forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Completed models => Topic started by: IanB on January 02, 2017, 03:24:03 AM

Title: 1:72 Classic Plane Sopwith Tabloid
Post by: IanB on January 02, 2017, 03:24:03 AM
Happy New Year everyone!
To start off 2017 here are pics of my Sopwith Tabloid, the second half of the double build (Sopwith Baby) started in August. This was my first vac kit and I learnt a lot from it. It's a fairly easy kit for a first  so no major problems. My biggest challenge was the wings, which were not very well represented. I removed the surface detail and added the ribs with plastic strip, sanded down to reduce the thickness.
 
 The aircraft represents number 168 of the Royal Naval Air Service, based in Antwerp up until October 9th 1914. On that date, Sqn Commander Spenser Grey in 167, and Lt RLG Marix in 168 left the airfield, (now deserted as the squadron had already withdrawn) to bomb Zeppelin sheds in Köln (167) and Düsseldorf  (168). Bad weather stopped 167 reaching its target so Commander Grey bombed railway yards instead, but Lt Marix in 168 found the airfield and bombed the sheds, destroying Army Zeppelin Z.IX. His aircraft was damaged by ground fire, including a hit on the fuel tank, and he ran out of fuel on the way back to Antwerp. He returned to the airfield by train and bicycle, arriving to find the airfield being shelled, so he and Sqn commander Grey abandoned 167 and a BE2a and left.

(https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5603/31881909362_4bb0864e1d_k.jpg)

(https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/571/31189088164_dd871fb781_k.jpg)

(https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/273/31881908292_7b46a0fc96_k.jpg)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/713/31991382256_b3ae5daccb_k.jpg)

(https://c4.staticflickr.com/1/729/31220192803_9dc54b4d43_k.jpg)

(https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/411/31991381086_4ff73c6374_k.jpg)

(https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5605/31220191503_f678ab069b_k.jpg)

(https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/317/31991379956_a07cd23577_k.jpg)

(https://c8.staticflickr.com/1/529/31220188663_a68be25a29_k.jpg)

 I hope you like her!

Ian
Title: Re: 1:72 Classic Plane Sopwith Tabloid
Post by: lcarroll on January 02, 2017, 04:29:25 AM
Very nicely done all round, Ian, especially so for such a very basic Kit. I've enjoyed this Build Log, you've got a very impressive pair of Sopwiths for your considerable efforts and your improvisation in the face of all the challenges has been most impressive. Congratulations on a pair of really unique and well done models! 8) 8)
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: 1:72 Classic Plane Sopwith Tabloid
Post by: jeroen_R90S on January 02, 2017, 06:49:27 AM
+1 -interesting story, too! Though I must admit the Tabloid isn't one of Sopwith's better looking designs ;-)

Happy 2017,

Jeroen
Title: Re: 1:72 Classic Plane Sopwith Tabloid
Post by: Des on January 02, 2017, 07:12:47 AM
For your first vac kit you have done an exceptional job, very neat and tidy and well painted, the rigging is really well done.

Des.
Title: Re: 1:72 Classic Plane Sopwith Tabloid
Post by: eindecker on January 02, 2017, 03:44:42 PM
That is one nice build, especially for a vac kit. I like how you improved the wings. A strange airplane, but a quality build.
Title: Re: 1:72 Classic Plane Sopwith Tabloid
Post by: Nigel Jackson on January 02, 2017, 06:19:53 PM
All the work you put into improving the wings really paid off, Ian.

The Tabloid always seems to me a bit of a quirky aircraft but, whether as the fast scout of its day or a bomber, it made an important early war contibution and it's a pity we don't see more of them in other scales.

Best wishes
Nigel
Title: Re: 1:72 Classic Plane Sopwith Tabloid
Post by: ALBATROS1234 on January 03, 2017, 10:08:46 AM
very nice ian
Title: Re: 1:72 Classic Plane Sopwith Tabloid
Post by: Juan on January 03, 2017, 10:13:45 AM
Awesome build Ian and thank you for the background pertaining to this aircraft.  Really enjoyed your build log also.
Title: Re: 1:72 Classic Plane Sopwith Tabloid
Post by: Manni on January 03, 2017, 05:44:23 PM
Great, little bird.
I like it.
Manni
Title: Re: 1:72 Classic Plane Sopwith Tabloid
Post by: coyotemagic on January 04, 2017, 02:55:17 AM
Gorgeous!  Now I want to build one!
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: 1:72 Classic Plane Sopwith Tabloid
Post by: Monty on January 04, 2017, 03:03:51 AM
Some lovely, convincing delicate modelling there, Ian! I like it lots and lots! Very impressive wings too - amazing to think it's a vac-form! Regards, Marc
Title: Re: 1:72 Classic Plane Sopwith Tabloid
Post by: lone modeller on January 04, 2017, 09:17:44 PM
Another of your gems from an unpromising kit. Your build logs are a joy to follow and an inspiration in themselves. The completed models are the cherries on the top!

Stephen.


Title: Re: 1:72 Classic Plane Sopwith Tabloid
Post by: TobyCoulson on January 06, 2017, 09:42:58 AM
Another excellent build Ian. You really are rather good at this ;D
Title: Re: 1:72 Classic Plane Sopwith Tabloid
Post by: gedmundson on January 07, 2017, 11:55:54 AM
Beautiful job Ian! You've shown exceptional craftsmanship.
Cheers,
Gary
Title: Re: 1:72 Classic Plane Sopwith Tabloid
Post by: RAGIII on January 08, 2017, 09:19:44 AM
Your Tabloid is terrific! All of the extra work turned that difficult and inaccurate kit into a real winner! Well done.
RAGIII