forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: IanB on April 19, 2023, 11:28:48 PM
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I'm starting a double build on another site as part of a De Havilland group build, so thought I'd post it here too.
I'll be on vacation back home in UK from 26th until May 16th so I'll get an initial post done now as there will be no updates until after my return.
Geoffrey De Havilland was born in my hometown of High Wycombe, in Buckinghamshire so I've always had a soft spot for his aircraft. Wycombe was, historically, a furniture town and most of the factories were converted to aircraft parts manufacture for the duration. Obviously there was a good supply of skilled woodworkers in the town, and many more came in from other areas.
His father was a church minister, and Geoffrey was born at Magdala House, (now Terriers Green House) at Terriers, near Hazlemere on 27th July 1882.
(reference "High Wycombe's Contribution to Aviation" by David Scott and Ian Simmons,
My subjects (yes, I'm going to attempt 2!) are:
First, the Airfix (actually MPC boxing) of the DH4, with the Blue Rider DH9 conversion.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52759780731_5912256d3c_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52760186790_9423858eed_c.jpg)
This will be built as a 144Sqn aircraft based in Ramleh, Palestine (now Ramla, Israel) in September 1918
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52829754148_812d147836_c.jpg)
My reference:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52829758198_c4b97b1835_c.jpg)
and some after market goodies in the form of Miniworld guns and Gaspatch pilot's seat
So what do we have to be going on with?
I'm sure most of us are familiar with the old Airfix kit. It's actually pretty accurate shape wise, but unfortunately when I pulled it out to check it, I noticed that the wings were a little warped....
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52770073535_70e050da78_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52769913819_d8b9dc367f_c.jpg)
Taking into consideration the amount of work required to remove all the surface detail and fill the strut attachment points I decided it would be easier and quicker to scratch build the wings - I don't think much of this kit is going to be used!
The Blue Rider fuselage is, to put it politely, a tad thick....
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52759782996_0f141a74c2_c.jpg)
but the detail is nice and it matches plans, so that's a bonus!
I've made a start on preparing the fuselage and making new wings as those tasks represent quite a bit of work before construction can even begin, although no construction will be done until after the build start date.
First the fuselage:
Blue Rider do provide a template for the engine and cockpit openings
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52760266573_668bf65cba_c.jpg)
so that was photo copied and cut out. The fuselage halves were taped together and the template was attached to give me the guide I needed to mark the plastic that needed removing.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52760030404_c217f23834_c.jpg)
I marked the edge of the black areas with a fresh number 11 blade. The plastic is quite soft so that was easy enough and that gave me my cutting references.
I started with the engine as for some reason I thought that would be easier. No idea why I thought that!
Cutting the plastic away was fairly easy. As mentioned above the plastic is fairly soft so I used a micro saw to cut the ends then scribed it with the blade just within the lines until eventually I could snap it out. It was then shaped with blades and files to the correct outline. Once the shape was complete, I had to thin the edges considerably. Much cutting out of lumps and scraping with a curved blade eventually reaped results.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52759241742_8ceb7e2c34_c.jpg)
getting there.....
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52761242422_2b3e03755d_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52761242742_0ed6b3e8dd_c.jpg)
With both sides done it was then fine tuning to get the engine to fit.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52760033169_f5c102960e_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52760190140_edd2fd0519_c.jpg)
That will do! The engine will be detailed later as part of the build proper.
Then it was time to attack the cockpits. Again saw cuts front and rear, and careful scribing with a blade until I could snap the main piece of excess plastic away, and then fine tune with blades and files as before, followed by much scraping of the fuselage insides to reduce their thickness!
One side done
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52766286219_186eb4efcf_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52766266469_ae56271cb5_c.jpg)
and completed.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52829832580_8b85e4acb9_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52829878153_2de5ca0103_c.jpg)
I also removed the step under the fuselage where the wings would mount.
a) because my scratch built items won't need it, and b) because it increases the depth of the interior, also making it flatter. The gap will be filled and the wings attached seperately with brass pins. I had started to adjust the gap to fit the wings before it struck me which is why one is slightly bigger than the other!
Wings were cut from 1mm sheet and shaped by sanding and filing. I am still in the process of thinning the trailing edges.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52769171382_c04ccfed8c_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52769719266_2d55b790bd_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52829323671_0b7c2b6605_c.jpg)
That is the end of play until return from hols.
The second build will be the Pegasus DH4 kit.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52829718125_78baa28548_c.jpg)
This will be built as a Liberty-engined US aircraft, Number 6, of 50th Aero Squadron. The pic below is number 5 but is basically the same except 6 didn't have the name on the nose.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52829708775_c6a7459af1_c.jpg)
This was the aircraft flown by 1st Lt Harold E Goettler and 2nd Lt Erwin R Bleckley in their final resupply mission to the "Lost Battalion" (which was neither lost, nor a Battalion, but they were surrounded) and during which they both lost their lives. Both were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
It should be noted that this was not their usual machine, that being Number 2, but that had been so badly damaged in previous resupply missions earlier in the day that it had to be retired, hence they borrowed number 6, the usual mount of Lt Floyd M Pickrell and Lt Alfred C George.
References:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52828738192_6d4c9b85f5_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52828736537_a4763b2f3f_c.jpg)
What I have to build from:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52829762328_4ca9b1f200_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52829320626_09624195c7_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52829760723_2e717cbf03_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52829318636_fbfe506b69_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52829713735_55df22c67e_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52829760248_71d3457ca4_c.jpg)
That's it for now, see you mid May for the continuation of this madness!
Ian
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Not one but two very interesting projects here Ian: I will be following along.
Stephen.
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Also going to join in with the DH cookup on the other channel (not sure what yet but probably the old DH6 vacform I picked up recently) ::)
Progress on these two looking good so far Ian. (I may have the old Pegasus kit in the stash which I'll have a look for)
Cheers
Paul
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I will be watching too. Your posts are extremely informative and helpful.
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I’m watching with great interest as well Ian. I’ve built the Pegasus DH-4 but it got busted up pretty bad during a move several years ago.
The Blue Rider conversion is very nice and your doing a first rate job with it. Looking forward to your next post.
Hoping you have a very relaxing vacation!
All the best,
Tim
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What is the other site BTW?
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Thanks for the interest gents!
Tim, the other site I post on is Britmodeller. A very friendly and helpful site with lots of good advice/feedback, similar to here.
Ian
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I am very interested and excited! A great start and fascinating to follow - I'm a DH fanboy so always happy to see that family pop up. I'm eager to see your scratchbuild wings for the 9, and to see how the 4 goes together (one of those kits I've lusted after but never quite pulled the trigger on).
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I am just joining in on the party! I always enjoy watching your processes on these old kits and you are Not disappointing Me with these two!
RAGIII
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Right, where were we?
First of all, a huge thank you to Colin@freightdogmodels for sending me his newly printed decals for the Pegasus DH4. Totally unexpected, and very welcome!
I had to extend my stay in UK as my Uncle passed away while I was in Guernsey with my brother and sister. We didn't have a will so my sister and I had to go through the house searching for one. Not found, so now she has to take on the tasks of getting everything sorted.
Today I finally got back to the bench and made a little more progress on these two. First the 9:
The gap in the fuselage halves where I'd removed the moulded attachment points was filled with plastic card and then given a coat of PPP to smooth it all out. Then I smoothed off the inner surfaces of the fuselage sides and added a false floor to hide the seam,
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52865845395_a68bc76e9a_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52865846985_5fd5f82b8b_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52925788523_255251dd08_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52924752522_73cf95f2b9_c.jpg)
The recesses for the main landing gear legs were filled with UV resin and cured with my mini light sabre, then PPP was added to finish it off. Final finishing will be done once the fuselage halves have been mated.
I then took a look at the Pegasus DH4 fuselage. It too needs a bit of work!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52925784203_a0b530eab9_c.jpg)
Lots of flash, and the insides need thinning a little around the cockpit edges but nothing major there. The main issues here are:
a) The rear fuselage is too deep at the tail end.
b) The pilot's cockpit is only correct for the RAF 3a engine version. For the RR Eagle and Liberty engines the cockpit was a little further back so that will have to be changed.
