forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: PrzemoL on June 02, 2018, 08:32:19 PM

Title: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: PrzemoL on June 02, 2018, 08:32:19 PM
Some days ago I started this build. It will be my second Pfalz D.IIIa, the first one built 7 years ago was my first WNW kit. That is why I chose this one as my prize in the WNW monthly contest - seems I picked up one of the latest available copies. And this one will be the 21st WNW kit!

I plan to mask the orange-black Jasta 30 rhombs.

I am also interested in your opinions on the wings and stabilizer undersides - Osprey suggests silbergrau - but can we exclude losenge? Or the burgundy-wine colour extended to the wings undersides? Any input to this topic is warmly welcome.

I have started with Mercedes D.III engine, it will be fitted with all available Taurus resin bits.

(https://image.ibb.co/kLLQoJ/pfmar_31.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/fvVfNd/pfmar_32.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/iBZ1TJ/pfmar_33.jpg)
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: RAGIII on June 02, 2018, 09:10:02 PM
Excellent start as always. Looking forward to your build!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: Petie2nd on June 03, 2018, 12:14:31 AM
In Bruno Schmäling & Winfried Bock's Jasta 30 book, it's shown with Silbergrau on the wing undersides. The stabilizer is wine red on both surfaces; Jasta practice was to have the diamonds on both upper and lower surfaces. In the top view, there is no diamond on the upper wing, but I couldn't resist adding it on my model (still unfinished). There's also a profile of von der Marwitz's D.IIIa in Feb/March with the wings still Silbergrau overall, and still having Eiserne Kreuze. All other colors are as in the later version. There is no top view of this scheme. On both profiles, the red on the tail shows a straight vertical line, including the rudder balance, which seems to have been common in Jasta 30. So far, I had left my rudder white overall, but have debated adding the red segment at the top. Since there is still only the one photo known, which does not show the tail. it could be either way. As for struts, I went with red for cabane and interplane struts. However, in the photo, I think the forward undercarriage strut looks lighter, went with the blue on those. That also matches his colors on his other Wine Red machines, as shown in the book profiles (Alb D.V, Pfalz D.XII, Fokker D.VII). Those others had blue on the wing struts, but on the Pfalz they look as dark as the wings in the photo. Since they are in shadow, it would be possible that they're blue, also.

I'll be interested in your version of Wine Red. I used a Tamiya spray color called Dull Red, TS-33, and I'm very pleased with it.

What ever colors you decide on, it's sure to be another masterpiece! Looking forward to following this build log.

Rich
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: krow113 on June 03, 2018, 02:28:22 AM
Good stuff!
I'll be watching the engine work.
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: PrzemoL on June 05, 2018, 11:40:06 PM
Thank you gentlemen for your kind words.
And special thanks to Petie for the extensive resume of your research on this lovely colourful machine. I will take the liberty to shamelessly use your findings and copy your approach. Very much appreciated!!!
I have already chosen my burgundy colour - from Vallejo colours line, will give the details later.
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: Petie2nd on June 06, 2018, 01:05:57 AM
Hi Przemo,

If I was as enthusiastic about building as I am about research, this and several other projects would be finished by now! Here's a link to my post on the Pfalz D.IIIa (please ignore the date, it's embarrassing!). https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=6353.0 (https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=6353.0) I hope the photos appear; they're in Photobucket, and without much progress to show on anything, I haven't changed to another provider. I have linked old posts on another forum, where I can see the photos, but others say they aren't there for them. Let me know if you don't see them; if you want, I could email some to you. There are rumors that it hasn't worked so well for PB, and they are changing their policy back (new management).

Rich (AKA Pete)
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: PrzemoL on June 06, 2018, 01:23:58 AM
Hi Przemo,

If I was as enthusiastic about building as I am about research, this and several other projects would be finished by now! Here's a link to my post on the Pfalz D.IIIa (please ignore the date, it's embarrassing!). https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=6353.0 (https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=6353.0) I hope the photos appear; they're in Photobucket, and without much progress to show on anything, I haven't changed to another provider. I have linked old posts on another forum, where I can see the photos, but others say they aren't there for them. Let me know if you don't see them; if you want, I could email some to you. There are rumors that it hasn't worked so well for PB, and they are changing their policy back (new management).

