forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Mike Norris on January 20, 2022, 03:52:04 AM
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Hi all,
As The Salmson 2-A2 model will be finished in the next week, my mind turns to what model is next on the bench.
I have yet to build the many models in my stash, from such as Wingnut Wings, Copper State Models and the new releases from Lukgraph.
But I've fancied the idea of building the Sopwith 'Comic' night fighter conversion of the Camel.
However, there is no 1:32nd scale model of this aircraft.
So I've decided to use one of the Wingnut Wings Camel kits I have and attempt converting it to a 'Comic'.
The first attempt at converting an existing aircraft to a night fighter was carried out on the Sopwith 1 1/2 'Strutters.'
However when the aircraft were first used by No.78 Squadron, the poor performance and lack of fire power showed.
The pilot's referred to the aircraft as a night fighter as being comical.
Even though the Camel conversion proved more successful, the nickname stuck.
The design of the ‘Comic’ version of the Sopwith Camel involved replacing the standard twin Vickers machine guns on the fuselage to Lewis machine guns, located on the upper wing.
This was due to muzzle flash from the fuselage guns temporarily blinding the pilot when night flying.
Lewis machine guns mounted over the upper wing negated this.
Therefore, the forward fuselage Vickers machine guns and their famous ’hump’ were removed.
The forward decking 'hump' was eliminated and a lowered and rounded decking was extended from the cowling to the new cockpit position.
The new armament consisted of a pair of Lewis machine guns, which were fitted above the centre section of the upper wing and on ‘Foster’ type mounting.
This enabled the machine guns to be lowered for re-loading and removed the chances of muzzle flash affecting the pilot's sight.
Some ‘Comics’ had one of the Lewis guns, usually the starboard one, fixed to fire upward at 45 degrees.
Due to the location of the Lewis machine guns, the cockpit had to be moved rearwards by one bay, to allow the pilot to reach the weapons.
This modification required that the main pressure and gravity fuel tanks, which were behind the original cockpit, being removed and replaced by a smaller capacity fuel tank of 18 gallons.
This was the type fitted to the BE2e aircraft was fitted forward from the cockpit.
This tank held less fuel than the original standard fuel tank of 37 gallons and was located forward from the re-positioned cockpit.
The internal forward area of the fuselage, to the rear of the fuselage firewall, had the engine oil tank, then the main fuel tank and a smaller auxiliary tank, all located behind the instrument panel.
The conversion improved the aircraft's performance and the VI Brigade regarded it as the best of its night fighters.
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/header.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/reference/B2402.jpg)
No.44 Squadron (HD) was formed on the 24th of July, 1917 at Hainault Farm as Home Defence squadron for the London area.
This particular aircraft, Srial No.B2402, was flown by Capt. George Henry Hackwill, a former FE2b pilot with No.22 Sqn with two victories to his credit.
After time as a flight instructor he was assigned to No.44 (HD) Squadron as a flight commander.
On the night of 28th-29th of January 1918, Capt. Hackwill, flying ‘Comic’ B2402 and with Lt. Charles Chaplin Banks flying B3827, shot down Gotha GV, Serial No.938/16 at Wickford in Essex.
Hackwill, who was from Langtree in Devon, later flew more conventional Sopwith Camels in France as a flight leader in No.54 Squadron.
There he raised his victory count nine and received the Military Cross.
Mike
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Very promising build, I'm taking a seat in the first row!
Ciao
Giuseppe
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Oh, another Camel! Have to hurry up to finish mine because this build here will be again ultra correct!
Eduard will release a 1/48 Comic this year based on their new tooled Camel. I think I need to buy it.
Cheers,
Frank
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I am really looking forward to this conversion Mike. I am sure it will be superb!
RAGIII
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All correct what you wrote Mike, but you have not mentioned the reason?
The forward fuselage Vickers machine guns and their famous ’hump’ were removed as the pilot would not have been unable to reach the weapons.
To remove the Vickers was the main reason to create the Comic because the muzzle flash blinded the pilot during night flights.
So they wanted to use guns on top of the wing so that the pilot is in the shadow of the wing. To be able to reload the Lewis the cockpit has to be moved, and the tank and all other changes followed as you wrote.
Cheers,
Frank
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Hi Frank,
Yes good point.
I missed the reasoning but what you say is correct.
I've amended the first post.
Thanks,
Mike
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The Comic is a favourite subject for me so I'm closely following this one Mike.
