forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Monty on March 13, 2017, 06:40:12 AM
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Before I start this thread I would like to apologise for the abrupt end to my thread on the 1/24 Merit Spad XIII. I became very disillusioned with the kit as there were multiple outline and detail errors - some so bad I couldn't even figure out how to fix them! I had even purchased the Dr.1 and SE5A before the reviews came out - and the reviews weren't good... But the Dr.1 at least had a fair outline, the major components appeared accurate and the assembly looked OK... But it had one big error in everyone's opinion: It had the wrong engine. A quite nice Clerget 130hp was provided where the Dr1 had an Oberursel U II engine - in 99.5% of cases... the remaining two airframes 450/17 and 470/17 were re-engined by Josef Jacobs with captured Clerget engines - he offered crates of champagne to troops who could scavenge these engines for him from British aircraft! (He wanted the oil tanks and their superior British oil even more...) So if I could manage the markings for one of these I could get a project going...
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5321.jpg)
The other problem (IMHO) with this kit is the cowling: The shape is OK but the cooling holes aren't quite accurate and the definition between the front plate and rest of the cowling isn't so great, so it needs work... The propellor also has a trough in the rear face - it needs filling. So I filled the back of the prop with putty and filled the innacurate engraved panel line on the cowling...
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5277.jpg)
Then I took a thin slice of 10 thou plasticard and ran it around the position where the two panels met on the cowling: I decided to ignore the slight inaccuracies of the cooling holes (They are a tad too big and set a tad too high...)..
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5316.jpg)
You can see it's just above the old scribed line and extends onto the lower lip edges on both sides... lotos of glue and finger print markings but serious sanding needed!
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5318.jpg)
Even here after a bit of sanding you can see the outer edge start to blend in...
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5317.jpg)
The sides of the cockpit had these wedges of shaped plywood that kept the streamline shape of the cowling and blended it into the fuselage sides - very characteristic of Fokker aircraft. These were cut from Plasticard, curved by spooning, bent and shaped by finger power until they fitted... more or less... then three stringers per side were added...
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5320.jpg)
Here they are checked for fit behind the fuselage frame... Hopefully some more updates soon...
Regards, Marc
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Nice to see you work on this one, Marc. I wish you better luck with it than with SPAD! ;)
I have once build a 1/72 scale 470/17. And my argument is, that at least during some time it had no special markings, if you do not count simple white outlines of wing crosses. If you have problems with markings you could go that way, too.
Here is the link to some shots of my Dr.I (unfortunately the further link to "modelarstwo-redukcyjne" therein is not active anymore, that server fell):
http://www.ikb.poznan.pl/przemyslaw.litewka/modele_pliki/fokdr1.html
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You are a brave soul Marc, tackling a second model in this series! Your plan sounds great, and the Tripe in this scheme and large scale should be very impressive when completed. Great start on the details, I'll be following your progress with interest!
Cheers,
Lance
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Wishing you all the best Marc, great looking start. Will be following and looking to your updates.
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You have made an excellent start with the triangular panels and framework.
RAGIII
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Thank You everyone for checking in! Your little black Triplane is great, Przemo! You certainly have a light, delicate touch with 1/72 subjects, this one is beautiful! Ray Rimmel seems to think the one you modelled is 450/17 - a bit later in it's career with devil's head overpainted and crosses simplified. Your interpretation is spot on, actually. I'm planning to do what Ray calls 470/17, all black with no individual markings and very simple white cross markings. It's not sure from the only known photo whether it had a Clerget engine and what prop it used - here I can add some artistic license! Hi Lance, welcome! Yes, it really is big, and my first 1/24th aircraft ever, I hope I finish it! Hi Juan, I will try to update often, but there's no doubt this one will take time! Hi Rick, good to hear from you! I've only done those panels where they will be visible, a bit lazy of me!
Well, I've spent some time with putty, sandpaper and the cowling... it's beginning to look a lot more Fokker-ish... Of course the two cooling holes are a bit off in position and size, but close enough for me...
