forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Scratch builds => Topic started by: Des on September 29, 2014, 08:51:58 PM
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This will be my next scratch build, it is the 1911 Curtiss Hydroaeroplane, the U.S. Navy's first aeroplane.
I received a fantastic book in the mail today which gives the full history of this plane, the book also has great plans, drawings, engine details, and airframe details which will all help in the build of this model. The model will be 1:32 scale and is my first sea plane scratch build.
I'm not ready to start the build yet, I need to scale the plans and drawing to 1:32 scale then compile a list of materials needed, I will also need to scratch build the Curtiss V8 engine. The picture below is from the front of the book written by Bob Woodling and Taras Chayka
The picture on the front of the book show the later E version with extended wing tips, I will be doing my model as the original 1911 version with equal span wings.
A full build log of this model can be found on my website here; http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/page51.html
Des.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-slbUEfn2QHc/VCk3J5pKO8I/AAAAAAAAO1Y/37uivLKCIHM/s800/curtiss%2520x%25205.jpg)
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Wow Des! This will be one to look forward to. A very interesting choice.
Best wishes
Nigel
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Another 'must watch build' to keep the inspiration ticking over.
Excellent!
;)
VB
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A new adventure in the making, looking forward to seeing this one unfold, Des! Getting structural integrity and strength on this one could be a real challenge by the looks of the main and wing extension floats and their attaching frame work.
Cheers,
Lance
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What a great looking machine, this should be fun to watch!
Ian
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I'm looking forward to watching this unfold Des. As Lance pointed out in regards to structural integrity, I'm sure that there will be enough engineering challenges along the way to keep you motivated.
Cheers,
Chris
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Wow! Great choice Des. ;D I am fascinated by early seaplanes. Glen Curtiss has his early shop in, I believe, Hammondsport, NY, on Keuka Lake, where he was able to experiment with floatplanes and flying boats. Cool stuff! I am sure that your techniques on this one will be a guide to others for future seaplane projects. ;) Thanks!
Regards,
Bob
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Big Curtiss fan, can't wait to see this build Des! What book are you using?
Sean
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Des I will watch your build.
Martin
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Hi Des
That is an ubelievable coincidence as I was hunting thru the net on saturday using Google image to see if any interesting stuff comes up (I find this a good way to search for subjects, if you see something cool just click on it to find out more) and this little beauty was there. I clicked on it and saw it was a Curtiss, it is unlikely I will build it any time soon if at all because I have so many other projects lined up but I cannot wait to see your efforts with this.
Cheers, Alan.
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Another of your incredible choices of fabric and wire - on floats! Looking at the picture I can only admire those early aviators - they needed a head for heights!
I am looking forward to see how you will get around the problems that this build will pose - as usual you teach the rest of us a great deal.
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Sean - here is a picture of the book I purchased, it has fantastic illustrations which are great for the scratch builder.
Des.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-k3RbdbIzSzw/VCnfxF0vlSI/AAAAAAAAO10/jYfPYNa_k64/s500/curtiss%2520x%25206.jpg)
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I'm going to have to get a copy.
Looking forward to you're build.
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Gonna be another sensational project, Des! Really looking forward to it.
Cheers,
Bud
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Gonna be another sensational project, Des! Really looking forward to it.
Cheers,
Bud
Me TOO!
RAGIII
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This is better than any blockbuster at the cinema!
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Got my popcorn. Let the show begin... 8) 8)
Dan
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This is going to be a treat . Hope Dan share's the popcorn !
Terri
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Hello to all,
Show must go on... ;)
A great project. It will be amazing, I'm already impatient.
Is this a real color picture of 112 ? Awesome !!
Do you use Archer rivets or Rosie the riveters on your main float ?
Best regards.
Alain.
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Thanks very much for all the encouragement, hopefully I will live up to the standards you expect from me ;)
Alain - the picture is the painting from the front cover of the book I have, it is an excellent painting, and the rivets/screws are simulated just by pressing a sharp pointer into the styrene sheet.
I started this build by making the main float, it is constructed of 0.50mm styrene sheet, the bulkheads are added for rigidity. The plans appear as though the finished model will be tail heavy so I filled the forward two compartments of the float with weights, I glued the weights in then added the top of the float. As this float was covered with plywood I will give the float a wood look. The two forward lugs are for the float mounting pin which connects to the engine beams. The bottom of the float has three skids, these are made from 1.0mm x 1.0mm square stock.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Vf9CU7nz_hE/VC-2e8AiweI/AAAAAAAAO4o/d_mvyrTjUYg/s800/curtiss%2520x%252014.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-H0gw_VWkwvc/VC-2g5XbpKI/AAAAAAAAO40/H_GeLG_eOr4/s800/curtiss%2520x%252015.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TV1uW3XEJso/VC-2h1D3UkI/AAAAAAAAO5A/IM2Xp0dkj2U/s800/curtiss%2520x%252017.jpg)
The engine beams are made from 1.0mm x 1.5mm styrene stock, the front end was rounded then a brass tube fitted and shaped, it was flattened the drilled to take the float mounting pin. I also fitted the foot rest, this is made from 1.0mm brass tube with some brass sheet brackets and brass nuts fitted, this foot rest still need to have two throttle pedals added. The engine beams will sit at an angle of 24º once mounted permanently.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-L4e-LXWWNwk/VDM6Z8Crs2I/AAAAAAAAO6k/U73lruOGGGg/s800/curtiss%2520x%252023.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Qsv-l0_lilY/VDM6awkugeI/AAAAAAAAO6o/0Q6zTj95euM/s800/curtiss%2520x%252025.jpg)
Glenn Curtis also invented and perfected the twin control column/wheel which is used on his Hydroaeroplane, I made this using various sizes of brass tube, some watch parts, brass sheet and styrene sheet, once completed it was painted with Gunze black and the wheels painted Gunze sandy brown, it has also been coated with a clear coat. The control cables still need to be added.
Des.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NuO0w8NJdA0/VDHePVSE3LI/AAAAAAAAO5w/KYLNtEK_ALw/s800/curtiss%2520x%252021.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VezC6nz1eiI/VDMX4CnSrOI/AAAAAAAAO6I/aEW790YDiTw/s800/curtiss%2520x%252026.jpg)
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very nice des, i am a ref hound and i collect books and lit on planes i very often think of you when i come across plans for some odd early kite and wonder "i bet des would love to build one of these" one of these days i will send you an envelope with some stuff.
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Absolutely stunning work on the float hardware and that steering system is mind-blowing. You are the brass-master!
Cheers,
Bud
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Hello to all,
You are the brass-master!
Yes, he is...
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR9NtmmMwFKP8uTk9zATQEGvRoKVjLCZRdnMWZjU3bwrbFI11gSWoCK3JfySg
;D ;D ;D ;D
Best regards.
Alain.
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Amazing!
As seaplane lover I'll follow this closely ;D
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Off to your usual OUTSTANDING beginning! The float and steering gear are awesome!
RAGIII
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Great stuff Des! This will be a charming and beautiful model, as always. :D
Cheers,
Bob
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Thanks very much for all the kind comments, they are much appreciated.
I added some colour to the float by first base coating with Gunze H313 yellow acrylic then add the wood colour with Raw Sienna oil paint with a touch of Liquin added, once it was dry I gave it a coat of Humbrol clear orange. I assembled the main engine beams and the seat support, also added the two cross braces to hold the lower wing retaining frames, all the brass bits will be painted black then the entire assembly given a coat of satin clear. I made good use of my heat box to dry the oil paint, the float was completely dry within 24 hours.
