17, Franz Hailer, Jasta 29, Late 1917- Early 1918
I have the KLP Publishing ebook from Gary Boxall about the Pfalz and will be referencing while I build.
(https://i.postimg.cc/tC8Y4Zt5/IMG_7588.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/3J0xVrMV/Scheme.jpg)
However I'm not going to implement all the upgrades and changes Gary describes - only a few simple ones.
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I have my build log posted on LSP Forums as well, so I'm just going to catch up here.
It just feels wrong not to have a build log on this forum where my WW1 journey began.
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Working on the cockpit of the Pfalz it's very clear that the tolerances are very tight! Usually paint is enough to make the parts not join up... In this case even without paint some parts don't fit without a little trimming and adjustments.
The fit is something I had issues with in the past working on Wingnut kits. Just have to be so precise, so i'm doing a lot of dry fitting.
The Pfalz does not have a lot of internal rigging, so the frame can be built and painted as one piece.
I modified the floorboard so I can paint it separately and install later - should make it easier!
In the Pfalz book - Gary mentions the coaming is missing on the seat. He uses solder wire and CA glue, but I thought it was easier with stretched sprue and Mr Surfacer.
Should be getting closer to the first paint stage.
A quick note about the fuselage. The locating pins are such a tight fit that you can barely get the fuselage together. Think I'll remove all the pins.
(https://i.postimg.cc/63jtjnSH/IMG_7598.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/9M8C8ZS8/IMG_7599.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/KzqxqBV0/IMG_7602.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/bJCpCkM3/IMG_7603.jpg)
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I got some paint on the cockpit! The Pfalz was almost 1 color inside, but I opted to paint a bit of wood for some interest.
The fuselage cannot fully close, it seems like the part between the engine and main cockpit part is causing a bit of trouble. Think ill have to sand it down a bit.
For some more visual interest I painted the wood in the engine area a different color.
I am slowly added a bit of weathering. Just letting it dry in between sessions.
Funnily enough most of this will be invisible after closing the fuselage 😅 That's also why im not perfect with the parts facing away from the cockpit opening.
From my last 3 Wingnut build I've learned - to much paint and messing around only causes fit issues 😬
Dryfitting the fuselage
(https://i.postimg.cc/tg5K36wV/IMG_7607.jpg)
A gap that can be squeezed a bit, but need to be improved. Also not how little can be seen.
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZqcG8N2B/IMG_7608.jpg)
Current interior.
(https://i.postimg.cc/q7LPsKSt/IMG_7609.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Xv8Rf5mB/IMG_7610.jpg)
Seat etc still need to be added.
(https://i.postimg.cc/s2ckYWqh/IMG_7611.jpg)
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A quick build update for anyone else who may have a little fit issue. Did a few adjustments - not all may be needed, but it seems to work for me.
Main issue was the front section between the engine and cockpit could not close up well. I had a long session with a lot of dry fitting.
Drilling out the locating holes a little solved the fuselage not going together easily.
(https://i.postimg.cc/4y9Gyhmv/IMG_7604.jpg)
One section of the forward bulkhead(?) sorry don't know the right term for it..
But anyways its almost 1mm wider than the pre made fuselage cut out.
(https://i.postimg.cc/0r1sw2w7/IMG_7615.jpg)
I took a chisel and made more room. Make sure also to deepen the original cutout at the top - it needs that extra room.
(https://i.postimg.cc/3WQTvJvd/IMG_7613.jpg)
Bottom of the cockpit gets pushed up a bit by the fuselage bottom piece(the one with the bottom wings).
I cut 1mm of the from bulkhead(?) at the bottom.
(https://i.postimg.cc/kDPmbXb2/IMG_7614.jpg)
The fit is much better now and clicks together well.
Only when the bottom piece gets added the fit moves a little again. I have not found this last "sticking" point yet and om not willing to thin the fuselage any more at this point.
I will add a small 0,5mm piece of plastic card and call it good.
Note the adjustments may look a bit rough here, but i'll clean them up a bit and honestly it's in places you won't see after you close the cockpit.
(https://i.postimg.cc/c6GSn4nK/IMG_7612.jpg)
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Last post and I should have both build logs updated :)
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Working on the engine.
Just a lot of small stuff that all adds up... Hopefully...
Added some 3D printed spark plugs. Just some random ones from way back when I used to own a printer.