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5319.jpg)
Sanded and almost ready for primer..
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5328.jpg)
Regards,
Marc
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Well, I did get some more weekend time to make some progress so I grabbed the seat first... general shape OK, but the armchair portions on the side didn't have the characteristic outward curve (flare) so a quick dip in really hot water and a pair of flat pliers sorted that one...
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5330.jpg)
Then I worked on all the wing halves, with some really big parts (for a WW! aircraft) there was lots of cutting out and trimming of sprue connections to do, but it all went well and the parts fitted... I also filled the spar inspection hatch on the top wing as together with every other kit with this feature, it is too far back.. I have an idea on how to reinstate it a bit further forward at a later date... But the wings give some impression on the size of this bird...
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5331.jpg)
The photo isn't that great - sorry - had to hold the camera in the other hand! The ailerons are just fitted in place on good tabs and slots - I can fit them for good after painting and decals - that is a relief!
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5332.jpg)
Then there's a whole lot of bits and pieces on my desk getting some attention: The fuselage frames need cleaning up (they are a bit thick but I'll live with it) The prop is getting it's fifth layer of surface primer to smooth it up, the control stick gets an extra throttle lever and the engine halves are together... Engine mount cleaned up too...
Yeah, it's all fun...
Regards,
Marc
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Starting to come together very nicely Marc, the work you have done on the engine cowl will make all the difference and well worth the efforts, this will be a great build to follow, looking forward to seeing more.
Des.
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Hi Des! Thanks for checking in! On a less than perfect kit like this I try to correct the errors first then get on with the build! Hopefully some colour will bring it to life... Regards, Marc
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You are making great progress here! All is looking terrific!
RAGIII
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Hi Rick! Thank you for checking in! I must confess progress is slow, it's just life that gets in the way! I did at least get the engine together, actually some neat moulding and should look OK...
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/img_5337.jpg)
I hope to get more time this weekend...
Regards,
Marc
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Your Clerget is coming along nicely! It still amazes me that they made such a major error in this kit!
RAGIII
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A Merit kit?? Seriously?? Ok, then your name will be put forward for a Medal of Honor regardless of the outcome.
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Hi Rick! Thanks for checking in. Yes, the engine error is major. I can only think they saw the good photographs of Jacob's plane and decided this was the right engine! Hopefully Aviattic will come to the rescue with an Obureusel for us - the remainder of the kit can be worked on!
Hi Europapete, Great to have you along! No, this is not a serious build, just fun! And I think a purple heart would be more appropriate! But I don't think it's all bad, the fit is great, outlines are really OK and some details can be easily added...
So here I go back to "Step 1" in the instructions: The frame halves are cleaned up, and all the transverse tubes attached. The instructions would have you add the ammunition bin, cockpit floor and rear wall at this stage, but I want to paint them separately first. I may be making a lot of trouble for myself (or even creating "Mission Impossible") but the frames are flexible and I can get them to fit in the fuselage halves first... It all looks a bit bland without paint...
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5338.jpg)
The rear wall of the cockpit is a problem: It has the upper transverse mounting tube for the upper seat support moulded integrally: This makes it quite crude and will be obvious. I also has too great big fat ejection pin markings and two diagonal battens that should be wires. Just not good.
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/img_5340.jpg)
There is a quite simple fix: Just reverse it, add you ovwn transverse bar and diagonal rigging... You were going to do that anyway, I know... There are a few minor sink marks that help it to look like fabric! The lacing round the edge can also be added after drilling out all the fine holes, but my life is too short for that:
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/img_5341.jpg)
Then I started on the rear face of the firewall: The engine support struts and carburetor
glued in place: There isn't much detail here, I will check how much is visible before I start adding stuff!
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/img_5339.jpg)
All in a light, translucent grey plastic so not very interesting! But some progress is made:
Regards,
Marc
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And a little bit further today: I put the fuselage frame work together: And it was a fairly painless operation. To my delight, the floor, ammunition bin and rear cockpit frame could be clicked in place without gluing and can be removed for painting. This will simplify things when it comes to painting for sure...
