forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Scratch builds => Topic started by: RichieW on August 11, 2021, 05:37:48 AM
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Here we go again, as ever I am completely out of my comfort zone and will be making it up as I go along. I have been a big BE2c fan since seeing the BBC series Wings way back in the 1970's and no 1/32 kit is available so back out with the styrene bits and bobs.
I will be making a RAF 1a powered version which means there is no aftermarket kit available. I have collected many photographs of the engine and it looks very complicated. The good news is that not much will be visible. I made a little start on the today, it isn't much to show but it's a start. I will cut the engine mounting beams down to size once the fuselage frame is together. For now they make handy grab handles.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51369993401_9a84385a76_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mgoDkp)RAF 1A V8 engine (https://flic.kr/p/2mgoDkp) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51370219838_f98a80a412_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mgpNDu)RAF 1A V8 engine (https://flic.kr/p/2mgpNDu) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The cylinder head is just taped in place, I will glue it in place once I have the holes drilled to take the cylinders and all the other assorted gubbins.
Thanks for reading
Richie
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Tagging along Richie :)
Alexis
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Great start Richie!
You are a courageous man. This is difficult aircraft to build, even from a kit!
Des did some magnificent scratch built engines. You might look here: https://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.html
He had easy, ingenious solutions for complicated details.
Willem
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Tagging along Richie :)
Alexis
Very happy to have you along, I may, no definitely will need your help along the way! :)
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If you can find an engine sprue from WnW's R.E.8... I think both the V8 RAF 1a and the V-12 RAF 4a used the same cylinders and a similar induction system.
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If you can find an engine sprue from WnW's R.E.8... I think both the V8 RAF 1a and the V-12 RAF 4a used the same cylinders and a similar induction system.
Now that is an interesting idea, thanks!
Great start Richie!
You are a courageous man. This is difficult aircraft to build, even from a kit!
Des did some magnificent scratch built engines. You might look here: https://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.html
He had easy, ingenious solutions for complicated details.
Willem
Thanks Willem, I reckon if I try what seems way too difficult I will still learn something even if I fail miserably. A rolling stone gathers no moss, it just gets bashed about a bit. :)
Richie
I have been reading through all of Des's scratch build logs. He was an incredible craftsman.
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Ah you're a man after my own heart. I'm thinking of a Be2 one of these days as well. All the best with this one. Such a worthy subject!
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I reckon if I try what seems way too difficult I will still learn something even if I fail miserably
I agree. I know exactly what you mean.
Willem
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Hi Richie
Have a look through the Wingnuts catalogue and let us know which engine might help your Be2c project. I might be able to help you. I have Des' collection of Wingnut engine sprues and what you need might be among them.
cheers
Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
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Hi Richie
Have a look through the Wingnuts catalogue and let us know which engine might help your Be2c project. I might be able to help you. I have Des' collection of Wingnut engine sprues and what you need might be among them.
cheers
Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
Dave, thank you so much! I will have a look when I get home from cricket practice. This is just the best forum it could possibly be.
Richie
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Ah you're a man after my own heart. I'm thinking of a Be2 one of these days as well. All the best with this one. Such a worthy subject!
Thanks William, I have a feeling my model might be just a little bit bigger than yours and possibly less detailed too! 😂
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Hi Richie,
I found this in Aerosphere 1939 by Glenn Angle.
And this: https://thevintageaviator.co.nz/node/304
Cheers,
Willem
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Wow, Richie - you really have caught the scratch building bug!
What a great project, mate - I will follow with interest.
Regards
Dave
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Good news Richie - the scratch building butg has really bitten - as I told you it would.
The BE series of aircraft have been sorely neglected by manufacturers - how long did we have to wait for Airfix to produce one in God's Own Scale? And nobody has produced one in 1/32 even though it was an important aeroplane in its time. If you can make the engine you will have cracked the challenge as the remainder is straightforward - your Scout build will provide you with the necessary experience.
I will of course be following and cheering form the sidelines. You have made a flying start with the engine and I am sure that you will succeed with it.
Stephen.
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You are absolutely right. The Be2 never got the attention it deserves in the modelling world. You are on a Good way to change this!
Andreas
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Many thanks Dave, Stephen and Andreas. How are you Andreas? It's good to hear from you! :)
I have been having a bit of fun with making the engine, the work is all very small and fiddly but I find it quite amusing whether or not it works out.
The RAF 1a is quite a complicated beast but I'm just going to tackle it from the front to the back in little stages. From the front the real thing looks like this;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49772972641_c915ac0425_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iQguGH)Royal Aircraft Factory 1a V8 engine (https://flic.kr/p/2iQguGH) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I don't know the name for the tear drop shaped housing that the prop shaft goes into, whatever it is called I made with laminated 2mm styrene sheet cut and filed into shape. Handily this gave me a centre line for adding the bolt fixing channels. The bolts (correct number of!) were added by using a similar method to my riveting method. 2mm lengths of 0.5mm brass tube were cut and using a paintbrush were applied with Future floor wax. Nice and easy because it can be rolled into position.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51372339146_cb5204b2b7_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mgAEDh)20210811_224652 (https://flic.kr/p/2mgAEDh) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Once dried super thin super glue is applied to each one and zapped with Zip Kicker. Hopefully this gives the look of them being part of the casting rather than separate parts stuck on. A quick lick of paint to see how it looks reveals a few blobs of CA glue that need to go but I quite like the overall look.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51373098474_9c36ba71db_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mgEyn9)20210811_231525 (https://flic.kr/p/2mgEyn9) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Cooling fins were added to by cutting tiny pieces of styrene. Gel super glue was added to the engine part and using tweezers the fins were added. Great care needed to be taken to hole the fins so the tweezers didn't touch the glue, not 100% successful but at least nothing pinged across the room.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51373960511_045d345ebe_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mgJYBR)20210812_193956 (https://flic.kr/p/2mgJYBR) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Again, super thin super glue was run down each fin in the hope of making them look like part of a 1 piece casting.
The main parts are just tacked together with a tiny blob of glue for ease of handling but it is beginning to look like an engine! I won't have any time for a few days so here it will stay for now.
I have had so many offers of help and advice already and have been replying privately, it just seems nicer that way, this forum is everything I hoped it would be and more. Although I joined after Des passed away I cannot help thinking that he would be very happy to see how the community he started continues to thrive.
Best wishes everybody, have a lovely weekend
Richie
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Great project! Will follow!
Kent
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Thanks for showing this to me earlier today Richie - it looks even better in reality than in these photographs. Simple solutions to construction problems usually work - as your photos amply demonstrate. I am following this closely because I know that at some time in future I will need to replicate at least some of this modelling - I just hope that I can keep up with this standard when I do.
Stephen.
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Now that’s very interesting :)
I am really looking forward to this project.
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Reduction gear housing, or timing gear housing (same difference)
The little end of the pear has a gear on the crankshaft, the big end has a gear on the camshaft that has exactly twice the number of teeth. It's convenient to use this for the prop shaft
Richard
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Hi Richie. Here is a link to an album of hi-res photos that you may find useful in your build:
https://jamesfahey.smugmug.com/BE2c-reproduction/ (https://jamesfahey.smugmug.com/BE2c-reproduction/)
The aircraft is a reproduction BE2c built by The Vintage Aviator Ltd in Wellington, New Zealand. It has a new-build 90hp RAF 1a engine and is very authentic with regard to materials and construction., apart from the seat belts which are the Sutton Harness type, which is not authentic for WWI aircraft. Modern aircraft regulations require over-the-shoulder seat belts, so the compromise allows the aircraft to be flown, which it is, regularly.
It is registered as ZK-CBE and made its public debut in April 2015 at at Hood Aerodrome, Masterton, NZ. The aircraft is finished in the markings of 2612, a presentation aircraft sponsored by St Catherine in Ontario, from 16 Squadron, 1916. Declared missing on 1 June 1916. 16 Squadron formed at St Omer on 10th February 1915 from flights of No. 2, 5 and 6 Squadrons, using various aircraft until it was issued with BE2cs in February 1916.The squadron marking consisted of two bands around the fuselage on either side of the cockade. These were black on clear doped aircraft and white on the later PC.10 cover ones. 16 Squadron was re-equipped with R.E.8s in May 1917.
The observers' position is fitted with duel controls. The observer's 'goal post' rear gun mounting is more properly the Mounting Aircraft, Lewis, BF No. 10, Mark 1.
Anyone is welcome to download the images for personal use only. If the images are shared please credit me as the photographer. Use the small download icon, don't do a right mouse button click or the images won't be hi-res.
Happy Modelling!
Cheers, James Fahey
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Off to a great start, Ritchie. Scratchbuilding an engine is something I haven't done yet. Good explanation of your process to make the gear reduction housing.
I would also like to thank James Fahey for his support of the members of this forum. The photos are an invaluable source of information.
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I too would like to thank James as I am considering another large scale scratch build of a similar machine (not a c variant however).
Stephen.
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James, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!! Those photographs are stunning and are going to be very useful. Anybody wanting to model the BE2c in any scale will love these. In fact the photographs are so beautiful that anybody with an interest in WW1 aviation will love them.
This forum, what a great place! 😀
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Engine is coming together nicely with the details being added :)
Alexis
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The Canadian Aviation and Space Museum has an original BE2C in it's collection. However it has been restored. I seem to recall that it was on display at one time but I am uncertain if it still is - there is only so much room for displays and the rest stored.
https://ingeniumcanada.org/aviation/artifact/royal-aircraft-factory-be2c
The museum staff are quite knowledgeable and will answer emails
cheers, Graham
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Hi Richie. Here is a link to an album of hi-res photos that you may find useful in your build:
Cheers, James Fahey
James I just wanted to say a little more. Your photos will be utterly essential rather than meerly useful, I have had time to look through them very carefully and they answer every question I had about the aircraft. This is without doubt the finest set of detail photographs of any aircraft I have ever seen. This is a particularly beautiful BE2c, I may change my plan and try to model it.Reduction gear housing, or timing gear housing (same difference)
The little end of the pear has a gear on the crankshaft, the big end has a gear on the camshaft that has exactly twice the number of teeth. It's convenient to use this for the prop shaft
Richard
Thanks Richard, good knowledge as always!
The Canadian Aviation and Space Museum has an original BE2C in it's collection. However it has been restored. I seem to recall that it was on display at one time but I am uncertain if it still is - there is only so much room for displays and the rest stored.
https://ingeniumcanada.org/aviation/artifact/royal-aircraft-factory-be2c
The museum staff are quite knowledgeable and will answer emails
cheers, Graham
Many thanks Graham, I really appreciate that. You're a gem!
Great project! Will follow!
Kent
Now that’s very interesting :)
I am really looking forward to this project.
Engine is coming together nicely with the details being added :)
Alexis
Off to a great start, Ritchie. Scratchbuilding an engine is something I haven't done yet. Good explanation of your process to make the gear reduction housing.
I would also like to thank James Fahey for his support of the members of this forum. The photos are an invaluable source of information.
Thanks for showing this to me earlier today Richie - it looks even better in reality than in these photographs. Simple solutions to construction problems usually work - as your photos amply demonstrate. I am following this closely because I know that at some time in future I will need to replicate at least some of this modelling - I just hope that I can keep up with this standard when I do.
Stephen.
Thanks so much for your interest in what will be a challenging project, all hints and tips will be gratefully received and highly necessary at some, possibly every stage. I hope my work doesn't disappoint! I can't get anything done until Monday so hopefully an update will come a few days after that.
Richie
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Beautiful work on the engine Richie.
The reduction gear is looking grand!
Willem
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Yep, the engine is looking excellent. :D
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James I just wanted to say a little more. Your photos will be utterly essential rather than merely useful, I have had time to look through them very carefully and they answer every question I had about the aircraft. This is without doubt the finest set of detail photographs of any aircraft I have ever seen. This is a particularly beautiful BE2c, I may change my plan and try to model it.
Richie
Really appreciate the feedback Ritchie, thanks for your kind words. Wingnut Wings never got around to doing a BE2c so there hasn't been much need for a detailed walk-around set of images until you started your build. Hope you don't get too bogged down in super detailing (unless you enjoy that sort of thing) ;)
Warm regards, James
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How are you Andreas? It's good to hear from you! :)
Thanks for asking, Richie, I am still there… WW1 modelling has a break on my workbench and I am busy doing some different projects. But I still follow the ongoing builds here, especially if it’s something so fascinating like your scratch build Be2!
Best regards ,
Andreas
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Hi folks, time has been in short supply recently so little has been done. The engine breather pipes emerge from the rank case at an angle from tubes that are part of the casting so a styrene ramp was added at the front and brass tubing added and then blended in with Mr. Dissolved Putty. 1mm brass tube was then annealed and bent to shape after first threading wire down the centre to avoid kinking and splitting. A coat of Mr. Metal Primer and copper paint later they were just pushed into place after a coat of Tamiya lacquer flat aluminium was applied to the crank case. A few nuts and bolts were added and painted and that's all I had time for.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51382867816_dd9e89f7c3_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mhwCs5)20210816_215217 (https://flic.kr/p/2mhwCs5) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The cylinders are incredibly complicated and have given me a bit of a beating but a rescue mission is underway, more of which in the next episode.
Thanks for reading
Richie
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Well done, Richie -
Good start make on your engine, mate - look forward to more progress reports in due course
Regards
Dave
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Awesome job on the details Richie :)
Alexis
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Well done, Richie -
Good start make on your engine, mate - look forward to more progress reports in due course
Regards
Dave
Cheers mate, hope to have the engine finished by early next week. I probably won't detail the back as nothing will be seen but then again leaving a job half done does irk me a bit!
Awesome job on the details Richie :)
Alexis
Thanks Alexis, I'm really enjoying this one. The pressure is off now I have completed my usual 1 build for the year! :)
Richie
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It's been a busy couple of days, whilst waiting for the arrival of the 7th cavalry to save me from the horrors of making 8 identical cylinders I thought I would make a start on the fuselage frame. The bottom of the fuselage is skinned with plywood on the real aircraft so I could use 0.5mm styrene to give a bit more rigidity, the top deck is made the same way. I cut the shapes out, tacked them together and filed the outline so they were identical. After separating the frame was added. I found it helpful to use an old tablet as a lightbox, with the brightness on full the drawing shows through the styrene.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51390994510_a23d3bbd16_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mifheu)BE2c fuselage frame start (https://flic.kr/p/2mifheu) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
These were then joined together, I used a pair of engineers squares to help keep things in line.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51390428348_6e80622b54_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2micnW5)2021-08-20_01-15-50 (https://flic.kr/p/2micnW5) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Stringers were added from 0.5mm styrene strip, these are pretty flimsy so I will need to be very careful when it comes to adding the turtle deck, this is a long way down the line so I will worry about that when the time comes. I am pleased with how this is going, the Bristol Scout frame took so many attempts before I had something useable. There is a lot of excess superglue but I think I can easily chip it away or just face the exposed side of the bulkhead with thin styrene or even wood veneer.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51391128689_28c22e428d_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mifY7V)20210820_153408 (https://flic.kr/p/2mifY7V) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Just as I was gluing the last stringer a knock on the door signalled the arrival of the rescue party in the form of a package from Willem
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51390405046_b720feed47_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2micg1j)20210820_154139 (https://flic.kr/p/2micg1j) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
This is a Wingnut Wings RAF 4a engine sprue Willem so generously donated to me, this forum community is a great place to be! This engine used the same cylinders as the 1a engine and the kit comes complete with all the fiddly little rockers, valves and other such minute details. So the next step is to finish the engine and the front of the framework so I can see how I can mount it securely.
Have a great weekend everybody, thanks for reading and another massive THANK YOU to Willem!
Richie
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One is hardly excused for a few days summer hiking holiday and what do I have to discover after returning?
A new and already epic thread!
Regarding the cylinders of the engine I had the idea to glue punched discs of different thickness together to get the right sized cylinders. For more robustness may be the thin radiator plates in metal. May be with a middle hole it is easier to have them in correct position, but harder to create.
But thanks to generous Willem my thoughts are no more needed :D
Have big fun with your new project Richie!
Cheers,
Frank
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One is hardly excused for a few days summer hiking holiday and what do I have to discover after returning?
A new and already epic thread!
Regarding the cylinders of the engine I had the idea to glue punched discs of different thickness together to get the right sized cylinders. For more robustness may be the thin radiator plates in metal. May be with a middle hole it is easier to have them in correct position, but harder to create.
But thanks to generous Willem my thoughts are no more needed :D
Have big fun with your new project Richie!
Cheers,
Frank
Hiya Frank! Hope you had decent weather for your hiking break, it's great to enjoy the countryside when you can.
I tried to use my cutter to make styrene discs with a hole in the centre and threading them onto a brass tube. What a mess I made of that....many times! I think it's a method that should work well but I was in a bit of a hurry.
I'm looking forward to seeing what your next project is going to be. :)
Richie
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That’s cheating! Now it’s not a scratch build any more :(
… kidding aside, great solution using WNW cylinders! I was thinking about how to create plastic discs of a certain diameter with a hole in the middle — no solution found yet.
Andreas
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You are doing an amazing job on this one Richie! The engine work is excellent and the fuselage, especially the upper rear decking is Outstanding! Very Impressive work!
RAGIII
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Good construction of the fuselage Richie. The engine cylinders should not only make life easier for the engine - I think that it will probably make the project possible as they have that awkward lump at the top end where the valves were located. Looking forward to more of this.
Stephen.
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That’s cheating! Now it’s not a scratch build any more :(
… kidding aside, great solution using WNW cylinders! I was thinking about how to create plastic discs of a certain diameter with a hole in the middle — no solution found yet.
Andreas
Haha, I don't mind a bit of cheating so long as it is me doing it! ;)
I found a supplier of miniature washers who sells on ebay. Prime miniatures, can't use them for this project but they would be great for most rotary engines with regular round cylinders.
You are doing an amazing job on this one Richie! The engine work is excellent and the fuselage, especially the upper rear decking is Outstanding! Very Impressive work!
RAGIII
Many thanks Rick, I'm having a lot of fun with this one. Although typically for this period of aviation progress has slowed due to engine trouble!
Good construction of the fuselage Richie. The engine cylinders should not only make life easier for the engine - I think that it will probably make the project possible as they have that awkward lump at the top end where the valves were located. Looking forward to more of this.
Stephen.
Thanks Stephen, the engine sprue is really helpful ( thanks again Willem!) those cylinders are complicated to say the least. The beauty of it is that there will be 4 cylinders left over... ;)
No real progress to show yet as time has been very limited but I hope to be able to show a completed engine and fuselage frame in a week or two.
Richie
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That's a great start on the fuselage structure, Richie -
Glad you have something now as well to make up your engine cylinders. Look forward to further updates.
Regards
Dave
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Great work and simply inspirational! I'm so glad the engine problems look sorted.... this is progress! Regards, Marc.
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Really like how the fuselage is starting to come together Richie :)
Alexis
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Following this one closely.
I've always loved the BE series... But If I was to scratch one, I'd probably go even bigger and build it at 1/24.
Cheers,
Hugh
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Thanks so much for your interest and encouragement Dave, Monty, Alexis and Hugh. I think 1/24 would be a great scale for this aircraft too but it would be massive. I was shocked by how big the BE2c was when I got the plans enlarged to 1/32.
I have not updated this for a while because very little has been done due entirely to life getting in the way, not in bad way though! Last time I was whooping with delight after Willem kindly sent me an engine sprue I could use the cylinders from. After assembling and painting the cylinders I started to fit them but realised that the engine cover will need to be mounted to the engine before mounting to the frame. This would need to match the fuselage shape. I decided the best way ahead for me would be to finish the fuselage cell by cell so
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51447743927_2286d7870b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mog8RH)IMG-20210911-WA0000 (https://flic.kr/p/2mog8RH) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I made the next beam and struts along from laminated styrene then sprayed all the 'wood' with Hycote filler/primer. I have grown to love this stuff.It coats very smoothly straight from the rattle can but best of all it's a great base colour for wooden structures.
Yesterday I made a start on the instrument panel, the shape was cut from styrene to which I then added a layer of wood veneer. The wood was given a coat of clear orange then sealed with extra thin CA glue.
I decided that rather than using my Airscale bezels (which are excellent) that I would try to make the instruments myself. I started by punching a disc from aluminium sheet, 3mm alu tube was then reamed out to make the wall thinner before cutting a slice with my scalpel.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51448958099_ef636636fe_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2monmMH)Starting instrument panel (https://flic.kr/p/2monmMH) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Rivets were then added using my cutting matt to help keep the alignment within reasonble limits
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51447460862_77a0205073_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2moeFHh)Starting instrument panel (https://flic.kr/p/2moeFHh) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The centre was then filled with black paint
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51448213721_17db7979e4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2moixvB)Starting instrument panel (https://flic.kr/p/2moixvB) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
A few more hours and this is where I left it today;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51455163222_2ed19f06d7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2moVamA)20210912_161853 (https://flic.kr/p/2moVamA) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I ended up resorting to using a couple of Airscale decals (they are excellent!) after failing miserably to make a realistic enough instrument faces.
The last photo shows the finished woodwork. I don't think I really needed to add studs to the pilots back support, I can't see them even with my glasses on but it was fun to do. :)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51450572700_1f84b2c4a9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2movCKE)BE2c 'woodwork' progress (https://flic.kr/p/2movCKE) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Many thanks for reading, I hope you are all well.
Richie
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Nice progress and very good work on the IP so far.
The primer is a good color base for woodgrain.
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Suprb detail Richie. Your instrument bezel is certainly better than the AM offerings. Frank will no doubt be taking notes and will be producing his own in future...!
Stephen.
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A little piece by little piece into the direction of a full scratched BE2c! Nice work!
@Stephen in 1/48 I'm satified with my PE by HGW, Part and Eduard. Enough is enough ;)
Cheers,
Frank
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That is fantastic progress. I love the instrument panel. That made my day! ;D
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Fantastic work! It’s getting better and better! This instrument panel is a piece of art.
Andreas
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Suprb detail Richie. Your instrument bezel is certainly better than the AM offerings. Frank will no doubt be taking notes and will be producing his own in future...!