Plus, of course, I will have to chop the nose off and replace it with the Liberty engine nose, but that will be done once the fuselage has been joined. Or, that is the plan at present anyway!
I made a start on the first of those issues this afternoon. This is what needs changing.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52924747927_80d72d485d_c.jpg)
The slope on the rear fuselage aft of the observer's position was also increased to meet the tail end correctly.
Here I have one half done and compared to the original.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52924747922_24fd04de37_c.jpg)
That's it for now, slow but sure!
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Thanks for sharing this update Ian - I really want to get examples of the Airfix and Pegasus DH4s for myself - although I'm very sorry to read of your uncle's passing and the unfortunate consequences.
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Sorry to hear of your Family's Loss Ian. It is great to see you back on this project. Your work to date is excellent as always!
RAGIII
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First off, sorry for your loss. I hope your family can sort things out the best they can. Secondly it's fun watching you take Palaeolithic Airfix kits and combine them with Mesolithic conversion kits.
Steve
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My condolences to you and your family Ian concerning your recent loss.
It looks as though you are giving your usual close attention to very small details that are a hallmark of all of your models. I remember converting the Airfix DH 4 to a DH 9 using an Airfix Magazine article a very long time ago and it was nothing like as accurate as yours will be. Looking forward to more updates.
Stephen.
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Many thanks to all for your thoughts. Things are progressing as well as can be expected and my sister has the reins, as it were.
I have been fairly quiet modelling wise of late, but I have managed a little more these last couple of days.
Further progress on the DH4 fuselage....
I decided after trial fitting of the nose that it would be better to remove it prior to joining the fuselage halves as the new nose pieces are not exactly matched in length. Another factor is that the kit nose is slightly off square
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52959215906_761ddd3b9e_c.jpg)
I checked the fuselage against plans and it appears the error is the forward face of the nose, not the upper panel, that is off square, so the cut was made perpendicular to the top of the fuselage using my mitre box, after first overlaying the new nose piece and marking the cut line with a fine marker. Of course I cut on the waste side of the line like a good woodwork student was taught at school!
I have cleaned up the replacement nose pieces, thinned the rear lower edge which should be open, and opened up slots for the cooling gills with a razor saw.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52959363584_a22a6e7059_c.jpg)
I'm happy with that! Another thing I found is that the nose pieces are slightly narrower than the fuselage. Fortunately the error is with the fuselage so the two sides were gently sanded on their mating surfaces to get them the same as the nose. It will be easier I think to fit the nose after the fuselage has been joined. I will leave the front of the fuselage forward of the cockpit unglued so I can get the best possible fit and minimize the need for filler. I have already taped the parts together and sanded them to get a square fit - I really don't want a bent nose!
I previously mentioned the need to move the cockpit aft slightly and work has started on that too.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52958617542_18394bf57d_c.jpg)
You can see here how much off it was.
I tried to use UV resin to extend the forward edge. It went on OK, or so I thought. I had to add it with a toothpick then zap it with the light for just a fraction of a second to set it, then twist the toothpick to separate it. It was built up fairly quickly but I noticed how thick it was getting.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52958617522_c1297bef88_c.jpg)
This stuff is a pain to sand and in the end I just snapped the whole lump off and started again with my faithful Mr Dissolved Putty. It takes longer and can be easily broken off later if handled badly, but it works well. Once it's all done I'll give it a thin coat of thin CA to add a little more strength.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52959671208_f1e0b2c266_c.jpg)
Does anyone know what can be added to Mr Dissolved Putty to thin it once the pot starts drying out? It's expensive stuff to have to bin it after less than half a pot has been used!
That's where I am at the mo' and I'm off work today. Since the new cockpit is drying I may take a look at the DH9 wings.
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Looks like a lot of work that will be rewarding during all of the following steps in this build. Good work!
/Fredrik
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I can't provide any advice but my goodness I'm enjoying progress!
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Just catching up with this Ian, I'm sorry to hear of your loss and hope you are all coping.
I like seeing these old school conversions. It looks like a lot of work but highly rewarding.
When my Mr Dissolved Putty starts drying out I just top it up with Mr Levelling Thinner and give it a good stir.
Richie
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Good to see you progressing! This stage must be a Trying portion of the builds...at least it would be for Me :o
RAGIII
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Another small update today, but first an apology to @Colin @ Freightdog Models for not showing the replacement decals he so generously sent me.
I shall right that wrong now!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52972628270_fe1a7f29c0_c.jpg)
A huge improvement, as mentioned earlier, and many thanks once again Colin!
More work had been done on the cockpit repositioning and here is the current state of play
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52972245361_f0aee49596_c.jpg)
Since that pic I have added some PPP and smoothed it all off, however on further checking it is apparent that sides need to be lowered a little more, so that will be taken care of next session.
I have also added the new nose to the right fuselage side. The other half will be added when the fuselage is joined to ensure the best possible join.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52972628285_4992cabdb6_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52972245396_0a4f186a93_c.jpg)
In addition to lowering the cockpit sides, I also need to add some more depth under the mid/forward fuselage. That will be done after the halves are joined.
I also took a quick look at the wings
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52972388259_e8c28fa657_c.jpg)
The incorrect shape of the rear cutout was easily corrected with a file. The thickness is another matter. Although the detail is actually very nicely done compared to many other kits, it will be removed on account of the fact that the wings are too thick. That is one area that always looks wrong if left unattended and in my opinion makes the model look toy-like. The wings will therefore be thinned and the detail replaced afterwards.
On the 9, I have started adding interior detail.
The first problem I needed to solve was how to get the inner panels at the correct level. There was a strip of wood added over the join on the outside of these aircraft and the inner horizontal panels lined up with that. I used a high tech solution here: tweezers!
With the end positioned on the ridge on the outside of the fuselage, I simply turned it over and made a small dot under the end of the tweezers on the inside. I am assuming the ends are the same length of course, but it seems to have worked!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52972636655_08c2ae0b37_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52971658042_533b563e8b_c.jpg)
That gave me the reference I needed
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52972253591_94e4552763_c.jpg)
The easiest way, as I saw it, was to add the instrument panel and cockpit divider, then join the two. As long as they were the correct size the rest would fall into place.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52971658072_3f391e6729_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52972396319_b1b5866683_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52972636525_85d8fb1ea8_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52971658032_304c52c005_c.jpg)
That seems to have worked OK so far, now I need to do the rear. That could be a little more tricky as the observer's cockpit had semi-circular fore and aft edges instead of the angled ones in the pilot's
I think I'm going to cut a blank to fit, then cut or drill the centre out. Probably a combination of the two. That's the next job on the list....
The last item I tackled this weekend was sanding the wings to shape.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52971658067_cc1ebb7d2d_c.jpg)
All they need now is to be cut and pinned with the correct dihedral.
It sounds simple if I say it quickly!
So that's where I am as of now. More to follow soon, I hope.
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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As ever Ian you are providing an excellent log on the super details that you are using to improve the kits. I am in awe of some of the methods and materials that you use, but am also happy to read about your high tech solution to the longeron problem! I too believe firmly in keeping things as simple as possible.
Stephen
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Your progress is Amazing considering how Crude the kits are! Your simple but effective methods of detailing are awesome!
RAGIII
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Excellent progress Ian, thanks for sharing in such detail.
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Good looking scratch work there! Looking forward to seeing more.
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Excellent progress!
Warren
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Thanks folks!
I've had a few more hours on these two over the last couple of days although a lot of that time has been spent consulting photos.
The DH9 main interior structure is now mostly complete.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52979238854_ea342d850e_z.jpg)
The DH4 is also getting close.