(https://i.postimg.cc/NGbTv2CR/IMG_7618.jpg)
Drilling out the exhaust
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZYj3zvsF/IMG_7620.jpg)
Engine done - now time for semi gloss varnish and start to really weather and grime it up 😄
Added the spark plugs, wires for the plugs and magnetos + pipe from the air pump to the front of the crankcase(?).
Sure looks busy for such a small part of the model!
(https://i.postimg.cc/44wtRH2V/IMG_7626.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/44wtRH2z/IMG_7627.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/nczmFVN2/IMG_7629.jpg)
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What's not to like about watching a Pfalz D.IIIa being brought to life? Great work thus far. The Mercedes/Daimler D.III is a fun engine to build.
Warren Q
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Lovely work Ben! I'm sorry to see the fit issues you've experienced as I'd like to do one of these one day - consider me forewarned! The engine looks terrific.
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Thank you Warren and Zac :)
Dont be too nervous about the build Zac - it's actually one of the easiest WNW kits I have built so far.
The combination of no internal rigging + no exposed wood (almost) means the cockpit is pretty fast.
The part count for the kit is also very low. While waiting for weathering products to dry - I have almost cleaned up and prepared all parts for rest of the build.
Next stage is to plan out the rigging and close the fuselage.
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The weathered up engine - looks much more interesting now 😄
(https://i.postimg.cc/hPRyqhS8/DSC_1205_ps_jpeg.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/FsXWQ19p/DSC_1206_ps_jpeg.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/RVxszqMT/DSC_1204_ps_jpeg.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Kvhqy4Zr/DSC_1203_ps_jpeg.jpg)
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The engine looks gorgeous!
My only Wingnut kit has been the Pup, which was a gift and unfortunately didn't survive my last house move, and I'm afraid my skills weren't quite up to finishing it. The sad thing for me is that the longer I wait to upskill, the more expensive the few kits I want get! So I remain very grateful to folks like you sharing your work.
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Lovely to see a WW Pfalz being built so thank you for all the updates and great photo's AJ ;D
Nice choice of scheme as well. Looking forward to the next stages and some colour going on the outside; sitting here waiting with a bowl of popcorn ready, but no pressure ;)
Will look lovely when painted up (Not sure I've seen one in that particular scheme before)
Paul
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Thanks Zac! :)
Really a shame with the Pup and I know how you feel about the price of the kits.
However here in Europe the kits seem to be coming down in price. It's not that crazy as when the last "stock" of Wingnut were released for sale.
I think 2026 will be a year where I will challenge myself to build some of the harder kits. If not now - then when...
So hope all goes well and I can build another biplane this year :)
@Paul - thank you very much!
I got some updated information from a member on LSP. The nose were painted yellow on Jasta 29 planes - so it could be a interesting addition.
I am a bit nervous on how I will get the perfect line for the ribbon on the fuselage. Maybe I have to paint one color and decal - then seal and do the 2nd... Hmm we will see
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Lovely start on a great kit. The interior and engine look fantastic so far. Looking forward to more of this!
I also drill out the locating holes on the fuselage, I have found that makes a big difference to the quality of fit. I tend to build the entire fuselage tub and then sand down the outside of the tub in any areas where it is fouling the fuselage, that way you don't damage the fuselage finish. All kits suffer from this to some degree.
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Great start, fine work on the engine and the interior.
Pfalz D.IIIa is a great WNW kit, just watch the lower-wings/fuselage joint - it requires some filling and sanding. All in all - enjoy!!!
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Thank you Nigel and Przemol :)
Good to hear im not the only one with the fit issues!
And thanks for the tips both of you. If all goes well i will be mounting the lower wings tonight so it can get time to dry.
In the meantime pictures of the finished cockpit.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zGszLrXH/DSC_1219_ps_jpeg.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/YC5r4Hq4/DSC_1218_ps_jpeg.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/vTthnbsw/DSC-1207-ps-jpeg.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/7ZFHCkYr/DSC_1208_ps_jpeg.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/8z2pFSPk/DSC_1213_ps_jpeg.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/0yTk6s2s/DSC_1211_ps_jpeg.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/13kmgQ5z/DSC_1216_ps_jpeg.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/JzfryL4W/DSC_1210_ps_jpeg.jpg)
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Stunning engine and cockpit.
Your attention to detail is inspiring! :)
Willem
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Thank you very much Willem :)
I added pins to all control surfaces
(https://i.postimg.cc/x1RgfJzT/IMG_7639.jpg)
The holes for the rigging on the tail are just into the fuselage. I filled them and drilled 0.3mm holes into the slots so the rigging is drawn from the correct angle.
