First WW1 Aircraft kit

[Gutzer]

Not new to modelling, been doing it for a long time, but not so much WW1 aircraft, more WW2 aircraft and AFV.  This is despite a fascination with those aircraft from childhood.

I have ordered the CSM 1/32 Nieuport XVII Late to do Charles Nungesser's aircraft.  Looks to be a great kit.

So I'm looking for a good preliminary kit to practice, mainly skills in oil woodwork and rigging.   Something that goes together well, accurate and looks 'right'.

Possibly a Rodin, but I have heard mixed reports, especially fit, lack of detail and poor decals, hence the question.  What would be the 'best' Roden kit?  Another brand?  I don't really mind which aircraft so long as it ticks the boxes.  But Albatross, Eindecker are sweet, as are Spads.  Meng DR1 1/32 might be good, minimal rigging (good and bad - lack of practice)  just not interested in the Red Baron's Fokker - cliched and boring scheme?

[Dave W]

There are several options available for WW1 kits to practice on. I'm assuming by your post you want to stay with 1/32 scale.

The Roden Fokker Dr.1 is good with minimal rigging and aftermarket decals mean you are not limited to the Red Baron's machine.

The Meng/ Wingnuts Dr.1 is the latest triplane kit and generally well received. The Meng 1/24 Dr.1 is outstanding.

Don't forget Special Hobby whose WW1 kits are well worthwhile- their Morane Saulnier N and Bristol M.1c monoplanes both are less challenging to rig and make into nice models. Their Fokker D.II is good too.

If you just want a cheap practice kit, the old Academy Sopwith Camel can be found on Ebay and pre-owned sites. You can practice rigging and using oils to recreate wood panelling without risking a big dollar loss if it goes awry.

Once you're comfortable with the nuances of oils, rigging etc you'll feel more comfortable with the amazing 1/32 Nieuports from Copper State.

Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia

[Gutzer]

Excellent thanks Dave! 

I will have a look at the Meng DR1 and the Special Hobby kits. in 1/32. 

The Morane Saulnier looks interesting.

But I think I will go with the Meng DR.1 in 1/32 (that's my scale), and possibly Goring's kite.  Seems a nice modern kit, and a bit of rigging, but not too much.   

Peter

[Dave W]

Peter

If you get the Meng 1/32 Dr.1 make sure you get a copy of Ray Rimell and Richard Alexander's outstanding new publication with in depth tips on making, detailing the Meng kit and historical reference data.

https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=12687.0

This is a must-have with the Meng kit, bearing in mind the co-author was closely involved in the kit's development at Wingnuts. The Meng instructions are ordinary- this is as close as we'll ever get to the famous Wingnut quality kit instructions booklets.

Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia

[Monty]

Don't forget the Academy 1/32 Nieuport 17, re-released by Academy, too, I think... cheap as chips, not the most detail but goes together well and in the latest releases has great decal options... has actually won prizes in competitions in our Club as an OOTB build.... Better kit than the Camel, in my opinion. Regards, Marc

[Gutzer]

Thanks!

[Gutzer]

Any experience with the Eduard decals for the Meng 1/32 DR.1?  Potentially this is for Lothar's DR.1.