forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: PrzemoL on November 22, 2018, 06:08:54 AM
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The long, long wait is finally over. I bought WNW Albatros B.II right after it was released in 2015 with the intention to build it as a Polish post-war machine. Soon afterwards my friends from Melius Manu suggested that they would prepare conversions from Early to Late which was used in Poland. The said conversions were to include resin parts and decals. Time was passing, the resin bits were prepared but the decals were pending. Recently, I managed to beg to get the resin test bits including the interplane struts which were prepared by me. Doing it I devoted the original struts from my kit so there was no going back for me since then. Thus, I also ordered two decals I need for my preferred example from a different source. At the moment I cannot say, if the promised conversion will indeed be available as planned at any time. But at least I am the lucky guy to have almost everything required to build my model!
I have chosen a civilian version of late Albatros B.II flown in my home city Poznan under auspices of Polish Aviators Union in 1925.
There is one photo of the aircraft known to us
(https://image.ibb.co/fKPW0V/alb2-00.jpg)
It shows thick interplane struts, stick control (not sure if dual, I will go for rear cockpit controls only), top radiator, different fuselage side steps and different layout of elevator controls, no cooling vents for the engine. Also the exhaust is unique.
By extrapolation - the undercarriage struts and tail supporting struts are provided as thick, too. The propeller is the type seen on other post war Polish B.IIs.
The resin bits I got allow to replace everything except for the rectangular side steps - I will remedy it with some spare PE.
(https://image.ibb.co/k6SjLV/alb2-31.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/nnWYEq/alb2-32.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/fiEg0V/alb2-33.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/dWJPLV/alb2-34.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/kCmB0V/alb2-35.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/cejmZq/alb2-36.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/cYWpnA/alb2-37.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/hEOfuq/alb2-38.jpg)
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Nice!
Good luck sourcing the dog!
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Finally beautiful B.II in polish marks will come to light!
Great! will follow..
regards
K
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This one will be another of your works of art, looking forward to your progress.
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Hmm, I hope (part of) this conversion set will be available for purchase, I would love to have that top radiator and connections.
I would live to do a Swedish Albatros B.II, they also had the late version a guess.
Please ask if they would be willing to do so, your Polish is better then mine!!
good luck with the build and the conversion, will be following for shure
Hidde
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Looks to be another Masterpiece in the making ;D
RAGIII
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I`m extremely happy to see you building it Przemek! The resin bits look very good and I`m sure you`ll make the best of them. The scheme you`ve chosen is great. Two thumbs up mate and keep up the good work. I`m looking forward to the next update.
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Thank you for cheering, gentlemen. Very much appreciated.
Hiddie, I am sorry but my influence on what Melius Manu do or release is as close to null as possible. Still, I will tell them, there IS interest in the conversion set.
I am currently working on preparation of fuselage detail to the different version. Shaving the unnecessary detail, filling the holes, preparing the correct ones...
I also assembled the stick control for the rear cockpit to be able to locate more precisely the openings for the aileron control cables.
The unnecessary slots in the stabiliser were filled, too.
(https://image.ibb.co/cmJHVV/alb2-39.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/mYo6Pq/alb2-40.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/fH2pcA/alb2-41.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/msuPAV/alb2-42.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/nNxBqV/alb2-43.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/fz36Pq/alb2-44.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/k5OjAV/alb2-45.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/nOo6Pq/alb2-46.jpg)
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I will keep my fingers crossed for everything.
Adam.
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Judging from the start this will be a very interesting build, preliminary work is top class. Looking forward to your progress.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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Small corrections but the beginnings of your usual attention to detail! Lovely work!
RAGIII
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Wow :) That will be something! ::)
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Fascinating project. Very nice!
Having built the B II my recommendation would be to replace the interplane struts with brassrod.
Best regards
Andreas
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Thank you for the kind comments.
Andreas, thanks for the heads up. I am not sure if I will follow this advice but I will surely take it under consideration. But could you tell more, what was the problem? Was the double struts triangle with gravity fuel tank between them not a strong enough support for the upper wing?
