Der Kampfflieger Gotha G-IV in 1/72nd

[NinetythirdLiberator]

All,
It's been a while, but I'm back...I'm glad that the paper models are still going strong here!

I am starting a new model with this guy.  I got it for free at the paper model convention 2 years ago along with a 1/48th version.  Loved the colors and I can't get enough multi-engine bombers with drag.  I'm going to put it together as is but with some improvements (I hope).  I have the Roden 1/72nd plastic kit built and displayed so it will be a nice comparison.

I taped off the rib tapes and fuselage longeron locations and airbrushed with Tamyia "Smoke".  Looks ok but really only visible on the lighter parts.  Breaks up the simple colors a bit.  I also used some colored pencils to make some specks etc. to dirty up some parts especially along the fuselage and also opened the windows so I can add clear plastic. 

I'm curious to see how it goes together as I've only built one Kampffleiger WWI plane successfully (A Riesenflugzeug SSW) and been bitten by an Re-8 and Nieuport, I really hope this one turns out!

Wish me luck...Dan

[NinetythirdLiberator]

 

[NigelR]

Good to see you back. That's a very intriguing scheme - I've never seen that one before!

[Dirigible-Al]

My god Dan, when it comes to paper models you certainly don't take the easy options. You don't however need luck, I have every confidence in you.
Alan.

[KiwiZac]

Welcome back Dan, and what a neat subject for it!

[NinetythirdLiberator]

Thanks to you all!  It's really nice to work on some Great War things again...

Surprisingly and after lots of head scratching and delicate maneuvering, I've gotten this far.  The Gotha "tunnel" isn't in yet but the interior is in pretty good shape, it's actually square (which surprises me) and it's just steady and slow wins the race.  I need to make a 3-D control wheel, add some seat restraints, finish off the front gunner's office and add the bottom.  I'm really glad I made "real" glass.

That's all!!!  Pleased so far.

Dan

[Alexis]

Ooooooo , tagging along Dan , looking good so far .

For shading the ribs , on darker areas add a touch of grey( light of course ) .


Alexis

[NinetythirdLiberator]

Thanks, Alexis...that's a great idea.  If this sucker works out, the 1/48th version couldn't be far behind!   

Dan

[NigelR]

Impressive work for paper! Looking good so far.....

[NinetythirdLiberator]

Thanks, Nigel.  Coming along pretty well and better than I expected!

Got the tails done, the Gotha Tunnel got added and now most of the fuselage is ready for adding the bottom wing.  You can also see the top wing and the start of the bottom wing in the background.  Moving along at a good pace...

Dan

[NinetythirdLiberator]

 

[NinetythirdLiberator]

WWI People...

You probably already knew but I was just looking for pictures of the underside tunnel and I think that was a feature of a G-IV but not III.  Please correct me if I'm wrong. 

So this MAY be a G-IV build! 

Nothing else to see here...move along....

Dan

[NigelR]

Yes, the gun tunnel was introduced on the GIV, the GIII just had a hole in the floor. It does say it's a GIV on the pages of the kit in your photos........

[NinetythirdLiberator]

Hi Nigel,

I just saw that too.  I guess I'm stuck on remembering my Roden example which IS a G-III!   Thanks for the confirmation.  Wanted to get it right.

As an aside, I also found out that the G-IV, because of the tunnel, was made of ply overall for the fuselage.  So...my little longeron enhancements along the fuselage are also wrong.  Moral of the story, actually research the model you are making before you start ruining it! 

Dork-Boy out...

[NinetythirdLiberator]

Got the nacelles done...well, one of them!  They require slow and methodical care to get them together but they do seem to fit well and have the correct large volume.  I'll work on the other one and then add the lower wing to the fuselage (this picture is just a mock-up) and the tails too.  Starting to look like a Gotha!  Thanks for looking...

Dan