forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: IanB on March 31, 2016, 07:17:14 AM
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I know, I must be mad...but hot on the heels of the Roland I felt I had to butcher some more plastic, and this one is one of the best candidates for that treatment!
This is a fairly new boxing, and it looks as thought the moulds have been cleaned up as most of the details are very crisp. It's a shame most of it will have to be removed anyway! The decals are new and include a Belgian version, although for reasons best known to themselves, all 4 RFC wing roundels still have the white outer ring, instead of just the 2 for the upper wing! So aftermarket decals will be needed anyway.
I'm sure we all know and love this old relic from our childhoods but here's what I started with:
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4280/35332161000_569e840a90_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4051/34877972654_d303280510_c.jpg)
I also have a resin engine from Choroszy, an Aeroclub prop, and Miniworld guns/Scarff ring:
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4007/35588386801_f9f0152943_c.jpg)
So....on with the butchery!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4206/34910077293_8927fb9747_c.jpg)
First of all I needed to figure out an accurate reference point for all the alterations. After comparing the fuselage to the Datafile plans, it appeared that the distance between the front edge of the pilot's cockpit and the firewall was pretty accurate, and from there to the tip of the nose wasn't far off either, so that's where I started.
The first casualty was the moulding inside the engine compartment which represents the air scoop and the engine block, and on which the kit cylinders mount. All that plastic was cut away, leaving an open engine area to be further thinned and detailed later.
Next I figured out that the pilot's cockpit was too wide, front to back, and the fuselage as a whole was about 5mm too long. The first cut was therefore made down the centre of the cockpit. Each edge was then sanded to reduce the size of the cockpit until it was correct, then the two halves were reattached.
This pic shows the fuselage after both those jobs were done:
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4239/35588739891_f6db969b5b_c.jpg)
That's where it sits for tonight, tomorrow the second cut will be made, probably between the cockpits to bring the observer's further forward, but I'll confirm that then...
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
edit: I forgot to mention I also have a Barracuda Resin seat for it....
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Great to see you having a go at this kit Ian, there has been a lot of talk about this release, some good and some not so good, I imagine that with your skills you will turn this into a real gem, what you have done already is excellent and a promise of good things to come.
Des.
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I guessed wrong on your choice on what was next but this will be better than my guess (Pegasus D.H.4 Liberty)!
Can't wait to see this one done. You're off to a great start already!!
John
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Glad to see you tackling this one. I've got one of the older releases in the stash for "someday", and was unaware there was a newer release. I guess that's OK though since, as you said, the major problems still persist.
Following this one for sure.
Warren
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I have one too. I will follow you for guidance. I don't know if I can do fuselage surgery, but we'll see.
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I will follow along just to be awed by what you do with this old relic. Nice start!
RAGIII
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Thanks all, I hope this will turn out to be better than the Roland!
John, it could have been the DH4, but I want to replace some of my older efforts first due to space issues...the Roland, Fokker E.III, RE8, Sopwith Pup, and Fokker DrI are all in line for replacement. Then I'll move on to new ones.....the Muromets is still hovering close to the bench too, and I now have the perspex and brackets I need to build a coffee table case for it, so that may also reappear soon!
Ian
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I look forward to this, Ian!
Chris
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This will be an interesting build, Ian, and I am looking forward to seeing
it unfold. Very nice start with the fuselage "surgery", my friend.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Excellent choice for your next project, Ian! Like you, I really enjoy re-working older, less than perfect kits.
Cheers,
Bud
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Thanks all, much appreciated!
Here is part 2 of what promises to be a bit of a saga...
After remeasuring, it turns out that the length from the front edge of the pilot's cockpit to the start of the rear decking is correct, so the problem is that the observer's cockpit is too far aft. To remedy this, I squared off the rear part of the cockpit opening and glued in a couple of fillets of plastic card. They were left to dry overnight and I then used the Miniworld Scarf ring to mark where the opening should be and clipped out most of the plastic with sprue cutters.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4289/35588423631_37aa0876b7_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4154/35719289605_770c0a871a_c.jpg)
A session with a small curved jeweler's file completed the major work there, it will be refined when all the major changes are done and I separate the fuselage halves again. The insides will need some thinning out!
The next step was to work out where to remove the rest of the excess length. It turned out that the turtledeck was too long, so I marked the cut at the rear of the observer's cockpit, just where it joins the decking. I marked 2 lines with 1mm masking tape, the 2nd one being the rear of the 2mm piece that needed removing.
I cut between the two lines, making sure I didn't get too close to either of them...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4256/35332155480_1d21b8148c_c.jpg)
I was left with the 2 halves, each with a piece of masking tape on, and simply sanded each one back to the tape..
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4072/35550513602_9842e0edfe_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4285/34877970964_e5afaf8f87_c.jpg)
The two halves were then reattached, making sure that the rear part was raised to the level of the front - the step between the 2 that exists on the kit should not be there...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4012/35588743701_99945e7169_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4284/34878342994_ae9f31d1c8_c.jpg)
This now leaves a couple of small issues to sort out...the fuselage now has a step at the bottom, but since it was far too deep anyway, the front half will simply be sanded down to match the rear, sorting both the step and the error in depth at the same time. I will also need to sand the sides slightly to match them but that is a very small lip and won't really affect anything.
You will also notice a line of "stitching" below the cockpit which should match the line along the bottom of the rear decking. This is also not a major problem as the cockpit sides are too low and need to be raised. This line of stitching should actually be a straight line which runs along the bottom edge of the rear decking, (correct on the kit!), rearwards to the tail, and forwards, just under the cockpit sides, to the front. All I need to do is remove all the moulded stitching and add some PE stitching in that straight line - it does match up as reassembled! The upper surface of the tail, just aft of the decking will need to be sanded down as it is too deep (top to bottom) and kinks upwards, so it will be straightened to match the above mentioned stitching line.
So that, basically, is all that is required to correct the fuselage - not as much work as I'd expected! A lot of sanding, but not too much surgery....at least I hope that is all of it, it certainly matches the plans pretty well now!
As mentioned there is still a lot of thinning etc to do internally.
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Continuing excellent work, Ian. A very interesting build, my friend!
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Exellent work Ian.
Cheers
Martin
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Terrific progress Ian!
RAGIII
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Just found this Ian - just wonderful what you are doing. I have seen other threads on improving this ancient kit (it was one of Airfix's first releases from 1957/8 if my memory is correct) and it is a shame that it has not been retooled, (though perfectly understandable why not). This will be another of your wonderful logs on how to bring up to standard what is by today's standards a crude kit: but one which, like all the others, has real potential. What is striking is how simple (so far) the alterations are - just hope they remain so!
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Thanks folks, your comments are, as always, much appreciated!
Today I have mostly been making a mess..... ;D
I started off by taking the sanding sticks to the fuselage and removing the slight edges at the sides, and the large step underneath, where the two rear halves were joined. While I was at it I further sanded the rear half of the underside to reduce it's depth along the entire length. This also brought the angle where the slant up to the tail starts, forward to the rear wing spar, where it should be. All the remaining "detail" on the fuselage sides was also removed with the one exception of the inspection panel at the right rear of the engine. I had thought that the rear decking was correct, but unfortunately it isn't. The total distance from the front edge of the decking to the rudder post is now correct, but the area which has moulded detail for the turtledecking extends too far back, and the decking should be flat where it blends into the rear part of the upper fuselage frame - it is barely visible. To try to correct that I mad a small cut down from the top at the correct end point of the turtledecking, then sanded the detail aft of that flat. Small pieces of plastic card were added to bring the fuselage rear up to the same level as the end of the decking, and they will be blended in properly when dry. Finally on the fuselage I added fillets to the pilot's cockpit sides and they will also be shaped correctly when dry.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4260/35719275065_2872f43492_c.jpg)
Since that meant I couldn't do any further work on the fuselage, I decided to start on the wings. I seriously thought about just scrapping them and scratchbuilding new ones - it would have been quicker and easier, they are that bad! But I wanted to see what could be done with the kit ones in case anyone wants to try this and isn't too confident with scratchbuilding.