Stephen.
Many Thanks Stephen, there is however only one Bughunter! ;)
A little piece by little piece into the direction of a full scratched BE2c! Nice work!
@Stephen in 1/48 I'm satified with my PE by HGW, Part and Eduard. Enough is enough ;)
Cheers,
Frank
Thanks Frank, I'm having fun so far. I don't think I would be if I tried making the instruments in 1/48th though! ;)
That is fantastic progress. I love the instrument panel. That made my day! ;D
Thank you so much William, that kind comment has made my day too! :) I still think you're a mad genius though! :)
Fantastic work! It’s getting better and better! This instrument panel is a piece of art.
Andreas
Hey Andreas, thanks so much for the encouragement. I don't feel quite so terrified by scratch building now, mistakes are much cheaper to make than when I mucked up the WNW Camel last year!
Well I finally had an entire day free for the firs time in ages and cracked on with the instrument panel. Here is one of James Fahey's brilliant photographs of the real thing;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51467544185_4130f2f027_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mq1BMt)TVAL BE2c instrument panel, PHOTO BY JAMES FAHEY. (https://flic.kr/p/2mq1BMt) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I made the compass next from bits of styrene rod and brass tube. It was a fiddly business but nothing complicated, the compass face is just a miniature brass washer.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51466348528_5ec2db47ea_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mpUumG)Scratch built BE2c Instrument panel (https://flic.kr/p/2mpUumG) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The last two bezels were made differently from the first. This time I made wire rings by winding 0.25mm tinned copper wire round a 3mm tube and cut them off with a scalpel. One of the rings had to be flattened so I used my engineers square as an anvil and bashed it with the hammer from my punch and die set. The rings were then stuck down with Future Floor Wax so I had time to position them correctly. The instruments were then finished off with black paint, an Airscale decal and 0.25mm rivets.
Airscale instrument decals and other after market parts are great and I have nothing against them but I want to do a 100% scratch build one day so will need to print my own from now on.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51467044200_7592a24336_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mpY4a3)Scratch built BE2c Instrument panel (https://flic.kr/p/2mpY4a3) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The original has a beautiful dark stain by the fuel gauge but after spending a few days on making this I just can't bring myself to make it look filthy. :)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51466098831_5e859bb026_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mpTd8z)Scratch built BE2c Instrument panel (https://flic.kr/p/2mpTd8z) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I am really chuffed with it, it's close enough to the original but most importantly I think I had more fun with this part of the build than anything I have done before. Next I need to make the pilot's seat, thankfully it isn't wicker, the observer's seat is though. Looks like I might be using another aftermarket part then...
Many thanks for stopping by and reading. If anybody has ever scratched a wicker seat before I would love some tips please!
Richie
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I have never scratched a wicker seat Richie - life is just too short for that - but your IP is really the dog's b.....cks! This is going to be a super scratch build - cannot wait to see it when finihsed.
Stephen.
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If anybody has ever scratched a wicker seat before I would love some tips please!
Not me Richie, but here are some links.
Ken Foran (scroll down)
http://wwi-models.org/Images/Foran/Camel/index.html
http://theaerodrome.com/forum/showpost.php?p=358467&postcount=17
http://ratomodeling.com.br/articles/wicker_seats/
Hope it helps,
Frank
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I have never scratched a wicker seat Richie - life is just too short for that - but your IP is really the dog's b.....cks! This is going to be a super scratch build - cannot wait to see it when finihsed.
Stephen.
Thanks Stephen, I glad it's the "dog's" and not just b*ll*cos! Don't hold your breath waiting to see it finished though. I think this project will become trench warfare very shortly!
.If anybody has ever scratched a wicker seat before I would love some tips please!
Not me Richie, but here are some links.
Ken Foran (scroll down)
http://wwi-models.org/Images/Foran/Camel/index.html
http://theaerodrome.com/forum/showpost.php?p=358467&postcount=17
http://ratomodeling.com.br/articles/wicker_seats/
Hope it helps,
Frank
Thank you Frank! I will have a good read of those. I have a resin Wicker seat if it all goes horribly wrong but I will have a go.
Richie
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Richie, you mentioned a new book about brass and models? I think the link to the Camel is of the author of the book?!
I'm also busy with browsing through his models and pictures - wonderful!
Cheers,
Frank
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Ah, I thought I recognised the name! Yes it's the same genius modeller. I think you would absolutely love the book. I've only read a few pages but looked at all of the photos. His work is jaw dropping!
Richie
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Richie,
You have done an incredible job. I am awed by all you are showing here, and I admire your persistence in scratching everything, even the bezels for the cockpit instruments. I think the woodgrain simulation is very realistic. It is good to hear you are planning ahead to avoid problems with the parts assembly later on.
The detailing of the fuselage and the frames, the turtleback, the instrument panel: I am gobsmacked. And now you are going to scratch the wicker seat as well??!!
You sure know how to build up the tension before showing us your engine..... ;)
(https://i.postimg.cc/NFbRyH57/hats-off.jpg)
Willem
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Hi Ritchie
I have a had a few goes at weaving my own wicker seat in 1/32 scale, to go into a WNW Bristol F2b. I using the kit seat as a pattern, thin copper wire for the wicker and brass rod for the seat frame. It is a bit overscale but not unacceptably to my eye. I applied some epoxy putty for the leather padding and the cushion
(https://photos.smugmug.com/My-Models/i-kK5LVTC/0/9158d1a5/L/Interior%20013sm-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/My-Models/i-GqS4HdG/0/6026a490/L/Oct%2023%20a-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/My-Models/i-Vvd4kSs/0/b2e13f4c/L/Seats%204-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/My-Models/i-VnrKgxb/0/e9ed5914/L/Seat%20backs%201-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/My-Models/i-Bh5pWvb/0/93467dd2/M/Seat%203-M.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/My-Models/i-8NSgkQg/0/69687276/M/Seat%202-M.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/My-Models/i-XZCZpcw/0/9210ad15/M/Seat%201-M.jpg)
Hope this helps
Cheers
James
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Wow - great instrument panel, Richie!
Your work is progressing nicely as well. Regarding the wicker seat - why not use a resin aftermarker version if you are not confident on making your own? I used the Barracuda resin seat for DH2 build, so that is a possibility, mate.
Regards
Dave
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The IP looks great, Ritchie. I don't think it needs anything more.
Impressive work, James.
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Thanks so much Willem, James, Dave and Ken.
James, your wicker seats look wonderful, that is exactly what I was hoping for. I'm loving your reference photos, as you suggested earlier I have to be careful not to get caught up too much in the many details!
Hi Dave! I do have a Barrucuda wicker seat but I think it would be fun to try to make my own. I'll have a bash at it and if the results are awful I'll use it!
Cheers Ken, yes the instrument panel is definitely finished. I might scrape off the rivets I put on the compass face though. They look pretty naff!
Willem, thanks for the kind comment. That is very generous of you.
Richie
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Have a bit time so figured I will drop in and see how your progress is moving and you definitely have left an excellent presentation with the instrument panel Rickie :)
Alexis
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Have a bit time so figured I will drop in and see how your progress is moving and you definitely have left an excellent presentation with the instrument panel Rickie :)
Alexis
Hi Alexis, thanks for dropping by with a kind word. I hope the move has gone smoothly and you are settling in well.
Richie
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Hi everybody, I had hoped to get a lot done this week but have been plagued by migraines. Today I actually woke up with a clear head and got a little bit done. The wicker seat will have to wait for now, it looks like the kind of job that could be a major headache even when in the best of health!
What I did manage was to whittle a rudder bar from styrene and add the footboards and a few bits and bobs. Hopefully 2 photographs of the same thing makes up a little for the lack on any meaningful progress. This one definitely will not be all over by Christmas!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51500420798_9145babd2f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2msV7RC)20210921_181715 (https://flic.kr/p/2msV7RC) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51500194661_afc03cd9cd_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2msTXCH)20210921_181401 (https://flic.kr/p/2msTXCH) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Hopefully I shall have a bit more to show soon!
Many thanks for looking.
Richie
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but have been plagued by migraines.
I hope you are feeling better now as this sounds not that nice!
I like the alu on the footboard.
Thanks for showing and all the best!
Cheers,
Frank
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Any progress on a scratch build is worth showing. The detail that you have in this cockpit is truly very impressive.
Stephen.
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The cockpit is taking shape nicely Richie.
Great details on the instrument panel, the footboard and the control cables. The headrest looks like real leather!
Willem
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I love the floor :D
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Definitely looking good, Ritchie. The wood tones are just right and the details kick it up a notch - BAM!
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The cockpit is taking shape nicely Richie.
Great details on the instrument panel, the footboard and the control cables. The headrest looks like real leather!
Willem
I have to agree! The rivets on the floor board are also awesome! Well Done Richie!!
RAGIII
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Lovely wee update, Richie.
I like those rivets ;)
Bob
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Looking really good!
Sandy
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Thanks so much for your kind comments everybody. Progress got stopped by a plague of migraines that finally cleared a few days ago. I hope to have an update in the next few days. There might even be a scratchbuilt wicker seat to show you. :)
Richie
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Thanks for bearing with me, it's been a while since I have been able to do any modelling but I've managed to get some seats made in the last few days.
The pilot's seat is folded metal but the observer sat on a wicker seat of the type we all know and love.
For the pilot's seat I just cut out some aluminium sheet and added some score lines to make folding easier. This was done with a scalpel, 6 strokes for a cut line and just one for a fold line. By bending the sheet back and forth along the cut lines the required part was easily removed. The seat was then folded and CA'd together before coating with primer. I made a few before I was happy, this photo shows the process but neither of these got used. I will show you the finished item later.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51588364198_8dd67a0d74_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mAFRn9)BE2c seats (https://flic.kr/p/2mAFRn9) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The wicker seat involved a bit of trickery, the seats footprint was drawn onto 0.5mm styrene sheet and holes were drilled to receive the uprights. A length of 0.5mm brass rod was inserted into a 1mm copper tube to prevent it kinking while I bent it into shape round a pen top. The brass rod was then bent again to create the uprights. Two more lengths of rod were added to complete the main frame. The copper tube was later treated to a coat of Mr Dissolved putty.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51587308947_755f2458eb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mAArFa)BE2c seats (https://flic.kr/p/2mAArFa) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Aluminium wire mesh was then folded around the frame, CA'd into place and carefully snipped into shape with scissors. I left a lot of excess styrene base for ease of handling.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51588363703_e99e264622_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mAFRdB)BE2c seats (https://flic.kr/p/2mAFRdB) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Seat cushions were made from milliput and the piping was added with 0.3mm lead wire. I found it best to glue one side of the 'piping' down before bending the next part of the shape. The wicker weave was done with Prym elastic, probably not the most exciting job but it didn't take as long as I thought..
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51587309522_f47cf9bb46_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mAArR5)BE2c seats (https://flic.kr/p/2mAArR5) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
A lick of paint when I got home from work and the seats are done.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51588512571_71c4e562ca_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mAGBti)Scratched 1/32 BE2c seats (https://flic.kr/p/2mAGBti) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Quite a lengthy post for so little progress but I was so excited to be back at the bench at long last. Unfortunately I won't get any time at all next week but hopefully there won't be such a long wait for the next update.
Thanks for reading, have a lovely weekend everybody.
Richie
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Clever idea with the mesh on the back! This saves a lo of additional wires.
I think you walk around all day thinking, "Can I use this?" for every piece of material you see. I know the feeling...
I could try that in 1/48, but I ordered already a bunch of the nice new seats form Eduard a few days ago.
(https://www.eduard.com/out/media/gallery/7392/zoom/648659_01.jpg)
Cheers,
Frank
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Really clever work on your wicker seat, Richie -
Looks great!
Glad your are getting back at the model bench and that your migraines have hopefully settled down now.
Regards
Dave
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Neat bit of trickery there!
Richard
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Nice use of different materials. That's what scratchbuilds are about.
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Clever idea with the mesh on the back! This saves a lo of additional wires.
I think you walk around all day thinking, "Can I use this?" for every piece of material you see. I know the feeling...
I could try that in 1/48, but I ordered already a bunch of the nice new seats form Eduard a few days ago.
(https://www.eduard.com/out/media/gallery/7392/zoom/648659_01.jpg)
Cheers,
Frank
Thanks Frank, yes I'm permanently looking for things that might be useful! I wish I could say the mesh was my idea but I picked up the tip from a scratch builder on Britmodeller. I'll come up with an original one day though! :)
Those Eduard seats are lovely!
Really clever work on your wicker seat, Richie -
Looks great!
Glad your are getting back at the model bench and that your migraines have hopefully settled down now.
Regards
Dave
Cheers Dave, it's great to feel well again. I feel like I'm holiday!
Neat bit of trickery there!
Richard
Cheers Richard, that mesh certainly made the job easy. I hope you're well. I've missed seeing your work!
Nice use of different materials. That's what scratchbuilds are about.
Thanks Ken, love finding new bits and pieces to use. I'm so glad I took the plunge and had a go last year but there are things I am beginning to miss about kits though!
Unfortunately I won't get anything done for a week now. I hope to get on with the flying controls next so I can finish building the frame. I have a plan in my head so hopefully I won't get bushwacked by any nasty surprises.
Richie
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The Idea May Not have been yours but you executed the Idea extremely well! Outstanding Modeling Richie!!
RAGIII
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Cheers Richard, that mesh certainly made the job easy. I hope you're well. I've missed seeing your work!
Richie
I'm fine. I go thought these phases when I find whatever hobby I have been doing has lost it's interest - so I do something else. Currently I'm getting on with welding my MG - she'll be 50 on the first of January
Richard
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Fantastic 1/1 project Richard! I had a 1972 BGT for years. I still miss it 20 years after getting rid of it. What a car that was!
Richie
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The Idea May Not have been yours but you executed the Idea extremely well! Outstanding Modeling Richie!!
RAGIII
Thanks as ever Rick, it was a small but fun step towards the very distant finish line.
Richie
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That is a very convincing seat Richie: the more so as it has been hand made. Scratch building does offer some interesting challenges, but it can be very rewarding when success is achieved.
Stephen.
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Getting caught up on your up-dates Richie . The seat turned out not that bad all . It is not an easy item to make . Be proud of what you made , it truly is lovely !
Alexis
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Thanks so much for your kind words Stephen and Alexis, I really appreciate it. I'm having to take a little time away from our fantastic hobby but will be back in a few weeks. Life is good but finding time for everything is proving tricky!
Richie
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It's been a bit of a trying year all round since I last did any modelling. I lost use of my modelling space while my better half worked from but she has moved her office station back into the bedroom so I can start work on this again.
I am easing myself back in gently with some simple bits and bobs and hope to have something to post soon. I have missed some incredible builds in the last year. I have much to catch up on!
Cheers all
Richie
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That seat is brilliant.
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Looking forward to seeing more on this when you are ready Richie.
Stephen
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Hear hear.
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Many thanks for bearing with me Stephen and Zac. Hopefully I have made good use of having my work space back this week, it has certainly been great fun playing around with styrene, glue and paint again.
Enough waffle and on with the update.
I made the tail fin:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52463567273_b26c09da92_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nW2uKk)20221029_203202 (https://flic.kr/p/2nW2uKk) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The rib tape is made from white decal strips, I tried so hard to make stitches from both fine wire and fishing line but it was far too hard for me to line them all up correctly and the trial runs looked utterly horrendous. I settled for tiny punched rivets. To the naked eye (mine at least) they are barely visible and appear just as a texture which is good enough for me. It doesn't look much for two days of modelling but holding it up to the light gives an idea of why:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52463304699_ab9ddb6d4b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nW19Gc)20221029_203257 (https://flic.kr/p/2nW19Gc) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The structure was made from 1mm square styrene and round rods. It was a little warped at first but boiling water followed by clamping in a vice solved the problem.
I also made the main fuel tank from styrene sheet. The straps are just 1mm Tamiya tape with more punched rivets, 0.5mm this time. Although I am modelling the aircraft in Jamo's magnificent photo set I decided to abandon the idea of dual control for the sake of simplicity and my sanity.
The struts are made from wooden coffee stirrers, I was quite pleased with them at first but looking at the photo they don't really resemble the struts on the BE2c. I may remake them.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52463486320_653b799aa9_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nW25FA)20221029_204444 (https://flic.kr/p/2nW25FA) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Well it's great to be back at the bench after such a lengthy absence, I hope it won't be another year before my next update!
Best wishes all, sorry to have gone AWOL for such a long time.
Richie
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Good to see you back at your model bench, Richie -
Really great (and clever) work so far - looking forward t seeing more in due course
Regards
Dave
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The fuel tank straps look great. I'm sure the rudder will work just fine and your results on the struts prove out the method of making them.
That's progress!
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Thanks Dave and Ken for your kind words. The tail fin was a test to see if 0.13mm styrene sheet would translucent enough once painted. Unfortunately it worked out which means I now need to make the wings in the same way! I'm going to potter around making simpler shapes for now before tackling that particular mountain. :)
Richie
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Wow Richie, great progress and results here!
I really like the rib stichting and the straps on the fuel tank. And I can't see anything wrong with the struts, I think they look great!
Good to see you back at it.
Willem
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Thanks so much Willem, I since decided to ditch the idea of adding rib stitches. My version looked far too prominent so off they came. I'm still working away at this but mostly I'm drawing up plans and contemplating how to make things. Hopefully I will have another update soon.
Richie
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Sorry I missed this update Richie: excellent progress and as ever, clever ideas. I can see why you are unhappy with the struts, but reshaping them should not be too difficult. I am planning to use laminated strip wood for mine - I have tried a sample and it seems to work well. Pm me if you want more details as I will not be posting that part for a while - ie. until I have mde the rest.
Best of luck with the planning and thinking - all important when scratch building....
Stephen.
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Many thanks Stephen, Yes I think I need to do something better with the struts. These are rather inelegant to say the least!
Will message you tomorrow, the planning stages and experimentation haven't been very productive since the weekend but I think I have a cunning plan. The master's input would be very helpful!
Richie
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Good to hear that you have your bench back and good work to show as well! How much off are the struts from what they should look like?
/Fredrik
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Good to hear that you have your bench back and good work to show as well! How much off are the struts from what they should look like?
/Fredrik
Thanks Fredrik, much appreciated from one of my favourite modellers!
The struts are a bit boxy and brutal in comparison to the real thing. Jamo's photo shows they have a gentle and very elegant curve.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52490638869_b5aba26656_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nYqfbZ)BE2c Vintage Aviator. Photo by Jamo. (https://flic.kr/p/2nYqfbZ) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I can't decide how much it matters but I think the shape of the struts contributes to the very graceful shape of the BE2 series, perhaps I'm just being over picky in only my second scratch build!
cheers
Richie
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It's been a very frustrating few days trying to make ribs for the tail plane the old fashioned way with a template, sharp blade and lots of sanding. I pretty much got there but decided they were a bit too ragged to get a good result. Today I decided to make them on the cutting machine and spent the whole day using the clumsy cricut software and finally got them designed but realised I had run out of the right thickness styrene sheets. It doesn't really feel like model making I must say!
I did manage to make a few bits earlier this week, here is the pilot's firewall made from aluminium sheet and the gravity tank from laminated styrene. Neither will be particularly visible on the finished model but they I enjoyed making them.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52483338152_0de1573557.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nXLPWy)BE2c gravity tank and firewall (https://flic.kr/p/2nXLPWy) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Hopefully we will have wings soon.
Richie
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Thanks Fredrik, much appreciated from one of my favourite modellers!
Thanks, but you must have a very long list with all the fantastic modellers that show their work here... You can be on my list! 😃
I can see some differences between your struts and the real ones, but I would never think of it if I saw the finished model. So is it worth the extra work?!
Great looking tank and firewall!
/Fredrik
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Don't be too hard on yourself Richie, I hadn't seen the difference in the struts until you pointed it out. On the other hand, it's to your credit you are so painstakingly precise in your work. I think your progress is great. And as you said earlier, scratch building seems to be more about planning, experimentation and trying to work out what went wrong than actually making things.
But I'm sure you will get there, as you did with your beautiful Bristol Scout!
Cheers
Willem
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Thanks Fredrik, much appreciated from one of my favourite modellers!
Thanks, but you must have a very long list with all the fantastic modellers that show their work here... You can be on my list! 😃
I can see some differences between your struts and the real ones, but I would never think of it if I saw the finished model. So is it worth the extra work?!
Great looking tank and firewall!
/Fredrik
Thanks Fredrik, haha, I guess my favourite modellers are usually those who's work I am viewing at the time! There are certainly some crazily impressive skills shown on this forum. Much appreciate your comments on the struts, I think you are right. I need to move on and avoid stagnating.
Thanks as always Willem, hopefully as we gain experience and see long term scratch builders work their magic we will do more making and less experimenting. It certainly isn't a quick process at the moment.
Well there has been a little progress this week. I made the rudder from styrene sheet, the lip round the outside is just Mr Surfacer applied with a paintbrush. It might be too subtle to even notice but it is there. The rib tapes are just strips of decal sheet. Paints are MRP, Toyota Supra prominence red,basic white and Oxford blue. Nice to see a splash of colour.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52504268484_303b450aa2.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nZC6Nm)2022-11-16_05-12-36 (https://flic.kr/p/2nZC6Nm) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I spent an eternity making my own propeller boss from washers, miniature hex nuts and sheer bloody mindedness. I actually had to make it twice because the first one had only 6 rather than 8 retaining bolts. Very frustrating!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52500277578_95d3cc84cb.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nZgDrC)Propeller boss (https://flic.kr/p/2nZgDrC) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
A bit rough in brutal close up but good enough to the naked eye.
I made part of the tailplane from styrene rods and strips for the structure and 0.25mm sheet for the skin. I had intended to use 0.13mm sheet but was concerned about drilling holes in such thin plastic for rigging and control horns. Rib tapes are again white decal strips. I didn't take any progress shots but I have the other side and elevators to make so hopefully will remember then.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52504267999_32408b548f.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nZC6DZ)2022-11-16_05-12-19 (https://flic.kr/p/2nZC6DZ) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Time is a bit limited for a while but hopefully I can keep ticking away at my own slow rate and have more to show you next time.