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/img_5342.jpg)
Well, that seems to be all this weekend! Enjoy your modelling!
Regards,
Marc
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Looking great to date! Sometimes the simple solutions are best and turning the bulkhead around was simply brilliant! I would have probably sanded the offending part. Yours was a much better solution!
RAGIII
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Nice work!!
Steve
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Excellent!
vB 8)
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Hi Rick, thanks for that, yeah, I think it will work well! Hi Rittmeister von Buckles, Thank You for checking in!
Well, a little progress, baby steps! The wingtip skids as moulded (Tubes turned down at the end) look nothing like any photograph or good plan I have seen, so they were attacked viciously by the good old scalpel and this was the result; The end product of much scraping above and the original offending article below:
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5343.jpg)
Not perfect, but it will do!
Then I started throwing some paint (always a sign of progress) at the wooden bits, this is a base coat, lots of texturing to come!
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5344.jpg)
I'm glad the prop looks so smooth, that was a worry... Hopefully some progress soon!
Regards,
Marc
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Hi Everyone! Once again just a small step - some Alclad on the metal bits. I seems to have a blueish "steely" colour to it, but not as smooth as I would like - no matter - I think the texture may help in this large scale. Some washes etc will make a big difference! Excuse the poor photo taken on the bench - it's colder and wet here...
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5372.jpg)
Regards,
Marc
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Great progress Marc! I am looking forward to seeing those wood tones!
RAGIII
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Hi Rick! Yes, the fun part comes with the wood tones, never the same twice... here my W&N burnt umber oil mixed with a tad of Liquin and white spirit over the acrylic.. it makes it very "workable" but dries in a couple of days... Sorry about the messy bench, but quite interesting to see the imitation on real wood!
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/img_5378.jpg)
I also had a chance to spray the interior, this colour isn't right to my eye, far to pink and dark, may just go over it with Deck Tan XF-55...
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5380.jpg)
Not much for a long weekend, but something...
Regards,
Marc
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Hi Everyone! Once again just a small step - some Alclad on the metal bits. I seems to have a blueish "steely" colour to it, but not as smooth as I would like - no matter - I think the texture may help in this large scale. Some washes etc will make a big difference! Excuse the poor photo taken on the bench - it's colder and wet here...
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5372.jpg)
Regards,
Marc
That's a shame about the engine, converting an Oberursel into a Clerget would be a lot easier than going the other way. At least the pushrods and induction tubes were on the back of the Oberursel, making it a bit simpler than a LeRhone
Richard
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You are making great progress Marc, what you have achieved so far is looking really good.
Des.
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Hi Richard, yes that engine choice is so strange and probably one of the great mysteries... but there are some good close up photos of Josef Jacob's DR.1 with this engine in - maybe that confused Merit/Trumpeter...
Hi Des, Thanks for checking in!
So some more airbrushing and I adjusted the colour of the fabric inside... this is a more neutral color to my eye...
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/img_5382.jpg)
That was Tamiya XF-55, and I shot some XF 76 on the framework at the same time. A colour suggested by WNW for their DVII, note that no genuine DR.1 airframe remains, only repros, so I can get away with a little "interpretation!"
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/img_5381.jpg)
The important crossbar above the seat frames is installed, but only glued on one side so I can spread the frame to install bulkheads seat etc...
Well, a little progress...
Regards,
Marc
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I'm pretty familiar with at least one of Jakob's DR.1s, I built a version from the Roden kit ages ago:
(http://www.primrose-engineering.co.uk/wp-content/gallery/dr-1/Finished-003-1.jpg)
(http://www.primrose-engineering.co.uk/wp-content/gallery/dr-1/Finished-002.jpg)
There seem to have been a handful of Clerget engined DR.1s, Jakobs had at least two variations on his black scheme
Richard
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Nice job on the fuselage frame Marc.
Des.
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Your wood grain and the frame are looking great!
