forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Brad Cancian on April 21, 2013, 03:38:13 PM

Title: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Brad Cancian on April 21, 2013, 03:38:13 PM
I've been focusing on some non-WW1 subjects lately, but have still managed to find a little bit of time to tinker on a WW1 subject... I've started playing with the 1/72 Revell Sopwith Triplane.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri00_zps9e8cc025.jpg)

This kit is well over 46 years old, first being released in 1966 (if the Windsock datafile on the 'tripe is to be believed).  For a kit that's approaching 50 years old, it's surprisingly accurate against the datafile drawings in a number of key areas, namely the profile / dinemsions of the fuselage (minus kingpost) and wings (though the tips need a small amount of reshaping, which is easy). There are still some areas that leave allot to be desired, such as the shape of the elevators (way too short, though good in span), the cowling (not deep or rounded enough), the "starved cow" look to the fuselage around the cockpit (indeed only the horizontal stringers are moulded, not the vertical), no cockpit, poor guns, wheels, engine and prop.  Oh, and every flying surface has a "fabric" texture on it that is way overdone.  The moulds have suffered over the years though - there is a bit of flash, and several areas (namely the upper fuselage forward of the cockpit) suffers from some awful blobs and deformities that need smoothing out. All in all though, the kit is a very solid base for a nice representation of the 'tripe.

So I have made some small progress thus far.  Probably the biggest thing I decided to do was fill in the holes in the fuselage where the bottom wing slots (the single piece bottom wing was a terrible fit, both in length (too short), width (fuselage section on the wings too wide), and profile ); the plan is to remove the lower wings from the centre section and glue them onto the fuselage. This will save me some awkward filling and sanding later and will help get a clean joint at the wing roots.  It also facilitates some re-skinning of the fuselage (more on that below).  The basic interior stringers have also been added, as well as some floor structure.  It's a small cockpit - these basic elements are all that's really needed to provide a basis for some detailing. 

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri01_zpsb68011c1.jpg)

You'll notice I also replaced the kit cowl with one from the spares box -  it's a spare from an Eduard Nieuport 17 with the external stiffeners sanded off, some vent holes cut, and a chin-panel added.  It's a much nicer shape than the kit cowl and the fit is not too bad. 

I also decided to do some basic re-skinning of the fuselage sides to better represent the "box" structure that shows through under the fabric in some photos.  I embossed some thin plastic, glued it to the fuselage (after sanding off the kit stringers) and sanded / blended it into the remaining fuselage skin.  It's basic but I think better than what the kit comes with.  You'll also notice in the photos that I removed the blobby kit representations of the access panels on the cheek cowls (i'll replace these with thin card) and extended the depth of the cheek cowls to match the rest of the fuselage.  I also extended the elevators and re-profiled the fin / rudder to better match the datafile drawings.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri02_zps564513f5.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri03_zps2f709e80.jpg)

Like I said, not too much progress just yet, but enough for things to be mildly interesting :)

All comments and feedback welcomed!   :)

BC
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: GAJouette on April 21, 2013, 09:48:03 PM
  Brad,
Outstanding first progress my old friend. I'm very much looking forward to following this thread and seeing an awesome Revell Tripe.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Des on April 21, 2013, 10:08:31 PM
Great start Brad. This kit is an oldie but a goodie and I'm sure you will turn it into a masterpiece, looking forward to your next progress shots.

Des.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: PrzemoL on April 21, 2013, 10:32:45 PM
Your report is like a revelation to me. I was long thinking to build this one but somehow gave it up recently. But what you showed makes me rethink this build. I am almost sure, I will tackle it after finishing Palz D.III. Thank you, Brad, for this!!!
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Vickers on April 21, 2013, 10:53:38 PM
I'm always amazed at what these tiny old kits become in your skillful hands, Brad.  Your petite N.28 was truly stunning and the work you've done on this Triplane demonstrates that this one will be an excellent stablemate. Really looking forward to seeing your progress on this build.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: IanB on April 21, 2013, 11:28:23 PM
Very nice start Brad, those improvements have been noted for future referance..... ;)

Ian
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: pepperman42 on April 22, 2013, 01:10:12 AM
Amazing work! Its great what you can do with these classics!!

