forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Gisbod on January 24, 2016, 07:37:38 PM

Title: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on January 24, 2016, 07:37:38 PM

Hello all,

Apologies for lack of activity - we've moved house and I've just about got my model bench sorted..

As a result of Scale Model World, I was asked to write a feature on the Felixstowe build by 'Scale Aviation Modeller' magazine (just been published in the February issue). Although I'm sad to say Felix has departed this world for the great model graveyard in the sky during the house move. I carried her in a box in my car, not trusting the removal men, put her in a corner in the garage with express instructions to leave well alone - next time I checked she was at the bottom of a pile of heavy boxes and was squashed flat!!

Anyway, the offshoot from the article is that they want me to build more stuff for the mag and as a consequence they've sent me a beautiful box containing a WW Alby B.II and a Hannover! It's like Christmas all over again  ;D

I'll be starting the Alby soon and will be asking for lots of help as usual along the way.. Following the other builds with interest.

My initial thoughts are whether to use the kit decals or Uschi.. Although, I must say, I'm quite impressed with the kit decals.. They look great to me - the only drawback is that they're not translucent so will be difficult to personalise - will have to think on that (even considering the idea of the non-wood option?).

Also, I know spoked wheels are at a premium at the moment - so I'm toying with the idea of robbing earlier builds...  ???

Hints & tips gratefully accepted..

Guy

Ps probably won't get stuck in for a week or so due to work trips...

Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Des on January 24, 2016, 07:43:12 PM
It must have been devastating to see your beautiful Felix flattened, what a crying shame.

I'm looking forward to seeing you start work on the Albatros B.II, I'm sure it will be every bit as good as your Felix.

Des.
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: lcarroll on January 24, 2016, 11:23:33 PM
    Very sad news concerning the demise of your magnificent Felixstowe, I swear those "professionals" involved in the moving trade are specifically trained to destroy treasured possessions as a pre-requisite to employment! We are hoping to move in the coming year as well and I intend to have all of my models packed and in my vehicle before they are allowed in the door. Congratulations on the recognition you've received from the SAM Folks and I am looking forward to your B.II Build.
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Alexis on January 25, 2016, 01:01:59 AM
Man , that really sucks . Your Felix was just jaw dropping gorgeous . I would have cried for weeks after I crewed someone out for doing what they did .

Looking forward on seeing what you do with the B.II  :)



Terri
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Nigel Jackson on January 25, 2016, 01:29:06 AM
Hello Guy.

What sad news about the Felixstowe. Having  seen it in the flesh, as it were, at Telford, I know just how good it was. Still, good luck with the Albatros.

When we were chatting at Telford, you suggested one of the Tamiya 1/48 military vehicles as a nice, straightforward break from resin, scrachbuilding and rigging. Well I bought a British M10 Achilles and just bashed through it from the box. Great fun and refreshing. Thanks.

Best wishes
Nigel

Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: RAGIII on January 25, 2016, 02:04:30 AM
Man that is BAD news! On the other hand at least you have the satisfaction of your build article and the reward in the form of the Albatros! Looking forward to the build log as always!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Suffolk Lad on January 25, 2016, 02:14:41 AM
Guy, like others I'm truly saddened to hear of your unfortunate accident. Nothing can be said to ease the feeling after such an awful disaster.

Many years ago I backed my car over a box of my free flight models and that was bad enough - just sticks and tissue and relatively easy to replace but to think of all that work just gone is heart-rending. Unfortunately I didn't see your model at Telford but I did hear so much about it and from many sources too so my commiserations indeed.

Nice bit of luck though with the Hanover seeing as it's just joined the sold out list.

Looking forwards to hearing about your BII build in due course

Regards - Tug
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Bluesfan on January 25, 2016, 03:11:06 AM
Huge commiserations from me too - I bought that SAM last week when I saw your Felix was featured, eagerly turned to the article on the train home, and was stunned when I got to the kicker of the editor's note at the end. Your build was majorly inspiring to me and I'll be going back to it when I set about my own Felix.

Glad to see you set up for the B.II, I'm sure it'll be a beauty.

Mark
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on January 25, 2016, 06:56:19 AM
Thanks for the kind words..

Oddly, I don't feel too bad - I think I enjoy the project then it seems to slip from my consciousness..

Really looking forward to the Alby - looks great on the sprues. I didn't realise the Hannover had been sold out - there are quite a few now.. Surely they'll be brought back?

