"Shelf Queen 2025 GB" - 1:32nd scale Phonix C.I

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all,
A few more progress shots.
I had already test fitted then painted the two engine side access panels.
However, once the engine had been fitted I realized that these panels were not going to align to themselves or the fuselage.
So I secured them in position using 'Araldite' two-part epoxy adhesive, as I needed the bond to be strong.
I then sanded both access panels until they aligned correctly.
Then I masked off the two grey colours, re-primed and re-painted the panels.
I represented the panel fasteners on the rear edges and hinge plates around both panels (not on the kit).
Also added a metal mesh to the rear of the over wing radiator, stack pipe in the radiator cap and a pilots windscreen.

The parts were then weathered using 'Flory Models' Dark Dirt clay wash, 'Tamiya' Weathering Masters (Set A and D).
Finally a clear coat of 'Tamiya' Semi_Gloss (X35) war airbrushed to seal it all in.

So, time to move on to the pre-rigging stage,

Mike

[Allan31]

Home stretch now !!!

[Dirigible-Al]

Oh WoW that's looking really good now.
Alan.

[andonio64]

Very high quality wheathering Mike!

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all,
How about this kit supplied 3D printed propeller 
Needless to say, it will be replaced with a suitably modified propeller from my spares collection 

Mike

[NigelR]

How about this kit supplied 3D printed propeller 

I think that was designed to improve the plane's turning ability........

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all,
Just a quick update.
The landing gear is done.
I added 0.5 mm diameter 'wrapping' bars for the suspension cords into the front and rear of the landing gear struts.
The 'bungee' type axle suspension cord is 'EZ' White line (Heavy) wrapped over and around the bars and axle ends and secured with thin CA adhesive.
Then given a wash of 'AK Interactive' Kerosene wash.
The wheels are replacements from my spares as the kit 3D printed wheels were I think, a bit too thick and had a heavy layer line completely across the wheels.
The wheel covers were white based with black quarters on the outer covers.
The inboard covers then had ?Aviattic? WW1 CDL (aged varnish) (ATT32094) decal applied.
The outboard had ?Aviattic? Linen Weave effect (ATT32236) decal applied.

I still have to weather the wheels,

Mike

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all,
The landing gear has been weathered using 'Flory Models' Grime clay wash.
Also the kit supplied 3D printed propeller has been replaced with a modified propeller from my 'spares' collection.
It was base coated with 'Tamiya' Dark Yellow (XF60) with ?Windsor & Newton? Griffin Alkyd Dark Umber oil paint brushed over the blades.
The hub plates were brush painted with 'Mr.Color' Stainless Steel with 'AK Interactive' Kerosene wash applied.

Now it's onto the pre-rigging stage,

Mike

[Borsos]

Would you tell which spare wheels exactly you have used? I like the awkward look of the Phoenix very much, what I do not like is this kit. My stash sadly is too big to be ashamed at all if I would not build it at all,  but never say never?
Andreas

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Would you tell which spare wheels exactly you have used? I like the awkward look of the Phoenix very much, what I do not like is this kit. My stash sadly is too big to be ashamed at all if I would not build it at all,  but never say never?
Andreas

Hi Andreas,
Although the 3D printed wheels supplied in the kit were adequate, they did have pronounced print lines across them.
Therefore, I chose to replace them with 'Proper Plane' Continental 760x100 wheels (RW-002).
These are supplied without the wheel front covers, but appropriate covers were used from my 'spares' collection.
The centres were drilled out to 2.0 mm diameter to fit onto the modified axle ends,

Mike   

[Tim Mixon]

Mike,
You ever get the feeling ?I?m really glad he started building this kit? ?  I get it every time you update this build. I have a  1/72 vaccuform model of this Phonix. This is tremendous reference for me and inspiring me to start one soon.

All the best,
Tim

[Allan31]

If I find something I really like and know I will want it for something else, I've taken to making a mold so I can cast it up again in the future.
I only had 1 Bf-109 wheel in 1/24 and I needed 4.







I have a set of Eduard DV wheel/tire I will need soon.

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all,
I've pre-rigged the upper wing, fuselage, ailerons, rudder and elevator.
Structural rigging is 0.12 mm diameter mono-filament Gaspatch 1/48th scale metal Anchor Points and blackened 0.5 mm diameter tube.
Control cables rigging is 0.08 mm diameter mono-filament and blackened 0.4 mm diameter tube.

Now it's onto fitting the upper wing!!

Mike

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all,
Well, the upper wing is fitted.
There is some slight distortion towards the outer sections of the wing.
However, I think that could be caused by the softer resin used for the wings and it being pulled down by the retaining elastic bands. 
I guess we'll see once I've rigged the wings and removed the elastic bands!!

Mike

[William Adair]

That?s looking amazing Mike. Such a rare bird too!