Rich (AKA Pete)


Well, try to share your time between research and modelling more fairly  ;)

You have done a great effort on your Pfalz! I do expect that you will complete it soon. The photos do show without any problems. Nice to see them.

BTW, I was looking for the Schmalling book on Jasta 30. It seems that all European sources have it delivered from USA for the outraging amount of money - twice the price of the book itself. Or maybe someone has a hint, where to buy it for a decent price in Europe.
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: Petie2nd on June 06, 2018, 01:49:22 AM
A couple more notes on the kit. As mentioned by Monty, the forward fuselage can have a small gap ahead of the cockpit. I fit the basic interior together, without paint, and found that it did have a gap around the engine bulkhead/firewall. Monty solved it by deepening the grooves in the fuselage, and others have used other methods. I found that the bulkhead itself fit well, so cut the forward rib from the side frames, deleting the connecting stringers. I glued the forward rib to the bulkhead, test fitting before it set. This also allowed me to assemble the cockpit and engine separately. Those short stringer sections won't show anyway. On another forum, a person that didn't even have the kit claimed I must have made a mistake, because WNW don't have fit problems! I simply pointed him to a few builds on here, where others (better modelers than I) had the same issue - at least one after painting the fuselage.

Also, Ray Rimell, on his build, simulated the tape joining the fuselage halves with leftover rib tape decals, and I copied that as well.

Rich
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: PrzemoL on June 06, 2018, 07:17:58 AM
Thank you, Rich, for your detailed description of the fit issues. Actually, I have already built one WNW D.IIIa but it was 7 years ago, I have already forgotten but now, when you mentioned it, I recollect those issues. I will soon get to this point and will have to cope with it somehow.

As for the burgundy colour I chose Vallejo 70.946 Rojo Oscuro.

In the meantime, the work on Mercedes goes on

(https://image.ibb.co/bvbz58/pfmar_36.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/kGLgJT/pfmar_34.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/fw7iXo/pfmar_35.jpg)
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: RAGIII on June 06, 2018, 07:29:39 AM
The Mercedes is looking terrific Przemo! AI love the valve springs, lifters and plugs!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: aliluke on June 06, 2018, 04:21:26 PM
The engine looks fantastic - as always in your work. I look forward to seeing that Vallejo red too as I have an early DFW which I want to deliver in a burgundy scheme.

May I ask what wire you use for the leads?

Thanks,
Alistair
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: GazzaS on June 06, 2018, 06:27:31 PM
Wow!
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: Jacek on June 07, 2018, 03:42:56 PM
As always, you took care of the smallest detail.
Regards.
Jacek
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: pepperman42 on June 07, 2018, 09:31:12 PM
Very nice start

Steve
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: PrzemoL on June 11, 2018, 02:15:38 AM
May I ask what wire you use for the leads?

Thanks,
Alistair

The cables are made from greenish-hued fishing line I used to use for rigging until I found a more blackish one.


And some progress on the Pfalz innards.

(https://image.ibb.co/nhn1tT/pfmar_37.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/bAqMtT/pfmar_38.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/bwx1tT/pfmar_39.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/i3es08/pfmar_40.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/eihef8/pfmar_41.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/jFFMtT/pfmar_42.jpg)
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: RAGIII on June 11, 2018, 02:34:10 AM
Your panel is awesome as is the interior and engine. Loving this one as usual!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: krow113 on June 11, 2018, 02:36:35 AM
Very credible engine work.
Looks ,as usual, like a fresh production aircraft.
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: Gisbod on June 11, 2018, 04:31:05 AM
Exquisite Prze!

Great detailing...

