forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: TobyCoulson on November 28, 2015, 08:51:39 PM
-
It's been a long time since I was last here and that kit didn't end very well. Still on the shelf of shame ::)
I've decided to spend the rest of this year and next mostly concentrating on bipes and I've decided wisely or not to start with the Smer SE5a which I gather vaguely resembles an SE5a. Initial impressions are not good as a certain Mr Gordon has had a major hand in the moulding.
(http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s373/tobycoulson/Model%20aircraft/Smer%20SE5A/IMG_5186_zps6ib8ff0q.jpg)
For some reason Smer have put outlines of decals on the top wing so that'll be my first port of call once the flash has been removed.
(http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s373/tobycoulson/Model%20aircraft/Smer%20SE5A/IMG_5187_zpsi224rk4u.jpg)
-
If I am not mistaken the Smer kit is a re mold of the old Aurora 1950s version of the SE5a. The molded on roundels appeared on many kits at that time. Markers so we could align the roundel decals ! I am looking forward to seeing your work on this one! Thanks for coming back to the fold!
RAGIII
-
Same here! I like this kit and made 3,000 of them as a lad. It should turn out nice!
P.S. I love the look on Terry Thomas' face!!!! ;)
Dan
-
Welcome back, Toby. Looking forward to seeing this one come together. I always love a good SE5a.
Cheers,
Bud
-
Thanks all. It's good to be back. Anyone recommend a way of replacing the surfacer ribbing now that I've sanded the wings down to remove the offending moulds. I was toying with the idea of running some fishing line through glue and then placing them where the ribbing used to be under the wings. The top side is not really a problem.
-
Hello Toby
It is a terrible shame but I cannot see the pictures you posted because my computer will not let me. I love the US decal option you get with the Smer kit, I did build what I thought was a good looking effort from this kit until some idiot knocked it off the shelf and accidently trod on it. If I remember rightly I made the engine bits that poke out the sides smaller, thinned down the struts as mentioned earlier removed those awful cast in roundels. Being lazy I stuck a pilot in so I would not need to detail the interior.
Best of luck
Alan.
-
Hi Toby
Sorry our posts crossed as I posted mine after your last one.
I have used masking tape cut in thin strips, then put thick layers of paint over to re create the scalloped effect
Also sticky backed metal foil works well. Two or three layers on the top and one on the underside. Once again put layers of paint over it. The beauty of metal foil is that it can be sanded.
Finally 0.25mm plastic card cut into strips, sanded down if necessary and once again painted over.
Hope this helps.
Alan.
-
Following Alan's advice I've used small strips of masking tape to replace the sanded away ribbing. I'll spray over and then seen how they look and if needs be I'll add some more.
(http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s373/tobycoulson/Model%20aircraft/Smer%20SE5A/IMG_5189_zpsufxtl487.jpg)
Also I will need to fine sand the fuselage and tail but most of the heavy lifting so to speak is done. :D
-
It's probably too delicate for 1/48, but for my 1/72 builds I use somewhat thicker decal strips. Those old Dragon, Hasegawa or Tamiya decals are great for that.
-
Welcome back Toby, great to see you doing this build, what you have done so far is looking very good.
Des.
-
I did some more sanding last night and unfortunately dislodged some of the masking tape ribbing so I thought I'd experiment with a different method after all I'm using this kit on a trial and error basis so not too fussed it it goes belly up as I can revery to the masking tape method. I decided to use elastic sewing thread and wiped a thin amount of CA glue to attach it to the wing.
(http://s9.postimg.org/iu42n37un/IMG_5194.jpg)
-
Nice update.
Cheers
Martin
-
It doesn't really matter what method you use as long as it works for you, what you have done so far is looking really good.
Des.
-
My experiment has been a moderate success but next time I'll use monofilament fly leader as that'll stick better.
I painted on the interior wood using Vallejo natural wood as the undercoat with a top coat of the natural woodgrain.
As it won't be that visible I'm not overly worried if it is a bit rough.
(http://s22.postimg.org/9az7hb835/IMG_5197.jpg)
-
Toby,
Fantastic progress to date my old friend. I'm looking forward to seeing you turn a pigs ear into a silk purse.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
-
Looking terrific Toby! Like Gregory I am looking forward to your next update!