Thanks for dropping by
Richie
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Magic work Richie!
-
Those control surfaces look the dog's b....cks! Super idea to make them translucent by using thin plastic sheet. Are you going to try the same idea with the wings?
Scratch building is a much slower process than kit building so do not fret if it seems to take forever....it probably will for a model in the gargantuan scale!
Stephen.
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One word, Richie -
Wow!!
Regards
Dave
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Superb work, Richie.
One question - is it going to fly?
Sandy
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One question - when is it going to fly?
Fixed that for you ;D
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Chaps, thanks so much for your kind words, after so long in the model making wilderness you have no idea how much your generous feedback means to me!
Yes Stephen, the gargantuan scale is rather challenging. I thought it would be easier than the one true scale but how very wrong I was! I don't mind spending forever, I'm viewing each little piece as a separate kit. It's the only way to preserve sanity!
Superb work, Richie.
One question - is it going to fly?
Sandy
It might well do if things go horribly wrong Sandy!
One question - when is it going to fly?
Fixed that for you ;D
That will be at the trying to fit the top wing stage Zac, the only BE2c monoplane to take to the air shortly before crashing into the wall!
I hope to finish all of the tail plane components in the next few days and have a trial fitting to the fuselage frame. So hopefully will have another update in a few days provided it doesn't become airborne shortly after a massive cock up!
Richie
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That will be at the trying to fit the top wing stage Zac, the only BE2c monoplane to take to the air shortly before crashing into the wall!
;D I'm sure it will be an unmitigated success and no such impromptu testing will be required!
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Looking great! I'm in absolute awe of your work!
/Fredrik
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Looking great! I'm in absolute awe of your work!
/Fredrik
Ah Fredrik, that's so kind. You've just moved even higher up my list of favourite modellers! :D
It's a bit of a war of attrition for me, there are so many casualties for every step forward I take as my work is often messy and approximate while I learn how to make things as I will illustrate shortly!
Although I have not updated for a couple of weeks I have spent many hours working at this in that time with,as usual, very little to show for my efforts .I was so pleased with the propeller boss I showed last time but unfortunately I made a big measurement error so had to make another. This went quite smoothly as I had spent hours making one before. Again I used washers and punched discs of aluminium sheet. for the retaining bolts I used my hex punch and die set which I had completely forgotten about. All the parts were just positioned by eye with no measuring and stuck with extra thin CA. The new one is on the left, it will do, I am pleased!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52523239103_3aa7e5d0cd.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o2ik6Z)BE2c Prop boss (https://flic.kr/p/2o2ik6Z) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Next up I had to make the rest of the tail feathers. The ribs were cut on my cricut cutting machine, lined up with the plan and glued with B7000 glue. I also use this glue for skinning as it gives me working time and clumsy smudges can be cleaned up with Mr levelling thinner.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52505660717_c9a4d8e6bf.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nZKeEn)Tailplane under construction. (https://flic.kr/p/2nZKe
En) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
So far so good, now onto the elevators. I tried using the cricut again but it was not able to produce the accuracy I wanted so I had to try old school model making. Using my beloved precision ruler (thanks for the recommendation Willem!) I marked out little rectangles with drilling points. Not so bad.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52521910145_42b0c2e8e3.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o2bw3V)BE2c elevator (https://flic.kr/p/2o2bw3V) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The central hole is for a spar the other is simply to help line things up so I could thread the pieces ontp brass rod before block filing them into shape.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52521909935_3f52c23cb8.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o2bvZi)BE2c elevator (https://flic.kr/p/2o2bvZi) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
A 1x1.5mm styrene strip was tacked onto an engineering square with CA gel and taped to the plan, the ribs were slid into place and glued.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52521433711_f271c9ac32.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o295qx)20221124_205453 (https://flic.kr/p/2o295qx) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
All going well so far. Styrene rod was bent into shape and glued making sure to keep everything square. The idea is file down the trailing edge later.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52521910205_5bc96a3d5c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o2bw4X)BE2c elevator (https://flic.kr/p/2o2bw4X) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Sadly whilst filing the trailing edge I managed to wrestle everything out of square, bend some of the ribs and the observant of you will have noticed that I missed out a rib. Arghhhhh!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52521709879_6e725ec9a0.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o2auw4)elevator (https://flic.kr/p/2o2auw4) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Another lot of styrene casualties for no forward movement. The upside is that I actually had great fun messing about with it and learned a lot about scratch building and the importance of patience. I will have another bash at it over the weekend, I have a cunning plan! ;)
Thanks for dropping by
Richie
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I actually had great fun messing about with it and learned a lot about scratch building and the importance of patience.
That sounds like a productive time to me!
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Good to see the current progress Richie. The new hub looks just as good as the old one - just a different size!
The tail surfaces are excellent - getting the translucent look is very difficult, (so difficult in fact I do not bother), and your method of making the ribs is a good one - at least they will all look the same. One problem with working with small pieces like them is that they are fragile - but you will soon learn how to get around that particular problem.
Stephen.
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Many thanks Zac and Stephen. Yes Zac having fun and learning new things about the hobby is definitely productive, I like the spin you put on it. I shall make that my motto!
Well I have persevered today and had another bash at making an elevator. I followed the same process as last time but used 0.5mm styrene rod for the outer edges. I figured that the thicker rod I used last time was attempted to return to its original shape and being thicker pulled everything out of shape. I also bent the required shape well in advance this time. Again, not a huge amount to show for my time but there have many distractions. First the postman delivered this;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52524942636_0b0a34b90f.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o2s4vf)20221126_112441 (https://flic.kr/p/2o2s4vf) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I preordered whilst drunk on my birthday last January, all very exciting but not sure when I will ever have time to build it or space to display it. It really does look good though!
Despite this and cooking a batch of meals to deliver to my elderly folks tomorrow I think I finally won this particular round.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52525417790_72ba07470e.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o2uuKy)20221126_190454 (https://flic.kr/p/2o2uuKy) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Using such thin styrene rod for the trailing edge is a delicate business but once skinned the part sems robust enough to withstand the fettling and refining that will follow so I am chuffed with the outcome. It lines up pretty well with the plan and won't require a lot of work.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52525419090_8036407eab.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o2uv8Y)20221126_190325 (https://flic.kr/p/2o2uv8Y) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Another bonus of making the internal structure is that I am spared the tedium of embossing the ribs on the skin and fiddling about to get the right alignment. Running a cotton bud over the surface produced the surface texture so quickly and easily. I think I would do things this way even if I was building a non translucent aircraft.
I'm off to drool over the newly arrived Airfix plastic and have a beer. Have a good weekend everybody.
Richie
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I like the spin you put on it. I shall make that my motto!
Always happy to help spin things for the better!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52524942636_0b0a34b90f.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o2s4vf)20221126_112441 (https://flic.kr/p/2o2s4vf) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Never mind, I hate you now! ;) There aren't sufficient words to project my envy. I hope you share the build here!
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That is a serious distraction Richie: I note that you were drunk when you ordered it! Hopefully it will not get in the way of real modelling!!
The elevators look super, especially the way the ribs stick up through the plastic skin. If the rest of your model is as good as this it will be an outright winner.
Stephen.
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I like the spin you put on it. I shall make that my motto!
Always happy to help spin things for the better!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52524942636_0b0a34b90f.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o2s4vf)20221126_112441 (https://flic.kr/p/2o2s4vf) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Never mind, I hate you now! ;) There aren't sufficient words to project my envy. I hope you share the build here!
You're going to hate me even more when the Kotare Spitfire arrives Zac! Always been a sucker for those elliptical wings and graceful contours. Not sure when either will get built, I'm already making plans for my next 3 scratch builds! That is a serious distraction Richie: I note that you were drunk when you ordered it! Hopefully it will not get in the way of real modelling!!
The elevators look super, especially the way the ribs stick up through the plastic skin. If the rest of your model is as good as this it will be an outright winner.
Stephen.
Thanks as ever Stephen for your tutelage and encouragement, I'm definitely having fun with this.
Yes, the gigantic Spitfire is a massive distraction but whilst handling the delicious Airfix plastic I can't help but find myself wondering how I could make these parts myself out of aluminium and styrene. I would dearly love to be able to scratch build a Spitfire and a Hurricane one day but you'll be relieved to hear that I recently took delivery of datafiles for the Airco DH2, the mighty Bristol Fighter and the Sopwith 1 and 1/2 Struttet. There is also the thought of a translucent Ship's Camel running through my hyperactive mind too! :)
Richie
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That is a serious distraction Richie: I note that you were drunk when you ordered it! Hopefully it will not get in the way of real modelling!!
The elevators look super, especially the way the ribs stick up through the plastic skin. If the rest of your model is as good as this it will be an outright winner.
Stephen.
[/quote]
Thanks as ever Stephen for your tutelage and encouragement, I'm definitely having fun with this.
Yes, the gigantic Spitfire is a massive distraction but whilst handling the delicious Airfix plastic I can't help but find myself wondering how I could make these parts myself out of aluminium and styrene. I would dearly love to be able to scratch build a Spitfire and a Hurricane one day but you'll be relieved to hear that I recently took delivery of datafiles for the Airco DH2, the mighty Bristol Fighter and the Sopwith 1 and 1/2 Struttet. There is also the thought of a translucent Ship's Camel running through my hyperactive mind too! :)
Richie
[/quote]
Ah that sounds better: real aeroplanes being planned. For a moment I thought that you may have been lost to the Dark Side.
Stephen.
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The real dark side for me is JETS, yuk! A proper aeroplane has a propeller and is designed and made by real hands.
Speaking of propellers I spent a very pleasant day whittling away on a blank made from coffee stirrers. Wood is such a fun material to work with but it can cause domestic unrest when wood shavings and saw dust get trodden throughout the house, oops!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52530430838_9f93cc9f32.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o2WbXq)BE2c Prop carved from coffee stirrers. (https://flic.kr/p/2o2WbXq) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I could go on forever refining it and trying to get perfect symmetry but this is certainly good enough for me so I'm calling it a keeper. I will get some wood stain tomorrow and call it job done.
i
I made the other elevator flap this morning too, I had all the ribs cut already and after having had many dress rehearsals it went together pretty quickly. They need need sanding, painting, decal strip rib tapes and final painting but here they are with the rest of the tail feathers and propeller. Little by little I'm getting there.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52530477033_93bcb5f2ac.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o2WqFT)BE2c Tail feathers and propeller (https://flic.kr/p/2o2WqFT) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
cheers
Richie
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Richie -
Your making really positive progress again on your BE2 - looking great
Agree with you regarding jets ............ !
Regards
Dave
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Nothing wrong with that propellor at all - in fact it looks as though it is a kit part. The tail parts also look well up to the mark. Now you can think more carefully about the front end.....
Are jets really aeroplanes?
Stephen.
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That prop is stunning! Exquisite work Richie!
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Beautiful work on the stabilisers and the elevators Richie! The translucency works really well. Nice to see the rudder in colours. You are making great progress and I really am impressed by the propeller you made, it looks great!
So, what will be the next stage?
Willem
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Thanks so much chaps, your kind words and encouragement are a huge help and very motivational.
The propeller, although very time consuming has been the most rewarding bit of model making I've ever done. I can't help thinking that it might be fun to attempt a largely wooden model. The massive drunken Spitfire purchase is drifting further from my thoughts! ;)
I'm gradually working my forwards and hope that skills I learn on the way will leave me prepared for
finishing the engine. I will make all of the controls next and set them aside before finishing the fuselage frame. Can't have too many fragile sticky out parts on the body for too long before skinning.
Jets? Hhmmmm....I consider them more to be projectiles rather than aeroplanes
With just a few exceptions I can't think of any I really enjoy looking at.
Busy few days ahead with very little modelling time available. I will be back soon though.
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The massive drunken Spitfire purchase is drifting further from my thoughts!
Reads as though sense is beginning to be recovered.....what a relief!
(A wholly unbiased) Stephen.
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Really good progress and show of skills, Richie!
That propeller is looking great!
/Fredrik
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Many thanks Fredrik, whittling away at a propeller is so therapeutic.
After a busy week I had a couple of days to myself. I decided to set about making the gravity tank cowling which can be seen here in a phoograph by James Fahey from his magnificent set of detail shots of TVAL's BE2c.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52546648172_9f172c62f1.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4niNC)BE2C photo by James Fahey (https://flic.kr/p/2o4niNC) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I pondered making the blister by doing old fashioned panel beating but soon realised that it would mean making a former the same shape so I just whittled a piece of styrene rod and CA'd it in place. The panel itself is just 0.15mm sheet aluminium that I annealed and bent over a former a made a few weeks ago. The Tamiya tape will represent the reinforcement strap at the end. The former was made from balsa, I spent an age getting a smooth enough surface to vac form the cockpit coaming but that's for another day. Spoiler alert, the vac form machine didn't get used. The coffee stirrer the former sits on is the type I made the propeller from.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52547521415_046496c5a9.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4rMox)BE2c Fuel tank cowling (https://flic.kr/p/2o4rMox) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
This was then primed with car body filler and lots of little punched rivets were stuck on with future. I don't bother measure things like this, it is eye straining enough working with 0.25mm specks of aluminium.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52547591628_ce0498885c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4s9g7)Fuel tank cowling, rivets added. (https://flic.kr/p/2o4s9g7) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
All painted up, that's a fun job done, the finish looks a bit ropey in the photo, there may have to be some micro mesh action later. I'll have a look later with the naked eye and see if I'm worrying about nothing.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52547552694_1f6063cfba.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4rWFQ)20221206_183531 (https://flic.kr/p/2o4rWFQ) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Much less fun was making a strip of stitches for the fuselage from fishing line (1.5lb Maxima chameleon) and styrene sheet. This involved individually drilling over 300 0.4m holes that should be spaced with absolute precision, I didn't manage that but it was so tedious that I won't be repeating the process. Actually I need another strip the same length, I shall wait for my brain to recover before doing the next length.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52547385379_6544c6fdd5.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4r5X6)Fuselage stitching strip (https://flic.kr/p/2o4r5X6) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I seem to be do be doing everything except finishing the fuselage frame, this is because I am living in terror of cocking up the alignment of the next pair of uprights. My intention is to make them from brass rod and continue the straight up to form an inner core for the cabane struts. Get this step wrong and the top wing won't go on. I will tackle that soon, wish me luck.
Richie
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Good luck Richie, I have total confidence in you - that tank cowling is gorgeous!
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Good luck Richie, I have total confidence in you - that tank cowling is gorgeous!
Thanks Zac, you have more confidence than I do., I shall have to roll my sleeves and get serious! I added the wrong tank cowling photo. All correct now.
Richie
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The tank and stitching look super. Like ZacI know that you can do this even if you do not!!
Keep at it and you will be surprised how things will pan out as expected.
Stephen.
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The tank and stitching look super. Like ZacI know that you can do this even if you do not!!
Keep at it and you will be surprised how things will pan out as expected.
Stephen.
Many thanks Stephen, that's good advice, I've just got to keep the faith and plod on. I think I will tackle the cockpit coming and turtle deck next. I have star ted to work on the pilot's controls too but won't be adding any of them just yet. I need to have a play with the tailplane too to make certain everything will fit together easily once the main assembly gets underway.
Richie
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Just a little update but quite an important step I think.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52550971536_443c71c705.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4KsZo)20221208_170540 (https://flic.kr/p/2o4KsZo) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The tailplane parts are pretty much finished, I added a few more details, washers from punched styrene and nuts which are just punched rivet heads. I still had a length of 0.5mm brass rod in my pin vice so I just used this instead of the obscenely expensive tool I bought when I used to earn a reasonable living.
4 short brass rod pins from 0.5mm rod were then added to the elevators, I was worried about lining up the holes in the tailplane parts, measuring things precisely never seems to work out very precisely for me. My solution was to start with just one pin in the elevator flap, put a blob of black paint on the pin, line up the elevator and wing and push them together. A neat little paint blob gave the exact drilling location. the next pin was added and the process repeated until I had all four perfectly located and the parts pinned together perfectly. Note this was the second attempt, my first effort involved all four pins at the same time and it didn't work without a lot of fettling.
The process was repeated for the rudder and tail fin and it was time for a test fit on the fuselage frame.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52551442870_ff928de781.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4MT6Q)20221208_165440 (https://flic.kr/p/2o4MT6Q) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Quick check for translucency, after all the painting decaling and general mucking around;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52550971396_e9d409454d.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4KsWY)20221208_165545 (https://flic.kr/p/2o4KsWY) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Job done! There are still little brackets, washers and bolts for the underside and rigging holes to be drilled but otherwise the tailplane is finished.
I just noticed that one of my elevator flaps has warped, to straighten it would be to risk popping the ribs and ruining it. To leave it as it is would look pretty excremental. Luckily, unlike a kit, a scratch build comes with virtually an infinite number of spare parts so it looks like a hair dryer and modelling vice will be pressed into service later.
Richie
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Superb looking tail unit Richie, and a simple but effective method to add the elevator bolts. I am sure that the elevator can be straightened with little trouble.
Stephen.
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For someone who says that precise measuring s tricky, this looks awfully precise. Little nuts and bolts spaced evenly, as well as everything else!
Happily following along!
/Fredrik
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(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52551442870_ff928de781.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4MT6Q)20221208_165440 (https://flic.kr/p/2o4MT6Q) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
That looks superb, Richie! Set it up right and it could be a TVAL factory photo!
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Superb looking tail unit Richie, and a simple but effective method to add the elevator bolts. I am sure that the elevator can be straightened with little trouble.
Stephen.
Thanks Stephen, I'm going to wait a few days to see if I still find the warp utterly offensive. I may decide it was a cunning ploy to introduce instability to the BE2c to increase agility and so gain the upper hand on those pesky eindekkers.
For someone who says that precise measuring s tricky, this looks awfully precise. Little nuts and bolts spaced evenly, as well as everything else!
Happily following along!
/Fredrik
Thanks Fredrik, yes when I try to measure things with precision I usually go very wrong. I stuck the nuts and bolts on by eye this time. Much less hassle! (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52551442870_ff928de781.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4MT6Q)20221208_165440 (https://flic.kr/p/2o4MT6Q) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
That looks superb, Richie! Set it up right and it could be a TVAL factory photo!
Thanks so much Zac, I love those TVAL pictures of aircraft in the making. I spend many hours staring at them for inspiration. I suspect I need to go out more!
Well I had a bit of time yesterday and thought I would set about the cockpit coaming which is quite complicated with cut outs needed for inspection windows as well as the apertures for the crew.
The first step was to use my former to bend 0.5mm styrene into shape and here it all went very wrong straight away. I heated the sheet first with a hair dryer then bent it round the former. I used rubber bands to hold it all in place before plunging it first into boiling water followed by cold water so it would hold the shape. Unfortunately the the rubber bands caused indentations along the whole length of the piece. I can't stand throwing out plastic so I spent a few days filling, sanding, priming in what felt like a never ending cycle until I had rescued it. It would have been much better to use the vacform machine as originally intended.
The next step involved transferring the positions of the cut outs onto Tamiya tape before applying it to the coaming piece. I was aware enough to make sure the centre lines were marked for correct alignment. Sadly after heavily sampling a rather pleasant overproof rum the previous night I was not aware enough to allow for the slope of the sides before marking out the two forward inspection windows.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52556997623_2483839e75_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o5hmkr)20221211_110633 (https://flic.kr/p/2o5hmkr) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The cutouts were made by drilling lots of little holes and then playing join the dots with a scalpel. As you can see the forward inspection windows are far too close to where the windshield will sit so there will be yet more filling and sanding in my future.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52556926035_d07dfc538b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o5gZ4a)20221211_124945 (https://flic.kr/p/2o5gZ4a) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The inspection windows were adjusted by cementing styrene sheet underneath and filling with milliput.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52556455611_b105315f5c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o5ezdp)BE2c cockpit coaming (https://flic.kr/p/2o5ezdp) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The propeller was stained with thinned MRP paint, I can't remember the exact mix. I had hoped that the wood grain would show through but I can live with that result, from a scale distance you most definitely would not see it anyway.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52556997303_6dd69bb392_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o5hmeV)BE2c propeller finished (https://flic.kr/p/2o5hmeV) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
As I have no work for a while (hooray!) I decided to make the rear attachment point for the lower wing which can be seen here in James Fahey's photograph;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52558858286_761be1cf62_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o5rTrQ)2022-12-12_02-53-16 (https://flic.kr/p/2o5rTrQ) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I started by laminating squares 0.5mm styrene sheet, two layers to each square. These were then tacked together with a small dot of CA gel. A 1.5mm hole was drilled and the outline cut out before separating the block into two pretty much identical pieces. I didn't photograph any of this process.
Next I measured the thickness of the parts and subtracted from the width of the fuselage cut a piece of styrene sheet to act as a spacer. With a 1.5mm brass tube to keep things aligned I glued this together with plastic weld.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52559093549_56481f5cdd_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o5t6o6)BE2c lower wing rear mount (https://flic.kr/p/2o5t6o6) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
more styrene sheet was layered up either side of the tube and filed to shape before annealed aluminium sheet was bent round it and rivets added after giving the styrene parts a spray of car primer and a lick of ochre oil brusher.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52559268730_1d339108ca_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o5tZss)BE2c lower wing rear mount (https://flic.kr/p/2o5tZss) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The aluminium was dulled down by a wash made of turps and white oil brusher. For once my measurements worked out well first time, here is the part sitting in place in its approximate location.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52559268700_e82731afe9_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o5tZrW)BE2c lower wing rear mount (https://flic.kr/p/2o5tZrW) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I may get back to the bench later today to sand down the filler on the cockpit coaming and make the turtle deck. I think I know how I will make the rest of the fuselage frame and remaining major parts now so hopefully progress can be a bit more rapid from here.
Thanks for dropping by, apologies for the lengthy essay!
Richie
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Impressive work and some really good positive progress, Richie
Looking forward to next update, mate!
Regards
Dave
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Wow! That is looking fantastic.
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Superb work Richie, I'm enthralled!
