forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Completed models => Topic started by: Rob Hart on August 12, 2013, 08:12:00 AM
-
The Morane Saulnier A1 may have had the briefest operational career of any WWI combat aircraft. It served with frontline units from only late February to mid May of 1918 before being withdrawn for alleged structural defects. Ironically, French aerobatic pilot Alfred Fronval used one to perform 600 consecutive loops in 1919. Not bad for an aircraft with structural deficiencies.
The Special Hobby kit is an inaccurate, ill fitting, and badly engineered toad. I replaced or modified nearly very single part of the kit. I don't know if the Copper State of Spin kits offer better alternatives, but I strongly encourage anyone interested in building a 1/48 MS AI to explore all of the options before tackling the Special Hobby Kit.
Like every model I have built to date, this one did not turn out as nice as I had hoped. However, it gave me loads of priceless building practice, it provided many, many hours of (mostly) pleasant escape into my hobby, and, best of all, I have another finished WWI model.
(http://imageshack.us/scaled/large/29/kjgw.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/29/kjgw.jpg/)
(http://imageshack.us/scaled/large/710/vu9l.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/710/vu9l.jpg/)
(http://imageshack.us/scaled/large/24/v8m6.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/24/v8m6.jpg/)
(http://imageshack.us/scaled/large/694/lcob.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/694/lcob.jpg/)
(http://imageshack.us/scaled/large/20/rgls.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/20/rgls.jpg/)
(http://imageshack.us/scaled/large/23/f7xh.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/23/f7xh.jpg/)
-
Just beautiful Rob! Very well done.
Regards,
Bob
-
For a toad of a kit you sure have ended up with an exceptional model, this is testimony to your modeling skills. It is a beautiful looking modelk Rob, the camo is excellent and the overall finish is superb, congratulations and thank you for posting this wonderful model.
Des.
-
Hi Bob.
It may not turned out like you wished for, but it does look great.
The model has a great overall look, the prerfct one... just matching your skill.
Your model it's beautifull and i'm thankfull for those pics.
Cheers
-
Rob,
Your "badly engineered toad" turned into the fabled handsome Prince methinks!
Very nice work; great finish and a really crisp looking Model, Well done!
Cheers,
Lance
-
Talk about making a silk purse out of a sow's ear!
You have come up with a gorgeous model, Rob, an
indication of your modelling skills. Well done!
Cheers,
Ernie :)
-
Well, disappointed or not, it's turned out very well thank you. You've made a great job of such an apparently bad kit - neat clean and very well presented.
Bravo.
-
I agree with all the above.
I would have chucked it in the bin halfway through and you've made a little gem!
Guy
-
Rob,
She's outstanding example of turning a sow's ear into a silk purse! Congratulations my old friend you've completed a real stunner my old friend. I'm very much impressed with this latest project of yours. From the construction, weathering and that awesomely beautiful French 5 color camouflage. In other words she's a fitting tribute to your highest level of skill and craftsmanship. Well Done Rob!
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
-
I echo what others have already said - brilliant work.
Regards
Dave
-
Thanks to all and special thanks to Des for making this site available. It is a great resource and a huge amount of fun.
-
Thanks to all and special thanks to Des for making this site available. It is a great resource and a huge amount of fun.
We need a "like" button :)
-
Great looking bird, Rob. With the finish you've give it, it could be mistaken for a Wingnuts kit!
Lindsay
-
This is a really nice looking plane, one that I would be proud to have built. Would you mind sharing the story behind that exceptional looking grass it is parked on?
Chris
-
I have to agree with everyone else, Rob. You would never know that this kit was such a "toad" by the way she turned out. You did a brilliant job on her. I'd be proud to have this one sitting in my display case.
Cheers,
Bud
-
compressor man: The grass is one of the Polak scenery mats: http://www.polakmodel.com/en/vyrobky/main/Meadows-type-B/
I bought mine from a retailer in Australia, but I believe they are available from Nordland Models now. It was the easiest part of the project. All I did was take it out of the package, trim it to size, and glue it to the base.
Bud, thank you very much. You actually deserve some credit for this model as I have used your builds as inspiration for a long time.
-
I agree with all of the compliments above. For a toad of a kit you have performed miracles - I for one would not have thought that this was anything other than WNW standard except that you have told us of the problems. Congratulations on first class modelling.
-
Lone Modeller,
Thank you very much.
-
Lovely work! Makes a great change from all of this over-sized 1/32 stuff everyone is building nowadays... :P
BC
-
Oversized?!!....Im preparing for the move to 1/24th.....
Steve
-
Seeing this model it is hard to believe you called the kit a toad. If it really was one you have made a lovely prince(ss) out of it. Very nice, clean and crisp model it is. Congratulations!
-
Really, really nice model there Rob! You should be pleased with the outcome as the finished model is just a terrific finish. It's great to see some more 1/48th kits getting their share of publicity as there's too much talk these days of 1/32 scale subjects only.
I have found Special Hobby kits can deliver a nice outcome but as you say be a toad of a build! That said, praise to Special Hobby for producing 1/48th scale WW1 subjects !
cheers
Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
-
Brad,
Thanks, and may the small scale modeler rise again.
Steve,
How soon before 1/16 is the new 'normal'? :)
Przemol,
Thanks,
Despite my complaints about the kit, I enjoyed the experience and look forward to the next challenge.
Dave W
I won't be shying away from any Special Hobby kits. They make some really interesting subjects and now I know pretty much what to expect. Forewarned is forearmed. Thanks.
-
Rob,
I thought I had already joined the chorus but found I had not! Beautifully built and painted!! One of the more elegant looking allied fighters. Very well done!!!
RAGIII
-
Thanks for the new pIcs.
If there is such a thing as a "pretty" WWI aircraf , the A-1 gets my vote. :)
-
This came out beautifully, Sir. Splendid work!