Incidentally for the 1/48 scale modellers Eduard are releasing a Sopwith Camel Comic nightfighter later this year.
Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
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Mike,
This is a very interesting project, a Comic Camel conversion has been very near to the top of my list of future Builds for some time. I have a Wingnut Wings "Clerget" Kit and two of the older Hobby Craft Kits laid aside for the purpose. I'll be following your project closely and I'm particularly interested in what References you've discovered, from my limited efforts there's not a lot of specific reference material out there.
Cheers,
Lance
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I'm fascinated to see and follow this as I know precious little about the Comic.
Such as: why were such aircraft labelled "Comic"?
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Zac, as far as I remember the nickname "Comic" was already used for converted Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter aircraft, also without Vickers and with at the beginning only one Lewis for the same reason, to intercept Zeppelins in night fighter duties. This reduced fire power caused the nick name Comic.
Later the Camel was introduced for the same task, but kept the nickname.
Cheers,
Frank
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That will be a show to watch. Waiting impatiently...
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I'm fascinated to see and follow this as I know precious little about the Comic.
Such as: why were such aircraft labelled "Comic"?
Hi Zac,
Frank is correct in that the first conversion was on the Sopwith 1 1/2 'Strutters'
However when the aircraft were first used by No.78 Squadron, the poor performance and lack of fire power showed.
The pilot's referred to the aircraft as a night fighter as being comical.
Even though the Camel conversion proved more successful, the nickname stuck,
Mike
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Ah you've got my interest now.
I've always been fascinated by the Comic Camel and have long thought of converting a WNW - only put off now by the rarity and value of the Wingnut Camels I've got left! Had thought of working on a Hobbycraft one but not got quite the enthusiasm for that kit!
Way back in the 90s I hacked a Blue Max F.1 into a Comic in 1/48 - another 44Sqdn Hainault machine, (I chose B4614, flown by LT WE Nicholson because it was painted in the curious shade of green (not PC10, or 12) developed by the family paint company of one of the pilots.)
But your 1/32 WNW conversion offers much more scope.
Avidly watching.
Sandy
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Zac, as far as I remember the nickname "Comic" was already used for converted Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter aircraft, also without Vickers and with at the beginning only one Lewis for the same reason, to intercept Zeppelins in night fighter duties. This reduced fire power caused the nick name Comic.
Later the Camel was introduced for the same task, but kept the nickname.
Cheers,
Frank
Hi Zac,
Frank is correct in that the first conversion was on the Sopwith 1 1/2 'Strutters'
However when the aircraft were first used by No.78 Squadron, the poor performance and lack of fire power showed.
The pilot's referred to the aircraft as a night fighter as being comical.
Even though the Camel conversion proved more successful, the nickname stuck,
Mike
Frank and Mike, thank you: I have pondered the nickname's origin for many years and this seems a very reasonable explanatiob. You learn something new every day!
And now back to your regularly-scheduled Comic Channel News programming. ;D
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What a great project! I will be following closely... Regards, Marc.
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Ah you've got my interest now.
I've always been fascinated by the Comic Camel and have long thought of converting a WNW - only put off now by the rarity and value of the Wingnut Camels I've got left! Had thought of working on a Hobbycraft one but not got quite the enthusiasm for that kit!
Way back in the 90s I hacked a Blue Max F.1 into a Comic in 1/48 - another 44Sqdn Hainault machine, (I chose B4614, flown by LT WE Nicholson because it was painted in the curious shade of green (not PC10, or 12) developed by the family paint company of one of the pilots.)
But your 1/32 WNW conversion offers much more scope.
Avidly watching.
Sandy
Hi Sandy,
Here's the description of this aircraft from my build log:
Originally this aircraft was originally built as a Sopwith ‘Camel’ by ‘Ruston, Proctor & Co. Ltd.’ On its conversion to the ‘Comic’ design, the aircraft was painted with a dark green dope, which
according to Sgt. E.J. Mills, an former member of the ground crew on No.44 Squadron (HD), was close to Methuen 27F8. This paint was prepared at the Squadron under the supervision of Lt. W.E. Nicholson, who family owned part of the ‘Jensen & Nicholson Ltd’ paint manufacturers. The undersides of the wings, fuselage, tail plane and elevator were Clear Doped Linen (CDL). The
fuselage forward plywood panels were ‘Copal’ varnished. The fuselage forward metal panels,
engine cowl and white areas of the roundels on the upper wing and fuselage were smeared with the dark green dope, to reduce their night visibility. The fuselage roundels had a larger red centre disc and white border, with no outer blue ring. The fin was a dark blue colour with the serial
number B2402 in white with dark grey shading. The centre stripe of the rudder marking was not white, but left in the dark green dope colour. A broad stripe was applied to each side of the
fuselage roundel, the colour of which was most likely smeared white. These stripes were not
applied under the fuselage. A pennant steamer was attached to the trailing edge of the rudder, but its actual colouring in not known.
