forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: janh on August 27, 2017, 02:18:55 AM
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Hi fellow modellers
Afler long deliberation i've decided to start a build i have been considering for years. After the release of de WWI Ninak some gifted modellers ventured into the Twenties when these aircraft were deployed in a "policing" duty, in Mesopotamia and the British Indies. The actual aircraft were adapted for use in a hotter and harsher climate and for longer distance flights. There's a nice book on this piece of history by Vic Flintham : Truculent Tribes Turbulent Skies st. the RAF in the Near and Middle East 1919-1939 (9780851304687). Some time after the first DH9a WNW announced the future release of a post-war Bristol Fighter and Ninak. the sprues were displayed conform one of their announcement policies (I.E. a KIWI modellers fair). I personally consider the DH9a more or less of a footnote in WW1 so i decided to wait for what was coming... Eventually in 2015 in their last christmas surprise the kit was announced. By then the Windsock datafile 141 was already in my posession. The subject of my interests is displayed on the back. It is compared to the drab WWI PC clad planes a rather gaudy piece to work. What makes this plane so interesting is the amount of bits an bobs that it has sprouted compared tot the original. This is what i'm after! Alas WNW wasn't entirely helpful. Their new sprue contains the tropical radiator under the nose, the slats, the sturdier landing gear and spare wheels and a few details but the fuselage is still the same. Unfortunately details of the so-called camelback version ar extremely sparse. i've asked our expert Ray Rimmell but there's no issue of Windsock international that is of any help. Ronny Bar kindly provided me with pdf's of his artwork and in Windsock Datafile 139 there's a sideview of the late version.
2 gifted modellers went before me. Our forum member (king) Kong built one based on the original kit, Kudos! A British modeller (Bill van Heerden) displayed his model last year at Telford and has sent pictures ti WNW as can be seen in the customers models section. I've desperately tried to get in touch with him to pick his brain about the particular aircraft, alas op to now without success.
Well i'll give it a try myself then.
first the obligatory photos of the model and documentation:
(http://thumbs.imagebam.com/69/95/82/3c2606586598473.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/3c2606586598473)
the books:
(http://thumbs.imagebam.com/dc/3a/61/d3473c586595733.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/d3473c586595733)
(http://thumbs.imagebam.com/58/13/11/df6a0b586645233.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/df6a0b586645233)
extra's (i like the seatbelt, i'm not so sure about the fotoetch...
(http://thumbs.imagebam.com/85/bf/dc/1b7b05586595783.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/1b7b05586595783)
parts after a soak in lukewarm water with Dreft, our local brand of washing-up liquid :
(http://thumbs.imagebam.com/d6/ab/a6/1b0d82586591273.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/1b0d82586591273)
(http://thumbs.imagebam.com/98/8a/fe/4d719b586591053.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/4d719b586591053)
the all important side view:
(http://thumbs.imagebam.com/ec/3e/32/f2fe99586574843.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/f2fe99586574843)
(http://thumbs.imagebam.com/1a/dd/23/ef4d9a586574893.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/ef4d9a586574893)
after a bit of experimenting with my printer setting i managed a print thats exactly the size of the model. with my trusty geotriangle
(an instrument dating back to my high school years, way back when) i found out that the incline of the deck behind the observer/gunner was increase from about 11 to 15 degrees.
BIG GULP, i have got to cut up the fuselage of a fantastic model to get what i want, so here we go:
(http://thumbs.imagebam.com/5d/b1/3c/1b4c97586591213.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/1b4c97586591213)
and the result thanks to my razor saw:
(http://thumbs.imagebam.com/da/2a/fb/e76c14586591093.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/e76c14586591093)
next, i made a template using my print:
[URL=http://www.imagebam.com/image/7a7d77586591153](http://thumbs.imagebam.com/77/23/f5/7a7d77586591153.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/b8d05c586591183)
here's the result hardening after the first glueing together of the parts
(http://thumbs.imagebam.com/46/f0/b5/b8d05c586591183.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/b8d05c586591183)
As you may notice i'm simultaneously starting another postwar NINAK albeit not the camelback.
