forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Mike Norris (UK) on April 08, 2026, 01:39:41 AM
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Hi all,
I'll be building the 3D printed model of a Roland D.II scout by MDesign in Bulgaria.
This particular aircraft is Roland D.II (Pfalz built), Serial No: 2895/16 of the 1st Aeroplane Detachment, Bulgarian Air Service during 1918.
This aircraft was built under license by Pfalz and was marked with the later style of crosses on the wings, fuselage and rudder.
The aircraft also carried a legend, forward from the fuselage crosses, which when translated into English read Prince Kyril.
He was Kyril Heinrich Franz Ludwig Anton Karl Philipp, Prince of Preslav, Bulgaria, Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and Duke of Saxony and was the younger son of Bulgarian Tsar Ferdinand.
However, he was not a WW1 pilot. The legend refers to the aircraft being intended for use in the defence of where he was born, which was Sofia on the 17 January 1895.
Being 3D printed and a limited run kit, it should prove interesting if not challenging,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/header.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/prince1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/prince2.jpg)
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Hi all,
I've today received my kit and initially I'm impressed.
The kit was very well packaged with separate padded envelopes containing the parts.
Instructions are now included in the kit, whereas before they needed to be downloaded.
Also, all of the parts are now separately printed and bagged, so no longer all contained in a boxed print.
There does not seem to be any surface imperfections or print striation lines.
None of the parts were damaged in transit.
The shipping charge covered importing into the UK so no customs charge added.
As to how easily the parts can be separated from their support trees and then how fragile they may be will be the challenge,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/kit1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/kit2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/kit4.jpg)
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Certainly looks the part Mike and great that the costs also include any import taxes so you can assess the 'actual' cost of the model.
Be nice to see how this one progresses given that 3d printing seems to be the way of things at the moment. Hopefully they'll all separate easily from their supports without damage. The small number of parts hopefully means that it will be a quick (ish) build. My only reservation of printed resin is that it does seem to be quite brittle, but perhaps that's a trade off for the crispness of the details :)
Paul
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Hi all,
All of the parts were separated from their support trees using just single blade nippers (DSPIAE).
The resin is tough so no breakages or damage was caused.
The upper wing has been test fitted using the supplied 1.2 mm diameter metal rods.
The fuselage halves and lower wings also test fitted.
I did find that when using the supplied 1.2 mm diameter rods, the lower wing leading/trailing edges were not aligned to the fuselage wing roots.
Therefore, I used 1.0 mm diameter rod, which gives a small amount of play to align the wing correctly to the fuselage wing roots.
Similarly, the supplied 1.0 mm diameter rods for the tailplanes were loose in the 1.2 mm diameter locating holes in the tailplanes and fuselage.
Therefore, I used instead 1.2 mm Brass tube.
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/prep1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/prep2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/prep3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/prep4.jpg)
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Very interested to see how this turns out. I'm sure you will be up to any challenges this kit throws at you!
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Hi all,
The landing gear and engine have been sorted.
The engine as expected was tricky to clean up after removing the support trees.
It will be modified with ignition leads/plugs and pipes, although most of the engine is buried inside the fuselage and under the access panels.
The landing gear struts were cleaned up, taking care to not flex and break them.
Also the tops of the struts were sanded slightly to allow them to fully locate into their fuselage recesses
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/prep5.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/prep6.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/prep7.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/prep8.jpg)
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Hi all,
Supplied metal reinforcing rods pass through the wings/fuselage and the tailplanes.
Entry holes are left at the wing tips and outer ends of the tailplanes.
I used UV setting resin, which was applied to the holes, set then filed/sanded to blend with surrounding surfaces.
A light coat of grey primer was airbrushed to check the smoothness of the filled holes,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/hole1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/hole2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/hole3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/hole4.jpg)
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Hi Mike,
I've also had the Roland D.II at home for a few days now and - of course -, I couldn't resist and have already removed the 3D support elements from the fuselage and wings.
Since I'm planning - when the time comes - ( ::) ) to build a Roland D.II that flew under the German flag (with the two birds on the fuselage sides, as seen in Jasta 32), I've also removed the auxiliary water tank between the two wing radiators.
