forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Alexis on May 06, 2021, 11:09:18 AM
-
With the pfalz D.III coming to end I need another WW 1 subject which will be out of the box . It has been a while since I did a float plane . It was hard choice to make but in the end Techmod kit's won . Markings will be the kit Wulfchen .
Alexis
-
Crikey,
That looks tricky Alexis! That should put paid to your multiple builds for a couple of weeks..
Guy
-
Very nice new project Alexis!
I own that kit too, but the build is delayed. I checked the sizes and bought the kit then, but the measurement I found for length was only for the fuselage. Due to the far forward mount of the floats the complete bird cannot be put in my actual cabinet. So it moves towards the end of my list.
The kit seems to be ok. Do you know, that there exists an additional PE set for the aircraft
https://www.scalemates.com/kits/part-s48-153-friedrichsafen-ff-33e--155360
... and some different sets to put the floats on wheels?
https://www.scalemates.com/kits/part-s48-154-friedrichshafen-ff-33e-wheels-type-1--945036
https://www.scalemates.com/kits/part-s48-155-wheels-undercarriage-typ-2--167615
Have fun!
Frank
-
Thank-you Guy and Frank .
This will take me longer then a couple of weeks . Maybe I will have it finished by the end of summer there is no rush for me .
Frank , yup I'm aware of the Part PE set and the float trolles's . But I'm staying with out of the box for this one . ;) Thanks for sharing the links :)
Alexis
-
As always I will tag along!
RAGIII
-
Wouldn't be the same with out you Rick , thanks ! :)
Alexis
-
Should be an interesting build. I like floatplanes.
-
Nice subject, I'll follow. I have never heard of Techmod kits. Are they decent or do they need a lot of work?
-
OOOH a three bay biplane on floats. Now that really does tickle my fancy. However I am in agreement that although this may be OOB it is not going to be a quick build. All the more time to watch an expert modeller turning out a first class and interesting model.
Stephen.
-
I started removing some of the parts , test fitting the fuselage halves , going to need some work there . More on that later .
The detail in the cockpit is very basic so I might add a few bits here and there to dress it up a bit . Fuselage insides does have molded frame work , PE instrument panels . No seat belts so will have to source those for the spare box on make them out of tape . Outside detail of the fuselage is basic . Only detail which really stands out is the engine , which is good since most of it will be seen .
The length of the wings is impressive in 48 scale . In the photo I added a N-17 wing for comparison . This will be the biggest WW1 plane I built so far ....still have a Gotha in the stash ;)
Alexis
-
:)
-
:)
-
:)
-
:)
-
:)
-
Looks like a very large 1/48th scale kit going from the NIeuport wing comparison! I look forward to more progress.
RAGIII
-
Interesting project, looks like plenty of rigging!
-
This certainly is gonna be a big bird.
-
I'm looking forward to your first steps. I will follow up closely.
Manni
-
This promises to be fun!
-
That's a bit different, Alexis -
I hope you have the display space for this one when done?!
Regards
Dave
-
I'm looking forward to it as well and it's nice doing something different . Might be the mojo I need to finish off the Pfalz D.VII/III which is still sitting on the bench .
Dave , not sure where I will display it . I really don't have the room now for the ones I do have built . But I'll make work :)
Alexis
-
That is going to be on the large size Alexis. I hope that you do find room for this one as it is going to be very impressive and eye catching when you finish it.
Stephen.
-
Hi Alexis,
Like the others, I'll be following your build.
But Alexis - no 'breaching' trolley ;D
Mike
-
Thanks Stephen and Mike :)
Mike ...no breaching trolley's ;)
My eyes got tried from rigging the Pfalz D.III so switching gears parts ended up being freed ready for clean up . Here are the parts for the pit and engine .
Alexis
-
:)
-
Great subject, promising a chellenging build but with rewards. Good luck!
Ciao
Giuseppe
-
Made a start on this getting the cockpit parts clean up and figuring what details to add . I'm thinning down the seats . They are waaaaay to thick , one more to go . This was fairly quick and easier then making new ones . The engine is very basic and the induction pipes are to short and don't reach the block . The pipe which connects the two in the middle is to short and will have to make a new one . There are no magneto's at all and this will also have to be made . Sink marks need to be filled . Valve springs will get replaced as well . The detail is very weak and dry brushing in the end won't help either .
Alexis
-
:(
-
Good start Alexis! I am sure you will sort out all of the changes and additions needed with No Problem!
RAGIII
-
Nice job on the seat. The engine looks a bit rough but I'm sure you can turn this into a real nice engine.
-
Hi Alexis, I'm a few days late to this one. Am following from here, looking forward to another modelling feast full of useful tips and techniques. I have my notebook ready!
