forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: nbrangers on July 24, 2019, 03:36:35 AM

Title: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on July 24, 2019, 03:36:35 AM
This build is the first part of a project to build models of aircraft flown by Major A.D. Carter in 1/32 scale. I am beginning with the Wingnut Wings Dolphin and hope to follow up with a Roden Spad VII and a Wingnut Wings Fokker D.VII. Major Carter was a native of Point de Bute, which is just a few kilometres from where I live, and his decorations and other articles are on display at the nearby Fort Beausejour Museum. (https://i.imgur.com/pj5aKNP.jpg)
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: Radarman on July 24, 2019, 03:39:36 AM
I look forward to following your progress.

                              Kevin in Port Orchard
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on July 24, 2019, 03:45:49 AM
Major Carter is the subject of an interesting display at the Fort Beausejour Museum which includes his decorations, a studio photo and a pair of RFC wings, all provided by his sister. They certainly are a source of inspiration. (https://i.imgur.com/y64HpmD.jpg)
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on July 24, 2019, 03:47:32 AM
A photo of Carter provided by his sister along with a pair of RFC wings worn by him. (https://i.imgur.com/ZzFVdD5.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/V2aV8ng.jpg)
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: RAGIII on July 24, 2019, 03:52:02 AM
One of My favorite WNW kits and you are doing one from one of the Squadrons I Model. I am looking forward to your build!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: lcarroll on July 24, 2019, 06:08:00 AM
   Great choice of schemes as I too pursue "Canadian content" where possible in my Builds. I have a Dolphin in the "to do" pile and will follow your progress here with great interest.
   BTW, also a great avatar you have there!
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on July 24, 2019, 06:42:34 AM
I also build mainly Canadian subjects. I have seen some of your models here and your build of MacLaren's Camel was an absolute stunner, one of the best I've ever seen. 
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: lcarroll on July 24, 2019, 11:28:33 AM
 Thank you, I am most honored. MacLaren is a great hero of mine, I met the man briefly in the early 80's, spoke to him, and was completely impressed with what a humble Gentleman he was. I really enjoyed doing his Camel with the unique weathering and distressed finish, and of course the Wingnut Wings Kit is a real winner.
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on August 02, 2019, 09:36:58 AM
Here are some in progress pics, first the fuselage interiors.(https://i.imgur.com/9WlliJf.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/c35Mq5K.jpg)
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on August 02, 2019, 09:39:21 AM
Seat, instrument panel, fuel tank and floorboards
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on August 02, 2019, 09:44:35 AM
And some pics of the engine. I haven't done any weathering here as little will be visible when it's buttoned up.
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: Alexis on August 02, 2019, 10:36:02 AM
Nice start so far  :)



Terri
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: Juan on August 02, 2019, 06:17:22 PM
Great start looking forward to your progress.
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: RAGIII on August 02, 2019, 09:04:41 PM
Excellent interior work. I am looking forward to seeing the next phase!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on August 02, 2019, 09:37:44 PM
Thank you for your comments. So far the kit is going together as advertised and is proceeding quite quickly.
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on August 02, 2019, 09:39:44 PM
I am curious: how do you post the large images that I see here? I find that the size limitation means tiny photos. Obviously I have missed something. Any advice would be appreciated.
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: RAGIII on August 02, 2019, 10:04:49 PM
I am curious: how do you post the large images that I see here? I find that the size limitation means tiny photos. Obviously I have missed something. Any advice would be appreciated.

Most use an Image hosting site. I like postimage but there are many others. Most are free. Check on this link as I think the question has been discussed before. IHTH,

https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?board=12.0

RAGIII
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on August 02, 2019, 10:59:57 PM
Tnaks very much for the advice. I have signed up to Imgur, which seems pretty user-friendly.https://imgur.com/5LmUj2z (https://imgur.com/5LmUj2z)
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on August 02, 2019, 11:06:56 PM
I think I've got it now.(https://i.imgur.com/ucD1IxL.jpg)
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: RAGIII on August 02, 2019, 11:27:25 PM
Much better  ;D The engine is looking great.
RAGIII
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: lone modeller on August 03, 2019, 04:09:56 AM
Just found this, what an impressive build. An interesting subject too - will be following this with interest.

