forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Gisbod on January 08, 2018, 07:56:10 AM
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Hello All,
Sorry again for the lack of postings - my modelling mojo has been struggling over the last few months and lots of other stuff going on. But... I’ve been sent the lovely Dolphin and as soon as I started poring over the content my mojo seemed to come flooding back! Good old Wingnuts.
I’ll refrain from posting pics of the boxing and sprues as everyone else seems to have done that already. There seems to be lots of build threads already going, but I hope there’s room for another?
I’ve decided to go for the 87 Squadron version. Just looked a bit different, and I like the idea of the wing mounted Lewis guns. The main other difference seems to be the PC10 cowling and struts, although the instructions state it could be this or the standard Battleship Grey, so I’ll give that a bit of thought...
The first thing that struck me was the super detailing to the interior and engine bay, most of which would disappear once closed up. Wanting to display a little more - I decided to take the plunge and do a bit of plastic surgery on the front end; the idea being to have it stripped back a little to open up the interior detail. So, the port side panel was first; I scribed along the edges with a new scalpel blade and just kept repeating until it finally came loose. Quite a bit of care was required here as it leaves a very thin strip connecting the bottom front cowl to the main fuselage. Although it will be fine once the interior side panel is in place.
Liking the look, I thought I may as well do a similar operation on the starboard side inspection panel. I drilled the corners then scribed the straight edges - although looking at the macro picture it needs a little refinement. The edges were chamfered to give the impression of a thinner lip. There’s also a small access panel behind the cockpit but I’ve left that alone for the moment...
The kit looks absolutely cracking and I’m thoroughly enjoying my bench time again! ;D
(https://s6.postimg.org/kwm5u0mgx/E4_CEC684-09_AD-4569-_A130-9625699438_F5.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ydj4cvwsd/)
(https://s6.postimg.org/5f3947ia9/886_E1_D9_B-3_D09-4_D46-_AA1_B-5_C454_AFB2479.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/j8rlt9avh/)
Thanks for looking in...
Guy
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Great to see another Dolphin build and the mods you are doing will make yours a special treat, I will be following along closely.
Des.
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Mojo-tastic!
Popcorn at the ready :)
Looking forward to seeing more updates.
Cheers,
vB
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You are a braver man than me. Your cut away inspection panels will surely showcase the awesome interior!
RAGIII
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Looking forward to seeing how your open nose turns out!
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Thanks!
Moving on to the 200hp Hispano-Suiza V8 Engine. As the plan is to have this exposed, I went a little bit further on the detailing than I otherwise would. However, this is somewhat generic. I just wanted the engine to look ‘busy’. There’s a super picture on page 5 of the instructions that show the side & top cowlings removed, and it’s a mass of wiring and piping. This will be done later on as it fits into the framework, but for now I just added 0.5mm brass tubing as ‘spark plugs’, some 0.2mm brass wire as ignition leads which runs back into a brass pipe at the rear - and a few bits out of the spares box to add some ‘bling’.
The plan was to feed the wire into the 0.5mm ‘plugs’ but this went awry, as when I glued the plugs in, I hadn’t accounted for the CA to wick into the tubes and block them. So, i ended up drilling another hole alongside and poked the wires in... ok if you don’t look too closely!
Still looks a bit clean, but it will get an overall light, grimy wash before it’s finished.
On to the cockpit!
Guy
(https://s6.postimg.org/lvujq2c5t/31_C5_A532-9727-4717-_BBC1-35_D321548_D3_A.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/6zw0ih0r1/)
.
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Evening,
Cockpit is pretty much complete. The usual method of oils for the wood then detail picked out once dry. Finished with a pin wash. For the internal rigging I tried using 0.1mm brass wire. It looks very nice, the only drawback being that I can’t tighten it up with heat like monofilament - and it did slacken off a little once the main components were fixed together. The bracing wires were also fitted on the base of the struts. This was back to my usual method of monofilament and Bob’s lovely buckles. The fit is good so far, little bit fiddly but a very intricate interior!
The instrument dials are the kit decals with a blob of clear epoxy to give the illusion of ‘glass’.
Guy
(https://s6.postimg.org/fx3ghfaqp/54653_BB4-654_C-4987-_B5_A6-567_AB0_C21_D9_F.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/k686jldzx/)
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Coming along beautifully Guy, both the engine and cockpit look excellent.
Des.
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Fantastic work, Guy.