So, out with a large knife and I started scraping. By far the easiest and quickest way to remove large amounts of plastic, but it does get messy - this is 1/2 hour's work and was just one side of the upper wing!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4082/35332189950_37447568f4_c.jpg)
Another 1/2 hour scraping the other side, followed by 15 minutes with a coarse sanding stick, then the medium, then the fine, gave me this....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4213/35332152680_57a46d6484_c.jpg)
It's still a little thick, but it's a vast improvement, and if I take it much thinner it'll be too weak. So that's the thickness sorted, now I need to chop it up and correct the length......
Thanks for watching...
Ian
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Good job on the wing, Ian...much better!
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Big improvements your pulling off on this, Ian. It's taking this Kit far beyond it's quality and a whole lot more, great work!
Cheers,
Lance
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My you have put that wing on a diet! One of the worst features of this kit are the grossly overtrick wings: this is a huge improvement. The fuselage changes also look very good - this is going to be another of your builds to watch.
Stephen.
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Wow! I never realized how much extra plastic was in those wings! Outstanding work to date!
RAGIII
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Excellent work thinning the wings, they look more in scale now, and also very nice work with the fuselage.
Des.
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Thanks everyone
Just for s**ts and giggles, I mic'd up the lower wing....apparently Airfix's reference aircraft had 6" thick wings, with a 3" thick trailing edge...amazing what they could get to fly back then!
Anyway, today saw the cockpit sides shaped, and the cockpit interior thinned down. I then marked up the inside for framing.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4209/35550554402_0039a89220_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4126/35719272035_907caf0531_c.jpg)
After all that, I attacked the lower wing and thinned that down.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4241/35332152260_f8dc210b62_c.jpg)
Thanks for watching!
Ian
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Excellent work, Ian! A vast improvement already.
Cheers,
Bud
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we don't have a thumbs up button so I will just say Awesome!
RAGIII
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we don't have a thumbs up button so I will just say Awesome!
RAGIII
Ditto!
Stephen.
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A little more sanding and clean up done to start today.
First, the rear fuselage was still too deep, so I sanded off about 1/2mm along its length. Then I removed the tip of the nose and the the rear of the engine compartment, both will be replaced with plastic card once the fuselage is together. The rear of the engine compartment is actually just a fuel tank on the top half and open at the bottom, so the bottom half will remain open back to the firewall. Finally, the top of the engine compartment was sanded to give a slope up towards the front. The engine in the RE8 was mounted at an angle to give better take off performance and that is part of what gives it the characteristic "bent back" look.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4259/35588429981_158fa66e1a_c.jpg)
After that, I made a start on the internal framing and floors. The firewall is part of a beer can, I'm not worried about the top as that will be hidden. Coming on ok so far!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4259/35719270115_cec3b12842_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4124/34909733033_ce84b0a9b6_c.jpg)
Thanks for watching!
Ian
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The fuselage frames and flooring are looking excellent.
Des.
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Truly a master class on how to cut and polish a diamond! A truly fascinating build!
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Wow! The interior framing is a great addition, Ian.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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This diamond was certainly rough to begin with but it will be many carrats worth when it is finished.
Stephen
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This will undoubtably prove interesting.old man did a similar project a few years ago I have to look for a link.
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Thanks all,
I remember Ole Man's build, haven't seen him around for a while......I'll look it up. Not much done today, I've been concentrating on putting together the perspex for an under-the-coffee-table display box! 8)
I did, however, print out a copy of a cropped version of one of TVAL's pics of their instrument panel, and white glued it to a piece of plastic card for use as the panel. It doesn't compete with a proper decal, but it's a lot better than a painted one!
Ian
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Great aditional work Ian.
Cheers
Martin
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There's certainly some drastic surgery going on with this one!
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Thanks folks
A little more progress on the interior....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4057/35550553062_f20a2603da_c.jpg)
Ideally I would have entirely removed the area where the lower wing joins the fuselage, but with the surgery done in that area I think the fuselage sides would be too weak, so I've just thinned it down. This does mean that there is a step up, instead of down, from the observer's floor to the "fabric" under the pilot's cockpit, but I'll live with that.
I can now make a start on the fuselage cross members and some of the smaller detail items....
Ian
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You are doing a fantastic job with the fuselage interior Ian.
Des.
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Gorgeous interior, Ian!
Cheers,
Bud
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Gorgeous interior, Ian!
Cheers,
Bud
Plus one Amigo! Hard to believe that interior is in the OLD Airfix kit! What a difference you are making!
RAGIII
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Fantastic work on what can best be described as the only 1/72 RE8 available. One day someone will make a decent one but you are doing a magnificent job on this old clunker.
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Fantastic work on what can best be described as the only 1/72 RE8 available. One day someone will make a decent one but you are doing a magnificent job on this old clunker.
Choroszy do a rather decent RE8 It has about 80 pieces.
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Fantastic work on what can best be described as the only 1/72 RE8 available. One day someone will make a decent one but you are doing a magnificent job on this old clunker.
Choroszy do a rather decent RE8 It has about 80 pieces.
Thanks. Wasn't aware there was another in that scale.
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The interior looks terrific, Ian! Really well done, my friend.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Thanks all, much appreciated!
Nearly done on the interior now. I just have to finish off the observer's stool and then add that, and a couple of linkages to the control column and it can all be closed up.
Here's where it sits at the moment..
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4206/35588428001_aaf4d6f2dc_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4259/35719268315_abd8263ae3_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4147/34877986214_152d09dbc0_c.jpg)
The Barracudacast Resin seat is truly incredible, along with the Eduard PE belts it makes a huge difference!
Thanks for looking in
Ian
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You are doing a great job with this build Ian, the fuselage interior is excellent.
Des.
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Your cockpit is looking stunning. The seat and belt add a lot. The overall ook is perfect for the scale and could be mistaken for 1/48th or larger!
RAGIII
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Continue to march Ian, and press on sir!
Warren
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Thanks gents.
The nice thing about the RE8 is that the cockpits are large and behind the wings, so a lot of the detail can be seen. I finished the observer's stool and added that....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4258/34877968304_e4d2df14fd_c.jpg)
and then the fuselage was joined. There are no location lugs on this moulding for some reason, so a little careful adjustment, and then some masking tape to hold it all. ....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4281/34878344494_da8a3b0fd6_c.jpg)
I then added the fuel tank front, and went over all the seams with Mr Dissolved Putty. So now it's sitting until tomorrow. Since there is still a lot to do on the wings, I moved on to those next, starting with corrections to the span and tips.
The lower wing had the ends clipped first, starting with the left side...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4235/35550551402_537c42ae5c_c.jpg)
This gave the correct span at the widest point. The leading edge span was then marked and the tip sanded to the correct shape. Repeated for the right side.