Richie
-
Thanks for the support guys and for tagging along . :) Only yard work this week is cutting the grass then it's bench time !
Alexis
-
A great Start, Alexis! The seats will be good... the engine is a disappointment but I'm sure you'll make it look a whole lot better! ATB, Marc.
-
There is quite a lot to do to improve the engine Alexis, but nothing beyond a few pieces of rod and some laminated and filed plastic blocks: nothing that is going to stretch you. However they will make a huge difference to the completed model.
Stephen.
-
Thanks guys , yes the engine did turn out to be a let down and I do have a white metal one which I might use instead . Nothing overly fancy will be done with the detail , needs to balance with the of detail in the kit .
I did make a bit of progress today . Floats are glued up and while that was drying inside of the fuselage has it's colour started and wooden parts ended up with their base coat . Everything is drying and will have some progress pic's soon .
Alexis
-
So far this is what my hard work has lead me today . For the wood I started with a base coat of Tamiya wooden deck tan in the acrylic range . Once this set up over night the surfaces received a dry brushing on Tamiya flat earth . Left this dry for a few hours while I had a nap . The surface was then rub with a pencil crayon and this was all sealed with a few coats of Tamiya clear yellow with just a touch of clear orange . Setting this aside I started getting the floats put together . There is a few spots which will need filling , but it's not bad in this area . What bits my rear and not in a good way is the sink marks which need taken care of . Worst being on top of the floats .
I found my Datafile on this type but it has no info on the cockpit so I have no idea if this is even accurate so I'm just following what the instructions are calling out for the colours .
Alexis
-
:)
-
:)
-
:(
-
Looking great Alexis!
RAGIII
-
Always loved your wood painting effects Alexis. We've all been a bit spoiled in recent years by kits with parts that actually fit, no ejector pin marks and no sink marks. I remember as a child wondering what colour I should paint all those recessed circles on my models!
Richie
-
Great work, Alexis. Hard kit to build you have but I amconfident you will achieve great results.
-
Excellent work in all aspects, Alexis.
Cheers,
Gary
-
Hey , Thanks guys ! :)
Richie , those circles I remember very well , I couldn't stay in the lines when colouring ...couldn't do them either , but yet I could put together a barbie outfit in the bash of an eye !
We have been spoiled with fewer injector pin makes and gifted with better fitting kits and they are only going to get better !
Alexis
-
Haha, I'm not the only one who tried to colour them in then! I remember taking great care to paint them silver on an Airfix Stirling bomber forever ago! ;D
-
It's on!(https://www.modellboard.net/Smileys/Modellboard/9.gif)
-
Good to see this one is back on the go Alexis. I am sure that a few sink marks will not cause you undue problems - a bit of filler and sanding and hey presto they will be gone!
Stephen.
-
Thanks guys !
Work continues here and there with a wash applied to the cockpit . Seat belts are form the spare box and many not be right for this type , but I like them and they do dress up a weak area of the kit . I added leather tie down straps to the tank made out of Tamiya tape painted red brown or something to that effect ...hull red .... that's the shade ! Next step is a sealing coat and the the to halves can fixed together forever !!!!
While I was waiting for items to dry I also have the flight controls clean up and glued in place . Other then the rigging holes these are set to go .
Alexis
-
:)
-
:)
-
Your interior work looks awesome Alexis. Looking forward to More!
RAGIII
-
Thanks Rick ! :)
Alexis
-
Nice interior and I'm with you on the seatbelts. They look nice.
-
Very nice cockpit, lovely instrument panel and radio.
Ciao
Giuseppe
-
Thanks guys :)
This is a detail that could have been included in the kit since the instrument panel and radio face is PE parts , same with the wind screen frames are provided as PE , but no seat belts .... ::)
Alexis
-
It was an awesome day , sun shining , no clouds in the sky and light winds ...perfect day for mountain biking but since I did that yesterday and sore today I needed something to do . So everything was sprayed with a sealing coat and the halves are button up set side to dry . There is going to be a bit of clean up on the seems . The location pegs on the tail don't line up but that was easily taken care of . There is a lot of clamps and some tape so I'm hoping this will be enough on keeping her closed .
Alexis
-
:o
-
All zipped up and looking fine, always a big moment when the fuselage goes together. No hanging around going on here!
Richie
-
Very nice interior work, good looking wood effect.Next exterior, which will be interesting to follow.
-
Thanks Richie and Matti 8)
Alexis
-
The cockpit details look great in place. Getting the fuselage closed up is a major step forward. Well done Alexis!