(https://i.postimg.cc/FHmDXg7k/IMG_7635.jpg)
I used Gary's suggestion for the engine cowlings. I cut them to show more of the engine and then added small raised rivets where the rest of them would have been placed.
I then sanded the rivets down to match one's on the existing cowl. I did think about just drilling holes for where they would have been, but I also wanted to try this technique.
(https://i.postimg.cc/wjH0Yc7s/IMG_7640.jpg)
Lots and lots of sanding and filling later...
(https://i.postimg.cc/13PJ1cfq/IMG_7661.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/9Qp1mR74/IMG_7662.jpg)
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When I was ordering some paints I spotted the Quinta prop decals.
I could not help my curiosity and had to try.
Oh man this was a disaster....
I could not find anyone actually writing about these and how they were used. I did use their cockpit set before, but not decals.
Luckily they give you decals to make 2 props.
I did not take pictures of my first attempt, but ill try to describe what went wrong and what I did for the 2nd.
Firstly the decals have to be trimmed close to the print. It's one large sheet. This was the first facepalm error by myself - should have noticed.
2nd - the decal lifted from the backing sheet in seconds(should have been a warning).
I fitted them like normal decals - Mr Setter below - gently rolled out the excess with a cotton bud.
Then did the back side - same procedure. However noticed the backside decals slightly pushed against the front one. The excess from trimming were causing issues.
No worries - just slap down some Mr Softer and they will conform and ill trim afterwards (like normal decals).
Nope...
They did not like decal softner. Wrinkled like normal decals, but would not settle down again.
Tried al my different solutions, heat gun etc... no success.
At this stage I suspected the decals were lacking adhesive on the back and this was why they released so quick.
Fine ill just varnish over them and sand down the wrinkles and do some touch up.
Also no... They are very rubber like and teared when using the sanding sponge...
Argh fk it - add lots of varnish and try sanding again.
Well turns out Mr Leveling thinner will make them curl up really bad....
At this point I gave up. Sanded the prop back to primer.
2nd try.
Soaked the decals in watered down pva glue.
Applied and let dry - only the front face this time.
Applied acrylic gloss varnish.
Do the back side
Repeat the varnish.
Trimming and touch up with paint.
Spray Tamiya clear brown
Spray Tamiya orange.
This this the result now. Think ill give it a semigloss to knock the sheen down a bit.
(https://i.postimg.cc/FFT9LDXM/IMG_7666.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/XNsVCQ6t/IMG_7668.jpg)
Is it easier or better than doing them yourself... Maybe... This is the comparison to the first prop I painted. Think i could do a little better if I tried again.
The most annoying thing with the decals is they the dark "grain" does not match up front to back - so the effect is kinda lost.
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZYwTdVhS/IMG_7670.jpg)
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Very nice - I especially like the engine. The cockpit also turned out great.
I built the Pfalz D.IIIa more than twelve years ago.
It's a very nice kit, but I also remember having to fill in the lower surface where it meets the fuselage.
Servus
Bertl
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Ah, Quinta propeller decals.
These things are very tricky.
I used them on two models I built for a friend - he wanted them ::)
I don't particularly like them, they don't match the wood grain at the transitions at all.
A small tip
DO NOT dissolve the Quinta decals in water that is (too) hot.
first glue the back of the propeller, then let it dry and trim it a little.
Then glue the front decals.
If you have a matte background (white, cream, or light sand colors), you can cover up any glue and grain mistakes with colored pencils.
Once everything is completely dry, you can seal it with a satin clear coat.
A thin coat of natural sienna or ochre oil paint also looks quite good on the propeller.
Finally, sealing it with a satin clear coat mixed with clear yellow, or clear orange if you prefer, looks quite good on the finished propeller.
Servus
Bertl
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
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Thank you Bertl :)
Yeah I will definitely try your method with the pencils - I think it's a better look and most likely easier than these Quinta ones.
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Great progress, Ben. I feel your pain with the Quinta decals - that's quite the story. I think your second attempt looks quite good. And I think your determined effort to correct everything shows commitment to your build. Looking forward to your updates. Bertl's Pfalz DIIIa was my inspiration (quite a few years ago) for my build.
Cheers,
Gary
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Thank you very much Gary :)
Catching up again, I have trying to be busy at the bench and not that great with the build logs.
Just catching up - i've tried to be busy the last few days.
On to paint.