Anyway, I'm following your work closely and will keep in mind your tips and solutions for this kit.
Greetings from Bavaria
Servus
Bertl
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
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Hi Mike,
I've also had the Roland D.II at home for a few days now and - of course -, I couldn't resist and have already removed the 3D support elements from the fuselage and wings.
Since I'm planning - when the time comes - ( ::) ) to build a Roland D.II that flew under the German flag (with the two birds on the fuselage sides, as seen in Jasta 32), I've also removed the auxiliary water tank between the two wing radiators.
Anyway, I'm following your work closely and will keep in mind your tips and solutions for this kit.
Greetings from Bavaria
Servus
Bertl
Hi Bertl,
Thankfully I don't need to remove that tank as Bavarian aircraft had it fitted.
I'm sure your model will be top notch,
Mike
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
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Hi all,
The 3D printed control rods for the aileron and the tailplane support struts are printed to scale.
Therefore, they are rather weak.
I chose to replace them with Brass tube of 0.8 mm diameter for the aileron control rods, which were blackened.
Also, flattened 0.7 mm diameter tube for the tailplanes support struts,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/ailrods.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/tailtubes.jpg)
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I'm enjoying the step-by-step details on this one as this style of kit becomes more commonplace and a way for me to fulfil my more esoteric kit wishes. Thanks for being so in-depth, Mike, and I'm eager to see what's next.
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I am enjoying the progress and approaches you are doing with this. I know this will turn into a real beauty.
Alan.
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You are already addressing any challenges head on with this one Mike, I'm looking forward to more.
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Hi Mike,
I've also had the Roland D.II at home for a few days now and - of course -, I couldn't resist and have already removed the 3D support elements from the fuselage and wings.
Since I'm planning - when the time comes - ( ::) ) to build a Roland D.II that flew under the German flag (with the two birds on the fuselage sides, as seen in Jasta 32), I've also removed the auxiliary water tank between the two wing radiators.
Anyway, I'm following your work closely and will keep in mind your tips and solutions for this kit.
Greetings from Bavaria
Servus
Bertl
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Your aircraft is shown in several photographs on this site:
https://flyingmachines.ru/Site2/Crafts/Craft25484.htm (https://flyingmachines.ru/Site2/Crafts/Craft25484.htm)
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Hi all,
The forward sides of the fuselage and engine access panels have louvres intended to aid cooling of the engine bay area.
These louvres are printed on rectangular panels which are too thick. Possibly due to the model being upscaled from the 1:72nd or 1:48th scale models.
It seems from photographs and drawings that the amount and positioning of these cooling louvres were different between Pfalz and LFG built aircraft and between the Mercedes D.III or Argus As.III powered aircraft.
As always, research into WW1 aircraft usually results in inconclusive and differing information. Therefore, the following is my personal findings and may not be totally accurate.
Pfalz built, Mercedes powered aircraft:
Five double louvres on the forward right side of the fuselage, as depicted on the model and not four, as shown on various colour profiles.
Four double louvres on the forward, left side of the fuselage. Therefore, the lower, forward louvered panel on the model left fuselage half (for this particular model) should be removed entirely.
Due to print errors I decided to also replace all of the louvres on the engine cowl panels.
All louvres removed, thickness of panel reduced, panel/cowl fasteners reinstated, right side panel added and lower engine cowl rear edge scribed.
All of the louvres will be added using Proper Plane RD-011 3D printed louvres,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/287216.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/louvres3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/leftside.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/rightside.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/cowls.jpg)
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Attention to detail of the highest order as always Mike.
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Hi Mike,
I've also had the Roland D.II at home for a few days now and - of course -, I couldn't resist and have already removed the 3D support elements from the fuselage and wings.
Since I'm planning - when the time comes - ( ::) ) to build a Roland D.II that flew under the German flag (with the two birds on the fuselage sides, as seen in Jasta 32), I've also removed the auxiliary water tank between the two wing radiators.
Anyway, I'm following your work closely and will keep in mind your tips and solutions for this kit.