Guy
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Dave in Dubai on January 25, 2016, 08:24:39 PM
Maybe they will release a Hannover CL.III?

Will the removal company make good your loss of the Felixstowe?

When we moved house they gave us 28 days after the removal, to list any damage done, which they would make good.

Will be interested to see what you can make of the BII Guy,

Best of luck,

Dave :)
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: coyotemagic on January 26, 2016, 05:27:23 AM
I'm very sorry to hear about your Felixstowe, Guy.  She was gorgeous.  I must say, you're taking it much better than I would.  I'd have been seriously pissed.
Very much looking forward to your work on the B.II.  Lovely kit of a beautiful airplane.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on February 10, 2016, 06:42:01 AM

Just to get the ball rolling..

Going at a snail's pace due work and other stuff.. Roll on retirement!

Taken all the parts off the sprues and cleaned them up - taken a surprisingly long time. The kit is a beauty though, the best yet I think..

Just got some paint on this afternoon - the internal wood areas pre-painted. Can't decide whether to use oils or the kit decals?



(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/F2DEBD3D-F32A-4615-AE8D-B92968D71E5E.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/F2DEBD3D-F32A-4615-AE8D-B92968D71E5E.jpg.html)


It should speed up now a lot of the fiddly bits are done


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/A119253D-08E3-4E14-8E86-536712056893.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/A119253D-08E3-4E14-8E86-536712056893.jpg.html)


Guy
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Des on February 10, 2016, 06:49:36 AM
You have made an excellent start Guy, what you have achieved so for is looking great.

Des.
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: bobs_buckles on February 10, 2016, 07:41:54 AM
Cracking start, Guy  ;)
I'm hoping you elect to use the kit decals for the wood :)

Cheers,
vB
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: radio on February 10, 2016, 07:47:22 AM
Great beginning Guy.
Cheers
Martin
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: lcarroll on February 10, 2016, 08:17:38 AM
Cracking start, Guy  ;)
I'm hoping you elect to use the kit decals for the wood :)

Cheers,
vB

   I'm with Bob on this one Guy, I'd like to see what you think of the Kit's "wood" decals as well.
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: RAGIII on February 10, 2016, 08:41:22 AM
Excellent start Guy! I am looking forward to the next update!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Suffolk Lad on February 10, 2016, 08:50:56 AM
Great Start Guy, looking forwards to more in due course

Tug
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: FarEast on February 10, 2016, 11:04:02 AM
Really looking good! I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the build come together.
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: stefanbuss on February 10, 2016, 05:20:37 PM
Sad news on your Felix. I hope you will receive some kind of compensation for that.

And please try out the kit "wood" decals.

Stefan
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Pgtaylorart on February 10, 2016, 08:16:07 PM
Looking very nice, Guy!

I got to the same point on my B.II, but after experimenting with the kit decals and painting the wood with oils and acrylics, I'm not really satisfied with my results. I'm now waiting for delivery of wood decals from Uschi van der Rosten. James Machin (FarEast) got great results using these decals so I'm going to follow his lead. I'll be back to building when they arrive.

George
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Dave in Dubai on February 10, 2016, 08:21:09 PM
Love those leather arm chairs!
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on February 11, 2016, 05:50:15 PM
Thanks for all the comments,

Yep, I was hoping to use the kit decals - I've done some experimenting, but not sure I like them after all. For the internals, at least, I'm going to use the good old fashioned oils! I just think they look better.

I'll post some pictures later..

Guy
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on February 11, 2016, 10:24:40 PM

Done the oils - they don't look much in the photos, but I'm actually quite pleased with them in the flesh.

I tried a couple of the kit decals, but much prefer this look overall - shame really, as I wanted them to be great.

Their decals are beautiful, but I don't think they have the lozenge or the wood quite right in my opinion...


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/50715107-757C-42C9-BEEC-6C14F85AAC22.jpg)


Guy
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: RAGIII on February 12, 2016, 12:58:31 AM
You have achieved a very nice, and subtle grain effect. Well Done!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: radio on February 12, 2016, 02:16:46 AM
Beautiful painting.
Cheers
Martin
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Des on February 12, 2016, 06:41:01 AM
Very nice wood grain effect Guy, a lovely colour.

Des.
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Suffolk Lad on February 12, 2016, 06:26:32 PM
Some nice painting there Guy, you are off to a good start on this one. Looking forwards to the rest of your build on this one.

