forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: vincentm on July 03, 2015, 01:33:52 AM

Title: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: vincentm on July 03, 2015, 01:33:52 AM
I still have a paint jar with a remainder of the dark red I used on my Jasta 18 Albatros, and as I like the mix of reds I made, I thought it would be a good occasion for building Udet's SSW D-III:
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/doc_dy11.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2310)

I have the Eastern Express kit which is a former Toko issue:
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/kitbox10.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2307)

The casts made by EE from this mould are not very clean and the instructions are incomplete, the decal sheet is a shame, but the plastic is smooth with finely engraved or elevated panels and thin details.

The kit contains optional parts for either a D-III or D-IV, with two full sets of wings and struts.
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/kit10.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2308)

The fuselage and engine cowling match the Windsock plan rather well, but the D-III's upperwing is too long in span (3+mm), and a little too short in chord (1mm). Quite impossible to fix without damaging the ribs, so...doing nothing will surely be less noticeable than the scars the fixing would leave. As for the elevator, the chord is much too short, so I'll rebuild it from scratch with rolling papers as covering fabric. The engine will also require a bit of detailing (adding the rocker rods mainly)

As usually I'll use Eduard PE for detailing the guns and adding belts to the seat and printed lozenges with lozenge rib tapes using the kit parts as a template:
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag28.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2322)

Both Orion figures have been painted, the girl being Lola Zink, Udet's fiancee, photographed in front of the aircraft:
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag32.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2346)

(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag31.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2345)

I've started the building with the painting of the wood grain using a Humbrol 93 base and oils:
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag33.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2347)

Detailing the Spandaus with the Eduard PE parts: I keep only the plastic breeches and muzzles.
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag35.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2349)

On the fuselage, a good part of the scribing has been filled up with CA as the panel lines are wrong and will have to be rescribed. Then I've carved the gun locations:
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag36.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2350)

On the lower wing, the aileron balance horns were too short. Their end was cut away and glued back in place after adding plastic strips. The aileron hinges were built from thin Evergreen strips. The shape of the upperwing cutout was wrong and had to be corrected.
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag38.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2352)

to be continued...
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: radio on July 03, 2015, 01:38:38 AM
Very good start.
Martin
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: RAGIII on July 03, 2015, 03:43:05 AM
Outstanding beginning work on this somewhat dated kit! Your detail work so far looks excellent!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: vincentm on July 03, 2015, 09:18:38 AM
Thanks. The 'main course' will be detailing the cockpit, which is rather empty (only a seat, rudder pedals and a stick). But the provided parts are a good base.
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: Des on July 03, 2015, 09:23:30 AM
You have made a good start Vincent, looking forward to seeing what you do with the cockpit.

Des.
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: Culi on July 03, 2015, 03:41:47 PM
I will follow this build. Its a nice little kit and great work so far.
I have the same kit, but the dcals are different, In mine set "LO" isnt included. However eastern express at least has issued those birds that others doesn't.
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: ALBATROS1234 on July 03, 2015, 05:29:01 PM
nice job,i have this kit so i will watch your technique
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: vincentm on July 29, 2015, 12:21:43 AM
thanks all.
Quote
However eastern express at least has issued those birds that others doesn't
Sure, at this scale, there's no alternative except old short-run kits maybe. The main issue is the span of the wings, which is almost impossible to fix IMO.

The elevator, the shape of which was also wrong, was scratch-rebuilt and covered with rolling papers:
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag39.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2371)

The paper has been painted tan-grey then varnished with Future which has tensed and hardened it:
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag40.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2372)

The wings were also painted tan-grey in order to later alter the lozenge colors, the way the fabric did:
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag41.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2373)

Then I've applied the lozenges, a one-piece decal on each face of the upperwing, which is rather comfortable as it also includes the rib tapes. Crosses were later added from the EE sheet. To the right: the seat with an additionnal cushion made from painted and sculpted putty:
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag42.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2374)

I have then added a lip from copper wire, to the cowling's aperture:
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag43.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2375)

The fuselage halves were rescribed relying on the Windsocck plans, as the original lines were wrong.
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag44.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2376)

Since then, I've drilled all the blind holes in the wings and fuselage, where wire hooks will be attached:
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: radio on July 29, 2015, 04:48:36 AM
Stunning work to this build, Vincent.
Martin
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: GAJouette on July 29, 2015, 10:06:06 AM
 Vincent,
Excellent works my friend. A tip of the hat to you fellas that build such wonders in such a small scale. Well Done
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: coyotemagic on July 30, 2015, 01:48:37 AM
Outstanding start, Vincent!  She's certain to be a stunner.  Love the work you did on the tail.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: Ernie on July 30, 2015, 10:07:43 PM
Outstanding start, Vincent!  She's certain to be a stunner.  Love the work you did on the tail.
Cheers,
Bud

You said it Bud!  Vincent you are doing an amazing job!
Looking forward to the next updates, my friend.

Cheers,
Ernie :)
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: vincentm on August 02, 2015, 08:21:49 AM
Thanks guys. I've started working in the cockpit. Going a little bit forward before making new shots.
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: Des on August 02, 2015, 08:28:11 AM
Superb work on the tail Vincent, amazing workmanship in 1:72 scale. The wing lozenge looks great and you did a really good job with the seat cushion, the engine cowl is shaping up nicely, again, amazing work in such a small scale.

