forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Scratch builds => Topic started by: Skyhook on April 07, 2026, 03:33:53 AM
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Hello!
I finally got this going. Fuselage is where I start this time and here it is. Joachim kindly supplied me with contemporary drawings and measurements and now it really looks like the WS Datafile drawings for B.1 are actually much closer to B.2 version in length and shape as far as the fuselage is concerned. Certainly for the earlier B.1s at least. So I modified the drawings accordingly and let us see in time how the model looks and compares to the photos.
Anyway, I approach this in my usual way and i try to remember to be simple everywhere that will not be visible in the end. So my fuselage won?t have inner detailing anywhere else but at the cockpits.
Cheers, Skyhook
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55191612184_9a97134122_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s66rsq)IMG_0975 (https://flic.kr/p/2s66rsq)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55191612159_6916b33bb3_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s66rrZ)IMG_0977 (https://flic.kr/p/2s66rrZ)
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Hi
I was going to build this plane someday. I hope to get to that point, but for now I'll just see how you handle this rather difficult build. The fuselage isn't exactly the easiest.
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Will watch this with greatest interest! :)
Joachim
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Excellent choice and another great scratchbuild thread to follow.
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Thanks all!
Got it further today, here?s the progress:
First I added the inner structure to the cockpit area, using heat stretched, rectangular sprue
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55193842708_8e14dbf36d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s6hSvJ)IMG_0978 (https://flic.kr/p/2s6hSvJ)
Then I heat formed the upper decking for the front part, using a candle for the heating and a white marker as the male mould. The material is 0,7 mm white plasticard.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55193694561_bcb1bf40b5_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s6h7tt)IMG_0979[/url
After getting the shape ok, i cut and sanded the decking to the right size.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2s6cA7L](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55192811992_45daa6720f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s6h7tt)IMG_0980 (https://flic.kr/p/2s6cA7L)
Now it is glued to the place
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55193842733_36728c8f80_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s6hSwa)IMG_0981 (https://flic.kr/p/2s6hSwa)
And now it is sanded and the cockpit and engine openings are cut out. I also started to make the horizontal tailplane from the same plasticard. I drew the structure to the underside with markers.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55193948909_3c2fab3ac0_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s6iq5M)IMG_0982 (https://flic.kr/p/2s6iq5M)
Cheers, Skyhook
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Fine progress!
Note that the stab is on top of the fuselage which has a rounded "device" to position the stab. I keep searching for the photo showing it.
It shows many fuselages in a building, for training mechanics.
Joachim
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Nice work - I love the heat forming technique!
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Blimey that's quick progress Skyhook :)
Like the way you've broken down the fuselage into manageable shapes and moulded the top. I've got the later Ardpol version on the shelf and it makes for an interesting design with some subtle features not seen on other types. Looking forward to more progress
Paul
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Thanks!!!
and thanks for the photos, Joachim! Must change that bit. I did not notice that it in other photos. Or I probably saw it, but didn?t notice what I was seeing :)
The fuselage will probably have a proper base color this evening
cheers, Skyhook
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Found the pic with the "device", second left. Vintage Warbirds No 2 1985 :)
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thanks!!!
I really had not noticed that in the other photos, but now I cannot unsee it anymore :). The curious shape of the upper decking around the cockpits is proving quite hard to replicate. I should have added it to the male mould when heat forming the part. But I try shape it after the fact now.
cheers, Skyhook
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Ok, here is some more progress after the last one. I think this time I will make the fuselage rather ready before building the wings. I plan to take ideas from the fine projects of yours and will make the wings from plasticard, sanded to shape, instead of my usual method of balsa core and scored plastic sheet.
Cheers, Skyhook
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55196197787_278e8ec396_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s6uWAx)IMG_1001 (https://flic.kr/p/2s6uWAx)
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Looking great so far 8)
Looking forward to seeing the next stage
Paul
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Only just found this - you are a fast worker! The fuselage moulding looks very good - using heated plastic is simple but effective as you demonstrate.
Making the wings from plasticard is IMO the best way - wood cores are unnecessarily complicated whereas heat curvd plastic sheet gives equally good results and is quicker and simpler.
This is (another) type which is new to me so I will be following with interest.
Stephen.
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That's looking good - I think you did a great job on the cockpit opening.
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Hello
What kind of machine do you have to create shape of engine cowling ??
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Hello
What kind of machine do you have to create shape of engine cowling ??