Some progress on the interior of cockpits. A few bits like throttle control or fuel lines will be added later.
(https://i.ibb.co/WH45s1x/alb2-47.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/G2g1yTZ/alb2-48.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/6WkG9Mb/alb2-49.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/bsDyFBV/alb2-50.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/PYQggq3/alb2-51.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/1vr77Dv/alb2-52.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/C22ycD4/alb2-53.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/f9QWr0T/alb2-54.jpg)
Basic bits put together
(https://i.ibb.co/RCcxwbG/alb2-55.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/3zhFmLK/alb2-58.jpg)
And dryfitted into the fuselage
(https://i.ibb.co/xYFs01S/alb2-56.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/zZY2dgx/alb2-57.jpg)
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As always, Lovely wood grain, leather, instrument panel and details! Really looking terrific!
RAGIII
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Przemo, no this part does its job, but the thin plastic interplane struts tend to bend with every tight rigging wire. I have one strut bent now that was straight once I finished the build. I don’t know when it startet to give up...
Great interior btw!
Andreas
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Rezlly beautifull work
perso, i like very much the way you treat the leather.
cangratulation!
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Great start Prze, the interior really shines, you're off to another of your classic exemplary Builds! Can you tell me how you did the (fuel?) switches/levers on the right side of the instrument panel?
Cheers,
Lance
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Fantastic interieur, Przemo. The woodgrain looks very realistic, too. Really nice start.
Bye,
Manni
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typically-outstanding build, Przemo.
looking forward next steps.
8)
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Thank you, everyone.
Andreas, thanks for the explanation of the struts problems. Luckily, the resin replacement struts are reinforced with pieces of steel wire, I do not expect any problems with them.
Lance, the fuel selector switches were scratch built from pieces of soldering wire (axes) and some spare PE bits (knobs).
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Thanks Przemo, I use the same method but mine don't look nearly as nice as these, guess I'd better be more careful in selecting my material!
Cheers,
Lance
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Going on...
The fuselage is closed except for the observer cockpit metal panel.
(https://i.ibb.co/P61vP1X/alb2-59.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/0G3xSD6/alb2-60.jpg)
Am I the only one who has problems with gaps along the seam lines in this kit? Filling and sanding is quite a task here because of the fine longerons detail along the edges. Luckily, the majority of this work is now completed.
(https://i.ibb.co/JznLfPT/alb2-61.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/qpX4Txn/alb2-62.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/pRRgq73/alb2-63.jpg)
I have started working on the Mercedes D.II engine. All possible Taurus Models resin goodies will be used. Priming cups, timing gear in the separated-elements version, the spark plugs. At the moment all of them are basically ready for airbrushing, The holes in the cylinder block for the valve springs were drilled at correct spots only on the second attempt.
(https://i.ibb.co/hFmrdtG/alb2-64.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/7NkZf7m/alb2-65.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/sF7Lfq6/alb2-66.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/3fRjf9M/alb2-67.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/M1sstY0/alb2-68.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/6tXzghL/alb2-69.jpg)
PS. And good news are that my resolution to start this model made Melius Manu to speed up the work on the promised conversion set. I am to get the proper decals next week. We will see...
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Marvelous work on this very interesting conversion, my friend! I might have to get Kajetan to put me on the waiting list for a set, myself.
Cheers,
Bud
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Excellent work as always PrzemoL, I'm following this one with interest.
I don't know what your filler of choice is but I have converted to Vallejo plastic putty which can be shaped and smoothed out with a water-dampened cotton bud. This means no sanding needed if you smooth it down while wet.
Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia
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Przemo,
with each your new post, it gets more and more interesting. I personally look forward to the look of the entire machine. Known photo with the emblem shows only a part of the fuselage. Have you ordered decals at Melius Manu?
8)
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Your usual fantastic work The interior looks gorgeous in place and I am looking forward to that engine detail!
RAGIII
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Dave, I am filling with liquid CA glue. It is especially handy when thin gaps are involved.