I've lowered the cockpit sides a little more and also sanded down the area in front of the cockpit, (after first adding some sheet stock under it just in case I went through) to give it the correct slant downwards, and straightened off the front edge.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52978488992_4ed312c6df_z.jpg)
The basic structure is very similar to the 9 but has triangular corner braces in the observer's cockpit instead of it being rounded off, and no braces for the instrument panel.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52979089571_eb6d0003d5_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52979235199_44d3ee3c67_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52978488997_a0ca6ca31d_z.jpg)
That's all the main structure done. I will add a couple of stringers on the 4 before painting, but will paint the 9 first then add the stringers. That will, hopefully, give a little variation to the tone. I'm not too worried about that on the 4 as it won't be seen under the wing!
The last major issue here is cutting a panel to fit under the Scarff ring on each aircraft. The panel has a slightly smaller inner radius than the Scarff ring and I've already thinned the fuselage walls enough (hopefully) that the straight edges won't show. The front edge of that panel is just in front of the Scarff ring but doesn't meet the panel seen in the pics above, in front of the observer's cockpit. There is a separate vertical partition to add later.
Having just typed that, I now realise I have done the 4 wrongly. There should be a horizontal panel from the bulkhead back to where the Scarff ring starts, similar to the 9 but with triangular corners.
Something for the weekend then!
Thanks for looking in,
Ian
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You are moving along nicely Ian! I am sure you will make quick work of the minor correction.
RAGIII
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Thanks Rick, job done!
Today saw some corrections carried out.
Both the 4 and the 9 had a sheet of ply under the Scarff ring. Under the front edge of that sheet is another vertical panel which leaves a small "pocket" between it and the bulkhead at the front of the observer's cockpit. I decided to remove the top part of the fuselage aft of the observer's cockpit and sand the edges down a fraction. This will allow me to cut a piece of 0.25mm sheet to fit under the Scarff ring and blend it into the fuselage. I also cut a small slot into the front edge of the observer's cockpit fairing to allow this piece to slot in without me having to trim the edges. I did that because the outside edges of the new panel will be very thin, if not non-existant, and this will allow me to fit it oversize and then trim the outer edges to match once it is all dried.
Maybe the pics will make it clearer....
Here is the new panel slotted into place.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52983237062_3401b63835_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52983237087_1de3418ec3_z.jpg)
The interior panel was then corrected to match
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52983237097_0909d562c4_z.jpg)
You can see here how the lower panel has now been brought aft to its correct position.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52983237057_2f53bc95aa_z.jpg)
The vertical panel under the front edge has also been glued on to the upper panel so that I can paint this new panel and the front piece together before fitting them.
Now to do it all again for the 9!
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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I realise that there's modelling and there's modelling! Given the starting point, this has to be the latter!!! 👍😁
/Fredrik
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I realise that there's modelling and there's modelling! Given the starting point, this has to be the latter!!! 👍😁
/Fredrik
It certainly is....and then some!
RAGIII
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Nice work Ian. Those interiors are really coming along well.
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Many thanks Fredrik, Rick, and Tim. Much appreciated, and I'm glad you're enjoying the builds!
This last week has been pretty busy workwise, and the next week looks to be similar, but I have managed some work on these.
The last few days has seen the addition of most of the interior detail, or at least most of what I'm going to add before painting. The side panels were plywood so I want to paint those before adding the supporting structure.
Here's the 9:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53005410817_12bab3a649_z.jpg)
The forward upright is the aft limit of the plywood. Since I use CDL for the base for my wood painting, everything will be painted CDL and then the rear parts that will remain that colour will be masked off to paint the woodwork. The upright ribs forward of that point will be painted separately and added later so that I can get a smooth panel underneath them.
The same for the 4:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53005986431_8dc94abde0_z.jpg)
Today then was paint day!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53006355460_2ff153c623_z.jpg)
Additional parts also painted include a couple of pilot's seats, the inside of the gun ring bases that have just been made, and some plastic rod for the forward formers.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53005387507_06a15e0775_z.jpg)
I also sprayed a light tell-tale coat over the outside of the DH4 forward cockpit to see what extra work may be needed.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53005429982_019685396d_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53005429972_ba5f2a4ef5_z.jpg)
There's some minor tidying up to do including a little filling and sanding but overall I'm pretty happy with that.
That's where they sit at the moment. I want to ensure that the paint dries properly before adding the wood tones so that may be in a few days.
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Oh yes, it’s getting exciting now! Wonderful work Ian!
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Great work on these tiny rascals Ian. It's really fun to follow these kit bash builds.
;D
Willem
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Awesome work Ian! It looks like you are holding True to your word, Not Much of the original kits will be used ::)
RAGIII
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It's coming along quite nicely now, you're a far braver man than I!
Warren
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Thanks everyone!
Blimey, I knew it had been a while but I'd not realised how long since I'd last posted.
I haven't been totally idle, although the pace has been very slow. However, today I had a good session at the bench, mainly of the 9.
So what have I been doing?
When I last posted I was just starting the internal woodwork. Most of that has since been finished, at least as far as the fuselage sides is concerned.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53019742700_199a55b679_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53019354896_7f08943e22_z.jpg)
My usual method of a thinned down brushed coat of "leather" over the base CDL (radome tan or similar will do) then clear orange.
I then added the structural members which had been left off to ensure that the fuselage didn't look patchy and added bracing using fine steel wire.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53056240117_e09942905c_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53056241882_eb5a7109cb_z.jpg)
You'll notice that he tops of a couple of the structural members are stripped back a bit. That was due to them being a little proud of the horizontal parts so I gently chamfered them back with a sharp scalpel blade and will repaint them when I finish the rest of the internals.
After that it was down to finishing of the internal fittings. My main reason for delaying was not being sure how to go about the 9s bomb bays. I then remembered the Wingnut Wings site and looked there. Issue resolved so on with cutting!
This stencil was cut from the plans and stuck to the underside, then the panels were marked with a sharp number 11 blade.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53056241972_c81e4d4905_z.jpg)
I started with the radiator position
This was after the hole was cut
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53057011349_d85af1bfdd_z.jpg)
Obviously a lot of refining required there, so out with the jewelers files and scalpel blades. Much scraping and filing later and we had this
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53056829916_781bbdb240_z.jpg)
That will do! The other side was matched up and the bomb bays, bomb sight, and control cable access holes were done the same way. Bomb bays have been lined with .5mm card and it all seems to match up nicely!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53056829931_01b2a66621_z.jpg)
The small piece at the top is for the rear bays and will be added to the back of the front bay once its all painted.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53056829926_463420334c_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53056830006_4ef04441a5_z.jpg)
The last major internal part for the 4 was the fuel tank, of which only the lower part will be seen so I didn't put too much effort into it!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53057207625_5401b816fb_z.jpg)
The camera hatch at the rear of the 9 had a sliding cover so that will be added with plastic card once the halves are joined, I still need to drill a hole for the camara on the 4 but that may wait until the fuselage halves are joined.
Now I need to paint that lot and fit the seats, controls, and any other internal detail I think will be needed. I'm not going to add control cables, but not sure yet whether to add camaras.
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Lots of superb internal details there Ian. The interior colours look very realistic. I had no idea that the 9 had an internal bomb bay as I thought that all ordnance was carried externally.
Stephen.
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An excellent update, thanks for sharing Ian!
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So much intricate work done so neatly. There's a lot of research and fine modelling going into this Ian. I don't recall seeing a DH.4 built before it's good to see one of my favourites getting the Royal treatment.
Richie
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Looking great Ian. Solid work on the interiors. I’m enjoying watching the progress you make.
All the best,
Tim
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I am Loving your Painting and detailing on the interiors Ian. Simply Beautiful!
RAGIII
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Many thanks Stephen, Zac, Richie, Tim, and Rick for your feedback. It's very much appreciated!
I hope I can continue in the same way!
A little more progress has been made since I got signed off sick yesterday with Bronchitis. No big deal as I used to get it regularly as a kid. The medicine tastes familiar!
Basically just finished off the internal woodwork on the 9, which would have been easier to do all at the same time but I didn't think that far.....
