Author Topic: Pfalz D.IIIa, Franz Hailer, Jasta 29, Wingnut Wings 1/32 (Read 7062 times)

AngryJazz · « **on:** February 12, 2026, 04:55:22 AM »

I'm back to the WW1 World of biplanes after a long hiatus where I built a lot of different subjects.

WW1 kits is strangely taking up the most of my stash, but it's also the kits I build the least of...

Hopefully this is the year I will change some of that!

The Pfalz D.IIIa from Wingnut Wings was the one I been hunting for years. When one came up for sale it was always a ridiculous high price that I could not justify. I just had to wait patiently and hope... That's how I slowly built my collection.
Finally last year one turned up and the correct boxing! Even better - it was a kit located in Denmark, so no shipping across the world this time 😄
I'm going to be building the - Pfalz D.IIIa 5895/17, Franz Hailer, Jasta 29, Late 1917- Early 1918
I have the KLP Publishing ebook from Gary Boxall about the Pfalz and will be referencing while I build.

However I'm not going to implement all the upgrades and changes Gary describes - only a few simple ones.

AngryJazz · « **Reply #1 on:** February 12, 2026, 04:58:47 AM »

I have my build log posted on LSP Forums as well, so I'm just going to catch up here.
It just feels wrong not to have a build log on this forum where my WW1 journey began.

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Working on the cockpit of the Pfalz it's very clear that the tolerances are very tight! Usually paint is enough to make the parts not join up... In this case even without paint some parts don't fit without a little trimming and adjustments.
The fit is something I had issues with in the past working on Wingnut kits. Just have to be so precise, so i'm doing a lot of dry fitting.
The Pfalz does not have a lot of internal rigging, so the frame can be built and painted as one piece.
I modified the floorboard so I can paint it separately and install later - should make it easier!

In the Pfalz book - Gary mentions the coaming is missing on the seat. He uses solder wire and CA glue, but I thought it was easier with stretched sprue and Mr Surfacer.

Should be getting closer to the first paint stage.

A quick note about the fuselage. The locating pins are such a tight fit that you can barely get the fuselage together. Think I'll remove all the pins.

AngryJazz · « **Reply #2 on:** February 12, 2026, 05:01:54 AM »

I got some paint on the cockpit! The Pfalz was almost 1 color inside, but I opted to paint a bit of wood for some interest.
The fuselage cannot fully close, it seems like the part between the engine and main cockpit part is causing a bit of trouble. Think ill have to sand it down a bit.

For some more visual interest I painted the wood in the engine area a different color.

I am slowly added a bit of weathering. Just letting it dry in between sessions.

Funnily enough most of this will be invisible after closing the fuselage 😅 That's also why im not perfect with the parts facing away from the cockpit opening.

From my last 3 Wingnut build I've learned - to much paint and messing around only causes fit issues 😬

Dryfitting the fuselage

A gap that can be squeezed a bit, but need to be improved. Also not how little can be seen.

Current interior.

Seat etc still need to be added.

AngryJazz · « **Reply #3 on:** February 12, 2026, 05:04:52 AM »

A quick build update for anyone else who may have a little fit issue. Did a few adjustments - not all may be needed, but it seems to work for me.

Main issue was the front section between the engine and cockpit could not close up well. I had a long session with a lot of dry fitting.

Drilling out the locating holes a little solved the fuselage not going together easily.

One section of the forward bulkhead(?) sorry don't know the right term for it..
But anyways its almost 1mm wider than the pre made fuselage cut out.

I took a chisel and made more room. Make sure also to deepen the original cutout at the top - it needs that extra room.

Bottom of the cockpit gets pushed up a bit by the fuselage bottom piece(the one with the bottom wings).
I cut 1mm of the from bulkhead(?) at the bottom.

The fit is much better now and clicks together well.
Only when the bottom piece gets added the fit moves a little again. I have not found this last "sticking" point yet and om not willing to thin the fuselage any more at this point.
I will add a small 0,5mm piece of plastic card and call it good.

Note the adjustments may look a bit rough here, but i'll clean them up a bit and honestly it's in places you won't see after you close the cockpit.