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Excellent progress, especially on the cockpit openings. The spar locator under the fuselage also looks very realistic.
Keep up the momentum!
Stephen.
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I have just made a trip through your build log in order to catch up. WOW, WOW, and another WOW! Everything you have done is superb Richie! The coaming with the cutouts, the Tail plane, spar cover, etc. etc. look FANTASTIC!
RAGIII
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Thanks so much for your kind comments chaps, you really do help keep me motivated and feeling positive about this tricky (for me at least) project.
Rick, so great to hear from you! It's been a while. I went missing in action for over a year, I hope you have been well during this time.
One of the things that has been bothering me is haw to make the exhaust stacks, my initial idea was to squeeze lengths of brass tube in a vice and bend them, seemed reasonable until I tried it. Even if I could make accurate parts this way they would be far too heavy. When I closely examined photos I saw that upright section is made separately and slides over the part that leads from the engine which is bent.
After a quick play I had bent 1.6mm styrene rod round an engineers square and file it flatter at the bend. The upright was made by bending 0.13mm styrene sheet round a length of 1mm brass rod and glued with plastic weld. After a quick trim and file I had a slide fit part. This only took 15 minutes last night, if it had taken 45 minutes I might not have had to spend a few hours tidying up where I got glue on my fingers and melted fingerprints into the styrene.
I decided to make the undercarriage in the same way, on the real aircraft thet are wood with a metal rod through them. The legs are then bound with canvas to prevent splinters wounding the crew in case of damage.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52563247906_e5d833868b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o5QojW)2022-12-14_04-12-03 (https://flic.kr/p/2o5QojW) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I gently scribed a fold line with my caliper and again bent the sheet round 1mm rod. This time (no picture, sorry I had my hands full) I taped the rod down and heated the styrene with a hair dryer. Another length of rod was taped in place over the folded styrene so I could accurately glue it the correct width and not get my fingers in the way.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52563661430_cbab7c3f03_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o5SvfE)20221214_144939 (https://flic.kr/p/2o5SvfE) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
For glue I used cellulose thinners this time which is a bit less aggressive ( I saw a tip on youtube). I then ran my caliper along the glued surface to give me a cut line before trimming the piece.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52563734563_415594e6d3_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o5SSZz)20221214_145624 (https://flic.kr/p/2o5SSZz) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
1mm Tamiya tape for the windings ( I tried decal strip first, don't ask!)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52563482954_d6f263f953_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o5RAcu)20221214_151526 (https://flic.kr/p/2o5RAcu) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
A quick spray of primer and I have undercarriage legs and exhausts. I'm waiting for brass rods and tubes to arrive so I can finish the legs. I will make the cabane struts the same way, I like this slide fit idea.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52563734678_394086f8bd_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o5ST2y)20221214_153819 (https://flic.kr/p/2o5ST2y) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I got a little distracted last night and had a little play at starting a Lewis gun with a cotton bud that had been used for airbrush cleaning, Tamiya tape and a piece of styrene.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52563591171_6f9a91923e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o5S9ni)20221214_185329 (https://flic.kr/p/2o5S9ni) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
This morning there was filing and drilling of brass tube, slicing and filing of styrene sheet which resulted in this;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52565565138_47bd35c5bb_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o63gad)20221215_105957 (https://flic.kr/p/2o63gad) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Later, after much faffing around with foil and styrene, eye straining and did I mention swearing?
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52565315159_e8e0193aef_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o61YRe)20221215_130630 (https://flic.kr/p/2o61YRe) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Much later, I mean several hours!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52565036896_5d1b1fc301_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o5Zy8A)20221215_140523 (https://flic.kr/p/2o5Zy8A) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
It's definitely time to stop now, my poor brain can't take anymore. Still nowhere near finished but it's beginning to look like a Lewis gun.
Richie
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You've earned some off time Richie, that's superb work!!
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You've earned some off time Richie, that's superb work!!
Thanks Zac, I couldn't resist another play today. Several hours worth in fact.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52565752889_419fb3c419_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o64dYi)2022-12-15_06-26-04 (https://flic.kr/p/2o64dYi) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I don't think Gaspatch have anything to worry about but I'm pleased with how the Lewis is working out. Therr have been many failed attempts to make an ammo drum today but I have a cunning plan... ;)
Richie
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Sorry for another micro update but I was excited because it's nearly Christmas and I solved the riddle of the ammo drum this morning,
I found a couple of washers pretty much the right size, glued them together, gave them a shot of primer and added tiny slivers of Tamiya
tape.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52566836266_678afb1684_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o69M2d)Lewis ammo drum (https://flic.kr/p/2o69M2d) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The hole was filled with punched styrene discs, a few more bits and bobs were added from foil and styrene strip;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52567278835_d51e459e60_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o6c3zH)Scratched Lewis Gun finished (https://flic.kr/p/2o6c3zH) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
A bit of paint and a brush down with pencil graphite and it's finished:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52567419733_8be39e05f4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o6cLsZ)20221216_132113 (https://flic.kr/p/2o6cLsZ) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52567172149_6b54412680_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o6buSi)20221216_132306 (https://flic.kr/p/2o6buSi) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I'm pleased with that and will use it on the model, another piece of aftermarket gear avoided. :)
No modelling time for a couple of days, back soon. Thanks for reading.
Richie
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Here is a one minute video of a Lewis gun. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VcP1zG5d-4o
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Here is a one minute video of a Lewis gun. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VcP1zG5d-4o
What a brilliant video, thanks so much for posting. Wish I'd seen it before starting work on mine. I was using pics from TVAL as a guide.
Richie
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What a brilliant scratch built Lewis gun. That will certainly pass on the finished model. Your ideas for the exhaust stacks and undercarriage legs are also excellent. This is indeed a log to follow if a modeller wants good ideas for scratch building parts.
Stephen.
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Richie, you and I have very different interpretations of "taking a break"! I love it!
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What a beautiful build and so many 'tricks' Richie!
Kent
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What a brilliant scratch built Lewis gun. That will certainly pass on the finished model. Your ideas for the exhaust stacks and undercarriage legs are also excellent. This is indeed a log to follow if a modeller wants good ideas for scratch building parts.
Stephen.
Thanks Stephen, Ive mostly been experimenting with amking bits in order to avoid the more serious task of finishing the fuselage frame and dealing with mounting the cabane struts. ;)
Richie, you and I have very different interpretations of "taking a break"! I love it!
Thanks Zac, I got up at the crack of dawn to get the Lewis finished before the less fun Xmas related tasks stole the rest of the day!
What a beautiful build and so many 'tricks' Richie!
Kent
Ah thanks Kent, that means so much coming from the master who built those awesome SE5a and DR1 dioramas. Now they were some very special modelling!
Well yesterday I finally made the next section of the fuselage frame and the engine controls, for me this was the scariest step so far because the cabane struts emerge directly above the last two uprights of the frame. I have line everything up with the plans and test fitted the sections to the fuselage (sorry no pictures yet) and all seems well. I have drilled 0.5mm holes into where the cabanes go and the will be built up around 0.5mm brass rods. I am praying that this will give me victory in the upcoming bout with the top wing but that is months away still.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52571862684_098e41764b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o6AxcA)1/32 BE2c engine controls and oil tank strap (https://flic.kr/p/2o6AxcA) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The ball end handles of the controls are miniature ball bearings I bought online a couple of years ago in case they might be useful.
The strap is for the fuel tank cowling and is just Tamiya tape painted with oils and a little buckle made of copper wire bent over my steel ruler bashed flat and painted with Mr Metal Colour brass.
Today with many household tasks and so little time, I managed to squeeze in little pockets of modelling in between all the various highly unnecessary nonsense associated with this time of year, bah humbug!
A test fit of the new frame sections with the IP and firewall showed I needed to trim a bit off the firewall. The problem with having little time means things happen like this;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52572873712_b09a4532d0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o6FHK7)20221219_101930 (https://flic.kr/p/2o6FHK7) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I couldn't face making a new firewall out of aluminium, I didn't much like it anyway so I made a replacement out of styrene.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52572873717_0ba42d7081_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o6FHKc)20221219_145703 (https://flic.kr/p/2o6FHKc) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Much better I think. The little cut outs are for where the rods from the engine controls pass through.
Another test fit suggests a good fit but not before one of the engine controls got pinged off. Luckily I recognised the sound of debris hitting a hollow carbon wheel on my old racing bike (so glad I no longer do that!) and I quickly found it and glued it back
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52573871263_88f839cab7_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o6LQhg)20221219_150738 (https://flic.kr/p/2o6LQhg) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
There was much fiddling around and fettling involved in test fitting the cockpit coaming as the instrument panel was a smidge or two too tall but it looks like it will work now.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52573613319_0566eef2a2_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o6KvAX)20221219_160235 (https://flic.kr/p/2o6KvAX) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The final positioning and gluing of these parts needs to be absolutely precise to avoid top wing problems later. While time is limited mistakes are likely so I think I had better wish you all a happy Christmas and new year put this aside until next year.
Best Wishes everybody, no more updates for a while but I will be logging in to get my modelling fix from your work.
Richie
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I am continually lifting my aching jaw from the floor every time I look at your work Richie. This is modelling of the very highest standard - Des would have been very proud of this.
Stephen.
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I am continually lifting my aching jaw from the floor every time I look at your work Richie. This is modelling of the very highest standard - Des would have been very proud of this.
Stephen.
That is very kind of you Stephen. I found this forum after discovering Des's website with his awe inspiring scratch builds. Dave W commented at the start of this project that the BE2c was a particular favourite of the great man so I can't go rushing and producing shoddy work. I so wish I had joined and been in touch with him before he passed away. His work continues to amaze and inspire though- that's quite a legacy!
Richie
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The parts really look Outstanding in place Richie! You are doing Amazing work on your Be!
RAGIII
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I am continually lifting my aching jaw from the floor every time I look at your work Richie. This is modelling of the very highest standard - Des would have been very proud of this.
Stephen.
Richie - I could not agree more - your standard of workmanship is second to none on this one, mate!
Regards
Dave
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The parts really look Outstanding in place Richie! You are doing Amazing work on your Be!
RAGIII
Thanks Rick, I'm slowly getting there but it's very much 1 step forward 2 back at the moment.
I am continually lifting my aching jaw from the floor every time I look at your work Richie. This is modelling of the very highest standard - Des would have been very proud of this.
Stephen.
Richie - I could not agree more - your standard of workmanship is second to none on this one, mate!
Regards
Dave
Thanks so much Dave, I get lots of practice at making things due to clumsiness, absent mindedness and sheer misfortune. Most parts get made many times over as you will see!
I wasn't going to do any modelling at all over Christmas but due to this accursed flu bug Mrs W is ill in bed and all visits have been postponed. All of which means I have been in the man cave feeling decidedly below par and more clumsy than usual. I broke the throttle control and lost it so had to make it again. In my hurry to glue to the rest of the fuselage frame so I could mount the instrument panel I quickly made a replacement, no lightening holes to save time. Sadly with the fuselage frame fitted I found my home made wicker seat won't fit and can't be fettled so it will. I have started a new one. Luckily a scratch built model has an infinite number of spare parts!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52581514774_8db562c3ce_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o7s1qW)20221223_121254 (https://flic.kr/p/2o7s1qW) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
You may notice a bamboo stirrer and partially completed instrument panel in the picture. That would be because the original instrument got lost in my rush to get the house ready for Christmas visitors. The bamboo stirrer is exactly the same width as the model, a quick few shaves off the end and the profile is perfect too. A little bit of luck is always welcome.
With the house quiet and my better half asleep all day I decided to see how far I could go with the new instrument panel, including rivets and decals I think I counted 105 parts, totally unnecessary and most of it will be invisible but I needed the therapy. Here it is with a pin to give a sense of scale;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52584736287_ff8e6ac412_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o7Jw5g)BE2c instrument panel finished (https://flic.kr/p/2o7Jw5g) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Thanks for looking in, I hope you are all well and enjoying your Christmas day.
Richie
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Bravo Richie, great save!
And when you find the other panel you'll have to build a replacement airframe around it... ;D
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Bravo Richie, great save!
And when you find the other panel you'll have to build a replacement airframe around it... ;D
I agree with Zac on both points 8)
RAGIII
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The parts really look Outstanding in place Richie! You are doing Amazing work on your Be!
RAGIII
Thanks Rick, I'm slowly getting there but it's very much 1 step forward 2 back at the moment.
I am continually lifting my aching jaw from the floor every time I look at your work Richie. This is modelling of the very highest standard - Des would have been very proud of this.
Stephen.
Richie - I could not agree more - your standard of workmanship is second to none on this one, mate!
Regards
Dave
Thanks so much Dave, I get lots of practice at making things due to clumsiness, absent mindedness and sheer misfortune. Most parts get made many times over as you will see!
I wasn't going to do any modelling at all over Christmas but due to this accursed flu bug Mrs W is ill in bed and all visits have been postponed. All of which means I have been in the man cave feeling decidedly below par and more clumsy than usual. I broke the throttle control and lost it so had to make it again. In my hurry to glue to the rest of the fuselage frame so I could mount the instrument panel I quickly made a replacement, no lightening holes to save time. Sadly with the fuselage frame fitted I found my home made wicker seat won't fit and can't be fettled so it will. I have started a new one. Luckily a scratch built model has an infinite number of spare parts!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52581514774_8db562c3ce_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o7s1qW)20221223_121254 (https://flic.kr/p/2o7s1qW) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
You may notice a bamboo stirrer and partially completed instrument panel in the picture. That would be because the original instrument got lost in my rush to get the house ready for Christmas visitors. The bamboo stirrer is exactly the same width as the model, a quick few shaves off the end and the profile is perfect too. A little bit of luck is always welcome.
With the house quiet and my better half asleep all day I decided to see how far I could go with the new instrument panel, including rivets and decals I think I counted 105 parts, totally unnecessary and most of it will be invisible but I needed the therapy. Here it is with a pin to give a sense of scale;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52584736287_ff8e6ac412_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o7Jw5g)BE2c instrument panel finished (https://flic.kr/p/2o7Jw5g) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Thanks for looking in, I hope you are all well and enjoying your Christmas day.
Richie
Bravo Richie, great save!
And when you find the other panel you'll have to build a replacement airframe around it... ;D
That's a good call, as penance for being so clumsy and untidy I pick up the gauntlet before me in acceptance of the challenge! ;)
Richie
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Stunning detail Richie, especially the instrument panel. Why not leave the fabric off the fuselage so that you can see this little gem of scratch building?
Stephen.
PS I hope that Mrs W makes a rapid recovery.
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Gee Richie, I last visited your build log a month ago and I see I missed a lot!
The fuselage stitching, the blister, the riveting, a completed tail section (b.t.w., the translucency looks great!), a turtleback, a Lewis gun and even whipping out a second instrument panel!
This is exemplary scratch building and you are certainly up to speed Richie.
Cheers,
Willem
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Many thanks Stephen, I was toying with the idea of leaving some of the fuselage uncovered but the main aim of this one is to achieve a translucent model. I will do a partial strip down model, possibly a Brisfit after the one in the RAF. museum.
Mrs W is still having violent coughing fits even after basking in the Spanish sun since boxing day. She's definitely on the mend though.
Hi Willem, many thanks for dropping by and leaving such kind feedback. I had a bit of time on my hands and managed to press on a little. I'm hoping to get to the engine again soon, if I can get that done I think I will have done most of the hardest part and be able to see the finish line. Reaching it will be another matter entirely though!
Happy new year everybody, I wish you all the best of health, happiness and continued enjoyment of our lovely hobby.
Richie
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You've managed some fantastic things here, since I last commented on your build. It sure looks like you're moving on towards that finish line.
Did you get any of the Spanish sun as well?
/Fredrik
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You've managed some fantastic things here, since I last commented on your build. It sure looks like you're moving on towards that finish line.
Did you get any of the Spanish sun as well?
/Fredrik
Many thanks Fredrik, I had a bit of time on my hands up to Christmas. Yes, we had a week in Malaga from Boxing Day. It was odd wandering around in shorts and a T Shirt while shops were playing things like Walking In a Winter Wonderland and White Christmas on their sound systems!
Richie
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It was odd wandering around in shorts and a T Shirt while shops were playing things like Walking In a Winter Wonderland and White Christmas on their sound systems!
Now you know a bit of what my life is like - summer Christmas with so, so many American songs about snow and cold!
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Wow Richie, you are absolutely zooming along. It is very inspiring and the glimpse inside the cockpit is superb!
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It was odd wandering around in shorts and a T Shirt while shops were playing things like Walking In a Winter Wonderland and White Christmas on their sound systems!
Now you know a bit of what my life is like - summer Christmas with so, so many American songs about snow and cold!
There's an open market for a Kiwi Christmas Song just waiting to be exploited. All those songs about snow and reindeer must get very annoying for you!
Wow Richie, you are absolutely zooming along. It is very inspiring and the glimpse inside the cockpit is superb!
Thanks William, I'm making it a goal to get as much detail into it as you manage to cram into your 1/144 builds! Circumstances mean I will have to slow down to my usual slower than treacle tempo for a month or so but I am hopeful of finishing this by Easter.
Well here is my first update update of the year, the seating arrangements have been sorted out and IP and other bulkheads are glued in place;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52609261983_2f3f0ba7d6_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o9UdH6)20230105_161426 (https://flic.kr/p/2o9UdH6) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The seat belts were made from wine bottle foil and Tamiya tape. I took a photo etch fret from a Wingnut Wings Sopwith Pup in my stash and used it emboss the bels onto the foil. This was then reinforced with Tamiya tape backing and more tape was used to cover the leather portions. Nice and easy and feels like cheating, I like this method! The resulting belts are far from perfect but certainly good enough, I might give them an oil wash but not sure I can be bothered.
The forward bulkhead has a little storage space with a latch and hinges. I scribed the outline and added the hinges and latch with brass coloured foil that is on the back of a new scalpel blade packet. The hinges were bent over brass rod to give them the right shape. I don't think they will be visible but it was only a five minute job.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52608265197_db2e658cae_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o9P7p8)20230105_162634 (https://flic.kr/p/2o9P7p8) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Has anyone noticed the elephant in the room yet?
The wicker seat was made using the method Hendie suggested when I was making my Bristol Scout, this time I measured a lot more carefully to ensure it would fit. The pilot's seat was made last year from folded aluminium sheet, I forgot to allow for the width of the aluminium supports that hold it to the fuselage so it had to be unfolded and given a little trim but all's well that ends well. I blame the kit designer, he clearly doesn't have much of a clue! The elephants is still there though, have you seen him yet? 🙄
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52609187020_112c7ccaa8_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o9TQqC)20230105_161902 (https://flic.kr/p/2o9TQqC) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
There are a few wires and odds and ends still to add to the cockpit before I add the last cell that holds the engine.
Thanks for looking in, best wishes all for a happy, healthy 2023.
Richie
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Well,
Good progress again Richie. Neat work all along. I like your method for making the seatbelts.
Could the elephant have something to do with finding back the first version of the instrument panel? ;)
Willem
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Thanks Willem, I was pleased with the seat belts. I once spent a couple of days making a Tamiya tape 1/32 Sutton harness for a Spitfire. This method took less than 20 minutes.
Your powers of observation mean the elephant has been spotted and I have to make another BE2c, doh!
Richie
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You're welcome ;D
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Other than saying your work is Superb this whole build is beyond Me! I also think that the Elephant is the original IP.
RAGIII
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Now you know a bit of what my life is like - summer Christmas with so, so many American songs about snow and cold!
There's an open market for a Kiwi Christmas Song just waiting to be exploited. All those songs about snow and reindeer must get very annoying for you!
Oh we have plenty of them, they just don't get airtime like the US and British ones do both on the radio and in shops!
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Great stuff, Richie!
Your interior looks superb - you could be fooled into thinking this is an actual kit
Regards
Dave
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Now you know a bit of what my life is like - summer Christmas with so, so many American songs about snow and cold!
There's an open market for a Kiwi Christmas Song just waiting to be exploited. All those songs about snow and reindeer must get very annoying for you!
Oh we have plenty of them, they just don't get airtime like the US and British ones do both on the radio and in shops!
I feel your pain!
Many thanks Rick and Dave, your generosity is much appreciated.
I have very little time for modelling at the moment but I have made a small step forward. The turtle deck was made in the Harry Woodman style by embossing the stringers onto thin card with a biro.
The rear part of the cockpit coaming behind the pilot's seat is an extra layer of styrene. I was going to just simulate this by masking and adding several layers of paint. I so wish I did because a lot of sanding and fettling was needed. I wasn't thinking very clearly at the time.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52619015191_d21aaefb90_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oaLcZR)Turtle deck on. (https://flic.kr/p/2oaLcZR) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The coaming is just sitting in place at the moment. The 0.5mm brass prongs are glued into holes drilled right down into the fuselage frame uprights, the cabanes will be a slide fit in the same way I made the undercarriage legs. Hopefully this will simplify things later.
You may notice a clear piece of plastic sitting on the prongs, this is a rather crude jig I made so I can position the mounting holes in the top wing and the frame so they all line up accurately.
I may put this aside for a few weeks and dig a nice simple kit out of the stash so I don't rush things in the little time I have available for the next moth or so. Many thanks for your continued support, I will be back to it soon.
Richie
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Stunning work! A real pleasure to watch your progress.
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This is continuing to be quite an Impressive build! Lovely work on the turtledeck. The strut mounts should make it very sturdy!
RAGIII
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Catching up as usual Richie. I agree with Dave that this could easily be one of those expensive kits that you see in large boxes in shops (and are way beyond my budget).
The interior has come together extremely well and it is a shame that so much will be obscured.
I am really looking forward to seeing more when you are ready to post.
Stephen.
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The interior has come together extremely well and it is a shame that so much will be obscured.
Have you considered leaving it (partly) open?
I agree with Stephen, it would be a shame to hide all that beautiful detailing!
Cheers,
Willem
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Thanks so much Tim, Rick, Willem and Stephen for taking the time to leave some very generous comments. Real world issues have conspired to keep me away from the bench for much of the year so far. 2023 has been challenging to say the least but things are brightening up, noticeably so when I find time to have a play with modelling bits and bobs.
