forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Gilly on June 01, 2013, 09:54:43 PM
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Hi fellow forum members. After lurking in the shadows for some time and gathering a vast array of handy hints and tips combined with viewing all the excellent high quality builds that abound this forum I have decided hopefully to present my first offering and venture into the world of WW1 modelling.
I have been a hardened diecast collector for many years now and although I have built some kits to supplement my collection I have never before built a biplane and having collected virtually all the available diecast WW1 subjects I now need to expand my collection using kits ( quite daunting and a real challenge).
So first up was the Eduard Pfalz DIIIa 8044 which I picked up from Ebay for a very reasonable price and complimented it with the readily available photoetch set.
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/9f5bc2c5-6be0-409a-a58c-f0d3ba429762_zps755871ca.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/9f5bc2c5-6be0-409a-a58c-f0d3ba429762_zps755871ca.jpg.html)
So I eagerly set about the cockpit and the dreaded woodgraining . I realise the evidence swings to the fact that Pfalz interiors were the SilberGrau but I did need to practice this graining aspect and although I am sure it is too dark it turned out better than I expected, this was achieved with acrylics after much research now I will be using methods gleaned from the forum for my next build.
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00090_zpsf2ab8a65.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00090_zpsf2ab8a65.jpg.html)
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00111_zps57660e8a.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00111_zps57660e8a.jpg.html)
All the interior now locked away never to be seen again :'( and work progressed
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00122_zpsf4178038.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00122_zpsf4178038.jpg.html)
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00136_zpsc30f7d7a.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00136_zpsc30f7d7a.jpg.html)
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00138_zps00b53458.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00138_zps00b53458.jpg.html)
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00200_zpsa4f9940c.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00200_zpsa4f9940c.jpg.html)
This is where my plan to depict Holtzem's aircraft went horribly wrong , the decals had not aged well and although I made miraculous saves on the upper wing and tail the distinctive black and white banding decal disintegrated :'( and an alternative aircraft was then sought without causing major upset with the build. The subject was sitting looking at me all the time I was trawling internet and books and it is taken from a painting by Brian Knight which is the cover of the Windsock Datafile 21 and shows the unidentified aircraft in company with Holtzem on patrol, so my subject is now this aircraft from Jasta16b, pilot unknown.
Appropriate masking was undertaken and the black bands for this subject applied by hand (I should in hind-sight have airbrushed them, as I would have achieved a much better finish) using acrylic, an interesting exercise and experience but eventually achieved. This is now the stage I am at now.
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00224_zps6af7752c.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00224_zps6af7752c.jpg.html)
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00223_zpsc9258a58.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00223_zpsc9258a58.jpg.html)
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00221_zps603cee80.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00221_zps603cee80.jpg.html)
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00219_zpsf319e6d5.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00219_zpsf319e6d5.jpg.html)
Just decals to complete, top wing assembly, exhausts to root to top wing, rigging and control wires to run then final finish, all interesting challenges.
I would be most grateful of any handy hints , criticism (constructive or the other) or advice from you experienced modellers out there.
I hope to update this next week when I am hoping to be near completion.
Thanks folks
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Great way to introduce yourself, Gilly. I think you are right about the fuselage interior, not being natural wood finish on the original, but who cares, really. This looks to be a very successful first foray into biplane modeling. Looking forward to seeing it completed.
Cheers
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Great way to introduce yourself, Gilly. I think you are right about the fuselage interior, not being natural wood finish on the original, but who cares, really. This looks to be a very successful first foray into biplane modeling. Looking forward to seeing it completed.
Cheers
I agree completely with BO! welcome to the Forum and I am looking forward to your progress!
RAGIII
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Gilly.
Outstanding way to introduce yourself my friend. I'm not positive whether or not the Pfalz D.III's interior was painted Sibergrau .But one thing I know for certain is that I love the natural wood finish you've used on this little kite. Excellent works my friend and welcome aboard.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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Welcome aboard, Gilly! As the others have said, brilliant introduction. You've done an outstanding job so far. I'll enjoy following along.
Cheers,
Bud
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Welcome aboard!
It looks like a great build, I'm looking forward to seeing the next steps.
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Welcome! Very fine build all around. It is great that you overcome the problems with decals - this is a fine choice. Are you thinking of some rib shading? This adds a lot to the general view. You might still try to do this on the wings.
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Thank you all for the great welcome and kind comments. It is very much appreciated.
I have really enjoyed this build, with the exception of the decal disaster and although a steepish learning curve it is enjoyable and made even more so by the wealth of information available on this outstanding forum.
I have certainly got the bug for kit building now and have quite a stash to sink my teeth into , all collected while this build has been ongoing ::). Thanks again folks, will keep this thread updated as often as possible.
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Welcome! Very fine build all around. It is great that you overcome the problems with decals - this is a fine choice. Are you thinking of some rib shading? This adds a lot to the general view. You might still try to do this on the wings.