Steve
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: coyotemagic on April 22, 2013, 02:14:49 AM
Brilliant start, Brad.  I love all the updates you've added to this wee, tiny thing.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Dave W on April 22, 2013, 09:00:14 AM
Great work Brad and you are certainly dragging this kit into 21st Century modelling standards. Those vintage Revell kits are still worthy platforms and I'm especially a fan of their SE5a and would love to see what you did with that.

Your Sopwith Triplane build is shaping as a real stunner.

cheers

Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Brad Cancian on June 24, 2013, 01:18:46 PM
Hi folks - I am back at the bench now after a bit of an absence (about 1 month overseas with work), and I have the cockpit done on the triplane.  It's all scratchbuilt save some of the instrument dials, seat belts and the seat back (all etched items from Eduard). The rest was done with plastic sheet and strip, wire, elastic (rigging), and putty for the seat cushion.  It all looks very 'blobby' in the up-close photography, but looks good enough when viewed through the small cockpit opening :)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri04_zpscd03b2bd.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri05_zps1ed57d1b.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri06_zpse38f5bda.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri07_zps29ab777d.jpg)

Cheers,

BC
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: uncletony on June 24, 2013, 01:35:03 PM
Bravo.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: PrzemoL on June 24, 2013, 04:03:21 PM
Amazing, Brad. Very nice modelling on this interior. And I do know, how small it is. Just amazing...
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Des on June 24, 2013, 04:06:34 PM
It's incredible that you are able to add so much detail into such a small model, superb workmanship Brad.

Des.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Jacek on June 24, 2013, 04:44:30 PM
It looks very good. It is nice to look like someone out of nothing makes a beautiful thing.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Ernie on June 24, 2013, 09:19:19 PM
Your interior work is great, Brad.  I really have to hand it to you
for the fine modelling skills, especially in 1/72 scale, which I can
barely see, much less work on! ;D
  Thanks for sharing your work.  Looking forward to more.

Best Regards,
Ernie
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: pepperman42 on June 24, 2013, 11:54:28 PM
Nice to see you back at this one. If thats blobby I wonder what refined looks like!! Excellent work!!

Steve
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: RAGIII on June 25, 2013, 12:57:21 AM
A Masterful job on that interior Brad! This would be outstanding in any scale, but 1/7nd  8)
RAGIII
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: coyotemagic on June 25, 2013, 12:58:09 AM
Nice to see you back at this one. If thats blobby I wonder what refined looks like!! Excellent work!!

Steve
I agree whole-heartedly.  Stunning craftsmanship all around.  If I had seen only those last few photos, I'd have thought she was either the Koster or the Eduard 1/48 kit.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Zabu on June 25, 2013, 05:12:48 AM
Very fine modeling. Great work in the interior being all so small.

Cheers
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Brad Cancian on June 30, 2013, 03:37:35 PM
Thanks folks, most kind!

A little more progress, slowly but surely.  Fuselage is together now.  As you can see, I went a bit berserk with the filler.  I fattened out the cheek cowls a little too to meet the cowl, and deepened the fuselage a little (~1/2 mm or so) too to match the datafile drawings by skinning the lower fuselage with card. This helped to avoid the nasty fit issues of the kit under-nose part.  I also scratched the tail skid / rear fuselage area.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri08_zps99e1a6bf.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri09_zpsa4b085e4.jpg)

It looks messy, but has come up ok under a coat of primer.  Some areas still to clean up, but not too bad...

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri10_zpsd36b7a72.jpg)

I'm away from the bench for another week or so with work, but I think the next thing to tackle might be some undercarriage...

Cheers!

