Albatros W.4 float feedback

[Chuckt5]

I have scratch built an 1/32 Albatros W.4 float that I hope to detail, then resin cast for use in my D.II to W.4 conversion of the Roden D.II kit. I have the basic shape of the float done and am working on making the other details needed to add to bring it all to completion to then cast. I will of course also be making the wings and other flying surfaces, extended struts... everything needed to convert the D.II to W.4, but I've just started with the floats.

What I'm looking for is honest feedback on the look and shape of the float. I can already see I need to fix the angle on the bottom (as it isn't even) but is there anything else I'm missing?

Feel free to be honest. Thanks in advance, Chuck.

[uncletony]

Possibly a case of one being one's own worst critic ... Your prototype looks excellent to me so far... honest

[Chuckt5]

Thanks. 

[ALBATROS1234]

its hard to tell from looking at pictures on a 2-d screen but they look good to me. what did you use for plans? when i hold up my 1/48 gavia w4 float they seem to be close in overall shape. so i would say you are on the right track. i have been messing with the gavia kit a bit lately so i will be interested to see your scratched conversion take shape.

[Chuckt5]

I re sized some plans from the W.4 data file and found a couple set of plans off the internet. I also used a number of pics that I found online. There were slight differences between them all, but I was able to make some sense of it (I think ).

[Pete Nottingham]

That float looks very good to me, most impressive.

Cheers

Pete.

[rhallinger]

Chuck, I would be very happy with that float.  It looks very well executed and convincing to me.  The W.4 has been a favorite of mine, and I have contemplated the conversion you are doing.  I will go to school on your build, and if your casting goes as well as the master fabrication, and you feel like making extras down the road when the project is all done, I would be happy to buy an extra pair from you.  I will likely get around to this project in 2016 or so.

You're off to a very fine start!  Well done.  I look forward to the rest of this conversion with great interest.

Regards,

Bob

[RAGIII]

Looks excellent to me. Now just cast a bunch and offer them as a conversion kit! I am game for one :-)
RAGIII

[Chuckt5]

Thanks everyone for the feedback.  I still need to make strips aroound the exterior sides, wear strips on the bottom, strips on the top for walking on... I would be happy to offer any W.4 parts if they meet your standards and your interested in the future. Here's what else I have done so far:

first fixed angles (still needs a bit of cleaning up)



then made some little details




the cap and suround are not glued down, so they are not centered yet. The cap also needs the handle added which I think I'll make today.



Let me know how its looking thanks.

[mgunns]

Hello Chuck:

It all looks good to me.  Not having any reference material to compare it to, it looks like you are taking the time to make a good representation as close as humanly possible in model form.  If you go ahead and make a conversion, I would be game to purchase one.

Good Luck

Mark

[lcarroll]

Hello Chuck:

It all looks good to me.  Not having any reference material to compare it to, it looks like you are taking the time to make a good representation as close as humanly possible in model form.  If you go ahead and make a conversion, I would be game to purchase one.

Good Luck

Mark

Me too; and I'm looking forward to watching this project move along.
Cheers,
Lance

[rhallinger]

Very nice work Chuck.  The shape and details look great!   Sounds like you have a ready market for these!

I forgot to ask---what material did you use for the base float?  You have done a bang-up job on the finishing.  The surface looks very smooth and the angles look very convincing.  I can tell that this will be a fantastic model when completed.

Regards,

Bob

[Chuckt5]

Thanks. I was made from plasticmcard and filler. I'll see if I can post some in progress pics later on today.

[andonio64]

Wow Chuck, the round surround pieces are fantastic, how did you made the screws on them?
 

[Chuckt5]

I made a super tiny punch and die set which uses a number 80 drill bit to punch out those bolt heads. I then punched the heads from .02" card and glued them down. The smallest Waldron punch and die set size was just too big, so I made my own.