The upper wing was quite a bit too long....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4102/35719266725_05a2d1967a_c.jpg)
The same procedure was used, first marking the widest point and clipping the tips to the correct length (plus a little for the sanding), then marking the leading edge....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4002/35332151290_b97bf1b2be_c.jpg)
The curve at the trailing edge was added, then the tips were sanded in a straight line from the tip of the curve to the leading edge mark, with constant reference to the drawings of course! Finally the end of the leading edge was curved, then the whole tip was sanded to the correct thickness. Repeated on the other end, and I now had 2 wings of the correct thickness, length, and tip shape.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4242/35588382651_f291437aff_c.jpg)
I then looked at the root of the lower wing. The moulding is not very crisp here, so I decided to sharpen it up and lengthen the wing roots slightly at the same time. I filed the edges square and added small strips of plastic card. These will be sanded to match the wing aerofoil section when they are dry and should give the wing roots the correct dimensions and sharpen up the edges too.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4092/35588734941_7024c80e30_c.jpg)
The same thing was then done to the upper wing centre section where the cutout was too large. Mr Dissolved Putty was added....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4002/35588732611_538330efa9_c.jpg)
and that where it sits for tonight!
Thanks for looking in.
Ian
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Wow! Terrific work on the wings, Ian! I really admire your attention to detail and
enjoying this build to no end. Great example of improving a model, my friend. :D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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very nice interior. this should proove spectacular
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Astonishing work especially on the cockpit. I really enjoy your builds and the attention to detail you achieve
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Your cockpit is looking stunning. The seat and belt add a lot. The overall ook is perfect for the scale and could be mistaken for 1/48th or larger!
RAGIII
My thoughts exactly. Wings are looking great too; really nice work!
Chris
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Excellent work on the wings! Literally taking shape now!
RAGIII
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Many thanks to Ernie, Toby, Alby, Chris, and Rick! Your comments are very much appreciated!
Stage 2 of the wing corrections is now underway. I marked the spar positions on the inner portions of the lower wing, then cut the wings off, and separated the inner sections. All the pieces were drilled to take 2 pieces of brass rod as attachments and the edges cleaned up to get them nice and straight. Test fitting seems to show they are all ok! The upper wing has also been marked out for similar treatment.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4265/35719263295_4c44c23372_c.jpg)
The centre section was then attached to the fuselage and plenty of Mr Dissolved Putty added to ensure a good fit.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4107/34909731523_dc4f04131a_c.jpg)
I have now started to drill out the openings in the wing stubs, but one of the u/c mounting holes needed to be filled first as it is right on the edge of the opening and weakens it considerably. I'll continue with that tomorrow when it's all dried.
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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This one is continuing to be another lesson in what can be done with a very BASIC kit! Awesome work!
RAGIII
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The interior of the fuselage looks superb and you are doing magical things with the wings, your attention to detail is quite incredible and your amazing modeling skills are showing through.
Des.
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Very good work, Ian. The progress on the model is an indication of your excellent
attention to detail. Great update, my friend.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Stunning cockpit Ian.
Cheers
Martin
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Thanks Rick, Des, Ernie, and Martin.
A busy day again today, but not too much to show for it. First I got the wing root cutouts done...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4263/35588426281_9f02e3dc66_c.jpg)
then started playing around with the forward fuselage. I started to shape the front of the fuel tank, right behind the engine, then realised that it should slope forwards slightly, so I added some plastic card and Mr Dissolved Putty and that now has to dry. I probably should have used normal putty, it would have been quicker! I also marked out the line for the stitching - that has worked out nicely and is the straight line from nose to tail that it should be! Once that was marked I added the cutouts for the front cabane struts, using the line as a guide.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4086/35332161620_513fd6d598_c.jpg)
a little more filling and sanding done here too. The forward fuselage between the wings should be parallel in plan, but it actually widens out slightly towards the front. That had to be corrected, or the wings would angle backwards - the kit allows for it by having the wing roots thinner at the front, so with those separated and now having parallel sides, the fuselage had to be corrected. I also cleaned up the forward sides where they slope inward towards the engine, and sharpened up the angles a little.
Then I fancied a change so I started putting some paint on that lovely little Choroszy engine.....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4145/35332149630_9e693ffbab_c.jpg)
I'm not sure, but I think I will use a beer can for the cooling baffles....I'll see how that works out......
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Hi all,
Another day of detailing the fuselage today. I added the fuel tank straps and caps, then scribed the rear edge of the tank.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4234/35719304455_03348b8b97_c.jpg)
That sorted out the top side, so I went underneath. The slots for the aileron cables were added, then I drilled the mounting points for the undercarriage and the vent/drain holes at the rear of the cowling.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4262/35550549542_acbd1d054d_c.jpg)
I also did the 2 rows on the nose but I used too large a drill so I've filled those and will do them again tomorrow.
Then it was time to sand a couple of small pieces of plastic strip to add the sump and carb covers. I will drill the latter tomorrow to add the intakes.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4290/35588389151_a918f298d2_c.jpg)
It doesn't sound like very much when you read it quickly, does it? Anyway, slowly but surely!
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Nice progress, Ian. Are the fuel tank straps masking tape? Very
good work, my friend.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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coming along quite nicely my friend.i am enjoying it.
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Thanks Alby,
Ernie, the straps are thin strips of 0.005" card. They were taped in place at the ends, then I applied a quick shot of Plastic Weld to them to hold them in place.
Ian
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Thanks Alby,
Ernie, the straps are thin strips of 0.005" card. They were taped in place at the ends, then I applied a quick shot of Plastic Weld to them to hold them in place.
Ian
Excellent. Thanks Ian.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Looks very good at all Ian.
Cheers
Martin
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I finally got the holes drilled in the nose, and all lined up, at the 3rd attempt...then realised that they are too high They're going to stay too high! The trial fit of the engine looked pretty good....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4266/34909780763_7b3e2c7b7e_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4262/35332160430_72b6cec3fb_c.jpg)
After that, I drilled the mounting holes for the Vickers, and attacked it with PE lacing.....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4234/34877980924_f0122cf739_c.jpg)
That's about it...I need to add the camera sight for the observer, and then primer tomorrow to make sure everything is as it should be!
Ian
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Continuing superb work, Ian. The PE stitching is a nice touch. :)
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Wonderful work. ;D
Cheers
Martin
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Very nice, Ian, good job! I admire the amount of improvements and adjustments you add to this very basic kit. The result is well worth the effort.
Cheers
Ondra
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This build is coming along beautifully Ian, looking forward to seeing more.
Des.
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Ian,
This one is really looking spectacular! The stitching is awesome! What you are doing may be the best I have seen you do and you have done some AWESOME work!
RAGIII
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Top notch work Ian, will be a real gem when it's done!
John
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Ernie, Martin, Ondra, Des, Rick, John....thanks so much for the feedback....if there were an icon for blushing it would certainly be used here!
Just a short update today. I got a coat of primer on it which revealed a little more work to be done on the underside so that was taken care of. I then added another coat of primer, and there are a couple of small issues - one on the nose and a couple round the observer's cockpit. They will be dealt with tomorrow. Other than that, I scribed the joins in the upper wing panels and straightened the wings - The outer wing panels were warped slightly so a little gentle bending was needed to get the leading edges straight. Once they were, I corrected the dihedral.
She certainly looks a lot better with a coat of primer on...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4146/35550575712_49d4b80d02_c.jpg)
Thanks for looking in
Ian
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Ian,
Absolutely awesome my old friend.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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Looking wonderful. That lacing looks really good!
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She sure is coming along very well Ian 8) Looking forward on the next up-date :)
Terri
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Looks great once primed, Ian. :D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Very well done as the primer coat shows. The stitching looks awesome.
RAGIII
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Wow, looks like in Museum Ian.
Cheers
Martin
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Thanks everyone for the positive feedback...I'm not sure it's quite THAT good, but I'm certainly happy with it, and glad you all like it!