Greetings from Bavaria
Servus
Bertl
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Your aircraft is shown in several photographs on this site:
https://flyingmachines.ru/Site2/Crafts/Craft25484.htm (https://flyingmachines.ru/Site2/Crafts/Craft25484.htm)
Excellent!!
Thank you so much, Mike.
Servus
Bertl
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Hi all,
Best laid plans of men and mice !!
Regards the fuselage louvred panels, it seems I fell foul of research fog.
I've now been in contact with the author of the Aeronaut Book' - The Bulgarian Hunters: Roland D.II & D.III in WWI (by Mitko Mitkov).
Mitko is somewhat of an authority on Bulgarian Roland D.II and D.III aircraft, so I bow to his knowledge.
It seems only six Roland D.II aircraft, all built by Pfalz with Mercedes D.III engines, were supplied to Bulgaria.
Photographs of the Roland aircraft being destroyed in accordance with the peace treaty clearly show five louvered panels on the left side of the D.II fuselages.
Also, the aircraft I'm modelling shows the same panels on the fuselage right side.
Therefore, I'll re-instate the panel I removed in error from the fuselage left side,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/destruct.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/prince1.jpg)
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Didn't want to say anything but I'd assumed these details were all pretty authentic for the Bulgarian Haifisch as it's my understanding that Mitko is, in fact, the guy behind MDesign!
Maybe I'm confusing my Mitkos, but I think I'm right.
Sandy
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Interesting photo giving a vague idea of the fuselage underside between the wings, which is not convincing in this kit as in most others, including Pfalz types.
You do a really great job here but you cheat with the louvres as they are for Albatros! ;D
Regards Joachim
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Didn't want to say anything but I'd assumed these details were all pretty authentic for the Bulgarian Haifisch as it's my understanding that Mitko is, in fact, the guy behind MDesign!
Maybe I'm confusing my Mitkos, but I think I'm right.
Sandy
Hi Sandy,
You're correct.
Mitko is the author of Aeronaut Books - The Bulgarian Hunters: Roland D.II & D.III in WWI? (Mitko Mitkov).
He is also the man behind MDesign Studio Models,
Mike
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Interesting photo giving a vague idea of the fuselage underside between the wings, which is not convincing in this kit as in most others, including Pfalz types.
You do a really great job here but you cheat with the louvres as they are for Albatros! ;D
Regards Joachim
Hi Joachim,
Yes the louvres are intended for the Albatros DV/DVa.
However, they are more or less the correct size as replacements for the kit printed louvres,
Mike
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Looking forward to this one Mike.
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Well, that's even more great research ;) Good that you've been in touch Mitko and he has helped out.
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Hi all,
The basic engine is finished.
Normally I would add all spark plugs and ignition leads from the magnetos.
In addition, control cables/rods etc.
However, as can be seen, not much of the engine will be visible once it's fitted into the fuselage.
Therefore, I've only added spark plugs and leads to the first four engine cylinders, as they will be visible.
Also the engine exhaust pipe and both machine guns are finished,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/engdone1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/engdone2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/engdone3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/exhaust.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/guns.jpg)
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Hi all,
The pilot's seat is printed to include the four harness straps.
However, these appear to be too thin, so I chose to replace them.
I used a spare HGW Models harness set of the appropriate type.
These were secured over the printed straps using thin CA adhesive,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/belts1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/belts2.jpg)
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Very nice work so far Mike. That engine looks really good. I applaud your decision not to include unnecessary detail, it's an approach I too have adopted.
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Hi all,
I could not find any information on the cockpit for the Roland D.II.
However, a report was written by Capt. F. Wells on a Roland D.III aircraft at Thessaloniki Aviation Park in 1919 and is contained in the book Bulgarian Hunters: Roland D.II & D.III in WWI?.
The report contains details of the cockpit of a Roland D.III.
Although this was from a D.III aircraft, its possible that some, if not all of this equipment was fitted in the D.II version.
Therefore, I chose to represent some of that equipment in the cockpit along with the kit supplied parts.
I've added:
Floor mounted compass.
