Author Topic: 1/72 Albatros DVa (Read 3107 times)

bari · « **on:** November 10, 2013, 07:23:03 PM »

Hi, This is my first attempt at a WW1 subject. I bought a load of these little kits when Modelzone was having one of their periodic sales. I thought that they are cheap enough to get thrown into the bin if it all goes wrong. I used the method of rigging shown in this thread on another forum http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/72714-fitting-struts-rigging/ I first started with very thin wire but found it too difficult to get the tension right as when I did one bit the next one would make the first slacken off. In the end I raided the wife's knitting basket and used what is described as 'knitting in elastic' which was just slightly stretchy but had little knobs of rubber attached to the thread which I had to rub off. I also found that this thread was so flexible and thin that I could not get it into a blind hole on the lower wing so in the end I drilled all the way through both wings and just sewed the whole structure with one long length, almost. I had to do a shorter length for the bit from the lower front fuselage to the starboard wing and aileron. This method seemed quite easy (beginners luck maybe) except I had to make the holes in the wings 0.4mm as my eyes are not what they should be, this meant I had to use quite a bit of super glue to fill the holes which caused a bit of overfill on the top of the lower wing. Once it had all dried I cut all the joining threads off and sanded down. I did use wire for the undercarriage and elevator cables but despite hanging quite a weight from the ends (enough to slightly distort the U/C) they still didn't tension properly. I also found that when trying to mask the upper wing for the rib tapes I was apprehensive about applying too much pressure in case the structure moved, so I though I would paint the upper wing and just touch up after for the next one. Anyway a few photos, any observations and tips would be welcome.

Ernie · « **Reply #1 on:** November 10, 2013, 07:51:02 PM »

Despite your woes with the rigging, it really is a great job on such a tiny model, Bari.
Not being a 1/72 scale modeller, I'm not sure what would be best for rigging...maybe
ez-line? I hope to see more of your work.

Cheers,
Ernie

Des · « **Reply #2 on:** November 10, 2013, 07:56:11 PM »

For your first attempt at a WW1 biplane you have done an excellent job, congratulations on producing such a wonderful model in the tiny 1:72 scale. The finish on your model is very good and the rigging looks great, doesn't matter how you do the rigging as long as it works for you. It would be a good idea to completely finish the top wing before you fit it to the struts. I am looking forward to seeing your next build.

Des.

Cimmerian · « **Reply #3 on:** November 10, 2013, 08:08:43 PM »

Really nice model. I've just finished a D.III, I used EZ line for the first time on there, it was the easiest way I've ever tried. I would certainly recommend it.

coyotemagic · « **Reply #4 on:** November 11, 2013, 03:31:51 AM »

Outstanding first effort, Bari. In spite your difficulties, the rigging looks nice and tight. Nice work.
Cheers,
Bud

bari · « **Reply #5 on:** November 11, 2013, 07:08:21 AM »

Thanks you all for the nice comments, I really enjoyed the build and will practice on a few more and build up to the little Revell DH2 I've always wanted to build.

Rob Hart · « **Reply #6 on:** November 11, 2013, 07:47:53 AM »

Nice job. I'll look forward to seeing that DH2.

RAGIII · « **Reply #7 on:** November 11, 2013, 11:32:01 AM »

I must agree with all of the others! Great first effort, especially with a small and rather Old kit that is generally not uo to modern standards. You have made it look great! By the way, I built more of those DVa than I can remember. They were 29cents at my local drug store when I was about 17, 1970ish $:-\$
RAGIII

AROTH · « **Reply #8 on:** November 11, 2013, 12:41:49 PM »

29 cents..................

my time period also. I remember it very well. Now, I feel very old..........

lone modeller · « **Reply #9 on:** November 12, 2013, 02:12:32 AM »

I can remember when these kits were 2 shillings (by 1970 they were 2shillings and sixpence or even more - not sure now as it is too long ago and I am too old to remember properly). For a first effort on what is a very old kit you have done an excellent job - very good finish and very good rigging.
It happens that my first foray into serious biplane building was also this kit which I made in the mid 1970's and still have, but it is not as good as yours. Compared with later productions it is a crude kit but it is cheap and it does have potential to build into a good model - as your have clearly demonstrated. No doubt about it 1/72 scale is the best! I look forward to seeing more of your little gems.

Epeeman · « **Reply #10 on:** November 12, 2013, 08:17:21 AM »

Bari,

Agree wholeheartedly with what others have already said - excellent first effort on a very dated kit!

Regards

Dave

RAGIII · « **Reply #11 on:** November 12, 2013, 11:27:20 AM »

Quote from: AROTH on November 11, 2013, 12:41:49 PM

29 cents..................

my time period also. I remember it very well. Now, I feel very old..........

Where I was, South Florida, I think it was Airfix Craftmaster packaging. I remember very WELL .29 on the end of the box!Funny how things jar memories. I was on a Summer trip up North with my Older Brother. He challenged me to do something Stupid for a Dollar. I remember thinking that the Dollar would buy 2 Airfix Dvs and a Triplane

RAGIII

IFF1418 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 12, 2013, 11:39:54 PM »

Hi Bari,

Indeed, great work on this tiny scale. I couldn't do it. And besides your rigging looks great.

Kind regards
Patrick