I can't wait to see more updates on this bird ;)
Cheers,
vB
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The more the merrier !!!
Ed
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What are those 'pipes' running around the top of the cockpit? Is it some form of heating for the pilot
Richard
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Those are radiator pipes; one of the pilots who flew the Old Rhinebeck replica said he learned to always fly it wearing long sleeves to protect him from getting burnt.
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Those are radiator pipes; one of the pilots who flew the Old Rhinebeck replica said he learned to always fly it wearing long sleeves to protect him from getting burnt.
Ouch! That's a scary scenario, to say nothing of enormous battle damage risk to the driver!
Superb work on the cockpit Guy, it's one of the "busiest" I can imagine, the fellows flying it must have been on the small side!
Cheers,
Lance
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Looks super nice! It's fun to see everyone's interpretations. I'm learning so much on these builds!
Dan
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Looks super nice! It's fun to see everyone's interpretations. I'm learning so much on these builds!
Dan
I agree completely! I am glad I work slowly because I am benefitting greatly from the other builds 8)
RAGIII
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Amazing work, and at a very fast clip. Looking forward to your updates.
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Those are radiator pipes; one of the pilots who flew the Old Rhinebeck replica said he learned to always fly it wearing long sleeves to protect him from getting burnt.
Thank you for that. They look very much like water pipes, I hadn't spotted the radiator location
Richard
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Coming along nicely. I don’t have one, but these builds are encouraging me to put it on my list. Your work is first rate and since my mojo is on vacation, inspiring. Looking forward to more.
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Those are radiator pipes; one of the pilots who flew the Old Rhinebeck replica said he learned to always fly it wearing long sleeves to protect him from getting burnt.
Thank you for that. They look very much like water pipes, I hadn't spotted the radiator location
Richard
One other thing, they did indeed provide some "Heat" for the pilot as a secondary benefit ;D
RAGIII
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Thanks,
I’ve finished the interior I think. Very busy! Fitting the engine was a struggle though, as others have noted. At first I thought I’d done something wrong, because it didn’t look like it was going to go in at all, but with some struggling, bending and expletives, it suddenly popped into place. I really thought I was going to break something though. I’m really not sure why? But it fitted in the end so I guess the computer generated tolerances are such that it’s not designed for ham fisted modellers to put together...
I’ve added some extra copper piping, where appropriate (using copper wire), various detail here and there from random old PE sheets and the aluminium machine gun shell casing shute is more random folded PE.
The issue now will be how to mask it for the upcoming paint job!
Guy
(https://s6.postimg.org/3uur1iebl/BB5_F6_EB3-2_AFB-4_BD6-95_F3-1570_DE5_AC3_E9.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/hoj3qk6wt/)
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Very nice indeed. Must have been one heck of a squeeze to get in and out of that cockpit! ???
Gary
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Looks terrific all in place!
RAGIII
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Thanks chaps,
Racing along now..
I thought I’d have a go at a new technique to me - Marbling. It’s probably not so appropriate for WW1, but I thought I could always cover it over if it didn’t work out.
The first step is to paint the model in a Luftwaffe night scheme....
(https://s6.postimg.org/nnfr3iigh/D7_EE77_A8-6_CDA-49_D1-_A479-4_D991_E32_E3_E9.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/5xe2ih4vh/)
And then go over in the base colour (MRP Bleached Linen- thinned with Mr Paint Levelling Thinners), until it just shows:
(https://s6.postimg.org/4v3vzxech/68542_EEE-_FDE0-49_D7-8_BC4-1_A04821_D31_F4.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/5kmocaevx/)
It doesn’t look quite right in the photo - but there are a few more layers to go yet.
Guy
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Looks awesome, Guy! Masking was a real pain. A combo of tape, paper, tissue and lots of touch up!
Yours looks wonderful.
Dan
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Ah thanks Dan,
I’m only copying yours! Although I decided to dodge the masking and I primed using thinned primer through the airbrush (I usually rattle can this bit) and just took my time around the edges - armed with a couple of inch square piece of thin card - hand masking and this seemed to work.
Saved me ages masking and probably breaking off small parts!
Guy
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Looking really good Guy. I went the hard way with mine and did heaps of masking.
Des.
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The method may be different but the results speak for themselves!
RAGIII
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Thanks Rick & Des,
The top & bottom wing ribs were masked after a light base coat (MRP PC10) and a slightly darker shade misted on to highlight. The underside edges were also masked off to give the PC10 border (lot of masking :P).
