All,
Here is a paper model that is sort of the WNWs of paper models. It fit so well and was designed to a "T". Superb coloring, lovely fit, extreme fidelity to the real machine and innovative construction all combine to make a really nice, detailed rendition of the ol' SPAD. You should see the cockpit...dang thing even has a camera in there!
My only construction changes were, as usual, using 1/32nd balsa instead of cardboard for the structural members and I also used thin wire for the interplanes rather than interior cardboard/wood as was called for. In addition, I did some post shading via airbrushing with a very dilute mix of acrylics in isopropanol of a black/brown mix for some additional depth, grime, underside dirt and demarcations of control surfaces. I also added some more exhaust weathering and some soot along the gun troughs (probably a bit overdone).
Additions include a photo-etch gun site and gun site bar, thin plastic sprue aileron links on the bottom wing, aileron torque tubes along the rear outermost strut, EZ-Line rigging and hand-lift straps on the rear fuselage sides. I also opened up most of the louvers and added a fuel line under the top mid wing section. Oh! And I added some brass and pulled sprue to give the prop hub some dimension.
An absolute delight to build. High parts count, but a great first paper model as it is so well designed.
Now my Teutonic piano top has some Allied competition. Thanks for looking...
Dan