RAGIII
-
Thanks Rick ,
I'm glad that I didn't really add much detail to the pit ...most of it won't be seen . Engine is another matter !
Alexis
-
Outstanding work on the interior, Alexis! Love the seat belts! I have this one in my stash and I'll be using yours as a guide. No pressure.
Cheers,
Bud
-
Thanks Bud ,
Not sure if this would be a good build for that , but I will try my best on making it worthwhile . ;)
Alexis
-
Seems have been sanded and before I whip out the fillers the lower wings need to be glued in place , all this seems need to be filled . The engine is test fitted and detail on that hasn't start yet . My excuse is ....beautiful weather ! But it seems to fit well and I know how much room I have for space . While still try and figure out where in the hell I'm going to display this when built !
Alexis
-
:)
-
:)
-
Good progress Alexis, yes lovely weather should be made the most of. We're finally enjoying some sunshine here in England.
I'm sure you'll find space for this once it's completed. I'm contemplating going all the way up to 1/24 for my next project. I may have to trash some of my really rough old models (that's most of them!)to make space.
Richie
-
Thanks Richie ,
Yes , always nice when the weather cooperates and one can get out doors in the sunshine ! Be doing the same today ;)
1/24 is a good size and should make a nice project for the bench . I did that a few months ago , got rid of the lesser quality builds to have more room . That didn't last long . Going to have to get more shelving !!!
Alexis
-
Looking Terrific Alexis! You are moving right along on this one in spite of your outdoor activities!
RAGIII
-
Thanks Rick :)
It is another high temp day , yard work this morning and a bike ride this afternoon . ;)
Alexis
-
Great work so far, Alexis -
Yes, it can be hard to do modelling when the weather is good - it's actually pretty decent in the UK (surprisingly!) at the moment - I've stalled on a build for same reason!
I hope you manage to work out where to display when built ..........!
Regards
Dave
-
Getting to this stage is real progress, Alexis! And lovely work too. This is an impressive project. Regards, Marc
-
Dave , get out and enjoy the weather , never know when it will turn for the worst . I will make room for it somewhere ;)
Thanks Marc :)
With it being to hot out side and to warm in the hobby room not much was done but thats okay . The floats seems are filled and the fuselage as well and I made a start on the engine details .
Alexis
-
:) Up-date starts on end of last page
-
:)
-
:)
-
Progress is progress whether a lot or a little! Looking excellent!
RAGIII
-
Thanks Rick , :)
Alexis
-
Great work Alexis, I can't imagine doing this in 1/48 scale!!!
Btw: Are there any traces of a wing tank on the top upper wing in this kit?
Kent
-
Thanks Kent :)
No , there is no tank of any kind on the upper wing or on the underside of the upper wing . And there is no part in the kit for this . I need to go over the datafile a bit more on the FF-33E , just haven't made it that far in the build yet .
Alexis
-
nothing here either ...underside
-
Good progress Alexis, looking forward for your solving of that fuel tank mystery 8)
-
Thanks Matti ,
Yes the wing tank enigma is solved and is a detail I will be adding . Kent was a huge aid in this . Detail to the floats will be added as well .
Alexis
-
Hi Alexis, I'm enjoying the research going on to solve the riddle of the tank. Very much looking forward to how you solve it. This is such a far cry from the stick it together and slap the paint on before before bedtime days we all probably remember. I once built and painted a B29 in one day to show my dad when he came home from work. Oh how he laughed! :)
-
Thanks Richie ,
I remember those days but with a different out come ...my Dad would toss it in the trash saying girl's don't build models ..go and play with your dolls . ::) and I would start crying and in the end get a new Barbie Doll . My Dad was amazed though when I would get Barbie accessories I would put them together myself and place the decals on even though they weren't line up like they should be . Anyone tried to help me I would get mad ! Those were the good old days :) :) :) :) .
Alexis
-
Good progress on tis one Alexis. The fuel tank problem should be easy to solve.
I like models that leave parts out - then there is a proper challenge to finish them.
Stephen.
-
Thanks Stephen ,
Yes , it is a very easy detail to add something that this kit is lacking which is perfect for maintaining ones skills and keeping them sharp .
Alexis
-
Well I made it this far before my bench light crapped out on me the other day . Had to order a new one online , no one had it in stock ! So in the meantime ....
The cover has been add with plastic card 0.05mm , still have to add the vent tube(s) . The top wing will be pinned with a 1.5 mm spacer in between them so mods are need for the struts , this will all be pinned in the end .
Alexis
-
good morning Alexis,
Modeling by candle light. Very inspiring!
Have a good day,
Kevin
-
Looking good Alexis. You must have an impressive light to have to order one online ;D
RAGIII
-
Good work as always Alexis. Which bench light do you use? I have an LED lamp that gives daylight balanced lighting but often wish it was more powerful.
