forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Paper and Card models => Topic started by: NinetythirdLiberator on January 29, 2018, 03:26:41 PM

Title: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on January 29, 2018, 03:26:41 PM
All,

I started this one today and got the basic fuselage done along with the interior.  It fits just like the Avro Spider, that is...perfectly. 

The "kit":

(http://i.imgur.com/NgEv2TY.jpg)

And progression on the fuselage:

(http://i.imgur.com/LW3KUZa.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/duEvz7i.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/zJLmdeI.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/dj09B5b.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/oJHLi1H.jpg)

Notice the little compass on the floor.  Neat detail on this one.

I'll start adding the skins soon.

Cheers,
Dan
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on February 01, 2018, 01:29:48 AM
All,

I started skinning the fuselage and it turned out OK but could be better. 

First, to locate the mid wing which has some critical alignment cutouts, I cut my spar, sanded it a bit (needs to be 0.5mm thick) and inlaid a wire for strength along it's length...then I slipped in in temporarily which helped the first skin attachment.  I then added a piece that goes on the underside and all fit extremely well.
(http://i.imgur.com/poqxet7.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/lBQxKQV.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/ReECaHg.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/N36AV37.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/PGPkx8U.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/vL3OaQm.jpg)

Then the excitement started.  It was a struggle putting the rest of the skins on mostly due to me not looking at the parts carefully enough.  I like using paper tabs to help slide sections together and I simply looked at the instructions showing the finished skins in place and began adding them.  It was tough to edge join things and all was not right with the world.  Only THEN did I see that the kit includes those tabs and I would have had a better time had I used them.  So I started adding them from the rear cockpit to the tail.
(http://i.imgur.com/8Ky062M.jpg)

It was still hard to add the skins to a frame and make them look nice (for me).  It seems easier to cut the skins out, connect them so you have a tube/sleeve and then add a carefully fitted and cut former on one end with tabs to facilitate sliding successive parts together.  On the other hand, having a nice, strong keel with solid formers as on this kit ensures a straight fuselage with little chance of twisting.  I guess it's just another method and I need practice. 

Don't assume it doesn't fit!  The parts as designed match up really well.  Things like the serials on the fuselage etc. look sweet.  So I think any issues I had are really my own doing.  May even be using the thicker balsa and being incrementally off on thickness.  This magnifies things as you go along manifesting as ill-fitting areas.

Anyway, more to come and it's starting to look like an airplane now!  :D

Dan
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on February 01, 2018, 02:55:34 PM
Tails!

These went together really well...the rudder/fin are simply glued over a single layer core paper and after the fin was on, a fillet wrapped around perfectly to give some strength.

Then the stab has a fine wire spar which slipped into the fuselage, poked out perfectly on either side and served as some solid real estate for the sandwiched stab.  I dropped the elevators a bit too.  Here is the sequence:

(http://i.imgur.com/vEZqeXr.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/UUyq6Y4.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/w6fwzp3.jpg)

I think I'll be able to start the engine and cowling next.  Starting to look good!  ;)

Dan
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: hiddeous1973 on February 01, 2018, 03:25:50 PM
It sure is looking good, looks like a very solid fuselage and a very nice finish on that paper!
good luck with the engine.

Hidde
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on February 03, 2018, 03:38:53 PM
Thanks, Hidde...here is a tiny update!

I started the cowling.  It comes in two forms...a strip-built-up form (one thin strip on top of the other) or a "petal" design which is the complete cowl all at once with curved cuts removed before forming them round.  It's a complex shape, but I find that using successive sizes of these sets of round rollers and pressing against the back of an old mouse pad, I can slowly make the petals touch, then I add some glue on the back of each one and carefully edge glue them.  Some stubborn parts were also hit with thick super glue and accelerator.  Here is the basic shape!

(http://i.imgur.com/imoRQJ0.jpg)

It now has the interior coated with 10min epoxy so that tomorrow I can gently sand the exterior, fill, prime, sand etc. until it's nice and smooth.  Then I'll cut out the cooling holes and paint it as close to the paper color as I can muster.  Should look ok when done.

Then I started adding the mid wing.  There are tiny formers on the ends of the spars and some that butt up against the fuselage.  I found that by forming a bit of a convex shape on the upper surface, the fuselage formers seem unnecessary.  Just slipped the wing skins over and viola.  Beautiful fit, I must say.