I also did the props while I was at it.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53061817574_477d02f4db_z.jpg)
I know that looks rough but it's only about the colour. Most of this will be invisible once it's all together so the irregular scraping won't show.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53062023645_d07cbd68a5_z.jpg)
Dh4 prop, lengthened slightly and fine tuned, but otherwise OOB.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53062122298_40592b1938_z.jpg)
DH9 prop, white metal accessory which came with the conversion set. Just filed down and cleaned up, otherwise OOB.
I've also just booked another apartment and hope to move towards the end of August. Still a rental but it's AED21,000 cheaper per year (about 5,000 Pounds) and that goes in my pocket, so looking forward to that! It also has a maid's room which I can use as my spray booth/3d printing room!
That's it for today. Slowly but surely....
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Loving the work that's going on here Ian, great stuff on an interesting aircraft!
Keep it up!
Cheers,
BC
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The props look great Ian. I agree, any rough edges on the interior won't matter one jot once the fuselage is together. I often find myself obsessing over imperfections that won't show up so it's great to see someone not falling into that trap. I shall follow your example in future!
Richie
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Just catching up on this thread, great work on these little critters! The 9 dovetails rather nicely into my second great love, the Interwar/Silver Wings era (Chrome Yellow Wings era on this side of the pond). Looking forward to more progress.
Dave V.
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Thanks for the comments gents, glad you're enjoying it!
Only just over a week since the last post- I must try to keep this up!
Since I've had a long weekend this weekend some more has been done on these two. The only problem is that I keep thinking of other things that need doing! The "other things" this week were preparing some CAD drawings for some of the internal details. I had intended to simply paint the instrument panels, but having done that, they look really tacky. I couldn't find any photos of the DH4 cockpit so decided to take a pot and emailed the pilot of the US Liberty Plane to see if he could help. Imagine my surprise when the next morning I received an email from him with pics!
Accordingly, I will offer my sincere thanks here to Dorian Walker for sending the following: (At least a couple are by James Fahey of course, no surprise there!)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53083372261_209992a748_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53083565634_6f4d06777c_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53083565614_22b50ec2f1.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53082805317_899e53ab0d_z.jpg)
Perfect photos for what I needed!
Yesterday's task then, was to prepare the rough part drawings and print them to check the fit before detailing them. Parts done were:
Pilot's backrests. The striping is just the result of me handbrushing a gloss coat on to see if the detail showed. I'll reprint them anyway.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53083565689_72084f1fc1_z.jpg)
Rudder pedals - I decided that two bits of plastic rod glued together were not going to work....
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53082805377_3e99470362_z.jpg)
DH4 instrument panel
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53083776085_96f436ec40_z.jpg)
It needs shortening slightly top to bottom, but otherwise it has been made to fit by simply shaving slightly more off the fuselage parts.
DH9 panel
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53083866813_968c94def9_z.jpg)
I had to trim a tiny piece off the left edge to get it to fit, and I will need to raise the top of that same area slightly but otherwise a good fit!
DH4 radiator
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53083776045_504d16cf60_z.jpg)
Hmmm.... although a little thinking let to a session paring the cowlings either side to thin them. Resulting in this...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53083565789_b7019eff62_z.jpg)
Which shows again just how thick the plastic is! A little fine sanding on the edges and fits nicely. I will print the front of the engine separately and attach it from behind the radiator. The cooling slats will also be printed separately along with the "lip" around the radiator opening to give the nose the correct look of having the engine cowlings turned in at the front. You'll see what I mean (hopefully) later, when I get that printed.
Anyway, back to the PC now to continue with a little more detailing!
Thanks for looking in,
Ian
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Great progress Ian, thanks for sharing!
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Gorgeous work, Ian. I have the Smithsonian book on the US DH.4 they restored some years back, so if you get stuck for any other details give me a holler. I'd be glad to look it up for you.
Dave V.
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Great stuff Ian, that rudder bar is miniscule. I can almost hear the carpet monster's tummy rumbling! Yes more updates, this is a fascinating project full of old fashioned skills and modern 3d printed wizardry.
Richie
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Thanks guys, much appreciated!
Dave, the only other thing I can't work out is the design of the spent casing ejector chutes. I can't figure out how or where the left gun shells would get to the ejector chutes on the right side.
I had today off so managed a productive day in Fusion getting the details done. Instrument panels for both aircraft, radiators for both, plus additional details for the 4 such as radiator shutters, a "lip" for the engine cowlings, and the nose of the engine to mount the prop on.
First then, the instrument panels. Here's the reference plus the design for the DH9.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53089586550_dafa67762b_z.jpg)
and the same for the DH4
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53088637647_0745356dfb_z.jpg)
They seem to have printed ok too!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53089187896_9fcdb89bd2_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53089189091_44c6c221c3_z.jpg)
I'm not sure why there are lines across the DH9 panel but I'll see if I can get rid of those. Otherwise I'm very pleased with them both.
The 3 parts for the DH4 nose:
Radiator
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53089587740_e3e4aa7aca_z.jpg)
Nose of the Liberty engine
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53088616282_5b79db34b7_z.jpg)
and the front of the cowlings with the cooling slats
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53088616247_4363ca22fd_z.jpg)
The radiator has two lugs on the back to align the engine part. Those need to be moved slightly further apart to allow proper fitment and it needs narrowing just a tad. Otherwise it looks good.
Engine nose works well, and the cowling lip needs to be narrowed by about 1mm and have more supports added for printing. I'll add a thin strip across the back to keep the slats aligned and straight too.
Here's how the rad and engine fit together.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53088616237_804ab3314b_z.jpg)
Finally, the radiator for the DH9
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53089369009_03ca62f2f9_z.jpg)
That fits nicely and is a huge improvement over the white metal part.
That's it for tonight but a day well spent!
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Lovely work Ian!
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Hi, Ian, I dug out my DH-4 book, and had forgotten how disappointing it is when compared to the one on the D.Va... there's only a single chapter on the actual restoration, and not a single photo of the Marlin installations. I studied the photos I have, and ended up more mystified than when I started. Looks like there's two possibilities: In the first you can see a pair of what look to be chutes for spent cartridges on this post-war a/c:
(https://i.postimg.cc/SQDhp7sY/93-B4054-E-03-CA-4-EFB-A44-F-96-F63-E9763-D5.jpg)
... with the one for the left gun apparently leading to a chute that might (or might not!) empty through a hole in the bottom of the fuselage.
But these others all point to (possibly!) some sort of Rube Goldberg combined chutes that both empty out the starboard side of the a/c, one ahead and one behind the forward cabane:
(https://i.postimg.cc/QtxQLbBd/0-CF1-C9-FD-D42-A-420-B-9-FC1-39-DCFE9161-F6.jpg)
... I can't imagine you'd need that much ductwork to get rid of the brass from one gun.
These are the only photos in my library showing the Marlin installation clearly, and unfortunately the lower, uncovered photo shows a test setup on a Salmson. But at least it shows the ammo cans:
(https://i.postimg.cc/tJtTk05S/D8831838-0142-4379-9229-F47777-EFD30-D.jpg)
Hope these help. Wish I could've come up with something more definitive!
Dave V.
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Beautiful work Ian! Love the instrument panels. They will look great when you get them installed. Good luck with the ammo chutes!
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Catching up Ian: you have made great strides since I last looked in. This 3D printing lark really adds a new dimension or even dimensions to our hobby. Much better than what I do trying to file and sand bits into shape - and yours is so much more accurate and detailed too!
Keep up the good work.
Stephen.
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Most impressive Ian! Simply stunning work in 1/72nd scale!
RAGIII
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Thanks Tim, Stephen, and Rick - much appreciated.
Stephen, here is what can be done with the 3d printing. There is no way I could do this the traditional way.....
Here's the DH4 front end dry fitted.
First the front of the cowlings
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53100673670_fcd430152e_z.jpg)
The radiator and "engine" dry fitted
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53100453879_d64cca5a55_z.jpg)
and all together
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53100673665_5867ff4b8f_z.jpg)
I think that's a decent improvement over the kit part!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53100264646_fbf87d5370_z.jpg)
Since I can't spray the aluminium on the instrument panels I've ordered some Vallejo paints and when they arrive the painting of these parts can be completed, and the interior can be completed!