RAGIII
-
I'm awaiting some s/belts and IP decals before I go any further. I'm also purchasing large amounts of cider to help ::)
-
I really like the idea of building the old kits. A lot of work but satisfaction exceeds the effort ;) you can also use the HGW rib tapes but frankly speaking I haven't tried them yet. Keep up the good work!
-
Thanks. I do build old Frog and Matchbox kits mainly in 1/72 and this is my first departure from that scale. It's proving to be character building to say the least. Not heard of HGW before so thanks for the heads up. Haven't done much apart from painting the exhaust and drilling holes(fortunately I have a WNW SE5a lurking so I can use that for reference) for the rigging but the cheap drill bit gave up so I've ordered some decent ones. Never was the saying pay less pay twice more true. ::)
-
You are moving along quite nicely Toby, looking forward to the next updates.
Des.
-
Some rudimentary cockpit decal. I'll fabricate a joy stick later and I got some instrument decals from Airscale so hopefully it'll look something like an SE5a office. :)
(http://s14.postimg.org/d17fjidld/IMG_5229.jpg)
-
I've toned down the reddishness to a slightly softer yellow colour for the interior walls and IP. Painted up the exhaust and seat but still do some more on before I fit the belts which look way to big to go on the seat supplied. Also the IP is only a facsimile and obviously not the accurate but I'll doubt much will be seen anyway once the fuselage is closed up.
(http://s11.postimg.org/79a96tvxv/IMG_5239.jpg)
Btw is PC10 or 12 the RFC green required or is that a can of worms opened? I presume NIVO isn't used on this SE5a
(https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRFd2FgnpVKGIlCtPndTHYQbQPWoW9Df95YJ-jfLB4uzRcTj9Nz)
-
Nice work to date! You are doing great at making this Old kit look good. In answer to your question, PC 10 is the answer. Now as to what color PC 10 is...... :-X
RAGIII
-
Thank you sir. :)
-
Looking good so far for the old timer. I've never built this kit but am surprised that it has an engine block by the looks of it. Would probably be easy to open the hole in the bottom of the nose to see a little of it inside when done.
As far as wing ribs in 1/48 a good tip I have read (but not tried yet) was to mask the area between the ribs, then paint the exposed rib areas with Mr. Kit Surfacer 500, which is a thick lacquer based primer that when dry can be sanded smooth level with the masking tape. When you remove the masking tape you should have perfectly scale rib tapes, which in 1/48 scale should not be very thick at all.
-
Thanks Dave. I've used Mr Surfacer before but never for that. The engine block is pretty basic to say the least.
-
Coming along nicely, that old Aurora kit is still pretty accurate in shape, your work will be worth the effort.
Ed
-
It's basic and not very accurate to say the least but it'll do for this kit. Probably in keeping tbh ;).
(http://s2.postimg.org/3lbevfoc9/IMG_5241.jpg)
-
This is shaping up really nice Toby, looking forward to further updates.
Des.
-
Continuing to look very nice.
RAGIII
-
The seat is well rough but it's ready :)
I used some fuse wire for the joystick and some etched belts from another kit and scale. The ones I bought especially for this build deserve a far better kit(and probably modeller ;))
(http://s13.postimg.org/3q0uylevb/IMG_5244.jpg)
-
At last I can close up the fuselage.
(http://s4.postimg.org/42rh74fgd/IMG_5247.jpg)
-
The Vickers nose gun was missing in the kit so I've fabricated one of sorts to go onto the nose which I've had to cut a bit away to get it to fit. I will trim the barrel later.
(http://s13.postimg.org/tr0w94wt3/IMG_5297.jpg)
(http://s9.postimg.org/ql9rp4rbz/IMG_5290.jpg)
Also there is no Aldis sight included in the kit so I've made one up from the spares box.
I will cut the legs down once I've fitted the Lewis gun on the top wing.
(http://s2.postimg.org/ufenx3pcp/IMG_5292.jpg)
(http://s11.postimg.org/pkpbwtqsj/IMG_5294.jpg)
-
Hi Toby
Sorry the tape method caused you problems, the last thing I want to do is steer someone up the wrong path.