Mike
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Some nice information here about the Sopwith Comic. I have a Hobbycraft Camel with the Clerget engine. I plan to remove the engine as I understand it will fit the Meng Fokker Triplane kit. The Hobbycraft kit might be perfect for conversion. I don't have a spare Winnuts kit I could use. Maybe some aftermarket enterprise could consider making a Comic conversion for the 1/32 scale kits. I'm looking forward to future postings on the above subject. Incidentally you can usually find the Hobbycraft kit for sale on the internet.
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Hi James,
It's an aircraft that wasn't produced in great numbers, only between 100 and 150 in total.
As such it's a bit too niche I think for and mainstream company to take on producing a conversion kit.
That said, smaller garage outfits could take it on, but only in resin probably.
Yes a cheaper Camel kit would be a better option.
I have an Academy kit, but decided to us a WNW kit as I have a couple in my stash,
Mike
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Hi all,
The cockpit so far.
The details of what was done is a bit lengthy to post here.
However, it will all be in my build log once the model is finished.
Basically:
The cockpit decking panel was cut a the rear used to create the new panel.
Instrument panel cut and attached to a plastic card curved former.
A box of two forward former's was made and attached to the rear of the engine bulkhead.
The fuel tank and rudder bar attached to the lower wing.
Foot boards modified with the control column.
Seat frame cut and a 'Barracuda' resin seat attached.
False firewall added behind the pilots seat.
Left cockpit side frame - throttle assembly moved one bay rearwards - vertical and horizontal structure added with plastic rod and strip.
Right cockpit side frame - pressure pump moved one bay rearwards - vertical and horizontal structure added with plastic rod and strip.
Revised fuselage forward decking panel (x2) cut and shaped from 0.2 mm thick plastic card (will be be fitted over the added fuselage former's after closing the fuselage.
There's still other detail to add to the cockpit after painting (wires, cables and pipes etc)
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/fit1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/fit2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/fit3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/fit4.jpg)
Sopwith 'Camel and Comic' overlay (side profiles).
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/comparison.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/fit5.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/mod15.jpg)
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Really impressive work Mike. LOOKING fantastic!
RAGIII
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Brilliant effort so far Mike, and I really like how you seem to be staying with or close to the original engineering as I envisioned the modifications ..... strictly "Bay by Bay". Looking really good!
Cheers,
Lance
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Impressive work and, as always, such nice descriptions of the build! Very nice to tag along!
/Fredrik
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Quite an interesting modification, Mike. Should be a neat project.
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It looks just like a bought one: you could tell me this was a Comic moulding and I'd believe you easily. Excellent scale engineering skills!
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Hi all,
I've been having issues with the host server I use for my model web site (in my signature link).
I'll get it back up and running soon (I hope),
Mike
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Just like this? Cut, moved, added... it all sounds so simple. Neat and perfect work all around.
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Hi all,
I've been having issues with the host server I use for my model web site (in my signature link).
I'll get it back up and running soon (I hope),
Mike
Sorted :)
Mike
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Nice work so far Mike
Alexis
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Hi all,
Just a quick update.
The fuselage has been closed with the modifications included.
All painted and decals applied.
Some pipes (lead wire) and control rods and rudder/elevator wires (blackened micro-tubes) added.
Now I need to blend the joints before fitting the scratch made forward decking panels,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/joined3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/joined4.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/joined5.jpg)
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Great update Mike, and really impressive quality of work!
Cheers,
Lance
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Great update Mike, and really impressive quality of work!
Cheers,
Lance
Yep ;D
RAGIII
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That's a nice look down into the pit! Great work!
/Fredrik
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Fine work Mike, she looks just like a bought one!
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Very fine colours in the cockpit.
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I AM IMPRESSED!!
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:) :) :)
Alexis
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Hi all,
A few updates to the 'Comic'.
The front decking panels, made from 0.2 mm thick plastic card are fitted.