Ian
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Brilliant!
RAGIII
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That's outstanding!
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That radiator looks cool 😎! Pun intended. Lol
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Stunning work, the 3d printed front end is incredibly detailed and delicate. I enjoy making things with basic hand tools but this sort of thing would just not be possible. It must be so rewarding to see the parts get printed with such high resolution.
Richie
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Wonderful work Ian. You're far more patient and talented than I that's for certain. Really enjoying this as I've loved DH4's since my childhood.
Warren
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Thanks folks, I haven't forgotten these! I moved apartment on the middle of August and I'm now on vacation in France. My last night tonight in Carcassonne, on to Perpignan tomorrow.
Once I get home I still need to sort out my modelling area, then I'll be back on these two.
Ian
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Thanks folks, I haven't forgotten these! I moved apartment on the middle of August and I'm now on vacation in France. My last night tonight in Carcassonne, on to Perpignan tomorrow.
Once I get home I still need to sort out my modelling area, then I'll be back on these two.
I'm freshly back from my own holiday overseas and excited to see the latest on these fine builds!
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Right then, where was I?
The apartment move went well with minimal damage (none to the models!) and I had a great 2 weeks in France visiting Toulouse, Carcassonne, and Perpignan. I always enjoy France, it's so relaxing and laid back - my plan is definitely to retire there!
I've finally got most of my modelling stuff sorted out too, and I also bought an Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra as an upgrade from my Mars, and a spray booth with filter (finally!)
Anyway, I digress. Not too much progress made, but getting back on these was long overdue. I tried out the printer yesterday and reprinted the nose parts for the DH4. A little more of a learning curve but results are ok for a first attempt, and also the first time using the new slicing software that comes with the printer, the Voxeldance Tango. It's a huge improvement over Chitubox!
Instrument panels got painted, and this evening I painted the new DH4 radiator, inside of the front of the radiator housing, and nose panel with the shutters. Here's how they look....
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53246178736_c78e5eb010_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53245303322_7ebddde44f_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53246471313_b51ba3b655_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53246178766_195969337b_z.jpg)
That last shot shows how leaving anti-aliasing at a minimum can actually be a benefit. I like the way that looks as a radiator, and I put no effort into getting it!
Hopefully my nest update will not be as long in coming!
Thanks for looking in.
Ian
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Lovely work on the radiator Ian, how wonderful!
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Thanks Zac!
I've managed to get quite a few sessions in on these two over the last couple of weeks and have finally managed to complete all the jobs I'd been putting off.
I needed to finish off the interiors, which meant I needed to fit the remaining fuselage structural members, instrument panels, pilots' back rests, observer seats, the DH4 radiator, DH9 engine (plus add some more details to it), seat frames, seat belts, and seats, and flight controls,
Bit by bit these tasks got done.
DH4:
3d printed radiator and engine nose
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53246178741_d50a17f10b_z.jpg)
Which was fitted, and a dry fit done to see how the cowling lip would fit:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53272229325_3c9839585b_z.jpg)
I'm happy with that, it's certainly a huge improvement over the basic kit parts.
The rest of the interior was added, which includes Gaspatch seats and Eduard PE belts, plus the home printed instrument panel, rudder pedals, and pilot's back rest.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53272043673_1374933c41_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53272229330_fa893a0d7f_z.jpg)
DH9
Engine test fitted
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53271761836_f5df8d5385_z.jpg)
It took a couple of attempts to get it properly aligned and secured but I'm happy with it now. I then added some pipework to busy it up a little, but I don't appear to have a pic of it for some reason. I'll add one next time. You can see some of it here but it's on the other side of the engine.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53272231040_002936b5b4_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53271761796_81bda7f601_z.jpg)
I could have added more to the interiors, but it really won't be seen and there's more than enough there to make them look busy.
With the insides done, it was finally time to button up the fuselages!
They will NOT escape!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53272118769_b3fbda3468_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53271760031_8f11b8bf4a_z.jpg)
They'll sit there until at least tomorrow afternoon when I'm finished work!
Thanks for looking in, have a great weekend everyone!
Ian
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Glad to read that your move went well and that no damage was done to models.
The progress on the two current builds has been very dramatic and I think that you have more than enough interior detail because as you write, most of it will sadly be unseen. The new nose parts for the DH 4 are stunning - worthy of 1/32 scale. Such are the marvels of modern technology.
Stephen.
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I agree on the DH4 bits, it really makes me want a kit!
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Lovely work in such a tiny scale!
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Thanks Stephen, the printer is certainly a game changer!
Zac - careful what you wish for!
Thanks Nigel, glad to have you here!
I have had a few sessions on these over the last few days, mostly just regluing the fuselage halves and ensuring all was fitted correctly. The DH9 fuselage took a few days to get glued properly as it was slightly warped and needed to be done in stages, but all eventually sorted out. The DH4 on the other hand needed a little more persuasion to get the nose fitted.
I also added a sheet of .25mm card to the underside of the 4 to correct the profile - not far off but noticeable to me, and it also helped to hide the join. I'm still not sure that it went together properly as from certain angles it appears that the fuselage is slightly wider than the nose. Hopefully when the upper wing is on it will hide any possible error there!
Filler was required on both of course, and it will take a primer coat later on to show any further work required there.
Here's the nose of the 4 being fitted
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53285299506_ea18474133_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53285549938_e41f41f47c_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53285668234_e949f5ed86_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53284406052_5493031a5d_z.jpg)
As you can see, the fit was not perfect!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53285759620_7f9a1b3011_z.jpg)
I think the fuselage was not quite tight at the bottom and has led to a slight lip, but hopefully the filler will sort it.
Adding the underside sheet definitely helped!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53285299481_d6aae8d08e_z.jpg)
The 9 needed much less effort but still not perfect...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53285552293_74d09b049b_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53284408317_6d34ef6ed3_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53285670664_9360553e7b_z.jpg)
I think I misread the plans and I need to fill most of the large rectangle that I cut out for the bombsight. It should only be a small square!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53285301941_4a8e563b7e_z.jpg)
The nose looks ok, and here is the extra engine detail as promised
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53285761865_e00b22f3e7_z.jpg)
It's not much but definitely makes it look a little busier!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53285761900_0fba9f7493_z.jpg)
Something still looks a little off with the rear cockpit. I think it may be a little warped or the curve is a little different on each side, but there is nothing I can do now. Hopefully I can adjust the rest of the fittings slightly to reduce the effect.
Here're the 2 together
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53285301901_0917537819_z.jpg)
The last job for today was adding the gunners' platforms which I had prepared earlier (shades of Bue Peter!)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53285670604_1ab92b50be_z.jpg)
I will let those dry properly before even attempting to trim them back.
That's where they sit as of tonight. Next jobs will be trimming the gunners' areas and fitting the 4 nose piece. Then we can get a primer coat on!
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Love this build so far Ian (although I've been lurking rather than saying how much fun it's been so far) ;D
Keep it going
Paul
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More incredible attention to detail. I think both are looking really good so far, especially considering what you started with.
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Thanks Paul, lurk as much as you like, not a problem!
Ditto Nigel. I agree they were a bit lacking to start with, but for me that's half the fun. I'm not a big fan of kits that don't need major work - I guess I need help!
A little more done these last few evenings as it's been a fairly slow week at work and most of my sessions have been early which helps!
The gunners' decking was trimmed down using a sharp blade against a metal rule and then carefully sanded.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53292160985_56f3bacbed_z.jpg)
Which left me with these...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53292160535_1161f4fc35_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53292160990_b48d810bb7_z.jpg)
That will work! A little dink on one edge of the 9 one but I hope to be able to position the Scarff ring to mostly hide it. You may also be able to see I added some filler to the left side of the divider between the 2 cockpits and it looks much better now. I think it was the different curve that made it look wonky!