What you are doing so far is commendable. These Smer kits, although great value for money, they do need a fair bit of extra work. I worked on exactly the same kit a few years ago and also made the sight on the top and the gun in the radiator but it got destroyed in an accident before it was finished. Great work and unlike my one I look forward to seeing yours done.
Alan.
-
Nice job on this classic kit! :)
-
Nice work so far Toby, pity some of the important items are missing from the kit but you have managed to scratch build excellent replacements, well done.
Des.
-
Nice work so far Toby, pity some of the important items are missing from the kit but you have managed to scratch build excellent replacements, well done.
Des.
I agree with Des. Well done on making your replacement parts!
RAGIII
-
Wings on and holes drilled ready for rigging but first I have to build the jig I just bought and the instructions aren't that clear. Might take longer than building the plane ::)
(http://s17.postimg.org/9o4r76gj3/IMG_5313.jpg)
-
Looking good! I am looking forward to your progress!
RAGIII
-
She is coming together beautifully Toby, you will soon be at the most exciting part of building biplanes, the rigging :) :)
Des.
-
Misterkit PC10 on. Some tidying up needed but that can wait. Next up will decals and a varnish and then the fun begins.
(http://s21.postimg.org/bvt96mxrr/IMG_5317.jpg)
-
Beautiful work and painting until now, Toby.
Cheers
Martin
-
That is a lovely colour you used for the PC10, the model is looking excellent.
Des.
-
Excellent painting. The Mister kit PC 10 looks very good!
RAGIII
-
It's all coming together beautifully, Toby, and the PC 10 is really nice. Take your time to get the Jig right, it'll be worth the effort on this Kit as opposed to some that just fall together without the extra tools!
Cheers,
Lance
-
Exhausts, radiator and m/g added. Tbh the gun ain't much but it'll do as representation. I just hope it's not fired as it would take the top of the left bank of the engine off :)
I've put a light umber wash on the rad and engine to give it a weathered affect.
(http://s18.postimg.org/gpnc9g5vd/IMG_5319.jpg)
-
It`s a nice update.
Cheers
Martin
-
Fuselage decals on. Tomorrow I start work on working out how to fit the main struts and cabanes. Should be fun ;D
(http://s27.postimg.org/v941az5w3/IMG_5321.jpg)
-
Looks fantastic with the decals on Toby, you are doing a great job with this build.
Des.
-
Nice work on the decals. I like the scheme as I model 56 squadron aircraft myself!
RAGIII
-
Very fine work, Toby! She's coming along beautifully.
Cheers,
Bud
-
Fuselage decals on. Tomorrow I start work on working out how to fit the main struts and cabanes. Should be fun ;D
(http://s27.postimg.org/v941az5w3/IMG_5321.jpg)
Have you considered "pinning" the struts? I usually helps in the assembly and really strengthens up the entire model on some of these kits with butt joints on the struts. looking good with the decals in place!
Cheers,
Lance
-
Have you considered "pinning" the struts? I usually helps in the assembly and really strengthens up the entire model on some of these kits with butt joints on the struts. looking good with the decals in place!
Cheers,
Lance
Not quite sure what you mean by that.
-
Toby,
Drilling the ends of the struts and gluing wires (I use stainless steel guitar wire, many here use brass) and having a corresponding hole drilled in the fuselage where the strut attaches, then gluing it all in place. The advanced Kits like Wingnut Wings usually don't require this treatment as the struts are well engineered at their attachment points. Something you may want to consider as it really helps in the assembly process and certainly adds strength to the model. I'm building the Roden Seimens Schuckert DIII in 1:32 presently and it like your SE5a has very simple "Butt" joints for the cabane struts. I just finished "pinning" all the struts including the landing gear to save my sanity when I assemble it shortly!
Cheers,
Lance
-
Cheers Lance. That sound like a very good idea.
-
Et voilà!! No sooner suggested and it's done. I will trim the pins on the cabanes in due course.
(http://s10.postimg.org/vnedfk3eh/IMG_5323.jpg)
-
Great advice from Lance and a method used by many modelers on this forum, myself included.
Des.
-
You have accomplished using a common method that I have never attempted due to lack of courage! Great work!