Regards - Tug
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Nigel Jackson on February 12, 2016, 10:51:18 PM
Very classy-looking, Guy.

Best wishes
Nigel
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on February 12, 2016, 11:01:38 PM
Thanks..

Another update..

Pretty much finished the engine - some token detailing with wire springs and leads - combination of Alclad and dry brushed with Humbrol Metalcote.


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/15A80860-91A2-44CE-9CE3-EBE9B96B86E8.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/15A80860-91A2-44CE-9CE3-EBE9B96B86E8.jpg.html)


View of the seat - acrylic base, some oil work & some buffing.


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/06F534D6-B6EB-4867-9D6F-3FF95FDFE8B2.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/06F534D6-B6EB-4867-9D6F-3FF95FDFE8B2.jpg.html)


Guy

Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: bobs_buckles on February 12, 2016, 11:25:48 PM
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3vgvbvH5N8/UWPS0VhPBWI/AAAAAAAABlI/C9yU2ZWYQfc/s1600/keep-calm-and-stay-splendid-5.png)
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: RAGIII on February 13, 2016, 03:57:35 AM
Lovely leather seat padding. I also really like your engine! The burnt metal effect looks awesome as do the plugs!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Des on February 13, 2016, 07:11:14 AM
Excellent work on the engine Guy, the added details make all the difference, and the seat is superb.

Des.
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on February 25, 2016, 10:26:30 PM
Afternoon all,

Plodding along.. Got the fuse together (finally!). Super fit as usual. I really like the way they've done this with the separate top and bottom panels. Seams are my Achilles heel, so this is particularly welcome for me  ::)



(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/0F5187D8-1415-4F17-9391-9B431617E749.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/0F5187D8-1415-4F17-9391-9B431617E749.jpg.html)


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/E2820F49-1202-4B53-8F32-7E823555D045.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/E2820F49-1202-4B53-8F32-7E823555D045.jpg.html)


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/7B4336E1-700A-4589-910A-248DAF3305B3.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/7B4336E1-700A-4589-910A-248DAF3305B3.jpg.html)


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/6125A4F6-C066-4A41-B64F-247E6612BA62.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/6125A4F6-C066-4A41-B64F-247E6612BA62.jpg.html)


Guy


Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: bobs_buckles on February 25, 2016, 11:23:59 PM
Looking rather splendid, Guy  ;)
Keep up the good work.

vB
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on February 25, 2016, 11:49:33 PM
Thanks Bob,

By the way, would anyone that has this kit consider sending me a spare prop? There are two in the box - I can't find mine and I think I've thrown them out with a sprue...  :P

Happy to pay all expenses paid and more! PM me if you're able to assist...

Thanks..

Guy
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: RAGIII on February 26, 2016, 12:04:37 AM
Neat and tidy work on the interior! Looks excellent! Sorry I can't help with the prop but I am sure someone will come through for you!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: kornbeef on February 26, 2016, 02:10:25 AM
Guy. Lovely work.

I've the kit, if these two in the box I can send you one no problem. I'm UK based too. Just hit me a PM with your address and it'll be on its way.

Keith.
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: coyotemagic on February 26, 2016, 02:40:57 AM
Lovely work on the cockpit, Guy!  Really looking forward to following this build.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: lcarroll on February 26, 2016, 06:17:41 AM
Lovely work on the cockpit, Guy!  Really looking forward to following this build.
Cheers,
Bud

+1 Guy, really nice work, the panel is superb!
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: oldalbie on February 26, 2016, 06:49:57 AM
Just lovely, I'm hoping to get one soon.
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Des on February 26, 2016, 06:58:39 AM
Splendid work on the cockpit interior, the instrument panel and seat look suoerb.

Des.
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on February 26, 2016, 03:36:28 PM
Guy. Lovely work.

I've the kit, if these two in the box I can send you one no problem. I'm UK based too. Just hit me a PM with your address and it'll be on its way.

Keith.

That's super kind Keith - much obliged  ;D

Thanks all for the comments.

Guy
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: FarEast on February 26, 2016, 04:26:52 PM
Thanks Bob,

By the way, would anyone that has this kit consider sending me a spare prop? There are two in the box - I can't find mine and I think I've thrown them out with a sprue...  :P

Happy to pay all expenses paid and more! PM me if you're able to assist...

Thanks..