Further small improvements/corrections were made to both.
The bomb sight on the 9 was corrected as mentioned in my previous post. One of the cut offs from the gunners' decking, which was conveniently already painted with the wood effect, was cut to size, glued in and then filled to smooth it out. I think I got away with it!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53291696126_3e7e592ba3_z.jpg)
The Vickers mounting on the 9 also needed a little fettling. It should have a small step just up just in front of the breach section, and the top edge should be lower (the top decking is a little too flat) so I scraped the bottom edge of the moulding to give me a flat surface and added a strip of 0.4mm Evergreen and a decent helping of PPP. Once dried it was carefully filed and sanded down. The forward part is now raised up closer to the barrel as it should be. The top edge was simply filled down a little with a jeweller's file. The small protrusion on the rear of the gun, along with the front sight, were clipped off too.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53290812262_c82c9c2049_z.jpg)
The 4 has also received its nose. I used Gator's Grip to attach it, then when dry, I added resin with a toothpick (I also did that around the 9 Instrument panel) and once cured I had a very secure nose piece! PPP added and sanding carried out as per SOPs. I'm pretty chuffed with it I have to say. Well worth the effort!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53292160530_4c34dd725e_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53290811622_917ddbef6a_z.jpg)
I need to do some work on the tail ends next. The curved cutouts need adding/correcting and I also need to add the same for the tail skids.
I think that should be the last of the remedial work and I can then prime to see where (not if!) further work is required.
Thanks for looking in,
Have a great weekend!
Ian
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I always enjoy seeing your progress Ian, that little gun is exquisite!
Zac - careful what you wish for!
;D ;D I'd love to try an Airfix and Pegasus side by side...
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Excellent progress on both Ian. Your minor niggles about accuracy will not bother most viewers I am sure.
I was relieved to read that you had misread the palns concerning the bomb apature on the 9: I WILL feel better when in future I make similar mistakes!
Stephen.
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Lovely detail work Ian. Both fuselages are really taking shape.
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Fabulous attention to detail. These will be amazing when done.
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Some really nice work, far beyond what I'm capable of at this point.
Warren
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Thanks Zac - I must admit, I'm tempted to do an Airfix with the original RAF engine as an RFC machine, but I have plenty of others in line.
Excellent progress on both Ian. Your minor niggles about accuracy will not bother most viewers I am sure.
I was relieved to read that you had misread the plans concerning the bomb aperture on the 9: I WILL feel better when in future I make similar mistakes!
Stephen.
It all adds to the fun, doesn't it! Doesn't it?
Thanks to Tim, Nigel, and Warren for your feedback! Warren, it's only practice. You'd laugh your socks off if you saw pics of my builds when I came back to the hobby around 2011!
Unfortunately I couldn't make it to Telford this year, but that has meant more progress this last week, even though not as much as I'd hoped as I had to go to Dubai for 3 days.
If you are there, I hope you're all having a great time!
As mentioned previously I had to correct the access cutouts by the rudder post and add the tail skid apertures. For the 9 this wasn't a problem, I just filed out the end of the tail with a round jeweler's file then added a tiny piece of plastic stock to close it off. The 4 however needed new plastic. If you remember, I had to thin the tail as it was too deep. This meant the top part of the D section cutout was missing. Simple enough to fix, I just cut the rest off and glued on a piece of sprue. Once dry it was sanded down to the correct shape and then filed as per the 9.
Here's the 9:
Cut out filed and stock strip added
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53326711633_3363f61e75_z.jpg)
and sanded down
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53326941385_eefda679f3_z.jpg)
and the 4:
New plastic added and sanding to shape.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53326828964_e7ec5d90d3_z.jpg)
sanded, filed out, strip added, and finished.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53326828914_d9f4f6c512_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53325610297_c0f06a6df2_z.jpg)
The D shaped cutouts for the tail skid were drilled then filed out with a half round jeweler's file. I also re-drilled the holes on the 4 as they didn't match up from side to side.
Primer was then applied! Well, not really primer as such, I don't use it. But a coat of Tamiya flat white as a tell-tale coat to see where extra work was needed.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53326940500_3e48a93a78_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53325610267_dc319afc33_z.jpg)
As expected, remedial work was required, but not as much as I had imagined. The 4 nose was the main area - upper and lower seams, as well as the left side where it was grafted on to the fuselage.
Other than that, some minor seam work on both and a final tidy up before......
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53326711628_230767b7f6_z.jpg)
I used my usual Mister Kit PC10 but for some reason it didn't spray well. Not too bad though so I left it overnight to harden before adding a second coat today which sprayed just fine! I'm running short of PC10 so I'll need to source another supplier as Mister Kit is now defunct.
For the 4 I used Vallejo paints as usual. I ordered a couple especially for this build, Ivory and Khaki. For some reason both are very thick. I've not used Model Colour before, only Model Air, and I've had no problem with those. Anyway, after I worked out how to thin it, it worked fine but I almost messed up big time! I had thinned the ivory but it would still only spray with the needle all the way open. I always mix my pant in the airbrush cup and what had happened was that I was still spraying improperly thinned paint. Up to the point when the properly thinned paint got to the tip, and I still had the needle pulled back - flooding the thing with paint! I muttered something along the lines of "oh bother" and quickly wiped it off with a paper towel. A quick LIGHT respray to remove wipe marks and when checked this morning it was fine!
Phew!
Today I gave the 9 a second coat and masked and sprayed the Khaki on the 4.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53326482661_5e3500ba94_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53326940565_32da1ea75d_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53326827959_1a6f63dff8_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53326828854_5a3b766047_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53326712523_ae536c15b3_z.jpg)
A few small touch ups needed on the edges of some of the areas which were cut out (9 radiator, the observers' decking, etc) but nothing major so happy with that!
Time for a beer then.
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Ian, I am really impressed with your work on both these models. Your printed and scratch built parts look so natural under paint. Eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Tim
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I can only echo what Tim said, particularly the excitement for the next post. Brilliant work and nice save with the paint!
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Love how both are progressing Tim. :D
Interesting to note that you prefer not to use primer ??? Any special reason for this?
Found the same thing with model colour paints, they seem to be pretty thick out of the bottle (which is presumably to make them easier for brush painting?) As you say they dpray oaky when well thinned. Incidentally my favourite paints for spraying at the moment are the Scale 75 artists range (In tubes) squirt a bit in the cup mix with distilled water and off you go. Dry very smooth and no issues with clogging.
Paul
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Ian,
Just as Paul mentioned. The Vallejo Model Air paints are designed for airbrushing without the need for thinning. The Model Color line is designed for brush painting but may be thinned out to airbrush. My experience with Model Color is that it doesn’t bond well to the surface, especially metal surfaces. Be very careful when you mask over it and use a very low tac tape. I have read but not confirmed that you can add a few drops of Future floor polish or Clear to help with adherence.
Tim
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You truly should be happy with the results. Great job all around!
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Lovely work all round! You did well with the Vallejo Model Colour, the pigment is not as fine in that compared to Model Air so can be troublesome to spray even when thinned.....
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Ian, I am really impressed with your work on both these models. Your printed and scratch built parts look so natural under paint. Eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Tim
Much appreciated Tim, especially as I've seen some of your work so that's quite a compliment!
I had no issues at all with adhesion. I used standard Tamiya tape for masking and had no problems when I removed it.
I can only echo what Tim said, particularly the excitement for the next post. Brilliant work and nice save with the paint!
Thanks Zac!
Love how both are progressing Tim. :D
Interesting to note that you prefer not to use primer ??? Any special reason for this?
Found the same thing with model colour paints, they seem to be pretty thick out of the bottle (which is presumably to make them easier for brush painting?) As you say they dpray oaky when well thinned. Incidentally my favourite paints for spraying at the moment are the Scale 75 artists range (In tubes) squirt a bit in the cup mix with distilled water and off you go. Dry very smooth and no issues with clogging.