Stephen.
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on August 17, 2019, 05:33:47 AM
After everything I had read here and elsewhere, I was a little apprehensive when it came time to insert the engine-cockpit module into the fuselage. Happily it slipped into place with a satisfying click after a few tries. I then wrapped up most of the fuselage assembly and after a little seam work I applied the main colours and gloss coat. Next up is decal application and a bit of weathering. Unfortunately I didn't stop to take any photos until now.
So far this has been an enjoyable and satisfying build, but this kit has a few surprises for the builder and I would recommend plenty of test fitting before applying cement/glue.  (https://i.imgur.com/BpLdXUh.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/ouPE8ft.jpg)
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on August 17, 2019, 05:35:42 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/07nG60V.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/Iro3KDy.jpg)
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: RAGIII on August 17, 2019, 05:48:45 AM
Your fuselage assembly and painting look awesome. Looking forward to your next update!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on August 17, 2019, 06:19:11 AM
Thanks for your comments. I find this to be a rather surprising kit, in that most parts fit very well, but every so often one will need some grinding or trimming to get it to fit. The engine top cover is a case in point. I had to grind away parts of the interior to get it to fit over the engine and machine guns. Perhaps this is self-inflicted, but i have run into this in several places. Still, overall it is a great kit and I have enjoyed it immensely.
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on September 01, 2019, 04:47:01 AM
Here is the Dolphin on its "feet" with most of the decals applied. The 19 Squadron "dumbbell" marking is from the Pheon sheet as is the aircraft letter "I". The aircraft's serial was cobbled together from the Pheon sheet. I have found the WNW decals to be troublesome, as they tend to break apart and crack. I applied the rudder decals, but they too broke into pieces, so I painted the stripes on the rudder. I informed WNW of my troubles and they have graciously sent me a replacement sheet, free of charge.(https://i.imgur.com/kDyVzCe.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/PooSFQb.jpg)(http://LuAQuQD.jpg)
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on September 01, 2019, 04:52:51 AM
Here are several more views of Carter's Dolphin. The next step is to install the struts and upper wings and then begin the rigging process. I hope to have a better lighting set-up before I take my next photos. (https://i.imgur.com/LuAQuQD.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/bFXsuyg.jpg)
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: RAGIII on September 01, 2019, 11:55:57 PM
Your Dolphin is really looking great! The Pheon decals are terrific but for some reason the WNW decals seem to have gone downhill! I also had to paint the rudder stripes on mine. Looks better in the long run anyway !
RAGIII
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on September 02, 2019, 12:10:51 AM
Thanks. Yes, I was quite disappointed with the WNW decals too. Getting the small circular markings around the leading edges of the wing struts was a real chore. In the end I used Future to help get them to stay in place. I agree, the painted rudder stripes look far better than the decals. I found the white in the decals quite translucent as well, especially over the PC.12.
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on September 02, 2019, 04:22:40 AM
I have looked for your Dolphin; have you posted pictures of it here?
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: RAGIII on September 02, 2019, 04:42:45 AM
I have looked for your Dolphin; have you posted pictures of it here?

Here is a link to the completed Model. There is a link to My build log there  ;D

https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=9779.msg178437#msg178437


RAGIII
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on September 02, 2019, 07:09:43 AM
Thanks for the link. Very impressive build and finish. I liked the Pheon decals, but it's too bad they didn't include roundels. That would have made life much easier.
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: Dave Brewer on September 02, 2019, 09:42:55 AM
Don't know how I missed this,wonderful result Rick,I think I might to my Dolphin and Snipe as a blue-nosed pair after seeing how attractive it looks.
Cheers,
Dave.
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: Alexis on September 02, 2019, 12:30:48 PM
Wow , you are making quick work with this kit . Beautiful paint work and weathering , nice clean build  :)



Terri
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on September 03, 2019, 02:05:55 AM
Thanks Terri. Had it not been for the decal troubles, it would probably be finished by now. As it is, I am waiting for replacement decals from WNW, as the roundels on the upper wings and ailerons cracked and split and had to be removed. The decals also do not stay in place well when dry. Several smaller ones have come off after having dried when I handled the model while wearing rubber gloves. I have tried Future and it helped a little, but the large decals like the roundels are a challenge to say the least. The kit itself is great, with lots of detail, as you would expect from WNW. I bought the Pheon sheet for the Dolphin for the 19 Squadron markings, but unfortunately it doesn't include roundels. Strange that none of the decal makers offer roundels. I would certainly buy some.
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: kensar on September 03, 2019, 09:34:42 PM
You've got a nice clean build going there.  Should be great looking model when completed.
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on September 03, 2019, 11:22:49 PM
Thanks. Once I receive the replacement decals it should only be another week or so to wrap this one up.
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on September 04, 2019, 09:32:22 AM
I received the replacement decals from WNW today. Great customer service. Unfortunately they behaved in the same way as the originals, but at least I was ready for it this time.
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: RAGIII on September 04, 2019, 09:09:04 PM
I received the replacement decals from WNW today. Great customer service. Unfortunately they behaved in the same way as the originals, but at least I was ready for it this time.