I’m quite pleased with the marbling so far. It may disappear though once filters/ Gloss/ Satin coats applied. I’m using the struts placed in their sockets to prevent any paint build up as I want to have a good, tight fit here - a lesson learnt from previous builds!
Guy
(https://s6.postimg.org/a26ll8tn5/2_FE847_C3-_B14_E-48_D9-_B10_A-_E7434_FCBB16_F.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/m41zfe2vh/)
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Awesome! I am really getting a lot of ideas from all of these Dolphin Builds 8)
RAGIII
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I like the mottling you have done, it gives the affect of light hitting the airplane at different angles and a hint of depth to the surfaces, it's a different and unique idea. I will try this along with my usual techniques on the next project. You are making good progress as well. Looking forward to see the finished results of your wing taping.
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Thanks Rick & Mark,
Progressing... the painting has been completed, I went for a dark grey for the cowling in the end. I presume the photo of the aircraft they had suggested a dark painted PC10 but could easily have been a dark grey (as opposed to the standard mid grey). Looks ok anyway. I added a little chipping with a fine brush, then added all the detail paint before glossing with Alclad Aqua Gloss (airbrushed).
(https://s6.postimg.org/i6akvea4h/91_D1_D36_A-638_E-4937-_B8_E7-5_C495_B5065_E5.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ezg1brpod/)
The mottling looks good I think. Although it looks very different depending on the light source - you can hardly see it in some lights but a bit over done in others!
(https://s6.postimg.org/r1bf5x6mp/0287_AEFA-_A204-4_C14-82_D7-26_AD6_C631_A29.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/x2942zt8t/)
The decals went on very nicely as usual with Wingnuts. Gently rubbed on and then a blast with the hairdryer to nestle it down. I didn’t use any decal solutions. The wing tapes got a gentle sand to highlight.
(https://s6.postimg.org/4cm86c9td/3_F17_C73_D-_C340-4_D79-_A2_B3-11_B4_A47_F9163.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/i6akve2el/)
Thanks for looking in,
Guy
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Very lovely, Guy! The tonal variations look fantastic.
Cheers,
Bud
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Some very impressive modelling here Guy; the details on the engine and interior along with your mottling technique are making for a very unique and striking subject. The first photo of this current post says it all, very nice work!
Cheers,
Lance
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Indeed some impressive modeling. Looking at the engine compartment, your work on the engine is top notch. I like the dark grey as well, sets it off a bit from the rest of it. The wing tapes and decals are all looking good as well and the sanding gives it a bit of depth.
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Very good and clean work. I like the gentle chipping on the grey parts of the fuselage.
Bye,
Manni
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The painting, chipping , and rib tapes are beautiful! Outstanding work!
RAGIII
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You are motoring along beautifully Guy with excellent results.
Des.
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Thanks,
I’ve used some artists oil work for weathering, and sealed in with Alclad Flat Sheen. I usually use Alclad Soft Sheen, which gives, as the name suggests, a light sheen, but I thought I’d try the matt - and I quite like it. It seems more ‘scale’ somehow.
A few of the parts fixed together too - undercarriage, front cowl, exhausts and tail. I’ve been really poor planning the rigging on this so far (I’ve been putting it off to the end) so that will be the next thing to tackle before I can go any further.
Thanks again,
Guy
(https://s6.postimg.org/x700adp75/11_CED778-_CE9_B-4_C50-_AF81-14_CF916_F9_CD4.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/insv8yw25/)
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A wonderful build so far, and lots of technical tips. Thank you for sharing.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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Looking absolutely brilliant Guy, you have done a superb job so far.
Des.
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Simply Gorgeous!
RAGIII
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Another incredible nice Dolphin. Very very well done!
Borsos
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Looking great! My favourite scheme of those included in the box :)
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Thank you for the kind comments...
I’m just waiting on a new batch of Bob’s Buckles before I can go any further. So time to reflect.
Guy
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Great work Guy,
Will be interested to see how you complete the rigging process.
Dave
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Wow this is a stunner and so many good tips and techniques. Thanks for sharing.
Alistair
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Great progress, Guy. Looking forward to see more!
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Very beautiful, Guy! I like your way of tackling those model kits!
Richard
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She is coming along quite nicely, lovely effects.
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Thanks again chaps ;D
On the Home straight now. The rigging is half done, awaiting the top wings to be attached before it can all be threaded through and tightened with Bob’s rather wonderful buckling devices. The top wing attachment should (hopefully) be a lot easier as it’s in two parts.
