forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Completed models => Topic started by: Epeeman on March 25, 2016, 03:08:25 AM

Title: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: Epeeman on March 25, 2016, 03:08:25 AM
All,

Just completed this kit yesterday evening.

A fair bit of added (basic) detaining comprising of:

Knocking up rudder bar;
Cocking lever for Vickers gun;
Seat cushion and headrest made from Milliput;
Seat belt/harness;
Rigging cockpit;
Opening up all inspection windows, vents, wheel/tyre valve opening, Lewis gun muzzle and Vickers air cooling jacket;
Correcting Lewis gun drum magazine;
Adding aileron control horns;
Adding radiator cap and pitot tube on starboard interplane strut and dummy engine underside.

Rigging is supplied in the kit in the form of PE set - but only used the rudder control horns and wires.   A nice idea but I could not see how you could apply these to the model without bending or distorting them as they are very thin.   I therefore rigged with 4 lb fishing line instead which has given model a bit of structural strength.  The model when complete is pretty heavy - I managed to break both wheel axles whilst handling and rigging.  I therefore repaired these using some metal wire which has made the wheel nice and solid now.

I know this kit has been heavily criticised for incorrect detail - but all and all a very, very nice kit that fits together extremely well and you end up with a lovely large scale model.  Basically, Merit have simplified the kit to make (I presume) for an easier build.   This kit would be a great project for those of you that enjoy super detailing work.   I highly recommend this particular kit.

To give you an idea of size, one picture taken with WNW's version of this aircraft for comparison.

I know this kit has shortcomings in terms of detail, so politely request feedback on quality of build only please.

Regards

Dave

(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/001_zpsrarraljm.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/001_zpsrarraljm.jpg.html)

(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002_zpsk714ac97.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/002_zpsk714ac97.jpg.html)

(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/003_zpsgpdny0so.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/003_zpsgpdny0so.jpg.html)

(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/005_zps4oebotci.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/005_zps4oebotci.jpg.html)

(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/006_zps0ty1atjr.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/006_zps0ty1atjr.jpg.html)

(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/007_zps8rz72sq3.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/007_zps8rz72sq3.jpg.html)

(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/008_zpsnrnf4zep.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/008_zpsnrnf4zep.jpg.html)

(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/009_zpsrk4psppj.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/009_zpsrk4psppj.jpg.html)

(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/011_zps3jevzo7k.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/011_zps3jevzo7k.jpg.html)

(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/012_zpsl0twda4d.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/012_zpsl0twda4d.jpg.html)

(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/013_zpsdhnrmbpj.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/013_zpsdhnrmbpj.jpg.html)

(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/014_zpsvbrfndbp.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/014_zpsvbrfndbp.jpg.html)

(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/016_zpskktfdhov.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/016_zpskktfdhov.jpg.html)

(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/017_zpscq8jea1u.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/017_zpscq8jea1u.jpg.html)

(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/018_zpsd5ffoy2e.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/018_zpsd5ffoy2e.jpg.html)


Title: Re: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: lcarroll on March 25, 2016, 03:53:55 AM
   Lovely clean Build Dave, the finish and rigging are superb. Thanks for the comparison shot, she is a big old beast alright! A super detailed project as you suggest would be tempting, especially if some good After Market items were made available.
   You've done a very nice job on it, are you thinking of doing the DR.1??
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: Des on March 25, 2016, 06:49:37 AM
A very nice looking model Dave, the overall finish is superb and the rigging is very well done.

Des.
Title: Re: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: Gisbod on March 25, 2016, 08:12:40 AM
Nicely done Dave,

Now if only Winguts brought out a 1/24th kit...  :o ;D ::)

It's making me drool just thinking about it  :P

Guy
Title: Re: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: GAJouette on March 25, 2016, 08:19:13 AM
 Dave,
Now that's a big one alright. Beautiful project my old friend. I which you had done a build thread,I'm most interested in seeing this kit built up step by step as I'm considering acquiring this kit.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
Title: Re: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: dr 1 ace on March 25, 2016, 09:15:00 AM
A very nice looking model Dave, the overall finish is superb and the rigging is very well done.

Des.

Ditto !! Nice job and that 1/3 larger than 1/32 really shows here !