Guy

Guy which version will you be building? I have two that I will build up differently so I can send you the prop I won't be using, for my current build. I will have a Garuda Propeller spare, let me know if you want it!

Also loving what you have done so far!
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Ernie on February 26, 2016, 08:21:50 PM
Really excellent work, Guy!  Your wood effect is very well done
and the cockpit in general is a gem!  Well done, my friend. :D

Cheers,
Ernie :)
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on February 27, 2016, 08:11:04 AM
Thanks Ernie  ;)



Guy which version will you be building? I have two that I will build up differently so I can send you the prop I won't be using, for my current build. I will have a Garuda Propeller spare, let me know if you want it!

Also loving what you have done so far!

Ah that's very kind of you James... But I think I've already got one from Keith...
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on March 05, 2016, 07:19:14 AM

Small update..

Got some paint on now. I'm using a base colour of Lifecolor. I went to my local model shop and looked through a number of manufacturers paints. I had an idea of what I wanted - a pale, almost white colour, but not too beige. I think I found it in their Dust no.1 and Dust no.2.

I've put down a deliberately patchy base, lighter on the top surfaces, darker below. The next stage will be to mask the rib tapes then mist over a lighter colour again, hopefully keeping the irregularities to subtly show through (well, that's the theory anyway).

(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/B16D1AB1-6168-422B-BBB9-D68CDDC9DC32.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/B16D1AB1-6168-422B-BBB9-D68CDDC9DC32.jpg.html)


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/247B78DA-88E0-4B6D-82AE-13208AECE9B4.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/247B78DA-88E0-4B6D-82AE-13208AECE9B4.jpg.html)


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/EC0291D5-352B-496D-96E5-BFBB8C8F4C9A.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/EC0291D5-352B-496D-96E5-BFBB8C8F4C9A.jpg.html)


The base of the fuselage has been painted in similar colours. I'll mask off panels and spray some variation later. I've got a set of the wonderful Uschi Van der Rosten decals heading my way  ;D I've definitely come to the conclusion I don't like the kit decals... I think I'm going to cut out the kit decals and use them as a template for the Uschi decals. I'm not sure if this will be practical yet, but I'll give it a go.


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/F5AC62C6-F2D4-4C5D-8558-B49749B52382.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/F5AC62C6-F2D4-4C5D-8558-B49749B52382.jpg.html)


Guy

Ps many thanks to Keith.. I'm now the proud owner of a B.II prop... :D

Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: pietro on March 06, 2016, 09:29:11 AM
Hello Guy, your wood work is fantastic. Subtle always looks better and in scale. Keep up the good work.
Pietro
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: RAGIII on March 06, 2016, 09:31:51 AM
Your shading and weathering of the wings is top notch! Lovely work all around to date!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Des on March 06, 2016, 12:36:50 PM
You have done a great job so far Guy, I am following this build very closely as I have the kit heading my way.

Des.
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on March 08, 2016, 01:29:09 AM
Thanks Pietro, Rick & Des   :)

Time to mask up.. All the ribbing done. Not as time consuming as you'd think with the 1 & 2mm tape.


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/3E20AA59-5E46-476C-9320-A5691DA2F718.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/3E20AA59-5E46-476C-9320-A5691DA2F718.jpg.html)


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/622A6F82-326C-4B8B-83CE-0C275023DA56.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/622A6F82-326C-4B8B-83CE-0C275023DA56.jpg.html)



Then I gave it a thin diluted coat of the light dust no.2. I wanted to make it subtle but there's always the risk of being too subtle and waste the masking! Overall it looked ok but I probably should have gone a teeny bit further as some areas are hard to see. I added some extra mottling with a thin paintbrush, then masked off the white marking backgrounds and sprayed these with Tamiya white with hint of buff mixed 60/40 with Tamiya Laquer thinners. This for me is the best paint to spray. Finished off with a dusting of Tamiya Smoke for some shadowing effects. I then sealed this in with good old Klear.


