1/32 Roden Sopwith Strutter

[kensar]

Well, someone had to be first, so it may as well be me.
This is my build of the Roden Sopwith Strutter.  I am replacing the engine with a Vector Clerget 9B, which fortunately looks like it will fit in the kit cowling. 



I am planning to represent a Strutter from the US 90th aero squadron, so it will have the French 5 color camouflage scheme.

On opening the box, it appears to be the usual Roden kit.  Ample opportunity to improve the build with scratchbuilt parts (just the way I like them).  I noticed some interior details are not complete, such as the flap mechanism and the adjustable tailplane system needs some cables.  The elevator mechanism also needs a few pieces.

So, to start, a few pictures of where I'm at.

The Vector engine builds up nicely.


Not quite done with it yet.  I frequently skip around in a build to avoid burning out on it.



The interior starts off with a coat of CDL colored paint, followed by masking to paint in the wooden framework.



So, I'm just getting started on this.  Tally Ho!

[KiwiZac]

I cannot say how excited I am to see this build start. I have a creeping feeling one of these kits is in my future and I am very, very keen to see how you approach the build.

Excellent start!

[Tim Mixon]

Glad to see one being built up Kensar. You have gotten off to a great start.

Tim

[RAGIII]

Awesome! When I finally get one of these I will have your build to follow! Nice start Ken.
RAGIII

[RichieW]

Fantastic, I've been so looking forward to seeing this kit on a bench and am so happy it's on yours Ken!

Richie

[pepperman42]

Great start! Do you cover the entire interior with tape and then cut out the framing or mask between each frame?

Steve

[kensar]

Thanks for seeing me off to a good start everyone.

Steve - I masked over the entire interior and cut out the framing, like it was a framed canopy.  This worked well on a Sopwith Pup I did.

[pepperman42]

Thanks for the info.

Steve

[Boch]

I keep my fingers crossed for further work, the beginning promises to be nice. The model is definitely a challenge.

Lukasz

[kensar]

Update - more work on the interior

After painting the wood color on the framework, I sprayed a flat lacquer, then rubbed in some pastel chalk for a dirty look.  Oil stains added.  Then glued in the bracing wire.  This is 0.008" beading wire that was stretched to straighten and stiffen it.  Added brass tubing for the turnbuckles.  This picture has too high a contrast.  The wood color is lighter.



Floorboards were painted wood color and a woodgrain decal was applied.



Finished painting on the engine.  Needs spark plugs and wires.



The cowling surface was quite rough, so it got primed, polished, and primed again.



Thoroughly enjoying this build!

[Borsos]

How nice! I am happy to join in and watch how this kit builds up! You did a great job with all the wooden stringers on the inside.
Andreas

[RAGIII]

The Masking and painting of the wood worked really well. The engine is gorgeous. I Love the dirty look on the interior. Looking forward to more awesome work on this one Ken!
RAGIII

[KiwiZac]

That engine...oh for a "chef's kiss" emoji!

[macsporran]

Hey Ken - lovely build so far. Great worn effect on interior and the engine looks much better than the Roden original. These are great, relatively inexpensive, kits to build OOB or go to town with improvements like your goodself.

I think I probably started the kit first, over on the "Aircraft" section, but I'm such a slow builder, you will certainly be first to finish, even though you are putting in so much more detail than me!
Please don't think I'm photobombing you, but maybe a timely warning? I got to the stage shown below, when Simon Cornes very kindly offered to take pics in the rear office of the Strutter at RAF Cosford.
Damn, the glaring omissions in my build are the roundel markings showing through the interior fabric. As you see, I'd closed up and couldn't add them, but if your subject has these you may, or not of course, want to think about them?

You'll find Simon's very useful pictures here: https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=13821.0

Hope that helps - but it may like me, cause gnashing of teeth - Sorry
Sandy

 

[macsporran]

Simon's interior roundel shot