Ed
Title: Re: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: dr 1 ace on March 25, 2016, 09:19:06 AM
Nicely done Dave,

Now if only Winguts brought out a 1/24th kit...  :o ;D ::)

It's making me drool just thinking about it  :P

Guy


Plenty to do 1/32 yet, they seem focused, doubt they'll go to 1/24.

Ed
Title: Re: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: gedmundson on March 25, 2016, 11:58:30 AM
Excellent model Dave! Like the guys have said, the finish and rigging are superb.
Cheers,
Gary
Title: Re: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: Jamo on March 25, 2016, 01:38:37 PM
Hi Dave
Question for you: how were the instrument dials done? With decals? Were they any good?
Nice finish - I like the size of the model too
Regards
James
Title: Re: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: Epeeman on March 25, 2016, 06:38:36 PM
   Lovely clean Build Dave, the finish and rigging are superb. Thanks for the comparison shot, she is a big old beast alright! A super detailed project as you suggest would be tempting, especially if some good After Market items were made available.
   You've done a very nice job on it, are you thinking of doing the DR.1??
Cheers,
Lance
Lance,

Thank you

Probably although I believe Merit are going to release a Spad 7 at some point which would interest me more.

[quote author=GAJouette link=topic=7095.msg130648#msg130648 date=1458857953
 Dave,
Now that's a big one alright. Beautiful project my old friend. I which you had done a build thread,I'm most interested in seeing this kit built up step by step as I'm considering acquiring this kit.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
[/quote

Thanks Gregory - I'm really sorry that I did not a build log now.  However, you should really get hold of this one as overall an excellent kit that fits together very well.  I would be very pleased to see what you could achieve with this one, mate.
Hi Dave
Question for you: how were the instrument dials done? With decals? Were they any good?
Nice finish - I like the size of the model too
Regards
James

Cheers, mate.  Yes, instruments are decals as supplied in kit.   The kit decals are absolutely fine.  The only thing I did was to separate them and apply individually as on sheet they are all together and would have been awkward to apply as one.

Gary, Ed and Guy - thank you for taking trouble to view and post your kind comments which are appreciated.
Title: Re: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: Gisbod on March 25, 2016, 06:56:50 PM
No probs Dave,

I'm tempted.. I know others really don't like the kits, but it looks a fun build with potential as you've shown. I'd like a peek at the Triplane..

I would have liked to have seen the build too!

Guy
Title: Re: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: RAGIII on March 25, 2016, 07:09:48 PM
Dave,
You have done your usual beautiful work on this one! This is the second one of these I have seen built and yours makes the kit very tempting! Excellent rigginf and opening up those inspection panels makes a big difference! Well done all around!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: Monty on March 29, 2016, 03:43:02 AM
A really great build! I'm very tempted by this kit now...
Regards,
Marc
Title: Re: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: Alexis on March 29, 2016, 10:07:10 AM
She turned out really well . Not sure I would have the room to build this and finding a place to display it would also be a factor .



Terri
Title: Re: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: ermeio on March 29, 2016, 05:45:00 PM
Nice Se 5, Dave!
It would grace any collection.
Title: Re: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: lone modeller on March 30, 2016, 03:36:25 AM
I saw this nearly complete and now I can see the photos it has really lived up to expectations. A simply superb model with your usual extremely high standard of paint finish. Many congratulations Dave - another top job and no mistake.

Stephen.
Title: Re: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: coyotemagic on April 01, 2016, 02:20:27 AM
Truly Magnificent, Dave!  Splendid work all 'round!
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: Epeeman on April 01, 2016, 02:29:35 AM
Dear all,

Thank you for all your kind words.

This is not a bad kit and builds up a treat.  I have not gone overboard with this one.  I would love to see what others could do in terms of more detailing work.

Regards

Dave
Title: Re: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: ModelCellar on August 04, 2016, 12:26:47 AM
Hi Dave,

I just registered on ww1aircraftmodels last week and have been enjoying the forums.  I'm just seeing your build now.

WOW  Great job!  This really came out NICE.

Did you happen to also do the Fokker?  If so, I'd like to see pics of that one too.

regards,
Paul
Title: Re: Merit 1/24 SE5a
Post by: Manni on August 04, 2016, 06:55:40 PM
Yes, looks great. I think it was fun to build.
I have won the Fokker at the EME (European Model Expo) for my Gotha but I will wait on that build till the Aftermarket starts to do someting for theese kits; at the Fokker there are some minor and major things to be corrected. How about the SE5? Was it correct?
Manni