Floor mounted fuel tank contents gauge.
Starter magneto and switch.
Throttle/spark advance levers and control rods.
Machine gun trigger cables.
Starter magneto and switch cables.
Rudder bar control wires and turnbuckles.
The gun trigger cables and rudder control wires will be final fitted after the fuselage halves have been joined,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/rightfus.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/leftfus.jpg)
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Very nice work indeed Mike. I really like the added details, they bring the cockpit to life.
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Hi all,
The fuselage is now closed up.
Fuselage joint has three locating pegs so the fit was aligned.
CA adhesive used as its resin and very slight Mr. Surfacer 500 used to fill some areas of the fuselage seam joint.
Sanded and primed ready for painting later.
Now it's onto the remaining parts of the model,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/fusprime1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/fusprime2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/fusprime3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/fusprime4.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/fusprime5.jpg)
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Excellent!
The view of the cockpit looks really great, too.
Are you going to cover the centerline seams on the top and bottom of the fuselage with a strip of tape (decals, etc.), Mike?
Servus
Bertl
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Excellent!
The view of the cockpit looks really great, too.
Are you going to cover the center line seams on the top and bottom of the fuselage with a strip of tape (decals, etc.), Mike?
Servus
Bertl
Hi Bertl,
As you know, LFG Roland engineers developed and patented a technology for manufacturing fuselages under the name Wickelrumpf.
This consisted of two layers of long plywood strips wrapped diagonally around a mold and covered with linen fabric both inside and outside.
The fuselage halves were separated along the centre line, like the British De. Havilland Mosquito of WW2.
Not many photographs show a covering strip along the fuselage centre line joint.
However, it seems strips were fitted to seal the joints and it looks as though they weren't very thick.
I may use tape, thin plastic card or possibly a decal on decal strip.
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/strip1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/strip2.jpg)
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Hi all,
The fuselage sealing strips were added using sanded down 'Plastruct' 0.5 mm strip.
I added 'Proper Plane Albatros hatches (RD-015) to cover the recessed panels on the model,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/strip3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/strip4.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/hatches.jpg)
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Hi all,
The underside of the upper wings and the top surface of the lower wings have raised rigging point stubs at the interplane strut locating holes.
I chose to remove these rigging points and replace them with photo-etch rigging anchors.
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/rigpoints.jpg)
The two tailplanes are supported on the fuselage by two metal rods.
However, these rods are located at the rear of the tailplanes and allow movement of the tailplane leading edges.
This can cause the tailplanes to not align correctly with their fuselage mating surfaces.
To prevent this I added a 0.8 mm diameter locating rod between the front end of the tailplanes and fuselage.
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/tailrods.jpg)
Mike
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Hi all,
The upper and lower wings and tailplanes have been fitted.
Each was secured fully onto its support rods using thin CA adhesive.
'Mr. Surfacer' 500 was then brushed over the joints then sanded to blend the joints with the surrounding surfaces.
Finally, a grey primer was airbrushed over the joints to check they were blended.
I've also added 0.5 mm diameter support rods to the ailerons to give them extra support,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/seam1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/seam2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/seam3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/ail1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/ail2.jpg)
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More excellent work Mike, this is progressing well. You overcome any fit or assembly challenges with the minimum of hassle!
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Hi all,
The elevators have had support rods added.
The top rudder hinge on the fin was damaged, so I removed both hinges and added rods instead,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/elevrods.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/rudrods.jpg)
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Hi all,
Tail flight surfaces fitted, including the tailplane/fin support tubes (replaced with formed Brass tubes).
Now it's onto preparing the rigging points prior to painting,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/fintubes.jpg)
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Hi all,
I've started fitting the replacement cooling louvres on the fuselage and engine cowl panels.
The louvres are the 3D printed ?Proper Plane? louvers (RD-011).
Although they are intended for the Albatros D.V/D.Va, they fit well to the Roland.
Secured onto the model using 'VMS Fleky? CA adhesive (Slow), which allows time to position each one correctly.
However, it does require seven sets of the louvres to cover the Roland,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/louvreson.jpg)
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Hi all,
I've started the basic camouflage painting phase of the build.