AngryJazz · « **Reply #4 on:** February 12, 2026, 05:07:08 AM »

Last post and I should have both build logs updated

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Working on the engine.
Just a lot of small stuff that all adds up... Hopefully...

Added some 3D printed spark plugs. Just some random ones from way back when I used to own a printer.

Drilling out the exhaust

Engine done - now time for semi gloss varnish and start to really weather and grime it up 😄
Added the spark plugs, wires for the plugs and magnetos + pipe from the air pump to the front of the crankcase(?).

Sure looks busy for such a small part of the model!

Richtrad · « **Reply #5 on:** February 12, 2026, 05:22:24 AM »

What's not to like about watching a Pfalz D.IIIa being brought to life? Great work thus far. The Mercedes/Daimler D.III is a fun engine to build.

Warren Q

KiwiZac · « **Reply #6 on:** February 12, 2026, 05:53:44 AM »

Lovely work Ben! I'm sorry to see the fit issues you've experienced as I'd like to do one of these one day - consider me forewarned! The engine looks terrific.

AngryJazz · « **Reply #7 on:** February 12, 2026, 09:05:55 PM »

Thank you Warren and Zac

Dont be too nervous about the build Zac - it's actually one of the easiest WNW kits I have built so far.
The combination of no internal rigging + no exposed wood (almost) means the cockpit is pretty fast.

The part count for the kit is also very low. While waiting for weathering products to dry - I have almost cleaned up and prepared all parts for rest of the build.

Next stage is to plan out the rigging and close the fuselage.

AngryJazz · « **Reply #8 on:** February 12, 2026, 09:30:50 PM »

The weathered up engine - looks much more interesting now 😄

KiwiZac · « **Reply #9 on:** February 13, 2026, 10:13:01 AM »

The engine looks gorgeous!

My only Wingnut kit has been the Pup, which was a gift and unfortunately didn't survive my last house move, and I'm afraid my skills weren't quite up to finishing it. The sad thing for me is that the longer I wait to upskill, the more expensive the few kits I want get! So I remain very grateful to folks like you sharing your work.

DaddyO · « **Reply #10 on:** February 13, 2026, 07:15:29 PM »

Lovely to see a WW Pfalz being built so thank you for all the updates and great photo's AJ

Nice choice of scheme as well. Looking forward to the next stages and some colour going on the outside; sitting here waiting with a bowl of popcorn ready, but no pressure

Will look lovely when painted up (Not sure I've seen one in that particular scheme before)

Paul

AngryJazz · « **Reply #11 on:** February 13, 2026, 07:20:10 PM »

Thanks Zac!

Really a shame with the Pup and I know how you feel about the price of the kits.
However here in Europe the kits seem to be coming down in price. It's not that crazy as when the last "stock" of Wingnut were released for sale.

I think 2026 will be a year where I will challenge myself to build some of the harder kits. If not now - then when...
So hope all goes well and I can build another biplane this year

@Paul - thank you very much!

I got some updated information from a member on LSP. The nose were painted yellow on Jasta 29 planes - so it could be a interesting addition.

I am a bit nervous on how I will get the perfect line for the ribbon on the fuselage. Maybe I have to paint one color and decal - then seal and do the 2nd... Hmm we will see

NigelR · « **Reply #12 on:** February 13, 2026, 07:34:43 PM »

Lovely start on a great kit. The interior and engine look fantastic so far. Looking forward to more of this!

I also drill out the locating holes on the fuselage, I have found that makes a big difference to the quality of fit. I tend to build the entire fuselage tub and then sand down the outside of the tub in any areas where it is fouling the fuselage, that way you don't damage the fuselage finish. All kits suffer from this to some degree.

PrzemoL · « **Reply #13 on:** February 13, 2026, 09:25:25 PM »

Great start, fine work on the engine and the interior.
Pfalz D.IIIa is a great WNW kit, just watch the lower-wings/fuselage joint - it requires some filling and sanding. All in all - enjoy!!!

AngryJazz · « **Reply #14 on:** February 13, 2026, 09:37:10 PM »

Thank you Nigel and Przemol

Good to hear im not the only one with the fit issues!
And thanks for the tips both of you. If all goes well i will be mounting the lower wings tonight so it can get time to dry.

In the meantime pictures of the finished cockpit.