forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: markleecarter on January 17, 2018, 07:05:46 PM

Title: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: markleecarter on January 17, 2018, 07:05:46 PM: I'm sure I'm not the only one to have made a new year's resolution to finish some of those incomplete kits, but first I wanted to get my mojo back with a straightforward (almost) oob build. I probably should have chosen something easier than a Roden, but I've wanted a completed Be2c for a long time so I picked one up and decided I would try to get back to some of that simple joy of when I first started building and not worrying too much about every detail and not spend months and months on getting it finished.

I have only ever built one Roden before - a 1/48 SE5a and I had forgetten how vague some of the instructions and attachment points are! Still it is coming together. I know I said oob but so far I have swapped the seats for Barracuda ones, added Eduard steel lap belts (advertised as for their new SE5a) and replaced the instruments with Eduard ones. Also internal rigging, a panel behind the gunner's seat and rudder control wires.

I have also already run the double rigging wires from within the fuselage and the wires that go from the top of the cabane struts because it should be easier than doing it from the outside in. Time will tell whether this was a good idea or not!

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4673/39739036721_32be8cc4e5.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23xAX8x)20180116_213307 (https://flic.kr/p/23xAX8x) by markleecarter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/81094856@N00/), on Flickr

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4766/39030019394_42ec9c54a2.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/22sX3YS)20180116_213257 (https://flic.kr/p/22sX3YS) by markleecarter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/81094856@N00/), on Flickr

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4755/39739039431_2b40d2b97d.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23xAXWg)20180116_213236 (https://flic.kr/p/23xAXWg) by markleecarter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/81094856@N00/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: AndrewS on January 17, 2018, 07:11:56 PM: Nice cockpit!

Working myself on a Roden kit I understand your effort ::)

;D
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: PrzemoL on January 17, 2018, 08:13:52 PM: Great interior.
What scheme are planning? A two-seater it seems.
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: RAGIII on January 17, 2018, 08:46:21 PM: Terrific work on the interior. Your additions look fantastic.
RAGIII
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: Des on January 17, 2018, 08:56:37 PM: Very nice work on the interior, looking forward to the next update.

Des.
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: Thumbs up on January 18, 2018, 07:10:40 AM: Following.
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: Juan on January 18, 2018, 07:13:02 AM: I would say you have your mojo back by looking at your work, looks great.
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: Softscience on January 18, 2018, 12:57:51 PM: That kind of result would get my mojo back.

I'm biased though. I love the look of the B.E.2

I didn't know there was a kit.

I look forward to seeing more.
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: Syd Solo on January 19, 2018, 12:34:02 PM: Very nice work. Love the wicker seat and belts. Roden kits aren't usually easy builds.

Cheers

Syd
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: markleecarter on January 19, 2018, 06:31:05 PM: Thank you all so very much for your kind words - they are also a good mojo boost!

A quick update showing the finished engine and I have glued together the forward part of the fuselage. The plastic seems a little warped so I'm buttoning it up quite slowly. Annoyingly I forgot to put the panel I made behind the pilot's head which is absent in the kit - I doubt very much it will fit now but I might see if I can squeeze something in somehow.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4653/39768933831_e4eb2e4913_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23AfbuX)20180118_223245_001 (https://flic.kr/p/23AfbuX) by markleecarter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/81094856@N00/), on Flickr

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4620/39737073262_ceaf85bdef_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23xqTsN)20180118_223300 (https://flic.kr/p/23xqTsN) by markleecarter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/81094856@N00/), on Flickr

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4607/38869921835_2c5377f5a9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/22dNvy8)20180118_223307 (https://flic.kr/p/22dNvy8) by markleecarter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/81094856@N00/), on Flickr

Not sure which scheme yet but I am leaning towards a fairly straight copy of the one that used to hang in the IWM in Lambeth which I think is now at Duxford.
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: RAGIII on January 19, 2018, 09:27:43 PM: The engine is beautiful! Overall a fantastic build. I am looking forward to seeing the next update!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: Softscience on January 19, 2018, 10:54:55 PM: great looking engine. The spark plug wires are a nice addition.
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: Borsos on January 19, 2018, 11:52:07 PM: Nice start on this rarely modelled bird. I will follow your progrss with great interest.
Best regards
Borsos
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: lone modeller on January 20, 2018, 06:04:44 AM: I too always wanted a BE 2c in my collection - I think that it was an important aircraft. Judging by this blog you have certainly got your mojo back, and what skill! Beautiful interior and engine - am looking forward to seeing more.