(http://i.imgur.com/c5N7Rwm.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/GK8IHIB.jpg)

More soon and Cheers,
Dan
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: ermeio on February 03, 2018, 06:10:13 PM
Excellent work!
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: hiddeous1973 on February 03, 2018, 08:26:00 PM
Am I missing something here? I thought that the Dr.I was a spin-off of the Pfalz D.III and so would have an inline engine. Looks like this version has a rotary engine.
Or did they do more than 1 triplane version?
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: Juan on February 03, 2018, 10:18:49 PM
Outstanding work Dan, your talents with these models shine through.
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: hiddeous1973 on February 03, 2018, 10:23:47 PM
Your are correct, I was cinfused with teh experimental Pfalz D.III triplane conversion.
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: RAGIII on February 03, 2018, 11:00:15 PM
Absolutely incredible work! You are getting really fast at doing these. I am having difficulty keeping up with your builds  8)
RAIII
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on February 05, 2018, 08:18:30 AM
Thanks, everyone!  I do think there was a Pfalz D-III with three wings as well.  I've seen in someplace...Harleyford publication?  Anyway, this one is the plane that MvR tested.  There is a neat photo of him in the cockpit.  Apparently, due to the SH engine, this thing had a great rate of climb...but that was apparently it.  Not enough performance to warrant production.  Still...a pretty neat plane all the same.  Really short body and long skinny wings...it looks like it would've been a neat and maneuverable machine to me!  :D

I got the cowl ring cut outs started.  Thing look rough now, but after some more sanding, priming, putty etc...I think I'll smooth it out ok.  First...the petal cowl fits the bulkhead very nicely!

(http://i.imgur.com/f259gsH.jpg)

I then started by drilling holes at each corner and then carefully cutting with an Xacto blade.  Had to be careful, but the epoxy base affords a solid yet bendable base so it's sort of easy to shave off bits almost like cutting off an orange peel.  Here are the steps.

(http://i.imgur.com/Gahwzp4.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/bXdGGre.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/34RIXIo.jpg)

Looks wonky, but we'll see how it looks after it's beauty make-up...Cheers,
Dan
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on February 05, 2018, 03:23:26 PM
A tad more...some wing work...

Struts:
(http://i.imgur.com/todPL0B.jpg)

Bottom wing and struts added.  It's actually pretty darn straight although it doesn't look that good in at least one of these shots.  maybe due to all the lines on the building board.  Rest assured, it's looks ok in the flesh... ;)

(http://i.imgur.com/5kTHYrJ.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/NMMiypj.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/DniE7Zz.jpg)

I'll work on the guns, wind shield, top wing and landing gear...along with continuing on the cowling.  I'll save the engine for last which should really set the whole thing off...Cheers,
Dan
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: RAGIII on February 07, 2018, 01:36:54 AM
Awesome work as always!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on February 07, 2018, 03:23:09 PM
Thanks, Rick...it's a really nice kit to put together.

I got the top wing in place and the cowling, though not done, is getting more presentable...

(http://i.imgur.com/b7MI4V6.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/s4kz8ol.jpg)

Looks cool with all three wings.  Cabanes and guns tomorrow if I'm lucky!

Cheers,
Dan
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: RAGIII on February 08, 2018, 01:01:13 AM
Looks absolutely beautiful!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on February 10, 2018, 04:16:05 PM
Thanks again, Rick...here is a bit more.

I got the cabanes in easily and then built the machine guns/installed them.  They look surprisingly cool considering they are just paper...even the cooling jackets look pretty neat!

(http://i.imgur.com/ioqcAOX.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/eDr2FBj.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/tgoSMJz.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/FRCeqNn.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/xUeRI28.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/KAV8Gv8.jpg)

The cowling and prop are just tacked on to see how things look.  More work needs to be done on those...

And...I started the landing gear.  Maybe that will get put on tomorrow.

(http://i.imgur.com/a4n09AS.jpg)

Cheers and thanks for looking!
Dan  ;)
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: hiddeous1973 on February 10, 2018, 05:27:49 PM
The shading on those wings is better then what I do with an airbrush...
Coming along very nice indeed. Hard to believe it is just paper. Very well done so far!

Hidde
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: RAGIII on February 10, 2018, 10:00:07 PM
This is continuing to be an awesome build. Looks great and I agree the MGs look pretty nice for paper!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on February 11, 2018, 04:28:13 PM
Thanks you guys...

I added the landing gear and it's nice to see it standing on it's own legs!  I need to do some puttying here and there and touch up with paint, but when the wheels get put on, it will look pretty dang nice!  ;D

(http://i.imgur.com/eD20uSB.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/9Kw434L.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/JTmayyi.jpg)

More tomorrow...I hope!

