1/72 Flashback Sopwith Strutter

[Brad Cancian]

Thanks again folks.  Yes liberal coats of future are used to make sure the decals don't lift. That being said, it still can be decal brand specific - i've had plenty of trouble with other decals lifting in the past. I usually test on a spare decal first, or use very low tack masking tape over the decaled areas.

I'll post some pics of the underside tomorrow, as the build is nearing completion now, despite some challenging hurdles...

The upper wing didn't want to fit properly; initially the inter-plane struts seemed to be too long, which threw the top wing out of whack. The "W" cabane struts were around 2mm short of their mounting holes. In this scale, I rig before adding the top wing, which meat that when it all didn't come together, I had to do most of the work again. So, I think there's either an issue with the angle of attack that the lower wings are mounted, an issue with the kit inter-plane struts, or the "W" cabane struts (or possibly a little bit of everything), or I am just a poor builder (the latter is most likely!). The inter-plane struts are all the same length in the kit - to get the correct stagger I think one set needs to be a little longer than the others, but if you do that, with the lower wings at the angle of attack the kit has you put them, then that reveals some issues with the "W" cabane struts - either the locating holes or strut lengths are off to get it all to sit at the correct stagger, and angle of attack, relative to that lower wing.  As I wanted to keep this OOB, I didn't scratch build new struts or modify them other than trying to trim the kit parts until I got it all to fit - and by fit I mean go together with all points touching their mounting holes with the wings level and at the same angle of attack. The upper wing still doesn't sit right, it's all too far aft (and thus all of the struts are at the wrong forward / aft angles), but the wings are level so it will do... it's only really noticeable when viewed from side on.

In any case, should hopefully finish this one in the 'morrow.

Cheers,

BC

[PrzemoL]

Brad, I am sorry to hear about your problems with upper wing. If I may, I would suggest the way I am following in this small scale. I usually start with the outermost interplane struts, which length I try to estimate from scale drawings. When they are glued with the correct geometry (usually I use some cardboard templates for this) I attach the upper wing. Only then I try to fit the cabane struts and (if present) the remaining interplace struts. The rigging is the last step.
BTW, the BE2c I am currently completing was treated differently, but only due to the fact, that the cabane struts were integral parts of fuselage assembly in that kit.
Anyway, I am sure you are making a jewel model and I am looking forward to see some more photos.

[Brad Cancian]

Many thanks for the tips Prze - you would have thought i'd have figured struts out by now, hey... silly me for thinking it would fall together without hassles. A good lesson to remember the basics 

By the way, she's finished!

http://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=7677.0



  BC

[coyotemagic]

Awesome work as always, Brad!  Great to have you back!
Cheers,
Bud

[WarrenD]

Just gorgeous Brad. Not only one of my favorite a/c, but one of my favorite color schemes.

As to your struts, you certainly aren't a bad builder.    I do want to recall hearing someone tell me that the cabane struts are *off* on the Flashback Strutter, so I bet that's where the problem sits.

Still, a wonderful build!

Warren

[WarrenD]

Brad, another question, if you'll indulge me please:

How in the world do you rig the kit before the top wing goes on?

Warren

[lone modeller]

Superb modelling. Modelling at its very best actually - a wonderful thread too.

Stephen.