There has been a little bit of progress since my last update. I made and added the inspection windows.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52637063761_7d2eabd2da_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ocmHd6)Be2c inspection windows added (https://flic.kr/p/2ocmHd6) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The frames are from 0.15mm aluminium sheet that I sanded down even thinner, holes were drilled in each corner and the aluminium was thin enough to slice with a new scalpel blade to create the apertures. The glazing came from the custard tart packet in the picture. It's super thin and clear so the windows were easy to get to make fit the curves of the fuselage.
Windshields were formed from PETG sheet, I made them using the same former but I notice now that they aren't symmetrical. Not sure I can be bothered to try to remedy that, they'll do for now.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52688618944_0509e52001_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ogUWLy)Internal rigging started (https://flic.kr/p/2ogUWLy) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The cockpit coaming is glued into place now and I have started to add the internal bracing wires. Hopefully I will have another update by the end of the week.
Thanks for reading!
Richie
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Thank you for sharing your updates Richie, this is such a magnificent and inspirational build.
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Thank you for sharing your updates Richie, this is such a magnificent and inspirational build.
That's very kind of you Zac, I'm doing my best to avoid too many blunders but I'm having having a lot of fun with it again. :)
I couldn't live with my first horrible attempt at making the windshields so I had another bash. This time I used my cheap Chinese dental vac form machine. I used 1mm thick PETG sheet which was too thick but with a bit of sanding and polishing around the edges I think I can put up with that. I simulated the frame with Mr. Surface and paint and added punched rivets. A bit rough in close up but good enough to the naked eye I hope. Far from perfect but a massive improvement on my first effort.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52695257345_be8b62296e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ohuY8K)20230217_180128 (https://flic.kr/p/2ohuY8K) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Here they are sat in place, I will glue them later in the build. I just noticed I might need to bend the frame edges a little to avoid a gap. I'll see how I feel about that another day. For now they are put away in a zip lock bag and hopefully won't be lost.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52695333088_837caa6a06_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ohvmDE)20230217_184436 (https://flic.kr/p/2ohvmDE) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I made another strip of stitches and skinned the fuselage frame. The strips of stitches were glued to the frame first, sheets of 0.13mm styrene were slid under the lip and cellulose thinners wicked under the overlap with a paint brush. The excess was trimmed off the bottom and the lower edge joined to the frame with super glue.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52700790453_385708fd19_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ohZjWa)Be2c fuselage skinned (https://flic.kr/p/2ohZjWa) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I was unable to cut short lengths of stitching strip for the short vertical sections because the stitches overlap slightly so I used Tamiya tape and stitches made of thin wire.
With both sides skinned the frame is still translucent enough to show the bracing wires although they don't show up very well in the photograph.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52699777567_471f615042_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ohU8QB)Be2c fuselage skinned (https://flic.kr/p/2ohU8QB) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
That's all for now, many thanks for reading.
Richie
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Super stitching and the translucent effect on the fuselage has worked very well indeed. The frames for the windscreens look super too.
Stephen.
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I agree with Lone Modeller and will add: Excellent work on the turtle deck as well!
Tim
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Thanks Stephen and Tim, I'm glad it is finally skinned so I don't keep breaking the rigging although I do miss seeing the frame. You were so right Stephen! :)
Richie
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Amazing, Richie -
Wow!
Regards
Dave
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What an impressive project! This is real modelling.
Andreas
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Really outstanding work Richie!
The windshield has come out very well and I'm glad the translucency is still present too.
I am impressed how well the stitching looks.
Excellent results again, and I am looking very much forward to the next installment!
Willem
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Amazing, Richie -
Wow!
Regards
Dave
Thanks Dave, I'm hoping to be at the next club meeting so I can show you what I have so far.
What an impressive project! This is real modelling.
Andreas
Thanks Andreas, always good to hear from you. I hope you are keeping well. I'm getting there slowly but 'real modelling' is not something I have done a lot of so I tend to struggle a bit!
Really outstanding work Richie!
The windshield has come out very well and I'm glad the translucency is still present too.
I am impressed how well the stitching looks.
Excellent results again, and I am looking very much forward to the next installment!
Willem
Thanks Willem, the stitching worked out quite well entirely thanks to the precision ruler you recommended some time ago. It has become one of my most used tools. There is a little more stitching to add but I have already cut the strips and drilled the holes so hopefully it won't be too tedious.
Unfortunately I don't have any progress to show you but I did spend what felt like an eternity trying to make new frames for the inspection windows. I have started work on the last section of the fuselage frame that holds the engine and fuel tank. Although there are no progress photos I do have a couple of archive photos of 16 squadron BE2s taken in the Great War.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52705497614_ff7020f3df_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oipsd7)16 squadron Be2c (https://flic.kr/p/2oipsd7) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Here is one I found of the aircraft I am modelling.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52701726420_150b78a60e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oi58aw)Be2c 2612 (https://flic.kr/p/2oi58aw) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The TVAL replica of 2612 has two mounts for Lewis guns which do not seem to be present, this pleases me no end as it gives me the option of not making them. I can save the Lewis gun I scratched for another project. The original also has a camera mount which is not present on the TVAL aircraft.
The dedication "St Catherines Ontario" on the TVAL replica seems to be a spelling error. St Catharines is the town in Ontario which presented this aircraft to 16 squadron. I will choose to believe that it was only present on the starboard side but I will spell it correctly.
I hope to have a proper progress update for you next week.
Best wishes all
Richie
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Hi everybody,
It's been a while since I updated this. Despite supposedly having plenty of free time I have had much less modelling time than I had hoped.
I had to remake the inspection windows due to the originals being desperately out of square and generally messy. At first I didn't mind but I find myself shaking my head in disgust whenever I saw them. Well I spent two evenings trying to be more precise and after many failed attempts I ended up with two slightly better but still a little messy windows. Here they are still attached to the custard tart box clear film.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52730223252_cfd54422e4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2okAbhd)20230306_205231 (https://flic.kr/p/2okAbhd) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I wish I could do better but the sad truth is I can't so these will do. Apart from the 1st class stamps you may notice little control horns, these mount to the side of the fuselage and attach to the elevators. These were whittled down from a propeller in the spares box, I'm quite pleased with these, especially as they didn't take long.
The undercarriage is underway, the front legs attach to bits sticking out from the sides of the fuselage. I don't know what these bits are called but I made them from bits of styrene profile and strip as a single length to help with the symmetry and cut a couple of slices off. A length of copper tube was inserted in the cavity and mounting holes drilled (drilling copper is much easier than brass) so I could attach the legs. The cross piece onto which the wheels will attach was made in a similar way, the discs are just sequins I bought off ebay.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731000024_a9f6f98169_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2okEabQ)20230306_204625 (https://flic.kr/p/2okEabQ) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The main structure of the legs is just brass tube, I superglued 2 pieces together and bent them to get both sides equal. The outer part of the legs are slide fit bits that I made a few months ago. They are sitting on a crude assembly jig made by drilling a few holes, carefully measure, in a drill bit box.
The tail fin is held in place by metal brackets at the top and bottom of the fuselage. These caused me much chin rubbing and head scratching while I pondered how to make them symmetrical. In the end I just stuck a piece of Tamiya tape where the top bracket goes, drew the shape, stuck it to aluminium sheet and cut it out.
This was then CA'd to more aluminium
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731157035_a4f06d1912_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2okEXRV)20230306_201901 (https://flic.kr/p/2okEXRV) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
A bit of cutting out and filing later;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52730223347_5243993d96_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2okAbiR)20230306_203355 (https://flic.kr/p/2okAbiR) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Sitting in place;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52731157185_db47daa35a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2okEXUv)20230306_203820 (https://flic.kr/p/2okEXUv) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
It's all been about symmetry and perseverance for a week or two, there hasn't been much progress but I've learned a few new tricks and not lost any parts for a while.
There is a little fettling to do for a perfect fit and some untidyness to clean up on the inner part of the V shape, this will be hidden by the tail fin on the top one so I will only fix up up one of them.
,
Hopefully I will have another update soon and have a completed fuselage to show you. Do feel free to offer any criticisms or advice. I'm still scrambling up the scratch building learning curve.
Thanks for dropping by
Richie
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"I'm still scrambling up the scratch building learning curve."
We are all doing that Richie - it is part of the scratch building experience!
The undercarriage looks good - especially the little sequin discs. The small rudder brackets look good too - an important detail but one that is easily missed.
Progress may be slow but it is steady and a first class model is in the making: they are not made in a day....
Stephen.
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Many thanks Stephen,
"I'm still scrambling up the scratch building learning curve."
We are all doing that Richie - it is part of the scratch building experience!
In a way that's disconcerting but good news because I want to keep learning and trying new things to keep the hobby interesting for myself!
I finished the fuselage frame and did a bit of painting. The last section of fuselage with the engine bearers is copper tube held with brass pins and styrene strip. The wooden board was cut from a bamboo lolly stick. I actually dropped the model and it held fast so will be sturdy enough to hold the engine.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52736291577_d3f539032b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2om8hbv)BE2c Last fuselage frame (https://flic.kr/p/2om8hbv) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The black fuselage bands were masked and sprayed over the CDL paint.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52736817996_193e943c26_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2omaYEG)16 Squadron black bands added (https://flic.kr/p/2omaYEG) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Clearly not very accurately masked so a bit of correction was needed. I also added all the little studs along the top of the stitching and the two inspection windows.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52740421368_5f3d5d75f8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2omurPN)20230311_112457 (https://flic.kr/p/2omurPN) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The model is still translucent after painting
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52736836791_8eb0ae1270_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2omb5fK)Translucent Fuselage (https://flic.kr/p/2omb5fK) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Outside in the daylight the effect is much less obvious. Perhaps paper covering would have been better.
Richie
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I actually dropped the model
Please don't do that again Richie :o My heart skipped a best just reading that!
I agree about the translucency, but paper is so easy to damage (think glue, unwanted pokes with tools or fingers...).
I think it looks just fine as it is. You are making good progress and she looks beautiful already!
Willem
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This looked really fine earlier today Richie: the translucent fuselage is the first that I have seen done convincingly in this scale so no need to use paper. The deatils that you have on this model are truly mind blowing: the windows, stitching, I could go on....
Certainly a winner in the making here.
Stephen.
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I actually dropped the model
Please don't do that again Richie :o My heart skipped a best just reading that!
I agree about the translucency, but paper is so easy to damage (think glue, unwanted pokes with tools or fingers...).
I think it looks just fine as it is. You are making good progress and she looks beautiful already!
Willem
Thanks Willem, I'll do my best to avoid further accidental impact testing.
Yes the fragility of paper covering was the worry that stopped me from using it in the first place.
This looked really fine earlier today Richie: the translucent fuselage is the first that I have seen done convincingly in this scale so no need to use paper. The deatils that you have on this model are truly mind blowing: the windows, stitching, I could go on....
Certainly a winner in the making here.
Stephen.
Many thanks for your kind words of encouragement and advice on Saturday. I've been refinishing the underside as you suggested. It really was ugly! I've been playing around with making the wheels too, hopefully I shall be able to show a progress update in a week or two.
Richie
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Really great work you're doing, Ritchie. Scrambling up the scratchbuilding learning curve is what happens on every scratchbuild - they're all a different experience.
You'll be really proud of the final result, and rightly so.
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Really great work you're doing, Ritchie. Scrambling up the scratchbuilding learning curve is what happens on every scratchbuild - they're all a different experience.
You'll be really proud of the final result, and rightly so.
Many thanks Ken. I'm actually happy that every scratchbuild is a different experience. I'm finding that new problems lead to new solutions and a more rewarding experience overall. Even if it can be hugely frustrating at times!
I have been pondering how to make the wheels, particularly the wheel covers all week.
I faffed about a good deal with experiments involving styrene circles, wire and deep fill car primer but results were not pretty to say the least.
After much experimentation I cut circles with my new toy (DSPIAE circle cutter) and made a sandwhich of 3 discs. The inner disc is 17mm and the outers 18mm, this enables the tyre to be seated on the wheel. The great thing about this tool is that you can cut concentric circles but you can also use it to mark the centre of a circle.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52754613557_bf5d3d2202_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2onKbEH)20230317_125131 (https://flic.kr/p/2onKbEH) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The tyre is just a rubber O ring.
For the conical wheel covers I cut discs from 0.2mm styrene with the centre marked. I calculated the circumference of the discs, divided by 19 and marked segments round the edge.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52755560160_768e2098b3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2onQ34s)20230317_125617 (https://flic.kr/p/2onQ34s) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
With the centre marked it is easy to drill a 0.5mm hole (the same width as my pencil lead) and mark out the 'spokes' all starting from dead centre. The spokes don't show through to the edge of the wheel cover so a limiting line was marked on each. If I knew where my compass was this would have been much simpler.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52755559990_7dd089c2f0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2onQ31w)20230317_132414 (https://flic.kr/p/2onQ31w) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Cutting out one slice gives a 36 spoke wheel (18 each side)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52755151956_f7f6322aaa_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2onMWHs)20230317_212541 (https://flic.kr/p/2onMWHs) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Continuity errors are down to the photos being from many failed attempts. :(
The spokes are the embossed with a ball point pen. Using a steel ruler the wheel cover is gently folded along each line to give a conical shape. The edges are then CA'd together and the join reinforced with tissue paper soaked in more CA glue.
After gluing to the main wheel body, a shot of primer and matt black we have wheels.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52755395019_03da8a51c2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2onPbYc)20230318_142424 (https://flic.kr/p/2onPbYc) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Work continues on the fuselage, the engine bearers were a little splayed so the nose is clamped in a vice until the araldite I glued a cross brace to goes off. Hopefully you can just about see the tiny brass punched rivets representing screw heads along the wood strip at the bottom of the fuselage. They should run around the outside of the lower surface too but I'm not entirely sure I can be bothered as they will never be seen. The tail fin is just sitting in place and will be glued once the serial number has been added.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52755559875_46eb51f2be_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2onQ2Yx)20230318_145848 (https://flic.kr/p/2onQ2Yx) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
That about sums it up, many hours spent but most of it on failed attempts to make wheel covers. For me at least that would seem to sum up scratchbuilding. Many hours of experimentation, many failed attempts and finally a useable part. I could just have used wheels from a WNW kit to vac form the wheel covers but that just would not have been as rewarding!
Many thanks for reading, hopefully a more significant update soon.
Richie
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Yor patience has been well rewarded Richie. Those wheel covers look very good indeed and as you write, much more satisfying than just vacuforming them. More ideas tried and new skills learned: that sums up scratch building for me.
Stephen.
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You provide real inspiration! What magnificent work you are doing here. Someday soon I’ll try my first total scratch build. I’ve already picked out the subject just need the Mojo to start working. In 1/72 of course!
Loving your work!
Tim
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Richie -
Good to see your model progressing nicely now - looking good with the fin attached and what amazing work on the wheels - your obviously on 'on a roll' now!!
Regards
Dave
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Many thanks for your kind comments Tim, Stephen and Dave .
Tim, I'm really excited to see what you have in mind. I've seen enough of your work to know it will be superb and I will look out for it.
With the wheels made it seemed sensible to get her on her feet so I mounted the undercarriage legs. This took most of Saturday morning, was the Devil's own job to do and I'm not convinced it's in good alignment.
The tail skid is very complicated as you can see from Jamo's photo;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52760415756_ac8715d801_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oofVsC)BE2C tail skid - photo by James Fahey. (https://flic.kr/p/2oofVsC) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Do check out his Smugmug sight, his reference photos are an incredible resource taken specially for modellers. Here is a link
https://jamesfahey.smugmug.com/
Many compromises were needed in order to make a structurally sound part. I abandoned the idea of using EZline for the bungee suspension and opted for 0.5mm brass rod instead. The wooden skid was whittled from a cocktail stick and the metal fittings simulated with paint.
The main support was made in the same way as the main undercarriage legs.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52760780468_fc2b236f6c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oohMSL)BE2c tail skid under construction (https://flic.kr/p/2oohMSL) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52760292326_9d27b67975_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oofhLw)1/32 BE2c tail skid (https://flic.kr/p/2oofhLw) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I'm really pleased with the result, it's a good enough representation of a tail skid. Certainly good enough for me.
Here she is up on her feet with the incomplete tail skid sitting in place.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52760782960_c1c3abc66a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oohNBJ)Undercarriage fitted (https://flic.kr/p/2oohNBJ) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I went to the bench at 10 this morning and it has taken until now (4pm) to finish the tail skid.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52762367999_a62b63d793_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ooqVMZ)Tail skid completed (https://flic.kr/p/2ooqVMZ) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The four supporting arms were made from copper tube which I chose over brass as it is easier to drill and bend without splitting.
I was a bit too absorbed to take progress pics but what I did was cut 4 lengths of tube and squash the ends. One end of each had a 0.5mm hole drilled and a short length of brass rod inserted. The front arms were then positioned in mounting holes in the fuselage via the brass pins which enabled me to bend them so they lined up. With these in position the process was repeated for the rear arms. It all sounds simple enough and it actually was but the alignment took hours to get right. According to the extreme close up there is a bit of touching up to do but the Mk I eyeballs don't agree. I'll go with nature I think or I will never finish!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52762818498_a97fb36a11_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ooteHd)1/32 BE2c scratch build (https://flic.kr/p/2ooteHd) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I've had a really enjoyable few days at the bench but that's me done for the week.
Thanks for dropping by, all criticisms, tips gratefully received
Richie
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Superb tailskid Richie. It should also be very strong, given the materials that you have used. I have found that in this scale the skid can be a weak part unless it is built from strong materials. Visually yours looks incredibly realistic too.
Stephen.
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Beautiful work Richie and a fantastic match for the real thing. Bravo!
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Nice work on the tailskid. It certainly conveys the complexity of the real thing.
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This is really such a nice build log to follow! You bring us all along each and every step and discuss and explain your thoughts and choices at the same time - and on top of that it all looks incredible!
/Fredrik
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She looks real good, standing on her “legs” now Richie. That is a clever way to make the conic hubs.
The wheels look really good with the indents of the spokes showing and the tails skid looks very realistic.
Looking forward to seeing the wings take shape.
That’s a very nice tool for cutting discs by the way!
Willem
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Thanks so much Zac, Stephen, Ken, Fredrik and Willem for your kind comments. Without the encouragement, advice and generous feedback of my fellow modellers I would probably have thrown the towel in on this build months ago!
Since the last update I have spent many, many hours on this but most of this time has been spent correcting numerous painting blunders and misfortunes. I added the roundels and serial numbers, a simple enough task I have done many times without problems but this time my masks bled and touching was required. One of the drawbacks of MRP paint is that you cannot brush paint touch ups. It is so solvent heavy that it quickly dissolves any paint layers and if you draw the brush along you end up with a horrible trench laden mess. Corrections were made by dabbing tiny drops of paint required one at a time with each layer being allowed to dry first. It took an entire day but I got an acceptable result in the end.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52777093759_1982981a16_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2opJpfp)1/32 BE2c Scratchbuild (https://flic.kr/p/2opJpfp) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The serial numbers were added with Letraset, one broke up and I decided to quickly touch it up with paint (not MRP) this in turn needed touching up and before I knew it I had to completely refinish one side. If only I had just removed the offending number and replaced it! I got there in the end and the model is still translucent.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52777317843_afec835b11_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2opKxRV)1/32 BE2c scratchbuild. (https://flic.kr/p/2opKxRV) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I also completely refinished the underside after my horrible first effort which was just awful!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52777249860_fb55d90a48_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2opKcDN)BE2c 1/32 scratchbuild. (https://flic.kr/p/2opKcDN) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
At this point I was feeling miserable, exhausted and not very keen to continue with the build. Not surprising really. I had just spent two entire days in a tiny room filled with lacquer paint fumes and forgetten to open a window. That was probably the biggest mistake of all!
After a model free day and lots of fresh air I wanted to do something not involving paint so whittled a former from basswood for the engine nacelle. The first few attempts at vac forming were too thin and fragile despite using 1mm sheet. In the end I covered most of the holes in the forming table with coffee stirrers and got a useable part.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52783632276_4e320a016e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oqiUVs)Engine nacelle (https://flic.kr/p/2oqiUVs) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Here it is in a coat of primer (sprayed outside) with the breather tube added from aluminium tube. I also whittled the lower blister from laminated styrene. I now feel rejuvenated after a relatively successful couple of days and will remember to open windows next time I use the airbrush!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52784029385_98eaf07f75_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oqkWYa)20230331_162203 (https://flic.kr/p/2oqkWYa) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Thanks so much for reading, have a lovely weekend everybody
Richie
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Brilliant work! Open a window, wear a mask... We want you to be able to continue with the build. Being dizzy from the fumes can't help when scratch building?!
/Fredrik
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This is a totally awesome project! I love the super detailed lacing etc.... fantastic!
Cheers, Skyhook
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Moulding your own parts can be a bit hit and miss - I do not use a vacuform machine as it is too complicated for me...! It looks as though you have an excellent under cover for the engine though.
Stephen.
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Well, this is certainly a Hit, this looks extremely well Richie.
I need some parts (the wheels/tyres) that I want to vacform. I want to make one myself, there are plenty of of good DIY descriptions on the net.
Looking forward to the next installment. Engine? Wings?
Cheers,
Willem
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Brilliant work! Open a window, wear a mask... We want you to be able to continue with the build. Being dizzy from the fumes can't help when scratch building?!
/Fredrik
Thanks Fredrik, I've been paying a bit more attention to the fume situation today. What a big difference!
This is a totally awesome project! I love the super detailed lacing etc.... fantastic!
Cheers, Skyhook
Thanks Skyhook, I do wonder if I try to include too much sometimes! Lukgraph released a super detailed 1/32 BE2c since I started this project so I feel I have to go the extra mile or mine will look so primitive in comparison. ;D
Moulding your own parts can be a bit hit and miss - I do not use a vacuform machine as it is too complicated for me...! It looks as though you have an excellent under cover for the engine though.
Stephen.
Thanks Stephen, I really enjoyed doing something different tha didn't involve filling the air with solvents!
