1/72 Dogfight Double. Fokker E.III vs. Airco DH-2

[NigelR]

That's a lot of masking! The see through effect has worked well, it's a tough one to pull off.

[Tim Mixon]

Part 8.

Final step in my clear doped linen painting process is to remask the ribs, then add light Tamiya Clear Smoke. I was nervous about masking over the decals but it worked out just fine.

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The rib effect is much more subtle to the eye than depicted in my photo.

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After I add the British roundels I’ll remask the ribs and spray clear smoke over them as well.

Thanks for looking in!

Tim

[davec]

looks great!  from the pictures, wouldn't know you were working at 1/72. that is an impressive amount of masking!

[KiwiZac]

Oh wow, Tim, that see-through effect is terrific! Well done mate! I'm seriously impressed.

[NigelR]

Perfect! I really like the last light coat of smoke because it gives just the right impression without creating extreme stripes either side of the rib masking.

[Tim Mixon]

Part 9.

I masked and painted the gray metal portion. After spraying a coat of Future, I applied the kit decals. They went on flawlessly. Next I started the weathering with applications of Flory models dark clay wash. This stuff is awesome! If you overdo it in areas, it comes right off after drying, with a small amount of water.  Many thanks to Mike Norris for mentioning this product. 

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The 100HP Gnome Monosoupape engine cast off oil in high amounts. I tried to replicate the stains with the Flory wash.

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Upper wing has stains as well

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Underside staining

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Hope you like it. Next feat will be adding the upper wing!

Thanks for looking in,
Tim

[gedmundson]

Really nice progress, Tim!
Cheers,
Gary

[NigelR]

This is looking absolutely stunning, great work!

[Flamingo]

Very nice work on the DH-2. The translucent effect is admirable and the staining though not nice is probably realistic!

[Rookie]

You did a great job on both birds Tim. The weathering and the extra detailing really makes the difference.

Cheers,
Willem

[Tim Mixon]

Thank you all for following so far. Here is my latest update:

Part 10.

Upper wing is attached and basic rigging is completed with fine black EZ line. I chose to not represent the double flying wires present on most British WWI aircraft.  (I cannot seem to find a good technique to keep them evenly spaced)







Next I’ve added the tail booms and tail surfacing.  This was a problematic point for two reasons:
1. I mounted the upper wing just a tad too high for the spacing of the upper and lower booms. This created a slight upward and downward bending of the booms at the attachment points.
2.  The lower booms extend farther and connect to the rudder. I cut one boom too short and it doesn’t reach the attachment point.  The upper booms have a weak attachment to the tail surface as well.
I have it as structurally sound as I can manage. It seems to be aligned okay. I’ll begin to rig it today. 



I’ve also masked and sprayed the rib tapes over the national markings. I reduced the tac of the tape by applying and removing it several times to a smooth surface before cutting the rib strips.

Thanks for looking in!

Tim

[Dutch522]

Beautiful work, Tim, these two are going to be little gems. Especially enjoying these photos, as one of my first "serious" builds was of Hawker's machine from the Renwal "AeroSkin" kit (following an article in the long-vanished Air Space Model Magazine) so I have a soft place in my heart for the D.H.2.

Dutch

[Tim Mixon]

Glad you like it Dutch. I always have liked the DH-2 as well. All pusher types for that matter!   
Thanks,
Tim

[DaddyO]

Lovin how this is shaping up Tim (Sucker for pushers despite not tackling one yet . . . )

I'll try and get hold of some of the Flory wash to try out; it's difficult to get the weathering right on the tiny ones and I love the effects you've achieved with this one

Paul

[NigelR]

Lovely work Tim, this is looking superb. I could never do doubled flying wires in 1/72 and felt it was OK to just have single wires, I don't think it detracts from the look of the finished plane.