forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Radarman on April 01, 2017, 12:00:22 PM

Title: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: Radarman on April 01, 2017, 12:00:22 PM: A while back I started this Academy 1/32nd scale Nieuport 17.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/73FB1E6D-32C4-408D-9AC3-EE77D77846CB_zpsajb3lax7.jpg)

I had great hopes of completing this as part of the French Aircraft Group Build.
Life and work made sure to take up my time so this project got delayed.
So here is a bit of a rundown as to where I was and am:

I had worked on a mostly scratch built cockpit.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/3128240D-E467-4B0A-A966-7D5811BEEB2C_zpsg95xbvwa.jpg)

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/A2D82EA4-778F-4D68-A037-2753B0756DF3_zpsnnadwoje.jpg)

I have since changed the seat belts at the recommendation of some of the members of this board.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/42621058-A1DA-46DD-951E-32423FED75AD_zpscpuimq0q.jpg)

I added the the framework for the "Skylight" in the wing center section.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/91D55EBA-EEA4-4F85-8606-5F8B295F5117_zpsuglm7bhe.jpg)

And improved the cowl.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/D42AADAD-72FB-4719-8C72-316B42A1C474_zpshztuyp0a.jpg)

And the Le Rhone.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/3962EA92-C503-4C97-8D03-F2EA7B510CCD_zpsghxlvcvo.jpg)

Since picking up this project again I have closed up the fuselage.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/45BFBEC8-B073-481B-8909-99C3AA50231D_zpsqy2j25cm.jpg)

I've also cut out and added the exhaust channel underneath.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/EE9BAE32-D532-44B9-AE8C-2DB9BAFA8A4F_zpsgmnwdrmh.jpg)

I didn't like the look of the kit wheels, a little too "Balloonish"to me.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/8DB72C4B-D994-445A-8B20-C97CF6F9DEFC_zpswiv8efvt.jpg)

I borrowed some from a Roden Nieuport 24.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/C7601338-D715-47F5-B0DC-B1349E8598BC_zpskjeyqz7z.jpg)

The aircraft I want to model had the valve stem on the inside of the wheel so I filled in the slightly exaggerated detail on the Roden wheel and the outside vale stem.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/3DC140A3-7E26-4EE9-B5D2-D2779542930E_zpscd26efhj.jpg)

I drilled a hole for the inside vale stem and cast a new set.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/A492EE08-E23B-4809-B134-37699FE4F680_zpsvosucmxk.jpg)

This was the first time I'd cast anything and I was happy with the way they came out.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/697F4E02-7799-48E5-9321-911E62269D1F_zps0pbosjyk.jpg)

That's where I am now. I hope to keep the momentum going on this. Now back to work.

Kevin
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: coyotemagic on April 01, 2017, 12:23:42 PM: Good to see you back on this one, Kevin. Can never get enough Nieuports.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: 53ryder on April 01, 2017, 12:24:52 PM: I agree! More Nieuports! Pleasure watching your build. Pink and black seat belts? French fashion?

Glenn
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: Juan on April 01, 2017, 01:13:05 PM: Very nice progress, really enjoying what you are doing. :D
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: RAGIII on April 01, 2017, 10:44:30 PM: Outstanding cockpit, engine, exhaust channel, and the wheel casting is incredible!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: pepperman42 on April 01, 2017, 11:51:54 PM: Nice work!! Great casting on the wheels.

Steve
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: Monty on April 02, 2017, 12:18:10 AM: Hi Kevin, that is great work and a vast improvement on the kit! Looking forward to more... Regards, Marc
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: Borsos on April 02, 2017, 03:29:13 AM: Good to see you back on this one. Your work on the interior and on the wheels is great.
Borsos
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: TobyCoulson on April 02, 2017, 05:18:23 AM: Nice work. I did this a while back and used the MasterCaster cockpit kit. Not the best to be honest. You've done a very good job on yours.
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: lone modeller on April 02, 2017, 05:48:40 AM: Excellent improvements especially the cockpit details. Looking forward to seeing more of this.

Stephen.
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: GAJouette on April 02, 2017, 06:32:09 AM: Kevin,
She's shaping up to be a real beauty my friend. Glad to this project on the front burner again. Keep up the outstanding progress!
Looking forward to the next update.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: xan on April 02, 2017, 07:25:47 AM: Great work!
wich plane will you represent?

Xan
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: Radarman on April 03, 2017, 10:23:26 AM: Thanks to everyone for the positive comments and encouragement.
Quote from: xan on April 02, 2017, 07:25:47 AM
Great work!
wich plane will you represent?

Xan

Xan, It will be Robert Soubiran"s from N124 Lafayette using these decals.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/D4B28239-375D-4C78-BD7B-E35D74F37060_zps8wxxmcye.jpg)

Quote from: 53ryder on April 01, 2017, 12:24:52 PM
I agree! More Nieuports! Pleasure watching your build. Pink and black seat belts? French fashion?

Glenn

Glen, I changed out the seat belts with the proper type.

The build continues.