Des.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yjjtTtVTfn8/VDZeZG2SHYI/AAAAAAAAO7g/uSTALz6BV8k/s800/curtiss%2520x%252028.jpg)
The plan in front of the float is the 1:32 scale plan that I resized and printed from the book. The coloured picture is the front cover of the book to give me a wood comparison colour and the enlarged front view on the right was to allow me to colour the different frames for clarity.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-k3ey22np7-M/VDZeawDzdcI/AAAAAAAAO7o/VPiaJoDU_cI/s800/curtiss%2520x%252029.jpg)
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Spectacular as always! I Love the honey wood tone you have created!
RAGIII
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Oh, man, that is lovely! Very tasty.
Cheers,
Bud
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Thanks Rick and Bud for your kind comments.
The brass bits have been painted and the whole float assembly has been sprayed with a clear coat. I added the twin control columns, this is held in place with two pins which pass through the main engine beams.
Des.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y4YGSM7sdCE/VDecfhfhpgI/AAAAAAAAO9s/UtzsNHnHQlg/s800/curtiss%2520x%252030.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6d5FuNfraik/VDecfr-SoMI/AAAAAAAAO9w/rhyT06YOTXQ/s800/curtiss%2520x%252031.jpg)
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Beeyoooteefulll! Des, your going to have to do a tutorial on making these brass bits. They are lovely.
Sean
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You scratchbuilders bring joy to my aging eyes - long may that continue ;)
Excellent work, Des.... but you already know that!
Cheers,
Bob
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Your scratch is awesome, Des. Your detailing is so great.
Martin
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Hey Des , Thumbs up !
Did you use solder on the column or just super glue ? I always wanted to try soldering . Some parts are better made with brass and easier than using plastic rod .
Terri
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Thanks Terri - I used super glue on the control column but since I have had a soldering station stashed away for two years I thought I would get it out and try to solder. I did the small upright diamond shaped piece holding the engine beams and the soldering worked well, so from now on I will be doing most of the brass work using solder. I purchased some low heat soldering wire and some really good no mess no clean-up flux, so this makes the job really easy.
Des.
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I'm a little late to the party, Des, but as usual, you are off to a great start. :D
I'm a fan of your work and look forward to following this one.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Stunning work as always Des. You make even the most difficult tasks look easy: please, how do you do it?
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Thanks Terri - I used super glue on the control column but since I have had a soldering station stashed away for two years I thought I would get it out and try to solder. I did the small upright diamond shaped piece holding the engine beams and the soldering worked well, so from now on I will be doing most of the brass work using solder. I purchased some low heat soldering wire and some really good no mess no clean-up flux, so this makes the job really easy.
Des.
Thanks for the reply Des , this weekend I will be looking more into this .
Terri
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Des, it is another masterpiece of yours in the making. I will be watching this thread with a great excitement, as usual.
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A trial fit of the twin seat assembly. The framework around the seats is the aileron actuating mechanism, it is controlled by the pilot leaning his shoulders on the frame and pushing the frame in the direction he wishes the aircraft to turn. The two small pedals on the foot bar are the throttle pedals, one for each pilot.
Des.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hRgDkmO4_bU/VD21mWXxJ7I/AAAAAAAAPAk/tsVc2xK1CCk/s800/curtiss%2520x%252041.jpg)
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Your usual STUNNING work Des! The seats are beautifully rendered!
RAGIII
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Wow so beautiful Des. ;D
Martin
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Fantastic work !
I reserve the first flight :D
Jacek
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Des, I took about two days to think about what to reply on the pics you have posted.
Eventually, the only words that come to my mind are: You are a master modeller and many thanks to you for sharing your WIP with us. I really admire the perfectionism and craftsmanship you are showing here.
Best
Ondra
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I agree with everything Ondra has written +10.
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I agree with everything Ondra has written +10.
A big ditto here too !
Ed
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I agree with everything Ondra has written +10.
A big ditto here too !
Ed
Same from the Second Amigo!
RAGIII
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I would like to say a big thank you to Rick, Martin, Ondra, Jacek, LM and Ed for all your kind and generous words, they are much appreciated.
The wings on this model are very thin, only 0.8mm thick, so I used two layers of 0.4mm styrene glued together then formed around a cylinder, the curve adds strength to the wing which is evident in the photos, the wing is only supported in the centre but it remains straight. The original wing was made in five sections hence the four black lines, these are where the wing sections join. The unfinished wing and seat assembly are only posed for the photo. Next step will be to make the Curtiss V8 engine, this will be fun... ??? ???
Des.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ipR8o2yxTtE/VD-FpO8LA6I/AAAAAAAAPBk/dbMkWTM1hKQ/s800/curtiss%2520x%252042.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DDQNOmdW4ik/VD-FpQVEtPI/AAAAAAAAPBo/laEOmgL4FY8/s800/curtiss%2520x%252044.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ic8DCSNx7PY/VD-FsBVDPoI/AAAAAAAAPB4/jx5p3R679-c/s800/curtiss%2520x%252046.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bs2b-L2C5vM/VD-FrXkfHxI/AAAAAAAAPB0/ZnrtcLfbASA/s800/curtiss%2520x%252045.jpg)
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I agree with everything Ondra has written +10.
Ditto! Truly peerless modeling Des! That wing looks brilliant. I am very impressed with how you managed to keep the multi-section wing sections perfectly aligned as an assembled unit. Wonderful! ;D Please carry on so that my education will continue. ;)
Cheers,
Bob
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I am continually amazed at the speed at which you work with no loss of accuracy. That looks so good that you could be reconstructing one of these at life size scale. I am on the edge of my seat waiting for more. The engine will be a near perfect replica I am sure.
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It is looking excellent Des, actually iti is looking beyond ecellent!
There is one thought that is buzzling lonely between my ears - you are building scratchbuild models faster than I do the kitted ones :-/
Good job
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- you are building scratchbuild models faster than I do the kitted ones :-/
I fell the same, Sasho! The only explanation is that Des is a Wizard!
Truly remarkable work, Des!
Cheers,
Bud
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Thanks very much Bob, LM, Sashom and Bud for your kind remarks, your comments are always very much appreciated.
Work on this model will now slow to a snail pace, I have started doing the engine. The engine plans in the book are 1:6, 1:4 and 1:12 scales so I had to do some calculating to get the correct percentage reduction for 1:32 scale, then, because they are so small, I printed them out in 600dpi for clarity, now comes the fun and games of trying to replicate one of these Curtiss V8 water cooled engines in 1:32 scale. The engine will be completely exposed so I will need to add as much detail as possible.
Des.
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Well I don't check for a day and you have the wing done! Dang that was fast!! Beautiful as always Des, and I am sure that SNAILS pace you mention will be much faster than my rate of construction. :-[
RAGIII
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Hello to all,
Amazing work !!! When you bend plastic styrene for the wing, do you use heat, Des ?
I really enjoy your work. :D
Best regards.
Alain.
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Thank you Rick and Alain for your very nice comments.
Alain - I glued two sheets of 0.4mm styrene together, the glue softens the plastic which allowed me to form it around a cylindrical shape to form the airfoil section I needed, this is held in place with duct tape and left overnight to fully cure. When the tape is removed the wing will retain the desired shape and only requires the leading and trailing edges to be sanded to shape then rib tapes added.
Des.
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Fantastic build Des. Wait for the next.
Martin
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Wonderful work, Des. Thanks for the information on
shaping the wing. As usual, your builds, besides being
visually very pleasing are a great modelling resource.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Des,
Your build is truly inspiring!
PS: thanks once again for sending the MS-decals!
Dagmar
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Inspiring work, Des. Thanks for the tutorial of the wing shaping.
Best wishes
Nigel
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Wonderful work there Des of an unusual subject. i shall look forward to your next installment with eager antisipation.
Roy
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Another masterpiece Des. You continue to raise the bar on historic aircraft modelling.
Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
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Many thanks to Martin, Ernie, Dagmar, Nigel, Roy, David and Bo for your very nice comments.