The first thing I did today was as a result of yesterday's post. I decided after seeing the pics that the carb fairing was too big, so I trimmed about 1mm off the rear and thinned the whole thing down a bit. I think it looks much better now.
I wasn't quite sure how I wanted to proceed today, but decided to get some paint on the fuselage, rather than wait for the wings to be finished and then paint it all at once. First I attached the wing root stubs, then put some grey on the nose (Model Master Neutral Grey). When that was dry, I did the underside with Misterkit RFC CDL. I love those paints, they spray so easily...I just hope I don't have any problems masking it later.....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4279/35588421831_68c0b297c2_c.jpg)
There will be more grey to do later, when I add the cover panels to the sides of the engine bay and the bottom of the fuel tank/front cabane strut.
In between the painting I decided to do some work on the engine. I added the exhaust manifolds, did a little detail painting, and made up the air scoop out of an old beer can. I still need to add the internal baffles to that, but they will be done later. I lso cleaned up the kit exhausts - the horizontal part needed shortening slightly and was then rounded off to give a more circular cross-section, the upright will be shortened when it's all together so I don't cut it too short, but it has been flattened out to give more ovoid cross section.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4240/35332159970_0ef72364f5_c.jpg)
That's it for today, time for a beer. Thanks for looking in.
Ian
-
Great work on the painting Ian and the engine is looking really good.
Des.
-
Excellent progress Ian! The Misterkit paints are great to work with. Too bad they are so hard to get here in the States!
RAGIII
-
The RE8 continues to impress, Ian! The engine is coming along very
well and the metal air scoop is a brilliant addition. I really like the
Misterkit paints as well...nice smooth paintwork, by the way.
Looking forward to the next updates, my friend.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
-
Thanks Des, Rick, & Ernie!
Unfortunately after further trial fitting I've decided the air scoop is too wide, so I'll have to do it again....I also managed to drop the engine today and knocked all the exhaust stubs off! Oh, well, that was just waiting to happen I suppose.....
I got it all masked and painted yesterday, and managed to drop it while masking. The result of that was to make my first job today, after unmasking, refitting the cockpit internals that dropped out..... :-[ At least with the masking on they couldn't get lost!
So, after that awkward task was completed I got on with some detail painting on the fuselage: fuel tank straps and caps, leather reinforcement around the control cable cutouts, cockpit surround, etc. Then I fitted the engine and added the panels along its sides. The prop was just loosely fitted to help with engine alignment.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4216/34909779013_763611b46d_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4127/34877964734_0748eaf463_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4073/35332159110_52727dbef9_c.jpg)
the final job today was to build the Scarff ring and test fit that. It looks as though a little fettling will be required....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4264/34877978644_d90cb6779b_c.jpg)
That's it for today, when the filler on the engine panels is dry tomorrow I'll clean those up and paint them. Then I need to remake that air scoop......
Thanks for looking!
Ian
-
Coming along very nicely Ian despite your little accidents, it's looking really good with the engine sitting in position and the prop trial fitted.
Des.
-
That is a great work around the kit.
Cheers Martin
-
I detest accidents like that, what a bummer. However, as Des said, you're coming along wonderfully.
Warren
-
These accidents happen, Ian. The key is how you react to them and you have done brilliantly to restore things. Were that to have been me it would have put things under a dark, dark cloud and led to the model being put aside for at least six months!
Great work.
Best wishes
Nigel
-
Great recovery from your mishaps and the paint work looks great! Looking forward to your next update.
RAGIII
-
Thanks all!
I should have properly test fitted the Scarff ring before painting, instead of just checking that the opening was correct, as it turned out the fuselage was slightly too narrow at the top. This meant Mr Dissolved Putty had to be called in to the rescue after I made sure that the top decking was actually flat. It has now been fitted and just needs a little more tidying up, then I'll respray that area when I do the wings.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4256/35719302065_558734f1ea_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4264/34909742443_710e8c192d_c.jpg)
Of course I managed to knock the map table out again, this time I really thought I'd lost it....I'd given up looking and sat down to start making another one. When I pulled down my desk magnifier I couldn't believe what I found....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4280/35472115700_39cbf60f7f_c.jpg)
There it is, sitting on top of the glass down at the bottom! How on earth it got there I have no clue as I was using the magnifier while working!
For my last job today I decided to remake the cowl air scoop, but using .005" plastic sheet instead of the beer can. It was much easier to work with and trim by very small amounts to get it to fit correctly, and I'm very happy with it now. I'll paint it tomorrow....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4241/34877977424_680a57949c_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4206/34877967154_be295ae410_c.jpg)
Just a little more work needed on the side cowlings too, then that area is sorted.
Thanks for watching!
Ian
-
Looks great, Ian. Nice find with the map table!
Chris
-
the detail gives the appearance of it being a larger model
-
Plastic surgery at it's best,Ian! Makes me want to pull that old kit out my stash and give it a try...funny thing with the map table-I once was searchin' desperately for a tiny instument bezel only to find it sticking to my forehead when brushing my teeth in the evening. :P
cheers
Matz
-
Great work, Ian. The RE8 is really taking shape, my friend!
Cheers,
Ernie :)
-
Thanks to everyone for the comments.
I have made some progress today, even if it's actually put me back to where I was a day or so ago.... I made and fitted the anti-spin strake under the rear fuselage, and I finished blending in the Scarff ring. I then repainted the fuselage, both the PC10 and the grey. I wasn't happy with the grey, I thought it was a little too dark, so it has been redone lighter and I'm much happier with it now.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4117/35588420641_972bb3a5c7_c.jpg)
I will now have to repaint the straps and filler caps on the fuel tanks, but that won't take too long.
I have also made a little progress on the lower wings: ailerons have been separated and pinned, and I have applied .5mm masking tape for the rib detail. I will paint over those quite thickly to lose the edges, then sand down the tapes. That should give me very small, blended in ridges, to give a little shape to the surface.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4046/35550573012_91ee79a790_c.jpg)
I also made a new fin and rudder from sheet stock.
I won't be doing the upper wing just yet as I had some problems with removing the ailerons on the lower wing, so I ordered a new micro-saw. I'll wait for that before tackling the upper ailerons.
That's all for today, it's my birthday so I'm going out for dinner!!
Thanks for looking in.
Ian
-
Many greetings Ian for your birthday and a lot of appreciation for the work on this kit...
Antonio
-
Excellent work so far Ian on your RE.8, and happy birthday, hope you have a great night out.
Des.
-
Hope you had a terrific birthday, Ian! As for the RE8, it continues to
impress. Very nice work on the wings and I like your choice of grey
for the nose area.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
-
Hi all, thanks for all the birthday wishes,
A little more progress to report. The lower wings now have all the tapes added and a couple of coats of primer. I have also made all new tail surfaces. The control surfaces have been separated and pinned, and the tapes have been added to those too. I'm pretty much waiting for my new micro saw now to be able to continue with the upper wing and get it all taped and painted....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4209/34909776433_0308cb2f04_c.jpg)
Thanks for looking in.
Ian
-
Looks awesome Ian!
RAGIII
-
You are moving along beautifully Ian.
Des.
-
Sorry that I have missed several instalments but I have been away and back like a yo-yo recently! This is looking like one of your mini-masterpieces again - a lovely example of what can be done with what appears to be pretty unpromising material. The attention to detail is truly stunning - especially the engine and air scoop. I also flike the under-nose fairings - excellent modelling.
Stephen.
-
Thanks Rick, Des, and Stephen, for your feedback.
I received my new micro saw from RB Productions today, so work has continued....
The rear mounting for the tailplane is in place, although I still need to drill the fuselage and insert pins for the front fittings..