(https://s6.postimg.org/h8so6m25d/2_CEEF764-8_F55-4_DC1-888_B-8_A20_ED193_C84.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/bxdrlwg2l/)
(https://s6.postimg.org/oc0jm8fap/88_F466_BB-54_F9-45_B5-990_F-69_E5_E4_F5_E9_BA.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/vf8f1ukq5/)
(https://s6.postimg.org/6yq97cwu9/AED76242-1942-4_DD3-_BA3_D-65_AB2998_A435.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/hybgiyn99/)
(https://s6.postimg.org/s8dvi8801/F0945_FC7-_D0_CC-455_C-_BA4_A-_DB07_A85473_C9.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/sl59oeq9p/)
Guy
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Great start on the rigging. Your Dolphin really is beautifully done!
RAGIII
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Great build so far!
Just a hint for the rigging: the Dolphin (as the most late british planes) uses "RAF wires", which are not wires, but flat rods with no turnbuckles, threaded and terminals at the end. Like this:
(https://skyote.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/p1000007.jpg)
That's why WNW shows in the manual for the blue rigging a size of 0,1x0,3mm.
In 1/48 I'm using the flat EZ-line for this but I'm not sure about the best reproduction in 1/32, may be the PE from RB production.
Cheers,
Frank
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Thanks Frank,
Yes, I’m aware of flat rigging - it’s just I’m yet to see an example of it on a model that looks right. I’m not a fan of EZ line and PE never gets the tension.
Guy
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Thanks Frank,
Yes, I’m aware of flat rigging - it’s just I’m yet to see an example of it on a model that looks right. I’m not a fan of EZ line and PE never gets the tension.
Guy
I have to agree. I went down that rat hole with “flat” rigging. RB photo etch (no thanks... no tension either) and the larger size “flat” EZ Line. That is marginally better but difficult to ensure it is applied ‘flat’ and provides no structural support. I think, along with turnbuckles, attempting to replicate RAF (RFC) flat rigging is a fool’s errand. Turnbuckles look good if kept in scale and done precisely, but I also think they are unnecessary in general on a model airplane although I have used them on various Wingnut Wings kits. I don’t plan on including them on my Taube. Too much brain damage for me. (Obligatory statement follows: your mileage may vary.)
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I have to agree about PE for RAF wires. I have followed the path of just using Monofilament and no turnbuckles and calling it good. Not perfect but OH Well ::) If someone comes up with a TRULY effective metod they could patent it and make some money from the ret of us ;)
RAGIII
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Yep,
I tried PE rigging on the 1/48 Tamiya Swordfish (Tamiya do a set) - and was very disappointed with the end result. Never again!
Guy
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I’m not a fan of EZ line
I just mentioned it, because for me it works in 1/48. But clearly to small in 1/32.
I have followed the path of just using Monofilament
I have a flat fishing line of size 0,12x0,32mm, so the size seems to be right. But its not a single Monofilament and looks like a green grey plaited steel rope. Not sure, if this is the solution. Found it some time ago in ebay and ordered a small amount for testing, but it was to big for my 1/48 models.
Cheers,
Frank
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I’m not a fan of EZ line
I just mentioned it, because for me it works in 1/48. But clearly to small in 1/32.
I have followed the path of just using Monofilament
I have a flat fishing line of size 0,12x0,32mm, so the size seems to be right. But its not a single Monofilament and looks like a green grey plaited steel rope. Not sure, if this is the solution. Found it some time ago in ebay and ordered a small amount for testing, but it was to big for my 1/48 models.
Cheers,
Frank
Sounds promising Frank. Maybe try a coat of white glue to fill in the braids and let us know 8)
RAGIII
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It looks like you are on the "home stretch" on the rigging Guy. Don't forget that one behind the radiator, right at the trailing edge of the lower wing, that could be a "gotcha" if not attended to early. I was skeptical of the open engine bay, but you have done an excellent job of detailing the engine and framework thereby adding to the overall affect of the open compartment. This is going to be a real stunner.
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Sounds promising Frank. Maybe try a coat of white glue to fill in the braids and let us know 8)
RAGIII
RAGIII, I tried a macro photo (the ruler is mm not inch!): just as it is, without glue. A sling to see both dimensions:
(http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Y0fIxd1kEfgl0zTaokJomu_BTU6e_L6H)
Cheers,
Frank