Just a small update this time, I made the radiator, it is made from styrene sheet and I used RB Production PE radiator wavy mesh, great product but very hard to cut. The strap running around the bottom and half way up the sides of the radiator is made from thin coke can metal. I also made the two engine bearers.
Des.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uzuj3V4UcXQ/VEbVh9BTteI/AAAAAAAAPIw/qAT5u_73JqM/s800/curtiss%2520x%252054.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8XICgYueQVQ/VEbVh2uARNI/AAAAAAAAPI4/UE6AsFxgSNQ/s800/curtiss%2520x%252055.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3ud2zpadot8/VEbViFylFtI/AAAAAAAAPI0/eEh7Bh1RSZ4/s800/curtiss%2520x%252056.jpg)
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Sweet!
Nough said!
RAGIII
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Extraordinary, Des!
Cheers,
Bud
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Thank you Bo, Rick and Bud, your comments are very much appreciated.
Des.
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As usual, Des, simply superb. The Radiator is wonderfully clean for a scratch Built component of metal and plastic. I marvel at your incredible detailing, just a joy to follow your progress.
Cheers,
Lance
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It looks absolutely real, Des!
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It looks absolutely real, Des!
+1
Beautiful ;)
vB
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Thanks to Justin, Lance, Przemol and Bob for all your wonderful comments, they are very much appreciated.
Des.
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Has anyone seen my jaw?!? Must be somewhere on the floor. :)
Perfect work, Des.
Cheers
Ondra
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Very well work for these details.
Martin
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Has anyone seen my jaw?!? Must be somewhere on the floor. :)
Mine fell off completely. That looks soooo real I cannot believe it.
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Thanks to Ondra, Martin and LM for your very kind comments.
I made and added the engine hand crank assembly. This was mounted ahead of the radiator and the drive shaft passed through the radiator to connect to the engine, I made the frame and the crank from 0.25mm styrene strips, the handle is made fropm 0.7mm aluminium tube. Apart from a few paint touch-ups the radiator is finished.
Des.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-79NDEULplLA/VEhODL3_McI/AAAAAAAAPOg/lEZOXMxfblM/s800/curtiss%2520x%252062.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-c__KIY4dX20/VEhN_xvxkTI/AAAAAAAAPOE/80HuT-hb07U/s800/curtiss%2520x%252058.jpg)
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Beautiful work Des ! 8)
Terri
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Hello to all,
I like it !!!! :) :) :)
Best regards.
Alain.
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Thanks Terri and Alain for your very nice comments.
Just a little update this time. I have started work on the engine by making the top half of the crank case, it is made from 0.25mm styrene sheet. The cylinder mounting plates are 1:32 scale Vintage Instrument Bezels by Aeroclub, they just happen to be the correct size and have the 8 mounting screws, I can get lucky sometimes :) :)
The match comparison shows that for a V8 engine in 1:32 scale it is not very big, it is a 90º V with the banks of cylinders being slightly offset to each other.
Des.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UAr_BIlklMo/VEoiLuWX4RI/AAAAAAAAPPI/yZO5Z8p7BSo/s800/curtiss%2520x%252064.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ucGrp-E78Nc/VEoiLhmEDzI/AAAAAAAAPPA/bPx9aXjCFBQ/s800/curtiss%2520x%252065.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zTORdozNQJE/VEoiNDZ70YI/AAAAAAAAPPQ/tVuZDhkD-ng/s800/curtiss%2520x%252067.jpg)
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Gorgeous radiator, Des, I hope it doesn't spring a leak! I'm amazed at the precision, how do you ensure that all the holes in something like the crank bracket are in a dead straight line and not slightly off? Do you use a metal rule as a stop, or do you have a bench press to make things easier?
Ian
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Amazing work Des. It looks more like 1/2 scale than 1/32. I love the radiator, especially how you made the nut on the end hexagonal.
Alan.
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Thank you Ian and Alan for your kind comments, they are much appreciated.
Ian - I measure and mark the hole spacings using a very sharp propelling pencil and an engineers steel ruler for accurate dimensions, I then drill a pilot hole using a 0.5mm tungsten carbide drill bit, these are extremely sharp and won't wander off the mark, I use the drill bit in a pin vice.
Alan - The hexagonal nut is just that, it is a brass nut from the range available from RB Motion: http://www.rbmotion.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=76 He has a good range of sizes in brass and aluminium, many of the smaller size nuts will be used on the engine.
Des.
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More wonderful work Des. I am just lost for words…….
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More wonderful work Des. I am just lost for words…….
+1! Keep going Des! ;D
Cheers,
Bob
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Thank you Bo, LM and Bob for your very nice comments :) :) :)
I've ordered more materials which should be here by Tuesday, so there won't be much to show until then.
Des.
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Nice repurposing of those bezels!
Just what I thought! :D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Now that's a break with the bezels, Des. But if you don't think creatively you tend not to get such breaks.
Best wishes
Nigel
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Stunning work Des !
A few years ago, I had this project to give a compagnion to my Fabre but finally ….
Is the book interesting for a modeler ? I already have the Curtiss The Hammondsport Area 1907 - 1915 from L S.Casey.
philippe
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Thanks Ernie, Nigel and Philippe for your wonderful comments, all very much appreciated.
Philippe, the book is an excellent history reference for the Curtiss Hydroaeroplane but is even more valuable to the modeler. There are a lot of scale plans in the book not only covering the aircraft but the engine as well, there are a lot of detail plans of various sections of the aircraft and plans of engine components as well. For anyone scratch building this aeropane the book is a must, or for anyone wanting to read about the development of this float plane it is very good, there are also quite a lot of colour profiles which are very well done. The book is hard cover with dust jacket, has 172 pages and the black and white archive photos are very clear and detailed.
Des.
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Hello, Des -
Apologies - only just catching up with your work here.
Outstanding - love your wood and the scratch made detail is truly amazing. As I've mentioned before, I really admire the skill in building a model from nothing.
Regards
Dave
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Hello Des, thank you for all these informations, I will look to find it.
merci
philippe
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I have been working away slowly at the engine, the 8 cylinders are made from 3.2mm styrene rod then a brass sleeve was added to act as the water jacket. I added the two crank case halves together then fitted the cylinders. I am in the process of adding the cylinder tie down bolts which mount through the cylinder tie down yokes which are fitted to the top of each cylinder.
Des.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fWbvvuu83XQ/VFNL5L054wI/AAAAAAAAPRo/276FLGiEeL8/s800/curtiss%2520x%252071.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DWjrgDFb5tE/VFYDb2TjDEI/AAAAAAAAPTU/5V80aWBAg-s/s800/curtiss%2520x%252072.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QB5g-tib9ok/VFfudXqp39I/AAAAAAAAPUA/mU0Tk6BMFYk/s800/curtiss%2520x%252077.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KIG0dO2_Lp4/VFfudulMzNI/AAAAAAAAPUE/67sCNtrRFy0/s800/curtiss%2520x%252076.jpg)
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Stunning build about the engine Des.
Martin
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Mighty fine, Des ;)
vB
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Awesome work on the power plant, as usual, mate!
Cheers,
Bud
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I remember your fist build you share way back on Aeroscale , your skills Des have come along way since then . Wonderful job on the detailing on the engine :)
Terri
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Awesome work on the power plant, as usual, mate!
Cheers,
Bud
Agreed and a Brilliant added!
RAGIII
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Awesome work on the power plant, as usual, mate!
Cheers,
Bud
Agreed and a Brilliant added!
RAGIII
Better make that two! Amazing watching the engine evolve under your hand, Des.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Thank you very much Martin, Bob, Bo, Bud, Terri, Rick and Ernie for your very kind comments, I really appreciate everything everyone has said.
Des.
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Don't know how I missed this, Sir, but I am very glad to have come across it now.
You do simply amazing work, and it is pleasure and privilege to watch you at it.
