forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Epeeman on August 23, 2013, 02:01:58 AM
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Hello, all -
Not really posted any work on this forum for a while (due to combination of work study and trying to move home) so have decided to get right back in with a build thread of my 28th scale Revell Fokker DVII - please don't laugh!!! Compared to the great work of others, this is going to be pretty basic work on a fairly basic kit.
I want this to be a 'fun' build so I intend to build pretty much OOB with the exception of a couple of small alterations. Considering the age of this kit, basic detail seems pretty reasonable to me. The only thing I can see that looks odd is the upper wing and fuselage. Test fitting of these parts has revealed a distinct bow to the top wing and the fuselage looks like it has gained a bit of middle age spread. I have therefore straightened top wing by cutting small slices in the top section and using hot water from a kettle, straightened by hand. I just need to tidy up now it has all set.
I haves roughly cut away small sections of the rear fuselage (top and bottom) with the aim of reducing the girth in this area. It looks pretty horrible at the moment, but I am confident I will be able to get together and tidy up later in the build. I have also started to paint inside the fuselage cockpit and engine compartment and hope to finish off this evening when I resume work on it.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002_zps68e961f8.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/002_zps68e961f8.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/003_zps3e12165c.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/003_zps3e12165c.jpg.html)
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Hello Dave:
I have a couple of these. Started one several years ago, but; stopped. Anyway. I have always wanted to tackle this again. It will be fun to see yours come together. My philosophy is the same, pretty much OOB, maybe tackle the top wing, but other than that, OOB. Looks like you are making progress. Are you going to use the kit decals?
Best
Mark
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If you need some spares I've a mismatch of bits laying around. ;D
Keith
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I did SPAD XIII of the same company. I am very curious what will be the Fokker .
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good luck with your build Dave :) looking forward to it
michael
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Thanks, gents -
I will probably use the kit decals - did consider painting up my own versions based on either Leonhardt or Lothar V Richtofen but would need underwing lozenge decals for some reason not included in this kit.
Keith - argh! - it's a shame I did not know you had spares - mine was missing the prop boss so filled holed in prop and knocked up boss/bracket from a 72nd scale spitfire wheel filed flat (including holes drilled) and centre nut from a prop all from my spares box.
Richard - thank you - do you have anything now for this kit?
Anyway, have painted interior and have filled the joints in leading edge which now needs to dry. Some pictures below of where I am up to.
Regards
Dave
PS - please excuse the mess on my 'workbench' (kitchen table!)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/007_zpsde1c0809.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/007_zpsde1c0809.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/004_zpsdb754857.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/004_zpsdb754857.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/008_zpsf445179a.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/008_zpsf445179a.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/009_zps9ae99fc6.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/009_zps9ae99fc6.jpg.html)
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Nice work so far Dave, your prop boss mod is very clever. Looking forward to see what you do with this kit.
Des.
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theres been published in the past directions on how to make the fuselage accurate. i know i have it here somewhere. it shows you exactly what to remove in slivers and wedges more or less. might be online somewhere.
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Dave, Nice work so far, your prop boss came out great! Have Fun with this one!!
RAGIII
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Dave,
Excellent progress to date my old friend. I'm really excited to be following this thread and will be looking forward to more updates.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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Nice going Epeeman.
I have the Dr.I i this scale from the same company, but... well it's too big for me! :P
I'm enjoying the detail your putting in it.
Cheers
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RAGIII/Gregory/Zabu - thank you!
The upper wing has now been tidied up. In addition, have now completed the cockpit as shown. The seat belts are a molded detail which I was more than happy to use - I really hate having to make them up from scratch!
So far, so good - the standard of fit has been superb. Kit is virtually falling together. Considering the age of the kit, this is quite a feat. Molding is crisp with no flash to the parts. Let's hope the rest of the kit goes together as well.
More updates to follow in due course.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/003_zps9e237034.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/003_zps9e237034.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002_zps940085d8.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/002_zps940085d8.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/001_zps091b225f.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/001_zps091b225f.jpg.html)
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She is coming together very nicely Dave, the cockpit looks excellent and the work you did on the wing has certainly paid off, looking forward to more updates, BTW, what age is the kit?
Des.
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Thanks, Des - appreciate your support on this build.
As regards age of kit, there is a date inside fuselage of 1995 but I understand this relates to Revell's last re-release of it. I think I am right in saying original kit dates back to the late 50's/early 60's.
Regards
Dave
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I love it. Fun build of an old school kit. I built the other Revell 1/28 WWI subjects when I was a kid -- at least the other ones I know about -- Fokker Dr.1, SPAD XIII and Camel, but somehow never this one...