BC
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: RAGIII on June 30, 2013, 08:53:15 PM
Outstanding work as always Brad,. Looking forward to the painting !!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: bobs_buckles on June 30, 2013, 09:16:28 PM
Outstanding work as always Brad,. Looking forward to the painting !!
RAGIII

+1

Superb, Brad!

VB
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: pepperman42 on July 01, 2013, 08:24:40 AM
That looks very sharp all tidied up!!

Steve
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Des on July 01, 2013, 09:33:15 AM
Excellent work Brad, I'm looking forward to your next updates.

Des.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Ernie on July 01, 2013, 09:16:51 PM
You're making good progress, Brad.  All your filling
work worked well...With the primer on it shows
how well!   Looking forward to your next update.

Cheers,
Ernie
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Zabu on July 01, 2013, 11:33:10 PM
Great job with  that 1/72 tripe.
 
Tailskid it's awesome being such a small part nicely done and the rib structure detail too.

I'm sure that it's going to be a nice biuld.

Cheers



Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: GAJouette on July 02, 2013, 03:11:48 AM
  Brad,
Outstanding progress my old friend. Work of this quality from you and many others is exactly why I love this forum so.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: IanB on July 02, 2013, 01:04:31 PM
Very nice indeed Brad, inspiring work!

Ian
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Fred on July 02, 2013, 03:19:22 PM
Really great work, Brad. Your takin that basic Revell kit to a whole new level. Awesome!
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Brad Cancian on July 02, 2013, 06:34:55 PM
Thanks folks, you're too kind  :) With the fuselage together, the first tricky bit is done.... the second (and probably worst) tricky bit will be the wing alignment - old kits like this aren't renowned for their ease of construction.... but at least there aren't too may struts to align!

Thanks again,

BC
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Brad Cancian on July 07, 2013, 11:46:34 AM
Minor update... in figuring out how best to attach the wings without ruining any future paint job, I figured the best chance of success would be to glue and align the struts to the middle wing and clean up the joints before painting. Revell supply the interplane struts as one single piece which slot through the middle wing. The slot is much much bigger than the struts, so will need some filling and clean up (another reason why this is best done before painting).  The cabane struts are also singe piece which butt up against the fuselage, so I strengthened the attachment to the fuselage with fuse wire.  Careful alignment of the struts against the data file drawings and against the lower wings helps to make sure everything is square from side on, above and in front.  The alignment is not perfect, but some dry fitting shows it's good enough and I should be able to reach a happy medium once it comes to gluing... it at least will look like a triplane  :)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri11_zpsb391bc11.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri12_zps662c1713.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri13_zps4d98fbb4.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri14_zps55503c7f.jpg)

Now to fill and clean the strut slots in the middle wings, and continue with clean up of the rest of the fuselage before another coat of primer.  Then maybe some undercarriage struts will be in order....

BC
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: RAGIII on July 08, 2013, 01:23:46 AM
Your wings look perfect! Well done as always Brad!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Flip Hendrickx on July 08, 2013, 04:30:08 AM
wow, outstanding work indeed.  Great details, and in such a small scale!
Going to follow this one for sure!

All the best

Flip
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Zabu on July 08, 2013, 07:28:45 AM
Great work there!  The wings are looking fine.


Cheers
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: mgunns on July 08, 2013, 11:08:39 AM
Hello Brad:

Very inspiring work on this ancient kit.  I have always admired your work and this is no exception.  Outstanding work.

Best

Mark
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Adam on July 08, 2013, 05:43:31 PM
Lately, don't have much time for modeling, so I not look in here too often. Just now I found yours interesting account of the construction, this beautiful model. 99% of my models are made in 1:72, but never decided on such a big modification.
I'll be looking in here , congratulations.

Adam.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Des on July 13, 2013, 05:55:13 PM
Looking very good Brad, your exceptional modeling skills are certainly shining through with this build, can't wait to see more.

Des.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: IFF1418 on July 13, 2013, 07:30:55 PM
Brad your model is looking so clean and neat. Congratulations! How do you manage this in this scale?!