RAGIII
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Wow, Richard, that is a beautiful Triplane! And I do love the dog too... It looks a really accurate representation of what Ray Rimmel calls 450/17 a bit later in it's career when the "Devils Head" had been over-painted. Thanks for posting. Where did you get the Clerget from? I want to do 470/17 which is almost the same, but has simpler crosses... Also less info available so I can take more detail chances!
Thank You for your comments, Des!
Rick, you are too kind! I get lots of inspiration from your builds...
Just a very small detail: The controls miss the aileron wire horns, here shown in white (plasticard additions!). It's worth adding, this will be visible. The right horn has it's wire going to the left and visa versa... Always remember the aileron control wires are crossed, the elevator control cables cross too, but not the rudder cables...
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5383.jpg)
Regards,
Marc
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Wow, Richard, that is a beautiful Triplane! And I do love the dog too... It looks a really accurate representation of what Ray Rimmel calls 450/17 a bit later in it's career when the "Devils Head" had been over-painted. Thanks for posting. Where did you get the Clerget from? I want to do 470/17 which is almost the same, but has simpler crosses... Also less info available so I can take more detail chances!
<snip>
Regards,
Marc
That one came from Tom's Modelworks - it's 1:32 and it was the last that he had. It is meant to represent 470/17 which never carried the North Wind head
http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46287
I did start making a model of Josef Jakobs to go alongside, I wasn't happy with the face painting so I never finished him.
You have a chance to do a lot more in 1:24, and the parts are conveniently larger
Richard
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Hi Richard, Thanks for checking in again! Just to say again, I do like your modelling and inspiration!
To my great surprise my friend Adrian Smith brought a wonderful DR1 in 1/48th from the Dragon kit to our Club meeting - lovely model, the light wasn't great, but I hope the pics show something... the colour scheme I want to do!
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5521.jpg)
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5526.jpg)
Well, I suppose you think this project is dead, and I did lose and then stomp on the rudder assembly, but I paintakingly found the bits, added a few and put it together again, it took a while, only myself to blame... I think this will do, 1/24 shows every error... Needs paint soon!
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5605.jpg)
Hopefully more progress soon!
Regards,
Marc
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MOnty,
Glad you went back and fixed the rudder control parts ;D Your DR1 is moving along nicely, just have patience and you will have a very nicely done DR1!
RAGIII
PS: I like the wood tones on the floor!!
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Jacobs also had that cool "God of the North wind" scheme.
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I'm really enjoying this build Marc, thanks for sharing.
I must say, however, it's so disappointing to so many issues with the kit itself.
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Marc,
I'm quite happy to see that this project isn't D.O.A . Excellent update my friend with special cudo's for an outstanding wood painting.Keep them coming.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
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Great to see you back on this!
Borsos
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Thank You Andreas, Gregory, Zac, Scott and Rick for your input - all the help and encouragement is appreciated! I think it's inevitable that one part in every model goes missing or gets broken, so I just needed to get on and fix it! I'm playing around with colour and fitting all the parts into the fuselage at the moment. The larger the scale the greater the need for colour variation, representing shade and highlights and variations in hue... I'm learning lots in this scale and just fudging some things as I go along, any help is welcome! I can see here that the framework needs a darker wash, for instance. The seat is dry-fitted and I'm sure I can install it much later after I drape the seat belts over it. The seat definitely needs some attention with oils and a wash! The most reliable references say the seat was covered in black leather...
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5636.jpg)
I am also working on assembling the wings, and the endless job of filling and fixing some really long seams with lots of happy sanding.. That's what I tell myself!
Regards,
Marc
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Great to see an update Monty! I recently saw photos on Facebook of 425/17's seat but it's natural silver - any leather is long gone, so it's hard to say how representative it is today.
A friend of mine has a DR.I replica painted in that Jacobs scheme so I'm doing my Revell 1/28 kit in those colours.
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I am really impressed with the wood side framing colors! Nicely done. The seat was originally,(Factory), aluminum covered in fabric. I am certain many were covered with Leather in the field.