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4138/35332158180_c477779d75_c.jpg)
I have also repainted all the detail up front after repainting the nose, and the grey now has a gloss coat on....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4261/35719299395_97bbdcfba1_c.jpg)
I'm not sure what happened on the air scoop, but there's a weird patch that's appeared right at the front, on top. I'll need to repaint that part.
As for the upper wing, now that I have a new micro saw, I've separated the ailerons and added mounting pins.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4131/35588447851_daa54c3126_c.jpg)
What a difference that new saw makes...straight line cuts with no need to add pieces of plastic strip and sand to get them straight! Much easier!
Tomorrow looks like it's back out with the tape......
Thanks for watching!
Ian
-
Very impressive, Ian; it really looks great.
Chris
-
I am constantly having to remind myself that this is the old Airfix kit here. I was staggered by what Old Man did with his model: yours is every bit as good as his even though you have taken a different route to achieve the same effects. Wonderful work: keep it up.
Stephen.
-
Outstanding Ian!
RAGIII
-
You are doing wonders with this old beast, Ian, it's a pleasure to follow your progress.
Cheers,
Lance
-
Hi folks,
It seems I've put in lot of time for not much in the way of results. I attempted to blend in the ribs, first with paint, then with Mr Surfacer 1000, neither of which seem to have done the job. The Mr Surfacer seemed to be ok when I applied it, but when it dried, it shrank, and basically left me with nothing more than a grey patch either side of the rib. I have ordered some Mr Surfacer 500 in the hope that it will do the job - if not, it's back to the drawing board.....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4149/35550526262_1e68865081_c.jpg)
Thanks for looking in...
Ian
-
Super progress, Ian! Really excellent work on blending the scarff ring. It looks
terrific with the wings and tail in place. I think I would also try the Mr. Surfacer 500
on the wing ribs. It will be interesting to see how you make out. With your talent,
I have no doubts of a successful outcome, my friend.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
-
After all you have accomplished I am sure you will sort out the ribs! Looking great so far.
RAGIII
-
Thanks all,
The Mr Surfacer duly arrived and today, along with small bits here and there an my other projects, I applied it along all the rib tapes. It looks a right mess, but I'll clean it up when it's dry and give it a shot of white to see what it looks like...It can always be removed.....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4256/35719297615_e9288e1fa3_c.jpg)
Ian
-
You are making good progress Ian, looking forward to seeing the wings after they have been sanded down.
Des.
-
Great progress Ian. I am eagerly awaiting seeing the tapes after clean up. Should look fantastic!
RAGIII
-
Not much progress today, but I did get the wings cleaned up a bit and a coat of white on them.
Here's how they look now, I'll take a closer look tomorrow to see what, if any, further cleanup is required.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4107/34909740853_d1bdfc6cb8_c.jpg)
Ian
-
Doesn't appear that much more cleanup is required, the wings look great.
Des.
-
Doesn't appear that much more cleanup is required, the wings look great.
Des.
I agree with Des. The wings look terrific!
RAGIII
-
Great job so far. I built one of these years ago when it was packaged as a combo kit with the Roland! Two of a kind!
-
Only just caught up with this one Ian - somehow I missed it recently. Looks like you had some real fund and games with the wings but it seems also that you have got them into a shape where they can be used. This will be hardly recognisable when you have finished.
Stephen.
-
Thanks all!
It will be a while before any more progress as I now have a job! I'm actually the first Captain with a new start-up airline operated by Rectrix, flying King Air 300s. Plenty of ground school and 15 days in Kansas for training coming up...
Ian
-
much nicer in profine than the kit.isnt it fun to correct the shortcomings of old kits? thats what modelling is about to me.
-
Thanks all!
It will be a while before any more progress as I now have a job! I'm actually the first Captain with a new start-up airline operated by Rectrix, flying King Air 300s. Plenty of ground school and 15 days in Kansas for training coming up...
Ian
Congratulations on the job! I hope we will still get to see the end of this build at some point!
-
Well, after a long break, I've got some more done on this one.
I put a quick coat of PC10 on the upper surfaces to see how they looked and since I am happy with that, I have now masked up the under sides ready for a coat of CDL.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4143/35332494170_dbcb0dac34_c.jpg)
After that is done, the masking will be removed and another thin misting of CDL applied to blend in the rib tapes a little.
Thanks for looking in,
Ian
-
This is looking a great deal better already. It will be good to see the wings when they are painted - not to say the completed model which I think will look a little different from the original kit!
Stephen.
-
Thanks, Stephen!
I got the first coat on today so I should be able to post a proper update soon.....
Ian
-
Ian,
This one is continuing to be a terrific build. Your work on the wings is fantastic!
RAGIII
-
Your build is coming along beautifully Ian.
Des.
-
Here's how the wings look now.
First, after the first coat and with the masking removed - it's a lot quicker to remove it than apply it!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4040/34878005424_ffe9fb661b_c.jpg)
and then after the final thin coat to blend the rib tapes in a little
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4071/34877963634_b699e6f89e_c.jpg)
The next step is to put another coat of PC10 on the top surfaces, then mark out and drill the strut locations and the holes for the rigging. Thanks for looking in!
Ian
-
Great to see you back on this! Looking good! ;D
-
Ian, it's looking great. I really must go back and look at this whole thread from the beginning.
Warren
-
Ian,
The CDL and tapes look perfect! Really well done.
RAGIII
-
Thanks to Rick, Warren and Mark for the feedback, and a happy 4th July to all the american members here.
I got the undersides masked and sprayed the PC10 today and I'm happy with the results...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4152/35588444991_07c862a23a_c.jpg)
The ribs are still not quite as good as they maybe could be, but I'm happy with them...room for improvement on the next one though.
I'm very happy with the wing undersides though. When I masked off the undersides, I cut the masking tape to shape using the wing itself and then inset it a little to allow for the wrap around of the PC10 and it's come out very nicely - I'll certainly consider using the same method for any Nieuports I build in future.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4287/35719292385_d9d17e2256_c.jpg)
Now onto the struts etc....
Thanks for watching,
Ian
-
keep on truckin ian
-
You have done a great job with the wings Ian.
Des.
-
Really superb job of the wings, Ian! The PC10 wrap-around on the underside
is brilliant. Excellent progress, my friend!
Cheers,
Ernie :)
-
Really superb job of the wings, Ian! The PC10 wrap-around on the underside
is brilliant. Excellent progress, my friend!
Cheers,
Ernie :)
I agree with Ernie! The wrap around is outstanding. The PC 10 has turned out perfectly!
RAGIII
-
Thanks to all for the positive feedback!
I started on the struts today. Or more accurately, I started to carve the struts from the lumps of plastic that came with the kit! I've seen thinner sprue than this!
This is what comes with the kit - I've already shortened them all by about 3mm and started to thin and shape one of the aileron connection struts...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4277/35332191920_1a95772584_c.jpg)
and then on to the interplane struts....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4030/35332156570_e19dcef5dc_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4113/34877976334_8e753331dc_c.jpg)
I have the advantage of having an oob built example which I can compare to the plans to see where the adjustments are needed. It looks as though the upper and lower leading edges have about the right gap between them, but the trailing edges are about 1.5mm too far apart, and the gap widens towards the ends of the wings - the kit dihedral is not equal on upper and lower wings! That also gives me some measurements for the struts. I have now done both aileron connector struts and one pair of interplane struts. I hope to finish the rest tomorrow....
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
-
Your work on the struts is looking fantastic! I am looking forward to seeing them in place!
RAGIII
-
I don't envy you the task of correcting all the struts Ian but I look forward to seeing them all fitted.
Des.
