Frank Luke's Spad XIII (Hobbycraft 1/32)

[iwik]

Hi y'all!
CRAP! I just realized only aircraft with French markings could enter the French GB.
Well.... I guess I'll just put it here and look for something else to start!

I've been waiting a moment to show you anything cos I'm a slow builder nowadays. Didn't want to waste your time showing you only bits and pieces here and there.

So at last that I'm done with the cockpit, I can now present you with this kit.
It's the Hobbycraft 1/32 late Spad XIII version. Probably the best kit of the WWI hobbycraft aircraft series, it still needs a lot of work to come up with someting worth putting in the showcase. So I decided to use some pe parts from Part designed for the Spad VII and see if I could detail the beast up a bit.

So here you go:

Detailing and giving some depth with plastic strips:


The original seat (left), is uuuuh, to be replaced with another one based on the pe part.


I've added a couple of triggers to the stick, and made a small mallet.


I've also detailed the kit's fuel tank and managed to fit in some pipes.


Painted the interior and added a map "case/holder".


The other side with the compass and the seven part throttle.


Detailed the "instrument panel" with some very fine copper wires cut to shape for the different selectors.


The seat looks much better with some paint! So does the rest of the office.


The whole pipe and things mess painted.


Next I will tackle the front opening. I've carved out the thin but not too realistic engine shutters in order to replace them with some fine plastic strips. We'll see how it turns out. But "don't be too hasty".

Ciao
Iwik

[Des]

You are moving along beautifully Iwik on this build, the wood colours you used are very effective and the seat cushion looks superb, the interior of this model is looking excellent.

Des.

[lcarroll]

   Great detail work Iwik. The seat, cushion, and panel are beautifully done, very impressive start!
Cheers,
Lance

[GAJouette]

 Iwik,
Outstanding first progress my old friend. Glad to see my favorite of all WWI fighters in such talented hands. Your additional details along with your highest skill and craftsmanship will transform her into a real show stopper. Keep the awesome updates coming!
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette

[Suffolk Lad]

That's a real good start Iwik  Very nice interior work all round and I particularly like the map. It's a model I have earmarked for future purchase so will be looking in with a keen interest. Time shouldn't be a factor if you don't have much to spare - it's each little step at a time that counts

Regards - Tug

[RAGIII]

Iwik,
Your SPAD cockpit is awesome! Beautiful detailing and painting. You are certainly giving a tutorial on how to enhance this kit. I will follow closely!
RAGIII

[coyotemagic]

Spectacular work on the interior, Iwik!  That seat and cushion, in particular, are magnificent!
Cheers,
Bud