RAGIII
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The subtle colour differences you mention would certainly be important in this scale but I am sure that you will be able to replicate them. Working in this scale does give the opportunity to add a great deal of extra detail - even if some of them have to be fudged, but who could tell? Not most modellers!
A really interesting thread - looking forward to reading more.
Stephen.
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Hi Zac! Thanks for looking in! That Revell 1/28 kit is still a goodie after all these years - well worth build. Consider a Clerget engine for Jacob's machine - but in the spare machine, who knows really?
Hi Rick, thank you for the kind comments! I base the black leather on an Allied report of a crashed machine - but fabric has been documented too! As a famous ace with a well used machine or two, I'm sure Jacob's mechanics worked some extras into his planes! Without real airframes or better evidence, I'm happy to take a guess or two...
Hi Stephen, yes your comments are spot on! I will try to add as much detail as is practical, but there's not much in the way of after-market or extras in this scale yet! Mostly I'll have to do with the kit parts...
Well, I did get round to finishing off the cowling, adding the wire retainer around the rear trailing edge, smoothing things down and undercoating in Tamiya Enamel Titanium Silver - such an interesting colour! This will work well, I think, if I need to do chipping etc...
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo274/Marcleon_photos/IMG_5637.jpg)
Regards,
Marc
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What a lovely cowling Marc. I am sure, WNW one will look worse when/if they decide to release Dr.I!
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Outstanding Marc!
RAGIII
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(https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/594x396q90/924/gbE5B1.jpg)
This was just to get an image posted via Imageshack as Photobucket dumped a load of water on me...
Regards,
Marc
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Nice! As for PB, I am wondering why even after E Mailing them as directed on my account to say I want to delete my account everything is still visible on my threads. No Matter as I have now got a Flickr and another hosting site recommended by Des. 8)
RAGIII
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Hi Przemo! Thank You for the kind comments! Yes, it took a bit of effort, but it does look a bit closer to the original. I was considering adding the row of rivets around the join in the two metal sections, and had a look through all the photos I could find (Ray Rimmel says this is the way to go) and then it struck me that the prototypes and early examples had very prominent rivets, but the later production machines had much less visible rivets, sometimes none at all. This may be due to improved production techniques and skill. Then it struck me that if we were sure a cowling was overpainted, the rivets were just about invisible ... Do your own check and you may see what I mean... So this black cowling should have very little of the rivetting visible. It makes some sense, as a roughening up with sandpaper and then a coat of paint will hide a lot... This puts another nail in the coffin of the Voss yellow cowling... ( Did I say that?? I could start WW3...) as the rivets are quite prominent in his "face" cowling...
Hi Rick! My problems with Fake-Bucket are getting worse... I don't have back-ups for this thread or any other posts I have made on this site... So when the photos go down, that's it! (BTW, what they want for a years subscription would keep a family in Africa in food for a month...) so I'm pretty down about it... I only saved modelling photos, but that's bad enough... But thank You for keeping in touch and the kind words...
I haven't done much, just checked the fit of the tail-plane and scraped away the underside where it lies on the fuselage to make it fit better, seen in the photo. Also the separation line between the elevator and the tail-plane at the balance part is missing - here I'm busy scribing (needs to be neatened up!) the lower one, the upper one shows where it's missing! I also need to sand down those connecting blocks on the underside of the undercarriage wing - they are much too thick!
(https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/265x398q90/922/c48B2i.jpg)
Regards, Marc
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I've got to admit I'm more than a bit disheartened looking back on this thread - without photos it seems things never happened... It also makes the narrative strange at times now, and I'm pretty sure, many bloggers like me who have lost photos for ever are contemplating stopping abruptly just there, it seems worthless now... So I thought about it and decided to rephotogaph all the bits up to where I've got now, there has even been a little progress with some weathering and washes here and there, and consider this as a new starting point... Also my new hosting site now wants money, not the daylight robbery and extortion of our favourite one, but substantial in our terms... I will have to discuss that with Vanessa....
Anyway, Sunny Side Up! Here is where we are now....