-
Sorry Ian I have been away and am still catching up. The overlap on the wings is superb - the struts….well! I carve and shape mine on my scratch builds and it is a task which I least enjoy. You are making some tremendous improvements all round - getting the struts to comply with the rest of the build is going to make a huge difference - so is well worth the effort.
Stephen.
-
Ian, this is a very inspirational build sir.
Warren
-
Hmmm... makes me wonder if Airfix got the molds from Meikraft...
-
This is breathtaking, I built the same RE8 some fourty years ago but what a difference. Love it!
-
Thanks all for the comments.
There's been a fair bit of work done, but not much to show visually. all the struts are now finished and have the pins added, except the cabane struts which I think I sanded down a little too thin and I can't drill them.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4134/34878004094_bc852cda37_c.jpg)
That will mean that the wings will be fitted slightly differently this time - interplane struts first and then the cabanes will be glued in place. All the strut locations have been drilled and the tie straps have been marked on with a fine marker.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4210/35588440731_42577e003c_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4289/35332155930_5203cbccaf_c.jpg)
I have come to a halt for now until I receive the new drill bits I've ordered. I ran out of the size I needed and the rigging holes need to be drilled before any more of the detail is added so that I don't knock it all off again!
Thanks for looking in,
Ian
-
Lovely work, Ian, that last photo says it all :o
Cheers,
Lance
-
Great work Ian. Really looking forward to seeing this one finished.
-
The struts came out beautifully Ian! An overall remarkable build of an OLD classic!
RAGIII
-
I finally got the rigging holes drilled yesterday - and broke 9 of the 10 new drill bits in the process! What was really frustrating was that I completed the top wing without breaking a single one, then they seemed to break just by touching them to the surface, before I even started to drill!
Anyway, job done, and time to order more bits.....
So with that out of the way I could start to add some of the detail that needs to be in place before the top wing goes on. So today my first job was painting the struts...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4214/34878334004_0bf42a1807_c.jpg)
all done!
Then I spent the rest of the afternoon adding details. A windscreen was fashioned from a small corner of a plastic egg carton, elevator control horns, Vickers mounts, carb intakes, oil filler - all done from bits of plastic rod and strip, except the carb intakes which are .4mm aluminium tube. Aldis sight is in the process of being made from .020" brass tube and a small piece of drilled out .030" plastic rod slid over one end. Once that is added I think I can get the top wing on....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4216/35719568685_be762ce207_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4256/35332497130_f70714893a_c.jpg)
The other little bonus that arrived in the post today was a set of my newly designed 9mm wheels. I have done these to replace the hard to find Aeroclub items and they will be made available soon. I am waiting to hear from TVAL as I emailed them for dimensions for various wheels. If they are too different from the ones I have done, then I'll design new ones. Maybe a set of generic wheels for German and a set for British aircraft if they are noticably different. Anyway, here's what I have so far, and I'll be using these on the Fokker D.I and D.II
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4012/34857750934_201a969076_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4256/35698549125_1de383b05d_c.jpg)
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
-
You are progressing very well with this build Ian, love your idea for the windscreen and the wheel looks excellent.
Des.
-
Excellent update, Ian! She's coming together beautifully!
Cheers,
Bud
-
Excellent update, Ian! She's coming together beautifully!
Cheers,
Bud
I agree completely! Nice work on making the wheels!
RAGIII
-
Thanks all!
Just a quick update on this one....after looking a little more at the windscreen and Vickers mountings I decided I could do better, they were just a little too big.... The windscreen was reduced by 0.5mm in height and 1mm in length. The mounts were replaced with .015" plastic rod.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4241/34877974784_3e7b1ccf31_c.jpg)
I think that's much closer to what it should look like!
Ian
-
Yes, it is, Ian. Excellent call. Not that she wasn't looking ravishing in her stylish grey hoodie before, but she now looks more proportionate.
Cheers,
Bud
-
it looks like a re8 now
-
Thanks, I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought it didn't look quite right!
Another small update today, although it represents an afternoon peering through my desk magnifier.... I made up the landing gear today from .016" brass rod and .020" plastic strip. The rods were bent to shape, trimmed, and tried for size, the hardest part being matching the 2!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4255/35550539552_581e324d5f_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4259/34909769883_9ca882fa18_c.jpg)
She seems to be sitting straight.....
I made up the fairings from strip, chamfered down along one edge and CA'd in place. A little Mr Dissolved putty along the brass rod should hide the join nicely.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4210/35332154880_557bb7a6d9_c.jpg)
Once that's set properly I'll give them a quick clean up and then they're ready for paint.
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
-
A brilliant build that just keeps getting better and better.
Warren
-
Really great die for the undercarriage - and strong too. Getting a pair of u/c legs the same size and shape is a real test in scratch building - you have done an excellent job there.
The whole build is very impressive indeed - it will be hard to believe that ties started life as an Airfix kit!
Stephen.
-
Excellent work on the undercarriage Ian.
Des.
-
Thanks gents!
Just a quick update today as there's really not much to photograph....
The last of the details to be added before attaching the upper wing, is now on: the Aldis sight....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4215/35719285285_7e276f6e1c_c.jpg)
I then got a gloss coat on everything and applied the decals to the upper mainplanes and tail. Normally the upper wing roundals would be done after the rigging but the wires pass through them so they have to go on now. The aileron part will wait until the control wires have been added.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4235/35550561202_6f9c8b5698_c.jpg)
and last but by no means least, the main landing gear is done...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4142/35332153960_3ca7e4543d_c.jpg)
There are a few rigging wires that I want to attach before adding the upper wing, just to make life easier, so those will be next.
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
-
The decals and gear are awesome!
RAGIII
-
Awesome work, Ian, really master class. It definitely looks like a Re8!
Borsos
-
Very nice Ian, the undercarriage turned out really well and the decals look excellent.
Des.
-
This is truly developing into a mini-masterpiece.
Stephen.
-
Thanks Rick, Borsos, Des, and Stephen for the comments! Nothing to add just yet but I have got the rear pairs of double flying wires and the double cabane bracing wires in place on the fuselage, and she is now nestling in the Aeroclub jig having been measured and readied for fitting of the upper wing.....
Ian
-
...and so today the fitting began. I started with the outer struts this time as I wanted to trap the cabane bracing wires between the struts and the fuselage during fitting. They went in without too much hassle and I then threaded the ends of the rigging wires I fitted yesterday to help keep the loose wires out of the way. They won't be tightened until all the wires are in place though. The front cabanes were then fitted, trapping the wires between the lower end and the cowling, then secured with CA.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4063/34909768343_dcf4f9d76f_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4289/35550538302_9c1ea6fc2a_c.jpg)
That's where she'll sit now until tomorrow, when I'll fit the rear cabanes and continue the rigging.
Thanks for watching!
Ian
-
She's really coming into her own now Ian, superb work! It's nice to see her sitting in the Aeroclub Jig, I thought I was the only one still using that little beauty! It looks like you've aced the challenge of getting the upper wing mounted, you have done wonders with this old Kit. 8)
Cheers,
Lance
-
This is really turning into a gorgeous model Ian! She looks great with the upper wing fitted!
RAIII
-
Oh, so nice, Ian!
Cheers,
Bud
-
Great work Ian.
Warren
-
Great use of a jig - and more sophisticated than anything which I use. This really is turning into a gem.
Stephen.
-
Thanks folks!
Lance, I don't always use the jig, but for something like this it's indispensable. I couldn't do it without being able to set it up exactly and test fit the struts, then turn it over and work from both sides!
For those following the rigging process, here's another small update.
