Author Topic: Zerbe Air Sedan. 1/48 Avis models  (Read 1502 times)

Offline Tim Mixon

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Zerbe Air Sedan. 1/48 Avis models
« on: December 06, 2023, 10:27:46 PM »
This will be a quick build on an unusual project.



This is a commission project so it won’t be super detailed. I couldn’t resist adding a little more details to the interior though.






I masked both sides of the clear
plastic window inserts before painting the base layer of Tamiya Dark Yellow.



After that dried, I added a light wash of Burnt Umber for wood effect.



Next I added a little rigging with Heavy Black EZ Line and painted up some Edward photo etch seatbelts. Also made some seat cushions from masking tape.




Punched disc instrument dials add a little more realism. I have no reference for the interior details so a lot of creative liberties.

Ready to close it all up.
Thanks for looking in!
Tim




Offline Davos522

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Re: Zerbe Air Sedan. 1/48 Avis models
« Reply #1 on: December 07, 2023, 12:06:18 AM »
I thought I knew a bit about the history of early aviation until I got hooked up with you lot... but it's wonderful stuff! And I love that interior, Tim, whoever commissioned this build is going to get way more than they bargained for. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

Dutch

Offline kensar

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Re: Zerbe Air Sedan. 1/48 Avis models
« Reply #2 on: December 07, 2023, 12:14:15 AM »
Nice start on this, Tim.  It will look great when finished.  I'm sure your client will be very satisfied.

Offline NigelR

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Re: Zerbe Air Sedan. 1/48 Avis models
« Reply #3 on: December 07, 2023, 04:18:15 AM »
What the....? I wouldn't fancy that sedan......

Amazing subject, I'm sure this will be a nice build. Looks great already.

Offline DaveB

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Re: Zerbe Air Sedan. 1/48 Avis models
« Reply #4 on: December 07, 2023, 05:15:54 AM »
What an odd looking machine - did that actually fly - I'll be amazed if it did .....

Great work so far, Tim.

Regards

Dave
As we say in fencing, what's the point!

Offline Tim Mixon

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Re: Zerbe Air Sedan. 1/48 Avis models
« Reply #5 on: December 07, 2023, 07:52:06 AM »
Thanks all. 
Yes. It was real and really did get off the ground! Once… In 1921. Conflicting accounts as to the height and distance ranging between 4 and 40 feet high and as much as 1,000 feet distance. It was damaged on landing (ie crash landing) and the project was scrapped. Hard to believe such a poor design would be created after all the advancements in aviation throughout the war.

Offline RAGIII

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Re: Zerbe Air Sedan. 1/48 Avis models
« Reply #6 on: December 08, 2023, 02:56:54 AM »
wow, that is one Unusual subject! Your work on this interesting failure is outstanding. Love the wood interior!
RAGIII
"A man has to know his limitations": Harry Callahan

"Don't slop it on" Lynda Geisler

Offline Tim Mixon

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Re: Zerbe Air Sedan. 1/48 Avis models
« Reply #7 on: December 09, 2023, 02:34:51 AM »
A lot more progress on this project. I ran into a bit of trouble with the exhaust piece of the Le Rhône engine. It appears that the plastic that Avis molded this part is different than the other sprues. This plastic is much softer and fibrous. It fractured several times when snipping it off the sprue. Then when I tried to remove the sprue gate residual, it would peel off and string up! I have had this happen with other kits ( Merlin and Hit Kit). The other main kit sprues are just fine though.



I attempted to piece it together but it looks horrible. I decided to scratch build it using 1/72 resin wheel and brass strut material.



It doesn’t look great but should be a big improvement over the kit part.
Here is the fuselage primed and puttied. The fuselage didn’t align well and needed quite a bit of gap filling. I really don’t like multiple part fuselage assemblies.




Painted up with Poly Scale Cat Whisker Yellow
You may notice I added panel lines and nail heads to the fuselage. I think it improves the otherwise plain look.



The wheels have no spoke coverings in the photos of the real deal. Avis would have you add photo etch spokes to this clear wheel. I think I’ll hollow out the center and then add the etch.



We’ll see how that works!

Thanks for looking in!

Tim


Offline lone modeller

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Re: Zerbe Air Sedan. 1/48 Avis models
« Reply #8 on: December 09, 2023, 05:54:21 AM »
Just found this Tim - I do like the odd and wonderful - this is both!

Like Dave I am surprised that it ever got off the ground - and I am equally surprised that such a design was ever built so late in aviation history.

You are making a first class job of it - I would be very happy if I were your client.

Stephen.

Offline PrzemoL

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Re: Zerbe Air Sedan. 1/48 Avis models
« Reply #9 on: December 09, 2023, 06:54:55 AM »
Wow, what a weird project. It will certainly be something DIFFERENT! Will be watching with great interest, especially after such a fine start.
Ash nazg durbatuluk, ash nazg gimbatul,
Ash nazg thrakatuluk, agh burzum-ishi krimpatul.

Offline KiwiZac

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Re: Zerbe Air Sedan. 1/48 Avis models
« Reply #10 on: December 11, 2023, 12:03:59 PM »
Here's one I cannot ever conceive of having a reason to build, but you almost make me want to - beautiful work Tim!
Zac in NZ

Offline RAGIII

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Re: Zerbe Air Sedan. 1/48 Avis models
« Reply #11 on: December 11, 2023, 12:08:49 PM »
AWESOME!
RAGIII
"A man has to know his limitations": Harry Callahan

"Don't slop it on" Lynda Geisler

Offline PrzemoL

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Re: Zerbe Air Sedan. 1/48 Avis models
« Reply #12 on: December 11, 2023, 06:40:44 PM »
The wheels have no spoke coverings in the photos of the real deal. Avis would have you add photo etch spokes to this clear wheel. I think I’ll hollow out the center and then add the etch.



We’ll see how that works!


That is doable with normal plastic, I have done it several times with a sharp modeling knife. But the clear plastic is usually hard and brittle and difficult to work with. I would look for some spare wheels to replace those.
Ash nazg durbatuluk, ash nazg gimbatul,
Ash nazg thrakatuluk, agh burzum-ishi krimpatul.

Offline Tim Mixon

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Re: Zerbe Air Sedan. 1/48 Avis models
« Reply #13 on: December 12, 2023, 05:33:57 AM »
Got the wings assembled and painted.

I was skeptical about the kit instruction to assemble them this way prior to adding them to the fuselage. It turned out to work well.





Almost finished now. Next post will be of completion.

Thanks for looking in!
Tim

Offline Davos522

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Re: Zerbe Air Sedan. 1/48 Avis models
« Reply #14 on: December 12, 2023, 09:10:40 AM »
Great work as always, Tim, love that fabric color! This is going to be a really unique model.

Dutch
(Y'know, I've got an old set of Venetian blinds in the garage I was going to throw away. But maybe I should build a 1:32 Zerbe... :D )