I feel sad that your Dad didn't appreciate your modelling talents.
Richie
-
Wow Alexis, what a great progress on this project too! Very nice.
So many interesting projects to watch (and to build from the own stash ::) )
Cheers,
Frank
-
No need to feel sad Richie ...later in life he was proud of some of the builds I did and when I started win awards he was all smiles . I don't recall the make for my desk lamp other then it is 20 years old ::)
Thanks Frank , you are right there are a lot of cool subjects being built ...to many to keep with at times .
Alexis
-
Okay , it was time to get some more work done on this project and I turned my attention to the floats . They are very basic with the details and the shape of them are not correct . I not correcting the shape but I did add a few bits of plastic to make them more appling . Bit more detail added to the tank as well and the main wings are pinned together . I'm currently working on the cab struts and their spacing for mounting the wing .
So far this is where the project stands .
Alexis
-
:)
-
:)
-
:)
-
Excellent work on the floats and tank on the wings Alexis! Looking great.
RAGIII
-
Hello Alexis!
Very happy to see this beautiful plane here. Especially when it is well built. :)
She is far too rare on the forums.
-
Great work and a fun thread to follow! Well done on all the extra details you've added to the floats and the upper wing.
/Fredrik
-
Excellent mods on the kit Alexis. You are such a neat worker! The floats especially look so much better for the work you have done.
Richie
-
Never mind the shape of the floats Alexis: if they look about right that is good enough. The extra details that you have added to them and the wing tank are far more noticeable and important.
Stephen.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rqxwEbWUk0
-
Thanks guys for the kind comments :)
Mike , thanks for the link !
Louis , thanks for the extra info :)
Richie , not sure what you mean by a neat worker , if you saw my bench right now it's amazing on how I don't mix up kit parts .
Alexis
-
The work looks neat even if the work place isn't! 😄
-
You doing nice additions to this kit, Alexis. Very nice!
As you want to build the "Wölfchen" (I have the same decals) there is another documentation (sorry, in german language) about the Kreuzer (cruiser?) "Wolf". On board was the FF-33 nicknamed "Wölfchen" (wolf cub) as shipborne aircraft for reconnaissance. It was a modern military ship, but looks like a freighter and was going around the world to act as pirate (started in Kiel 1916)
See for example around 50sec and from 13:40
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_daHovM6MPg
Cheers,
Frank
-
Cheers Richie :)
Frank , thank-you . Yes I have been reading about the history of Wulfchen and come across videos even if they are in German I can understand . Some really neat home movies they made even if they where for propaganda . She never did get her museum in the end ..
Progress continues with work on the engine . The molded valve springs got removed and holes of the valves , rocker posts and push rod location on the engine bloke were drilled . New stems of .05mm rod and .04mm rod are in place . Once this is dried they will be trimmed to length for further detailing . There is no padding detail for the cockpit openings so I used 0.20mm rod to line the edge and run Mr.Surface 1000 along the outer edge . Still need another coat then it can be cleaned up . Cab struts got a bit of work as well . I need to work out the rad and it's plumping and there should be a rolled edge around the engine opening so this will be added as well . Under the tank thingy on the top wing wing on the under side their is a bump shape . ( See Kent's FF33L Build ) . I was thinking about how to make this or something similar to it . So I modified a WW 1 bomb for this .
Alexis
-
:)
-
:)
-
:)
-
Great progress, Alexis.
-
Cockpit coaming, struts, engine and wing bump are all well done Alexis!
RAGIII
-
Nice progress, Alexis. Looks really good.
Bye,
Manni
-
Thanks guys ! :)
Alexis
-
Excellent update Alexis, I'm going to have to steal that cockpit coaming method.
-
Most of your nice cockpit is already hidden ??? But we know it's there ...
But a very nice progress around it!
Is this a Benz Bz.III or Bz.IV ? There is a nice CSM Bz.IV, but I do not know it it would fit.
Cheers,
Frank
-
Thanks Richie , steal away ! ;)
Hi Frank , the engine is the Benz Bz.III but the kit engine doesn't represent this very well . The details are nothing more then blobs of plastic and a lot of clean up . I have a white metal engine , but it isn't any better . The details are easy to replace on the kit supplied engine .
Alexis
-
Starting to move along nicely now, Alexis -
Great detailing on the engine and love the idea of using a spare bomb cut to shape under the wing - simple but effective.
Regards
Dave
-
The additions you are making are turning a basic kit into a first class model. I too like your idea for the cockpit coaming - the idea has been duly noted.
Stephen.