I got the two rear cabane struts attached this morning, trapping the ends of the rigging wires under the strut ends inside the cockpit. When they were dry, I threaded the stagger wires between the wing struts and secured the lower ends.
There are an awful lot of wires leading up to the wing centre section and it would be impossible to secure individual wires without bunging up the holes for the others, so all the relevant wires were fitted and secured at their lower ends. The double flying wires across the front, and the bracing between the cabane struts had already been done, so that left the landing and drag wires. Once they were dry they were tensioned and held using dolls house clothes pegs. The jig was then inverted and CA applied to the lines where they entered the underside of the upper wing. (Easier said than done!)
That's where she sits tonight.....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4232/35588432251_10961eaa5a_c.jpg)
During the fiddling around fitting the rear cabanes I managed to dislodge the pilot's seat and Aldis sight - it's not easy trying to hold the strut and locate the pin in the upper wing, while making sure the lower end is inside the cockpit - especially when the tweezers won't grip tight enough to stop the strut moving when it touches anything! Hopefully I'll be able to get them refitted fairly easily....
Ian
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The rigging is coming together beautifully Ian, the jig should make life a lot easier for you.
Des.
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Again, beautiful work Ian. I really do have to get one of those jigs one day.
Warren
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Great progress, Ian. Lovely to see one more Airfix kit being set right. I see that we are going to finish our RAF birdies simultaneously.
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That would certainly be an interesting comparison Prez....the oldest and the newest from Airfix!
Ian
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Beautiful work, Sir!
Great to see somebody else taking a serious run at this old darling. My hat is off to you!
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Thanks OM!
Great to see you back here, and yes, I was inspired originally by your own attack on this old warhorse....
Ian
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Fantastic work, Ian! You are turning this old kit into a beauty!
Borsos
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You are progressing well on this one. The rigging is looking great! I am familiar with issues like you had. Knock something off while adding something, or one step forward and two steps back ;D I am sure you will get the seat and sight back in with no major difficulty!
RAGIII
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Oh the lets-knock-things-off-when-we-are-trying-to-add-something-equally-delicate-and-new problem!!!!! I think many of us have been there and done that lots of times - its called modelling!!!!!
Terrific job being done here Ian - I think that this surpasses most of your other efforts so far - and they have been real winners each in their own right. This really will be an amazing model when complete. You could even have a competition: put it on another site and ask who the kit manufacturer is. I bet most would not guess it to be Airfix!
Stephen.
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Thanks Borsos, Rick, and Stephen. Yes, I've knocked bits off before, as you say, it's part of modelling!
The rigging is progressing nicely, if not a little slowly. I finished adding the flying wires today and have tensioned everything up, so that's everything done from the struts inwards. I added the king posts from .015" plastic rod and will leave it now to ensure they're properly set. They were glued on with plastic glue then given a shot of thin CA to ensure a strong bond. When I added the inner flying wires I made sure that one of each of the front and rear lines were long enough to continue over the king posts and back down to the base of the struts, so that will just leave me two other outer rigging lines from the strut bases to the outer upper wing - and all the aileron rigging. That will be tackled next so I don't have to fiddle around in between the outer rigging wires trying to thread the ailerons, and the aileron connecting struts will be added at the same time.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4091/35550558972_2de6769939_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4210/35719281875_a47f1825af_c.jpg)
So with a bit of luck, tomorrow should see all the wing rigging finished, and maybe the landing gear and tail added too...although first there is a lot of touching up to do on the wings. Another reason not to use masking tape for the rib detail - it doesn't clean up easily after it's been drilled and threaded. I don't think I'll use it again.
I'd like to have this nearly done before my cataract op on Wednesday.......
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Very nice progress. The rigging looks superb. I wish you the best for your op on wednesday. (Fingers crossed)
Cheers
Manni
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The rigging is terrific! I am really looking forward to the next /finishing touches!
RAGIII
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Just stunning. Really really excellent work and I can't wait to see it finished!
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Astonishing work Ian. It's hard to believe it's based on the Airfix kit at all.
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Beautiful work on the rigging, Ian, it's hard to believe it's 1:72 Scale with what you've done here. She's going to be a stunning model.
Good luck on Weds, you'll be back "slipping the surly bonds of earth" again in no time!
Cheers,
Lance
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That rigging looks great - a superb touch to an already outstanding model.
Best of luck on Wednesday - will be thinking of you.
Stephen.
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Again very nice progress!
I'll cross my fingers for you on Wednesday!
Borsos
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Thanks to everyone for the positive feedback, and more so for the good wishes for my op on Weds, very much appreciated!
I had a little setback this morning while trying to clean up the underwing areas where the rigging exited. I managed to somehow flex the plane in the jig and popped 2 landing wires and a flying wire. The only real drawback of this jig is the lack of support for the fuselage, allowing movement up and down if you're clumsy, like me!
The flying wire I managed to save, but I removed and replaced the 2 landing wires. I then started on the aileron control wires, fastening them first to a couple of very tiny pieces of .015" plastic rod under the fuselage, then when that joint had set, tensioning them and securing them where they pass through the lower wing. They'll stay at that point for now....
Next up was to remove her from the jig and fit the undercarriage. That was done without any mishaps and she now stands proudly on her (for now) slightly wobbly legs. They have been given a dab of thin CA and she's propped up, nice and level, until tomorrow!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4233/35588435371_c684f05b1a_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4111/35550537412_0fa0a64338_c.jpg)
The next step will be to complete the aileron rigging with the line joining the lower ailerons, (up through the upper wing and running along its length), finishing the actuating cables started today, and adding the cable from the lower ailerons to the outer upper ailerons. The aileron connecting struts will be added at the same time. After that is done, the outer wing rigging can be completed.....it doesn't sound too much if you say it quickly!
Thanks for looking in,
Ian
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Great work on the rigging Ian and good luck with your op on Wednesday, hope all goes well for you.
Des.
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Great rigging, wonderful recovery on the popped wires, and best of luck on your op sir!
Warren
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Rigging never sounds much if you say it quickly enough….. Just that I find that I cannot rig as quickly as I can say it!
Shaping up beautifully - I can now see what a gem this will be when complete.
Stephen.
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Outstanding results on the rigging and it looks great sitting on the undercarriage struts! Like the others I hope all goes well with your Operation.
RAGIII
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Ian, first of all let me send you all my positive thoughts for the Op of today, then I want to congratulate for this model on which you are giving us a real master class!
Antonio
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Thanks again to all for the good wishes. The op went without a hitch (although getting there was another story, my driver's car wouldn't start and I had a mad panic to find someone who wasn't working - I ended up driving myself there and a friend picked me up when he got off work) and was over almost before I knew it - about 20 mins from wheeling in to wheeling out! The follow-up yesterday morning showed no problems so hopefully I can get back flying very soon!
I got back to the bench for a short stint this afternoon and finished off the aileron rigging and connecting struts. I'd started on this before the op but that screached to a halt when I realised that I'd somehow managed to cut one of the struts too short, so I had to make another one! One side was completed, the other done today.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4282/35550557732_f735d436d1_c.jpg)
It just needs trimming and tidying up, then I can add the last of the rigging to the wings - the wires to the king posts above the outer wings, and bracing wires from the outer upper wing to the lower strut ends.
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Great news about you op outcome Ian, and the model is looking superb.
Des.
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What Des said.
Warren
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Lovely! And great news regarding your operation. I am glad for you!
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Lovely work on the model Ian and also great news about the OP!
RAGIII
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Looking at the model it is not possible to tell that you had the op done! Great news that all went well - eventually.
Stephen.
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Des, Warren, Prez, Rick, Stephen, - thanks so much!