Added are the two tank filler caps, made from 0.5 mm thick plastic card and 0.4 mm diameter tube.
The pilots head rest is made with 'Milliput' with 0.8 mm thick plastic card padding piece.
Lastly the standard Rotary engine is complete.
Now it's onto fitting the navigation light to the starboard side of the head rest, windscreen, ring and bead gun sights,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/engine.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/headrest.jpg)
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Beautiful engine work Mike. I must say that I am not only impressed by the conversion of the decking, but even More So by the fact you haven't broken any Struts while doing so 8)
RAGIII
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Beautiful engine work Mike. I must say that I am not only impressed by the conversion of the decking, but even More So by the fact you haven't broken any Struts while doing so 8)
RAGIII
Hi Rich,
Yeah I've had a few close shaves with the cabane struts and the fitted tail skid (hence the protective sponge taped around the rear of the fuselage).
The pre-moulded struts as part of the cockpit side frames was not the greatest idea by WNW.
As you you say, they are very easily snapped off during handling,
Mike
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The rotary looks superb, excellent work Mike.
I for one am thankful for Wingnut Wings' moulded-on cabanes: if they were separate there would have been some nasty words and a bit of CA when I retrieved my dormant Pup from storage. But with such added work as yours, it would make sense to have separate struts so I sympathise.
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Hi all,
Just a few updates.
The spent rounds ejector chutes for the 'Camel' Vickers machine guns were removed and covered with blanking plates, as for the 'Comic'.
The ring and bead gun sights for the twin Lewis machine guns were made from photo-etch and Brass tube//Nickel-Silver rod.
The extra ventilation holes in the lower, left of the engine cowl has been created.
The navigation light for the starboard side of the pilots head rest had been made from spru and rod.
Finally 'GasPatch' late style resin turnbuckles and 'RB Productions' 2BA and 1/4 BSF aerodynamic (flat) wires have been tested for use on the model.
So now it's onto painting,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/chutes.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/chutes1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/sights1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/sights.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/cowlhole.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/cowlhole1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/navlight.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/navlight1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/latetype.jpg)
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Great progress Mike!
Really pity that RB Productions seems to be out of business now after Radu sold it ???
I really like the saws but I can't restock anymore new blades >:(
That is the general danger: all our great accessory sources are such small companies, Small Stuff models, Gaspatch Models, Master, HGW, RB Production, Rosi the Riveter (which also used RB productions wheels) .... which may go out of business unexpectedly for what ever reason.
Cheers,
Frank
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Love the bluing on the cylinders !
Alexis
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Nice looking details as always Mike!
RAGIII
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Fine work Mike, she's shaping up very nicely.
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Hi all,
A quick update.
I've primed the main assembly and other parts ready for painting and decals.
I'm now working on all of the pre-rigging before I carry on,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/primed.jpg)
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Your Comic is looking great with the primer applied. I am looking forward to the next phase!
RAGIII
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Hi all,
The basic painted and wood finish for the the top surfaces is done.
I played around with the 'RB Productions' photo-etch flat streamlined rigging, but I chosen not to use it.
Although possibly easier to fit than mono-filament, it does not, as I thought, provide any structural strength to a finished model.
As this model is based on the Sopwith 'Camel', it has pretty flimsy and to scale struts and landing gear and so needs the support that rigging can give.
Anyway, on to the CDL underside surfaces,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/topcoat.jpg)
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Mike, at least you have the knowledge regarding the flat rigging for future builds. Your Comic is shaping up nicely and I'm always excited to see your latest update!
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Hi all,
The basic underside CDL has been applied with rib tapes.
The primed surfaces were airbrushed with 'Tamiya' Buff (XF57).
The rib tapes were then masked and the surfaces then airbrushed with 'Tamiya' Dark Yellow (XF60).
The masking strips were then removed and the surfaces given a light dusting coat of Dark Yellow, to blend them slightly.
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/CDL.jpg)
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Mike, at least you have the knowledge regarding the flat rigging for future builds. Your Comic is shaping up nicely and I'm always excited to see your latest update!
Yeah I guess.
Another problem is that as far as I'm aware they're are few retailers of flat rigging.
'RB Productions' (if they're still operating) 'AIMS' for 1:32nd scale and 'Steel Works' for 1/72nd scale.
So obtaining the stuff could prove problematic,
Mike
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Very nice updates, the reshaped forward section looks excellent.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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Excellent paint work Mike!
