Macchi M-5

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
Normally I never work more than one model at a time, but I'm waiting for decals to arrive for my 'Aviatik 'Berg' D.1 build.

https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=10567.0

Therefore I thought I'd make a start on another 1:32 scale 'HPH Models' resin kit.
This is the Italian 'Macchi M-5 single seat float plane fighter.
I know already there may be some areas of this model that will need some attention, so we'll see how this one goes,

Mike

[Alexis]

Following along with interest Mike 


Terri

[Juan]

Stunning choice, will follow closely.

[FAf]

I almost bought this kit a while ago, before deciding that it probably was a little too much (both moneywise and skillwise) for me. I will follow your build with great interest nonetheless!
/Fredrik

[Bughunter]

I will follow closely! This will be again a interesting build.
It will also give a lot of info for my 1/48 plastic kit made by Fly.

Are the wooden wheels for a beach trolley? Very nice!

Cheers,
Frank

[Mike Norris]

Thanks all.

Frank:
Yes the kit is supplied with laser cut wood to construct a beaching trolley,

Mike

[Robin]

A flying Riva yacht...sweet!

Robin

[lone modeller]

This is on my list to scratch build in God's Own Scale so I will follow closely to see which details I will need to add.

Stephen.

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
I've removed all of the major parts from their resin backing sheets or blocks and cleaned away any residue and flash.
The fuselage fin support is moulded with a slight curve on the top edge, which needed to be flattened.
There were no substantial 'blow holes' on any of the parts, but there were a few rough spots, especially under the rear of the fuselage. It looked like it had been filed to remove resin?
The main problem to sort was that the various struts have steel reinforcing struts moulded inside, which should protrude from the ends of each strut for location into the model.
However most struts had at least one that only protruded from one end. I had to drill a 0.5 mm diameter hole into the end of the strut, where I thought the pin should have exited.
Once the end of the pin was seen I carefully twisted and pushed the pin up through the strut until it protruded from the end.
Tricky as you know how brittle resin can be when stressed - however it worked.

The next step is to 'open up' the cockpit and two forward ports in the top of the fuselage, which by the way is moulded mostly as a solid piece so is pretty heavy!!

Mike

[lcarroll]

Mike,
    You are probably aware of this, Des' Build Log for this Kit. He confided in me that this one was the closest he ever came to giving up on a Kit, you'd never know it when you see his finished product!

https://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/page52.html

    I'm really going to enjoy watching you tame this beauty, it's such a magnificent looking aircraft and if anyone can produce another really spectacular result with this Kit I believe it's you ....... enjoy and I'll be following closely.
Cheers,
Lance

[RAGIII]

As always I am looking forward to your build and will be following along closely!
RAGIII

[Manni]

Great to see your build thread for the Macchi. Looking forward to your next updates!
Bye,
Manni

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
Thanks.

Lance:
Yes I read the build log by 'Des' and the corrections he found necessary.
I guess in 1:32 scale we've been spoilt with likes of 'Wingnut Wings' and 'Copper State' with their accuracy and close, sometimes too close tolerances.
Also the ease of construction using styrene parts, with no imperfections, as opposed to resin.
I find it strange that given how long resin kits have been manufactured, we sometimes still find some kits released with inaccuracies, surface imperfections and even warped parts.
I guess it's just a case of the limitations of working with resin and the moulding techniques used.
It's a case of if you want a particular model and resin is the only option, you really don't have a choice.
Thankfully there are some quality resin kit makers out there, 'Aviattic' springs to mind and even 'HPH Models', aside from some manufacturing 'quirks',

Mike 

[kensar]

I just don't understand kit makers not paying attention to quality or accuracy.  How much effort and cost does it take to do it right the first time?

I believe you will do the kit justice, Mike.  I'll be following along.

[bobs_buckles]

I'm keeping notes.
Good luck, Mike