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/6F180916-470E-459F-8279-104E9B4F557D.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/6F180916-470E-459F-8279-104E9B4F557D.jpg.html)


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/53CDDEBB-7D66-4CFC-B8FC-FA0235A49138.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/53CDDEBB-7D66-4CFC-B8FC-FA0235A49138.jpg.html)


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/508EA432-F8DE-4984-9A22-A556E4716C45.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/508EA432-F8DE-4984-9A22-A556E4716C45.jpg.html)


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/AAB750EF-26D0-4A81-A366-38C225E41008.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/AAB750EF-26D0-4A81-A366-38C225E41008.jpg.html)


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/CEC19877-4B52-4F4C-9817-48B6B8596566.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/CEC19877-4B52-4F4C-9817-48B6B8596566.jpg.html)


Finished off the fuselage using a similar method and colour to the wings. Just waiting now for a lovely set of Uschi wood decals  ;D


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/939D20FE-A872-4A4F-9D24-BCF10DEC0698.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/939D20FE-A872-4A4F-9D24-BCF10DEC0698.jpg.html)


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/31B1F3E0-64C4-41A5-8CC7-79FB2EB647D9.jpg) (http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Gisbod/media/31B1F3E0-64C4-41A5-8CC7-79FB2EB647D9.jpg.html)


Guy



Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: RAGIII on March 08, 2016, 04:22:33 AM
Really awesome and inspiring painting! IU love the results!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: gedmundson on March 08, 2016, 05:00:52 AM
Nice progress Guy, I'm picking up a ton of techniques to try on my next project thanks to you. Thanks for taking the time to post tall this.
Cheers,
Gary
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Des on March 08, 2016, 06:29:48 AM
Excellent work with the shading on the wings and tail Guy, looking forward to seeing the wood decals applied.

Des.
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: lcarroll on March 08, 2016, 06:47:10 AM
Excellent work with the shading on the wings and tail Guy, looking forward to seeing the wood decals applied.

Des.
 

+1 Guy, this just keeps getting better and better!
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: xan on March 08, 2016, 09:11:54 PM
awesome!
have you pics of the real wings to see the ribs?
Xan
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on March 09, 2016, 12:09:07 AM
Thanks again  :D

Xan: only the pics with the instruction and what's on line.. Just meant to be a fairly generic representation of a framework.


Guy

No decals today!  :P
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: radio on March 09, 2016, 10:27:25 AM
Exellent painting Guy.
Cheers
Martin
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on March 11, 2016, 08:11:25 PM
Thanks Martin  :D

I received a beautiful box of goodies from Alex of Uschi van der Rosten yesterday  ;D


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/14FDF68F-B3B1-4B97-975D-3C1D76BCB6D5.jpg)


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/5BDB85E0-5AE6-4786-A0B1-BCF7F8510754.jpg)


Some cracking products here. I like the look of the real rivets and the leather decals look good too. It's a shame I've already done the seats as I would have liked to experiment with these.


Couldn't wait long to get going on the fuselage. I'd already prepped it up in anticipation and the fact that I already had the templates cut out (in the form of the kit wood decal sheet) meant that it wasn't a difficult job. It proved to be much easier than I was anticipating - simply cut around the decal then draw the outline on to the Uschi sheets and Voilá! A 'cookie cut' set of custom decals.

I think you can see in this picture the difference between the fairly agricultural Wingnuts decal to the Uschi product. And of course the Uschi decals are translucent allowing subtle effects to show through - the kit decals are opaque, so there is very little you can do to alter the appearance.


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/E540ACFD-A387-4C4E-88A0-DD79D7628D7F.jpg)



(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/9C50596D-AA64-482E-A9E5-9AF19584104B.jpg)



As previously mentioned, I'd masked off various panels and sprayed them all subtly different shades, then some very light pre shading around the joints. This all helps with the final finish. It's probably worth mentioning that the decals are very translucent, so everything shows through. Definitely want to be understated here. Too much and it will look unrealistic (to my eye at least).



(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/ADE24587-32C8-491F-9B5C-5FAB145F1914.jpg)



(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/B0A09BE3-430F-48DE-AF84-112E577C5401.jpg)



Guy
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: macsporran on March 11, 2016, 08:42:13 PM
Hey Guy,
Contrary to my comments about the B.II on another thread, can I just say that you are making the ultimate case for the type here. Exquisite modelling.
Sandy
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Dave in Dubai on March 11, 2016, 10:35:36 PM
A very nice subtle effect with the Uschi wood decals Guy.

Looks like another winner in the making.

Best wishes with the decalling,

Dave
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: radio on March 12, 2016, 05:10:16 AM
It looks very wonderful, Guy.
Cheers
Martin
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: RAGIII on March 12, 2016, 09:11:41 AM
The wood decals look excellent. I am looking forward to the next step!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on March 13, 2016, 03:39:39 AM
Thank you all,

Well, finished off the decalling and I'm a bit unhappy - they were looking gorgeous, did a bit of oil blending (shadowing) in the recesses - looked even better, but then gave it a Flory's models dark dirt wash and its spoilt it  :( Macro photos certainly don't help!! It's not a complete disaster, but it's just disappointing as it was looking spot on earlier today.