Paul
To be honest I've never seen any need for primer. The only time I did use it (on the Airfix Roland) it was a disaster. I couldn't sand it as it was like a rubber glove. In the end I literally peeled it off! I don't wash the kit either.
I did, however, have a slight moment with the choice of colour for the 4. I know I bought specific colours for it but then I moved apartment and it all got packed together. I think I bought a green-brown for it, but I applied some if that to a test piece to compare and I think I prefer the khaki. Pics of surviving/restored aircraft show either brown or green or both depending on lighting and camera angle. Since the Datafile describes a mustard greenish khaki I'll stick with what I have and maybe darken it a little with a gloss coat.
I was not happy with the 9 either after closer examination, so I lightly sanded back some areas and resprayed it today.
Much happier with it now!
Ian
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Further techniques have been practiced.
I have a silhouette cutter which I have not yet used, and I need to create some masks for both aircraft - the number 3 and bars for the 9, and the number 6 for the 4. I have therefore spent a few hours over the last couple of days trying to figure out how to make that happen. I imported copies of profiles for both aircraft so I could trace the details, and then cleaned the tracings up as some of the edges were not correct. I think I have them pretty much done now, but if anyone knows an easy way to create a border around a letter or number please shout! I tried reducing the size but that of course doesn't work, and I can't offset from a trace. I think I may have to draw freehand over the trace and then offset from each line separately to get what I want.
Anyway, here's what I have so far...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53339224102_baa9f4d55e_z.jpg)
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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In the end I gave up on the white border for the number 6 on the fuselage. Two reasons: I couldn't get the cutter to cut such a thin slither of mask, and also it can't be seen against the pale background anyway! I'm not sure why none of the profiles I've seen have the white border on the upper wing, where it would help visibility, but they don't so I'll stick with that!
On another note, I realised today that I haven't completed one single model this year, and these certainly won't be done by the end of December.
Must do better next year!
As mentioned above, this last week or so has been spent getting the masking sorted and the fuselage markings painted.
Here are the 2 masked up and ready to paint.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53353671832_3da47546a5_z.jpg)
It took a while to get the masks straight, and even then I think one side of the 4 is very slightly off. The 9 was fairly straightforward.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53353671817_ffb7484806_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53354768953_d5bc0eb5fd_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53354546051_f283bfdcf2_z.jpg)
The 4 then got a splash of colour
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53354995180_06ef0253ae_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53354768183_886fbf14e3_z.jpg)
You can see on the second pic that the 6 has a very slight forward lean to it. It's staying like that! The photos also show the red much brighter than it really is due to the dark colour of the background.
I then had to start thinking about painting the cockpit padding and the straps that hold the upper decking on the 4. That is where my habit of "leave it until later" caught up with me.
I had noticed long ago that the rear strap was very indistinct and not well moulded, and had decided to replace it with a .25 x .5mm strip of Evergreen. The front strap wasn't there at all. Of course, they should have been added long ago, and certainly before I painted it!
Plonker.
Anyway, the decking between the cockpits was rubbed down and the strip was applied.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53354545126_e09c7a1346_z.jpg)
After repainting, I noticed that the paint on the left side was chipped and hadn't been sanded down properly, so it had to be rubbed down again. At the same time, I took the opportunity to reduce the thickness of the "straps" slightly by sanding them down.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53354871154_4af966f163_z.jpg)
It was then painted again!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53354545106_e7b57d5c60_z.jpg)
That is much more representative of the correct shade of red. I used Tamiya Flat Red.
Today I finally got around to painting the coaming and the new straps.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53354871149_8a0acb1d79_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53354768958_726bf8a834_z.jpg)
I think that's about it for the fuselages for now. The next job will be to sort the wings out. I've already thinned the Pegasus ones and removed all the surface detail. They will need to be marked up and drilled for the struts and rigging holes, then masked and painted. I also need to add pins to mount them and attach the centre panel on the 9. A gravity tank will also be needed for the 4.
Noe of that will happen tomorrow as I have to work in the morning. The afternoon and evening are also spoken for as a friend offered me a free hospitality ticket for the F1 GP, which of course, I accepted!
Have a great weekend folks, and thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Superb work, these are looking really good. Lovely attention to detail.
On another note, I realised today that I haven't completed one single model this year, and these certainly won't be done by the end of December.
That's a good reason for doing 1/32 - if you only build one a year, at least you have something quite big to show for it! ;)
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Those are looking wonderful Ian. Brilliant job with the masks.
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Catching up. Great progress!
Steve
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Wonderful work!
Warren
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What really matters is not how many models one finishes in a year, but the quality of same. In your case the quality is invariably of the highest standard, so the time is very well spent.
Stephen.
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Beautiful detail in this small scale Ian.
Looking good!
Cheers,
Willem
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Evening all!
Many thanks all for the positive feedback. It's very much appreciated and I'm glad you're all enjoying the builds!
I had a great day at the GP, with a totally unexpected last minute offer from a friend of a hospitality ticket in the marina. Needless to say I didn't see much of the race! (and no, it wasn't one of the flashy mega yachts, but still great fun, a big party, and lots of alcohol). No we were NOT part of the mayhem that broke out, I was shocked when I saw footage of it and I'm absolutely certain that if any of those involved are residents, they won't be for much longer!
It was also National Day today so a long weekend for everyone. I took advantage and made some progress on another of those jobs that I'd been putting off. Namely prepping the wings on the 4.
I had another "doh" moment a week or so ago and started removing the surface detail and thinning the wings, including the upper wing centre section, separately. Yes, you guessed it, they then didn't match up! My first job then was to pin the outer wings and centre section, temporarily join them and sand/fill them to match!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53375941155_220e049152_z.jpg)
First job done! They will be separated again to add the dihedral once everything else is done as it will be easier to mark everything up with them flat.
The upper and lower wings were then marked up for the spars and the strut locations drilled, ensuring, of course, that they all lined up!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53375675128_00243cc253_z.jpg)
Next up, marking and separating the ailerons.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53375816464_791cd7f53d_z.jpg)
Once separated, they were marked and drilled for the mounting pins.
Of course the tail surfaces needed the same treatment, so they were thinned, control surfaces separated, and pinned as well. The rudder/vertical fin needed a little more work since it was not only too thick but too big. You will remember that I reduced the size of the rudder post on the fuselage so the rudder was now too deep. And the wrong shape!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53375675108_e13fa50a14_z.jpg)
Easy enough to fix with a sanding stick
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53375675113_f7dc3e0826_z.jpg)
So what I've ended up with at the end of this weekend is...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53375816419_402521fd7d_z.jpg)
I may still thin the fin/rudder a little more. I normally make new ones from Evergreen sheet but for some reason decided not to this time.
I now have to do it all again for the 9, then make a couple of gravity tanks for the centre sections.
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Oh the joys of sanding and filling.... followed by scribing and more sandin.... you get the idea!
Looks good though Ian - and it will be woth it when the models are finished.
Stephen.
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Lovely attention to detail here, looking forward to seeing more progress.
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Those wings look really nice Ian. The Airfix wings need a lot of work but all your efforts are worth it.
Tim
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Continuing to be and interesting double build.
Even if you do not manage to finish them this year you have a good chance to start the next year completed list with two lovely entries ;-)
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Those wings look really nice Ian. The Airfix wings need a lot of work but all your efforts are worth it.
Tim
Thanks Tim.
The Airfix wings were going to be used for the 9 conversion but were too warped so those are scratch built. These are the Pegasus wings for the 4.
Ian
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Thanks all!
A quick update for this weekend's work on the wings and tail surfaces for the 9.
I had fortunately already prepared the blanks and sanded them to shape so I could get on with marking them out, separating the various sections, and drilling/pinning it all back together. There's something a little perverse about cutting something into pieces only to them spent a couple of hours drilling tiny holes and pinning it all back together, but there we go!
First then, mark it all up.
Carefully!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53388333680_83b2184c91_z.jpg)
I have marked them for a) struts, b) ailerons, and c) the centre section, as that will need to be separated to get a crisp edge for the dihedral. Bending would work but it doesn't give a sharp edge. Also the lower wing obviously needs the centre section removed competely.