(https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/735x490q90/923/JuKGOA.jpg)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/293x439q90/923/4CLVYO.jpg)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/293x439q90/924/Nq2VMt.jpg)
I hope it's not too confusing! It is quite a substantial model and needs more than a few subassemblies! I think the firewall is missing... Need to find that...
Regards and Thanks for checking in...
Marc
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I am glad you decided to carry on. All of the sub assemblies look excellent!
RAGIII
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Kind of back from the SOD, I suppose, but some progress:
(http://[url=https://flic.kr/p/25tSWx4][img]https://farm1.staticflickr.com/951/41009604065_b9177c92ce_z.jpg)[/url]IMG_7142 (https://flic.kr/p/25tSWx4) by Marc Cilliers (https://www.flickr.com/photos/149931118@N02/), on Flickr[/img]
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I'm really battling with images: This is a little large but there I hope:
(http://i64.tinypic.com/9j18qp.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/w2f0va.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/23mlgd4.jpg)
The Engine has a few washes and some brass and looks more interesting, it needs plug leads, I think! The underside of the cover on the undercarriage spreader bar has the funny blocks removed, I will leave it like this as I have no idea of what the detail here should be! And lastly I am dry-fitting the bits and pieces to the fuselage frame to check clearances: A tight fit and some cutting, filing and fitting needed!
Regards,
Marc
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I've been missing this thread and unfortunately cannot see the pictures on photobucket, but looking at these summary images you made an exquisite work on this Dr.I. And the all black Jacob's planes featured a captivating livery, so it isn't so bad having the Clerget engine in the box. I'm looking forward to see the completed model.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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Always glad to see a model removed from the SOD.
Engine looks great!
GAz
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Nicely done engine. I am glad to see you working on this one again!
RAGIII
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Well, we're on the go with this beastie again! Now for some decals - and probably the only decals I'll use on the build! The aircraft instrument decals for the instruments scattered all over the cockpit come from the kit decal sheet. They looked a bit iffy but after settling them down with lots of decal softener they look fair - still need some gloss for the lenses... The Axial decals from the kit are really awful, so I went to a spare WNW decal sheet (OK I know it's 1/32 and not 1/24!) and used their beautiful decals for the prop - the size difference really isn't that noticeable... Oh, I did loose the compass (upper right in the photo) and scratched a new one with gimbal....
(http://i63.tinypic.com/vqio7o.jpg)
Regards,
Marc
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Glad you're still on this one!! Appreciate all the details for when/if I get around to mine.
Gene K
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I hate to point this now you have already done all that work, but... The Dr.1 did not have an instrument panel. Just a few individual instruments scattered around the cockpit. That is one of the errors of the Merit kit.
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I hate to point this now you have already done all that work, but... The Dr.1 did not have an instrument panel. Just a few individual instruments scattered around the cockpit. That is one of the errors of the Merit kit.
A shame that Merit missed out on their 1/24th releases with either sloppy research or lack of caring! What you have done to this kit is Stunning!
RAGIII
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Thank You Beto, Gene and Rick for your comments - good to get the response! Just to reiterate there are no existent original Dr1's and no real original plans either, so cockpit details are necessarily vague, and yes, no instrument panel except on reproductions! Yes, I'm back on this one. I stalled a bit over the seat-belts, where am I going to get something realistic? Here in darkest Africa I'm not going to get much aftermarket, so I have to improvise my own... These came from the wrapping round the top of a wine bottle (confessions, confessions) and the lack of buckles is obvious, but the exact appearance of these belts is vague - so I simply let them all appear to droop to the floor so you can't see the clasps and buckles - OK, a cheat, but often seen on aircraft up to this day.... The fiddly details and instruments are coming together, scattered all around the cockpit...
(http://i63.tinypic.com/j6tum1.jpg)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/23m4txl.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/20sj414.jpg)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/3509dt3.jpg)
I hope the pics explain more than I can say! There's quite a bit to do in the cockpit still, I hope I get time to do it!