Well, this is certainly a Hit, this looks extremely well Richie.
I need some parts (the wheels/tyres) that I want to vacform. I want to make one myself, there are plenty of of good DIY descriptions on the net.
Looking forward to the next installment. Engine? Wings?
Cheers,
Willem
Thanks Willem, definitely get your vac form box made up. It's a lot of fun. I have a few more fuselage details to add but the engine will be in to bat next.
Well I had a little play with miniature solder balls to make rivets for the panels that sit either side of the engine cover. It's a fiddly business and the floor is liberally sprinkled them but I got them done.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52788016671_35cf2048d7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oqGoft)20230402_105539 (https://flic.kr/p/2oqGoft) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The lip round the edges was added with tinned copper wire which was later trimmed to length, the panels are aluminium sheet.
Here are the completed parts. The overlapping sheets that make up the engine nacelle were simulated by masking and spraying more paint to give a raised surface. The rivets here are punched.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52787462932_fc411a15d2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oqDxDf)20230402_180358 (https://flic.kr/p/2oqDxDf) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Finally here is the moulded part sitting in place. I'm feeling rather pleased with that, modelling is fun again and I'm enjoying this project a lot more. Opening windows was a much better plan!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52788468078_915c3cbac1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oqJGrm)20230402_180604 (https://flic.kr/p/2oqJGrm) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Richie
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You really have some extraordinary detail there Richie - your model is going to be every bit as detailed as the Lukgraph kit, and a good deal more detailed than my efforts!
Stephen.
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That’s a fantastic model in the making. Your scratchbuilding skills are second to none!
Andreas
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that panel work is brilliant. great ideas to use layered paint and wire for the panels
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Outstanding work so far, Richie -
Love the work on the engine cowling.
Regards
Dave
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That’s a fantastic model in the making. Your scratchbuilding skills are second to none!
Andreas
that panel work is brilliant. great ideas to use layered paint and wire for the panels
Outstanding work so far, Richie -
Love the work on the engine cowling.
Regards
Dave
You really have some extraordinary detail there Richie - your model is going to be every bit as detailed as the Lukgraph kit, and a good deal more detailed than my efforts!
Stephen.
Thanks so much for your very generous comments folks. Sadly, in typical BE2c fashion things have just crashed down to earth. Yes, I dropped the model again, the damage is not extensive. The tail skid broke into several pieces and the fuel tank cover got irreparably dented. It's time for a break I think!
On the bright side, I was thinking about remaking the cowling as it wasn't a good fit and was quite innacurate in other ways. Also I managed to find all the pieces of the tail skid and can easily fix it.
To my utter amazement the undercarriage survived, it could have been so much worse!
Back in a week or two.
Richie
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Oh what a pity! :-\
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Oh what a pity! :-\
It was indeed Andreas and the annoyance even gave me a migraine! All a bit silly really because the tail skid was such an easy repair to make and I really needed to remake the fuel tank cowling because the old one was horrible!
This time I made the cowling from aluminium sheet that wasn't annealed in the hope it would be stronger. This was bent over the same former I used for the cockpit coaming. This was given a coat of black Mr Surfacer and lots of little punched rivets were added and a hole drilled for the filler cap. The 4 little prongs at the bottom were made from a strip of wine bottle foil.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52802487340_60ac0fe1b8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2orYxSL)Replacement cowling (https://flic.kr/p/2orYxSL) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
After a few coats of MRP black;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52802537333_28665c6faa_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2orYNJH)Replacement BE2c gravity tank cowling (https://flic.kr/p/2orYNJH) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
It doesn't look quite square but I I think can live with it.
After much fettling (nice and easy with a DSPIAE sanding pen)I got a reasonable fit so here it is with the tail skid repaired and all the front panels glued in place.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52809215396_fd645e7034_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2osz2TJ)20230411_120753 (https://flic.kr/p/2osz2TJ) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The nose has taken what feels like an eternity to make but if you include all the rivets there are well over 300 parts. There are many, many little errors of alignment but I have found that they never look so bad after a week or two so I will ignore them and crack on with the rest of the build. It's unlikely to win any beauty contests but if in the end I have what looks like a BE2c I will have achieved far more than I thought myself capable of and will be very happy!
Many thanks for reading
Richie
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I didn't really go back to compare your new cowl to the old one, but the new one looks really awesome!! Brilliant work! That applies to the rest too and very good to you able to recover the build.
/Fredrik
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Richie -
Glad to see your dropping the model has not resulted in a total right-off!
All your recovery work looks great and good you are now back on track.
Regards
Dave
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I'm just catching up with this build right now and have to say it's absolutely incredible. The amount of work involved is staggering, and your overall results look the part so well. I'm very impressed, Richard. And I need to visit the "scratchbuilds" threads more often!
Cheers,
Gary
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Good recovery Richie - not quite the disaster you first thought.
With reference to the bits that do not look quite right at first getting less obvious with time is something that scratch builders have to learn to live with, otherwise no model would ever be completed! If you want to know how I know I can show you on Saturday.
Stephen.
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Thank goodness for the save!!
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Many thanks for your kind comments and encouragement Ferdrik, Dave, Gary, Stephen and Zac. It really is much appreciated and helps to keep the spirits up.
It has been a while since my last update, I have been working away at it but have been having a spot of engine trouble. This project started way back in August '21 with the engine which started out quite promisingly.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51373960511_045d345ebe_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mgJYBR)Royal Aircraft Factory 1a 1/32 scratch (https://flic.kr/p/2mgJYBR) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Willem very kindly donated a WNW engine sprue that had very similar cylinders to the RAF 1a. Unfortunately when it came time to mount the engine I ran in to many difficulties. In the words of the recently departed Burt Bacharach 'Just like the guy whose feet were too big for his bed, nothing seemed to fit.' Using solid styrene strip for the engine mounting beams made it very difficult to mount it level so attempt 2 used square brass tube. This way brass rod could just be threaded through and sit level on the bearers.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52842464933_ff2398fdd6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ovvrPB)RAF V8 1a (https://flic.kr/p/2ovvrPB) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
This attempts was a tad too long, too skinny and too tall. The spark plugs would get in the way of he engine cover and the cylinders need to protrude slightly beyond the cowling. .
Nothing for it but to start again:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52842211824_4fc1d3181e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ovu9zE)RAF V8 1a (https://flic.kr/p/2ovu9zE) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Attempt 3 looks altogether more promising, I salvaged the brass tube and original reduction gear housing. It only has to bear a passing resemblance to the RAF 1a as it will be mostly obscured as you can see in this photograph from The Smithsonian Institute's example;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49772973231_4b8a9df4f2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iQguST)Royal Aircraft Factory 1a V8 engine (https://flic.kr/p/2iQguST) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Making the covers looks like a serious challenge but then every single step of this project has been so far and I actually find it quite amusing when my first attempts are misshapen carbuncles so on we go. Back in a week or two.
Richie
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Looking really nice Ritchie. I agree that you have a real challenge with the engine cover. It seems to be several individual pieces between the cylinders. You’ll overcome it I’m sure.
All the best,
Tim
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Looking really nice Ritchie. I agree that you have a real challenge with the engine cover. It seems to be several individual pieces between the cylinders. You’ll overcome it I’m sure.
All the best,
Tim
Many thanks Tim, I have no idea how I'm going to make the covers but I'll worry about that once the cylinders are on. The really awkward thing looks like getting the push rods through the covers. I'll find a way of doing it but I may be some time!
Richie
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I somehow knew that the engine might give you a headache or two - guess why I decided not to put the cover on my BE 2a!
The central cover would be simple to mould from aluminium sheet but the pieces between the cylinders will be more tricky. A small drill for the holes for the bolts would be straightforward. I will give this some thought and may pm you.
Stephen.
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I have no idea how to reproduce these cylinder covers than to draw one on the PC and to 3D print them. I have no idea how to work with a CAD program, but people who do have do wonders that way.
Besides of that your energy and eye for the detail are amazing, Richie. You create something unique and breathtaking here.
Good luck with these covers!
Andreas
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I somehow knew that the engine might give you a headache or two - guess why I decided not to put the cover on my BE 2a!
The central cover would be simple to mould from aluminium sheet but the pieces between the cylinders will be more tricky. A small drill for the holes for the bolts would be straightforward. I will give this some thought and may pm you.
Stephen.
Thanks Stephen, I'll have a go next weekend and see what I can do. I'm close to having the central cover sorted out (from aluminium as you suggest) The difficulty is getting a shape that will fold and form a straight line along the cylinder heads. I'm close to achieving it with paper templates. I haven't tried the other pieces yet and any input would be greatly appreciated. I'll get the cylinders mounted first and take some measurements.
I have no idea how to reproduce these cylinder covers than to draw one on the PC and to 3D print them. I have no idea how to work with a CAD program, but people who do have do wonders that way.
Besides of that your energy and eye for the detail are amazing, Richie. You create something unique and breathtaking here.
Good luck with these covers!
Andreas
Thanks so much Andreas, I'm in a similar position you with CAD programs, it's all a total puzzle to me. I have a Cricut cutting machine that might be helpful but the software is quite infuriating!
I'll be needing that good luck with the covers!
Richie
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I can't offer any practical advice, only boundless enthusiasm and support - and faith you'll nail it!
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I can't offer any practical advice, only boundless enthusiasm and support - and faith you'll nail it!
Cheers Zac, I'm loving the enthusiasm and support, I'll get there in the end, it might take weeks of trial and error but it will be done! ;)
I unexpectedly had a whole day pretty much free today so got quite a bit done on the engine. I added a few details, I'm not sure what the little handle on the starboard side at the front of the sump (?) is, I'm assuming it is a dipstick. The engine was spayed with Tamiya flat aluminium lacquer and weathered a touch with oils.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52846783670_9d3ab3a7f8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ovTzCA)20230425_110016 (https://flic.kr/p/2ovTzCA) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Trial runs of fitting the cylinders were nightmarishly awkward in attempts 1 and 2. It should be straightforward because the RAF 1a has a 90 degree V angle and I used evergreen angle to build up the top of the crank case. It was still awkward, mostly because the base of all the cylinders were plastered with ca glue from the 2 failed attempts. I got there in the end though.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52846783865_57fd5d4cc2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ovTzFX)20230425_211552 (https://flic.kr/p/2ovTzFX) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I think the copper coloured U shape is a breather tube, perhaps somebody can let me know. Adding this caused much head scratching, I just used garden wire in the end. The firewall was glued to the engine, holes drilled and the wire glued in place. I had drilled holes in the cylinders to accept the pipes. My method was not the neatest but all of this will be in shadow so it will do.
Here is the nearly completed engine sitting in place. There should be more rods and valves but adding them would be a bridge too far for me, especially as they won't be seen.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52846577909_e430df0f8d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ovSwsZ)20230425_220417 (https://flic.kr/p/2ovSwsZ) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The really awkward business of the engine covers comes next but that will have wait until the weekend when I will hopefully have a eureka moment.
Thanks so much for reading and leaving such generous comments.
Richie
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WOW!
Not wow, but WOW!
This Engine is looking so good Richie. It may have taken some time, blood, swearing and tears to get this far, but you are doing an incredible job here!
I have taken a look at the other pictures of the A1 engine from the Smithsonian and it seems the original cover has seen some abuse.
The way that I would (probably) go about is to make a template from card -not to stiff, because you will have to bend it in two directions.
I have some experience in using the lead-like material from cheese spread container like this:
https://static.ah.nl/dam/product/AHI_43545239373838313531?revLabel=2&rendition=800x800_JPG_Q90&fileType=binary
It is very pliable and you could make very convincing dents and bumps in it.
Don't forget to eat the cheese spread first!
Cheers
Willem
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Richie -
Absolutely blown away by your engine, mate!
It might have given you a headache, the result is incredible.
Regards
Dave
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I'm with them: my trademark enthusiasm is boosted even more with that update! Gorgeous work Richie!
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WOW!
Not wow, but WOW!
This Engine is looking so good Richie. It may have taken some time, blood, swearing and tears to get this far, but you are doing an incredible job here!
I have taken a look at the other pictures of the A1 engine from the Smithsonian and it seems the original cover has seen some abuse.
The way that I would (probably) go about is to make a template from card -not to stiff, because you will have to bend it in two directions.
I have some experience in using the lead-like material from cheese spread container like this:
https://static.ah.nl/dam/product/AHI_43545239373838313531?revLabel=2&rendition=800x800_JPG_Q90&fileType=binary
It is very pliable and you could make very convincing dents and bumps in it.
Don't forget to eat the cheese spread first!
Cheers
Willem
Thanks Willem, I like the look of that material but not so much the cheese spread!
Richie -
Absolutely blown away by your engine, mate!
It might have given you a headache, the result is incredible.
Regards
Dave
Thanks Dave, I'm quite pleased with it and glad I abandoned my initial attempt way back at the start of the project. I've learned a lot more about scratchbuilding since then. Mostly that it can give you a real headache!
I'm with them: my trademark enthusiasm is boosted even more with that update! Gorgeous work Richie!
Thanks so much Zac, your boundless enthusiasm is highly contagious. I'm feeling full of the joys of styrene and glue!
Just a little micro update. The engine is as finished as it can be for now, I decided to add the ignition leads and used lead wire that I have seen others use on the forum. Yet another great tip picked up from the amazing modellers here. Here is the fully painted engine sitting (unglued) in place.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52848578636_4856db6267_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ow3Mdh)RAF 1a engine 1/32 (https://flic.kr/p/2ow3Mdh) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
As for the engine covers, I hink I will be able to give a further update soon. I have a cunning plan... ;)
Richie
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It’s a pity to cover up that fantastic engine!
Andreas
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It’s a pity to cover up that fantastic engine!
Andreas
That's tempting me out of making the covers! :)
Richie
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The engine in situ looks absolutely gorgeous! Do you want to cover it?
/Fredrik
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The engine in situ looks absolutely gorgeous! Do you want to cover it?
/Fredrik
Thanks Fredrik, yes I simplified it very heavily because I was going to cover it up. You and Andreas have got me thinking now. I was so looking forward to making the hinges too... ;)
Richie
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Brilliant work! The Engine is Pure Artwork! Even with the cover one will be able to see just enough to be gobsmacked 8)
RAGIII
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Brilliant work! The Engine is Pure Artwork! Even with the cover one will be able to see just enough to be gobsmacked 8)
RAGIII
Hi Rick,many thanks for your generosity, hope you are well. :)
Very Obsessed Member
Well the intimidating engine covers put up a bit of a fight, I don't think I can claim a victory but possibly a forced down out of control.
The top cover needed to be bent to a constant width along the bottom. I spent many hours playing with paper templates before I had a real eureka moment. I just cut and annealed a piece of sheet aluminium to the right length, 15mm wide tapering down to 13mm. With the centre line marked I started the bend over a pencil and finished it in my proxxon vice which has a nice ledge in each jaw I could get a flat base from.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52862864034_f4128bb95f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oxiZLf)20230428_162337 (https://flic.kr/p/2oxiZLf) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
4 hours thinking, head scratching and experimenting time, 5 minutes making time!
After priming, adding a lip with lead wire and riveting;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52862864024_4181f1b5b5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oxiZL5)20230429_211531 (https://flic.kr/p/2oxiZL5) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The 4 separate covers on each were infuriating and needed careful measuring, test fitting and fettling. When it came time to glue them in place it all went a bit pear shaped but I wrestled them onto the model. The two copper exhaust at the front of the engine are 1mm copper tube.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52863092130_79ba56aa2c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oxkayW)20230501_215251 (https://flic.kr/p/2oxkayW) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
You can still see as much of the engine as I wanted visible, not very much!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52862701526_caa33613a6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oxiaso)20230501_215322 (https://flic.kr/p/2oxiaso) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Not the neatest work I've ever done but there will be a big exhaust pipe directly in front of the cylinder tops so I'm not too bothered.
I was thinking there is only one more big hurdle. The making of the wings, I'm going to have to completely clear my bench before starting them. I seem to have made rather a mess, I'm not sure which is bigger hurdle!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52843694654_ced7376174_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ovBKnG)20230424_205803 (https://flic.kr/p/2ovBKnG) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Many thanks for reading, all the wonderful advice and encouragement from this terrific community has been a major factor in me getting to this point.
Richie
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I'm glad to see your progress Richie, that engine is looking darned good...if that's "simplified" my mind boggles at what a "proper" job would be!
ZK-CBE, TVAL's reproduction of this machine, was flying this weekend and I will post some photos in this thread (https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=13796) for inspiration ;)
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That is some Grade A scratch building Richie! Very creative solution to the engine covers.
Looks like you and I have the same organization skills when it comes to the model workbench.
All the best,
Tim
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Fantastic engine covers! You have found a wonderful solution.
And a German bonmot says like “May ordinary people need constant tidying, only the genius dominates the chaos”
Andreas
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Thanks Zac, a proper job boggles my mind too. I've seen it done though! Loved yourxTVAL airshow album.
Cheers Tim, it's food to hear I'm not the only messy modeller! :)
Thanks Andreas, I love that saying. I haven't dominated the chaos but I scraped my way through it. I'm more a smarty pants than a genius! ;D
Richie
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I have been away for the weekend Richie, so I am late to the party (nothing new there!) The engine looks fabulous - such a shame to cover it up. I am not surprised that the engine cover was less difficult than you imagined - solutions to problems are usually much simpler than we tend to think. I just wish now that I had thought of it for my BE 2a because I would have liked to have put the cover on mine too. However your work is, as usual, quite exceptional and enough of the engine will be visible to admire.
Looking forward to seeing how you deal with the wings - I am certain that they will be equally stunning when you get around the mess to making them.
Stephen.
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Thanks Zac, a proper job boggles my mind too. I've seen it done though! Loved yourxTVAL airshow album.
;D I have full confidence in you! And all the photos can be seen here (https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjABEYp), should you wish to dredge through!
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My Gob is Duly Smacked Richie! Engine and covers are beautiful in Situ! As for your bench I must say it is pretty clean compared to My Normal. I have therefore adopted the saying posted by Andreas ;D
RAGIII
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I have been away for the weekend Richie, so I am late to the party (nothing new there!) The engine looks fabulous - such a shame to cover it up. I am not surprised that the engine cover was less difficult than you imagined - solutions to problems are usually much simpler than we tend to think. I just wish now that I had thought of it for my BE 2a because I would have liked to have put the cover on mine too. However your work is, as usual, quite exceptional and enough of the engine will be visible to admire.
Looking forward to seeing how you deal with the wings - I am certain that they will be equally stunning when you get around the mess to making them.
Stephen.
Many thanks Stephen, you have often told me solutions are often simpler than they at first seem. You were so right in this case!
I won't have much time for wing making for a week or so but I am looming forward to them.
Thanks Zac, a proper job boggles my mind too. I've seen it done though! Loved yourxTVAL airshow album.
;D I have full confidence in you! And all the photos can be seen [urlhttps://flic.kr/s/aHBqjABEYp]here[/url], should you wish to dredge through!
I already had a good look through the whole album Zac. I am of course deeply jealous! I'm researching the Wolseley Viper for my next project, perhaps we will see a proper job left uncovered then. If not more aluminium sheet bending beckons. ;)
My Gob is Duly Smacked Richie! Engine and covers are beautiful in Situ! As for your bench I must say it is pretty clean compared to My Normal. I have therefore adopted the saying posted by Andreas ;D
RAGIII
Thanks so much Rick, I am delighted to hear your bench is messier than mine. You are clearly a true genius by Andreas's quote.
I learned a lesson today, I cleared my bench and cleaned my airbrush. End result? One entire bottle of MRP lacquer black spilled on over my new jeans. Never clear your bench, trying to dominate the chaos makes us focus better! ;)
Richie
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Clever solution for your engine cover, Richie -
I also feel your pain spilling paint on your new jeans ............
Regards
Dave
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Clever solution for your engine cover, Richie -
I also feel your pain spilling paint on your new jeans ............
Regards
Dave
Thanks Dave, the engine cover looks OK but the black paint on the jeans look like I've suffered from bladder trouble!
I'm busy making many wing ribs at the moment. There isn't much to show but the process involves brass templates, the drilling of many holes and plenty of filing, scraping and sanding. The DSPIAE sanding pen has proved to be very useful!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52880872584_26ab4f66d0.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oyUi5u)1/32 BE2c wing ribs (https://flic.kr/p/2oyUi5u) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
With the holes drilled the blanks is sandwiched between the brass templates and pinned with brass rods. This is then mounted to a pre drilled wooden base to allow accurate drilling of the two holes for the minor spars.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52881157633_2382549d94.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oyVKP8)1/32 BE2c wing ribs (https://flic.kr/p/2oyVKP8) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The dividers are great for accurately positioning the holes that need drilling and using a pair of brass templates makes producing pretty much identical ribs quite straightforward.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52880132057_5207d1972c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oyQuWM)1/32 BE2c wing ribs (https://flic.kr/p/2oyQuWM) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I have another 20 to make which will take a couple of hours. I tried making them in batches of 5 but quickly found that it was not accurate enough so am making them individually. These will then be pinned together in a block before further sanding and further refining. Not the most exciting update for such a lot of work. I hope to have some wing frames to show you soon.
Thanks for reading
Richie
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Although this seems Tedious to Me I am sure you will persevere and come up with a terrific finished wing 8)
RAGIII
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Thanks Rick, it is tedious to me too! I am missing cutting pieces off a sprue and contemplating a red DR1 kit next for a bit of light relief!
Richie
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Making ribs that way is certainly the best solution Richie. I filed all of mine individually and it was a tedious job and rather time consuming. At least you do not have to drill and cut all of the lightening holes!
Stephen.
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Making ribs that way is certainly the best solution Richie. I filed all of mine individually and it was a tedious job and rather time consuming. At least you do not have to drill and cut all of the lightening holes!
Stephen.
Thanks Stephen, I did think about the complexity of the ribs you needed for your build. I'm still shaking my head in disbelief about your superhuman resilience.
I really think 3d printing parts like these would be a very good idea. If this set of wings fails I will ask a friend to print the ribs for me.