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I agree with OM's comments about the amazing work which is a pleasure to watch. I have learned so much from your build threads and will undoubtedly learn a great deal more in the future.
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Thanks very much OM and LM for your kind comments, they are much appreciated.
Sorry for taking so long to post an update but I was waiting for materials to arrive. I have done some more work on the engine, I added paint, inlet manifold and tubes, I made a magneto and fitted it, I also made a water pump and fitted it to the rear of the engine with plumbing. I still need to do the rocker assemblies with valve springs plus the exhausts, I have already made the 8 spark plugs which need to be fitted.
Des.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kit7_JqhVDI/VF1tTrv7e9I/AAAAAAAAPWY/2tHCMyMDGfI/s800/curtiss%2520x%252081.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gwwdxUzjruY/VF1tThm6ylI/AAAAAAAAPWc/LKxtW5Pg33k/s800/curtiss%2520x%252082.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3yiY1oQxFE4/VF1tVLBIb4I/AAAAAAAAPWk/6FE1MAupqyk/s800/curtiss%2520x%252084.jpg)
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I really like the variations with the metals :)
Terri
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Oh, man, Des! That looks AWESOME! Looks like the real thing!
Cheers,
Bud
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Hello to all,
Ohhh, I can't speak anymore...It's too amazing... ;)
A jeweler work !!
Best regards.
Alain.
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Lord, Des, that is museum quality...only better!
Just a superb indication of your skills.
Thanks for sharing this gem, my friend.
Cheers,
Ernie :)
-
I have written this before but I will write it again: when do you put the petrol in for a test run? Is the water pump working and will it pump the water to the radiator? Amazing work, just incredible.
-
An extradonary engine Des.
Martin
-
I hear roaring Des :)
-
What can I add but another LIKE THE REAL THING! Beautiful craftsmanship!
RAGIII
-
Des,
I can only add to what others have already said - superb engine work.
Regards
Dave
-
My many thanks to Terri, Bud, Alain, Ernie, LM, Martin, Ozkan, Rick and Dave for all your very nice comments, they are much appreciated.
I have added all the rocker assemblies, valve springs and the push rods (only one per cylinder?), the spark plugs have also been added. The engine has build has been quite time consuming but is getting close to being finished.
Des.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Wsz9qDcQKmA/VGB9ha2wquI/AAAAAAAAPZc/wXKbguYfkvM/s800/curtiss%2520x%252085.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8b8e9hdHDHk/VGB9h5XYR2I/AAAAAAAAPZk/CvoTDkybuHI/s800/curtiss%2520x%252087.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9_KzYyTSLsE/VGB9j7rFafI/AAAAAAAAPZs/F2LNcwEOFps/s800/curtiss%2520x%252088.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_qa0O98nNM8/VGB9kzy18LI/AAAAAAAAPZ4/55_eMS-fqe0/s800/curtiss%2520x%252089.jpg)
-
Very impressive Des, looks perfect. Bet you are enjoying all the details? ;)
Quality work
-
WOW, I just don't really know what to say, keep up the good work!
--> I'm going to patch my jaw, as while dropping to the floor it was bruised a bit :)
-
Bet you are enjoying all the details? ;)
Quality work
If he isn't, I know I am! :o
Superb!!
vB
-
Outstanding once again. We're going to have to come up with some new words if you keep this up Des!
Ian
-
Your detail work is truly astonishing. No offense to Lukasz, but this engine surpasses anything I've ever seen from any of the aftermarket folks.
Cheers,
Bud
-
Fantastic work Des.
Martin
-
That engine, Sir, is a wonderful model all on its own. I looks like you could fire it up and a model aloft with it....
-
I really appreciate all the wonderful comments, many thanks to Jamo, Sasho, Bo, Bob, Ian, Bud, Martin and Old Man for taking the time to view my progress photos.
Des.
-
And I thought it looked Stunning in the last update!
RAGIII
-
This is trully a fantastic piece of modelling, your skills are really admirable, Des!
Cheers.
Ondra
-
I just want to echo what the others have written - amazing, outstanding, brilliant..... I have run out of superlatives.
-
Exquisite work as always Des, your skills are very inspiring ;)
Andrew
-
WOW! :o
-
Thank you to Rick, Ondra, LM, Andrew and Will for your very kind and generous comments.
Sorry to bore you with more photos of the curtiss V8 engine but I am now classing this engine as finished. I added the carburettor to the rear of the engine, the exhaust pipes the ignition leads and the cable manifold tubes. I can now continue work on the main aircraft construction.
Des.
Click each photo for a larger image
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DYn44ZFuo00/VGKo4Tv4VBI/AAAAAAAAPdA/4KbO9Ipn0e0/s800/curtiss%2520x%252096.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RQJs1__gpuI/VGKo4Jlse4I/AAAAAAAAPc8/gSR6w6yeULc/s800/curtiss%2520x%252095.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nZHGQary1qc/VGKo7XE77EI/AAAAAAAAPdQ/3vmFJJgBzCA/s800/curtiss%2520x%252097.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cvgJkmYqUnY/VGKo8HZ5ZgI/AAAAAAAAPdY/G6b_HwcDpPE/s800/curtiss%2520x%252098.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SVZ4Ehd4Ldg/VGKo7wM4diI/AAAAAAAAPdU/7guW46hrSLI/s800/curtiss%2520x%252099.jpg)
As a comparison, I have put the Curtiss V8 engine beside the Wingnuts Beardmore engine that I had built earlier, makes quite a good size comparison between a straight 6 and a V8
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-N4y3xhbs2n4/VGKpDstLzSI/AAAAAAAAPds/PyAeL35B43w/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520100.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-u-cahMFXBCk/VGKpDSJJC6I/AAAAAAAAPdo/iWv3FUFss_4/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520101.jpg)
And of course I have included the obligatory engine in palm of hand shot.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bCM04GoaJCw/VGKpDjnXCII/AAAAAAAAPdw/BsOj2Fpa4NE/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520102.jpg)
-
Magnific !!!
philippe
-
;D ;D ;D
Terri
-
Just an excellent piece of scratchbuilding art there, Des. Wowza.
+1 :o
Cheers,
Bud
-
Amazing engine, amazing modelling, Des. Another gem out of your desk.
-
I'm just speechless with your talents, Des. Beautiful work!
Cheers,
Ernie :)
-
Amazing engine, amazing modelling, Des. Another gem out of your desk.
+1! ;D
Cheers,
Bob
-
Amazing engine, amazing modelling, Des. Another gem out of your desk.
+1! ;D
Cheers,
Bob
+1 + 1
;)
vB
-
Wow, Des! This is amazing craftsmanship on your part. I am lost in admiration.
Best wishes
Nigel
-
Hi Des
I showed a mechanic at my workplace those pictures then scrolled down to the one with the matchstick and he was blown away.
Alan.
-
A masterpiece oft engine Des.
Martin
-
Thanks very much for all your kind comments, Bo, Philippe, Terri, Bud, Przemol, Ernie, Bob, Bobs Buckle, Nigel, Alan and Martin, you are all too kind.
Des.
-
Can it work? :)
Perfect job, looking forward for next pics
-
Thank you Jak and Michael for your very kind comments.
The bottom wing is now fitted as is the seat assembly. I have fitted the engine and radiator to the engine bearers, the engine assemble has been trial fitted onto the bottom wing at this stage as more frames have to be made.
Des.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GSodiipqv-g/VGcfViy0OgI/AAAAAAAAPhs/zBYFKedUrFw/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520104.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9tZFkbPtMkM/VGcfWdBqcnI/AAAAAAAAPhw/hJQGFbasrac/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520105.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jE1xQ5kjAa4/VGcfZi9x4wI/AAAAAAAAPiI/v__8utTf08M/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520107.jpg)
-
Gad, Des. I am absolutely dumbfounded by your talents.
It seems every one you create is better than the last gem.