RAGIII
-
Toby,
The ol'Girl is looking more and more outstanding with each new update my friend. No doubt we're seeing a silk purse in the making. Well done and keep up the outstanding progress.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
-
Main struts are a very good fit with very little fettling required.
(http://s10.postimg.org/snwzqba0p/IMG_5325.jpg)
-
Scratch built windscreen now on. Getting closer to the witching hour ;D
(http://s17.postimg.org/p8ytwptlr/IMG_5334.jpg)
-
Looking good -nice choice of decals, too!
-
You are moving right along and have this Old Model looking great!
RAGIII
-
Top wing struts painted. I may use some black decal strip to getter a crisper edge on the joints. Not sure whether to rig with EZ line before attaching or not. Might make it easier if I do.
(http://s4.postimg.org/ebcml33p9/IMG_5338.jpg)
I painted the prop with Vallejo fire orange first and then their transparent wood grain on top.
It might put another coat of woodgrain on and make the grain straighter. Then again I may not ;D
(http://s18.postimg.org/wetqxswl5/IMG_5339.jpg)
(http://s18.postimg.org/kqzp397g9/IMG_5340.jpg)
-
Aldis sight now fitted.
(http://s28.postimg.org/s72v9kd5p/IMG_5345.jpg)
Ready to use the new jig. Not sure whether I should attach the top wing first and then add the cabanes or put the cabanes onto the top wing and then do it all in one hit. Decisions decisions.
(http://s3.postimg.org/7fa0cy11f/IMG_5344.jpg)
-
Terrific progress! It looks as though you have the wing mounting under control!
RAGIII
-
Nice work with the strut and propeller colours. Looking really good with the top wing sitting in position.
Des.
-
Top wing and cabanes now very firmly attached.
(http://s30.postimg.org/pwlhnllhd/IMG_5355.jpg)
(http://s13.postimg.org/ka98x5u3r/IMG_5356.jpg)
Annoyingly my dry run and what was the final outcome were a bit different in so much as the pinning I'd done didn't marry up with the holes I'd drilled and the cabanes are slightly out of place. I'm going to live with it as this model was always going to be a bit of a test bed for future builds.
(http://s12.postimg.org/4wb0jq5zx/IMG_5352.jpg)
(http://s12.postimg.org/gwwgkgdel/IMG_5354.jpg)
I will address the cosmetic problem later on with some deft sanding and painting...I hope :o
I realise now it was a mistake adding the exhaust and cylinder heads when I did.
-
Having survived Xmas it's back to work on the rigging which has been fairly straightforward but fiddly.
(http://s15.postimg.org/5hd7nftt7/IMG_5386.jpg)
The front double rigging is attached to the top of the leading U/C strut so I've made up some templates to fit onto them so I can fit the wire through. I'll have so sand down where the struts meet the fuselage to hopefully give a flush fit.
(http://s2.postimg.org/x5ro56y3d/IMG_5387.jpg)
-
I still struggle to believe you are actually building Smer... I mean we have some great kit manufacturers in CZrep but these guys are beyond prehistoric :D you are actually doing them huge favour!!!! ;) Great work on it!!!
Cheerio
Lukas
-
I quote Lukas, the outcome of your work definitely "ennobles" the kit!
I like the PC10 finish from Mr.Kit (I use the same) and really love the tone of the struts, which colour(s) did you use on that?
Bravo again!
Antonio
-
I quote Lukas, the outcome of your work definitely "ennobles" the kit!
I like the PC10 finish from Mr.Kit (I use the same) and really love the tone of the struts, which colour(s) did you use on that?
Bravo again!
Antonio
Thanks all. I used Vallejo model colour natural wood.
-
Beautiful work Tobi.
Cheers
Martin
-
Front starboard rigging wires now attached to fuselage. Not entirely accurate but little option tbh. I'm going to leave it for some time to harden.
(http://s23.postimg.org/cozu67gaz/IMG_5389.jpg)
-
Great to see that you have started the rigging Toby. The old adage 'slow and steady wins the race' rings quite true when doing the rigging.
Des.
