1/32 Roden Sopwith Strutter

[WD]

Wow!  Really beautiful, amazing work!

Warren

[lone modeller]

Sorry Ken but I have not been around very much lately, and I have missed tis before. This is superb modelling - all of those extra details etc. The cowling ring is a stunner - oh to have the tools to be able to make one of those!

Stephen.

[NinetythirdLiberator]

I'm seconding Stephen.  Heavens to Elzbeth as my mom used to say!

Just lovely and so real.

Dan

[kensar]

Thanks for the encouraging words Warren, Dan, and Stephen.

I have a small update here.  Precious little visible progress after a week's worth of work, but I have glued the fuse halves together after adding a fuel tank sight glass on the right side of the cockpit and installed the observer's floor board.  The wing is fitted in order to glue in the floorboard and be sure its in the right place.  I have also added the forward floorboard to the cockpit which is omitted from the kit but is seen in numerous pictures.







By far the most difficult thing to install were the bell cranks right behind the pilot's seat where the elevator control cables are attached.  These cables are run out of the fuse sides and I'll have to paint around them.
Still lots of work in the interior, but it's coming together.

[KiwiZac]

Still lots of work in the interior, but it's coming together.

It most certainly is! She's looking terrific - truly aspirational work.

[RAGIII]

Really Awesome work Ken! Very Inspiring!
RAGIII

[Mike Norris (UK)]

By far the most difficult thing to install were the bell cranks right behind the pilot's seat where the elevator control cables are attached.  These cables are run out of the fuse sides and I'll have to paint around them.
Still lots of work in the interior, but it's coming together.

Hi Kent,
How about attaching the lines inside with the lines long enough to reach the elevator control horns when connected.
Leave all of the lines inside the fuselage with just the ends through the fuselage holes.
Jam the lines in the holes with the end of sharpened toothpicks.
After painting, remove the jams and pull the lines out for connecting to the elevator,

Mike

[kensar]

Thanks for the comment, guys.
Mike - I have thought about that and it's still an option.   I am concerned that when I pulled the lines back out, they may be caught on details inside and I wouldn't be able to pull them out all the way.  I could also pull the lines all the way inside the interior and paint the fuse before attaching the top of the fuselage.  I would leave the fuel tank out until after the painting as well.
So, I have a couple of options.

Ken

[kensar]

Next update.

I have added more screw head detail on the bottom of the fuse.



Connected the control cables to the rudder and tail skid.



I found some PE rings that were just the right size for the reinforcements around the fuel tank and oil tank caps.
New caps made on the lathe and mill.

[PJ Fisher]

I really dig the subtle but naturalistic weathering on the inner canvas and floorboards.  What is your secret?

[RAGIII]

More superb Modeling Ken! As always I am looking forward to the next bit of Modeling Magic!
RAGIII

[RichieW]

I love your added details Ken, the fuel tank caps are little gems. This is moving along at quite a pace and in great style.

Richie

[FAf]

I might be a little late to the party, but what a party it is! You're really showing what can be done with Roden's kit.
/Fredrik

[Borsos]

Very, very nice! I really like your eye for the detail!
Andreas

[Tim Mixon]

Very convincing interior Ken. Nice scratch additions to the exterior as well.  I’m enjoying watching your progress.