Dan
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: markleecarter on February 11, 2018, 06:14:04 PM
Amazing! Very interesting build, well done.
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: RAGIII on February 12, 2018, 05:07:17 AM
Looks great sitting on the gear legs. I continue to be in Awe of the results you get with paper!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on February 12, 2018, 07:12:31 AM
Thanks, you guys...I got the tires done this morning....Here are the steps!

(http://i.imgur.com/4mKA7PU.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/9p0xMXP.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/S9mcM7y.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/U2QsJhP.jpg)

I may do some more detailing tonight and start a bit o' rigging. 
And then it's on to the engine!  :o ;D

Cheers,
Dan
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: coyotemagic on February 12, 2018, 08:22:47 AM
Wow, Dan!  She's really shaping up beautifully!  Makes me want to give one of these card models a go.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: RAGIII on February 13, 2018, 01:50:03 AM
Wow, Dan!  She's really shaping up beautifully!  Makes me want to give one of these card models a go.
Cheers,
Bud

I agree "Mostly" with my Amigo  ;D I would be scared to death to try paper  ::)
RAGIII
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on February 15, 2018, 03:16:39 PM
Guys, guys, guys!  These aren't too bad once you try a few!  Not to mention that you guys are SUPER talented...Maybe go here http://www.wak.pl/download/ and get a free download of a Morane Saulnier.  It's big, it's a monoplane, it's from a good manufacturer and...it's free!

Got her rigged!  Starting engine next.

(http://i.imgur.com/Jrx6aPT.jpg)

Cheers,
Dan

P.S.  I just figured out the very sad news of Des' passing.  I really miss his always upbeat and helpful posts.  I would post a silly paper model out on the fringes of this site, and within an hour, he'd respond in a super positive manner.  He will be an extremely hard act to follow...Thoughts and prayers to Des, his family and friends...RIP.  :-[ :'(
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: rhallinger on February 16, 2018, 01:08:04 AM
Dan:

Your paper models are inspiring, and look great!  One question: How do you attach the rigging to the model, and what are you using for rigging?  (Actually, that's two questions!)  Very well done, and thanks for showing us how.

Best regards,

Bob
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on February 16, 2018, 05:56:06 AM
Hi Bob...

Thanks for looking and commenting. I use an elastic thread called EZ-Line and attach it with thick super glue and accelerator.  I made a simple video of how I do it here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DHrREcrIFM&t=22s

It's not the greatest production, but you get the idea!  ;D

It's also easy to go crazy and add turnbuckles etc. and that works well too.  The only down side for me is that the rigging is not structural.  I've had some models that actually needed the strength of fishing line etc.  But if that's not an issue, this is quick and relatively painless with a little practice.

Cheers,
Dan
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on February 18, 2018, 04:46:30 PM
Hello All,

I sort of painful job with these guys is making all those cylinder and engine parts.  So I tried something a bit different to try and get nice circular cross sections and to make parts a bit quicker...

I cut out the strips that would be part of a cylinder, measured their lengths with calipers since this would be the circumference.  Knowing that Pie x D = Circumference..I just divided the circumference by Pie and got a diameter of the cylinder.  I then took calipers and measured the thickness of my paper and subtracted 2X the thickness from the calculated diameter leaving me with how thick a filler cylinder would need to be for my engine pieces to roll around.  That piece was just rolled with some typing paper into a long tube.

Then I glued each of the cylinder pieces to this interior filler (I pre-formed a little curve into each), let them dry, "painted" the strips (on the inside) with a bit of water to help them curve and glued them around the filler as shown.

(http://i.imgur.com/xr1XGdU.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/q5otjm4.jpg)

After drying, I just sawed them off like sausages.  Pretty slick.

(http://i.imgur.com/66o1zyS.jpg)

Then the crank case was made and the parts slowly added.

(http://i.imgur.com/pKQSQf5.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/SUQMqd2.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/WxL0ilU.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/TnmLKWH.jpg)

Next are the cylinder tops and push-rods.  Then she'll be done!  Neat engine so far.

Cheers,
Dan
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: Jeff K on February 19, 2018, 01:31:16 AM
that thing is really shaping up.

you are forcing me to take paper/card seriously as a building material.

if i find something i like, i might not be a total purist about it, and might use other stuff for engines, guns etc.

i'm also thinking a paper kit might make a good base for a tiny Depron R/C 'park flyer' (or in my case, park crasher).
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on February 19, 2018, 04:51:10 AM
Hi Jeff...