Regards,
Marc
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Marc,
It's great to see you back at this again! As Rick has said it's a shame Merit missed the mark (OOPs, pardon the pun!) on accuracy on this Kit but you are doing a wonderful job on it. I understand your efforts, I'm presently struggling with a "less then stellar example of a scale model aircraft Kit" as well and, I suspect like you, am enjoying making it into a decent model. Above all else you are enjoying the experience, which IMHO is mostly what it's all about. Great work thus far, and I'm looking forward to more!
Cheers,
Lance
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Just been reading through tis - you realy are turning a poor kit into a first class model. I like the idea of allowing the seat belt to drop to the floor to hide the missing buckles - must remember that trick i future!
Stephen.
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Good to see you back on this one, Marc! And like the others said: You are turning water into wine with this kit :)
Your detail work and painting is first class.
Best regards
Andreas
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I suppose the real reason for shelving this build was the rumours of the Meng kit.... Well, the Meng kit arrived and it was all that I could hope for, not perfect (no kit ever is) but just so well done I have done a bit on it too... food for another thread, I think! What got me going back to this one was some "extras" I found in the Meng kit. You see, they give two sets of Spandaus, one set don't need photo-etch and the other set use the beautiful pre-rolled jackets... so the PE set set I will naturally use in the Meng kit. But the spare set are ideal for the Merit kit! Here is a comparison with the supplied Merit PE - which is not great....
(https://i.ibb.co/brz82mz/IMG-3436.jpg)
No contest... a fair paint job and those Meng MG's will do just fine... The Merit PE is best ignored, those holes are just too big... And the Meng kit gives a spare set of wheels intended for the F.1 version of the Triplane... These have a smaller and thinner tyre than the Dr.1 so are a little undersize... but still bigger than the Merit ones with a lovely fabric effect and lettering on the tyre... Also not so clunky... No contest here again...
(https://i.ibb.co/hBtZ2gc/IMG-3437.jpg)
I couldn't resist showing the engine and prop in the cowling...
(https://i.ibb.co/YZ1rJ1h/IMG-3442.jpg)
And this is how far the internals have progressed, nearly ready to close up...
(https://i.ibb.co/tzN5jCs/IMG-3443.jpg)
Just some rigging to go and some fabric effect above that rear bulkhead... And the seat....
(https://i.ibb.co/JQnQnNd/IMG-3441.jpg)
So this kit will still be far from perfect but not quite ready to scrap... I have told myself to continue with quite a few of these old stalled builds (I keep them all... ready to restart at any time...) because the work put in is often very interesting... the end result may not be the absolute best but is acceptable, and most of all, it's fun!
Enjoy your modelling and Thank You to everyone following this thread so far!
Regards,
Marc
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Really looking good Marc! Your idea of using the extra Meng parts to enhance the Merit kit is Sound! Looking forward to more.
RAGIII
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Thanks for checking in, Rick! This build is slowly progressing now, together with some other projects. I fully realize this kit is now totally superseded by the Meng offering, but I have some work expended here, so I may as well just finish it, as best as I can! This photograph shows some dire faults with this kit:
(https://i.ibb.co/m6sNDbY/IMG-3497.jpg)
The shape of the cockpit opening is all wrong and it is too small; the padding is all wrong, the area under the machine gun butts is a solid and here I hauled out the trusty razor saw and removed it, especially if I'm going to use those Meng Machine guns... There is also a transverse bar here to support the rear of the guns I still have to add... There is a white piece of card that took me ages to file and get in place above the rear bulkhead, Meng has this nailed, but there is a big hole if this isn't filled... The fuselage halves are dry fitted, I will fix the gap between the fuselage halves!
Regards,
Marc
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Marc -
You are doing some sterling work on this far from perfect kit, mate -
Great progress
Regards
Dave
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Nothing wrong with upgrades from other kits. A nice improvement on the details.
Despite all the inaccuracies, it will still look like a Dr.I.
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You are making good progress and your improvements look Great!
