Aces Mounts 2025 GB - Sopwith Triplane - R.Collishaw (1/32, WNW)

[PrzemoL]

My entry to the GB.



I have started with the engine cowling. I always wondered if the kit part can be thinned down to fit Taurus Clerget. Well, after some work with DSPIAE grinder and sandpaper and testing with my old Clerget on the stand, it seems it cannot, yet not much is missing. So I still have hope - I will build a new Clerget with slight mod to set the cylinders closer to the axis, and then it should fit in.

[KiwiZac]

I'm sorry to see your original engine plan is a no-go, Prze, but I have no doubt you'll work out a terrific solution. A great choice of kit and subject!

[NigelR]

Excellent choice for the GB, looking forward to seeing you do this one.

That's the problem with "scale" engines - they won't fit inside model cowlings unless they have been specifically downscaled for a kit. Best of luck with the new engine build.....

[PrzemoL]

Thanks, Zac and Nigel.

And no worries, mates. That old Clerget was never meant to get to this model, I just used it for testing. And now I know, what to do, so that the freshly ordered one fits inside.

[DaddyO]

Lovely choice of model Prze, shame about the cowl thinning, but at least as you say you now have a plan for the engine and getting it to fit 

Paul

[Allan31]

Hammer those rocker arms flat, will fit fine.
I want to do Collishaws "Black Maria: in 1/48 maybe for this GB......

[PrzemoL]

I hope I will not need to use a hammer... 

The new engine has arrived. I trimmed a bit the crankcase so that the cylinders sit closer to the axis. And it seems to work. There is still some margin to accomodate the valve rockers.

I hope Łukasz will forgive me that cheating on the diameter of his masterpiece Clerget...

[NigelR]

Looks like you did it - keep that paint thin......!

[PrzemoL]

Looks like you did it - keep that paint thin......!

  sure I will. There is indeed some gap around...

[PrzemoL]

The work on Clerget continues. It is actually my third take on it. And my awe for the magic that Łukasz used to produce it is not diminishing...
I am mostly using the wet toothpick tip to transport the tiny bits which fit like Lego bricks. And to secure them I use the clear gloss lacquer.
The part count stands at 120 now but it is not the end.

[PrzemoL]

Small progress, the back plate from Taurus fit to the kit firewall.

[PrzemoL]

Colours, colours!

[NigelR]

Colours, colours!

And lots of teeny tiny parts! Watch out for the carpet monster staring over your shoulder........

[Allan31]

That will look stunning Prz.

[PrzemoL]

Thanks!

Carpet monster devoured just one bit, a spark plug. Luckily Łukasz provides some spares of small parts as a sacrifice, so I even did not bother looking for it.

Well, the assembly is now well progressing, another 80+ elements added. Now only the electric wires and valve push rods need to be attached. And it all still fits inside the cowling!