I haven't done much modeling in the last two days but did make some minor progress on the Lafayette SPAD. I have added the light rib tapes often seen on SPAD VII's.( I am using decal rib tpes from a WNW Fokker DVII) I won't go as far as saying the application was "Random" but it wasn't consistent either! I managed to Fubar the white circle decal that outlines the "Eyes" so I am in the process of Trying to hand paint them. I have also painted the rudder and added the appropriate serial number.
RAGIII
PS: Some random thoughts on the kit itself that I probably should have mentioned earlier:
1. Considering when this kit was first released it really is Well Detailed. Nothing in the interior is totally incorrect so just needs tweaking. The seat in particular is nicely shaped, ( So Much So that I used the seats from both of these kits in My Earlier SPAD XIII builds and therefore had to use the Eduard PE to make MY own out of sheet styrene
Roden includes parts in this release for early to Mid production SPAD VII's. Also included is the Symmetrical and Asymmetrical wheels and covers. The way they handled the turtle deck / fuselage assembly so one does not lose the fine stringer detail sanding the seam on top was quite innovative at the time. Long before Eduard was praised for this method on their 1/48th scale SPAD XIII.
2. Issues: Yes the kit has a few issues. The most well known is the fit, or lack thereof of the engine and engine covers. If one is doing a SPAD VII that has the louvered side panels just leave off the cylinder banks. Install the main engine halves and prop shaft and all is good. ( It won't be seen from the interior view once assembled!) If doing a bird with screening on those panels cut away about half of the cylinger banks and again all will be well. What is seen through the screens will be OK using this method.
The fit of the multi piece cowling and upper fuselage panels take Care! I did OK but further trimming and test fitting probably would have made it even better.
One minor thing on the interior. The mounting panel/ control stick seems to be mounted too far forward. There is a fuel gauge mounted on the floor between that assembly and the cover over the rudder pedals on the real aircraft so the spacing is off if built OOB.
I will add more thoughts as the build progresses and I hope this helps those with the kit!