I don't know why, it's a great product but I guess I've made the schoolboy error of going a step too far. I'm thinking about stripping the whole thing back to plastic  ??? I have tried to remove it but I'm starting to damage the decals.

If I do go down that route, can anyone suggest a product to do this?

Thanks

Guy

(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/8f8ab92090323f9c679546e1d6a9e38a.jpg)


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/6447fcb16ef8e3fb937978bacb2fbcc5.jpg)


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/900cf26b35d713c6af0d2617911dc479.jpg)


Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: RAGIII on March 13, 2016, 09:07:01 AM
I am not seeing the issue! Looks really great to me. That being said only you can decide what pleases your eyes!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: GAJouette on March 13, 2016, 09:17:06 AM
  Guy,
From what I can see from here your wood grain decals look just awesome my old friend. Keep up your excellence!
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Des on March 13, 2016, 10:15:22 AM
As others have said, it looks perfectly okay to my eye, but you may be seeing a lot more than what we can see.

Des.
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: lcarroll on March 13, 2016, 12:27:02 PM
As others have said, it looks perfectly okay to my eye, but you may be seeing a lot more than what we can see.

Des.

Guy,
I'll add my comment to the rest, what "complete disaster" are you seeing?? It looks great to my eyes! The shading and highlighting look truly excellent and the wood tones are perfect. I'd say carry on and keep up the excellent work!
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on March 13, 2016, 04:54:33 PM
Thanks for the encouragement,

I think I was being a little melodramatic after a tough day! Looks a bit better this morning.

I think the issue was, it was looking absolutely bang on - one of those rare Nirvana moments in modelling where I was 110% happy, then that awful moment when you realise you've gone too far - not to be helped by a final dusting of varnish that looked like I just sprayed it in light gray paint  :o fortunately, when this dried it went all powdery and it largely rubbed off. Goodness knows what happened there. I was using Tamiya flat base thinned with their lacquer thinners? Maybe the flat base is a different composition to their paint? Anyway, it just about finished me off and it very nearly went in the bin!

It looks fine, but not as good as it was looking - so that's always a bit disheartening. I think decal removing now with all the different layers of effects - oils/ acrylics etc could end up being a complete b*lls up... :P

I'll crack on now and try and lighten up ...  :D


Guy

Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: boggie on March 13, 2016, 07:39:08 PM
Pleased to hear you are not so disheartened now.
Your not the first modeller here who saw things in a better light the next day.
Do you recall Prze's Felix hiccup? And what a cracker his model turned out to be.
With you skills I have no doubt that the final result will be excellent.
No doubt better than you imagine now.
And I think it looks very lifelike.
Looking forward to the next installment.
Per Ardua!  :)
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Des on March 13, 2016, 07:45:18 PM
I applaud your decision Guy to continue on with this build.

Des.
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: RAGIII on March 13, 2016, 11:10:46 PM
If I understand correctly you said you used Flat Base? This is made to dull glossy Tamiya paints when added and is not a flat clear coat. If you spray flat base directly it will always make a whitish film. I know from the first time I tried using it incorrectly. I used rubbing alcohol to remove the mess. It works great to create a semi matt finish if mixed with gloss coat. If I read your post incorrectly I apologize in advance.
RAGIII
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on March 13, 2016, 11:40:36 PM
Yep, Rick,

You're correct.. Another of my many mistakes. I thought it was a matt varnish.. ::)

Guy
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: RAGIII on March 13, 2016, 11:50:49 PM
Yep, Rick,

You're correct.. Another of my many mistakes. I thought it was a matt varnish.. ::)

Guy

That being said, I stand by my statement that I am not seeing any issues  :D Lovely to my eyes!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: gedmundson on March 14, 2016, 12:48:32 AM
Guy, I have to agree with everyone here - your wood grain fuselage looks excellent. Since these decals look so good I'm going to have to order some before embarking on this project myself.
Cheers,
Gary
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: coyotemagic on March 14, 2016, 02:27:30 AM
I agree with everyone else, Guy.  Your work is looking fantastic.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on March 14, 2016, 06:24:19 AM
Thanks again  ;)

Another mini disaster to report  :P I was fixing the cowlings on and used masking tape to hold them in place, but removing the tape stripped off some of the wood decal on both sides.. ??? I thought it should have been ok having varnished over the decalling but it's worth remembering they still are delicate. Fortunately, they're surprisingly easy to fix. I used a new scalpel blade and lightly scored a square shape around the damage - removed the rest of the decal within the square, then it's straightforward to cut a replacement. Phew.