Did you use a ponce wheel to do the screw holes in the float?
Magical stuff, my friend. :D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
-
I've run out of nice things to say about your talents, Des!
Lets just say Silence is Golden!
BVB
-
{speechless}! :o ;D
-
Spectacular, Des! :) :) :) :) :) :) :) 8)
Cheers,
Lance
-
:) :) :) :) :)
Terri
-
Great, wonderful and very nice and much more Des.
Martin
-
My appreciation for your wonderful comments, Ernie, BVB, Bob, Lance, Terri and Martin.
Des.
-
If it were someone like me building this, I would be astonished, but this is just the sort of wizardry I've come to expect from you, mate. I could stare at this for hours.
Cheers,
Bud
-
More superb stuff Des. No wonder this forum/website is such an inspiration to so many.
Best wishes
Nigel
-
Thank you Bud and Nigel for looking in and leaving very nice words, they are very much appreciated.
Des.
-
Des, Your usual Brilliant work! Very pleasing to the eye and super detailed!
RAGIII
-
Like Von Buckles I am lost for words. I agree with every other comment made so far +10. What else can I write?
-
Long time ago I used-up all the superlative words I ever knew, so now I just don't know what to say, thats why I will be silently follow your build completely awed and humbled!
Best regards,
Sasho
-
Everything that could be said has been said Des. I can only add that I'm in the process of picking my jaw up off the floor. That engine is spectacular. It really is incredible.
Cheers,
Chris
-
I've overcome my bout of speechlessness, and decided that since the superlatives for Des's work have long since been exhausted, I will now comment via popular song lyrics:
"That's the way, uh huh uh huh, I like it! (Uh huh uh huh) That's the way, uh huh uh huh, I LIKE it!"
KC & the Sunshine Band, circa 1975. ;D
Cheers,
Bob
-
I am speechless too, so I will express myself with a picture. :)
-
Wow, oh, wow!
Just awesome, Des! You are tha master :-). Very inspiring as usual!
Thx for sharing!
All the best,
Flip
-
Hello to all,
Back from Lorient exhibition, I find the Curtiss winged. Incredible !!! You're just a wizard, Des. :) :)
Best regards.
Alain.
-
I have to say Des this is not to your usual standard mate.
It surpasses 'em all, absolutely brilliant job, well done.
Cheers
Pete.
-
Many thanks to the following people for leaving very nice comments, they are very much appreciated.
Rick, LM, Michael, Sasho, Chris, Bob, Ondra, Flip, Alain and Pete, thank you for taking the time to visit my build log.
Just a small update. I have made and fitted all the engine/wing mounting frame work, I also made the two fuel tanks and fitted them either side of the engine, top wing will be made next.
Click the picture for a larger image.
Des.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pitu7amN9aE/VHFYJ4gU2tI/AAAAAAAAPnI/JOUmxhb7gH4/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520118.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1ir9mkOhzdk/VHFYHFrxvqI/AAAAAAAAPm8/V_iJT3zMqRM/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520117.jpg)
-
thats looking fantastic old friend.
-
Des, this is shaping up to be your best yet, and that's saying something!
Cheers,
Bud
-
Thanks Scott and Bud for your kind words. I am finding this scratch build most enjoyable, I had a ball making the engine and very pleased with the way it turned out, the book I purchased has been an absolute jewel thanks to Taras Chayka and his brilliant drawings.
Des.
-
I'm still trying to get my head wrapped around that beautiful
engine, Des. The framing is amazing and I am looking forward
to the top wing mounting. Truly wonderful!
Cheers,
Ernie :)
-
This is a real masterpiece, sir. My hats off to your skills.
-
Thanks for the eye candy Des, looks very nice. You make it look so easy :)
-
It is your next excellent build Des.
Martin
-
Beautiful work Des.
Warren
-
Simply Stunning Des, crisp clean workmanship of the highest standard.
Roy
-
About as good as it gets...it just doesn't look like a "mere model"! Very, very, crisp!
Ian
-
Simply beautiful!
RAGIII
-
Great work, Des
As Bo said, Wow!
Regards
Dave
-
Wouldn't surprise me in the least bit if you actually had fuel in them tanks ! ;)
Terri
-
Des,
I am absolutely speechless; this is the standard for the Modeller's Art! Magnificent! :o
Lead On, Sir!
Cheers,
Lance
-
This is just beautiful work Des. A magnificent man and his non-flying machines!
Best wishes
Nigel
-
It is a real thing!!!! :o
-
I hate to say this Des but I'm always looking for a fault somewhere . . . anywhere . . . anything . . . but everything is so pristine and perfect . . . as always. Masterpiece modelling my friend!
Cheers,
Chris
P.S. Don't let what I wrote put any pressure on you. ;D
-
I have been staring at these pictures for fully five minutes and still cannot work out how you do it Des. That is truly mind-blowing - I am still trying to tell myself that it really IS a model.
-
Gorgeous work. Just fantastic to make this from scratch and so much detail.
James
-
Fantastic work Des
Once again it looks more like 1/2 scale than 1/32.
Alan.
-
Wonderful Des!
So small, so clean, really I'm speechless too...
Congrats, Dan.
-
Your models truly set the standard. The engine looks like it could start and run, I can almost smell gasoline fumes when I look at the photos.
-
Beautiful work.
I hope you have it lashed down when you are working on it, Des - coz an accidental flick of the prop with a little solvent vapour in the air and I think it would take off!
Sandy
-
Thanks very much for all the wonderful comments, they are very much appreciated.
I have made all the wing struts and am now in the process of making the top wing, this is a slow job so the next up-date may be a while away.
More photos are posted on my main website where the full build log is recorded http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/page51.html
Des.
-
With there being so much on this forum I haven't even looked at this until now. That engine you have made, Des, is fantastic!
In my opinion, scratch-building is the purest form of the art of modelling and you are indeed the master of the art.
It's inspirational and I really do want to have a go at scratching something (no, not my backside! ;) ) now.
-
After a very long break due to a severe back injury which prevented my from sitting at my work bench I have now managed to re-commence work on this scratch build, hopefully I will be able to catch-up on lost time.
The top wing is made and now fitted to the struts, the photos show the wings self supporting with no rigging so the tips droop just a little. I made a heap of rigging brackets which are fitted to the top and bottom of each strut, these are made from flattened 0.8mm aluminium tube and drilled with 0.4mm holes. The wing joining brackets on top of the top wing are also from flattened 0.8mm aluminium tube. Rigging will be the next step.
Des.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EDxNkVMJYKI/VJ8uunga42I/AAAAAAAAPwE/rIK5ScFo-9k/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520129.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DybcWrt8sLM/VJ8utwlSN8I/AAAAAAAAPwA/qt3_jbLH5MY/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520130.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CF4OLKKXnmY/VJ8uu4HdZyI/AAAAAAAAPwI/rIip89hiryU/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520131.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nNQM5HSFXgI/VJ8uxtBrlkI/AAAAAAAAPwg/Op8F4Hq-5Ws/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520134.jpg)
-
damn thats cool
-
Hello to all,
Most impressive !!! High quality scratch build !!
Glad to see you back. ;)
Best regards.
Alain.
-
That's incredible Des..
It must be frustrating watching mortals sticking together 'kits' ;)
Hope you're back to fitness again.
Guy
-
Thanks Bo, Scott, Alain and Guy for your very nice comments, they are much appreciated.
I would probably be 90% back to fitness, another few days should see me at full health again. I spent a good part of today at my bench rigging the Curtiss with no real side effects to my back, I just made sure I got up and walked around every half hour :)
Des.
-
Stunning work Des.
Martin
-
Wow. Sensational.
What that bloke said :o
VB
-
Glad to see you're almost back to "normal" Des (I'll leave the definition to you!). I'm looking forward to seeing this one rigged!