Stephen.
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: markleecarter on January 23, 2018, 07:13:13 PM: Thanks again everyone for all your kind words and encouragement.

A little update now I have got a bit of paint on. It's still base coats and I will be adding some shading and slight weathering once I'm a bit further along. The wood actually has some subtle grain but it is completely invisible in the photo. I spent a long time trying to get a shade of grey on the cowling that I was happy with as every colour seemed to dry an entirely different shade to how it looked when wet. I've now reached the maximum number of layers before all the detail gets lost so I'll leave the colour as is.

I've also just taped the rudder fin in place and it is my first go at painting the rudder rather than using a decal. I am quite pleased! All paints are done with a hairy stick.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4666/25978444668_fb88293611_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/FzCjwq)2018-01-23_08-46-33 (https://flic.kr/p/FzCjwq) by markleecarter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/81094856@N00/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: RAGIII on January 24, 2018, 01:38:23 AM: The colors look great to my eye! Overall fantastic build to date!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: coyotemagic on January 24, 2018, 02:50:42 AM: Quote from: RAGIII on January 24, 2018, 01:38:23 AM
The colors look great to my eye! Overall fantastic build to date!
RAGIII
I agree with my Amigo completely, Mark! She's shaping up to be a real gem. I built this model years ago and loved every minute of it. Decals aside, it's a very nice kit.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: andonio64 on January 24, 2018, 06:03:47 PM: Mark I love this build, I have the same kit and take notes about your build...

Antonio
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: markleecarter on February 11, 2018, 06:50:40 AM: A very small update.
I have added a strap on the fuel tank and the windows and gun. Since taking these pictures I have lowered the gun mounting a fraction.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4703/40189199051_aeb19832a3_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24eo9H2)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4756/28408796169_e4cc7ac7af_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Khovmv)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4660/40189195521_820075fc8e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24eo8Ea)
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: krow113 on February 11, 2018, 06:55:10 AM: Imagine flying that with the gunner firing over your head!
Well done!
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: RAGIII on February 11, 2018, 07:46:39 AM: Looks stunning! Des would Love this one.
RAGIII
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: Softscience on February 12, 2018, 11:48:33 PM: Looks fantastic. Very curious how well/unwell Roden designed the complex struts.
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: markleecarter on March 10, 2018, 06:38:14 PM: Nooooo! It took a tumble to the floor!!!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4776/40679541762_e76ca157b2_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24YHhvG)20180310_075654 (https://flic.kr/p/24YHhvG) by markleecarter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/81094856@N00/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: RAGIII on March 10, 2018, 10:58:41 PM: I feel your pain! This has happened to me twice on Roden builds :-[ Hopefully you can repair the damage as this one was looking gorgeous!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: cduckworth on March 10, 2018, 11:48:49 PM: Am enjoying your progress and can assure you all of us have seen this similar scene with our own models at least once. Mine was a Aeroclub FE2b 1/48 the movers made back into a kit.
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: GazzaS on March 12, 2018, 04:27:25 PM: I hope you can save her!
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: lcarroll on March 13, 2018, 02:41:28 AM: OH Man, I feel your pain! :'( Don't make any hasty judgements, she's much too fine a model to walk away from, and good luck with the repairs!
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: markleecarter on March 20, 2018, 07:02:15 PM: Thanks everyone - it was touch and go and I was sorely tempted to bin the whole thing but I decided to try and salvage it. (A decision heavily influenced by the kind encouragement of everyone here!)

After reattaching the lower wings I added the struts and upper wing. Not easy at all! You can see the area around the cabane struts needs a bit of touch up as there is really no solid attachment point, just a simple butt joint and it kept popping off. I would recommend for anyone doing this to drill a pin into the bottom of theses struts and really firmly attach them to the fuselage.

Then I couldn't resist getting a bit of rigging started!