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/f914192f3387e6c3f0c2d14cebe608a7.jpg)


I thought then it was time to start putting some of it together.


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/5694c5e3eb6282a7ad6eb714911cec56.jpg)


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/eddecd846bbd358a62ac84ab923c909a.jpg)


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/352950b978f0881713e475e976907fdb.jpg)




Guy
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Des on March 14, 2016, 06:56:21 AM
The added extras look fantastic Guy, the radiators really set it off as does the fuel tank and all the engine components, and what a massive windscreen, it sorta looks a little out of place on this old aeroplane, you are doing a superb job with this build.

Des.
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: RAGIII on March 14, 2016, 07:54:53 AM
This one is looking more awesome with each update! Nice fix on the wood decal incident. Really taking shape now  :D
RAGIII
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Suffolk Lad on March 14, 2016, 09:14:35 AM
Lovely work Guy - very effective outcome so far. I particularly like the effect you have on the wings.

Shame about the decal disaster but glad to hear it was easily overcome. For quite some time now I have used Kleer to attach decals though these tend to be the small stencil markings. I wonder if the adhesive power of this product would overcome this problem on larger areas.

Regards - Tug
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on March 14, 2016, 06:04:06 PM
Thanks Des, Rick & Tug  :D

I do seal them in with Klear, I'm sure if I used Klear as an adhesive that would be best, (I've used it too on small decals) but I'd be concerned about the quick drying time - it doesn't give you long to work with, but the end result would be more permanent . To be fair to the product - I did really press the tape on firmly - I just forgot about the decals! I think you can get away with masking but only low tack...

Guy
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Suffolk Lad on March 14, 2016, 09:47:13 PM
Guy - I first saw this technique demo'd at my club. One of our members, Brian, lays Kleer where the decal goes and then floats the decal into it, squeezing the Kleer out using a soft brush. No solvent is used and for most decals it does pull them down into shallow recesses reasonably well. Once dry another layer of  Kleer is brushed over to seal it in before that final light coat of matt/semi matt varnish. I have used this method ever since his demo but as said only on small, stencil size, decals. Not sure how it would work on larger areas like the wood work but he uses it on 1/32 scale markings without a problem.

Regards - Tug
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: radio on March 16, 2016, 06:22:21 AM
Exellent work with the woodgrain decals.
Cheers
Martin
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Gisbod on March 17, 2016, 12:28:04 AM
Thanks Martin and Tug  ;)

I finally feel like I'm getting somewhere now. I'm rigging this slightly differently to how I'd normally do it. By fixing the struts in place first - then loosely rigging before attaching the top wings. But that's as a consequence of the rigging being attached to the struts themselves and not the wing. This also allows me to cheat a little (I'm never one to overlook an easy option!). By drilling all the way through the struts I've just used one long length of fishing wire from one wingtip to the other zigzagging along the wing through the holes. I've represented the turnbuckles by Bob's Buckles 2mm brass tubes superglued adjacent to the strut.

As usual the wings and struts fit beautifully, but you definitely need to exercise caution - the struts themselves are super thin and very susceptible to breakage! I've had a few near misses already... I'm anxious to get the top wings in place to give the whole thing some rigidity and stop me breaking off a strut!


(http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac29/Gisbod/52d565ff27a7aeb298d828d95fd038c3.jpg)



Guy
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Des on March 17, 2016, 09:02:07 AM
Looking superb Guy, the positive mounting of the struts helps the whole procedure go smoothly, like your idea of the rigging.

Des.
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: RAGIII on March 17, 2016, 02:42:27 PM
Your rigging idea looks to be working well. The overall model is really looking fantastic
RAGIII
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Pgtaylorart on March 18, 2016, 02:59:04 PM
Great looking B.II, Guy!! I like your rigging idea.

George
Title: Re: Albatros B.II
Post by: Nigel Jackson on March 18, 2016, 10:00:45 PM
Glorious work so far, Guy.

Best wishes
Nigel