I have NO experience with deal printing, nor do i know anyone with an ALPS printer who might help me with the A, the Palm tree and the serial number. i'm no great painter. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. Does ANYONE (KONG??) know what the dark part is below the observers position? An oblique camera window??
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It looks as though you are off to a great start! I have an old theory: If you are brave enough to do the first cuts you most likely have the skill to complete the conversion 8) Your cuts look true and the replacement/ additions look like they are spot on.
RAGIII
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I just finished a Post War NINAK using the PHEON for the blue "JAN." I think the NINAK is a neat airplane and I am looking forward to seeing you do the Camel Back. There is a damaged postwar NINAK still on the shop.wingnutwings.com page.
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Looks like you are off to a great start. I admire your daring in doing major modifications- I usually get really intimidated. I bought a few of the discounted damaged WNW kits in the hopes that I would feel OK about trying some of the things you are. Will watch with interest.
Dave
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I've been doing major mods on cheap 1/48 scale kits for years, but never had the guts to chop up a WNW kit. Kudos for your courage and artistry, Jan! I'll be following along with great interest.
Cheers,
Bud
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Great start, good luck with this project.
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Kia Ora, Hi Janh
Good to see someobne else having a bash at the old Ninack. I wish you all the success and loadsa fun doing it.
Like your choice also. The Windsock Datafile is the bible man! Worth every cent and so of course are your fellow
members. Best source of information. Best of luck with it, and I for one, will be watching it progress.
All the very best from NZ
Dave (Kong)
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The picture . . . 8)
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Here be the beast. The far away one in the picture.
All the very best, and if you need any info just ask.
Cheers
Dave
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Great to see another modeller attempting t chop up a kit and make it a bit different. Kudos to you - I will be following with interest.
Stephen.
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This is such a cool model with so many possibilities. I remember KONG when you did this, what an outstanding build. Janh, we are all watching and rooting for you. This is going to be neat as you break new ground with this model.
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Progress is slow... i do not posess too many details so here and there it's an educated guess
(http://thumbs.imagebam.com/77/12/e5/d657a7592074573.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/d657a7592074573)
the observers position adjusted to height. the cut on the lee side is not entirely straight so a shim is added to help with filler. Part A30 is cut in half to ajist it to the requred height. i suppose there's a panel there to avoid draft in the observers cubicle.
(http://thumbs.imagebam.com/28/cf/7a/5dd91a592074563.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/5dd91a592074563)
the hardest part is the changover from the curved part of the fuselage to the square deck behind. a strip of card is added to part A5/A6 to assist this, the problem being the glas panel ahead thats affixed to the panel on the observers side
(http://thumbs.imagebam.com/71/dd/7e/9d335c592074553.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/9d335c592074553)
on the fuselage i've marked out the place where the 2 windows are cut out of the canvas
(http://thumbs.imagebam.com/97/de/25/cd5ed8592074523.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/cd5ed8592074523)
there's an interesting picture i found that gives the impression that the camelback was made of canvas, i still suppose that the decking is wooden board material
(http://thumbs.imagebam.com/e5/db/3c/d51f19592100753.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/d51f19592100753)
i started on the engine and landing gear
(http://thumbs.imagebam.com/e7/14/03/6684d6592074503.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/6684d6592074503)
(http://thumbs.imagebam.com/23/ed/7f/872cc7592074483.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/872cc7592074483)
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I know absolutely nothing about the Ninak but it looks to me as though you are off to a great start and have a good plan!
RAGIII
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Following with interest. Great modifications. The extrapolating from the pictures is really interesting.
Dave
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Looks like you are making good progress and working out the issues with any conversion. You are breaking new ground here and leading the way for other modelers who may want to do this conversion. Keep us posted.
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Super start to this conversion. I am looking forward to reading more.
Stephen.
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Nice one. The Camelback was mainly marine ply as far as I know, as was a good chunk of everything else.
The sides below the observers position was removable canvas (both sides). Looking good, and if I can
help in any way, please ask.
