Macchi M-5

[Mike Norris (UK)]

It looks well worth it to me!

You seem to use small diameter tube in places where I use copper wire, is there any particular reason for that, Mike? I use copper wire because you get lots on a reel for not a lot of money

Richard

Hi Richard,
I use Brass, Nickel-Silver and Aluminium micro-tube mostly.
I also use copper and lead wire.
When I use copper wire I tend to heat anneal it first as that makes it more pliable for bending etc.
Obviously lead wire is pliable enough already.
I find that copper and lead wire can sometimes be difficult to stay straight when modelling pipes etc that need to look that way, especially when bends are also required.
I find that small diameter brass tube (annealed) holds its shape better than copper or lead wire.
Also using tube allows you to slide over larger diameter tube to replicate junctions, connections etc.
The only real problem can be with using larger tube, as unless it's supported internally with solid rod, it can crease when being bent to 90 degrees or more.
As you say wire is the cheaper option, but I'd still prefer tubing,

Mike

[RLWP]

OK, sounds a bit 'horses for courses'. It works for you, copper wire works for me.

I don't anneal the wire as it is soft enough for me off the reel. I do straighten it by catching the ends with two pairs of pliers, then stretching it just beyond it's elastic limit.

Richard

[pepperman42]

Very nice work!!

Steve

[Alexis]

Very nice work!!

Steve

Second this


Terri

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all,
The cockpit has been modified to correct and add components not supplied in the kit.

Corrected:
Positioning of both machine guns (rearwards into the cockpit and closer to the cockpit side walls).
Replacement instrument panel support bar (kit part too short).
Control rod for Mixture control and Spark advance levers replaced (too weak).
Tachometer replaced (kit part too large).

Added:
Fuel panel switches (0.3 mm tube).
Mixture control and Spark advance control rods (x2) (0.4 mm tube)..
Starter magneto ('Taurus Models').
Starter magneto safety switch ('Taurus Models').
Replacement Tachometer (from sprue).
Half compression operating lever and control rod (spare photo-etch and 0.4 mm tube).
Cockpit front edge padding ('ANYZ' 0.5 mm braided line).

After painting I will add:
The fuel contents and oil pressure pipes to the instrument panel.
Wiring for the starter magneto and safety switch.
Tachometer drive shaft.
Instrument decals (not supplied in the kit).
Transparencies for the two 'windows'.
Flight control cables.

The shots below show the primed cockpit components dry fitted (except control column).

Mike

[AndRoby67]

WOW!
Seems real! Beautifully realized!
Roberto

[RAGIII]

Your cockpit is shaping up beautifully as expected!
RAGIII

[Alexis]

I really like the seat !



Terri

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all,
The carpet monster has struck.
Like all of us I'm used to small parts disappearing during a build, but this was no small part.
In fact it is the pilot's seat cushion, which is a fairly large piece of resin.
Two nights ago I dry assembled the entire cockpit, including the cushion, so I could post the photos above.
Today I was painting the cockpit and parts and hey-ho, the cushion has gone missing.
I've ripped apart my man cave to find it but to no avail - mystery.
As such I'm having to make a cushion from 'Milliput' with a covering of liquid sprue (thin plastic card melted in liquid cement).

Sorry Terri - you'll not see that cushion you liked so much,

Mike

[lone modeller]

I had lost track of this build Mike so I have just spent a happy session catching up. This is exceptional work - the engine and cockpit details are of a standard of which I could only dream...

Inspiring in every way.

Stephen.

[AndRoby67]

Hi Mike!
Sad for your cushion...
In reality many pilots takes out cushion when they were not in the planes for missions...
Maybe yours take out the cushion when you're looking on the other side? 

Seriously, I had doubts about the presence of the handling system on the back of your Vickers,
because I didn't found traces in original dwgs, after I found THE photo that I think you used as a clue.
Congrats again!
Roberto

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi Roberto,
Now that's an idea 

Yes the guns are mounted horizontal, not vertical, which was usual.
I believe the Macchi M.5 was fitted with twin 'FIAT Revelli' machine guns, adapted from the land version.

Mike

[Alexis]

No worries Mike , happens to all of us . Some more the others such as me ! I do find find the part , but I find it on the other side of the house months later 




Terri

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all,
Typical!!
I made a replacement seat cushion and took it into my spray booth area (through a door from my man cave).
The intention was to give the replacement cushion a primer coat.
Yup you guessed - on the floor of the spray booth was the original kit seat cushion!!!!
Even though I'd looked in there I didn't spot it.
The only reason I did was I saw a pipette that had dropped onto the floor and when I picked it up I saw the cushion nearby.

Hey-Ho, on we go,

Mike

[RAGIII]

Hi all,
Typical!!
I made a replacement seat cushion and took it into my spray booth area (through a door from my man cave).
The intention was to give the replacement cushion a primer coat.
Yup you guessed - on the floor of the spray booth was the original kit seat cushion!!!!
Even though I'd looked in there I didn't spot it.
The only reason I did was I saw a pipette that had dropped onto the floor and when I picked it up I saw the cushion nearby.

Hey-Ho, on we go,

Mike

I had a similar incident while working on My Camel. I lost the smaller of the PE seat belts. After Multiple searches I gave up and made a replacement. A couple of weeks later I dropped one of the MG cocking levers. While searching ...I found the seat belt but not the handle 
RAGIII