WNW Sopwith Triplane N533 Naval 10 Sqn. - Raymond Collishaw

[RAGIII]

Outstanding Post Shading as others have said! Like Chris I guess I need to replace the Que Tips more regularly. I think I usually go through like3!
RAGIII

[lcarroll]

  Another quick update as She nears completion. The entire model was given several light shots of Model Master Acryl Clear Semi Gloss which toned down the shading slightly as expected. This was followed by drilling and installing all the "eyelets/buckles" for the rigging, a lot of touching up, and as previously mentioned the nose cowlings were stripped and repainted in an effort to reduce the chipping effect. The guns were also completed and installed after some self induced problems (I had missed installing the lateral Gun Support Bar in the cockpit which proved to be a challenge with the top cowlings "welded" in place!) This led to poor placement of the bar and less then optimum fitting however in the end a "larger hammer and sheer brute force" approach solved the problem.
   Prior to any further work on the main frame the landing gear was assembled as a module using a rough scratch built Jig as recommended by Patrick (IFF 1418) in his Build Log for 533's "Sister" N534, worked excellent! Here's my version of the assembly jig and the component during assembly:







The inside faces of the wheels in PC12 with just a bit of paint peeling/chipping:



The guns, with a little touch up still required to the cocking levers; they were done in Alclad Gunmetal with some hi-liting and dry brushing with Model Master Steel. The barrels were removed and replaced with 0.5mm Brass Tubing.



.........and the previously completed engine with the re-painted cowling:





   The landing gear assembly was dry fitted to the aircraft before the guns were installed and fitted very nicely; the forward braces still require the Clayton Shuttleworth Logo decals:





   At this point the mid, then upper wings were added and went on very nicely; no jig nor alignment gadgets required thanks to great engineering by WNW. So here's the result to this point where she's ready for rigging before final assembly with the landing gear going on last:





I see the grey shading on the black rudder comes off very strong in the photos and does actually require a little "reduction".



   Next the completion of the rigging, on with the gear and a few small bits, some touch up, and She should be done.
Cheers,
Lance

[IFF1418]

O my Lance, this is so nice. You made really something great out of it. This is top. Many many congratulations!

Kind regards
Patrick

[Pete Nottingham]

That is a lovely Tripe Lance, excellent work.

Cheers

Pete.

[rhallinger]

Lance:

Models of Black Maria are quite prevalent, but you've really done something special with this one. . The overall look, feel and mood of the model are just excellent.  She draws one's gaze and holds it.  Outstanding work my friend

Regards,

Bob

[Ernie]

Wow Lance, where to start!?!  First, the Tripe in general looks absolutely wonderful.  You
are an artist, my friend.  The shading looks perfect with the slight exception of the grey
on the rudder which you mention.  I really like the "new and improved" chipping on the
nose and cowling.  Was that done with a teeny paint brush or something else?  Great effect!
The idea of replacing the gun barrel with brass tubing is a great tip.  As you mentioned, our
friend Patrick's idea of the undercarriage jig would be a great help.  Finally, I really like the
warm colour of the struts. Was that done with oils? 
  You certainly have a brilliant model there, Lance.  I look forward to the final bits and photos.

Cheers,
Ernie

[Chris Johnson]

She's a looker, that's for sure Lance. Nice, subdued chipping. Very well done! I too like that jig for the undercarriage and I'll be trying to make one myself on the next go-round. Looks kinda' complicated for a has-been flatfoot like me though.

Cheers,

Chris

[RAGIII]

Lance,
Beautiful!! Love the shading and the chipping!!
RAGIII

[rhallinger]

Looks like you made that cowling out of sheet metal Lance, it look that real!  Fabulous work. 

Regards,

Bob

[lcarroll]

Patrick. Pete, Ernie, Chris and "RAG III",
   Many Thanks for the kind words and encouragement, sorry the reply is so long in coming, I've been busy working on the final bits and SHE"S DONE!



  Before final assembly I gave the struts a coat of Semi Gloss Clear to tone them down a bit and then added the middle and then upper wings rigging as I progressed.At the last minute I caught the requirement for Clayton and Shuttleworth transfers on the outer cabane faces and one on the prop as opposed to the Sopwith version with a total of nine company logos. The Company name sometimes applied to the rear fuselage was not applied as my photo of N533 does not show it on the aircraft. All rigging was painted with Mr. Metal Color "Steel" and a mix of monofil .005 and .004 inches was used. The only confusion on the rigging was the contradictions on the secondary wires from the aileron control horns to the trailing edge of the ailerons. In the end I added them to both the upper and lower wings to match the 3 views in the Datafile. I also repainted the black vertical stab as the shading appeared too strong even for my tastes.
   Here's a bunch of shots of the finished product............





The loose wire on the lower outer bay to the right has been tightened up nicely using a heated No.11 blade.









Weathering and oil stains applied, the mud being dry brushed pigments:









  The camera angle makes her look a little tilted however she measures "bang on".







.........and last the brass display base plaque. The engraver closed shop the day I picked this up and the business will not continue. Now I have the challenge of finding another source. I'll miss his service as he has charged me only $12 per since day one almost ten years ago and never failed me once.



   All in all, a very quick but enjoyable Build. The Kit is at the standard WNW quality level, that being simply outstanding. She has many self applied  "warts" and I think I'll build another someday now that I know where the pitfalls lurk. This Kit, with the Pheon Decal Sheet is a real winner; I'd heartily recommend it to all.
   Last, some of my errors resulted from a bit of a rush to complete her in time for a Group Build on another site, I just made the deadline however the entire Build was completed in about three weeks of concentrated effort, not my normal pace at all.
   I'll try for some better photos and post them, with some of these, on Completed Models.
Cheers,
Lance

[RAGIII]

Beautiful results ! Although this kit is outstanding as you say, your treatment has certainly added to the basic kit in a BIG way! Lovely work!!
RAGIII

[rhallinger]

Lance, she's a real beauty!   This is one of the best Tripehounds I've seen.  You really did "Black Maria" right, IMHO.  Very well done.  I'll aspire to meet your level shown on this build.   Great work!

Regards,

Bob

[mgunns]

Hello Lance:

I will echo the sentiments of the others here.  This is an outstanding model.  Your chipping, weathering, (pre/post shading) is outstanding.  I really like the look of it on the rudder.  The weathering and highlighting of the cockpit framework, so noticeable on the prototypes is, "Bang on" as well.  The re-painting of the cowling adds interest to the front end as well as the chipping on the inspection panels.  A three week build you say?  All in all a very outstanding job Lance.  Too bad about the engraver.  It is tough when a niche business like that closes shop.  We have had record cold temps here in Wisconsin as well, but; nothing like you up there on the tundra!  Holy Smokes! BRRRRRRRR!!!

Best

Mark

[IanB]

3 weeks?? Even more impressive!
Very nice work, congrats!

Ian

[KONG]

Love it Lance. Just awesome. Well done that man 

Cheers

DAVE