Author Topic: 1/48 Morane Saulnier AI finished.  (Read 3971 times)

Offline Rob Hart

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1/48 Morane Saulnier AI finished.
« on: August 12, 2013, 08:12:00 AM »
The Morane Saulnier A1 may have had the briefest operational career of any WWI combat aircraft. It served with frontline units from only late February to mid May of 1918 before being withdrawn for alleged structural defects. Ironically, French aerobatic pilot Alfred Fronval used one to perform 600 consecutive loops in 1919. Not bad for an aircraft with structural deficiencies.

The Special Hobby kit is an inaccurate, ill fitting, and badly engineered toad. I replaced or modified nearly very single part of the kit. I don't know if the Copper State of Spin kits offer better alternatives, but I strongly encourage anyone interested in building a 1/48 MS AI to explore all of the options before tackling the Special Hobby Kit.

Like every model I have built to date, this one did not turn out as nice as I had hoped. However, it gave me loads of priceless building practice, it provided many, many hours of (mostly) pleasant escape into my hobby, and, best of all, I have another finished WWI model.







« Last Edit: August 12, 2013, 12:35:40 PM by Rob Hart »

Offline rhallinger

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Re: 1/48 Morane Saulnier A1 finished.
« Reply #1 on: August 12, 2013, 08:41:56 AM »
Just beautiful Rob!  Very well done.

Regards,

Bob

Offline Des

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Re: 1/48 Morane Saulnier A1 finished.
« Reply #2 on: August 12, 2013, 08:51:31 AM »
For a toad of a kit you sure have ended up with an exceptional model, this is testimony to your modeling skills. It is a beautiful looking modelk Rob, the camo is excellent and the overall finish is superb, congratulations and thank you for posting this wonderful model.

Des.
Late Founder of ww1aircraftmodels.com and forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

Offline Zabu

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Re: 1/48 Morane Saulnier A1 finished.
« Reply #3 on: August 12, 2013, 10:33:37 AM »
Hi Bob.

It may not turned out like you wished for, but it does look great.

The model has a great overall look, the prerfct one... just matching your skill.

Your model it's beautifull and i'm thankfull for those pics.

Cheers

Offline lcarroll

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Re: 1/48 Morane Saulnier AI finished.
« Reply #4 on: August 12, 2013, 01:13:48 PM »
Rob,
    Your "badly engineered toad" turned into the fabled handsome Prince methinks!
Very nice work; great finish and a really crisp looking Model, Well done!
Cheers,
Lance

Offline Ernie

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Re: 1/48 Morane Saulnier AI finished.
« Reply #5 on: August 12, 2013, 07:46:53 PM »
Talk about making a silk purse out of a sow's ear!
You have come up with a gorgeous model, Rob, an
indication of your modelling skills.  Well done!

Cheers,
Ernie :)
The new old guy, take two...

Offline Andi Little

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Re: 1/48 Morane Saulnier AI finished.
« Reply #6 on: August 12, 2013, 09:56:38 PM »
Well, disappointed or not, it's turned out very well thank you. You've made a great job of such an apparently bad kit - neat clean and very well presented.

Bravo.
KBO ............. Andi.

Offline Gisbod

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Re: 1/48 Morane Saulnier AI finished.
« Reply #7 on: August 13, 2013, 12:25:31 AM »
I agree with all the above.

 I would have chucked it in the bin halfway through and you've made a little gem!

Guy
“Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth -
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.”

P.O. John Gillespie Magee 1941

Offline GAJouette

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Re: 1/48 Morane Saulnier AI finished.
« Reply #8 on: August 13, 2013, 12:36:26 AM »
  Rob,
She's outstanding example of turning a sow's ear into a silk purse! Congratulations my old friend you've completed a real stunner my old friend. I'm very much impressed with this latest project of yours. From the construction, weathering and that awesomely beautiful French 5 color camouflage. In other words she's a fitting tribute to your highest level of skill and craftsmanship. Well Done Rob!
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
" What Me Worry"

Offline Epeeman

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Re: 1/48 Morane Saulnier AI finished.
« Reply #9 on: August 13, 2013, 01:45:20 AM »
I echo what others have already said - brilliant work.

Regards

Dave
As we say in fencing, what's the point?

Offline Rob Hart

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Re: 1/48 Morane Saulnier AI finished.
« Reply #10 on: August 13, 2013, 06:39:29 AM »
Thanks to all and special thanks to Des for making this site available. It is a great resource and a huge amount of fun.

Offline uncletony

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Re: 1/48 Morane Saulnier AI finished.
« Reply #11 on: August 13, 2013, 10:45:32 AM »
Thanks to all and special thanks to Des for making this site available. It is a great resource and a huge amount of fun.
We need a "like" button  :)

Offline LindsayT

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Re: 1/48 Morane Saulnier AI finished.
« Reply #12 on: August 13, 2013, 12:12:23 PM »
Great looking bird, Rob. With the finish you've give it, it could be mistaken for a Wingnuts kit!

Lindsay

Offline compressor man

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Re: 1/48 Morane Saulnier AI finished.
« Reply #13 on: August 14, 2013, 01:17:07 AM »
This is a really nice looking plane, one that I would be proud to have built. Would you mind sharing the story behind that exceptional looking grass it is parked on?

Chris

Offline coyotemagic

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Re: 1/48 Morane Saulnier AI finished.
« Reply #14 on: August 14, 2013, 02:07:35 AM »
I have to agree with everyone else, Rob.  You would never know that this kit was such a "toad" by the way she turned out.  You did a brilliant job on her.  I'd be proud to have this one sitting in my display case.
Cheers,
Bud
"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream in the dark recesses of the night awake in the day to find all was vanity. But the dreamers of day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, and make it possible." -T. E. Lawrence