WnW 1/32 Fokker E.II "Max Immelmann"

[gedmundson]

Zac, Ken, Rick and  Ben - thanks so much!

The fuselage was given a pre-shaded of the framework before applying the base colour. I tried a couple of different things with this build, with doing the squiggle pattern for the aluminium cowls in a more jagged pattern to match how I interpreted the photos of the real one. I also carved out the part below the floor of the cockpit to show more wood and added a couple of rigging lines, as per a period photo and also confirmed by James Fahey's photos of the TVAL Eindecker recently posted in the Forum.

[RichieW]

I really like your more jagged turned metal cowling Gary. It looks very convincing.
I was cannibalising my scrapped kit today and couldn't help noticing how superbly molded the wings are. I needed a thin but rigid pieces of plastic and the rudder was a perfect source. It made me feel a bit misty eyed!

Richie

[gedmundson]

When I put in an order to Copper State Models for their nicely detailed 3D printed resin aircraft wheels, I bought a set of 610X85 said to be for the Eindecker series. In retrospect I needn't have bothered since photos of aircraft in service rarely had their fabric covers off. One thing you do see many photos of are Eindeckers with their over-size transport spoked wheels on.

The set I received from CSM were slightly flawed in their print-out, but certainly not noticeable at first glance. So I decided to paint them up and photograph the model with them on before installing the covered wheels from the kit for my final display. A clumsy mistake while handling the model had one of the wheels slip off the axel and hit the tiled floor. Hopefully it survived....but no. Seven of the spokes were damaged. Rather than forget the whole exercise I attempted to fix the spokes by cementing in sections of fine copper wire. Painted up, and with plenty of squinting it worked not too badly.

I've also included a couple of photos here of rigging in progress. And the control cables for the tail need to go on BEFORE the tail skid is installed.

Cheers,
Gary

[KiwiZac]

It's nice to see the CSM wheels but I'm sorry to read of your accident! Good save.

The rigging (and woodgrain on the tailskid) is looking fantastic. A great lesson for those of us with an Eindecker in their future.

[Europapete]

Good Morning all, Fantastic work here Gary, well done.  Looking at Jamo's photo's, I was noticing how the rig lines attatched to the wings and thinking that Gaspatch's Albatros-style buckles with the ball on one end would work rather nicely.  I haven't looked at period photo's yet though to compare. Regards, Pete in RI
Hi Zac!

[KiwiZac]

Hey Pete!!

[RichieW]

Good save on the wheel spokes Gary. Tiled floor means no carpet monster to devour stray small parts but the downside seems to be the occasional broken spoke. The fix is really neat though.

Richie

[kensar]

I still like the spoked wheels more than the covered ones.

[gedmundson]

I still like the spoked wheels more than the covered ones.

Well here you go Ken (I try to strive for how it looked in the period photos ) Hopefully some pics soon in the finished section.
Cheers,
Gary

[kensar]

Nothing wrong with that!

[Lou N]

Gary,

Awesome build; if I may what paint are you using for the brass details? I have some Testors brass in the square bottle, but it's not giving me a very convincing effect.

Thanks,
Lou

[gedmundson]

Gary,

Awesome build; if I may what paint are you using for the brass details? I have some Testors brass in the square bottle, but it's not giving me a very convincing effect.

Thanks,
Lou

Hi Lou - thanks for that question - it's a very good one. I've struggled for ages with Brass coloured paints. The only one I can use with confidence is Alclad II Polished Brass, which pretty well has to be airbrushed. Any other brass paints I've tried are grainy in finish. For tiny details and touch-ups I'm using the Vallejo Brass 70.801 but like I mentioned - it's a bit grainy.

I'm in a habit now pf airbrushing on the Alclad II and then gloss coating it to protect it against handling and weathering with mineral spirits & oil paints etc. Dealing with the lacquer base is a pain, but the Alclad gives a nice, smooth finish.
Cheers,
Gary

[AngryJazz]

Wow really like the look of the cowlings! Very realistic.
The whole plane just looks right 

[RAGIII]

I took a few days off and you have completed Yet Another Brilliant Model! Lovely work as Always!
RAGIII

[Tim Mixon]

Gorgeous work Gary. Very inspirational!