-
Beautiful progress, Alexis! Great details and neat work... That engine will definitely work! Regards, Marc
-
Thanks guys :)
Spent some time in front of the bench after yard work was out of the way . I opened up the cooling holes in the nose . I had to grid from the inside first the plastic in this area is super thick . Rest went quick and at the same time the rolled edge is glued in place around the engine opening . Cockpit coamings are done and the rolled edge added as well around the engine opening .
Work on the engine itself continued with the left side finished with replaced missing details ( white plastic ) Spark plugs and wires added as well . Springs for the valves are in fixed in place and the lengths trimmed down . Right side is next for details , rockers , push rods and wiring for the plugs . At the same time I drilled out the end of the exhaust pipe , filled and sanded the sink marks .
Alexis
-
:)
-
:)
-
:)
-
Garden work and plastic work... you've been busy! I hope the garden work as nicely as the work on the model?!
/Fredrik
-
Thanks Fredrik ,
Yard work was easier , was just cutting the grass and doing some tree trimming around the power lines . I would love a garden , but I'm not the one who would be classified as having a green thumb when it comes to growing plants . :o
Alexis
-
More impressive progress on this one Alexis. I do wish that the Germans had used simpler exhaust systems on thier aircraft - they are such difficult things to work with/make!
Stephen.
-
Your detailing work is really paying off Alexis! Looking Fantastic!
RAGIII
-
The detailing is certainly an upgrade.
-
Lovely update, the engine parts look so tiny!
Richie
-
Thanks guys ! :)
I hear ya Stephen , german exhaust pipes can be a pain , brit systems are much better .
Richie , yes those parts are very small and had to remake a few of them , sometimes when one isn't expecting it the sound of ...PING ! and no more part being held by the tweezers :o
Alexis
-
Nice detailing, Alexis! Looking good.... Regards, Marc.
-
Arghh, the dreaded PING! I nothing you had remade pinged into the abyss, that would be so frustrating!
-
Thanks Marc , should have some more progress in a few more days .
Richie , I made up about 20 of them just so I can get six . I have a few leftover just in case a finger gets misplaced and I lose one .
But yes it gets frustrating for I never really had this problem before , eyesight isn't what it used to be ::)
Alexis
-
You are doing a fine job Alexis. The detailing looks great.
-
Thank-you ,
Sadly I have no new up-dates to post on this . Been rather busy of late and just haven't had time yet , once the dust has settle I will have more progress to share . Until then be safe everyone !
Alexis
-
Hope you're well Alexis, the bench can't be very tempting in the heatwave you have been suffering. Hope the weather breaks soon.
Richie
-
Beautiful work Alexis!
Willem
-
What a beaut! You should be proud.
-
Thanks guys ,
Richie , I'm doing well and hanging in there . Our weather broke a week ago and it is nice having the cooler weather but the smoke from the forest fires in BC aren't fair well ....sign .... :-\ They keep calling for rain , but we don't get any so the drier it gets ..
Alexis
-
Long time no see guys , missed all of you so very much . Happy to report that I’m all moved and will be starting back with this build . Just waiting for my internet to be hooked up on Monday yeah ! Back in business again !
Alexis
-
Alexis,
It’s great to see you back and I look forward to seeing your builds.
Happy Modeling, Kevin
-
Wonderful news Alexis. We have missed you so it will be great to have you back online and keeping us up to date with your build.
Stephen.
-
Great to see you back Alexis! Good to hear that the ducks are lining up! :D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
-
That's wonderful -
Really pleased to see you back, Alexis -
Did the move go well?
Regards
Dave
-
Nice to see you back online, I hope everything went fine with your moving and we can soon follow your resumed build.
Ciao
Giuseppe
-
Hello again. Enjoy the season!!
Steve
-
Thank you everyone for the kind welcome back . I made a start on we’re I last left off with the engine which is almost done with the details or what will be seen and it’s really only the top half . I will have some progress photos in a few days .
Yes, the move went well with no hiccups doesn’t feel like home yet but I’m hoping in time it will .
Thanks for following along 😃
-
Looking forward to seeing your progress, Alexis. This inclement weather we're getting sure makes for good modelling time ;)
Cheers,
Gary
-
I'm glad to see you back and to hear the move went well.
I've been taking a break from WW1 since finishing the SPAD, but still building models - sailplanes.
Looking forward to some pictures.
-
Great news, Alexis! Looking forward to seeing your updates!
Cheers,
Bud
-
Looking forward to any model related progress, but no rush!