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I have never seen one of these built. I think this kit was released much later than the other Revell 1/28 WWI kits. Nice work on the cockpit.
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I love it. Fun build of an old school kit. I built the other Revell 1/28 WWI subjects when I was a kid -- at least the other ones I know about -- Fokker Dr.1, SPAD XIII and Camel, but somehow never this one...
When released in the 90s' rumor had it that the original design dated back to when the SPAD, Triplane, and Camel were released. I never heard if this was substantiated!
Dave, The cockpit looks excellent!
RAGIII
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Bo,
Nice job good to see some others do the Revell kit , few realize how good they can be with some work.
Rick,
Yes, when I was IPMS USA 1st VP , I had convinced them to do the D VII, but they were sold before starting, then rejoined with Revell of Germany in the early 90's. The design work was done in Germany and sent to Korea. I think it would not have had it's problems if it was done in Venice, CA. in the early 80's. If I would have had Sir PJ's money WNW would have been in 1/28.
Ed
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It's looking great. Very nice wood effect!
Looking forwars for the next update.
Cheers
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The cockpit is looking great.
Adam.
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Great work, Dave. The cockpit is really looking good. Excellent
Wood effects! I look forward to your next update.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Excellent work on the cockpit, Dave. This will be a very striking model when complete. By the way, Copper State has decals for one of Udet's D.VII in 1/28 scale.
http://www.copperstatemodels.com/
They haven't opened shop just yet, but if you contact the new owner, Ilya Sobolev, at [email protected] I bet they would be willing to sell them to you. If your interested.
Cheers,
Bud
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Thank you all for the kind words, gentlemen -
Bud - I was going to build using box decals, but I must admit I might be tempted so will have a look at the link you kindly attached.
Right, next update -
Engine completed - no added details, just straight from the kit. I do not intend to have side panels open, so most of the engine will be hidden anyway. Strangely, the top half of the motor looks a bit undersized to my eyes although still looks pretty reasonable anyway. Completed motor now fixed into one half of the fuselage. I have also found a spare (32nd scale) ammo can from my spares box so decided to put in, just to add a bit more interest to the cockpit.
I will now be closing up the fuselage this evening - I hope the rear halves go together now I have cut (hacked) away some of it to reduce width here. Time will tell ................
Thanks for looking, folks - more updates to follow.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/001_zps8fd5885d.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/001_zps8fd5885d.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002_zps338f43ab.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/002_zps338f43ab.jpg.html)
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Lovely work on the engine Dave and it looks great sitting in its home.
Des.
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G'day, Dave.
That's looking good, mate. The cockpit came out very well, indeed.
Cheers.
Dal.
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OK, all -
Next update -
Managed to get the rear fuselage halves together and used scraps of plastic to fill large gaps here. Once all set, filled with model putty. Once that had dried, lots and lots of elbow grease filing and sanding; followed with more putty and sanding until I was happy I had it as tidy as I could get. I've reduced the rear fuselage width by about 5 mm in all.
Whilst putty was drying, completed the cockpit and hollowed out the exhaust. Attempted knocking up fuel filler caps to cover the bland molded holes to represent this area. Fitted the side engine panels and front radiator - kit is still going together very nicely.
Cut the tailplane in half to reduce width to match reduced fuselage width. This will now need to be cleaned up before fitting.
I could probably taken out a bit more plastic from the fuselage (still appears a bit tubby to my eyes) but overall am happy with the result.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/003_zps50aa2b91.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/003_zps50aa2b91.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/004_zpse7397d1f.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/004_zpse7397d1f.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/005_zps1ac3fa01.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/005_zps1ac3fa01.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/006_zps3d15c523.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/006_zps3d15c523.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/001_zpsde80c250.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/001_zpsde80c250.jpg.html)
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Dave,
The big old Fokker is coming around nicely my friend. Keep up the grand works.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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thats coming along a treat Dave :)
michael
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Good work on the fuselage, Dave. The cockpit looks great with the
fuselage buttoned up.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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You are certainly working overtime on this Build, Dave. Looking very nice at this point, hard to believe the Kits been around so long. Are you sure it goes that far back, I would have guessed the 70's at the very earliest.
Cheers,
Lance
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Thanks, gents -
Appreciated.
Lance - no, not sure age of kit I just assumed it dates with other three in the range. It does makes sense being later as this particular kit is nicely molded with sharp detail and no flash to the parts.