-
Indeed it does Des. All of the main wing rigging is done. Just need to trim and sand and then I'll start on the tail. I can see a light at the end of the tunnel....I think ;)
(http://s2.postimg.org/ogl76np21/IMG_5393.jpg)
(http://s8.postimg.org/bi8jvufud/IMG_5394.jpg)
(http://s8.postimg.org/5g0x5cred/IMG_5395.jpg)
-
Lovely job with the wing rigging Toby.
Des.
-
Your rigging has turned out beautifully! Very innovative idea for attaching the rigging to the undercarriage.
RAGIII
-
Toby,
Now that's some beautiful rigging my old friend. She's well on her way to becoming a Silk Purse!
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
-
Hmmm, the rigging really is a very nice piece of work, well done, Toby!
Cheers
Ondra
-
Very nice rigging Toby.
Cheers
Martin
-
All decals now on.
(http://s1.postimg.org/uydyyhzz3/IMG_5398.jpg)
Tail rigged. Not much more to do and now that Xmas and the NY is out the way I can crack on rather than crack open :)
(http://s22.postimg.org/vrc9x4nv5/IMG_5400.jpg)
-
Looks very good Toby.
Cheers
Martin
-
Really shaping up now 8)
Terri
-
Continuing to be a very nicely done build of this OLD kit!
RAGIII
-
It gets better and better with each update.
Des.
-
More or less done. I'll do a little bit of tidying up and then I'll make up a little diorama and post some more pictures on the completed thread. Btw are there any WW1 airfield accessories in 1/48th scale available? I'm sort of pleased with it but I've learnt a lot from this build.
(http://s7.postimg.org/ek2qjd763/IMG_5412.jpg)
(http://s17.postimg.org/x8ewcdmgf/IMG_5420.jpg)
(http://s15.postimg.org/qp89tzt63/IMG_5418.jpg)
(http://s15.postimg.org/4aqldrqej/IMG_5417.jpg)
(http://s15.postimg.org/ukbnwkcbv/IMG_5419.jpg)
-
wow it's a real beauty!
-
This is a very nice bird, Toby.
Cheers
Martin
-
Toby,
Now that's a real beauty my old friend. You know at some point in the future I'd love to see you build another SE-5a from the same kit. I've a feeling the more you build and learn the the better the finished project will be. Looking forward to whatever the next project may be.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
-
Not sure there is lot's of WW1 accessories out there for doing dioramas . What type of items are you looking for ?
Terri
-
Hi Toby, not much available in 1/48 for diorama accessories, although the Eduard RFC Personnel set is a good start: http://www.internetmodeler.com/2006/march/first-looks/eduard_brits.php
Another useful place to look is in O scale model railroading parts, I'm sure looking online at places like Walthers will let you find a large selection of gas cans, barrels and tools, although finding what would be useful for WW1 would be a challenging project.
Hope that helps.
Dave C
-
Not sure there is lot's of WW1 accessories out there for doing dioramas . What type of items are you looking for ?
Terri
I was thinking of some refuelling rigs and I've managed to find some from CMK. Maybe a tent or mobile kitchen as well
-
Hi Toby, not much available in 1/48 for diorama accessories, although the Eduard RFC Personnel set is a good start: http://www.internetmodeler.com/2006/march/first-looks/eduard_brits.php
Another useful place to look is in O scale model railroading parts, I'm sure looking online at places like Walthers will let you find a large selection of gas cans, barrels and tools, although finding what would be useful for WW1 would be a challenging project.
Hope that helps.
Dave C
Hadn't thought about O gauge. I was always OO when I was a lad. Thanks will investigate
-
Toby,
Now that's a real beauty my old friend. You know at some point in the future I'd love to see you build another SE-5a from the same kit. I've a feeling the more you build and learn the the better the finished project will be. Looking forward to whatever the next project may be.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
I think I'll give the Smer SE5a a miss after this. :o I do have one of their Ansaldos but I'm planning on doing a captured Albatros D.V. (1/48 Eduard) with decals from Pheon. Just need to workout which lozenge patterns I need.
-
Nicely done as I have said previously. You made an Old Relic of a kit look pretty darn good! Thanks for sharing your build log. I am looking forward to the Albatros Build!
RAGIII
-
Nicely done! I remember myself building one 25 years ago... Yours is trully great!