I've done up the prop. I just need to come up with a logo for it.
I don't know if it's more like a Le Vasseur or Eclair. One way or
the other, I'll have to make my own.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/D97D5C13-941E-45E8-9172-B453D15AB06A_zpsykoxvvdr.jpg)

I've also worked on the "Vee" struts. I sanded them down to a better shape and tried to represent the reenforcing strips
and attachment hardware.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/D2BDB614-3EC7-45C1-BD90-68DFE51FA8EA_zpsf7rybfrz.jpg)

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/8F6DD40E-2E50-4F7F-AD14-F10670FE8E72_zpswfpt1xwa.jpg)

Now I'm trying to figure out the best way to attach the undercarriage. Thanks again to everyone.

Kevin
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: Juan on April 03, 2017, 10:43:58 PM: Looking good Kevin, love what you have done and choice of markings (also have one in my stash for future use). Looking forward to your progress.
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: Radarman on April 05, 2017, 05:34:09 AM: I've made some Levasseur prop logos on a laser jet printer. This is another first for me.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/361C8CF1-BB62-4F89-B5A1-6AF9A5F177C9_zpsynxmtx9i.jpg) (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/Radarman60/media/Nieuport%2017/361C8CF1-BB62-4F89-B5A1-6AF9A5F177C9_zpsynxmtx9i.jpg.html)

I hope they don't disappear on the prop. Wish me luck.

Kevin
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: pepperman42 on April 05, 2017, 10:34:34 AM: They look like they worked out great!!

Steve
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: Radarman on April 05, 2017, 01:41:50 PM: Okay, I have applied the logos to my prop. I had to overlay one over another to
get enough colour to show through.The golds are too faint and the red blends in
with the prop.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/E2D520E6-C5D0-4C0F-8F1F-6EBF087FFBF6_zpsx5qs7ol4.jpg)

I suppose the logos faded anyway. Thanks for the kind remarks,
Kevin
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: RLWP on April 06, 2017, 08:33:09 AM: Quote from: Radarman on April 05, 2017, 01:41:50 PM
Okay, I have applied the logos to my prop. I had to overlay one over another to
get enough colour to show through.The golds are too faint and the red blends in
with the prop.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/E2D520E6-C5D0-4C0F-8F1F-6EBF087FFBF6_zpsx5qs7ol4.jpg)

I suppose the logos faded anyway. Thanks for the kind remarks,
Kevin

I would say that is a good result. For me, the logos on props are usually something I have to look for, not something that shouts 'look at me!'

Richard
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: Radarman on April 09, 2017, 07:06:31 AM: Hello everyone. I've been doing a bit of work on the fuselage and the Vickers Gun installation.
I've used Tom's Modelworks Fotoetch for the stitching and have temporarily attached the engine,
cowling, and windscreen to aid in alignment. For this I like to use Microscale Micro Liquitape.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/1F307298-084D-4841-9CEC-E75BDAE3AAD4_zpsuqfbm8wl.jpg)
I'm using a Gas Patch French Modified Vickers. The kit ammo feed and belt track were not very
realistic so I made new ones from scrap plastic and a very small cable tie.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/956D6A69-31CB-44B3-8A4B-2FDB3F155747_zpswcgeonrx.jpg)

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/24DAA282-D0FA-4BDB-9F2A-0990EB17F4C4_zpsy8tfe237.jpg)

That's it for now, Kevin
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: jean-chris on April 09, 2017, 07:01:52 PM: Very nice .
Good luck for your build .
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: RLWP on April 10, 2017, 08:26:01 AM: What are you representing with the cable tie?

Richard
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: Radarman on April 10, 2017, 10:39:34 AM: Quote from: RLWP on April 10, 2017, 08:26:01 AM
What are you representing with the cable tie?

Richard

Richard,
On the Nieuport 17 armed with the Vickers Gun the ammo was fed via a canvas belt from the right side
and the empty belt was fed to a spring loaded spool out the left side. The cable tie represents the track
that the belt ran through to enter the left side of the fuselage. The kit part was a strait ramp where in real
life there were two bends in the track.

Thanks for the question, Kevin
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: RLWP on April 14, 2017, 12:11:13 AM: Got it!:

(http://www.ctie.monash.edu.au/hargrave/images/nieuport_17_01_500.jpg)

http://www.ctie.monash.edu.au/hargrave/nieuport.html

I must admit, it isn't a material I would choose to use, cable ties seem to be made of stuff that you can't cut, stick, bend or form. Handy for lots of other things though

Richard
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: RAGIII on April 15, 2017, 03:13:17 AM: Your work on the fuselage is really outstanding. You are inspiring me to take a look at my kits!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: Radarman on May 01, 2017, 05:05:38 AM: Hello everyone. I've made a little bit of progress on my Nieuport.