Guy
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: pepperman42 on June 11, 2018, 10:59:58 PM
Very nice progress!!

Steve
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: PrzemoL on June 13, 2018, 06:27:48 AM
Thank you, your kind words are very much appreciated.

And here are more results of my recent modelling. The interior is basically finished and ready to be buried in the fuselage.
I have added HGW textile seatbelts with scratch-made springs. Besides this plumbing, wiring, control cables and some dirt not to have the model looking...
as usual, like a fresh production aircraft.

(https://image.ibb.co/gWhbhy/pfmar_43.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/k8Nnpd/pfmar_44.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/nDNnpd/pfmar_45.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/fYu09d/pfmar_46.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/e9ohNy/pfmar_47.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/jmVkaJ/pfmar_48.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/eW6f9d/pfmar_49.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/hkMDUd/pfmar_50.jpg)


As reported by many more modellers earlier, the fit of the innards in the fuselage is very tight with the area in front of the cockpit prone to breaking when the pressure from the bottom wing is applied. I am thinking of an reinforcement of this position.
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: RAGIII on June 13, 2018, 07:10:33 AM
Awesomw interior work as always! Moving along at a rapid pace
RAGIII
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: Manni on June 13, 2018, 03:02:10 PM
Superb additions!The interieur is turning out really good.
Bye,
Manni
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: aliluke on June 13, 2018, 03:15:09 PM
Beautifully made, so clean and crisp. I'm all for newish look with only the lightest tint/hint of weathering. Your models always look like perfect minuatures of the real thing. Weathering is fine but I think it can overwhelm a model and become out of scale. Don't want to start an argument here but I reckon you have the balance exactly right. It is certainly the look I aspire too!

Cheers,
Alistair
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: GazzaS on June 13, 2018, 06:03:06 PM
Przemo,
    That interior looks sweet!  Glad to know about the interior tightness and the wings...  Will watch for that on mine.

Gaz
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: krow113 on June 15, 2018, 03:07:23 PM
LOL
Pretty good with the editing and all...
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: Borsos on June 15, 2018, 04:53:48 PM
Looks great!
Borsos
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: PrzemoL on June 18, 2018, 06:54:04 AM
Some more steps forward.

6 small turnbuckles for control surfaces and 16 big ones prepared with wire tails

(https://image.ibb.co/hYKMQJ/pfmar_51.jpg)

Spandaus fitted with kit PE bits

(https://image.ibb.co/jJGeCy/pfmar_52.jpg)

The mounting points for ailerons, elevator and rudder reinforced with wire inserts

(https://image.ibb.co/g68sXy/pfmar_53.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/b8bqKd/pfmar_54.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/mReAKd/pfmar_55.jpg)

Fusellage innards closed, lower wing attached - a very tight fit here. I have reinforced the bridge on the fuselage top just behind the engine opening with a 1mm diameter piece of wire to avoid breaking here - I remember someone reported this after squeezing the lower wing. For a moment everything works fine.

(https://image.ibb.co/bEmCXy/pfmar_56.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/iN5Hzd/pfmar_57.jpg)

The joints on the underside will require sanding, at the moment the CA glue is setting.

(https://image.ibb.co/cMkjed/pfmar_58.jpg)

The exhaust outlet drilled out.

(https://image.ibb.co/kLvjed/pfmar_59.jpg)

And the engine cowlings, which I plan to lay beside the model, are substantially thinned and with holes drilled at spots where brackets pass through. In earlier photos of the fuselage one may notice small holes drilled around the engine opening - I will add those brackets there.

(https://image.ibb.co/nAF6sy/pfmar_60.jpg)
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: GazzaS on June 18, 2018, 06:57:49 AM
Nice detail work, Przemo.  Everything looks great!
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: gbrivio on June 18, 2018, 03:24:00 PM
Very nice work on the engine and the interiors, and very interesting tips on kit's assembly. I'm longing to see the next steps and the completed model.
Ciao
Giuseppe
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: NigelR on June 18, 2018, 08:47:04 PM
Excellent progress here, this is looking like a really good build. Love those springs on the seatbelt attachments, pity they will never (hardly ever?) be seen again..... ;) I like the work on the cowlings as well, very nice.