All done!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53387898781_c2bb070cba_z.jpg)
Until that is I looked again and thought that the gao between the ailerons and the strut locations was a little too large. The struts fit to the same spar as the ailerons after all! I matched up the wing markings against the recesses in the fuselage and... they didn't match! So the rear strut holes were filled and redrilled slightly further aft. They now match! It was only about 1mm at the most but would definitely show as the struts would be out of line and not parallel so it had to be done.
Then on to the tail surfaces. I just found out I'm running dangerously low on 30thou sheet for these so I'll need to order more!
All marked out
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53388204124_a9e0a4165d_z.jpg)
cut out, and final shaping completed.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53386979087_5905dc86ee_z.jpg)
They have also been sanded to a fine edge at the rear and rounded off on all other edges. They're ready to have the sections separated and pinned now, but I've done enough of that this weekend, so I'm going to sit by the water and have a beer or 2. A very pleasant 27C today!
Thanks for looking in, have a great week everyone!
Ian
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Good job you spotted the holes problem on the wings Ian. The tail surfacrs look good - nothing like 30 thou card for flying surfaces.
Stephen.
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Superb modelling. Harry W would be very proud!
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I've been away for a while and it's great to come back to so many tasty updates. Great work Ian!! I'm sorry for the issues you've hit but well done on recovering.
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Really great progress!
Warren
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Impressed by the amount of work you put into this! Looks great! :)
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Good job you spotted the holes problem on the wings Ian. The tail surfacrs look good - nothing like 30 thou card for flying surfaces.
Stephen.
Thanks Stephen, I agree! I'd much rather have a little extra work at this stage than find out too late! More 30 thou and some brass rod is on its way!
Superb modelling. Harry W would be very proud!
Thanks Nigel, that's quite a complement! Not often that Harry W is mentioned any more, but I have his Ilya Muromets book which is a godsend for building that monster. Must get back to it......
I've been away for a while and it's great to come back to so many tasty updates. Great work Ian!! I'm sorry for the issues you've hit but well done on recovering.
Thanks Zac, welcome back!
Really great progress!
Warren
Mant thanks Warren!
Impressed by the amount of work you put into this! Looks great! :)
Thanks AJ! (if you can abbreviate AngryJazz that way!)
Right, mailbox dealt with, on to today's update!
Somewhere along the line my measuring/checking against plans has gone a bit wonky - a fact I discovered when I test fitted the tail feathers. What it all amounted too was that I needed to add a small fillet to the rear decking of the 4 as there was too much gap for the horizontal stabiliser to fill. Fortunately, a minor issue and easily resolved with a piece of plastic rod, but it will need a quick respray. Again, that shouldn't be a problem as I have still to paint the wings and tail anyway so I can do it then.
Both aircraft now have a complete, pinned, set of tail feathers and test fits now look good!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53398208917_9df30a8b5e_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53399575035_535fd07841_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53398208312_9ba5a16214_z.jpg)
I have since added another small pin to the rear end of the stabilisers on both just to give a more positive and secure location.
Then the most nerve-wracking task, which again should have been done before painting, drilling for the lower wing mountings.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53399140806_42ed3193c0_z.jpg)[/url]
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53399141441_8bdbf3c6db_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53399330133_3e13ca05f7_z.jpg)
aaannnndd.....breathe again!
The have also been checked in profile to ensure that the wing spars (where the lower strut mountings are), lower cabane strut mounts. and cabane struts all line up. IE the struts will be level viewed from the side!
Phew.
Beer time!
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Enjoy the beer Ian you've certainly earned it ;D
Top work all round
Paul
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Looking superb Ian!
RAGIII
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I missed your last update, great progress and I'm looking forward to seeing these completed in 24!
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Wonderful progress on these Ian. I like the pins you’ve added for reinforcement.
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Top job Ian, the various alignments look spot on!
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Just fantastic all the way around.
Warren
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Thanks for the feedback gents, much appreciated!
I hope everyone had a great Christmas, and Happy New Year to all!
Happy New Year everyone and may the modelling gods be with you!
I have been busy over the last week, but I succumbed to starting yet another kit. I had a nostalgia trip just before Christmas and ordered a load of 54mm Airfix Napoleonic figures, plus 3 Matchbox 1:32 cars which I had built as a teenager. The Jaguar SS100 got the better of me and a start has been made over on the vehicles forum.
Some progress has also been made here and I masked the undersides of all the flying surfaces.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53435193704_4027ab000f_c.jpg)
It's a tedious job, which is why I kept putting it off, but once I got started it went pretty quickly.
All done!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53435017228_1ec39fbc52_c.jpg)
They were sprayed, then when dry the masking was removed. It was hardly worth the effort on the 4 as the ivory colour barely shows up the ribs!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53435193714_c00b926c64_c.jpg)
The upper wings of the 4 have been glued together and once set I will don any remedial work needed on the joins, touch up, then spray a thin coat of ivory - or maybe not, as the ribs are barely visible anyway! The 9 wings will definitely get a thin coat of CDL over the ribs to tone them down a little.
That's all for now,
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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Lovely work, although it is a bit subtle! If you go to all that effort of masking the ribs on CDL, I would advise a light mist of a patchy reddish brown colour before you remove the masking strips. The varnish on the CDL areas would discolour and the rib tapes would stand out against this. You can see this on both period photos and replicas.
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Thanks Nigel. None of my models are weathered so I'll save myself that job!
The CDL on the 9 is much more noticeable than this one.
Ian
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Impressive progress Ian. Looking forward to seeing the final results.
Tim
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Thanks Tim!
Just a brief update this time.
My preferred method is to just use paint to emphasise the ribs. If the upper surface is CDL, the underside ribs are usually shadows, so darker. If the upper surface is doped, the underside ribs are lighter. For CDL aircraft I mark the ribs with a pen or similar. If the upper surface is coloured, I paint the underside white, mask the ribs, then spray CDL. After removing the masking a quick light CDL coat gives the effect I want. The same is done on the upper surfaces.
This is what I have now after that process.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53449156713_7f3f5f39a9_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53448109187_623ddb9f74_z.jpg)
Subtle, but noticeable.
I now need to do the same to the upper surfaces, and drill the rigging holes.
Slowly but surely!
Thanks for looking in,
Ian
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Beautiful work Ian.
Thank you for explaining your colouring process.
Willem
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Very nice, subtle airbrushing.
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Right then, after having gone cross-eyed doing all that masking on the undersurfaces, I did it all again today on the uppers!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53505624677_81dfec604c_z.jpg)
You can see why I kept putting this job off, especially as I also had to mask off the overlap under the DH9 wings/tail.
Anyway, both sets of wings are now ready for the upper surfaces to be painted, so the next pics should be of almost finished flight surfaces. I will not finish the upper surfaces of the top wings as there will be repairs to be made following rigging so the final coat will be done after any repairs have been made.
Thanks for looking in!
Ian
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I had missed checking this thread Ian: so have just caught up with events. Good progress but I do not envy you all that masking of the ribs! It is enough to turn a man off making WW1 types altogether!!
Stephen.
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Well done for keeping them all parallel!
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Great work, Ian, I'm especially looking forward to seeing the American version, which you don't see modeled very often. I always thought they were very attractive, the one in Dayton is a beauty in real life.
Dutch
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Thanks chaps!
I do like the Liberty powered version, it just looks more elegant to me. The longer landing gear probably helps!
I've had late starts all this week so got the painting done on the upper surfaces, including the wrap-around on the DH9. The upper wings have not been completely finished as repairs will be required after rigging, so leaving it needing another thin coat or two means I'll be able to hide the rigging repairs at the same time.
Will that's the plan, and it usually works....
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53518087126_f046f8baca_z.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53518251253_379ef29c5b_z.jpg)
With the weekend coming up I can now look forward to drilling all the rigging holes!
Ian
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Wonderful work Ian. Glad to see you back at this project. Getting close to the finish line!