After reshaping and adding a bit of detail to the undercarriage, I've assembled
it and added the Sandows using soft beading wire. I've also attached the wheels
I cast in resin.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/FF9C95C7-E07D-4452-BEC8-57B799FB2493_zpsv1o5clxk.jpg)

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/06EDDB2B-0FCE-46B6-9F30-D4D1CDC619FC_zpse6wwg01x.jpg)

I hope to start painting and assembly of the major componants soon.

Thanks much, Kevin
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: RAGIII on May 07, 2017, 11:21:51 PM: In a word, AWESOME!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: Radarman on May 08, 2017, 03:41:33 AM: Thanks RAGIII and everyone else out there. I've got some silver dope on the top wing and added
the internal rigging in the center section.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/7EA05395-4B5E-4080-90E0-71B3FE218AD5_zps4mw7izrv.jpg)

Next, I'll decal the the wing and ailerons and then attach something clear over the center skylight. I must say, the wing is
very delicate and I hope and pray I don't break it in half.

Thanks again, Kevin
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: RLWP on May 08, 2017, 04:02:43 AM: Hey, woah now - wait up a minute!

How did you do that centre section? It's something I have been thinking about for a Nieuport 17 I have in my stash. Have you any more details?

Richard
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: Radarman on May 08, 2017, 04:37:39 AM: Quote from: RLWP on May 08, 2017, 04:02:43 AM
Hey, woah now - wait up a minute!

How did you do that centre section? It's something I have been thinking about for a Nieuport 17 I have in my stash. Have you any more details?

Richard

Hi Richard,
I measured and drilled the four corners then cautiously cut with a micro saw. I cleaned it up with
sanding sticks. The inner framework was made with Evergreen Strip and the rigging with music wire.
Here is a photo from back when i first started this build.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/28C7722F-44BD-45ED-B868-1A4A255FA8AF_zps78hsyrip.jpg)

I've kept this wing taped to a strip of bass wood to keep from breaking it. Once it's attached to the cabane and vee struts the problem should
be solved.

Thanks, Kevin
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: RLWP on May 08, 2017, 05:01:46 AM: That's one of the two methods I had been pondering. The other is to chop the whole section out, then replace it with a new built up part with steel rods passing through the spars and into the remaining wing

Yours looks really good Kevin

Richard
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: Juan on May 08, 2017, 05:04:18 AM: Wow Kevin, thank you for showing us your method. Will have to try this one of these days (when I get my nerve up). Looking really good.
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: RAGIII on May 08, 2017, 05:44:59 AM: Stunning work on that wing cut out. Thanks for showing and sharing the method!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: lcarroll on May 08, 2017, 07:10:00 AM: That wing cut out looks like a very scary operation, you've aced it and also finished it up beautifully..... very nicely done!
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: Radarman on May 12, 2017, 02:22:22 PM: Thanks to everyone for the encouragement you've provided to me. I'm having a good time
on this build. I started the decaling process this evening.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/0318F86A-6A5C-4675-A658-2A2FE389B054_zpsmpx1zwxm.jpg)

The Kiwi Decals cockades went down with out a bit of worry, I can really recommend them.
Hope I can get a bit more done this weekend.

Kevin
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: RAGIII on May 12, 2017, 11:19:43 PM: The roundels do indeed look great! I have a set for the Nieuport 11 so this is very good news!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: Juan on May 12, 2017, 11:33:35 PM: That top wing is simply gorgeous. Glad to hear about the Kiwi Decals (will use mine one day....)
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: Radarman on May 15, 2017, 08:20:56 AM: Thanks again for all the positive comments from everyone. I've been able to get a few more bits and pieces done over
the last few days. I made some decals for the stencils that are found on the flying surfaces. The Kiwi Decals set
only had four , but I needed eight or ten. Plus, they were a little too big. I've started painting the fuselage and will
try to get the lower wings and undercarriage attached this week.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/709F95B0-6C79-41EF-B1C8-4A4268DF5C89_zpsndlxrbuw.jpg)

I've also covered the upper wing skylight with some clear plastic. I attached it using a very small amount of
Microscale Micro Liquitape. It drys clear and stays tacky.

(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff282/Radarman60/Nieuport%2017/21E586FC-F63F-4388-AE56-A459637B7426_zpsv933t0oy.jpg)

There's a lot more fun ahead of me so wish me luck.
Thanks, Kevin
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: Jeff K on May 15, 2017, 08:52:44 PM: superb so far. i'm watching your build carefully as i have some Nieuports in the queue.
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: RAGIII on May 15, 2017, 11:18:50 PM: I really love the clear panel! I have some Micro Liquid Tape that I will have to experiment with!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: KiwiZac on May 18, 2017, 12:15:06 PM: Beautiful work, Radarman! It really looks the part with the roundels on.

The Academy boxing is very cheap here in NZ - about 1/5th that of a WNW kit - so I'm very tempted to buy one and a WNW engine sprue!
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: pepperman42 on May 20, 2017, 11:11:20 AM: Nice progress!!

Steve
Title: Re: Nieuport 17 - Back on the bench
Post by: dr 1 ace on May 21, 2017, 04:46:22 AM: Progressing nicely and getting close to completion, await more pics !

Ed