Regards
Dave
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Dave,
Just curious as I had all three of the originals (DR1, SPAD, and Camel) and hoped (Long time ago!) to see more released........................never did until about 10-15 years ago when I noticed the DVII in one of the old Model Magazines. That was when I was modelling WWI mostly in 1:72 and started toying with 1:48 Scale. Amazing how this Hobby has progressed........... :o
Cheers,
Lance
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All,
This model is flying together (a pretty good kit actually) so I apologise if I becoming a bore - not my intention!
Anyway, have now tidied up fuselage and tailplane. Installed tailplane and support struts resulting in a good fit in this area. Fitted the lower wing as well. I think I could probably have reduced width (fuselage) further, but overall I am pleased with the result. Assembled the MG's adding a knocked up butt pads for them. Because these parts are hollow, decided to attempt drilling out the outer jackets to try and improve the detail a bit. I managed to do this but it has not come out that tidy - oh well, live and learn. These may look better when painted up.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/001_zps9dd5c042.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/001_zps9dd5c042.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/003_zps98d0c66f.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/003_zps98d0c66f.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/004_zpse91c6aad.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/004_zpse91c6aad.jpg.html)
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Hi Dave,
It's looking great so far! I have this kit too, and it is a very impressive kit, but I have been made aware that there are some inaccuracies. Is there a thread, a build log or a similar account which identifies the problems, and offers solutions, or did you work it all out for yourself? I have never extensively modified a kit, since the very reason we buy kits is that we expect them to be correct and ready to build! I have scratch built aeroplanes in larger scales but the modification of kits and scratch building displayed on excellent sites such as this one are absolutely astounding! It's only because of sites like this one that I have become aware of the fact that some kits need quite extensive modification, and that so many modellers build parts and even entire aeroplane models from scratch!
Regards,
David.
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Hello Dave:
Just checking in to see your build. You are making good progress. The cockpit, engine and the guns all look great. I like your approach of building it, not getting to wrapped around the axle over minutiae. I am looking forward to seeing you wrap it up and your comments.
Best
Mark
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Looking Terrific! I am eagerly awaiting the next update!!
RAGIII
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David, Mark, RAGIII - thank you - really pleased you boys are along for the ride!
Right, OK - next update.
Fitted front cabane struts and decided to make sure the top wing was nicely aligned. This was a real headache. Try as I might, I could not get a good alignment between upper and lower wing. I then tried to align by dry fitting the interplane struts which helped to an extent. Long story short, ended up having to slightly shorten the cabane struts. In addition, I have had to play around with the upper wing again resulting in having to drill a new hole for the struts on starboard side. This was to get the wing parallel with the lower one. All this has taken two nights to achieve. I just hope that it will all fit together when required although I have a gut feeling I may have another battle at this stage ............... We'll see.
Having a good think on this, I speculate that the problem has arisen by my straightening of the upper wing. At the beginning, I said the upper wing (straight from box) has a bow upwards at the centre. Straightening the wing must have lowered wing height at this point meaning the kit cabanes were now too tall.
In between lots of cursing and swearing, decided to knock up the MG flash guard thingies that sit atop the motor. I achieved this by cutting some sprue (straight ones), filing out flat and then filing in a narrow groove down the centre creating the 'rail'. Cut into two sections using trial and error measurements on the motor to get right length. I then used smaller sprue (filed flat) to join the two rails. Fitted in and painted up as shown. The only other detailing up is to create the empty cartridge case shutes for the MG's when fitted.
Next, over to the paint shop.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002_zps6e3d67ce.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/002_zps6e3d67ce.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/001_zps4e11a43e.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/001_zps4e11a43e.jpg.html)
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A little splash of colour now .................
Painted the fuselage and then applied the decals. I decided to paint in the white stripe on the nose (kit does provide decal) as I doubted I could get the decal to conform around/over the molded louvres on the cowling. A wise move as it turned out. Kit decals are OK but quite brittle. Applying the black/white checker band around the fuselage was tricky - decal decided to break into four sections whilst applying. Ended up joining like a jigsaw and then painting in the small gaps.
Bud - did consider the Copper State Udet decals but the set shown on their website but does not seem to include the wing lozenge. Therefore decided to go with the kit supplied decals.
Next stage will be to install MG's and fin and rudder before moving onto lower wing painting/decaling.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/001_zps75cab19c.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/001_zps75cab19c.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002_zps6ee51926.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/002_zps6ee51926.jpg.html)
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She's looking extremely good Dave, you made a great recovery on the checker decal. Good work drilling out the cooling jacket on the MG, and you did a great job on the MG flash rails on top of the engine, well done.