Ian
-
The model is looking amazing, Des! I'm happy to hear
you are feeling better and able to get back to the bench. :D
Cheers,
Ernie :)
-
[Sung to the model]:
"You're just to good to be true, can't take my eyes off of you!". --Franki Valli and the Four Seasons. ;D
Cheers,
Bob
-
Incredible Des! Any chance of a photo or two of the rigging brackets? ..........and great to see you back at the bench.
Cheers,
Lance
-
Glad you're back in better health.
Father Christmas brought me the book. It's really an exceptionnal book for all who love the history of early Curtiss.
Thank you very much Des and happy to see updates again.
philippe
-
Good to hear you're nearly at 100% Des. The breaks every half hour are very obviously very important and good back pain management.
Also great to see progress on this lovely bird ;)
Andrew
-
Welcome back, Des -
Great progress and superb work - starting to look like an aircraft now.
Regards
Dave
-
Just amazing work here Des.
Thanks for sharing and thanks for this forum!
-
Thanks very much for all the very kind comments, you are way too kind.
I have completed most of the wing rigging, I used 0.12mm monofilament and 0.5mm brass tubes, I used CA to hold the rigging. As each bay was completed I painted the rigging lines with Mr Metal Color Stainless. The propeller has now been fixed in position.
Des.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--SDbEjObttE/VKEesDTDQVI/AAAAAAAAPx4/lGN8BCWTwS8/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520138.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7ujggAFvKI0/VKEetF7SU2I/AAAAAAAAPyA/ledtfUMLT2A/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520141.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-93etYYblsfg/VKEet9t6wCI/AAAAAAAAPyI/kNpXMxnHEYE/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520142.jpg)
-
She belongs in a museum, Des ;)
Stunning workmanship and execution.
A massive WELL DONE! :)
vB
-
Amazing Des,
Looks better than a Wingnuts kit :o
Guy
-
She belongs in a museum, Des ;)
Stunning workmanship and execution.
A massive WELL DONE! :)
vB
YES!
Cheers,
Ernie :)
-
As always , wonderful work ! :)
Terri
-
What can I add? Simply PHENOMINAL BUILD!
RAGIII
-
Good to see you back at the bench again Des. Superb modelling my friend!
Cheers,
Chris
-
She belongs in a museum, Des ;)
Stunning workmanship and execution.
A massive WELL DONE! :)
vB
What else can I add? Wow!
Cheers,
Bud
-
Many thanks ladies and gentlemen for your extremely kind and generous words, they are very much appreciated.
Des.
-
Fantastic Des! ;D ;D
I love this build.
Martin
-
This is looking fantastic! Another masterpiece.
Sean
-
Well, er..., Ahhh..., OK, then..., I'm just...,
The bad thing about this, financially speaking, is the growing interest your build, and Bo's "mods" have created for me in scratch building.
After the Roland (and Gotha and Felixstowe...)
Fascinatingly well done. Thanks!
-
My appreciation to Martin, Sean, Michael and Eindecker for all your wonderful comments, they mean a lot to me.
Des.
-
She belongs in a museum, Des ;)
Stunning workmanship and execution.
A massive WELL DONE! :)
vB
What else can I add? Wow!
Cheers,
Bud
Well one more to add to the above !!!!
Ed
-
Wonderful work Des!
Warren
-
This is typical…. just as I was away the master builder returns to the bench. A belated welcome back Des and as the others have written, WOW!!!!!
That is truly another masterpiece and no mistake.
-
Thank you Ed, Warren and LM for your very kind comments, they are very much appreciated.
Des.
-
she's a work of art,
really like the way you have attached the struts.
Roy
-
Thanks Roy for your nice comments.
Progress continues albeit at a slow pace. I made the tail booms from brass tube and soldered the joins, makes for a quite strong assembly. I also made the tail plane and elevators plus the rudder, these are made from styrene sheet with Bob's Strippers as the frame and ribs, still need to do some shading before it all goes together.
Des.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zflKD1kdg0o/VKnVbZPYDMI/AAAAAAAAPzY/Ln0lIOtVKto/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520143.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WyLiyI50MqY/VKnVbW3z08I/AAAAAAAAPzU/izOk_35Yf18/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520144.jpg)
-
Looking good Des :)
Terri
-
Nice clean looking soldering Des.
Cheers,
Chris
-
Very great Des.
Martin
-
Many thanks to Terri, Michael, Chris and Martin for your very kind comments.
Chris, I think I am starting to get the hang of this small soldering technique, having the soldering station with a fully variable temperature control is a great help, and also having low heat solder with silver and some heat activated flux all add to making the job quite simple. I'm still in the learning stages but getting better with each job I tackle.
I have done the shading on one side of all the tail components, this time I used pastels. This is the first time I have used them for shading and seeing the results that Lance gets gave me the inclination to try it. I am really happy with the results and the process is certainly a lot easier than the painted method, this is a system I will be using more often. Thanks Lance :) :)
Des.
-
A few years ago when I was enamoured with armor modeling, I got Tony Greenland's "Master Class" volume — a very useful treatise for all kinds of modeling — in which Tony explained and extolled the use of pastels for subtle effects. I have used them extensively and agree. They are easier to use and more forgiving than paint.
-
Des, is there a tutorial anywhere on the soldering technique? Or could you do one? Your work continues to amaze me. I wish I had the time and patience.
Sean
-
Many thanks to Terri, Michael, Chris and Martin for your very kind comments.
Chris, I think I am starting to get the hang of this small soldering technique, having the soldering station with a fully variable temperature control is a great help, and also having low heat solder with silver and some heat activated flux all add to making the job quite simple. I'm still in the learning stages but getting better with each job I tackle.
I have done the shading on one side of all the tail components, this time I used pastels. This is the first time I have used them for shading and seeing the results that Lance gets gave me the inclination to try it. I am really happy with the results and the process is certainly a lot easier than the painted method, this is a system I will be using more often. Thanks Lance :) :)
Des.
Des..... a very small "return" on all the tips and motivation you've provided here the past several years, and in all fairness I learned the technique from a "Master" here, are you listening, Bud??
Cheers,
Lance
-
Outstanding work as always des! Your tail surfaces and booms look awesome!
RAGIII
-
I took a few more tiny steps today. I made the two wing tip floats and painted them, they have now been fitted to the bottom wing tips.
Des.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1uwYAZt5Vd0/VK3ysrKW90I/AAAAAAAAP0I/-Fmudp2O380/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520147.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-K71gCYRLslw/VK3yugw4aVI/AAAAAAAAP0Q/wkxVLSV4zjY/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520149.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-A1N-K6y4CoE/VK3yv-XNkkI/AAAAAAAAP0g/nVzcrZa2xKE/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520150.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dr5Y1e_eO30/VK3yxpomIII/AAAAAAAAP0w/DlRQnIhKQ9Y/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520153.jpg)
-
Beautiful work Des , looking forward on your next up-date . :)
Terri
-
Hello to all,
Splendid !!! A real eyes pleasure following those build.
Best regards.
Alain.
-
Spectacular, a feast to modellers' eyes, Des. Thanks for being so generous to share this build with us.
-
Very fine work Des.
Martin
-
Many thanks to Terri, Alain, Przemol and Martin for your very kind and generous words.
Des.
-
Beautiful work Des.
Warren
-
So amazed every time I see your work. Just awesome.
James
-
Thank you Warren and James for your very kind words, they are very much appreciated.
I have fitted the tail booms to the wings, the booms will be painted at a later date. The tail plane is also assembled but not fitted to the booms at this stage. I have also fitted all the brackets to the tail ready for the rigging wires.