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/796/39105828880_170c067c9a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/22zDAuY)20180317_164308 (https://flic.kr/p/22zDAuY)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/784/27044789918_3a55b915a8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HcRBPm)20180317_164353 (https://flic.kr/p/HcRBPm)
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: andonio64 on March 20, 2018, 07:44:08 PM: Mark, that's fantastic, I was sure you couldn't leave your mojo unbuilt!

Antonio
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: Manni on March 20, 2018, 07:46:29 PM: Good progress and I am glad to see that you don't throw it into the bin.
Bye,
Manni
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: Juan on March 20, 2018, 10:24:09 PM: Beautiful, glad you kept at it (the top wing looks like the top of my head). ;D
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: RAGIII on March 20, 2018, 11:25:07 PM: So glad to see you went back to this beauty! Great recovery from an unfortunate incident!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: lcarroll on March 21, 2018, 12:46:12 AM: Great recovery Mark, it's well deserving of being saved and you've done that really well! 8) 8) 8)
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: gbrivio on March 21, 2018, 09:39:23 AM: Great build, including recovery. It looks beautiful.
Ciao
Giuseppe
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: markleecarter on March 28, 2018, 07:44:04 PM: Thanks again everyone. I'm getting ever closer to completion. still lots of little bits to do but it is certainly starting to look like the finish is in sight!

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/783/27197032198_d7c25634cc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HriU9f)20180328_072720 (https://flic.kr/p/HriU9f)
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: Dave W on March 28, 2018, 08:36:15 PM: Very very nice work there! I love the Roden BE2 even if my own build was fraught with endless problems including a lower wing whose joints melted away under liquid cement!

Your build is excellent and I just hope Wingnuts will give us this subject in 1/32 scale one day. I have another Roden kit in the stash and am tempted to tackle it now having seen your excellent model.

Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: andonio64 on March 28, 2018, 10:59:30 PM: Beautiful build Mark, it has a very distinctive look with that overall CDL colour.

I love it

Antonio
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: RAGIII on March 28, 2018, 11:29:29 PM: Gorgeous! The rigging really ties it all together, No Pun intended!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: GazzaS on March 29, 2018, 06:50:00 PM: That looks very pretty!
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: ondra on March 29, 2018, 06:52:14 PM: Lovely work, well done!

One question to your rigging method - you drill holes through the upper wing, right? How do you remove the holes once rigged? I would like to try this method, that is why I am asking.

Cheers

Ondra
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: markleecarter on March 30, 2018, 05:49:25 PM: Hi Ondra, I apply a tiny spot of ca glue to the outside where the rigging emerges from the wing and that really acts as the filler for the hole. When it's dry I use a razorblade to slice the wire flush to the surface. Sometimes a little sanding is needed if I have put too much glue on. (Which happened on the lower wings with this one quite badly!)
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: markleecarter on April 09, 2018, 05:52:18 PM: Almost done! It would have been completely finished already but I was applying some tamiya clear orange to the prop and it just went all horrible and bobbly so I have had to strip it down and start again. Very happy to have got all the rigging done without any mishaps though!

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/884/39525503710_6a993ca21d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23dJxcU)
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: PrzemoL on April 09, 2018, 08:39:05 PM: Looks very much WW1-ish. With that delicately translucent wings, natural materials colours. Great build.
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: kensar on April 09, 2018, 10:05:40 PM: Looks very good. 8)
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: RAGIII on April 09, 2018, 10:13:22 PM: Looks Stunning to say the least! I have enjoyed watching your Mojo come back, especially after the mishap!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: GazzaS on April 10, 2018, 07:13:04 AM: Looking very nice!
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: markleecarter on April 10, 2018, 05:55:30 PM: All done! (well, there are lots of little touch up jobs I could do - but I'm going to say it's finished now!) I'll pop some more pictures in the 'Completed Models' section. Thanks for the encouragement everyone!

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/789/39550586620_2bbafd8d83_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23fX6tS)20180409_224541 (https://flic.kr/p/23fX6tS)
Title: Re: Roden Be2c 1/48 (Mojo Build)
Post by: RAGIII on April 10, 2018, 11:41:24 PM: AWESOME! I have really enjoyed watching this one come together!
RAGIII