Paper works well but it does take some getting used to.  There are incredible paper purists who make EVERYTHING...like wiring and spokes etc....out of paper.  They are wizards and I routinely use whatever is handy it it will make it look better/will be a bit easier. I use WNW and Roden props and machine guns all the time... :-X

Some folks won't even color the edges of the paper once cut and desire the thin, white edging on parts since part of the beauty is that you realize it's out of paper.  I also airbrush mine and use filler when I really mess up a joint too. 

I tend to treat it like a plastic model while trying to stay true to the paper at the same time.  They sure are fun and stretch your tool box a bit.  Plus...you get to make things that are not available elsewhere.  And they would be a great starting point for a depron model.  Go for it (cheap too!)...

Speaking of cool models...this one may be next one (or close to it).  A Balila just like the one shown on this site beautifully done by Prze (I think) but out of paper!
(http://i.imgur.com/Dz59iEQ.jpg)

Thanks for looking and commenting.

Dan
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: Thumbs up on February 19, 2018, 05:45:47 AM
I have an Orlik Albatros B1 that look's tasty,plus there are some very unusual aircraft done in paper.
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: Juan on February 19, 2018, 06:06:56 AM
Outstanding Dan, you make this look easy (which would not be to us mere mortals).  Great looking bird.
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: RAGIII on February 19, 2018, 06:12:04 AM
Outstanding Dan, you make this look easy (which would not be to us mere mortals).  Great looking bird.

I agree with Juan! Those cylinders are awesome!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on February 19, 2018, 06:56:47 AM
Thanks, Everybody!  :D

Just to show you how helpful the designers are (at least of downloadable product!)...I noticed that this machine should have an 11 cylinder engine.  The designer sent me the file this morning for the correction.  I'll do a bit of surgery and attempt to get it together today.

I do like paper...

Orlik!  I have a couple of theirs.  I want their Phonix!

Cheer to all,
Dan
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on February 19, 2018, 09:39:05 AM
Engine Part II!

Now that I had the correct parts for the SH 11 cylinder engine, it was an easy fix.  The front and rear crank case were easy to re-use and I had 9 cylinders!  I really only needed to make two new cylinders and the front and back plates of the case along with the wrap that made the bases for 11 cylinders.

Here are the original cylinders taken off as the first step.
(http://i.imgur.com/IjXYc86.jpg)

Here is everything else pulled apart and new parts cut out for the crank case:
(http://i.imgur.com/lh2N9EY.jpg)

Here it is with the 9 cylinders:
(http://i.imgur.com/qOVrDYQ.jpg)

And here she is done and ready to get the cylinder tops and rods added. 
(http://i.imgur.com/g3QDd8u.jpg)

I must say, I'm glad I fixed it.  Now it looks more like the correct engine!  ::)

Cheers and thanks to the designer for sending me the fix unsolicited!

Dan
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on February 20, 2018, 03:25:57 PM
A bit more on the engine etc. 

I am going to make the motor spin so I used a piece of stretched plastic cotton bud for a bearing in the cowl and firewall that accepts a thin wire that has been glued into the engine.
(http://i.imgur.com/KpwwQe1.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/vi1QTc3.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/to78B4I.jpg)

I then added some manifold parts on the rear of the engine made from insulated wire.
(http://i.imgur.com/1q03AYu.jpg)

Now I'm in the process of adding representations of the valves and push rods.  More to go, but it's starting to look like a real engine!
(http://i.imgur.com/2rxV9yL.jpg)

More tomorrow....Dan
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: RAGIII on February 21, 2018, 01:06:51 AM
The revised/corrected engine is even better of course! Making it spin will be even better  :D
RAGIII
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: dr 1 ace on February 21, 2018, 05:57:50 AM
The revised/corrected engine is even better of course! Making it spin will be even better  :D
RAGIII

Ditto my Amigo's comments, just wonderful work all around !

Ed
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on February 23, 2018, 12:04:52 PM
Thanks, everyone...

She's almost done.  I may be able to post finished shots tonight.  But first, here is the finished engine:

(http://i.imgur.com/vR8T7ad.jpg)

And...the associated rotation at this Youtube link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpAO-Iv06I4

It's a bit rudimentary, but fun all the same. 

More soon,
Dan
Title: Re: Wagner Models 1/33rd Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane
Post by: RAGIII on February 23, 2018, 08:45:00 PM
The engine looks great and place. I love the spinning rotary video  :D
RAGIII