Des.
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: RAGIII on August 02, 2015, 08:53:31 PM
Gorgeous work! The tail is amazing!!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: vincentm on August 14, 2015, 01:43:02 AM
Thanks. This technique also allows partially translucent flying surfaces. I think it could be useful on SPAD fighters but it would require to scratch re-build the entire wings...

The cockpit has been detailed with plastic bits around the original EE parts. A wall has been added behind the seat and the floor was cut so the bottom of the fuselage and control cables are visible like on the real machine. Arrows point to small platic pieces used to align the fuselage halves:
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag45.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2381)

Before the fuselage is closed. Instruments are slices of plastic rod with home printed instruments.
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag46.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2382)

After gluing the fuselage halves, I added the lower wing. I then added the caps on top of the cowling and the hook on which are attached the cabane wires. The joints between tail planes and the fuselage have been smoothed with Milliput.
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag47.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2383)

Cockpit view. Holes were drilled to let the aileron control rods go through:
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag48.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2384)

The bird is now ready for painting. The undercoats roughly match materials, the wooden parts being simply painted acrylic brown. The red paint should leave various shades and possibly the lozenges, see through. Arrows show the opened airscoops and the elevator horns.
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag49.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2385)

Since the last shot, I've masked the lower wings and cockpit aperture.
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: IanB on August 14, 2015, 02:07:24 AM
She's looking really good so far, Vincent. I've duly noted your corrections for mine when I get to it. Looking forward to seeing it painted.....

Ian

Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: radio on August 14, 2015, 02:25:01 AM
Wonderful work and painting, Vincent.
Cheers
Martin
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: RAGIII on August 14, 2015, 02:49:24 AM
I have had to re check the title to make sure this is 1/72nd scale! Awesome interior and terrific construction!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: vincentm on August 26, 2015, 08:38:04 AM
Thanks Martin & RAG.
Although the model is pretty small in 1/72, the cockpit is actually roomier than that of a Pfalz D-III at the same scale, the latter having a very narrow fuselage.

After having masked the lower wings and cockpit, the thing was sprayed with dark red, and then the lozenges were fitted on the wings. The engine has only received rocker rods to detail it:
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag50.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2386)

The red paint leaves the lozenges visible on the elevator, which was also probably the case on the real aircraft.
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag51.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2387)

Then the cowling was added with it's hooks for the drag wires. I glued the MG's after that, adding scratchbuilt ammo feeders and a small windscreen between them.
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag52.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2388)

After that, the U-hooks for the wires were added, then the rudder and it's hinges, and the control cables.
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag53.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2389)
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: IanB on August 26, 2015, 09:11:51 AM
Looking great Vincent! A very colourful bird for sure.

Ian
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: radio on August 26, 2015, 09:32:14 AM
Very beautiful Vincent.
Cheers
Martin
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: Des on August 26, 2015, 10:40:31 AM
That is a beautiful shade of red that you have used, looking forward to further updates.

Des.
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: coyotemagic on August 26, 2015, 12:50:26 PM
Outstanding work, Vincent!  She's shaping up beautifully.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: stefanbuss on August 26, 2015, 06:19:37 PM
Hm, i can't find the information i am looking for: Obviously you didn't use the kit's Lozenge decals. Which manufacturer's decals did you use instead?

Nice choice of red, btw.

Stefan
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: RAGIII on August 26, 2015, 08:10:41 PM
Your SSW DIII is looking great! Beautiful work on the painting. The shade of red is excellent! Terrific work all around.
RAGIII
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: ermeio on August 27, 2015, 06:33:31 AM
Very nice SSW, Vincent.
Bravo
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: vincentm on August 29, 2015, 04:04:37 AM
Thank you all.
The red is a mix of Humbrol 60 which is rather dark and brownish, and 19, a bright gloss red.
The lozenges are home-printed. I've scanned the wings and designed dedicated decals that fit the wings including the rib tapes. It helps spare a lot of time and the lozenge colors.

As usually, I built dedicated gigs for the upper wing. Then I glued the cabane wires thorugh holes in it, and then the cabane masts.
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag54.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2390)

The aileron push-pull rods were primarily put into the fuselage holes, then moved upwards to glue them under the upper wing.
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag55.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2391)

Afther that, the gigs were removed and the interplane masts cemented in place:
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/49/47/92/montag56.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/view/11494792/2392)
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: Des on August 29, 2015, 08:21:20 AM
This is shaping up beautifully Vincent, the technique of fitting the top wing was excellent.

Des.
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: RAGIII on August 29, 2015, 09:30:34 AM
Outstanding work on mounting the wing and locating the struts! This is turning into a Brilliant SSW in any scale!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: IanB on August 29, 2015, 10:02:55 AM
Beautiful work Vincent, I love the shade of red you've used.

Ian
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: vincentm on August 29, 2015, 07:05:21 PM
Thanks.
The gigs for the upper wing are rather easy to build. First you need to check if your kit is accurate by comparing the struts with a scale plan. If they're OK, you just need to draw the shape of the interplane gap, ie between the bottom of the upperwing and the top of the lower one. Then you just use this sketch as a template to cut the plastic gigs. For this kit, I only had to fine-tune them once (they just lacked 1mm in height).

The red is a bit brownish and dark, it's the idea I have of the kind of red paint I think they used back in that time.
Title: Re: Siemens-Schukert D-III, Eastern Express 1/72
Post by: radio on August 30, 2015, 04:10:06 AM
Wonderful work Vincent.
Cheers
Martin