Buzby, I am to get the decals from Melius Manu in the coming days. We will see... In any case, I have a decal set from the other source, if this fails ;)
Weekend is gone but some colours were added to the engine bits...
(https://i.ibb.co/XJyG9hX/alb2-70.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/dKkLHkg/alb2-71.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/tXz2Z09/alb2-72.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/TtDY5Lm/alb2-73.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/pzfFWV9/alb2-74.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/pbtBFRk/alb2-75.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/RY01Jnw/alb2-76.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/4WVfX0N/alb2-77.jpg)
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The engine is looking fantastic Przemo!
RAGIII
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And some more fun with Mercedes D.II engine
(https://i.ibb.co/1XywJvV/alb2-80.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/0jW0cB1/alb2-81.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/fxdtS2Q/alb2-78.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/60kRMvM/alb2-79.jpg)
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Awesome Przemo!
RAGIII
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Stunning engine, Przemo! I only hope that when the time comes to build mine, I can summon up the patience to add all of those Taurus goodies. It really makes a world of difference!
Cheers,
Bud
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Beautiful engine, Przemo! All this Taurus-Goodies lift it to a much higher level.
Bye,
Manni
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Thank you for further kind comments - very much appreciated.
Some news...
First - Melius Manu is indeed working on the promised conversion set! I have just got the decals for my civilian version!!! Needless to say, they are the top quality, both technically and historically.
(https://i.ibb.co/QP9WvsG/alb2-85.jpg)
Another good news is that the work on engine assembly is done. The last missing bits were: air tubing around the timing gear, carburettors control gear, magneto control levers. I still have to add some dirt and wash to emphasize the detail.
(https://i.ibb.co/3ddgxcJ/alb2-86.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/K7XsNDF/alb2-87.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/3Y956ND/alb2-88.jpg)
Worse news relate to the wooden fuselage.
First, I tried the kit decals. Though they look quite fine in the sheet, when I applied the first piece to the model I was disappointed. It somehow turned to blurred, greyish miserable wood imitation. Besides, there was no good way to press them into the fine recessed nail surface imitations... And I still had a problem with replacing the fragments where cuts were made in them by WNW to accommodate surface detail which I removed as per my version of Albatros fuselage. All too many reasons to change the view.
So I decided, I would paint the wood. And here it turned out that I ran out of my Pactra clear orange paint for final covering. I bought the new one but it seems that Pactra completely changed the formula for their paints. I have already noticed that their recently bought paints do not have as good opacity as earlier. But what they did to the clear orange is a nightmare. The colour is much more red. But it is also not permanent!!! One day after airbrushing I still had no problem with wiping it off the surface with a wet finger!!!
So I had to choose a new paint. I opted for my second preference - Vallejo. Here no problem with airbrushing and durability was encountered but the colour is much more to the cold yellow hue. I tried to mix is with the Pactra reddish, sealed it with the clear coat and the result could be acceptable. But then I also tried Gunze H and for the moment this one seems to be the best option. I will still have to check if it can be later covered with Pactra grey-green at the covers on the fuselage. I once had a problem with Pactra paint cracking some time after it was applied over that Gunze H colour. Tomorrow...
Here is the test field to testify my attempts
(https://i.ibb.co/86gfg9x/alb2-84.jpg)
In the meantime the fuselage itself has the base colour for wood applied, awaiting the application of wood grain.
(https://i.ibb.co/gWq5xMJ/alb2-82.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/kD2bzC5/alb2-83.jpg)
More to come soon.
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Sorry to hear of your paint difficulties but I know you will sort it all out! Your prep looks smooth as a Babys' backside!
RAGIII
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That engine is spectacular Prze. As for the wood grain paint problems I feel your pain!! I use Tamiya Clear Yellow on occasion and usually thin it down considerably as it seems (to me) that it's darker then it used to be. Paints can be so inconsistent in their qualities and although I know your skills will get you through this with success you must be a bit frustrated! I know I'll check in tomorrow and you will have solved these problems.
Cheers,
Lance
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Some wood painted... Wash to emphasize the details is only started at some spots and not cleaned yet.