I have now completed the wing rigging with the exception of trimming and tidying up, the final outer rigging was done this morning....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4067/34877966114_2723c75f9f_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4114/35588741371_31d54f6dc3_c.jpg)
In between the various bouts of tightening wires, applying CA, and waiting for it to harden, I started preparing the guns (only 1 Lewis will be used as all pics I have found of 3 Squadron's aircraft only show the one), made up 6 bomb racks, and made a couple of fairing panels to fit along the lower edge of the fuel tank and cabane struts.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4236/35550834652_45b9f6213e_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4030/35588736311_cc334154a6_c.jpg)
I have not been able to find any pics of this particular aircraft, so I'm building it consistent with pics of other Squadron aircraft. I do know that it was a Standard built aircraft, so no Daimler cowling! If anyone has specific information on D4689 in June 1918 when Armstrong and Mart captured the Halberstadt CL.II I'd be very grateful for it.....
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Great news about your operation, Ian, and I'm shocked you're back to the bench so soon! Hasn't bothered you a bit from the looks of that rigging, great work!
Cheers,
Lance
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Very nice! I only hope to do rigging half as nice with both of my eyes working!
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Top notch work and pleased the op went ok.
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Great work, can't fault it.
Regards, Steve
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Ian,
Great news on your operation. Now, . . . . a question:
I understand what you're doing with the rigging. I've done it once before, but was not pleased with my effort at cleaning it up after snipping off the rigging.
How are you going to clean it up? I'm very interested in knowing or seeing your method to do this cleanly with a minimum of drama.
Warren
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Thanks gents, much appreciated!
Warren, my method is pretty straightforward but unfortunately is not foolproof! When I attach the lines I add the CA from between the wings to the second end of the line (when I tighten it), as the pegs are in the way otherwise. Once dry, I remove the pegs and add a spot of CA to the other side. This has 2 purposes: 1) It makes sure the line is secure and 2) it helps to ensure the hole is completely filled. I use the tip of a new scalpel blade to remove the excess line flush with the wing surface and if I get it right, a tiny dab or two of paint is all that is needed to hide the evidence. If it doesn't go well, the undersides particularly can be a pain. I have this problem in one area on this one, where the peg was inadvertantly touching the wing underside right at the hole and the CA wicked along it, resulting in a bare patch which is very difficult to hide. I may try Prez's idea on my next build, and fit the lines to the lower wing before painting, ensuring a uniform finish. The upper surfaces are not usually a problem as they don't have the lighter rib highlights on them, so if there is an issue, I can give it a quick blast with the airbrush - unless of course, there are kingposts and rigging in the way..... Again, a tiny dab of paint is usually all that is required to hide the holes.
A lot of time today spent doing little bits and pieces - cleaning up after the rigging, painting bits and pieces etc., but I have made some visible progress....
First up were the bomb racks - I may yet regret fitting them this early.... I taped a piece of plastic rod to the wing to ensure that they all lined up...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4215/35588433951_b511e75b3d_c.jpg)
and I'm very pleased with how they look!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4059/35719278665_d444dc82c7_c.jpg)
Next were the exhausts manifolds, painted first, then cut and CA'd to the cylinders...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4238/35332153650_9db4867597_c.jpg)
The exhausts were also trimmed to size, drilled out, and painted.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4280/35588369311_274d51d13d_c.jpg)
Then I added the side panels along the base of the fuel tank...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4259/34877973514_f9684abf0c_c.jpg)
Hopefully I can get the exhausts on tomorrow, then make a start on the tail....
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Ian, I am glad to hear that everything went fine with your op, and you are eben back at the bench! Very nice progress so far!
Borsos
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Looking great Ian, and thanks for the explanation sir.
Warren
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I had another good day at the bench today.
I tidied up the underwing areas where the rigging had been fitted by gently sanding them down, and then spot treated the dark ares where the ends of the rigging lines are with a tiny dab of white before gently applying thinned CDL to the areas - I am now much happier with how those look.
The exhausts were fitted and the support struts added using .010" plastic rod. Tiny dabs of Mr Dissolved Putty blended the exhaust manifolds into the exhausts and the support struts to the wings, they were all then carefully touched up. I still need to give a little dry brush of rust colour to the manifolds to finish them off, and add the carb heat pipes to the left side.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4281/35719567305_aab91b6414_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4066/35332496450_6fcb783b1a_c.jpg)
The wing decals were then finished off, both upper....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4105/35719565555_4226404da9_c.jpg)
and lower...although unfortunately Airfix still supply all four roundals with a white outer ring, so I had to carefully remove it from the underwing ones with a scalpel....even then they only JUST fit - a little too big actually, but since the colours don't match any of the aftermarket ones I have I had to go with them.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4212/35332495220_29aae245fc_c.jpg)
My final job today was to finish painting the prop, just the decals to go now on that.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4262/35550857052_41fe9bb6eb_c.jpg)
Ian
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The Harry Tate looks stunning. Greatt build, Ian.
Thank you for showing.
Manni
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Beautiful work Ian.
Warren
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This has been a terrific build to follow along with! Lovely work on the rigging and prop Ian
RAGIII
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Truly a work of art Ian, Well Done :)
John
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Many thanks Manni, Warren, Rick and John....
We're almost on the home straight now!
I've built and fitted the tailskid, knocked it off, reattached it, and today I added the last of the decals....
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4007/34877999954_69bc31286f_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4212/35332153320_f23cca8d0b_c.jpg)
Since it was a Standard built machine, I added Standard prop logos too...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4028/35550514212_03688604c4_c.jpg)
They come from LF Models' beautiful range of prop logos.
Not much left now: tail rigging, wheels, and guns...that's about it!
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Looking brilliant Ian, you have done a superb job with this model.
Des.
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Beautiful Ian! I really must get some of those logos. (I only wish they did French logos too. :( )
Warren
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Absolutely marvellous!! I simply cannot believe that this is an Airfix original - somewhat improved!
Stephen.
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I built one of these when I was about 17. Needless to say it was not anywhere near as BRILLIANT as your build! Just incredible work Ian!
RAGIII
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It's good to see these rare and expensive WNW kits built! ... oh what... 1/72...!!! :o
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Gents, thanks so much....I now declare this build CLOSED!
The tail rigging was completed today: guide pulleys are .010" card and I used a 0.8mm punch. They are clamped in some waste PE from a set of control horns which was just folded in half and slipped over the stamped out "pulleys". The Lewis and prop were all that were needed after the rigging was finished and they went on without any hitches. The finish is not my best, I really need to pay more attention to that in future. I'd also like to know how Prez manages to fit double rudder wires...I tried but I couldn't get a consistent gap between them so I left it at one wire per side.
Anyway, here are some pics: (note the high tech jig for working on the underside....)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4238/35550556532_464cba2324_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4289/35550852982_fac6f073d8_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4023/35332493160_ce6516e3fd_c.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4205/35588384561_cbdeec24cb_c.jpg)
I'll try for some decent outdoor shots tomorrow and post a completed build.
Thanks for all the support and encouragement on this one, I certainly think she's a little bit of an improvement over the basic kit!
Thanks for looking in.
Ian
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Congtats! Ian. A beautiful little gem for your showcase.
Manni
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I certainly think she's a little bit of an improvement over the basic kit!
Ian
Ya Think ;D Ian, it was a pleasure to watch you turn this one into an RE8 to be proud of...in any scale
RAGIII
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Super result Ian!
Well done :)
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Wow! That is just excellent: as Rick has written, a model to be proud of in any scale.
Stephen.
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Fabulous build Ian. Not only is it hard to believe it's the venerable Airfix kit but it's in 1/72. Simply stunning