RAGIII
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Thank you Dave, Ken and Rick for checking in on this build. I must say I am enjoying the build process, without getting too hung up on the details! Please note all the cockpit fittings may not be as accurate as the Meng kits (or latest research), please go to my Roden and Meng kit thread for some great input by many better modellers than I on this site! This is a relaxing build, nevertheless. I added all the little instruments and details provided by Merit, and some rigging. I used E Z line for the crossed bracing struts as I didn't know if there would be interference with the bits and pieces in the cockpit and the E Z line is flexible! It seemed to work out although the line may be a little fine for this scale...
(https://i.ibb.co/DkbQBsT/IMG-3516.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/LtmxWqs/IMG-3517.jpg)
Ready to close up! The fit is very good and the two lower wings are added here to check the fit and alignment... All OK!
(https://i.ibb.co/Sn5PYCY/IMG-3518.jpg)
Just got to let this dry properly and I can move on...
Enjoy your modelling!
Marc
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Nice to follow your progress here, Marc. Great work so far!
Cheers,
Gary
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Hear hear, it's looking great!
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You are making great progress and the DR1 is looking great! Your additions are making a difference for sure!
RAGIII
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Thank you Rick, Gary and Zac for the encouragement! Yes, progress is good as the kit at this stage seems surprisingly well engineered... the parts fit, the locating tabs and pins give a positive fit and aligning the parts are relatively easy. Well done Merit! The detail may not be as great as the Meng kit, but it is relatively easy to assemble. I'm not going for great detail, just hoping to keep it neat ... I drilled the fairlead holes deeper in the rear fuselage where the control cables exit. Surprisingly, the control horns on the rudder are not supplied, I will fudge some! Also the tailplane support struts are not mentioned in the instructions, I think they are supplied, but there are no clues where they should be fitted - I think I can figure this out! The undercarriage struts fit well and I can leave it loose for assembly later... In the photo it's all dry fitted, but I get to use glue very soon! It's beginning to look like a Dr.1...
(https://i.ibb.co/1m6rykP/IMG-3521.jpg)
Enjoy your modelling!
Regards,
Marc
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It certainly looks like a DR1 from My point of view Marc! Had Merit included a Lherone or Obereousel ( SP) engine I think this one might have been more popular...at least until the Meng kit appeared ::) Nice work and looking forward to the next update!
RAGIII
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Really love how this is turning out so far , great stuff Marc !
Alexis
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Thank You for checking in, Alexis and Rick! And yes, the Clerget engine commits me to two colour schemes only, so still thinking about the overall black on this big model... but that time is coming soon... So some detail progress, first, the upper wing has an inspection panel to look at the main spar construction details, and this is in the wrong place and needs to be moved forwards. Here I show how to cut the framing out of thin (10 thou) plasticard, cut the center out first, then cut the outside, trim off the burrs too.. here I used the Mengnutwings clear part on the left for sizing... the staple gives some idea of size...
(https://i.ibb.co/S5JPZGR/IMG-3874.jpg)
.. then glue to the top wing, the original detail was puttied and sanded, it is indeed a bit further towards the leading edge...
(https://i.ibb.co/QQFd78F/IMG-3875.jpg)
I will of couse, sand it back a bit...
Then I tackled the detail under the front of the fuselage behind the cowling.... here I copied the detail on the Mengnutwings kit again, added that flange at the front and added the hatch.. I will still need to add representations of the catches and latches... that will be basic, I assure you! Also above the start of adding the PE control horns to the ailerons, I will use the kit ones although they may not be 100%... not much, but progress!
(https://i.ibb.co/DK4hBhV/IMG-3877.jpg)
Enjoy your modelling!
Regards,
Marc
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That’s really looking nice. I’m sad to hear the Merit kits are so bad. I really want to build the SE5a.
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@Monty
I really admire your perseverance, Monty.
I would certainly have traded the model for a Meng Dr.I kit by now.
But regardless of whether the kit is good or not, you show here a very nicely done job! Bravo.
Greetings
Bertl
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Excellent corrections on the location of the inspection port Marc!
RAGIII