RAGIII
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Nice colours. Fine shading on the undersurfaces.
As for the flat rigging I am still unsuccessfully looking for a way to make structural, easy to tighten and truly flat rigging... :(
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Nice colours. Fine shading on the undersurfaces.
As for the flat rigging I am still unsuccessfully looking for a way to make structural, easy to tighten and truly flat rigging... :(
Hi Przemol,
Yes the holy grail of WW1 aircraft modelling.
Hopefully us or someone will think of something one day,
Mike
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Hi all,
I've added the fuselage navigation light and painted the two filler caps and pilots head rest.
Also added the padding around the cockpit opening.
This was ANYZ 0.5 mm diameter black braided line, secured in position with CA adhesive then painted.
Also the engine and cowl have been fitted.
So now it's onto applying the 'Aviattic' linen weave effect decals,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/gloss.jpg)
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Nice colours. Fine shading on the undersurfaces.
As for the flat rigging I am still unsuccessfully looking for a way to make structural, easy to tighten and truly flat rigging... :(
Hi Przemol,
Yes the holy grail of WW1 aircraft modelling.
Hopefully us or someone will think of something one day,
Mike
;D ;D ;D
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Hi all,
It's always interesting to find facts when researching for a model.
For instance, the roundels and fuselage stripes on this particular 'Comic'.
The photograph of the actual aircraft was presumably used to create the following colour profile.
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/B2402.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/image1.jpg)
Prior to the introduction of the Type B night roundel in 1918, aircraft used on night operations had the white of the roundels over painted with the prevailing camouflage colour.
This was done to reduce the visibility during night flying.
The most common film used during the period was Orthochromatic film, which produced a very pale colour for blue and very dark colour for red.
It seems during the the 1950s and 1960s, it was thought that the the roundel of home defence aircraft was a white ring roundel with an enlarged red centre disc.
The photograph of this particular aircraft appears to show white roundel rings and fuselage stripes, which I assume was the basis for the previous colour profile.
However, given the colour variation from the film I think it was more likely that what appears to be white was in fact blue and the dark centre disc was actually painted red.
If that is correct, then it would seem sensible to paint the wing roundels similarly, rather than the standard red/white/blue roundels shown in colour profiles.
My guess is the following colour profile is more accurate, apart from the wing roundels.
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/scheme.jpg)
Mike
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I would certainly agree with profile #2 Mike. When the roundel and stripes are compared to the rudder stripe it is much more likely that the fuselage roundel and stipes were blue.
RAGIII
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:)
My smile says it all !
Alexis
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I like profile #2, regardless of whether it's correct or not!
Your logic regarding the photographic process makes it a very viable scheme.
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I'm with them - profile 2 just looks right to me.
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Lovely progress, Mike! Looking really really good! I do think profile 2 is more like it - you could do the two fuselage stripes in white to provide more contrast - you cannot be wrong! A very enjoyable and skillful build to follow... Regards, Marc.
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Hi all,
The aircraft markings were airbrushed using masks I created on my PC then cut on my 'Cricut' craft cutter.
I sponged 'Tamiya' Weathering Master Set E (Green) over the engine cowl and forward panels to represent the smeared green dope that was applied.
Weathered using 'Flory Models' Dark Dirt clay wash.
The serial number was made from 'XtraDecal' white letter/numerals.
Now it's onto creating the twin Lewis machine gun mountings,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/painted1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/painted2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/painted3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/painted4.jpg)
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It looked great before but now it looks even better! Lovely work on painting the markings Mike.
RAGIII
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Looking fantastic so far Mike :) Love the effect on cowl with dope , nice touch !
Alexis
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Hi all,
The basic twin Lewis machine guns have been made.
The weapons are the Lewis Mk.II from 'GasPatch'.
The rear handles have been removed as they were not fitted and the left weapon has a flattened brass extension hand grip, as for the actual aircraft had.
The mounting rails are 0.85 mm diameter plastic rod, bent and cut to shape.
Holes of 0.4 mm diameter were drilled through the rear slide rails with 0.2 mm diameter lead wire added for the rail lips.
Rods of 0.4 mm diameter were used for the front and rear supports with the rear being used to locate into the centre section of the upper wing.
I still have to make the fuselage mounted rear support frame and accessories, but that will be done once the upper wing has been fitted.
Now onto pre-rigging,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/gunrig5.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/gunrig4.jpg)
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Excellent work on the twin Lewis guns. They should look fantastic once painted!