Cheers
Dave
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A conversion is hampered by all sorts of problems: a decent scale drawing is in this case scarce. I've aked Ray Rimmell about a back issue of WSI but the subject has been neglected. so all i can use is one (not to scale) drawing in the Windsock datafile and on the back cover. so i assumed that Ronny Bar's drawing is correct and scanned it, i printed the scan @ 149% which can be overlayed by de model's fuselage. i cut it's back an made a shim in the correct angle
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/f8/59/5c/bf3356898177434.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/bf3356898177434)
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/20/0a/d9/600b38898177764.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/600b38898177764)
the photo at the bottom of page 11 of 32007's instuctions is handy in getting an impression of the adjustment made in the camelback. my idea is that the opening over the gunner's position is a simple multiplex plate that is elevated by heightening the sides on the port- and starboard side so i made this conversion. the connection between this and the pilot's opening in shrouded in mystery
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/c4/68/8b/8c53db898177544.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/8c53db898177544)
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/fc/d2/6c/5dd0dd898177654.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/5dd0dd898177654)
In October last year KLP brought out a ebook authored bij Karim Bibi on building the WNW AEG. Karim spoke about a digital cutting machine he used to make cutom decals for his model. i am inspired by his work and decided this is a useful tool a unfortunately there are no decals available for my conversion. i used my scan as a template for masks but i'm currently struggeling with the software. fortunately i managed to get in contach with Karim through another forum and he kindly promised me to share his files so i hava a working example. in the meantime i forged ahead on som general work
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/89/11/e7/bd99bf898177364.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/bd99bf898177364)
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/b7/98/07/9e0b14898177864.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/9e0b14898177864)
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/61/fb/69/f8bd60898178024.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/f8bd60898178024)
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/1c/66/76/4835c9898177274.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/4835c9898177274)
by the way thes images are shot with an Olympus macro lens so detail is brutal and much more pleasing to the naked eye
on some of Kong's photo's is a drawing visible the i couldn't find anywhere and made me wonder what the source material is:
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/69/be/b0/83f225898197814.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/83f225898197814)
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Terrific work All around on your conversion! You are really doing some innovative Modeling to work out what is needed!
RAGIII
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A very impressive project here, the photos look pretty darn good and not that brutal. But I know what you mean about things looking better to the naked eye.
I'll be interested to see what you are able to achieve with the digital cutting machine. I didn't know such things existed so that may be an interesting future acquisition.... What type did you get, and how much (if you don't mind me asking).
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Nice start and interesting project. Good luck!
Giuseppe
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Wow, those cockpit details are stunning! Green with envy!
Gaz
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Really cool project, the new details you have added are a real eye-catcher.
Bye,
Manni
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Interesting subject and very good work.
I have all of the needed equipment and supplies to make custom vinyl masks PM if you are interested.
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Tedious masking for shine through ribs
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/e0/8d/df/a42e36920396034.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/a42e36920396034)
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/f9/77/42/79d089920396074.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/79d089920396074)
first pass with humbrol 60 matt
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/5a/1a/97/962234920396234.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/962234920396234)
contol rods made from disposable Seirin accupuncture needles
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/57/c7/bc/0c771a920396174.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/0c771a920396174)
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/ee/63/4e/e5883a920396214.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/e5883a920396214)
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All is looking good! I like your control rods and the wood grain on the cockpit sides.
RAGIII
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Those interior details look great!
Gaz
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i've painted the ribs on all flying surfaces a darkish brown, removed a LOT of tape then painted the red mathching closely to my references in a few diluted sessions to get a slight see trough effect. i've chosen hi speed silver for the silver paint used on the non metallic surfaces.
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/ca/04/95/5accf3982640374.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/5accf3982640374)
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next step: closing the fuselage and a lot of adjusting and sanding to get a more or less convincing camelback deck:
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/00/a8/f0/1f5389982640474.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/1f5389982640474)
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/e7/79/48/9f69c9982640424.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/9f69c9982640424)
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/a1/83/3e/65217b982640034.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/65217b982640034) ]
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/af/90/58/b7e693982639974.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/b7e693982639974)
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/30/e1/2b/bf627b982639924.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/bf627b982639924)
(http://thumbs2.imagebam.com/50/d9/9d/2b5c84982639864.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/2b5c84982639864)