Kind regards

Patrick
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: lone modeller on July 16, 2013, 04:26:38 AM
Only just seen this - outstanding modelling. I could only ever dream of making a cockpit like yours - I only work in 1/72 scale but that looked like 1/32 scale. The standard of the rest of the model is also exceptional - very many congratulations on a wonderful build. Cannot wait to see the finished item.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Brad Cancian on July 20, 2013, 06:30:35 PM
Thanks guys :)

Progress is painfully slow, but now she's got some legs.... the kit legs are awful, so these were scratch built from some airfoil shaped strips. I simulated the characteristic split axle with plastic rod (hard to see in the photos here).  Still need to add the "T" braces at the bottom end of the legs.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri16_zps557860c4.jpg)

You can also see here the amount of filler I needed to fill in those holes for the wing struts.  Looks like they have come up ok though.  Still need to fix and clean up a few areas and add some more details here and there (things like brackets onto the end of the struts, for example), then another coat of primer and hopefully I can start on some topcoats.  Need to look at the engine and gun at some stage too.....

Cheers,

BC
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Ernie on July 20, 2013, 10:54:30 PM
She's really taking shape nicely, Brad.  Great job on the undercarriage.
  It's going to be a little jewel when you are done.  Thanks for the
update. Very enjoyable build...at least on this end! ;D

Cheers,
Ernie :)
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: IanB on July 21, 2013, 12:14:19 AM
Lovely job, Brad - those are obviously not the kit wheels, where do they come from? I use Aeroclub wheels, guns, and props almost exclusively but my stash of those is dwindling fast...since these are the main items that make 1:72 kits look "clunky", it's well worth the effort finding good replacements.

Ian
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Jacek on July 21, 2013, 01:23:35 AM
It looks nice will be fit my Fokker  ;)
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Brad Cancian on July 28, 2013, 02:28:25 PM
hi Ian - the wheels are from the spares box - I think they came from a 1/48 Fokker B.II from Special Hobby (which I recall were very undersized for 1/48), but not sure. Still debating whether I will use these (they are the correct size) or try and replace them with the fabric covered "spoked" wheels characteristic of Sopwith aircraft... I just don't have any of these in the spares box, so I may have to try and cast some copies from another kit.

More slow progress - this time the gun and engine, as I wanted to get these out of the way before major painting started. I modified a spare Roden Vickers gun using Tom's Modelworks etched British Guns set, as well as scratching together the characteristic windscreen mount seen on the 'Tripe and Pup. The gun was fiddly and came out a bit blobby, but it'll do....

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri18_zps2948636a.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri17_zps1ae0dfcb.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri19_zps8cacb985.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri20_zpsdfb54411.jpg) 

Once my eyeballs stopped bleeding from doing the gun, I borrowed a spare Clerget from the Roden Camel for this build. Not much will be seen other than the front face of the engine, so all I did was add some ignition wires.  It's quite a nicely moulded engine in 1/72, I must say. Hats off to Roden in this case.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri21_zpsd864742a.jpg)

...getting there...!   ;D

BC
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Vladimir Ziska on July 28, 2013, 03:38:03 PM
Hi Brad,

Longer time watching your models and I write, I like very much. High quality building, attention to detail, great finish.

Cheers,

Vladimir
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Pete Nottingham on July 28, 2013, 08:57:18 PM
Hats off to you Brad, you're doing a brilliant job in this microscopic scale, too small for me.

Cheers

Pete.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: RAGIII on July 28, 2013, 09:07:42 PM
Brad,
That Vickers is OUTSTANDING! The engine looks like it could be 1/48th or 1/32nd, and of course the Airframe is lovely!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Ernie on July 28, 2013, 10:11:31 PM
My eyes hurt just looking at that amazing Vickers gun, Brad. :o
Between that and that beautiful engine, I can only
shake my head.  Hats off to you! So, being Sunday,
are you busy inscribing the Lord's prayer on pin heads? ;) ;D
  You are some modeller!