Hi Kamil
In this instance a sheet of plasticard, a candle for the heating and a marker pen for the male mould. You can see it in the pictures. Here i did the usual mistake of mine of not really deciding early on the particular plane I am going to model. Regarding some LVG B.1 manufacturers, they had different shapes to the cockpit sides. Too late I noted that the earliest B.1s had a curious shape, where the sides make an upturned curve. So i had to add the higher sides afterwards. I made them of thin strips of plasticard and had to do some careful putty work to make them flush with the original surface. If I did it again, it would have been wise to glue a piece of cardboard in the shape of the actual cockpit opening to the marker cap. Then i would have had the right shape straight away to the moulded plasticard. Must remember this when I will tackle the later LVG B.II and the early C-types later on
Cheers, Skyhook
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Hi!
Base colour added to see where I have to clean things up
Cheers, Skyhook
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55199420922_c7af3394f7_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s6MsHQ)IMG_1006 (https://flic.kr/p/2s6MsHQ)
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Looks........AMAZING!!!! :o :o :o :o
Love it.
Dan
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This is looking really good......
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Excellent progress.
Stephen.
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Thanks, All!!!
I have made some progress, but have not taken photos yet. Will do over the weekend. The main news is that I finally decided the particular plane I am going to model. It is one of if not the first German plane that ended up in the French hands. 16th of August 1914 at Cernay. It still has the front wheel assembly and the oldest, triangular iron cross hands. I found a good archive in the net, that has the known photos of the plane in one place (as new, when it was still more or less pristine). There?s more photos of it later on, but by that time it was a literal wreck.
later on:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/varese2002/55029505462/
after capture:
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-world-war-i-german-armoured-biplane-captured-in-cernay-49916796.html?imageid=E708064C-3D9A-4414-BA49-8CD2EE0EBBA7&pn=1&searchId=96a71dac27f01b8b11ae34de1e1b283a&searchtype=0
almost a walkaround:
https://cctbelfort.canalblog.com/2025/05/les-visuels-edites-en-cartes-postales-de-la-prise-de-guerre-presentee-sur-la-place-d-armes-de-belfort-en-aout-1914-l-aeroplane-allemand-5e-partie.html
cheers, Skyhook
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Skyhook, always amazed at the scratch built subjects I see on this site (and their are quite a few so this is kind of a blanket comment), and you've built quite a few of them. Your LVG is looking great, it's always a pleasure to see the ingenuity that goes into putting something together from just basic pieces of plastic, brass and maybe a few bits from the spares box. Looking forward to seeing how this one turns out.
Take care
Scott...
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Nice choice of subject aircraft Skyhook.
The fuselage looks great with a bit of paint on it; a testimony to your skills. Looking forward to the wings appearing on it
Paul
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Your choosen subject is a great choice! A number of new pictures.
That machine seems to be one of very few to show translucent wings, most other are opaque suggesting rubberized weatherproof fabric like the Jeannin Taube in Berlin.
Waiting for your ways to create the "Scheitelkuehler" and exhaust collector.
Joachim
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Thanks!
Here is the situation this evening. Cockpit work on the way. There?s the engine block too waiting for the details.
Cheers, Skyhook
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55215477088_f273caa1e5_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s8cKEh)IMG_1026 (https://flic.kr/p/2s8cKEh)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55215572014_81a1d1a855_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s8deSW)IMG_1027 (https://flic.kr/p/2s8deSW)
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Lots of lovely detail there which fortunately will be at least partially visible when the model is finished!
Stephen.
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Nice work on the fuselage - I like the turned effect on the metal parts.
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Thanks, again
Some progress, more than one thinks when comparing to the previous photo. Actually the fuselage starts to be ready. I will add the missing engine elememts after I have put the wings in place. So the next hurdle is the wings.
Cheers, Skyhook
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55221972676_c8ffdb72a9_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2s8M3zb)IMG_1037 (https://flic.kr/p/2s8M3zb)
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Nice work on the fuselage, she's looking good.
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Thanks! I am currently having such a busy time at the work, so i will be able to continue with this in June, i think.
Cheers, Skyhook
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Hi!
I finally seem to have some time to continue with the LVG! So today I whittled, sanded and sweated forming the core bits for the wings. I used 0,7 mm clear polycarbonate plastic and it was very tough to work on. Next up, scoring the wing surfaces from clear sheet. Soon i will know if I manage to give the wings the right profile when gluing it all together. Making the wings translucent is hard work!
Cheers, Skyhook
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(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55351514180_ea0d3024a8_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2skdYKo)IMG_1436 (https://flic.kr/p/2skdYKo)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55351314052_9699a09104_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2skcXfU)IMG_1442 (https://flic.kr/p/2skcXfU)
So here they are. They came out rather nicely, the profile could have been slightly more curved, but i think these will do. I will draw the wing structure to the undersides with black marker and then cover them with thinned CDL paint, maybe one layer will be enough, possibly two. But before that I must cut out the ailerons, which I will make separately of clear plasticard. they have a curious LVG-shape with built-in washout.
Cheers, Skyhook
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Fantastic project in the making!