Des.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pbcoek8t0u4/VK9YzIvnR7I/AAAAAAAAP1Q/XBtOWdCKpPw/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520154.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-apUHToFttT8/VK9Y2AoIp4I/AAAAAAAAP1o/hTce1mpXU5U/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520159.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ItTuqBKd54c/VK9Yy5TsUZI/AAAAAAAAP1M/qiWNH8mj8Ss/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520155.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iE0NBIpe_ms/VK9Y1xgna2I/AAAAAAAAP1k/H3ZKv3EEP00/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520158.jpg)
-
Yet another extraordinary build, Des. I gain so much inspiration from your work and when I show my non-modelling French friends what people like you can achieve, their jaws drop.
Best wishes
Nigel
-
She's really starting to look the part now Des. The booms look superb.
Cheers,
Chris
-
Stunning work to a museum plane Des.
Martin
-
Exceptional work Des ;)
I wish I had the skill to make stuff like that.
Guy
-
des,
Your build is really looking great! The booms and tail surfaces have really added the final touch to making her look like an Aircraft! Stunning work as always!
RAGIII
-
Thanks so much to Nigel, Bo, Chris, Martin, Guy and Rick for your very kind words of support, it's your encouragement that keeps me going.
Des.
-
simply stunning, Des!
-
Thanks Ermeio for your kind words, they are much appreciated.
I have completed the tail booms. I painted them to simulate a bamboo colour, the black bands are made from 1.0mm wide Tamiya tape coloured with black permanent marker then cut to 4.0mm lengths and wrapped around the booms, a little touch of CA makes sure they stay in place. The rigging is done using 0.12mm mono, once fitted they are painted with Mr Metal color stainless. I am awaiting the arrival of my elastic rigging material to do the tail rigging.
Des.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TtU5Jof33zc/VLH0u3TCCRI/AAAAAAAAP3I/TrvWqEDP-gY/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520166.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PgLEbNxD7tw/VLH0vGT8pdI/AAAAAAAAP3A/fZyHgVaD5VM/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520168.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zhqGH9BbV7M/VLH0ypVoYoI/AAAAAAAAP3g/oam6GPcmSVk/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520171.jpg)
This next photo has no real significance to the tail and booms, I just like the photo :) :)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EdZdgDwKY7I/VLH0ybvPqfI/AAAAAAAAP3c/Mkcd58XgPHQ/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520170.jpg)
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Pure modeling magic, Des! I have never seen anything so sublime. Mate, with each of your scratchbuilds I think, "this is as good as it gets", then you turn around a top it.
Cheers,
Bud
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I just like the photo too Des. :)
Question: mono-filament line is hard to paint at time. What do you use to paint your mono, or what method, if I may ask?
Warren
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Thanks Bud and Warren for your much too kind comments.
After each of my monofilament rigging lines are fitted I paint them with Mr Metal Color Stainless, I use a soft long haired brush running the brush along the mono, be sure to protect the surface of the model though as the very thin lacquer based paint can easily splatter if the brush slips off the mono. The paint dries within seconds and once dry can be buffed to a nice sheen if required.
Des.
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Awe inspiring work, Des. The rigging looks superb although
I am curious as to why the elastic material for the tail. Is it a
question of trying to reduce the tension? Also in this case,
what type of material you would use for that job?
You are an amazing modeller, my friend!
Cheers,
Ernie :)
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Thank you Ernie for your very nice comments, I really appreciate all the words you leave.
The tail plane on this model is only very thin hence pretty weak, I attempted to rig the tail using my usual 0.12mm mono but even with great care it applied too much pressure causing the tail to deform. I ordered some ModelKasten 0.13mm stretch rigging from Hobby Link Japan, this product has a round section and is a bit stiffer than the usual elastic thread, this will make it easier to thread the line through the brass tube that I use. My order was posted a week ago so I should have it soon, but I still have plenty to do while I am waiting.
I have made the two ailerons which fit between the upper and lower wings, they mount in the centre on the wing struts, quite an unusual set-up but very effective.
Des.
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fantastic work I admire
Bravo boss
(http://i38.servimg.com/u/f38/18/47/30/10/25444910.gif) (http://www.servimg.com/view/18473010/2101)
(http://i38.servimg.com/u/f38/18/47/30/10/38293510.gif) (http://www.servimg.com/view/18473010/2102)
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Just catching up after being away again. Just wonderful Des - you really re the Master and no mistake. I especially like your choice of off-beat subjects but I am also learning so much from each instalment!
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Des, I am so sorry not having followed this extraterrestrial build. I was absent from the forum for some time and had a lot to catch up. But now I was able to study your magnificent log of a magnificent build in one time. After two hours of reading, looking, being amazed and most of the time not believing that this was a scale build – but I had to believe when seeing the matches – I was silent for some time. I always admired those talented scratchbuilders, but what I’ve seen here is truly the top of modeling. I thought I saw the limit with the “Battaille”, but this is even better. I think everything is already said about your beautiful, skilled work by so many forum members so I only say : “I make a bow for you my friend”.
Kind regards
Patrick
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I am overwhelmed with the response I have been getting from the members of the forum, thank you so much and also thank you to Jeanluc, LM and Patrick, your thoughts are very important to me.
Des.
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So extrafine model Des.
It was wonderful to follow your build.
Martin
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Des.
I'm not going to say much apart from firstly apologising for not following this from the start.
Other than that just to say it is absolutely stunning work and well deserved of the praise everyone is giving.
Keith
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Spectacular... I know, I ran out of superlatives.
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My many thanks to Martin, Keith and Przemol for your very kind words.
Des.
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Holy cow!
I have only just now stumbled into the Scratch builds thread and this build. Des, as has been said many times (and will be said many more) this is a joy to behold! Truly beautiful. I LOVE it!
Chris
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I've discovered your building, it's wonderful. So many details, the engine is astonishing !!!!!!!!!!!
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beautiful progress
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I want to add my two-cents to the conversation. It's a lovely build and just increases my interest in someday taking on a scratch building project. I like this Curtiss a lot. Unusual subject with lots of possibilities to learn new things. I figure I need to slowly acquire some additional tools to help me with both scratch building and with further scratch building some detail items for my kit planes. Any recommendations you (and Bo) might have along those lines would be greatly appreciated. I'm on a limited budget, but I think a lot can be accomplished without expensive tools. Obviously, a stash of bezels, dial faces, brass and aluminum tubing of various sizes, and styrene stock. But, the tools needed beyond basic kit modeling is new territory for me.
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I really appreciate the comments posted by Chris, Dol, Scott and eindecker, they mean a lot to me.
To try and answer your question eindecker I will keep it short. You have already mentioned the stock necessary for stratch building, styrene strips and sheets of various thickness, I have a large stock of micro brass tube also aluminium and nickle silver tube, thin brass sheet is very handy but a lot can be made from coke can material, easy to work and strong. A collection of small nuts and bolts, there are many types available but all do a very good job. A good selection of wire, my wire ranges from 0.07mm to over 1.0mm, the wire has a multitude of uses. Most of these items have been built up over years of modeling but recently I purchased a soldering station, this is essential when building using brass tube or sheet, they are not a very expensive tool to buy, I think I paid around $80 for mine. My largest single purchase was a watch makers lathe, a very handy tool with many uses but not essential for the scratch builder. Normal tools like files, sanding sticks, various cutters, digital calipers, magnifiers, really good quality knives (I use scalpels) and tweezers. There are probably many more tools that would make scratch building easier but I make do with what I use to make my kit models.
Des.
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Beautiful Des! Your model looks just like a 3D version of the book's cover art--another amazing build! ;D
I know you like the pioneer aircraft, so I'm passing along this information on a book I'm currently reading, "Birdmen" by Lawrence Goldstone:
http://books.google.com/books/about/Birdmen.html?id=J22mngEACAAJ
This is an interesting read about the pioneers of early aviation, with particular focus on the feud and competition between the Wright brothers and Glenn Curtiss.
Regards,
Bob
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Thanks very much Bob for your kind comments, thanks also for the link to the interesting book, this will be well worth reading.