What turnbuckles are you using? Are they Gaspatch and, if so, what scale?
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: PrzemoL on June 18, 2018, 08:55:40 PM
Thanks!

Excellent progress here, this is looking like a really good build. Love those springs on the seatbelt attachments, pity they will never (hardly ever?) be seen again..... ;) I like the work on the cowlings as well, very nice.

What turnbuckles are you using? Are they Gaspatch and, if so, what scale?

The seatbelt springs are just visible - through the slot between the seat top edge and the fuselage former. :-)
The turnbuckles are indeed from Gaspatch - both 1/48 and 1/32 scale. The small ones are for control cables.
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: RAGIII on June 18, 2018, 10:54:22 PM
Excellent progress. All of your detail work and precautios in the build are turning this into another Przemo Masterpiece  8)
RAGIII
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: dr 1 ace on June 19, 2018, 02:12:41 AM
Excellent progress. All of your detail work and precautios in the build are turning this into another Przemo Masterpiece  8)
RAGIII

EXACTLY what my Amigo has said !!!

Ed
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: pepperman42 on June 22, 2018, 12:33:32 AM
Amazing progress

Steve
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: PrzemoL on July 03, 2018, 06:30:43 AM
Some fun with paints and masks. I have just realised that it is my first WNW with so crazy colours.

(https://image.ibb.co/kmTOKy/pfmar_63.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/cJAERd/pfmar_64.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/iWrM6d/pfmar_61.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/dG2Tmd/pfmar_62.jpg)
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: GazzaS on July 03, 2018, 09:14:58 AM
Przemo,
   That looks fantastic!

Gaz
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: coyotemagic on July 03, 2018, 10:04:18 AM
Simply gorgeous, Przemo!  I love the colors!
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: Juan on July 03, 2018, 10:55:32 AM
Great looking Przemo, outstanding all around.
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: Manni on July 03, 2018, 02:37:45 PM
Cool scheme, Przemo! Something really different.
Looking forward to your next update.
Great!
Bye,
Manni
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: NigelR on July 03, 2018, 06:53:41 PM
Looking good. Quick question - do you spray without an undercoat? The rudder looks like it could be bare plastic. I'm new to airbrushing and I know some people don't bother with an undercoat.
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: RAGIII on July 03, 2018, 11:40:11 PM
Simply gorgeous, Przemo!  I love the colors!
Cheers,
Bud

I have to agree with my Amigo! I also love the colors!!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: Borsos on July 04, 2018, 05:16:56 AM
These colors might be crazy, but they look very nice!
Andreas
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: gbrivio on July 05, 2018, 12:27:17 AM
Simply gorgeous, Przemo!  I love the colors!
Cheers,
Bud

I have to agree with my Amigo! I also love the colors!!
RAGIII

I also agree. Love the colours.
Ciao
Giuseppe
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: PrzemoL on August 01, 2018, 04:19:31 AM
I am sorry to confess, that I was too lazy to take any more in-progress photos. Besides it all went so quickly, that I was rather for going on than taking my camera from its bag. So here is the final result, more photos in the appropriate section


(https://image.ibb.co/coNryz/pfmar_01.jpg)
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: RAGIII on August 01, 2018, 12:25:38 PM
Your usual beautiful results Przemo!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: GB on August 01, 2018, 02:15:47 PM
Cracking result  8)

Gary
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: aliluke on August 01, 2018, 04:36:59 PM
Looks amazing. Congratulations for creating another beauty.

Cheers
Alistair
Title: Re: Pfalz D.IIIa - von der Marwitz (1/32, Wingnut Wings)
Post by: PrzemoL on August 02, 2018, 07:18:47 PM
Thank you, gentlemen!