1:32nd scale Phonix D.I

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all,
Despite building the Albatros D.V in the Memorial Build, I'm starting another build.
I have the recently released Phonix D.I resin kit from 'Lukgraph'.
I'm impressed with the quality of the 3D printed parts, including the fuselage halves.
The struts have been printed hollow so the supplied metal rods can be inserted all the way for additional strength.
The major parts are resin cast and of good quality.

The aircraft I'm building is Phonix D.I, Serial No:J.12 (previously A.110), operated by the Austro-Hungarian 'Kriegsmarine (Naval) from Abwehrflugstation Zaule, Trieste, 1918.

Mike

[NigelR]

What's the quality of this one like Mike? Better than previous kits? The Oeffag Albatros was a step forward in terms of 3D print quality but still has accuracy issues and is very clunky in places.

[Mike Norris (UK)]

What's the quality of this one like Mike? Better than previous kits? The Oeffag Albatros was a step forward in terms of 3D print quality but still has accuracy issues and is very clunky in places.

Hi Nigel,
I think their kits are improving in engineering and print quality since the early releases.
The finish and fine details of the 3D printed parts is very good with no visible surface layer lines.
This time the wing and landing gear struts are printed hollow, to allow the supplied metal rods to be inserted all the way through.
As ever they are a pain to remove from the print base due to how delicate the parts are and their close proximity to each other.
It's easy to mistake a part for a print support tree as obviously they are all the same colour.
The major parts (wings and tail unit) are resin cast and re-enforced as usual with metal rods.

It looks to be a well thought out kit, but of course time will tell,

Mike

[NigelR]

Thanks Mike, looking forward to your build with interest.

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all
I've made a start on the fuselage parts
The 3D printed parts, which includes the fuselage halves (fragile front end), is of a high standard with no visible surface layer lines
However, the very finely printed detail, such as those on the pilots instrument panel, must be handled with care, to avoid crushing/breaking them.
Also, take care when removing the parts from their print support trees, as being the same colour, it's easy to cut through a component thinking it's a support tree.

Mike

[Umlaufmotor]

Incredibly fine detail reproduction on the instrument panel.
I really like what can be seen here in your pictures Mike.
Seems to be a significant increase in quality compared to the previous 3D print.
Was a different material used than before, or is the print itself "higher resolution"?

Servus
Bertl

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi Bertl,
I think they must have upgraded their 3D printers.

Mike

[richard.kiss]

So glad you're making this model! I'm very curious about it and it's an extremely nice choice of a rare Austro-Hungarian aircraft.
I wish we could see the photos in a bigger size!

[NigelR]

This does indeed look much better quality.

I think they must have upgraded their 3D printers.

It's a pity they didn't do it earlier but at least they are getting there now.

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all
The engine is test fitted now
I had to carry out a lot of adjustments to the engine support frames
It'll all be detailed when I release my usual PDF build log on my website, once the model is finished

But in summery

All three frames have no locations in the fuselage sides and are simple butt jointed, which makes aligning the frames difficult
All three support frames were too wide to allow the fuselage halves to close up
The main bulkhead frame did not have corner cut-outs to fit over the upper lower longeron's on the fuselage sides
When I test fitted the engine, I found that the fine detail printed on the lower sides of the engine (magnetos, housings, carburettor components and pipes) fouled the top edge of the fuselage right side
Also the engine was tilted up at the front, as the front frame is too tall

However, I managed to sort these anomalies out eventually

Mike

[RAGIII]

Nice work as always fixing the Issues with these Expensive Resin Kits. It seems to a casual observer that Quantity is overtaking quality!
RAGIII

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Nice work as always fixing the Issues with these Expensive Resin Kits. It seems to a casual observer that Quantity is overtaking quality!
RAGIII

Hi Rich,
Some kit CAD designers are modelers and build that thinking into the kits they design.
But then again, some kit CAD designers may not be modelers.

Mike

[FAf]

For a while and with every new release of interesting subjects in print and resin, I've been thinking that maybe it's time to get me a kit. Then, thanks to builders here, you Mike in particular, we get to follow the build and I am left thinking that maybe not this time either... although I'm sure that you will produce a fantastic result and that I'm possibly unduly intimidated by what really might be only normal modelling work!?

It's great to be able to follow your build!
/Fredrik

[NigelR]

Excellent modelling Mike, but still a lot of effort. It would appear that the quality of their printing has gone up, but not the quality of their design. 

[acewwi]

Nice work as always fixing the Issues with these Expensive Resin Kits. It seems to a casual observer that Quantity is overtaking quality!
RAGIII

Hi Rich,
Some kit CAD designers are modelers and build that thinking into the kits they design.
But then again, some kit CAD designers may not be modelers.
Example - gun ports are located differently on the fuselage sides  ,

Mike

Hi Mike, I have been following your constructions for several years and I admire the level and quantity of your work.
I am of the opinion that the exit ports of the guns are correctly designed, because the machine guns are asymmetrically placed. The various engine accessories (carburetor and magneto) do not allow symmetrical mounting.
I am attaching some photos. from JaPo's (Phonix D.I-D.III) excellent book, to substantiate my point.


With respect Spyros