forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Completed models => Topic started by: Ian from Doncaster on January 06, 2014, 12:48:37 AM
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Here is the completed build of the WNW Albatros DVa with the Bavarian decals option, Jasta 76b Karl Hopf.
This was in my stash over 2 years, but had been a gift from my partner's father. I bought the extra decals as this particular option features the crest of Wurzburg, the town where she was originally from.
The kit itself was everything you would expect from WNW, superbly engineered and allows a novice like me to produce decent results yet still gives more accomplished modellers the chance to produce superb detailed aircraft. The interior and engine assembled mostly straightforward, with a few usual fragile bits. The way the fuselage halves go together make for a few tricky bits with the aileron control cables and pulleys, and the bar supporting the guns also having to be cantilevered on one fuselage half first. The engine frame and cockpit sub assembly make for a model in their own right.
I was quite pleased with the woodgraining. I had the HGW decal set for this kit, but couldn't quite make it work for me - I will certainly use the sheets on other models though. I do like the effect oil paint brings, including on the propeller which was hand painted using Bob's new strippers as masking. The Bavarian decals don't precisely meet so there's a bit of touch up here and there, and a few wrinkles hidden by the photography ;)
Other additions include Taurus sparks, plug cables, and of course rigging. The rigging was not too taxing, the layout of the cables was easy to follow. I made eyelets and turnbuckles, although there isn't as much flexibility in the turnbuckle attachments as I had hoped for.
As with all WNW models, tolerances are very tight. I was careful with the painting of the interior and cockpit frame etc so that there would be no fit issues, but I neglected to be so careful with the wing strut locating holes. This meant that the strut ends themselves needed thinning to fit. I found the struts quite weak, but that was necessary due to scale thickness. I broke some of them whilst fitting, but unlike on previous models my repairs went OK, ie not too many unsightly glue blobs.
I was quite pleased with the wing painting and rib shading. I would possibly have liked to tone down the shading with a thin coat of the base colours, however the effect works. I managed to repair a finger glue mark on the top wing too. I mixed the violet and the Bavarian blue paints, and was satisfied with the results. I have been unable to get decent lighting for the pics (it has been dull here for days!) as the model looks much better under natural light and without camera flash.
Ultimately I know where and how I could have taken more care with the model. However I gave myself a timescale of finishing this kit before my partner's father leaves for home in Germany - he flies tonight - an that included fitting in christmas etc!
Next up for WWI is the WNW Sopwith Tripe, probably "Black Sheep" using Pheon decals and some extra PE. I have a few other non-WWi subjects ongoing so time will tell what happens next.
(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/ianfromdoncaster/Albie/finallefthigh_zps0066709d.jpg)
(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/ianfromdoncaster/Albie/finaltop_zpsab33db26.jpg)
(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/ianfromdoncaster/Albie/finalleftlow_zpsfe6cee4f.jpg)
(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/ianfromdoncaster/Albie/finalleftcloseup_zpsd4540a17.jpg)
(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/ianfromdoncaster/Albie/finalwheel_zps479e6695.jpg)
(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/ianfromdoncaster/Albie/finalfrontright_zps241ce539.jpg)
(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/ianfromdoncaster/Albie/finalrightrear_zpsddff2804.jpg)
(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/ianfromdoncaster/Albie/finalcockpit_zps5bd67d8c.jpg)
(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/ianfromdoncaster/Albie/finalunder_zps8e186a7a.jpg)
(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/ianfromdoncaster/Albie/finalfrontleft_zps6194794b.jpg)
(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/ianfromdoncaster/Albie/final_zps8e736b83.jpg)
(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/ianfromdoncaster/Albie/finalleftrearhigh_zps60f4b258.jpg)
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Lovely work you've done with it, Ian! Really a standout scheme!
Lindsay
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An absolute gem, Ian! Your wooden effects are extremely well done and matching
the Bavarian blue pretty much right on the money. Super job all around, my friend,
and I look forward to the start of the Tripe. Well done!
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Beautiful Ian, truly a magnificent presentation and indicative of your considerable skills. The colour scheme is a real standout and you've captured it beautifully, and the woodwork................!
Congratulations on a superbly finished Model and one to be very proud of. Looking forward to your Tripe.
Cheers,
Lance
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Hello Ian,
If there is one word for your build : gorgeous!!! A real masterpiece in all his aspects. Many congratulations.
Kind regards
Patrick
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Great build from you Ian. The scheme it's spectacular. Congrats.
Cheers
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Brilliant piece of modelling - superb finish and a really interesting colour scheme. The wood effect is really realistic - just wish I could get that effect on my models.
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Good to see my 'Strippers ©' put to good use, Ian!
Lovely looking bird and one you should be proud to have sitting on any shelf.
Thanks for sharing.
VB
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What a beautiful Alby Ian! Wonderful scheme, very well-executed. I love your wood-grain with oils, and will use your build as a future guide for that technique. :) Very well done!
Regards,
Bob
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Lovely. Fine finish, striking scheme. Congratulations!
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Oh my, that is pretty.
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Ian,
Can't add much that hasn't already been said. I do Love your very subtle wood grain! The decal work, matching of the blue etc, is all OUTSTANDING! You should be very happy and proud of the results!
RAGIII
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I can add nothing new to the compliments above. It's wonderful.
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I concur with all the other comments - it came together very nicely and the wood grain looks excellent. Another beaut Albie....
FF
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Very pretty indeed. Well done.
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Thank you all for the kind remarks, and for the continued encouragement during this build. Although I can see where I learned some lessons ;) I was happy with the outcome as a whole.
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She turned out beautifully, Ian. Your wood grain, shading, EVERYTHING is perfect. Brilliant job, mate!
Cheers,
Bud
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A very striking scheme well executed.
Best
Mark
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Dittos to all the above a VERY colorful Bird.
Ed
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This is a very stunning result Ian, the colours are so eye catching and in a word 'pretty'. I really like this scheme and the way you handled the wood work is excellent, an overall beautiful model, well done.
Des.
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Excellent build all around.
Mark
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Very nice work Ian .This model from Wingnut is top.Keep up the god work.
Cheers . ;)