Cheers,
Ernie :)
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Chris Johnson on July 29, 2013, 12:12:00 AM
Incredible attention to detail, superbly executed, and all in such a small scale. Amazing. I can't do that in 1/32 scale!

Cheers,

Chris
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Zabu on July 29, 2013, 02:43:25 AM
Hi Brad.

Your vickers gun it's fantastic and so is the engine. So much detail in this small scale it's quite amazing to see and very hard to make.

Trully amazing!

Cheers

Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Jacek on July 29, 2013, 02:57:12 AM
Beautiful engine!
I see that sometimes it is worth to buy something from Roden, even for the same engine.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: pepperman42 on July 30, 2013, 01:22:19 AM
Fantastic detail parts!!!!!!

Steve
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: lone modeller on July 30, 2013, 02:30:08 AM
The detail on this model is utterly amazing. "The gun came out a bit blobby....." I just wish my guns could come out half as good!! The engine is a work of art in itself too - this is just one exceptional model.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Brad Cancian on August 18, 2013, 06:32:33 PM
Thanks folks :)

No progress piccies this time, but I have finally finished all of the clean up and priming (and re-clean up and re-priming...) to the point where I am happy to start laying down some colour coats.  I am thinking of painting the Tripehound in the colours of R.A Little; a bit unimaginative I know, but he was the highest scoring Australian pilot of the war, and I am Australian, plus some of his artifacts were found recently so he has received some recent publicity... so it all seems fitting.  There seems to be a number of schemes that his aircraft (N5493) wore while in Little's charge - are these schemes still considered correct?  I am leaning to the scheme on the left, probably the first scheme the aircraft wore with Little at the helm (and far less modeled that the more 'known' scheme on the right).

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/BlympSmall_zps9da6fb1d.jpg)

Also, one other question - I cannot see in any of the photos of this aircraft a wind driven pump on the starboard cabane strut - photos of some 8RNAS aircraft show these clearly removed, some fitted (the lineup photo in the inside cover of the Datafile, where the aircraft is wearing the left most scheme above, is not clear enough to see. The one clear photo in the datafile of this area on N5493 shows no pump, but this was well after Little's time with the aircraft. Another front angle photo of the aircraft in the scheme to the right above has this area obscured due to the angle of the photo.... I think it is possible either way).  Anyone have anything definitive here?

Thanks,

BC
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Rob Hart on August 19, 2013, 12:21:13 PM
I have seen this kit in the flesh and you have worked wonders with it. I can't help with the R.A.Little markings, but any of the profiles you posted should look great on the finished model.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: David on August 21, 2013, 06:29:28 PM
Hi Brad,

The triplane is looking great!  You are going an absolutely magnificent job, particularly given the scale!  :o

I know it's basic information, and I should know the answer to this but I don't have full access to my collection of books, magazines, publications etc.  Which Squadron was Little with when he flew this triplane?  I will see if I have a photo of his aeroplane in my collection.  A good number of them, probably the vast majority of them have not been published.

Best regards and congratulations on your magnificent achievement!

David.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Brad Cancian on September 14, 2013, 07:10:46 PM
Still very very slow going....

I decided to pre-shade the model.  So much masking....

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri22_zpsdb3f0124.jpg)

Here's  a shot of CDL over the top.  I think they key in 1/72 is to keep the shading very subtle....

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri23_zps6b57080e.jpg)

Next I will apply the PC12 (yep, PC12... will probably be quite brown...).

Cheers

BC
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Ernie on September 14, 2013, 10:32:12 PM
Brad, first let me say you are a master of pre-shading! You are so right
about the amount of masking, but the way you are progressing, it will be
worth it!
  I was snooping around google regarding the little airscrew pump setup
and about all I could find was a bit on it in the write-up about the tripe on
the flight global website.  Basically it said that the fuel was pumped to the
engine by the little propeller mounted on the right side fuselage strut.
  Sorry I couldn't help more. :)

Cheers,
Ernie :)

Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: mike in calif on September 15, 2013, 12:17:04 AM
Nice work, and clear explanations. You must have some serious magnification going on, very nice detail. It looks like the main spar going thru the wing, or do my eyes fool me in this small scale?
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: pepperman42 on September 16, 2013, 01:41:11 AM
Beautiful work. For the spar did you paint the area black, mask it before painting the light colour then mask the ribs etc before painting the black pre shading?

