Hi all!
Finally it is ready, and even with a few days to spare until the deadline. I had problems with dust particles in the painting stages, but otherwise this came out slowly but nicely. It was a nice day with sunshine outside, so the photographing was rather easy. Actually, looking at theses photos I have to say I think this is one of my best models and that is nice too
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Making the wing surfaces really translucent was hard work and the wing profile is not maybe quite curved enough, but it really it is a minor thing in the whole. I learned quite a few things with this project and next time it will be somewhat easier.
I tried to achieve the different degrees of gloss between the different materials and I think it adds to the realism and scale effect. I used Humbrol enamels for the linen areas and AK and Citadel acrylics for other areas, all brushwork. The rigging is heat stretched sprue. The excellent wheels (ASK 3d printed), propeller (modified from a Roden spare) and the rudder cross (Roden spare) were the only items not scratchbuilt. BTW, I had to do the whole exhaust part all over again, as it looked too thin in the previous photos in the under construction thread. The cockpits are actually detailed too, but you can not see too much of them in the completed model.
The plane my model depicts is a very early one, perhaps of 1913 vintage, with a so called Scheitelkuhler (early radiator type) on top of the engine. It was captured by the French in 16th of August 1914 in Cernay, so it is very early warplane indeed. It was on view at Belfort with captured guns after that. It looks pristine in the early photos, but totally wrecked after a few months of showtime outside. I would love to hear how it was captured, but couldn?t find any info.
This model once again confirmed my fascination of early B-types in the Fliegertruppe. They are in a way very stylish and interesting planes, although they usually lack all the exciting paintwork of later planes. Maybe it is the more archaic look that adds to their plain underdog charm
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Great thanks are in order for Joachim/Flamingo for the help in research and photos. Without his enthusiasm and support I would most likely have chosen something much more mainstream for my subject. Moreover, he showed me the potential mistakes in many three-views regarding the early type fuselage lenght. This model is made to the original wartime measurements of an early B.1 and now one can compare the look of the model, photos and drawings.
And thanks to all for your extended interest. Now I finally have time to follow more closely what the others have been up to.
Cheers,
Skyhook
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