Everything was primed white. I then masked the ribs on the wings. Top ribs stayed white and sprayed a dark brown in between for some variation. The underside i sprayed the ribs a darker shade.
Thanks to friend - I went with a yellow nose on the Jasta 29 scheme. It does really add a lot of interest and i'm happy for the information 😄
I had to place the fuselage ribbon decal early since I wanted to mask up the rest of the black stripes and paint them. It seemed like the best way to get the separation of the colors right. The decals placement is not a perfect match to the picture in the manual, but i'm happy with it.
I still need to bring in more variation in the colors, and weather stuff like the leather. For now i'll gloss varnish and apply the rest of the decals.
(https://i.postimg.cc/fRK5zt9t/IMG_7663.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZqpVSVVS/IMG_7672.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/k5KfmffC/IMG_7673.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/s27wrwwy/IMG_7674.jpg)
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Nice progress here. Those prop decals never looked like a good idea IMO. Part of the fun of making these models is replicating things like wood finishes and prop veneers. If you don't fancy painting the veneers, then Proper Plane provide some nice wooden propellors (but they aren't cheap).
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I?m loving this build! Personally, I think the Quinta prop decals look amazing.
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Oooooh that's going to be sooo pretty when finished - really enjoying the pictures and the vicarious build.
Made a great job of the prop decals, although I'm a fan of oil paints or real wood for those sort of things I can only imagine how tricky it was to come up with something that looks convincing using decals
Paul
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Sorry for the long time to reply. I was sick for almost a week and had a bit of catching up to do.
@Nigel - Thanks! Yeah I thought it was a easy shortcut. Not really... I do like those from Proper Plane, but they are very expensive! The Danish tax and handling feed make them almost 2x the listed price :'(
I think the whole wood grain is something I haven't really found a way to perfect. Maybe if I would actually do more biplanes.
Thank you very much Tim and Paul for your nice comments! :)
Decals are on. The wing ribs are purposely a little less pronounced. I made them stand out a bit too much on my older builds.
(https://i.postimg.cc/BvT07MVB/IMG_7677.jpg)
Making eyelets from 0.2mm copper wire.
(https://i.postimg.cc/W4GvYXHG/IMG_7679.jpg)
1/48 C-Type turnbuckles from Gaspatch - wrapped with 0.1mm copper wire. This way I can still position them after installing them into place.
(https://i.postimg.cc/SK6h1DvL/IMG_7678.jpg)
Textured the leather and installed the turnbuckles + guns.
The guns could have been better. I forgot just how hard they are to get perfect with the PE. Maybe some aftermarket would have been better.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Wbzspmdz/IMG_7685.jpg)
Our oldest cat were happy I finally got some bench time. He likes to hang out with me and get some scratches.
(https://i.postimg.cc/7L3ktmWX/IMG_7683.jpg)
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Working on the rigging.
I decided to give the whole "wrap around" with the rigging wire a chance on this build. It saves me from making tubes to loop back through, but its not that easy to make look right.
Need to get the CA glue perfect while keeping the line tight - then wrap it round itself without losing the tension.
I need a bit more practice, but it's coming along.
(https://i.postimg.cc/hPdYjGqK/IMG_7686.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Ghyf2p1C/IMG_7689.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rFrHmpLX/IMG_7690.jpg)
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And just like that the Pfalz D.IIIa is done 😄
The rigging took a bit longer than I thought to get right. Had to pull out a anchor with a turnbuckle because it snapped on me. Also the wrap around method takes some getting used to.
Per usual not a perfect model, but learned some new things. I'm still very happy how it turned out!
My phone camera still struggle with the colors, looks much more blue than in reality. Will be better when I take out the "real" camera.
Final pictures soon.
(https://i.postimg.cc/QM8ZnG7s/IMG_7699.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mrLW6f9T/IMG_7700.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/43fRFkcJ/IMG_7701.jpg)
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And my very limited weathering before I forget. Not going to crazy on this one.
(https://i.postimg.cc/RZxBkZN1/IMG_7694.jpg)
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Your older cat is doing good work. I have 5 of these beasts so I know how they love to assist and supply hair.
Warren Q
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Oh yes all the hair!
I have to clean the office before each painting session ;D
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Nice work all round. I am a fan of "not crazy" weathering, so am glad you adopted that approach. And what a beautiful cat!
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Thank you very much Nigel :)
The final pictures are now up! https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=15293.0 (https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=15293.0)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wBrYHqbY/DSC_1223_ps_jpeg.jpg)