/Fredrik
-
I too have this kit in my stash so am enjoying this build thread. Don't know if you have seen these pictures of Wolfchen, if not I hope they help.
https://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/ff33/wolfchen/index.html
What color are you going to paint it? I know the covering was changed several times during the voyage, and was grey later on, but I've wondered if it was CDL in the beginning. During the voyage it carried no markings. Those were added after the voyage.
-
Great to have you back Alexis. Looking forward to more of your terrific modeling
RAGIII
-
It's great to be back guys , thank you so much .
Gary , yes it's colder then what it should be which is perfect modeling conditions ;)
Thanks Big Sky , yes I have the photo's already . For the paint going to go with light pale blue , she did have a lot of patch work throughout her career so it does open the door for creativity n the scheme chosen .
Alexis , who has a stcky i key
-
With the weathering being what it is made a restart on outdated progress .
Tail planes and fin are pinned for added strength using brass . Rocker arms are finally in place , two ended up being lost within the move so the last two rear ones are made from scapes and 5mm hex rod for bolts heads . Push rods are next and the engine can have a splash of paint .
Alexis
-
:)
-
Fine return, Alexis! great to have you back and at the bench!
-
Looking great Alexis!
RAGIII
-
This looks good Alexis - and it is good to see you back presenting your work again.
Stephen.
-
Does feels good to be back in front of the bench , thanks guys !
With all the house hold chores done it will be a work bench day . :)
Alexis
-
Some very neat and precise modelling there, Alexis! So good to see you working magic at the bench again! Regards, Marc.
-
Thanks Marc :)
Push rods are in place now and the engine with cowl is dry fitted and so far things are looking good . Now comes cleaning up the struts and getting them pinned .
Alexis
-
Awesome progress Alexis!
RAGIII
-
That engine is quite prominent! Very nice job. I especially like the staggering of the rocker arms. That adds quite a lot of realism, IMO.
Stuart
-
Nice work Alexis, it's looking good!
-
Good work! Looking forward to primer and continued construction.
/Fredrik
-
Thanks guys for your continuing support :)
Over the seasonal holiday was able to get a few days in wth cleaning up the struts and there is a fair amount of them . The prop detail wasn't very crisp with the prop being to thick . I searched the spare box and came out empty handed so cleaning up the kit prop with the aid of a Copper States Models PE prop boss , 1mm hex rod and bit of .5mm brass rod and I end up with something that looks better . A few of the struts will get pinned and the fun part is next , rigging holes ! Then t should be off to the painting stage .
Alexis
-
:)
-
:)
-
Good work, especially on that prop!
/Fredrik
-
The parts look good Alexis. Like Fredrik said, especially the prop!
RAGIII
-
Oh, after I was out of the town for a while I found some progress pics here - Alexis is back on the bench!
Happy New Year!
Cheers,
Frank
-
Happy new year guys ! And thank you very much :)
Little bit more was done today with getting the struts pinned and started painting up the power plant . Tomorrow if all goes well should have all the rigging holes drilled for eyelets . Once the bit more is done will post some pic's .
Frank , it's good to be back
Alexis
-
Good to see you back at the model bench, Alex -
Good progress on your struts and prop
Regards
Dave
-
Excellent progress with the struts and prop.
Stephen.
-
Awwww , thanks guys !
Anyone who has this kit I recommend replacing the struts with something a bit stronger . The struts when molded are a mismatch most noticeable on the float struts than again must of the kit parts are . I was going to replace them but I don't have enough material to make it work in my favor , which is alright .
Alexis
-
Past few day has left the bench with progress moving forward , which is always a good thing even better after a joint , which seems to make the time go by fast .
Engine has been painted with a wash and fit in place with the front cowling included Once the the glue sets a bit it will need sanding need to smooth out the ruff areas . Forward landing bracing struts are fitted , these are the kit parts and need to be test fitted and trimmed to fit . I do recommend replacing these . The plastic is very soft and filmys . So I should mention be careful when sanding , it goes very quick !
Tail feathersssss ( wipes spit off computer screen ) in place and the struts I replace with rod . I see no reason to the clean up the kit parts when rod just needs to be cut to length and well ..just saves time in the really . So once the nose work is done and a few more holes drilled for the float struts , it's off to primer to see if my skills have improved since my relapse .
Alexis
-
:) Up date starts on the end of last page .
-
:)
-
:)
-
:)
-
;D
-
Taking shape nicely, Alexis. I like very much your work on the engine!
-
The Benz engine looks great!
There is also one fantastic Benz available from CSM, but here only the upper part is visible and your kit improved version provides enough details.
Cheers,
Frank
-
Very nice work, Alexis. The engine looks very promising.
Bye,
Manni
-
Looking fabulous Alexis. The engine details look awesome to Me!
