Macchi M-5

[FAf]

So beatuiful! One of those models where you can start a metre or so away from it and admire the look of it and the start going closer and closer only to discover more and more details! Fantastic work and presentation of it!
/Fredrik

[RAGIII]

Superb rigging and the floats look Great!
RAGIII

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all,
Thanks.

Here's a few more shots of the rigging.
I'm currently working on making the wing outer bracing struts, which strangely are not supplied with the kit.
They're being made from 0.9 mm diameter tube with 0.5 mm rod internal support rods, as were the tail plane support struts, which are also not supplied in the kit.
As with the created wing upper 'Z' struts, the tubes will be slightly flattened to an aerofoil shape.
Not an easy job as the model is large and tricky to handle.
Also the struts can't really be created until the model is assembled, in order to be able to cut the tubes to the correct length.
Hopefully the bracing frames will be soft soldered together with protruding 0.5 mm rods for locating pins - we'll see,

Mike

[RAGIII]

It does seem ODD that those struts are not included. Like I said before your rigging looks excellent!
RAGIII

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Yes especially when you consider the cost of the kit.
Our 'Des' had the same problem on his build of the model.
My kit didn't have these outer bracing struts, any of the wing/aileron/fin or rudder locating rods or the tail plane support struts.
It also had a missing rigging cover (should be two), the engine detail/parts were incorrect and the integral steel support rods inside the resin struts were all off centre.
Definitely not a kit for less experienced modellers, unless of course they're up for the challenge 

Mike

[AndRoby67]

Wow!
Tail section is a jewel!
You made nail's heads on wooden cover! Fantastic!
Roberto

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all,
I've some progress on the wing outer bracing struts, which are not supplied with the kit.
Created from 0.9 mm diameter tube, formed into an aerofoil shape and with internal 0.5 mm locating rods soft soldered.
Beforehand the locating holes of 0.6 mm diameter were drilled into the upper and lower wings.
I've still got the central cross bars to do, but nearly there,

Mike

[RAGIII]

Perfection!
RAGIII

[Alexis]

Thumbs up Mike 


Terri

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all,
As the aircraft model is more or less finished, I've started on the pilot figure.
The figure is the ‘Allarmi’ WW1 Aces of Italian A.F. (32063).
The figure had a walking cane in the right hand, but I've removed that as I intend to have the figure leaning against the fuselage.
I also chose to use the head without flying helmet and goggles, as the aircraft will be on its beaching trolley and trestles (so not about to fly).

Mike

[RAGIII]

The figure looks nicely sculpted Mike. I am looking forward to seeing it painted!
RAGIII

[Monty]

Some exceptional work, Mike! And a beautiul blog to watch with so many useful techniques.. Well done! Marc.

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all,
The pilot figure has been painted.
With that done the Macchi M.5 model is now finished, apart from setting it up on its display base.

Thanks to everyone who followed this journey and for your encouraging comments on what turned out to be a 'challenging' build.
A special thanks to Louis (huberlu) and Roberto (AndRoby67) for their input.

I'll be posting up the completed model photographs once the display is done, which hopefully will not be long,

Mike

[RAGIII]

Excellent work on the pilot Mike. Thanks for another great build and Log!
RAGIII

[AndRoby67]

Hi Mike!
Glad to see that you are on the deadline of this beautiful project!
Good work also on external thin struts!
So you placed Fulco Ruffo di Calabria on a seaplane? 
Well done at every level!
Roberto