Steve
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Nigel Jackson on September 16, 2013, 04:56:36 AM
Lovely work Brad.

I can't wait to see your take on PC12.

Best wishes
Nigel
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Des on September 16, 2013, 07:44:25 AM
Outstanding work on the MG and the engine Brad, and your masking, although quite a task, is going to be well worth the effort. I'm looking forward to seeing some colour going on, well done so far.

Des.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Zabu on September 16, 2013, 11:56:49 AM
Great shading work. I'm sure that will woth every bit of masking time.

Cheers
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Brad Cancian on September 16, 2013, 08:40:11 PM
Thanks folks!  The shading for the rib tapes and spar was simple and done in two stages.  Rib tapes went on first, which were then shaded. The masking tape was left on and the area around the spar masked, then sprayed. All of the masking then came off.  Doing it this way makes it look like the rib tapes are 'on top' of the spar.  A neat little effect. I am still thinking of masking off around the rib tapes and spraying the tapes themselves a lighter shade of CDL just to add another layer of interest, but I don't fancy doing all that masking again.... plus I am thinking that 'less is more' in this scale, so I don't want to over do things.  I think next time if I want to create more visual interest I will lay a lightened shade of the base coat CDL down, then do the masking and shading, then spray the standard CDL over the top.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Ernie on September 16, 2013, 08:57:54 PM
Really neat effect, Brad! 8)  Thanks for the shading tips.  She's going to look
the business when you are done. 

Cheers,
Ernie :)
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: coyotemagic on September 27, 2013, 01:33:00 AM
Truly astonishing work to this point, Brad!  The work you did on the Vickers and the engine are fantastic and your preshading is unparalleled, especially in this scale.  The cdl is perfect.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Cimmerian on September 27, 2013, 04:22:14 PM
That is some incredible work. I have this kit at home and it bears no resemblance to this at all. :)
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Brad Cancian on October 22, 2013, 04:35:43 PM
Yet more slow progress... she now has some paint and decals.  I decided to go with the early markings for Little's N5493, so I kept the weathering reasonably minimal (for me, anyways!).  I also went with my own interpretation of PC-12, which is quite a brown colour, but probably suitably generic to not get too many disagreeing shakes of the head on my interpretation...  :)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri24_zps55de42f0.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri25_zps16e1a6b2.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri26_zps97188384.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri27_zps9f3a5fb1.jpg)

Am hoping to make some more progress in the coming week. Fingers crossed I can actually finish a model this year....!

Cheers

BC
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Des on October 22, 2013, 05:29:14 PM
Your PC12 interpretation looks pretty good to my eyes Brad, in fact it looks great, and your shading is excellent, this is going to be a real show stopper once completed, and to think it is only 1:72 scale, amazing work.

Des.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: IFF1418 on October 22, 2013, 05:54:05 PM
Hi Brad,

Amazing work this is. Unbelievable what you achieved here. Many congratulations.

Kind regards

Patrick
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Nigel Jackson on October 22, 2013, 06:47:36 PM
You certainly won't get a head shake from me about your interpretation of PC12, Brad. I think it's very convincing and the build so far is superb.

Best wishes
Nigel
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: PrzemoL on October 22, 2013, 07:02:06 PM
Great progress, Brad. You are indeed making this ugly kit into a real Tripe minireplica!
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Adam on October 22, 2013, 07:31:35 PM
It looks great, specially in this scale.

