Sopwith 'Swallow' 1:32 scale

[dtomko]

Hi Mike,

I did, although it doesn't come up in a search:

https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=3224.msg54091#msg54091

The photos are on Photobucket, which I left, and so I don't know if they are still visible to everyone.  I can see them.  Let me know if you can't.

Drew

[Mike Norris]

Hi Drew,
Thanks - that's a really impressive conversion, especially in 1:48 scale.
The seat position nearly caught me out until Frank pointed it out.

Mike

[Bughunter]

Very informative thread - like it!

Thanks,
Frank

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
Well I've made a start on the resin wing assembly.
Needless to say it required filling and sanding.
I also strengthened the wing to wing joint, which is a basic 'butt' joint, with no strength.
I drilled two 1.0 mm diameter holes into the wing root of both wing halves and inserted 1 mm brass rod, held with CA.
The wings halves were then joined using two part epoxy adhesive.
I cut the aileron from the wing and profiled the leading edges.
The wing was drilled in three position for each aileron and 0.8 mm brass rods inserted with CA adhesive.
Corresponding holes were then drilled into the aileron leading edges.
Aileron control horns were made from spare photo etch and secured in slot cut into the aileron leading edges.
Each horn has a 0.3 mm diameter hole at each end for rigging.
Upper surface strengthening ribs, removed during sanding, were replaced with strips of 0.2 mm thick plastic card.
I filled the pre-moulded rigging points as they do not align vertically through the wing. These will be drilled later.

I still need to re-profile the forward edge of the wing cut-out above the cockpit, which needs to be straighter.

Mike

[lcarroll]

Mike,
    A brave and interesting conversion for sure. I agree with your choice of the Wingnut Wings Camel as the foundation of this build, the Special Hobby Kit doesn't come close. I hope to do a "Comic" Camel in future and will follow the same path despite having two of the Special Hobby Kits on hand. I'll be following this latest piece of art from your bench with great interest, enjoy!
Cheers,
Lance

[lone modeller]

I really do like odd ball aircraft that were only built as prototypes or in limited numbers, so I will be following with great interest. A very good subject for a conversion and with the WNW kit as a basis this should be another first class build.

Stephen.

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
Twin pitot tubes added and the centre section cut-out forward edge corrected,

Mike

[RAGIII]

Awesome work to date! Your usual thorough description is appreciated!
RAGIII

[dtomko]

Mike, the wing looks great and thanks for the kind words.  Knowing about the relocated cockpit will save you a lot of frustration. Trust me!
Drew

[Alexis]

Following with interest Mike , which is looking fine 




Terri

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
I've been looking into how the aileron control cables were connected between the cockpit control and wing.
It appears that there were two slots through the wing centre section, above the cockpit.
At first I thought these slots were for the aileron control cables, similar to the French Nieuport fighter controls (although they were rod, not cable).
However, it seems these slots were not for aileron cables and that in fact cables were routed vertically from the cockpit and into the underside of the wing, just outboard from the wing slots.
The resin conversion set has detail of an inspection window in the upper surface of the wing, but does state that there is no photographic evidence for this.
I think it's assumed to be there as for the other Sopwith types (Camel, Snipe etc),

Mike









   

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
Pitot tubes, re-profiled centre section cut-out and wing slots added,

Mike

[Bughunter]

Great progress!
Do you have any idea about the reason for the cut outs?
Is it a maintenance issue or for improved visibilty into the upper hemisphere? Was it closed with clear foil, like some Nieuports?

Cheers,
Frank

[RAGIII]

Good progress on the wing cut out, openings and Pitot tube/s!
RAGIII

[Mike Norris]

Frank,
The photographic evidence doesn't make it clear if the slots were covered or not.
However, given how small and narrow they are, my guess is that they are required for access when bolting to two wing halves together, rather than for pilot visibility.
Of course I could be wrong.
As I don't know how this wing was constructed it does make me wonder about the wings internal rear spar - does it run through these slots?

Mike