Sorry to hear that the replacements were also bad. If you need to touch up the blue Valejo Intense Blue is a good match.
RAGIII
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on September 04, 2019, 10:30:51 PM
Thanks for the tip. I tried touching up the wing roundels from the first set of decals, but every masking medium I used caused them to lift. They are about the worst decals I have used. They almost make Roden's look good.
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on September 06, 2019, 01:36:57 AM
After putting the project on hold for several weeks while waiting for the replacement decals, I resumed work and unfortunately found the new decals no better than the old ones. The main problem involved the large roundels on the upper wings, which refused to go round the corners of the aileron cut-outs and the ailerons themselves. I tried cutting off the involved sections and applying them separately, but once again the decals cracked and in some places broke apart. Completely frustrated, I removed the decals--which fortunately wasn't difficult--and repainted the wings. I got out my Olfa circle cutter and made masks for the roundels. I then sprayed the three colours and after removing the masks did a little touching up. All in all, I am quite happy with the result. The white outer ring on the starboard wing is a little wider than the one on the port side, but I can live with that. At least now I can move on with the final assembly and rigging.(https://i.imgur.com/laEddX4.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/j2njTuh.jpg)
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: RAGIII on September 06, 2019, 02:26:20 AM
I must say that your ultimate solution seems to be far better than trying to touch up! IMHO the roundels look Terrific! Well done fix to a real issue!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on September 06, 2019, 03:01:23 AM
Thanks for your comments. I thought about trying to touch up the decals, but masking was not possible because of their fragility, and in the end I decided to give painting the roundels a try. I am glad that I did and am quite satisfied with the result.
I hope that WNW does something about their decals before the Fokker Triplane kits come out. I already have Aviatik decals for an F.I and will probably use those for one of the two I have on pre-order from Hannants. The Dolphin decals really were some of the worst I have used for a long time.
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: gedmundson on September 06, 2019, 04:54:59 AM
Your roundels turned out very well. Gives me hope for when I give my new Flex-i-file circle cutter a try on my current project.
Cheers,
Gary
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on September 06, 2019, 08:12:41 AM
I used Art Mask, a product I bought at an art supply store long ago, as the masking medium. It is low-tack and conforms well to curves. It was easy to cut and left behind absolutely no residue. I am not familiar with the Flexi-File circle cutter, but the Olfa one I have is very easy to use. I may use it for all my roundels from now on.
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: Alexis on September 06, 2019, 10:23:13 AM
Nice recovery on the markings . I have this kit in the stash and when it comes time to build it I will coat the decals with Testers Decal Bonder to be on the safe side .



Terri
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on September 06, 2019, 09:53:20 PM
That might help. Good luck.
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: AlbertD on September 28, 2019, 01:28:43 PM
Your Dolphin looks great.

I just finished applying the horrible decals on mine the day before yesterday. I had exactly the same problems you did. I also contacted WNW and they offered me a new set. It was already too late at that point. I just wanted to let them know they were bad. In their replay they said it was a bad batch that got through and it was mostly the white that had the problem and they should have it resolved. I had to touch mine up with paint and they turned out decent enough. Mine also had trouble sticking down. They were just bad all around. I sure hope the set on the next kit are better. So many people have such good things to say about the WNW decals it has to be a fluke.

Al
Title: Re: Wingnut Wings 1/32 Sopwith Dolphin Major A.D. Carter No. 19 Squadron RFC
Post by: nbrangers on September 29, 2019, 11:40:55 PM
It's sad but true. Both sheets I tried, the original one from the kit and the replacement sheet WNW sent me, were the same--terrible. As I said earlier though, masking and painting the roundels and vertical stripes on the rudder proved surprisingly easy and effective.