Richie
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It may not be tremendously exciting to some, but it's vital progress and very interesting. To me, at least!
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I am keen on seeing how you work on with them. So you cover the ribs with thin plastic sheet?
Andreas
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It may not be tremendously exciting to some, but it's vital progress and very interesting. To me, at least!
It's definitely not exciting but as you say a vital step. Your enthusiasm is hugely mojo enhancing though and I hope to finish this stage soon.
.I am keen on seeing how you work on with them. So you cover the ribs with thin plastic sheet?
Andreas
Hi Andreas, yes the idea is to cover the wings with Tamiya 0.1mm styrene pla paper and have natural translucent wings. Unfortunately it means no priming or filling so I will have to take great care. Hopefully I will have something to show you in a week or so.
Richie
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Your enthusiasm is hugely mojo enhancing though
I like to think it helps mask my own conspicuous lack of bench work!
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Hi everybody, just a bit of a micro update on the wing construction. Making all the ribs was a bit of an arduous business but I got there in the end and have made a start on the wings construction. This is the start of the starboard lower wing.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52892014509_2e4ebfb620_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ozTpbD)BE2c wing construction (https://flic.kr/p/2ozTpbD) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The ribs were threaded onto 1mm brass tubing which has a wall thickness of 0.1mm. This was chosen because at the tips I needed to cut a notch to take the styrene strip and squash it flat to hold the edge strip in place before gluing. The leading edge is 1mm quarter round styrene rod which was glued to the ribs with cellulose thinners. This is good stuff for thin styrene as it is far less aggressive than Plasweld or Tamiya Extra Thin. It is a good deal cheaper too. I was in the process of boxing in the main main spars with 1.5mm styrene channel but have to wait for some more to be delivered, at least it shows the construction process. Boxing the brass tube in will hopefully enable me to easily drill holes for wing struts and rigging lines. My only other scratch build had wooden wing cores so this is all very new to me so I am praying that it will work.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52891275997_ebce93f7b9_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ozPBDF)Top wing centre section (https://flic.kr/p/2ozPBDF) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The top wing centre section has been skinned (but not trimmed) with Tamiya 0.1mm Pla Paper (styrene sheet) which will hopefully give me the translucent effect.I will worry about exactly how to tackle the ailerons once I have the whole wing outline made.
Thanks for reading and following along, hopefully the stores will be replenished soon so I can finish the wings. Have a great weekend!
Richie
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That was Way faster than I expected Richie! The results look outstanding. I envy your skill and determination!
RAGIII
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It looks to be a very practical and physically strong solution to the translucent wing problem. With the brass tube and plastic covering the spars will certainly be strong enough to hold the struts and rigging, and they will not sag with time. Much better than solid wood cores.
Stephen.
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That was Way faster than I expected Richie! The results look outstanding. I envy your skill and determination!
RAGIII
Thanks Rick, making the brass templates sped things along a bit. Don't be too impressed by my skills though, there are loads of mistakes hidden away. Some may come back to haunt me when it's time to mount the wings!
It looks to be a very practical and physically strong solution to the translucent wing problem. With the brass tube and plastic covering the spars will certainly be strong enough to hold the struts and rigging, and they will not sag with time. Much better than solid wood cores.
Stephen.
People make
Thanks Stephen, I found the wooden core method beyond me. I struggled for symmetry and alignment. With all the structure in place I'm hoping that the final assembly will be simpler to get right. We'll find out in week or two!
Richie
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I just blinked my eyes twice and you managed to solve the engine cover problem and make a beautiful skeletal wing in no time at all! It’s just a pity that so little of your scratched engine is visible…
Great idea to use cellulose thinner for gluing small thin parts. I use Revell Contacta but I suspect it is as aggressive as Plasweld and Tamiya Extra Thin. There were some very small styrene parts I had to glue, but I couldn’t get a sharp edge and the parts were at a 90 degree angle, but the joint stayed soft and the two parts weren’t really fixed. The joint felt rubbery. So I’m going to try the cellulose thinner method.
The ribs are looking excellent and you managed to make exact duplicates. Clever idea to use the brass rod to keep them aligned and then to wrap those with styrene. This wing is beautifully made Richie, hats off!
Cheers,
Willem
B.t.w.: I respectfully disagree with the comments saying a cluttered desk keeps the focus sharp.
I would go berserk if my working area looked like that!
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Thanks Willem, if only all I had to do was blink twice to nake the engine cover and wing structure!
I like cellulose thinners for skinning with thin styrene. Revell Contacta caused problems with pitting the skin and warping the structure. Plasweld is great but I am fearful of it possibly causing similar problems.
I suspect if you worked as messily as me you would end up in big trouble with Mrs Rookie for ruining the kitchen table!
Thanks for the kind feedback Willem, I promise to make a fully visible engine for the next project. Spoiler alert...it will be a Wolseley Viper. :)
Richie
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This is probably the highest level of modeling. Im very impressed.
Regards
Lukasz
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This is probably the highest level of modeling. Im very impressed.
Regards
Lukasz
That is very generous of you Lukasz, much appreciated. Just don't look too closely! ;)
I haven't got much done this weekend due to the need for a supply drop from the model shop and playing cricket (very,very badly) all day Saturday. I did have enough styrene channel to complete the starboard lower wing today. It doesn't look like I have done much at all but it took hours.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52897905669_8afe7346d3_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oApAqn)Wing structure progress (https://flic.kr/p/2oApAqn) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I clipped the ribs where he ailerons go after adding the trailing edge strip from 0.5mmx1mm styrene strip which was also used to add the riblets. Hopefully more brass tube and styrene channel will arrive tomorrow so I can get on with the rest of the wings. I won't skin them until I have made the cabane struts, and done all the necessary test fitting. It isn't very clear how long the cabanes are in the plans so I may need to do some maths, or just guess and make the struts a suitable length.
Hope you all had a lovely weekend, thanks for your interest.
Richie
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That is quite a complex piece of plastic engineering Richie and you have produced a first class wing section. I am waiting with interest to see ow well the plastic covering will go over this structure to get the see through effect that you desire.
With reference to the cabane struts, my experience is to estimate by eyeball and make them a little too long: they can then be trimmed to the required length when the upper wing is ready to fit in place. I assume that you know the correct length of the wing struts in which case fitting the cabanes would be straightforward.
Stephen.
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Many thanks Stephen, I too am very looking forward to seeing how it looks covered and painted. My delivery of brass and styrene bits and bobs just arrived so hopefully it won't be too long a wait.
Good advice as ever, that sounds like a very practical way to approach the cabane struts problem.
Richie
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I love the sight of the ribbed wings. It looks beautiful.
Lukasz
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I love the sight of the ribbed wings. It looks beautiful.
Lukasz
Thanks so much Lukasz, unfortunately I had a bit of a nightmare today, I found I had made a few errors in the placement of the ribs. Crucially the ribs that take the struts, in trying to correct it the wing got destroyed.
I'll just look on this one as a test run and start again, sadly I was unable to salvage the ribs so will have to make a new set. The good thing about scratch building is that i haven't ruined an expensive kit and can replace what was list. I will do a better job next time!
Richie
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Oh, what a pity!
I personally don’t have too much experience with scratchbuilding; the only model I have build from scratch yet was a 1:48 scale Nieuport 12. I had made the wings out of some layers of solid plastic sheet.
In the beginning everything looked acceptable but half a year after finishing the model the wings started to bend and became banana-shaped in the end. What I be want to say: I think the wings on an airplane are the most demanding task when scrachbuilding!
Andreas
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Oh, what a pity!
I personally don’t have too much experience with scratchbuilding; the only model I have build from scratch yet was a 1:48 scale Nieuport 12. I had made the wings out of some layers of solid plastic sheet.
In the beginning everything looked acceptable but half a year after finishing the model the wings started to bend and became banana-shaped in the end. What I be want to say: I think the wings on an airplane are the most demanding task when scrachbuilding!
Andreas
Thanks Andreas, and what a pity your wings became banana shaped too! I remember a wonderful diorama you made called "It's going to be a bloody April". I have been searching for it without success, do you have a link to it you could post? I really enjoyed seeing that one.
I agree about the wings being the most challenging part. I'm finding it is needing total concentration. I think I have the frame of both lower wings made now and am working on the ailerons. Here is a picture of the rear mount of the lower wing being glued in place using the wing frames as a jig to place it correctly;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52905657434_e7a3b4293c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oB6jKu)BE2c 1/32 scratch build (https://flic.kr/p/2oB6jKu) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I am hoping that a 0.8mm rod slid into the brass tube spars will help stop the wings drooping over time. I'm glad I didn't have a clue how demanding this project was going to be before I started. It would have scared me back into building 1/72 Airfix Spitfires!
Hopefully I can show an update in a week or two of a decent set of wings but I have a horrible suspicion it might take quite a few attempts to get right.
Richie
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It is a shame about the wing Richie! Like I said earlier, I am sure you will end up where you want to be on this one!
RAGIII
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Thanks Andreas, and what a pity your wings became banana shaped too! I remember a wonderful diorama you made called "It's going to be a bloody April". I have been searching for it without success, do you have a link to it you could post? I really enjoyed seeing that one.
Thank you for your interest, Richie! Is it that one? https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=10869.msg199927#msg199927
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Thanks Andreas, and what a pity your wings became banana shaped too! I remember a wonderful diorama you made called "It's going to be a bloody April". I have been searching for it without success, do you have a link to it you could post? I really enjoyed seeing that one.
Thank you for your interest, Richie! Is it that one? https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=10869.msg199927#msg199927
Yes. that's the one, I love it! I remember seeing it shortly before I joined the forum I think. It blew my mind then and ows my mind still. Thanks so much for posting the link, that is some miraculous model making!
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It is a shame about the wing Richie! Like I said earlier, I am sure you will end up where you want to be on this one!
RAGIII
Thanks Rick, much appreciated. I'll get there in the end even it takes another year! :)
Richie
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Fantastic work Ritchie. The wing structure looks very nice and I’m glad to see you have a solid attachment to the fuselage.
Just wondering if you have any remnants of the damaged wing to practice your skinning on? It would be a shame to have to replace the attached wing if there was an error!
All the best,
Tim
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Fantastic work Ritchie. The wing structure looks very nice and I’m glad to see you have a solid attachment to the fuselage.
Just wondering if you have any remnants of the damaged wing to practice your skinning on? It would be a shame to have to replace the attached wing if there was an error!
All the best,
Tim
Thanks Tim, that's a good idea but the wing got pretty much wiped out. I have a few rejected ribs I could thread onto the spars though. In fact that's a great idea because I could also practice adding rigging attachment points and control horns. This scares the living daylights out of me!
Richie
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Good progress and excellent work on your wings, Richie -
Lets hope your idea of using a spar will stop the wings from drooping.
Regards
Dave
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Thanks Andreas, and what a pity your wings became banana shaped too! I remember a wonderful diorama you made called "It's going to be a bloody April". I have been searching for it without success, do you have a link to it you could post? I really enjoyed seeing that one.
Thank you for your interest, Richie! Is it that one? https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=10869.msg199927#msg199927
Yes. that's the one, I love it! I remember seeing it shortly before I joined the forum I think. It blew my mind then and ows my mind still. Thanks so much for posting the link, that is some miraculous model making!
It makes me very happy that you like it!
Andreas
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The lower wing structures are finally made. I rushed the ailerons a bit and as a result the ribs are a bit out of square, not by a huge amount but enough to notice so I will have to remake them. I can use these as skinning practice so all is not lost.
I am feeling a bit clumsy today so will not attempt a test fitting for fear of the likely carnage that it might bring.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52912460238_7a9cc32cc9_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oBGbZd)BE2c lower wings (https://flic.kr/p/2oBGbZd) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I added the rigging with 0.2mm nickel silver rod, these were glued into slots cut with a long razor saw to help get them lined up properly. Making the wing structures is proving to be far more difficult for me than I imagined, I am struggling! There is still plenty of work to do on these then I will have to repeat the whole process for the top wing. I am enjoying the difficulties and have plenty of patience left in the tank, hopefully the experience will make me a better modeller.
Thanks for looking
Richie
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Those lower wings really look the part Richie. I do hope that when you come to skin them you do not make a mess of them...
I think that if we knew beforehand what problems we would have to overcome when building many models, many of us would never start. But we do have the satisfaction of knowing what we have done when a model is finished - and to me at least that is what makes our hobby so satisfying.
Stephen.
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Those lower wings really look the part Richie. I do hope that when you come to skin them you do not make a mess of them...
Stephen.
Thanks Stephen, I suspect I hope more than you that I don't mess them up in the skinning process! If the worst comes to the worst I can always make some more. Accidents are much cheaper in scratch building compared to ruining a kit....something I have much experience of!
Richie
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I think you are on the right track here Richie. The wing looks the part.
Redoing the ailerons would not be too difficult, and my I experience is that the second (or the third, or the fourth) time over, the result is faster and better.
Your picture reminded me not to forget the false ribs on the wings…
Cheers,
Willem
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Impressive work as ever, Richie -
This shows serious promise now of being a real stunner when complete
Regards
Dave
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Thanks Willem and Dave, I might skin the wings sooner than planned because I'm eager to see them completed. I'll need to sort the dihedral and mounting points first. Hopefully they will look good and give me the mojo boost I need to tackle the top wing.
Richie
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The wings look Fantastic Richie! I am looking forward to seeing them Skinned!
RAGIII
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The wings look Fantastic Richie! I am looking forward to seeing them Skinned!
RAGIII
Absolutely! Me too!
Andreas
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The wings look Fantastic Richie! I am looking forward to seeing them Skinned!
RAGIII
Absolutely! Me too!
Andreas
The wings look Fantastic Richie! I am looking forward to seeing them Skinned!
RAGIII
Thanks Andreas and Rick.
I'm so sorry to disappoint but I had a bit of a disaster with it today. I tried skinning a wing and it did not go well but from this defeat I know how to gain victory. I remain hopeful and have endless reserves of patience so will be back soon.
Richie
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It's a real miracle. The entire structure will look amazing with the hull. I keep watching and admiring.
Lukasz
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Those wings look just great Ritchie. Sorry to hear about the first attempt setback. Glad to hear it won’t deter your progress!
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It's a real miracle. The entire structure will look amazing with the hull. I keep watching and admiring.
Lukasz
Thanks Lukasz, you would have been horrified if I took photos after yesterday's shocking performance! ;)
Those wings look just great Ritchie. Sorry to hear about the first attempt setback. Glad to hear it won’t deter your progress!
Thanks Tim, even though I was really disappointed by the setback I learned a lot from it so it will be a valuable experience in the end.
Well I had a better experience this morning. The damaged wing frame was repaired succesfully and I got the other side skinned. The problem I had yesterday was that my intended material (Tamiya 0.1mm Pla Paper) is incredibly delicate and I skinned the underside first. This made it difficult to glue the more complicated shape of the upper surface. To make matters worse I had been using Plasweld on another part before skinning. I forgot to put the lid back on and when I opened the cellulose thinners bottle I absent mindedly dipped my brush into the wrong bottle and ended up with a lot of melted styrene.
Today I used Evergreen 0.13mm sheet, skinned the upper surface first and got a much better result.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52919967973_a556dc4e73_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oCmELV)BE2c wing skinned (https://flic.kr/p/2oCmELV) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
To avoid problems with the compound curve at the wing tip I skinned that last section with a separate piece. The rib texture is created by gentle pressure with a cotton bud over each rib.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52919967963_8a68ea6055_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oCmELK)BE2c wing skinned. (https://flic.kr/p/2oCmELK) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Even with soft, non directional light the wing is nicely translucent before painting although I can't see the rigging lines. Not a problem as careful inspection of reference photos suggests that they shouldn't really be visible.
I will let the glue on the repaired wing cure fully and might have time to skin it tomorrow.
Many thanks for your continued patience and encouragement in this long, slow project. I would probably have waved the white flag months ago without your interest!
Richie
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The wing looks awesome!
RAGIII
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Bravo! Looks like a real wing.
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Bravo! Looks like a real wing.
The wing looks awesome!
RAGIII
Thanks so much Rick and Tim, your kind comments have made all the frustrations of yesterday disappear. I feel fully motivated again now. :)
Richie
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With the 0.13 mm Evergreen, I think it looks exactly right. Clever idea to capture the rib texture like that.
I made notes!
Willem
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Richie,
Sorry, just catching up, flipping amazing work, you put my hamfisted kits to shame!
Guy
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With the 0.13 mm Evergreen, I think it looks exactly right. Clever idea to capture the rib texture like that.
I made notes!
Willem
Thanks Willem, Yes the Evergreen styrene is much more robust than the Tamiya and the translucency is fine so far. I discovered doing the rib texture like that by accident when applying decal strips to the tail feathers. A happy accident!Richie,
Sorry, just catching up, flipping amazing work, you put my hamfisted kits to shame!
Guy
Thanks Guy, that means a heck of a lot to me. I must say though, there is nothing ham fisted about your models. I so wish I could build a kit as beautifully as you. With scratch building you get as many attempts as you need to get a part looking ok. I have destroyed many expensive kits in the past including the WNW Camel which you finished to absolute perfection!
Richie
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Oh Richie, that wing looks fantastic all covered! Beautiful work my friend!
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Oh Richie, that wing looks fantastic all covered! Beautiful work my friend!
Cheers, Zac much appreciated as always. Hope all is well in beautiful NZ.
Richie
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Richie,
Sorry, just catching up, flipping amazing work, you put my hamfisted kits to shame!
Guy
Guy feels hamfisted, I'm not really sure I even have hands...
I'm amazed by your work and the stubbornness to keep going. Although, I can understand the keep going bit better, the actual work seem way out of my league.
Always fun to read your updates!
/Fredrik
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I am catching up Richie - and am very pleased to be doing so. That wing is genius - you have achieved the ribbing and translucency in a most remarkable way. I am blown away by this model - this is scratch building of the very best sort and I am really looking forward to seeing this when it is completed - which should not be too long now.
Stephen.
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That’s really nice how the wing looks now. I think you found the proper way to deal with that!
Andreas
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Richie,
Sorry, just catching up, flipping amazing work, you put my hamfisted kits to shame!
Guy
Guy feels hamfisted, I'm not really sure I even have hands...
I'm amazed by your work and the stubbornness to keep going. Although, I can understand the keep going bit better, the actual work seem way out of my league.
Always fun to read your updates!
/Fredrik
Thanks so much Fredrik, I don't understand Guy thinking his work is ham fisted either! Trust me you could do anything I have done here. None of the methods are very complicated and you get as many goes as you want if you have enough styrene.
I am catching up Richie - and am very pleased to be doing so. That wing is genius - you have achieved the ribbing and translucency in a most remarkable way. I am blown away by this model - this is scratch building of the very best sort and I am really looking forward to seeing this when it is completed - which should not be too long now.
Stephen.
Thanks so much Stephen. I'm really pleased and surprised with how it has gone up to now and I hope you are right in saying it will be finished soon.
That’s really nice how the wing looks now. I think you found the proper way to deal with that!
Andreas
Thanks so much Andreas, it makes me so happy that you like it. I'm still shaking my head in disbelief at your Bloody April diorama. How did you make the struts?
I'm still carrying out repairs to the other wing frame but have skinned the ailerons. I seem to have achieved much better trailing edges than on the tail feathers. I may need to remake the elevator flaps. Perhaps some day far in the future!
Richie
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Hope all is well in beautiful NZ.
Ups and downs in my life but on the whole things are looking bright :)
No pressure but I'm eager to see what the next step is.
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Hope all is well in beautiful NZ.
Ups and downs in my life but on the whole things are looking bright :)
No pressure but I'm eager to see what the next step is.
Good to hear the outlook is bright overall Zac, I love seeing your aviation photos on Flikr, you seem to be keeping yourself very busy in a good way.
Although I've had a week off work things have conspired to keep me away from the bench for much of it.
I did manage to make a whole new set of wing ribs for the top plane and set about reshaping the struts.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52946515857_ffca199abb_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oEGJx4)wing ribs and struts (https://flic.kr/p/2oEGJx4) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
A very time consuming exercise but I was listening to Aces Falling by Peter Hart on Audiobook to keep me entertained. Well worth a read/listen.
The starboard lower wing got skinned without any major hiccups and I remade and skinned the ailerons too. I had a little test fit without setting the dihedral. More of which later.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52947113761_73420e6e54_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oEKNgK)Lower wings test fit (https://flic.kr/p/2oEKNgK) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
A quick little peek in the garden looks promising;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52947257544_0febf9905b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oELx1L)20230603_114802 (https://flic.kr/p/2oELx1L) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The lower wings are now ready for a spray of very thin CDL before I add white decal strips and a final top coat. I have a suspicion that masking the roundels will tear tear the rib tape decals off but I will worry about that if it happens.
Now I have all the wing ribs the next step is to make the top plane and cabane struts. I am wondering if I should set the dihedral of the top plane, glue it together and attach it as one piece. I think this would help with the alignment of the lower wing and struts. My little test fit suggested that getting the lower wing set up squarely will not be as simple as I thought.
Hopefully I will get more time next week.
Cheers for now
Richie
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The wings look stunning in the Test fit photo. It seems like adding the whole upper wing as a unit would make it similar to "Most" kit assemblies. In this case I am not sure if that relates to the "best" method!
RAGIII
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Beautiful work by Richie! I really enjoy watching how it goes together.
Andreas
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The wings look stunning in the Test fit photo. It seems like adding the whole upper wing as a unit would make it similar to "Most" kit assemblies. In this case I am not sure if that relates to the "best" method!
RAGIII
Thanks Rick, I think you're right about adding the top wing as a single piece. My initial plan was to add the centre section first and slide the wings onto brass rods. After a test fit of the lower wings today it looks fraught with danger and turn very ugly very quickly!
Beautiful work by Richie! I really enjoy watching how it goes together.
Andreas
Thanks Andreas, I'm enjoying having you along for the ride giving support. This has been a rocky road so far so it's great to have a bit of feedback. :)
Richie
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Oh yeah, that's the stuff! Lovely work!
I love seeing your aviation photos on Flikr, you seem to be keeping yourself very busy in a good way.