The colour schemes were sprayed rather than brush painted, so the colour edges need to be slightly over-sprayed, rather than hard edged.
The underside of the wings, fuselage, tailplanes and landing axle fairing/struts.
These were primed then airbrushed with 'MRP' Light Blue (MRP-043).
Now it's onto the upper surfaces of Brown and Green,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/blue1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/blue2.jpg)
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I am pretty impressed that you copied that strip. I didn't even know it existed.
Alan.
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I am pretty impressed that you copied that strip. I didn't even know it existed.
Alan.
That's exactly what I thought when I looked at the pictures.
I have this kit myself at home.
It's no easy task with those glue joints of the wings.
Nice work.
Servus
Bertl
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Hi all,
The engine and cowl panels have been fitted.
There was some slight misalignment between the panels themselves and the fuselage.
However, sanding the surfaces to blend them required some reinstating of removed surface detail.
As you can see, very little of the engine itself can be seen if the cowl panels are fitted,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/engin.jpg)
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Great modelling, Mike. As usual I have to say. Looking forward to see this one completed.
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Really good progress here Mike, looking forward to seeing the camo go on this one.
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Hi all,
The camouflage scheme has now been applied to the upper surfaces.
The schemes were applied by spraying, not by brush.
Therefore, the boundaries between the colours are not hard edged.
The spinner had to be modified to accept the replacement Axial propeller from Proper Plane.
That just required re-profiling the two slots in the spinner.
Now it's onto some detail painting before pre-rigging starts,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/propdone.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/paint1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/paint2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/paint3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/paint6.jpg)
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That looks really good with the paint applied. There's still a little evidence of print lines but hopefully those will disappear under the final less glossy varnish coat.
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Very interesting build-log, beautifully done! I tend to ordering one kit for me too?
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Hi all,
Just a quick update.
The radiators in the upper wing and the associated header/expansion tanks are painted.
Gloss black base coat followed with Alclad Steel (ALC112).
Mr. Metal Color Brass brush painted for the filler caps on the coolant tank and also the wing fuel tank,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/rad3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/rad4.jpg)
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WoW that's a great job.
Alan.
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Beautiful
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Hi all,
The aircraft markings have been applied.
The only decals supplied in the hit are the two serial numbers and Bulgarian legend (for the scheme I'm doing).
The Bulgarian legend is printed as a shade of pale yellow, which unfortunately, is virtually invisible when it's applied onto a green painted surface.
Personally I prefer decals whenever possible, although these decals are thicker than most.
Something I believe Mitko is working on.
The rest of the fuselage/wing markings for the kits three schemes are all supplied as masks.
Applying the masks for the wing insignia is tricky.
This is due to the raised wing ribs tapes holding the masks away from the wing surface.
However, they can be forced down to seal OK.
Now it's onto the weathering stage,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/decdone1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/decdone2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/decdone3.jpg)
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I think you've done a great job with the masks, those crosses look great. This is going to look very impressive when it's done.
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Hi All,
The kit three supplied decals for the kit scheme I'm building are as I suspected.
I did apply them and seal them on the model.
However, the Bulgarian legend is barely visible and the thickness of the decals is obvious.
So, I decided to sand them off, re-prime and reinstate the camouflage colours.
Hopefully I can laser print replacement decals.
However, once again Mitko has been pro-active and sent me a PDF of the legend.
He's also actively seeking better replacements for these decals.
Thanks Mitko,
Mike
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Hi all,
I removed the two serial numbers and Bulgarian legend, re-primed and painted the camouflage.
I used the PDF copy of the legend that Mitko sent to create decals on my laser printer.
However, I did have to use black instead of the lighter shade of the legend on the actual aircraft.
This was because I needed to use clear decal paper, otherwise the whole legend would have had a white background.
The problem using clear decal paper is the printed colours become translucent when the decal is applied, making them barely visible.
Therefore, I used black as that is a colour that will be visible.
Not strictly accurate, but at least it can be seen,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/decdone4.jpg)
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What a beauty
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Hi all,
The model has been weathered.