RAGIII
-
Great work so far Alexis... once in place, seeing the engine towering so high in front of the pilot makes me wonder how difficult was to pilot this plane in terms of visibility!
-
Thanks guys !
Will admit it's not my best work on engine detail , but it is an improvement on what is offered in the kit . Also glad that I didn't detail the lower part of the engine , none of it would have been seen . Same with the cockpits , other then the seats and instrument panels , nothing else can be seem . Will have some more progress in a few days , thanks for the continued viewings !
Alexis
-
Super engine Alexis: and I agree that adding detail to parts which will not be seen is not a very good use of time.
Stephen.
-
Some really great work, Alexis! Some lovely details and clean modelling. I do like the if-it-won't-be-seen-don't-model-it-approach, life is too short and I do that too! Regards, Marc
-
I'm with all of them, your work on the engine really makes it pop. Bravo!
-
I started on the previous page and was a bit surprised when the only photo was of an engine... then I found this page with all of the other photos. 😃
Great engine and fuselage! So nice to see you properly back at the bench!
/Fredrik
-
Stephen and Marc . Moving forward with some subjects I will agree with you and follow down that path however, there is a few subjects that will get super detail for they will be the only ones I will build of them . Besides there is about 250 its in the stash , goal is to try ( try being the key word ) building most of them before I leave this rock !
Thanks Zac and Fredrik , Fredrik , glad you found the others and are enjoying the build . :)
Alexis
-
Starting to really look like an aircraft now, Alexis -
Lovely work on your engine!
Regards
Dave
-
Thanks Dave :) Working out the mounting of the floats and struts , I dropped one of the struts and when I moved back to see where the bugger went too . I ended up catching it with the bottom of sock , strut broke and needed repair and I missed placed the forward strut hole on the cowl , twice ! One of those blond moments and yes , more will be had in the future . I'm a master of my own moments ! lol .
Plus side while looking through my resin build on where I left off I found the PE frames for the wind screens ! One very happy lady indeed . :)
Alexis
-
Yes, I know those bugger moments only too well, Alexis -
I always seem to break fine parts (separating from sprue) and had to make repairs on my Pfalz. Either that or I drop a really small part that disappears forever in the carpet ............
Regards
Dave
-
I dropped one of the struts and when I moved back to see where the bugger went too . I ended up catching it with the bottom of sock , strut broke and needed repair and I missed placed the forward strut hole on the cowl , twice ! One of those blond moments and yes , more will be had in the future . I'm a master of my own moments ! lol .
Yes, I know those bugger moments only too well, Alexis -
I always seem to break fine parts (separating from sprue) and had to make repairs on my Pfalz. Either that or I drop a really small part that disappears forever in the carpet ............
Just to chime in with my own Moment that is forever burned into my memory, although it is a decade or so off-topic: I was building the Brengun 1/144 Mignet HM-14 Pou-du-Ciel aka Flying Flea (http://www.brengun.cz/e-shop/1-144-construction-kits-18/mignet-hm-14-pou-de-ciel-1095) - yes, a 1/144 Flea!! - and the fuselage, rudder and lower wing were all in place. I assembled the PE engine mount-cum-top wing strut, added the engine, set the assembly aside to dry...and the whole power/mount section dropped and vanished from existence. I spent literal hours scouring the carpet under my chair, the floor (I was using the garage as my hobby room at that house), swept, used a vacuum cleaner with pantyhose over the nozzle...all to no avail. Truly the worst experience I've had in modelling (the only time I've actually cried over a model) and, sadly, the only good news is that the rest of the kit and airframe survives should I muster the courage to scratch the missing bits. At least, I hope it's still here somewhere...
Anyway, back to Alexis' fantastic Friedrichshafen!!
-
Gee Zac , you sure seems to have quite the adventures when it comes to modelling . ;) Thanks for sharing your tale .
Today I spent a few hours adding more struts to the assembly . Don't have the room which once accommodated my need for space So taking a different avenue will try to assmelb as much as possible or what can be gotten away with out too much complications for painting . Gotta let this dry overnight so I can test fit the floats and make adjustments . But so far , swimmly well she goes !
Alexis
-
Despite how attractive some of the Great War seaplanes are (such as the FF-33) the struts for the floats put me off somewhat. I'm glad to see you're not fazed by them, Alexis! They look great! I'd love to build Wolfchen one day given her history around/over New Zealand.
Gee Zac , you sure seems to have quite the adventures when it comes to modelling . ;) Thanks for sharing your tale .
It's a tale as old as time, but that build was quite sentimental for me as I've been a Flea fan all my life. I'd love to build my own in 1/1 one day...
-
Looks good at the moment Alexis. I hope that the floats fir properly when you come back to this tomorrow.
