Aces Mounts 2025 GB - Dieter Collins Albatros D1 1/72

[DaddyO]

Oh do finish. Letting plastic or paint win just isn't exceptable after all these years we've put in.
60psi and blast a hole in the thing....

LOL
That would certainly be one option Allan (Repainting started today so hopefully some progress shots by the weekend)

[Alexis]

You know ...blasting holes it it at 60 psi , well less surface area to paint !

I feel for you , been there myself more then just once .


Alexis

[DaddyO]

Thanks Alexis 

Having denuded the paint it was back to where I was a couple of weeks ago -

D1 stripped by Paul S, on Flickr

After a couple of minor repairs it was back to the paintshop  (Ha that makes it sound waaay more glamorous than clearing the workbench to drag the spray box into position) 
Anyway a new coat of paint was added using the same paints but using only distilled water for thinning and I'm pleased to report no untoward reactions with the gloss coat so we're back up and running again
I did change the fuselage mix slightly and it looks quite dark in this image, but hey ho it's not going to be changed now. I also opted for a much brighter underside blue in line with the datafile colour profile. A new leather surround to the back of the cockpit added with some putty mix (duro + milliput) A few details to be painted on and then I can start putting bits together 

D1 painted again by Paul S, on Flickr

[NigelR]

Well recovered! That looks absolutely spiffing!

[DaddyO]

Cheers matey 

Wide awake at 2 am last night so started to add some rigging lines to the top wing before fitting (different from my usual practice, but it seemed like a good idea at the time)

[DaddyO]

FFS! 

I've used several sets of Print scale decals in the past with no issues.
The crosses for the upper wing from the sheet looked a bit big when put in place so they were duly replaced with some Eduard ones in the spares box. Then we come to the 'Co' motif which isn't handed for left and right sides!!!?! Obviously the right side one is not only incorrect in taper, but looks completely wrong even if you do ignore that fact and try to use it . . . Currently contemplating how best to proceed (The 'prince' skulls in the Pegasus box would have been on option, but not only are they too big they simply broke up when I tried using them)

[NigelR]

If only you knew someone with a mask cutter.......

[DaddyO]

If only you knew someone with a mask cutter.......

I could probably redraw and cut out the 'Co' Nigel, but there's a very thin black outline on it that I've got no chance with 
Currently contemplating the Prince's mount since I've got the Roden decals for that one; The skull & crossbones looks too big, but if I copy them onto white decal paper at a slightly smaller size I avoid any 'Roden Decal' issues and can kill two birds with one stone . . . I hope

[Tim Mixon]

Wow Paul. This one is a battle all on its own. I commend you for not giving up. I have every confidence that you will triumph over all the adversity. 
Press on!

[DaddyO]

Wow Paul. This one is a battle all on its own. I commend you for not giving up. I have every confidence that you will triumph over all the adversity. 
Press on!

  Thanks Tim

It's certainly turned into one, that's for sure. A nice little easy update is what I thought when I started it, but sometimes you have a model that fights you every single step of the way  For a change on this, because I was a bit fed up, I've rigged all the lines on the top wing so I could dress off and finish the upper wing completely (I rig using holes through the wing so have some touching up after assembly usually. This way I could do all that without having to worry about breaking anything at the final stage.

Currently fiddling with the cockpit, radiators and stuff ready for final assembly . . .

[DaddyO]

Well came to adding the lovely Print Scale decals on the Albatros D1 and found they'd made a glaring cockup 

DSC_1803 by Paul S, on Flickr

The 'Co' markings weren't handed for left and right sides so one didn't taper the right way and follow the lines of the fuselage. There followed much swearing and stomping about (I even went away and prepped a figure to paint) When I'd calmed down I considered the options left. Since this was a rare bird with the modified pre-production expansion chamber on the radiator it ruled out a quick repaint. The reality was there is only one other choice - this aircraft was taken over and later flown by Prince Friedrich Karl of Prussia with a few changes of markings. (Pretty sure he doesn't qualify as an ace, but I'll continue the build anyway and leave that to the admin to sort out at a later date if needed)
The Roden decals were a bit large compared to the pictures and profiles so the size was tweaked with a scalpel and they were given a coat of decalfix to stop them exploding on contact with water.

Albie D1 details 1 by Paul S, on Flickr

Albie D1 details 2 by Paul S, on Flickr

The build then proceeded with details being added from stretched sprue and soldered brass. The eagle eyed might spot that the lovely Gaspatch guns never made it to this stage (The door was left ajar and one of the cats got in; luckily they were so taken with the guns in their sponge case that nothing else was harmed)  Turning to the spare set I managed to snap off the cooling jacket and when I touched some superglue to make the repair well . . . . .   So I ended up using some brass jackets from PART with hubs courtesy of Roden 

Currently waiting for glue to dry before adding a few touch ups and very impatient to get this one off the bench before I have any more battles with it . . .

[Allan31]

Wow...just.....wow.
I can't remember a kit kicking and fighting so much, I guess having selective memory in our golden years is a good thing sometimes.
With your obvious copious amounts of patience and tenacity these will be little beauties when you've finally had your way with them.

[DaddyO]

Cheers Allan, it's certainly been a bit of a battle and I'm definitely looking forward to something simple  . . .

[NigelR]

Blimey, this is turning into a labour of Sisyphus! Well done for persevering in the face of so many challenges, including cats. This is looking really good, the interior details, engine and guns look fantastic, especially in this tiny scale.

[DaddyO]

Blimey, this is turning into a labour of Sisyphus! Well done for persevering in the face of so many challenges, including cats. This is looking really good, the interior details, engine and guns look fantastic, especially in this tiny scale.

Thanks Nigel appreciate the support. It's certainly been an 'interesting' ride so far  (Maybe I'll have a go at something 'simple' next like a Gotha Ursinus)