Toms Model Works Pfalz D.VII/III

[Bughunter]

I'm not a fan of white metal parts

#MeToo! The quality of the struts on the lower right corner of the picture could also be better

Cheers,
Frank

[Alexis]

Hi Frank ,

Most of yesterday I spent working out a few the items which will be replaced and I found a solution to the center struts . I the parts bin I was able to dig up two matching resin struts from a left over project . These can sanded to shape and shorten where needed to construct new ones 

Was also able to find a seat in the parts bin , another resin left over item , just need to thin it a bit for a more in scale appearance . Prop blades got polished out as well .

[Alexis]

 

[Radarman]

Hello Terri,
It’s good to see a start on this project. Make sure to take a photo
of this bird next to your Pfalz Dr.1 so we can see a family portrait.
                                                                        Kevin

[AndRoby67]

Hi Terri!
Beautiful little project, a rare bird in our field.
About cowling, Karaya produced a resin version of your engine: http://www.karaya.pl/en/karaya/11/siemens-halske-sh-iii-engine-kare4807.html?ref=%2Fen%2Fkaraya%2F11%2F2%2F1%2Fitems.html
But, of course, you don't know if it fits well in your cowling if you don't have in your hands.
Did you try if metal cowling fits well to fuselage?
You may try to obtain a copy made with transparent acetate, using metal cowling as master.
If you have a piece of transparent acetate, put it on a candle. When you see "wave moving" in it, press it with a fast move on metal cowling, fixed on a stick before.
The transparent acetate will adhere to master. After few seconds, you may remove the printed transparent cowling, clean the part cutting away acetate excesses.
Hope my explanation is clear!
Hope useful too!
Roberto

[Alexis]

Hi Roberto ,

I have built Karaya's engine before on Eduards SSW D.III first production 1995 . , it's a nice little kit packed with detail . But I'm going with the kit engine on this one .
Yes , your explanation is clear . I already thought about smash modeling one , but the cowl fits prefect . No gaps and is flush with the fuselage . I went and pick a bit for my dremel so I will be able to thin the inside of the cowl and reduce some of the weight . Man it's a heavy little piece of metal .


Terri

[AndRoby67]

Hi Terri,
happy that you find the way!
Roberto

[dr 1 ace]

Well, here you go again, looking forward to more...

Ed

[Alexis]

Thanks Ed 

Okay plan of a attack is under way . First step for the fuselage detail is we need some formers to start with . I opt to not go with the kit scale drawings , but rather the ones in Jack Herris book Pfalz Aircraft of WW 1 . They are closer to the kit parts .

The inside of the fuselage is no round like it should be , it has flat sides , Not much surface can be removed to correct this . The halves aren't overly thick to refine this . So adjustments had to be made with the formers . For these parts I laid Tamiya masking tape over the scale drawings and traced it out with a pen . Tape was then transfer onto card stock 0.20mm . With a new blade I made a few passes a long the lines . This can now be snapped to remove the excess .

 Now came the fun part , a few hours of sanding and test fitting so that the formers match the inner surfaces while leaving no gap at the fuselage seem . I did do a little sanding on the fuselage halves sides so I could keep both sides pretty much the same . This where I'm at with them so far .


Terri

[Brian James Riedel]

A couple of pics I found on the internet that might help with the interior that I didn’t have when I built mine.

Brian Riedel

[Alexis]

Thanks for sharing Brian ,

I do have the second photo you posted . But I haven't seen the first one before .


Terri

[Alexis]

Was able to cut out some other parts for the frame and the floor . With the Camel almost button up my attention will turn more to this project with better progress being made .

Terri

[RAGIII]

Great start on sorting out the parts and the bulkheads Terri! I am as always looking forward to more!
RAGIII

[Alexis]

Thanks Rick ,

I spent a few hours working on the bulkheads The front one with the instrument location was a bit of a challage getting the cout right . It's not prefect but it will do and will look the part once it is in place . I have one more item for the frame work to cut out and shape and that is the front seat support .

Terri

[Brian James Riedel]

Looking good! Have you figured out what markings you want to do? I always kick myself for not doing  my favorite, Paul Bauer.

Brian Riedel