RAGIII
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(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/gunsdone.jpg)
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Awesome!
RAGIII
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This really is coming together beautifully and is going to be a real stunner when complete
Regards
Dave
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Hi all,
The propeller is a wood laminated 'Lang' type from 'ProperPlane'.
It's made of darker wood (looks lighter in the photograph) and has the 'Wingnut Wings' kit decals.
Airbrushed with 'Alclad' Light Sheen (ALC311) lacquer,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/prop.jpg)
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The guns and prop look wonderful Mike, bravo!
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This is a very interesting building report.
Beautiful work so far. :)
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Very nice work on all details, Mike. The underside of the wings and tail look exceptional.
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Beautiful progress, the bulk, the Lewis guns, the propeller. All very very fine.
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Hi all,
I've fitted the fuselage ring and bead gun sights and prepared the under wing 'Holt' flare struts and port wing navigation light.
The pre-rigging lines are all fitted to the upper wing, fuselage and control horns for the rudder, elevator and ailerons.
Finally the upper wing has been fitted.
Now it's onto the final rigging,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/wingon.jpg)
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Aswesome Mike !
Alexis
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You are getting closer now to finishing this beautiful build!
RAGIII
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Almost done, inspiring and already impresssive.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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Beautiful work so far.
WD
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Hi all,
The wings and landing gear are now rigged.
Before the tail unit and ailerons are fitted and rigged, the fuselage Lewis guns mounting needs to be done,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/wingsrigged.jpg)
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The Comic looks great rigged Mike!!
RAGIII
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Hi all,
The basic fuselage gun frame has been made from flattened 0.8 mm diameter tube then soft soldered.
Holes were drilled through the modified fuselage decking panel to locate the frame.
'EZ' line was used to represent the trigger cables from the Lewis machine guns to the cockpit (to be routed through the fuselage).
A retention cable has yet to be added across the decking panel just forward from the windscreen, when fitted,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/mountdone.jpg)
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Hi all,
Painted with cross bracing cable fitted across the decking panel between the rear cabane struts and gun trigger cables added.
Now onto the tail unit,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/mount2.jpg)
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The support frame and wires for the Lewis guns really look Awesome Mike!
RAGIII
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Hi all,
The tail unit is now rigged.
This includes the rudder, elevator and tail skid control cables.
Also the bracing wires for the fin, rudder and elevator.
I still have the ailerons, 'Holt' flares, wing navigation light, 'Rotherham' pump, windshield, propeller and figure to do,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/tail1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/tail2.jpg)
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More outstanding rigging work Mike!
RAGIII
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The wing guns and their mounts look fantastic, great work Mike!
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You sure don't waste time !
Alexis
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Hi all,
The aircraft itself is finished, apart from the rudder streamer (to do) and the pilot figure.
Once it's all in its display case I will, as usual post photographs and upload the build log to my web site (if anyone fancies taking it on).
Once again, many thanks for your comments and support - much appreciated,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/B2402.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/done.jpg)
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As always an informative build and beautiful results!
RAGIII
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Yes, Awesome results, Mike! Very nicely done conversion.
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Great project with very fine final result. The gallery will be a treat, I am sure.
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An education and a fantastic finish, bravo Mike! She looks great! I'm excited to see the final images.
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Hi all,
Just one last shot - the pilot figure,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/SOPWITH-COMIC/pilot1.jpg)
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Excellent figure Mike! I Love the lighter brown leather...Perfect!
RAGIII
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Hi all,
The completed model shots are now up in the 'Completed Models' page,
Mike
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Respect! for an inspirational build--as in get off the perch and get to work on my own.
One more question. Did you come across any comparison of flying qualities compared to the standard Camel?
I would think that with weight moved up and aft, there might be less maneuverability and more stability.
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Respect! for an inspirational build--as in get off the perch and get to work on my own.
One more question. Did you come across any comparison of flying qualities compared to the standard Camel?
I would think that with weight moved up and aft, there might be less maneuverability and more stability.
There's very little information available on the Camel 'Comic'.
Only a maximum of 150 Camels were converted to the 'Comic' version and these were eventually replaced by other types, including actual Camels.
The Camel itself was showing its age by mid-1918, as by then it showed its lack of speed and performance at altitude compared to other types.
I can only assume the 'Comic' performed adequately enough, especially as it was flown mostly at night,
Mike