Hello everyone,
Here is my latest completion, the Airfix 1/72 DH4.
This kit has its origins in 1967, making it some 54 years old. Despite its age, the kit is generally accurate in outline and dimensions, and is a great base for a detailing project. It does need some TLC, as the base kit has exaggerated wing ribs, incorrect engine cowling / louver details at the front end, and no cockpit to speak of. It also has a rudimentary “U” shaped set of struts, which slot into channels in the upper wing (leaving unsightly and inaccurate gaps). Hence, I filled in the strut channels, sanded down the flying surfaces, scratch built a new cockpit, corrected the engine louvers to more accurately represent a Rolls Royce Eagle powered variant, added new guns, and various other bits and pieces. I painted the model in the markings of A7422 of No 110 SQN, mid 1917. The markings are a combination of sprayed (for the SQN insignia and number), and decals (roundels, serials). Rigging is using Uschii elastic.
Anyways, here are some pictures. I made up a base that paid homage to the old “Palitoy” boxings from the 1980s (this kit never saw a boxing during this time).
Here’s some more ‘normal’ pictures:
And some progress pictures (for more progress pictures and details of the build, see here
https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=12349.0 ):
And lastly, I couldn’t resist making up my own Palitoy boxtop (noting again that this kit was never released in this type of boxing):
.... oh, and here’s my ‘dogfight double’; with the old Airfix Albatros from 1957 (for more, see here -
https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=11390.0 )
This kit is actually quite a good one for its time. It builds easily, is generally accurate, and is a solid base for some additional detailing. Quite a fun project, and a tribute to a simpler time, all in all 😊
All comments and feedback welcome!
Cheers,
Brad