I made and fitted the two Skid Fins (side curtains either side of the engine), I also made the two ailerons. I had to make and fit the A frame on top and bottom of each aileron and all the little brackets to fit the rigging, the brackets are made from flattened 0.6mm Aluminium tube cut to 2.0mm lengths with a 0.4mm hole drilled at each end, it was then bent to the appropriate angle at the centre point.
Des.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3ZaPTP7bkpU/VLnbSXcPadI/AAAAAAAAP5E/Q6k4SYwIeoM/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520172.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ss-c_ZKBSZ8/VLnbTixAxLI/AAAAAAAAP4w/Lpc4sW2HAss/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520173.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VMQrUr8FC3Q/VLnbUMcCyNI/AAAAAAAAP4s/xZ2GxhrgwZ8/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520174.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-72kCXrdGiKU/VLnbVNnBs3I/AAAAAAAAP44/iJdN20cagyk/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520175.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sbNGUewQgxo/VLnbWxxmxjI/AAAAAAAAP5I/xpFmJQrBJ0A/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520177.jpg)
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Another amazing update Des! Beautiful as always! You make it sound and look easy and we all know it is the result of your incredible skills!
RAGIII
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It is so great your work Des.
Martin
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Another amazing update Des! Beautiful as always! You make it sound and look easy and we all know it is the result of your incredible skills!
+10 Des. As always I am lost for words. Brilliant falls a long way short…….
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Amazing Des, amazing!
Kind regards
Patrick
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So pleasing to the eye, Des. I could stare at this for hours, unlike the sun.
Cheers,
Bud
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Thanks very much Rick, Martin, LM, Patrick and Bud for your really nice comments.
If my new stretchy rigging line turns up this week I should have this model completed withing a few days, it was posted on the 6th January from HLJ (Hobby Link Japan) and is taking its time to get here.
Des.
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Des, you're gonna love that stuff. Used it for the first time on my 1/48 Tripe and I'm 100% sold. Very fine, nice solid color, much less stretch than EZ line, not as floppy, threads beautifully in all types of tubing and can be painted. I'm looking forward to your impressions.
Cheers,
Bud
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You leave me speachless with every up-date, Des! Thumbs up!
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Thanks Bud and Ondra for your very kind words, they are much appreciated.
It was your recommendation that made up my mind to try this new rigging line Bud, I trust what you say fully and look forward to giving it a go, I'm always up for new ideas and techniques.
Des.
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Des,
Really sorry I've missed your recent updates -
Outstanding work! Really coming together now so I can visualize what this aircraft will look like once fully completed. Good luck with the remainder of your build.
Regards
Dave
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Thanks very much Dave for your kind comments.
I have been waiting, and waiting, and waiting for my new ModelKasten stretchy rigging line to turn up, it didn't turn up on Friday and being a long weekend here I was not going to sit around and do nothing, so I continued the rigging using the usual mono. I rigged the ailerons before they were fitted, this made the rigging very easy and fitting the ailerons to the struts was also easy. I have also rigged the control wires for the ailerons, these come from a bracket behind the seat, run through a pulley then through guide tubes and on to the ailerons, all the rigging is painted with Mr Metal Color Stainless.
Only the tail rigging left to do :)
Des.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZryB4XD8nZg/VMRi3rsOHYI/AAAAAAAAQCs/dljE_xY2bwg/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520178.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yOwgVYBCtU8/VMRi4z5bc_I/AAAAAAAAQC8/T8nG4Nbq7k0/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520179.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Wy037kR1JQw/VMRi4H1M1QI/AAAAAAAAQC4/1tL6TKuIDcc/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520180.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h7ubyFJUdWY/VMRi5hPLRtI/AAAAAAAAQDE/S97zu4nGgC0/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520181.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oU25qbxoDWg/VMRi_yW_C_I/AAAAAAAAQD0/2qLQWa9fhK4/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520187.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2hzdcFW_w_g/VMRi-rYn9SI/AAAAAAAAQDk/bCDEorojNbM/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520185.jpg)
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Oh, man, Des! This is just too gorgeous! If she were a woman, she would be rediculously hot!
Cheers,
Bud
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I must concur with Bud...growwwl. :P :P
That is a real tour de force. I think it's my favorite of your builds so far. This one and the scratch triplane (?) are master pieces in my book (and everyone else's by the looks of it)!
Dan
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Maestral work. Very sophisticated, very detailed...
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Hello to all,
It's gorgeous, you're pamper us. (I'm not sure for this word) ;)
Best regards.
Alain.
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Another amazing and very unique model from the scratch building master. :D
-George
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What every one else has said. Just amazing :) I find it so mind blowing that you can keep track of all that rigging also. Just WOW.
James
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Another amazing and very unique model from the scratch building master. :D
-George
+1
Cheers & huzzas,
Bob
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Absolutely beautiful! One of my favorite aircraft. Des, each time I believe you outdo yourself.
Sean
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Des, you continue to amaze me with your talent. Thanks for letting us know what you use for painting your rigging. Is Mr. Color Stainless Steel and acryllic or solvent-based paint? It's nice and dark, but not "silvery" if you know what I mean.
Warren
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Stunning work Des.
Martin
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Just amazing, Des! My hats off to your skills, sir.
Cheers.
Ondra
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That rigging looks spectacular Des. To my eye it just looks much different than what I'm used to seeing and that really adds pizzazz to the model. As always, your work is clean, precise and simply superb.
Cheers,
Chris
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My appreciation and thanks to all those who have left very kind and generous comments, thank you all for taking the time to have a look at my build :) :)
Des
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What can one add! Just absolutely stunning!
RAGIII
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Thank you Rick, your comments are always very much appreciated.
Des.
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This model is now finished, here are two photos of the completed model, more photos are over in the Completed Models board. Thank you to all those who took the tme to have a look at this build and thank you to everyone who left very nice comments.
A full build log of this model can be found here; http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/page51.html
Des.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RpdDE3rRBJI/VMikmX8oH5I/AAAAAAAAQGU/MCczVh-0Li0/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520207.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FpEZ6efHWX0/VMiki6L1BPI/AAAAAAAAQF0/ZyyDag8ukKs/s800/curtiss%2520x%2520203.jpg)
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Ridiculously good Des :o
Guy
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Congratulations on the completion of yet another masterpiece, Des! When I look at these amazing scratch-builds of yours, I'm first taken by the extraordinary level of craftsmanship, then by the unbelievable number of these that you've managed to produce in such a short time. You are truly a remarkable and prolific artist, my friend.
Cheers,
Bud
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Hello gentlemen,
I agree, a beautiful masterpiece !!! A lot of pleasure following your build Des. Congratulation.
Best regards.
Alain.
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What a beautiful piece of work Des, it's quite an inspiration.
Warren
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I think that this is my favourite Des build, i just love the whole design of her and Des has shown in nice bite size pieces how to go about such a build.
Bravo Zulu
Roy
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Wow Des
Your scratch builds never cease to amaze me.
tonyb
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It looks perfect and is a fantastic build Des.
Martin
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Magnifique ! bravo !
CONGRATULATIONS
philippe
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Top drawer as always Des!
Cheers,
Chris
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Truely a masterpiece Des but what amazes me the most is the time in which this came together. If I were to build this I would not imagine it finished within a year.
Cheers, Alan.
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Hi Des,
I have to agree with every bit of praise you have received for this build. It is both a unique subject choice and brilliantly executed. Well done Sir.
Best regards,
Mark
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My many many thanks to the following people for leaving their very kind and generous comments - Mark, Alan, Chris, Philippe, Martin, Tony, Guy, Bud, Alain, Warren, Roy and Alain, your words are very much appreciated.
Des.
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It's fabulous! Your pictures really explain very well!
It's Great!
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I miss Des
Harry
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I miss Des
Harry
We all do, Harry.
B