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Harry W would be proud - lovely work!
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Now that is modelling on an exceptional level. Best of luck with the thinned CDL - getting that right will be very important but if it works will give an incredible look.
Stephen.
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Thanks all,
Now i have got the wings cut, sanded to final shape and the undersurface has the rib detail drawn with a 0,1 mm permanent marker. I also sprayed a matt finish on to keep the marker lines intact. However permanent or waterproof the lines might be, they tend to be erased here and there during the build. I also have the upper wings and ailerons similarly done, but they are outside drying. I think i try to paint the wing panels tomorrow.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55353519583_2e610c1201_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2skpfTi)IMG_1444 (https://flic.kr/p/2skpfTi)
Cheers, Skyhook.
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Coming on very nicely indeed.
Stephen.
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Thanks, Stephen.
The wings are now more or less ready to be put in their place. I had a bit of difficulties with dust and the contact glue I used was a bit old, so it did not result in uniformly clear see-thru effect. But i think these will do for this project. From this moment on, this will progress rather swiftly i hope
Cheers, Skyhook
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55361185797_3d7a67ba90_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sm5xMp)IMG_1515 (https://flic.kr/p/2sm5xMp)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55361185672_52d6679ce4_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sm5xKf)IMG_1516 (https://flic.kr/p/2sm5xKf)
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Dust is always an enemy! I think that looks pretty good. A really clever way of approaching this effect.
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Thanks, Nigel.
Yes, this really had problems with dust. Actually the paint i mixed (glossy enamel) surely got particles from somewhere. I tried to pick out the biggest ones while brushing, but a lot came up later when dry.
But progress happening, anyway. It has got wings now, struts from split and sanded bamboo. Has a lot of rigidity even as very thin strips.
Cheers, Skyhook
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55366021238_2a079ce6af_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2smvkc5)IMG_1554 (https://flic.kr/p/2smvkc5)
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It's shaping up very nicely Skyhook! I love the B types and the LVG B.I is a good example. The early type crosses look great on it.
I was not aware of the stepped ailerons, interesting feature.
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Dust aside, it looks darned impressive! This is a great subject.
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I agree with Nigel - that looks the part indeed.
Dust is always a problem with scratch building - no matter how I try to keep my tray clean, some of it invariably creeps into places where it is least wanted.
Stephen.
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Thanks again
So now it has the landing gear in place. The main v-parts are metal wire, that i flattened with a hammer and sanded smooth. The tube parts are heat-stretched sprue. I can not take credit for the excellent spoked wheels as they are 3d printed ones from Artscale ASK. I just painted them, as the material is originally black. They are absolutely gems. Too bad they seem to sell them only in two sizes, which are geared to the fighter sizes? 710 and 610 mm. Luckily the early LVG had relatively small diameter wheels, so the 710 looks just right. I am now modifying the propeller from a Roden Albatros spare. Has to be shortened a bit and sanded to right width and shape. After that it is time for scratchbuilding the radiator on top of the engine.
Cheers, Skyhook
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55367956637_641bf657ce_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2smFfw2)IMG_1569 (https://flic.kr/p/2smFfw2)
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It's looking even more the part now! A really impressive scratchbuild.
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Thanks, Nigel.
This evening?s work: the propeller is in shape and in its place. Fuel lines added to the gravity tank above the observer cockpit and I also managed to construct the old type radiator, which will be above the engine. It is the small bit in the tweezers with silver base painting. I am well in schedule, I will be away for a week or so soon, but will have time for rigging and final details after I come back. So this will be ready, photographed and added to the completed models by the deadline. Or at least that is my plan. I hope many others will manage to get theirs ready in time too
Cheers, Skyhook
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55370898643_d92105d7f9_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2smWk5g)IMG_1603 (https://flic.kr/p/2smWk5g)
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Those little details are really bringing it to life. Best of luck with the deadline!
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This is a really super scratch build. The early B types are not well represented and it is good to see one being modelled.
Stephen.
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This is now looking great.
Alan.
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Thanks, guys
The work for this evevning is done. Now the radiator and exhaust are in their place. Also some other smaller details. So it is basically touch up painting, finishing and rigging to go. But I think i will take up those late next week.
Thanks for your extended interest
Cheers, Skyhook
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55372711239_98d16f9441_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sn6BTV)IMG_1604 (https://flic.kr/p/2sn6BTV)
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Hello!
And now it is ready, with a few days to deadline, even. :). More photos and comments in the comleted models section as soon as I can get them up there. Thanks to all for your interest.
Cheers, Skyhook
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55390675765_0f2475b5f1_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2soFG88)IMG_1667 (https://flic.kr/p/2soFG88)
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Brilliant work Skyhook and as ever a pleasure to follow.
Alan.