I used Flory dark dirt and grime wash, AK Interactive Kerosene and Oil wash.
Also Tamiya Weathering Master Set A and D for oil and dirt stains.
The upper wing, fuselage and rudder were pre-rigged using Gaspatch 1:48th scale turnbuckles, 0.5 mm tube and 0.12 mm diameter mono-filament.
Finally the upper wing was fitted and was probably the easiest wing fit I've had in 60 plus build.
The elastic bands are to keep the wings together while fitting,
Now it's onto final rigging,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/weather1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/weather2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/weather3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/weather4.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/wingon.jpg)
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You tempt me to get one of these... Especially with the announcement of D.III version release.
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It's great to see this come together without any major challenges because that's encouraging for both the producer and other modellers. This will be a great advert for MDesign.
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It's great to see this come together without any major challenges because that's encouraging for both the producer and other modellers. This will be a great advert for MDesign.
Yes, I'm already ready to press the trigger on their new 1/32 Armstrong Whitworth FK3 Little Ack.
Only thing holding me back was that awful 'storage crate' protection on my early run Haifisch.
Mike's later production has much better access to the bits. I'll maybe let somebody else buy the first Little Ack though just in case.
Sandy
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Masterful work Mike. Very nice subtle weathering and details.
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Hi all,
The rudder control cables and wings have been rigged now.
For a bi-plane the rigging is fairly simple.
There are no external aileron or elevator control cables to have to rig.
I used Gaspatch 1:48th scale one end and type C turnbuckles.
Also, 0.12 mm diameter mono-filament and 0.5 mm tube.
Next is to fit and rig the landing gear,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/rigging1.jpg)
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Looking very nice Mike, nice work on the rigging.
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Very nice build Mike! Do you think this model is suited for a WWI beginner? Until now I built the special hobby morane-saulnier and roden DR1.
I'm an experienced modeller in other subjects.
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Very nice build Mike! Do you think this model is suited for a WWI beginner? Until now I built the special hobby morane-saulnier and roden DR1.
I'm an experienced modeller in other subjects.
Hi Marcel,
I've found that some 3D printed models can be delicate and require surface sanding to remove print lines.
Mitko Mitkov at MDesign Model Studious has paid a lot of attention to the quality of the printing and attention to detail.
The resin he uses seems to be stronger than most I've encountered.
As a WW1 aircraft, the Roland D.II has less rigging than most and the model construction is fairly straightforward.
Of course you do need to use CA adhesive and normal styrene cement have no effect on resin.
I would think you could build this model without to much of a problem.
Once I've completed my build, I'll make available the fully detailed build log on my web site.
That may be of help if you do go for it,
Mike
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And it doesn't have cabane struts which simplifies things more.
Alan.
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Hi all,
The aircraft model is finished.
Just the figure and display case to complete.
Final details added were:
The landing gear bracing wires.
The coolant expansion tank pipes.
The engine coolant return pipe to wing radiators.
Engine exhaust.
Propeller (Proper Plane Axial) was added,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/gearon.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/vpipe3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/cpipe1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/exhaustfitted.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/propon.jpg)
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Great results! Thank you for laying the track with kits from this new company!
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Superb result, Mike.
I can't believe how quickly you've built this, I'm still fondling the loose bits in the box!
Sandy
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Masterful work again Mark. I like the colors you used for the camouflage. Nice to see a different scheme as well.
All the best,
Tim
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That's turned out really well Mike, great job and a great advert for MDesign.
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Hi all,
The pilot figure.
Copper State Models - standing German airman (F32-040).
Painted with Tamiya acrylic and Citadel water based paints,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/ROLAND-D.II/pilot.jpg)
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Hi all,
I'm working on the display case, so I should be posting finished shots in Completed Models later today.
Once again, thanks for your support and comments throughout this build.
Mike
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Pleasure to follow your progress with this one Mike; certainly a good looking model that will stand out. 8)
Looking forward to the based up shots
Paul
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Another Gorgeous build with a challenging kit as always! It will look awesome on the base with the figure!
RAGIII