(https://i.ibb.co/b5GBXRJ/alb2-89.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/bzfhxv9/alb2-90.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/MhTXmvD/alb2-91.jpg)
And Axial propeller carved from pre-cut veneer forms.
(https://i.ibb.co/zh1WwKr/alb-p2.jpg)
Still, I am not sure if I will use it for this Albatros. Most probably I will need a different one:
(https://i.ibb.co/Q6YDvgy/alb-p.jpg)
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Lovely Prze,
Please tell me the secret of your wiring? What is it? How do you glue it? I just can’t get mine to look like that!
Guy
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Lovely Prze,
Please tell me the secret of your wiring? What is it? How do you glue it? I just can’t get mine to look like that!
Guy
Cheers, Guy.
The wiring, I suppose you mean the electric cables at the engine. It is 0.25mm soldering wire, pre-cut with some extra length, pre-bent, airbrushed reddish colour (incidentally - the dark red I used on my von Marwitz Pfalz D.IIIa :-) - seen that colour in the photos of Mercedes D.II in the WNW instruction leaflet for Alb. B.II). Glued with gel CA glue into holes drilled at magneto electrodes and at the bottom of wire guides. Then easily bent to the final shape, glued with gel CA glue to the spark plugs, trimmed when glue set. Some inevitable paint losses retouched. And finally some brass paint applied at the connections to the spark plugs. I hope that makes sense...
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The fuselage woodwork looks amazing. Much better than the decals which even on sheet look overly grained to my eye (I have this kit). A wonderful and aspirational build by you as always.
Cheers and Merry Christmas!
Alistair
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It doesn't get any better than this! Beautifully done wooden fuselage!
RAGIII
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Thanks Prze,
Yes, that is helpful... you make it sound easy ???
Guy
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Undercarriage done (minus the Scale Spokes, wheels which are put for the photos only provisionally). The revised late tail skid is made from resin struts and the skid body itself is cut from the kit part - it still needs some dirt and wash.
Also the turnbuckles for interplane rigging are prepared.
(https://i.ibb.co/9vzhwpV/alb2-92.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/JFQZ5KW/alb2-93.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/qgdBwDx/alb2-94.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/GddP54y/alb2-95.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/7tjsPrq/alb2-96.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/RNYpg1b/alb2-97.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/pxnr45P/alb2-98.jpg)
Now the tail surfaces are in the paintshop. More to come soon...
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Truely amazing work! I love how carefully you painted even the smallest metal fitting on the fuselage.
And these spiked wheels look great.
Andreas
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Superb. Just love watching what you are doing and trying to emulate it. Fantastic!
Dan
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Magnificent Prze, the rich wood tone is as good as it gets, beautifully done and the detailing is absolute top shelf. This is going to be a stunning model when done!
Cheers,
Lance
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Stunning Prze, work of art.
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It just gets better and better. How to you do the nails? A decal or pen? It is, either way, a very nice touch amongst many others!
Cheers
Alistair
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Thank you, gentlemen, for watching and commenting so kindly.
How to you do the nails? A decal or pen?
The nails are finely engraved in this kit, contrary to the earlier Albatros D.V. So I just filled the holes with a dark brown wash.
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Just when you think it can't get any better....it does!
RAGIII
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Tail feathers completed. Installation of the engine started, the radiator is put only tentatively for the moment.
(https://i.ibb.co/1R6fbXy/alb2101.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/y85tbBJ/alb2102.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/tc5H10R/alb2-99.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/N6wbrdm/alb2100.jpg)
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Still mindblowing!
Where did you get these wonderful spoked wheels from?
Best regards
Andreas
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A jewel in the making...
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This looks like a real plane! Put it in a workshop diorama and with b/w pictures I will take them for sure as original!
Simply F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C !!!
Cheers,
Frank
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That looks awesome! Good call I guess on not using the kit decals for the wood, this looks really good!
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Thank you all for your kind words.
Still mindblowing!
Where did you get these wonderful spoked wheels from?