Des.
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Great work, Dave. Things really take shape when you get some colour
and decals on the model. Anxious to see your next progress photos.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Great pait job eppeman. The green and that white band makes it very nice.
Cheers
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Dal, :-[ Sorry Dave!
The paint scheme looks terrific!
RAGIII
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Next update -
After painting fuselage installed MG's and fin/rudder. Completed rigging on tail using combination of 4lb fishing line and stretched sprue.
Kit supplied lozenge decals are a bit of a challenge. After painting wing on upper and lower surfaces, went to work on applying the lozenge decals to upper surface. Decals are thick and very brittle and do not respond well to decal softening solutions. Took a whole evening just to get these decals on the lower wings and ended up with chipped/cracked areas on leading/trailing edges. Therefore spent this evening painting in the damaged areas by hand. Luckily, this has worked well resulting in a good match with decals. I then applied rid tape decals with no great problems. Finally, coated all with several coats of clear to seal all in.
Will now start work on painting and decaling upper wing.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/001_zpse276380c.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/001_zpse276380c.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/005_zps85a03bed.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/005_zps85a03bed.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/006_zps5ed6d1a3.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/006_zps5ed6d1a3.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002_zps41920013.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/002_zps41920013.jpg.html)
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Dave,
Excellent update! The Lozenge looks good. A little toning down would really enhance the look. JMHO and either way it is a beautiful bird!
RAGIII
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Quite a nice job so far on the old bird.
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All,
Another update -
Completed painting, decaling and rigging (ailerons) and now finally installed the upper wing. All the prep work earlier on in the build dry fitting this wing bore fruit. Wing just clicked into place and has lined up perfectly. In summary, straightening upper wing required that the cabane struts had be to be slightly shortened to fit. Interplane struts fitted with no alteration work needed.
I have taken RAGIII's advice and toned down (using gloss brown mixed into clear coat heavily thinned down and applied as an overall wash) the lozenge decal - hope it looks OK.
Moving into the final assembly stages now, with just the undercarriage and prop to go before complete. Undercarriage is made up ready for fitting and rigging.
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/001_zpsd69c6f68.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/001_zpsd69c6f68.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002_zps1c38cea5.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/002_zps1c38cea5.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/003_zpsc42c31e8.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/003_zpsc42c31e8.jpg.html)
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Excellent! Toning down the lozenge with a wash sure does help. Very nice job on a great old kit.
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HI Epeeman.
Your doing wonders! Great work from you. Your D.VII it's far beyond a revell kit. Congrats.
Cheers
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The Fokker is looking great, Dave! Good job with the struts and wing placement.
The wash worked a treat. A couple of questions if I may...Was the gloss brown an
enamel, or acrylic, and was it airbrushed or brushed on?
Thanks for the update. Looking forward to the next.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Looking really good Dave! ;D
Regards,
Bob
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Beautiful work and results on a very marginal Kit, Dave. That brown wash is outstanding in the results you achieved, and she's one fine looking build!
Cheers,
Lance 8)
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Thanks, gents!
Ernie - All my models are brush painted, so I made up a wash using acrylic (Revell 'Aqua Colour' gloss mud brown and matt 'clear' mixed together) paint heavily thinned down with water and then brush painted on. Applied about four coats.
Regards
Dave
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Dave, thanks for the info on the wash. Your work is just super...I had no
idea that it was all done with brush only. Wow!
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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The Tone down on the lozenge came out great! Very nice!! I am continuing to follow this one with interest!!!
RAGIII
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Thanks, RAGIII!
Final update -
Undercarriage has been installed and rigged. Painted prop free hand and also installed. I'm now declaring this build complete.
I'll now post full set of pictures of the finished model under 'Completed models' section.
Thanks for watching, following and supporting this build!
Regards
Dave
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/002_zps3a8d7df1.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/002_zps3a8d7df1.jpg.html)
(http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i446/epee6/003_zps9de00247.jpg) (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/epee6/media/003_zps9de00247.jpg.html)
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Excellent job on the prop !! and the entire build !! Glad to see you complete it , guess 1/28 still can measure up.
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Amazing job, Dave! The prop is a work of art. I really enjoyed our build
and look forward to your next. Thanks for having us along for the ride!
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Nice! A good build, and one that will look good on the shelf. Your work on the lozenge really adds a lot to the finished look of the plane.
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wow super prop!
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Yep,
Cracking job Dave ;) you've done wonders with a very basic kit.. I can only agree with the others - lozenge is really nicely done - and the prop looks like one of Doug Craner's wooden props :D
Guy