forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Completed models => Topic started by: William Adair on September 25, 2021, 09:45:39 PM
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I've always had a thing for the FE2. To an aircraft-obsessed child, it was that "big 2-seater DH-2" that only sometimes appeared in fuzzy photographs and never in the Airfix catalogue. It was elusive and mysterious, and not a little terrifying too. I remember staring in fascinated horror at a watercolour picture which showed the observer, standing up on the edge of his shallow cockpit to fire backwards over the top wing at some shark like V-strutters that were racing in for the kill. I used to wonder at the kind of courage and desperation it would require to do this - miles above France and without safety harness or parachute. I still wonder at it actually.
While I was growing up a mainstream kit of the Fee never seemed to materialise. References were always rare and the aircraft seemed almost lost to history. Over the years I fell in love with 1/144 scale. So when the 1/32 WNW kit rolled around it was waaay out of my league. It did however provide a stack of readymade research material that I could use... :D
Eventually one day I decided to have a go. Four years later and I don't know how many hours or hundreds of parts later, it is finished.
So here it is. A scratchbuilt FE2b in 1/144 scale. Materials are styrene sheet, acrylic and sterling silver for the most part. Plus a tiny bit of 18ct gold for good measure (I'm a jewellery maker by trade, so why not).
Paints are Mr Color and Tamiya lacquers, while the markings are a mix of hand masked and home printed. With the exception of the nacelle roundels, which were donated by the most excellent Ajmm from Kampfgruppe 144.
Markings are for a B-Flight machine of 22 Sqn RFC flown by Captain Francis Don, with Lt Herbert Harris as observer. This aircraft was lost on June 5, 1917 when it was shot down by the famous ace, Werner Voss for his 33rd victory. Both pilot and observer were wounded, however they were able to bring the aircraft down safely in a field north of Vaucelles. Voss then strafed them on the ground for good measure before they were taken prisoner. Classy guy.
Anyway enough intro. Here's the pics. I hope you like them!
(https://i.imgur.com/M8pGXTC.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5YppBaW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QOwjtF0.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tHfbHol.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7ZyJxfK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/K7RSMPR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rnxwtVK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lWZEJ0S.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/XdqUm1l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GjV3Ci5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/s9xUt3d.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IPw8hZn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/N3zET0e.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ws8OobV.jpg)
Thanks for taking a look. The build thread is here if you are keen to see how it went together:
https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=12423.0
Cheers!
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I have watched dumbfounded as you have fashioned this little gem from nothing - in eye-wateringly small scale. What an achievement. I scratched one in 1/48 way back in the seventies and published an article in "Scale Models" that, at the time, I was proud of. Compared to your tiny treasure it was however an absolute dog.
Hats off, Sir.
I do hope you are going to take this to Telford this year: I could see a show winner here.
Congrats.
Sandy
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Sandy, thank you! I can't believe you mentioned the elusive Scale Models article. I've been trying to find a copy of that for years :)
I grew up with Scale Models magazine back in the day and still have a great many copies that I treasure. I also remember Ray Rimell's SMI work very well and often found myself thinking of him while making this. He was responsible for many of my school assignments in the 1980's being late ;D
Do you recall which issues of SM your article featured in? I seem to recall it was a 2-part at least.
Cheers!
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I have really enjoyed following your incredible journey as you've brought this project to the results shown here. This is one of the very best of the Builds we've had grace this Forum and we've had some really great ones, I commend your remarkable skills and success! I'll add my congratulations to Sandy's and also encourage you to share this magnificent piece of work with the community where possible, Telford would be a "natural"!
Cheers,
Lance
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That really is amazing work in such tiny scale - and scratch built to boot!
I can't think of anything to say other than wow !!!!!
I really admire your skill
Regards
Dave
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I have witnessed greatness :o
Incredible build and finish.
Well done that man. ;)
Bob
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The word "awesome" is greatly overused, but is especially apt in recognizing your accomplishment here. Awesome!
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"Do you recall which issues of SM your article featured in? I seem to recall it was a 2-part at least."
I think it was maybe 1973 - I remember a green Stuka on the magazine cover. But honestly it wasn't that great an article - just basic Harry Woodman techniques - certainly not in the same postcode as your marvellous little Fee!
Please take it to Telford - with a big magnifying screen in front of it!
Cheers
S
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Extraordinary result in all aspects, William. I am at a loss for any other words.
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It must be a very large shilling in your photos William... unbelievable work!
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Extraordinary result in all aspects, William. I am at a loss for any other words.
What Ken Said! Amazing build and a Joy to follow!!
RAGIII
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Really can't add to what my peers have already mention other then , outstanding !
Alexis
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You've got to be kidding me??? That is just simply amazing!! Thanks for sharing.
Mike
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OMG! Absolute master class!
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As I said elsewhere, this is now my all time favourite. Brilliant! :)
Richie
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Well, I certainly missed the journey of this one, but am so glad I am here for the finish. I honestly don't have any adjectives I think that are adequate to describe this. The scratch-building skill, the paint, and oh-my-word how did you rig that thing?
So, so very wonderful sir.
WD
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Beautiful!
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One of the best efforts I have ever seen on this site. Truly magnificent!
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I am without words to describe what I see here! Congratulations on this great model, which is fantastic in all aspects of modeling!
Is the tiny bit of gold mounted in the cockpit?
Cheers,
Frank
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That is a gem in every way. A superb example of the scratch builder's art and of a standard that I can only dream. Many congratulations on completing a superb model.
Stephen.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig4jbcU9db0
I'm done. Hanging up the knives and welding the cap on the glue tube.
This is the definition of gobsmacked. CONGRATULATIONS!
Admiringly,
Dan
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Absolutely stunning job! I'm speechless! :o
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(https://i.imgur.com/TtPCMzo.gif)
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phenomenal, congratulations
sincerely
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spectacular
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OMG! Absolute master class!
I second that statement by PrzemoL and all the other comments! Amazing work!
/Fredrik
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to achieve that detail and realism in 1/144 is simply incredible, there isn't much more i can add that hasn't already been said so i'll simply doff my cap and quietly slip away to choose another hobby
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to achieve that detail and realism in 1/144 is simply incredible, there isn't much more i can add that hasn't already been said so i'll simply doff my cap and quietly slip away to choose another hobby
My thoughts as well. My Wife is away for the weekend and I've been sizing up the stuff in her Quilt Room! It is once again a magnificent example of the Scale Model Aircraft Builder's art!
Cheers,
Lance