Best regards
Andreas
Here
https://umm-usa.com/onlinestore/index.php?manufacturers_id=105&osCsid=ba76fc30feef9886eb55875aa5294696
But I am afraid the ones I have here are sold out, they were for Gotha, best suited with the diameter.
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What can be said other than Brilliant Modeling!
RAGIII
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Wonderful work. Perfect wood, engine, shadeing. Looking forward to the next steps.
Bye,
Manni
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With the engine installed (minus cooling tubes) I have moved to the wing cellule. I have painted the wings and struts. The lower wings are now attached for good.
The radiator and the exhaust are just posing for the photos. They will be attched for good after when the upper wing sits on - to ensure the correct alignment of the radiator with the wing leading edge.
(https://i.ibb.co/1QM2WgY/alb2103.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/mHrhCsS/alb2104.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/c8G67vn/alb2105.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/47T1VCg/alb2106.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/JF6WLgN/alb2107.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/F6yDxy3/alb2108.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/hR0pBvm/alb2109.jpg)
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Lovely work!
|so perfect.
I just realized that tank over the pilot is the fuel tank!
That's a golden shower without the happy ending!
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She is so beautiful, my eyeballs are exploding...... ;D
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Mine too...now I can't see any more of these incredible models...
Dan ;)
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Thanks, Krow, Juan and Dan.
And I went further. The operation top wings began. I started with interplane struts. Since they are resin I decided to use 5-minutes epoxy glue Uhu to attach them, using the upper wings put on dry to control the geometry. In the first step I did only the outer ones and at that stage I had to secure the top wings with bottles of water to prevent their sliding forward. When the glue set I repeated the operation with the inner struts. Now the glue at all 8 locations will be left to set till tomorrow to reach the ultimate strength.
Tomorrow I will remove the upper wings, tie the landing lines in the inner bays at the cabane pyramid to have more space for manipulation and only after this I will glue the upper wings. Then the radiator, the exhaust and ... the rigging!!! The end is near.
(https://i.ibb.co/rbTdhKd/alb2110.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/7XVPMMd/alb2111.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/0VZxcPX/alb2112.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/DQwRDRm/alb2113.jpg)
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Very fine method of fixing upper wings. :)
Adam.
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Uhh..I thought I am the only one using such basic "jig" constructions:) Love that plane shape, which WNW shows in all delicious details
regards
K
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Hi Przemo,
I see that the Great Final is fast approaching :)
finest modelling in all aspects
8)
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Looking absolutely brilliant !
RAGIII
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Really amazing!
Andreas
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Looking good already, and glad I'm not the only one using whatever is around for a jig!
I like your undercarriage protector, too :)
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Thank you, everyone.
Two days age the rigging started with a catastrophe, when I put the model upside down, to run the lower aileron cable, it fell from 10 cm height... But it was enough to loose two inner struts. One just jumped off its upper socket and the other one broke at its narrowest spot at the base. It surprised me, as the replacement resin struts are reinforced with steel wire, but it seems in this one at least the wire does not run along its entire length. Luckily, I managed to repair the damage without great problems. After that little nightmare, when I expected more obstacles, the remaining rigging went extremely smoothly. Two sessions divided by some fitting of the radiator with its pipes and my Poznań late Albatros was completed. The last bit to do was thinning down and removing the sink marks left by push rods on the inside of the taken off cowling covers. And now the model is indeed ready. It stands temporarily on a loose Polak grass sheet which will be its final base, I only have to order a suitable wooden frame to encompass it.
So, one final photo here, more in the gallery.
(https://i.ibb.co/yNPDvdM/alb2-08.jpg)
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A BEAUTIFUL Model and your usual expertise in finishes and rigging! Simply Brilliant!
RAGIII
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In spite of your mishap, she is perfect in every way. Absolutely stunning.
Cheers,
Bud
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In spite of your mishap, she is perfect in every way. Absolutely stunning.
Cheers,
Bud
Nothing I can add to that -fantastic!
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Thank you, gentlemen, I am glad you like my civilian Albie :-)
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Beautiful model.
Adam.
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Clean and neat! A great work!
Antonio