Adam.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: lcarroll on October 23, 2013, 01:32:55 AM
Brad,
   Coming along very nicely! I too like your PC12 and intend to use some form of it on my pending Tripe if only to provide a little variety in the display case. Can you share your PC12 "recipe"?
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: coyotemagic on October 23, 2013, 01:38:53 AM
Your PC12 looks perfect to me and your weathering is gorgeous, as usual, Brad.  She's gonna be a stunner.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: RAGIII on October 23, 2013, 02:11:44 AM
Your PC12 looks perfect to me and your weathering is gorgeous, as usual, Brad.  She's gonna be a stunner.
Cheers,
Bud

Can't say it any better than Bud! I will add that it Looks like a WNW kit instead of the OLD Revelle Tripe!!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Ernie on October 23, 2013, 03:37:50 AM
Gorgeous paint work, Brad!  I think your choice of colours is spot on.  You
have a stunner in the works, my friend.  Well done!

Cheers,
Ernie :)
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Brad Cancian on October 23, 2013, 09:57:28 AM
Thanks folks for the very kind replies!  Lance - the PC-12 mix is very straight forward - Tamiya XF-10 Flat Brown (which is quite a 'red' brown to start with), with a couple of drops of Tamiya XF-51 Khaki Drab just to mute it down a little bit. Fairly simple  :)

Thanks again!

BC
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Zabu on October 23, 2013, 11:39:03 AM
Simply superb Brad. It's 1/72 modeling in its best.

The PC12 looks quite on the spot imho and the shading it's perfect, makes the model to seem a bigger scale.

Cheers

Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: lcarroll on October 23, 2013, 01:01:36 PM
Thanks folks for the very kind replies!  Lance - the PC-12 mix is very straight forward - Tamiya XF-10 Flat Brown (which is quite a 'red' brown to start with), with a couple of drops of Tamiya XF-51 Khaki Drab just to mute it down a little bit. Fairly simple  :)

Thanks again!

BC

Thank You Kind Sir. I'll probably increase the khaki Drab amount but will use this for my Tripe. In fact I've got a large jar of a 50/50 mix which I read somewhere was a great mix for PC10. It's still in the jar as it's far too brown for a PC10 IMHO. I may just use that.................. ;)
Cheers,
Lance
\Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: pepperman42 on October 24, 2013, 12:50:56 PM
Excellent work as the others have said.

Steve
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: ALBATROS1234 on October 24, 2013, 01:47:06 PM
impressive to say the least. i got one of these kits years back before roden and wnw had released theres and the eduard wasnt easily available. when i got it home and opened the box i was very disapointed. maybe because i never do 1/72 but mainly it looked as if the parts were warped and chewed on by a small dog. this is the classic silk purse from a sows ear. i dont think this kit could be made to look any better than the lovely job brad has done.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Brad Cancian on October 24, 2013, 02:35:40 PM
Thanks for the kind words again guys - well it didn't take too much, a few hours or so yesterday and a couple this morning, and she is done  ;D  The wing alignment was still a pain, even though I did try to make it easier for myself.  The alignment isn't perfect, and it's a bit of a trade off in a few areas.  There was almost a 'bin' moment when a couple of struts went "crack" as I tried to manipulate the alignment, but I was too far invested at that point to turn back.....!

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/bradcancian/1-72%20Sopwith%20Triplane/STri29_zps4a71f695.jpg)

More pics here:

http://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=2507.0

Thanks to all for their support during this (long) build!

Cheers,

BC
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: coyotemagic on October 24, 2013, 02:42:54 PM
Hard to believe that she's 1/72 scale, Brad.  Looks like a finished WNW model to me.  Brilliant work, mate.  Congratulations.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: Des on October 24, 2013, 03:25:55 PM
Totally awe-inspiring Brad, I will slip over and have a look at the other photos.

Des.
Title: Re: Revell 1/72 Sopwith Triplane
Post by: pepperman42 on October 25, 2013, 11:47:43 PM
She's perfect. Glad you didnt put her in the circular file. the rigging,flying wires and tones are beautiful.

Steve