Thanks for the kind words Richie, I really appreciate it. Not yet on Flickr but I'm even back at the bench!
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Richie - I would strongly recommend that you fit the upper wing as one piece otherwise I can see disaster in your future! So far you have achieved amazing results - do not risk all at this stage...!
Stephen.
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Richie - I would strongly recommend that you fit the upper wing as one piece otherwise I can see disaster in your future! So far you have achieved amazing results - do not risk all at this stage...!
Stephen.
Sound advice as ever, one piece it is then.
Richie
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If you think away your hand in your last picture, it looks like a genuine BE2c flying over you garden!
It looks awesome with this translucency.
Cheers
Willem
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If you think away your hand in your last picture, it looks like a genuine BE2c flying over you garden!
It looks awesome with this translucency.
Cheers
Willem
Thanks Willem, things have ground to a bit of a halt recently though. I had to make yet another batch of wing ribs and have got a bit of a sore shoulder from all the sanding and filing. I'll get back to it in a couple of weeks.
Richie
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Hi everybody,
I haven't updated this for a while. There's a reason for that.
I have barely done any modelling for a while. There's a reason for that too.
I've been a bit stuck. This has been compounded by suffering a frozen shoulder. There's a reason for that too.
I ended up having to make well over 100 wing ribs after a few failed attempts to make the top wing. Usually repetition resukts in better results but somehow I kept making a total pig's ear of the job. After finally managing to get the 3 top wing components made I failed miserably to get the wing tips symmetrical. The resulting corrections caused a great deal of damage to the surface.
At this point I felt like quitting as using filler and primer would destroy the translucency I was hoping to achieve. The answer came in the form of clear UV cured resin.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53011260970_02924dd019_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oLqz17)BE2c wing tip correction. (https://flic.kr/p/2oLqz17) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
With that hurdle cleared I set the dihedral and used 2 part epoxy to glue the top wing elements together. This was easier than expected, a simple bit of measuring from the drawings showed that clothes peg parts 8cm from the edge of the centre section gives the correct angle.
Brass rod (0.8mm) was threaded through the wing spars, bent at the right angle and the job was done.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53011042504_a446e617f2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oLps4s)20230626_131717 (https://flic.kr/p/2oLps4s) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Once that had cured overnight I was really unhappy with the upper surface, trying to sand and buff it into shape caused more problems so more UV resin filling was needed. I found a bigger UV lamp online and coated the whole top surface.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53011358673_7f76c6634e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oLr53D)BE2c scratchbuild (https://flic.kr/p/2oLr53D) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The resin needs to be brushed on with care to avoid introducing air bubbles but it cures into a very hard surface which sands well. The translucency is still there, even in the cloudy evening gloom so I feel happy to have got over the wing making stage at long last.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53010879001_2d4f9b07b8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oLoBsr)BE2c top wing (https://flic.kr/p/2oLoBsr) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
That's all of the major components made for this project, there are many fiddly things left to do but I finish work for the \summer next week so will have the time if I have any mojo left.
Many thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings, please feel free to comment, advise or admonish as you see fit.
Richie
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Really good solution to the wing problem by using clear resin. It looks to me as though that has been a success so well worthwhile. The wing looks very good - especially the translucency.
I approve of the jigs to hold the wing while it set - an excellent idea which I will file away!
Stephen.
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That’s without doubt a fantastic pair of wings!
Andreas
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Excellent progress Richie and I’m very excited to see it, however your mention of a frozen shoulder is concerning. I hope it’s not serious and that you’re looking after yourself.
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That wing looks the business, Richie!
Wonderfully clever work.
Regards
Dave
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Stunning work Ritchie. Your patience is truly paying off.
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I approve of the jigs to hold the wing while it set - an excellent idea which I will file away!
Stephen.
Thanks so much Stephen, I laughed when I realised how simple setting the dihedral actually was and thought my mentor might approve! That’s without doubt a fantastic pair of wings!
Andreas
Thanks Andreas, let us hope I can get them successfully attached to the fuselage. You might hear me whoop with joy all the way from London if I do!
Excellent progress Richie and I’m very excited to see it, however your mention of a frozen shoulder is concerning. I hope it’s not serious and that you’re looking after yourself.
Thanks Zac, much appreciated. The shoulder is recovering now. A few more weeks without having to file and sand wing ribs should see it fully functional again.
That wing looks the business, Richie!
Wonderfully clever work.
Regards
Dave
Cheers Dave, I'm getting there slowly. I'm finding that solutions to problems always appear after much head scratching. I saw a thread on Britmodeller where a chap used UV resin for lamp lenses and had a feeling it might just be the answer to my problems.
Stunning work Ritchie. Your patience is truly paying off.
Many thanks for your continued support Tim. It's been a long hard slog so far but I have high hopes that I will have a biplane at least test fitted to show you soon.
Have a great weekend everybody and thanks again for helping to keep me working on this project!
Richie
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Richie,
Having physical discomfort is always a PITA (no pun intended) and I know that from experience. Good to hear things are getting better.
I think you have solved the problem with the upper wing brilliantly. I wasn’t aware of the existence of clear UV cured resin. Only the UV torch looked slightly familiar. My dentist uses something similar when he is doing restoration attempts…
I’m glad that the translucency was not affected, because it is one of the highlights of your model.
Sometimes it feels like all the Gods are working together to stop you from doing your thing. It’s hard to keep your mojo and carry on.
I know this is going to be a great model. The finish line is in sight and we are all here to support you.
Cheers,
Wiilem
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I am not 100% sure what exactly you used the resin for but the wing Still looks Fantastic 8)
RAGIII
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Thanks Willem, yes I'm creeping slowly towards the finish line and hope I'm on the downward slope now.
I am not 100% sure what exactly you used the resin for but the wing Still looks Fantastic 8)
RAGIII
Thanks Rick, the UV resin saved the day because I needed to do a lot of filling after damaging the wing skins through rough handling and general clumsiness.
Richie
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Never even thought about transparent filler, but here it works phantastic.
Very impressive model!
Greetings Joe
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Richie,
I just realized this morning that we've been following this unique project of yours for just a month short of two years, and what a journey it's been! Compliments on your resolve to "get it right" with no compromise and exemplary patience from the beginning. Great work and spectacular results, you have far surpassed the standards to call yourself a true "Scratch Builder" and I look forward to the final reveal of this beauty!
Congratulations!
Lance
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Never even thought about transparent filler, but here it works phantastic.
Very impressive model!
Greetings Joe
Many thanks Joe, there are many difficulties still to face but I remain hopeful of finishing it to a reasonable standard.Richie,
I just realized this morning that we've been following this unique project of yours for just a month short of two years, and what a journey it's been! Compliments on your resolve to "get it right" with no compromise and exemplary patience from the beginning. Great work and spectacular results, you have far surpassed the standards to call yourself a true "Scratch Builder" and I look forward to the final reveal of this beauty!
Congratulations!
Lance
Many thanks Lance, yes the two year mark is looming on the not very distant horizon. I hope to be able to show a finished model before it gets there. It's been fun but I will be so happy to finish this marathon project and start working on the next one. I have something rather ambitious in mind. ;)
Richie
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'I have something rather ambitious in mind.'
Well, it doesn't seem like you've been put off scratch building inn any way, despite all of the hurdles you've had to jump in this build?! What's most fun, overcoming challenges in the build or actually finishing it? 😀
Great work and fantastic translucency!
/Fredrik
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'I have something rather ambitious in mind.'
Well, it doesn't seem like you've been put off scratch building inn any way, despite all of the hurdles you've had to jump in this build?! What's most fun, overcoming challenges in the build or actually finishing it? 😀
Great work and fantastic translucency!
/Fredrik
That's a great question but I can't really answer it until this gets finished. For health reasons do not hold your breath until it is! :)
Richie
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until this gets finished. For health reasons do not hold your breath until it is! :)
;D ;D
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Hi everybody, just a quick little update. Time has been limited again but I have a small amount of progress to show you.
After much faffing around I got the first coat of CDL on the top wing. It looked good until the paint reacted with something on the top surface. No other choice but to strip the wing which caused the UV resin to flake off in patches. The surface needed to be treated again with UV resin to repair the damage. The wing was then repainted using a much finer airbrush with each layer allowed to fully dry between coats. No paint reaction this time thank goodness so I added rib tapes from white decal paper.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53030480582_3a614ffef7_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oN85jJ)Scratched BE2c top wing. (https://flic.kr/p/2oN85jJ) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
After toning down with another thin layer of CDL;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53031459655_6b2ed98363_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oNd6ni)BE2c top wing (https://flic.kr/p/2oNd6ni) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The photo makes it look a lot better than it is.
Quick check for translucency;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53031459590_03b70d426b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oNd6mb)BE2c top wing (https://flic.kr/p/2oNd6mb) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The wing surface is far from perfect or even good but after all the aggravation I really can't face making them again so will just accept the many imperfections and move on.
My next scratchbuild will be a skeletal model or something not translucent!
Thanks for reading
Richie
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Looks really great in my eyes!
Andreas
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The wing looks great and I admire your determination to get things right! Well done Richie!
RAGIII
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Having seen this today Richie, I really think that you are being too self critical (and I should know as I am rather good at it....). The blemishes you refer to can only be seen with a magnifying glass and then only when shown where to look.
This is shaping into a first class model - with superb detailing, (which again I was privileged to see first hand today.
Stephen.
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The wing looks great and I admire your determination to get things right! Well done Richie!
RAGIII
Looks really great in my eyes!
Andreas
Thanks so much Rick and Andreas, I was a little disheartened with the top wing at first but your kind comments have been a big help. I continue to make little touch ups and improvements but am enjoying the process and know I can get it looking more acceptable to close inspection.
Having seen this today Richie, I really think that you are being too self critical (and I should know as I am rather good at it....). The blemishes you refer to can only be seen with a magnifying glass and then only when shown where to look.
This is shaping into a first class model - with superb detailing, (which again I was privileged to see first hand today.
Stephen.
Many thanks for your kind encouragement and advice Stephen. It was a pleasure to see you on Saturday, I always feel inspired by your feedback.
While the painstaking business of adding rib tapes and concealing the scratches and assorted blemishes continues I will make a tentative start on another project. It will be the ill fated Levasseur Pl.8 Oiseau Blanc, while not a WW1 type it was crewed by the legendary WW1 aviators Charles Nungesser and Francois Coli for their attempted flight from Paris to New York. I will start a thread soon.
Richie
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It looks pretty darned good from here Richie, lovely work!
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Reading through this thread a little bit every day. I'm with Zac (and everybody else)... this is top-shelf modeling.
Dave V.
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Reading through this thread a little bit every day. I'm with Zac (and everybody else)... this is top-shelf modeling.
Dave V.
It looks pretty darned good from here Richie, lovely work!
Thanks so much Zac and Dave, I'm hoping to be able to show an update with the roundels painted soon.
Richie
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As always, great work Richie.
Will you be using masks for the roundels?
Willem
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As always, great work Richie.
Will you be using masks for the roundels?
Willem
Thanks Willem, yes the roundels will be masked. I have a cunning plan to avoid ripping the rib tape decals off but won't be ready to do that for a while.
Richie
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It's been a long time since I updated this. The last update was about my attempt to rescue the top wing that had gone horribly wrong after a bit of rough handling and some pretty approximate modelling. It looked OK at a passing glance but from the side it looked like this;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53122821221_81c0d1645d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oWhkYH)BE2c top wing fail (https://flic.kr/p/2oWhkYH) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Every time I looked at it I hated it even more and quitting the fags robbed me of the necessary mojo to start again so I began another project which needed some home made decals. Whilst at it I made some for this one too. Some of you will have seen this picture on my L'Oiseau Blanc build
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53112662142_6077c211eb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oVoh3b)Home printed BE2c decal. (https://flic.kr/p/2oVoh3b) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I was so chuffed that my mojo returned and I decided it was time to remake the top wing. Making the wing ribs was a hugely time consuming business last time so I did things a little differently this time.
The brass template was used to drill the holes in the styrene blanks and draw the shape, each strip of 1x3.2mm styrene yields 7 rib blanks. These was then cut roughly into shape with my Xuron clippers and pinned together with brass rod. These were then tacked together with superglue at each end and sandwiched between the templates.
I have noticed that using Zip Kicker makes superglue more brittle which can be a real pain in the backside but in this case it makes separating the ribs easier.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53123220520_fe5a938dbc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oWjoFb)20230817_142253 (https://flic.kr/p/2oWjoFb) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
After a bit of scrapery with a new scalpel blade
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53123018674_7a95c4e0a2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oWimF5)20230817_144444 (https://flic.kr/p/2oWimF5) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
These blocks of ribs are then threaded onto brass rod and block sanded. I used a glass nail file because it is completely rigid and gives a smooth surface.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53123303253_3419204f35_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oWjPgB)20230817_152704 (https://flic.kr/p/2oWjPgB) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Because the rib blanks were only glued at either end it is easy to inset a blade between the in the middle and separate them. I wish I had done it this way before, the whole process took a morning instead of a week. Live and learn!
I'll be back with another update soon, I aim to finally finish this project by the end of September which barring any more mishaps, loss of mojo or silly blunders should be possible.
Thanks for reading
Richie
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It seems every post I read on this forum I learn something new... particularly yours. Brilliant technique for those ribs, Richie, I'll file that one away for when I work up enough nerve to tackle one of my long-planned scratchbuilding projects.
Dutch
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I had thought about using your method when I made the ribs for my gargantuan projects but did not have the nerve to cut the brass formers. I think that like you I should have learned earleir and saved myself a lot of time (and frozen shoulder!)
Looks very much like this one is back in business: I am looking forward to seeing it when it is finished.
Stephen.
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Looks very much like this one is back in business: I am looking forward to seeing it when it is finished.
Hear hear!
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Very happy to see this one back on the bench Richie. Nice job with the decals and paintwork. The stitching is flawless!
All the best,
Tim
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Thanks for your highly motivating feedback chaps. I'm very determined to get this finished now and your interest and encouragement is a massive boost!
Well I wasn't going to update for a few days but I had insomnia so this is more of a what's coming next update.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53125920139_78c50f0835_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oWyebk)Thornton Pickard type C aerial camera (https://flic.kr/p/2oWyebk) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
This exquisite object is a Type C aerial camera that was standard RFC issue up to 1917. Here's another angle;
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53125712726_2891918404_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oWxawf)Thornton Pickard type C aerial camera (https://flic.kr/p/2oWxawf) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
And finally here are a couple of archive BE2c photos.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53126210244_aae85603d4_m.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oWzHq9)images (8) (https://flic.kr/p/2oWzHq9) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52705245006_c94cecbfc0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oioa7N)BE2c with aerial reconnaissance camera (https://flic.kr/p/2oioa7N) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Here is BE2c 2612 in 1916 showing it fitted with camera mounting rails.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52701726420_150b78a60e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oi58aw)Be2c 2612 (https://flic.kr/p/2oi58aw) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Unlike the TVAL replica it doesn't appear to have the goal post type Strange mount for a rear firing Lewis gun and I can't make out a gun mount built into the front starboard cabane strut either. This is good news for me because I didn't fancy making either and I really want to make the camera.
I made the cabane struts out of styrene sheet and 1mm Tamiya tape the same way I made the undercarriage legs
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53126003681_abfa2d9de7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oWyE1H)20230818_160608 (https://flic.kr/p/2oWyE1H) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I made a start on the camera but didn't take any in progress shots.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53126003696_0dd53a349e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oWyE1Y)20230818_211207 (https://flic.kr/p/2oWyE1Y) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The cabanes have been slid onto the brass pins for safe keeping. They will be trimmed to final shape and size later.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53127096889_e736c4810e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oWEfZ8)Cabane struts dry fit (https://flic.kr/p/2oWEfZ8) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
The camera wood effect needs work, I've never been much good at this technique, then I will set about the eye straining business of adding the brass details.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53127294340_f1c5d7088a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oWFgFs)Aerial Camera size check (https://flic.kr/p/2oWFgFs) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I will be adding a candlestick type mount for the rear firing Lewis gun but will not be adding a forward firing gun mount. Largely because I don't fancy my chances of scratch building an identical gun to the one I made some time ago.
If you've got to this point, many thanks you have shown the patience and determination I will need to finish the model in time!
Have a great weekend
Richie
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A bi more work on the camera
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53127373802_20c8e81b91_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oWFFiu)1/32 aerial camera. (https://flic.kr/p/2oWFFiu) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Passable to the naked eye, I might well leave it at that.
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Brilliant, Richie, absolutely bally brilliant.
Dutch
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Brilliant, Richie, absolutely bally brilliant.
Dutch
Thanks Dutch, I must confess I wish I had a 3d printer so I could achieve greater accuracy with fiddly little parts like this. It was great fun to cobble together though.
Richie
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I painted on the remaining brasswork, I'm calling the camera finished, I could spend a lifetime tidying it up but I would like to retain my sanity.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53129212439_e978527939_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oWR6S8)1/32 Aerial Camera (https://flic.kr/p/2oWR6S8) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I need to make the gun mount next, that will have to be tomorrow as I am off to embarrass myself on the cricket pitch for the rest of the day.
Richie
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Camera looks good to me! And I'm with you on the 3D printer, my son has one but it doesn't have the capability to do the kind of fiddly bits that you'd need for projects like this. But they're not all that dear these days, as PJ noted recently on his Wight build log the one his brother is using is really no more expensive than some of the WnW kits on EvilBay these days. The problem for me is the learning curve for the software...
Dutch
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I seem to have missed a few updates Richie. Your work on the Struts and Camera is exceptional. Every step gets you and us closer to seeing this beauty completed. 8)
RAGIII
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I was a bit behind too, so this was a great bunch of updates to find. Top work Richie!
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Brilliant work on the camera. Looks very nice!
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I'm lagging behind, but superwork on the struts and the camera Richie!
As Dave said, a 3d printer would be a welcome addition to my toolbox too, but like him, I dread the software learning curve...
Cheers,
Willem
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Good progress Richie: the camera certainly looks good enough to be mounted on the model - and who is going to use a magnifying glass to look at it? (Apart from you that is?)
Really looking forward to seeing this when it is finished - a real winner in the making.
Stephen.
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Camera looks good to me! And I'm with you on the 3D printer, my son has one but it doesn't have the capability to do the kind of fiddly bits that you'd need for projects like this. But they're not all that dear these days, as PJ noted recently on his Wight build log the one his brother is using is really no more expensive than some of the WnW kits on EvilBay these days. The problem for me is the learning curve for the software...
Dutch
Thanks Dutch, I agree with your point about the software learning curve. I think I would hate every frustrating minute of trying to master it so perhaps it's not for me. I can't help but admire what people are achieving with with 3d printers though!I seem to have missed a few updates Richie. Your work on the Struts and Camera is exceptional. Every step gets you and us closer to seeing this beauty completed. 8)
RAGIII
Thanks Rick, I'm inching my way towards the finish line but it does feel like some mischievous gremlin keeps moving it further away!
Brilliant work on the camera. Looks very nice!
Thanks Tim, much appreciated.
I was a bit behind too, so this was a great bunch of updates to find. Top work Richie!
Cheers Zac, nothing happens very fast on my bench so waiting for a bunch of updates is the way to go! :)
I'm lagging behind, but superwork on the struts and the camera Richie!
As Dave said, a 3d printer would be a welcome addition to my toolbox too, but like him, I dread the software learning curve...
Cheers,
Willem
Thanks Willem, I'm lagging behind too. I hoped this would be finished by now!
Good progress Richie: the camera certainly looks good enough to be mounted on the model - and who is going to use a magnifying glass to look at it? (Apart from you that is?)
Really looking forward to seeing this when it is finished - a real winner in the making.
Stephen.
Many thanks Stephen, yes I must stop looking too closely at macro photos or I will be permanently miserable and you will never see a finished model! ::)
Just a tiny update, it's been an awkward few weeks here but I remain a smoke free zone.
I spent many frustrating hours trying to create the LIFT HERE decals but in the end I just raided my shelved Sopwith Camel decal set. They needed to be cut up because the words need to sit either side of the arrows. I didn't manage total accuracy but I won't lose any sleep over it.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53146566328_fc908cdd59_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oYo3z7)Lift here decals added. (https://flic.kr/p/2oYo3z7) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I mounted the camera on styrene strip rails, it looks a bit undersized to me now but it's there now. Surprisingly I have never seen a BE2c model fitted with a camera so I will be leaving this on mine.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53146416820_52957f9a07_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oYnh8o)Recon camera mounted. (https://flic.kr/p/2oYnh8o) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Like Willem, I had my first go at soldering to make the gun mount. It's what we will politely call rustic but I need to finish the model and little blemishes on minor parts will need to be ignored for now. If it annoys me in 6 months time I can always remake it but I suspect I will have completely forgotten the lumpiness.
Here it is with the Lewis gun I made last year.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53146416870_ca04ae7416_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oYnh9f)Scratched Lewis gun and mount. (https://flic.kr/p/2oYnh9f) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
I didn't want to dry fit it to the model last night so I test fitted it on a match box instead.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53146480963_08f21ca809_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oYnBci)Scratched Lewis gun and mount (https://flic.kr/p/2oYnBci) by Richard Williams (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187004837@N07/), on Flickr
Not much of an update but the "to do" list is shrinking, I may yet finish this for the club show next month.
Richie
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Everything looks first class from normal viewing distance Richie, including the camera and lift here markings. No blobiness that I can see - just a superb model.
Stephen.
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Every update is Impressive to Me Richie! Your camera and decal work look terrific in place. Looking forward to the next update as always!
RAGIII
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Brilliant, Richie. Camera looks great, ditto the Lewis. Can't wait to see it done!
Dutch
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More great progress Richie, thanks a lot for sharing.
Surprisingly I have never seen a BE2c model fitted with a camera so I will be leaving this on mine.
I fitted it to my Airfix 1/72 one! Mind you it's not rigged and on the wrong island for me to take photos...
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Excellent work Richie. All these little details are really going to enhance the overall build.
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Richie -
That's brilliant progress and work so far - love your home made Lewis gun - really looks the part, mate.
Regards
Dave