Thank you very much for your kind comments Przemol
I am unsure at this moment what to do as this piece will sit in amongst my diecast collection of WW1's , none of which are shaded or weathered however I do believe now after seeing all the excellent builds on here that rib shading and weathering really bring the model to life. As you can see on one of my pics i did some pre-shading but this was rather unsuccessful due I fear to my heavy handedness with the airbrush :-[ , therefore i am still debating and would really appreciate any info on a method which is easy and offers good results for this heavy handed novice.
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Mask the ribs with thin strips of masking tape (I use Aizu). Mix a drop of black with 10 drops of clear. Then spray it along the ribs with low air pressure - this allows for a wide margin of error - two or three passes are necessary to get a good result.
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Nice work on a sleek machine. Looking forward to the final stages.
Steve
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Well folks, I finally achieved my goal with this kit. Apologies for not keeping the thread as updated as I would have liked. This being mainly due to the fact that we have actually had a summer here and my priorities have been soaking up some of the lovely sunshine we have had. However that has now come to a halt and the heavens have now opened which gave me the time to put the finishing touches to the Pfalz.
Here are pics of the closing stages and the finished model, i would be most grateful as always for any comments as to how I can improve my efforts for my next build.
Top wing secured, all rigging and control wiring rigged and fresh from the factory look
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00230_zps17d4fd1c.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00230_zps17d4fd1c.jpg.html)
Weathered and operational
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00239_zps5e118984.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00239_zps5e118984.jpg.html)
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00240_zps8ddda1c8.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00240_zps8ddda1c8.jpg.html)
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00259_zpsc553c2bd.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00259_zpsc553c2bd.jpg.html)
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00269_zps24c90abd.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00269_zps24c90abd.jpg.html)
All ready to join the display, now on to the next project , I hope to take away the lessons learned from this build and improve. I thoroughly enjoyed this build even though it didnt quite go to plan :).
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00279_zpsac33a5ef.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00279_zpsac33a5ef.jpg.html)
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00273_zps3d609f5c.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00273_zps3d609f5c.jpg.html)
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00279_zpsac33a5ef.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00279_zpsac33a5ef.jpg.html)
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00284_zps1eef651f.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00284_zps1eef651f.jpg.html)(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00287_zpsa518b1c5.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00287_zpsa518b1c5.jpg.html)
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00294_zps038d9c72.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00294_zps038d9c72.jpg.html)
(http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad21/Gillyf45/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00295_zps1a471cbc.jpg) (http://s918.photobucket.com/user/Gillyf45/media/Eduard%20Pfalz/DSC00295_zps1a471cbc.jpg.html)
Thank you for all the handy hints folks. I look forward to any comments and suggestions to help improve my building , painting and weathering techniques.
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Gilly,
Congratulations and Well Done my friend. She's a real stunner. I'm very impressed with your subtle weathering as well. Just right not too lightly done or overdone either. I'll be watching to see the begins of your next project my friend.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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Simply gorgeous, Gilly. Your weathering is subtle and sublime. She's a joy to behold. Congratulations. What's next?
Cheers,
Bud
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Absolutely gorgous! Looks much bigger, like 32nd scale WNW one!
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Thank you for your very kind comments Gregory ,Bud and Przemol, they are much appreciated. the weathering really was a challenge having only ever dabbled in it previously but i was pleased with the results obtained by the Tamiya weathering sets and will keep the lessons learned from this build and apply them to my next, which will be an Albatros D.III with a bit of a twist (build wise that is) , this being due to the fact that it is a kit I bought built to compliment my diecast a while ago and also to study prior to my pfalz build commencing. However this went not quite to plan as although very well packaged for shipping, the model arrived in a considerable number of pieces. this gave me an excellent opportunity to study the build process but the model was beyond display status.
I now however am going to rebuild, repaint and remark the kit in the colours of Lt Joachim Von Bertrab of Jasta 30 during the spring of 1917, the black / purple D III.
This is already on the bench and I hope this week to start a new thread devoted to this project and try my best to document each stage.
Thanks again for the kind comments
Kind regards
Mark
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Your DIIIa came out absolutely beautiful! As others said it could easily be mistaken for a larger scale!! I also want to comment on your base and presentation. sometimes the base doesn't equal the skill of the Model. In your case it is exceptional! Ypour photography is also top drawer!!!
RAGIII
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Beautiful all the way.
I must agree with the others fellows, your model looks bigger!
Cheers.
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Thank you very much for your kind comments RagIII and Zabu, they are very much appreciated. I think both the build and the photographs were just beginners luck, i am hoping it holds out for the next project :).
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Gilly,
I think it turned out beautifully, especially for you first leap into WW1 bi-planes. Congratulations, you must be (rightly) very proud and I'm looking forward to your next build.
Grant
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To tell the truth, I thought it was a 1/32 model. :)
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Thank you Grant and Ernie for your very positive comments, they are very much appreciated. A few more 1/48's and then i think I may attempt a 1/32. I have my eye on one of those fantastic Wingnut Wings kits ;D . Just need to hone , consolidate and practice a few new techniques first.