Stephen.
-
Thanks Zac and Stephen !
Slow as the wind blows , more progress moves forward . Test fitting the floats prove that I was successful with my efforts yesterday with the struts . :)
Not many parts left to go , made a break on getting the details for the rad made , dip the wind screens in future . Ended up losing the part for the control horns on the rudder so will have to make a new one .
Alexis
-
:)
-
Great that you are working on on this. Strange assembly approach, I would have glued the struts to the floats first. Anyway, I am glad to hear that everything fits well :)
-
Steady progress Alexis: good.
Stephen.
-
Great work Alexis, it seems the strut assembly works as good as it looks. The PE for the windscreens should set those off nicely!
-
Nice work on the struts and the floats look to be seated perfectly. Excellent progress Alexis!
RAGIII
-
Alexis,
Good to see you have managed to get all the struts sorted out and floats being added.
Regards
Dave
-
Your FF-33 upside down with one float on looks like me when I step on ice!! I say something like "FF-33" as well. That aside your project is coming along very well. You're certainly up to the challenges of both the kit and your ergonomic situation!
Steve
-
Show us more progress when you're done struttin' around.
-
Thanks guys !
Prze , I like challenges ;)
Steve , now that I would like too see actually ! No use denying it , I would be the first to laugh :-X :o
Ken , will give it the utmost effort !
Since I'm still strutting around around there is no progress to report as of yet ...
Alexis
-
Looks good so far Alexis!
I hope those filigree struts are able to hold fuselage and floats in close union!
Cheers,
Frank
-
nice work, looks good!
-
My apologies for such a late reply guys , thank -you :)
Frank , was thinking the same thing , but upon test fitting it is surprisingly strong , pins are needed for this for sure , butt joins one can never fully trust . At the moment I'm out of brass stock , if I had then this would have been replaced . All I have at the moment is plastic contrail stock which would just defeat the purpose . Rather save that stock for vac kits which weight really isn't an issue .
Weekend is coming so more progress to follow .
Thanks for tuning in :)
Alexis
-
HaHaHa , made you look !
Smile beautiful people !!!
Alexis
-
Alexis,
I love this plane! :D I have the box but it stayed in France :'(....
It's a very nice job! I will follow your work!
Arnaud
-
Alexis,
I love this plane! :D I have the box but it stayed in France :'(....
It's a very nice job! I will follow your work!
Arnaud
Thanks Arnaud ,
Will have some more progress soon with this one , few more things to do on DH-2 and both will be ready for paint .
Alexis
-
And the painting starts on this one as well with the the primer being laid .
Alexis
-
:)
-
:)
-
Everything looks great!
-
Great to see you back at this one. Looking forward to see the colours :)
-
All this looks promising!
-
Really great work on thoe strut placement Alexis. I think that they would have defeated Me if I had tried this kit !
RAGIII
-
Thanks Rick , but I now join the broken strut club . This morning during one of Siebens hyper spells , he jump on my bench and this occurred.......Bose Katzen !
>:(
-
Oh dear! I'm sure a quick fix will put this right, Alexis!
Cheers,
Gary
-
Cheer up, Alexis and repair it. It is not impossible ;)
-
Dam# Alexis, you and I have some Bad Luck at times. Knowing your skill with struts I am sure you can repair this one!
RAGIII
-
C'mon Alexis, we have all learned the art of repair. I would take consolation in it not being your fault.
Alan.
-
I've been missing some updates, terrific work so far and even if surely annoying, the feline incident is manageable. Looking forward to final steps.
Ciao
Giuseppe
-
Like Giuseppe I have missed out on these updates. Looks very good Alexis - and don't you just love cats?......
Stephen.
-
You can do it Alexis, I believe in you!
Our cats have been carefully trained to avoid active bench space...or they want to avoid me, I'm not sure which.
-
Thanks guys ,
I will continue and it should be an easy fix in a couple of days .
Rick , just trying to be part of the group !
Alexis
-
What a shame ..........
I think we must all do this at times (I know I do anyway) so your not alone!
I'm sure you'll get it together anyway
Regards
Dave
-
"Thanks Rick , but I now join the broken strut club"
You mean your cat joined the broken strut club. ;D
-
Your FF-33 looks great so for, Alexis, keeping my fingers crossed for an easy fix on those struts!
Cheers
Ondra
-
You've done a great job so far Alexis, and as an experienced builder fixing the strut-problem shouldn't be a problem.
Willem
-
Thanks guys , but it will go back in the box for a later time . I still don't have the mojo to repair the strut . It will get finished , just later then what I was hoping . In the mean time I need a new 48 build to start ...just don't know what ...
Alexis