1/32 Sopwith Tabloid, RNAS No. 168, Lt. Marix, Oct. 1914

[Chris Johnson]

As you wrote Bob, it's a nice subtle effect you've got there.

Cheers,

Chris

[Old Man]

This is looking really great, Sir!

Quite a treat.

[RAGIII]

Outstanding work on the wings and ribs. The painting is excellent!
RAGIII

[Des]

The wings look fabulous Bob, you have done a superb job with the ribs and the shading.

Des.

[rhallinger]

Thanks Chris, OM, Rick and Des!  Your support keeps me going.

Here is the state of the bits this morning:



This photo is deceptive in that it appears that I have only to assemble the main components and she's done!   Not quite so fast.  I am presently fabricating all of the little details and fittings such as the elevator and rudder control horns, etc., which need to be done while the component parts are still loose.  Frankly, at this stage much of the game involves reviewing plans, drawings and photos to make sure I have not overlooked too many of these details.  

Here are the tailplanes.  I still have to add representations of the hinges for the elevator and rudder:



Hmmm.  The photo reminds me that I have to make the "168" decal for the rudder some time soon.   It's the only marking on the aircraft.  Easy paint scheme!

Here is the cockpit opening with combing added:



I used soft plastic tubing from the LHS for this, and struggled a bit with application.  I first tried slicing the tube lengthwise with a #11 blade to fit the opened tube over the edge of the cowling cockpit opening.  This proved impossible due to my large fingers, the compound curves of the opening edge and the elastic tendency of the slit tubing to close up.  I tried using tweezers to hold the tubing open, but to no avail.  I finally taped the tubing to my bench in the shape of the opening for about five days to fix the shape.  That helped, but I was still only able to slip the front part before the first big curve onto the cowling edge and CA in place.  The rest is just glued to the edge with CA.  I think it looks passable, but what a struggle!   Des, how do you do this?

The wings still need to have the strut fittings located and drilled for pins:



Finally, I have been working on detailing the landing gear.  The axle has been added, and the wheels are in process.  There is some additional hardware I need to add around the axle attachments including a radius flange and fittings for the bungees.



I will be away this weekend, but home next weekend.  I hope to have the jig out and assembly beginning by then.  I'll add the bomb rack and two Hale 20 lb. bombs after basic assembly.

Thanks for looking in.  I can see the light at the end of the build tunnel!

Regards,

Bob

[lcarroll]

Bob,
    It's coming together very nicely now, the overall "cleanliness" is most impressive for a Scratch Built. The "jigged up" landing gear assembly is brilliant, gives you accuracy in all axis' and will save you a lot of heartache later. One of a kind and lovely work!
Cheers,
Lance

[RAGIII]

Excellent update! The ribs and detail on the wings and tail look awesome! As for that tubing I remember trying that a ccouple of times and never got it to work. I don't know how Des manages, and others?
RAGIII

[bobs_buckles]

Bob,
 I bow down in your general direction  You scratcher boys are a breed apart from this mere mortal. Excellent work!

The photo reminds me that I have to make the "168" decal for the rudder some time soon.

Send me the file with the number "168" and I will see if I can cut a mask for you.

Keep up the great work.

VB 

[lone modeller]

Another wonderful demonstration of your skills. I really admire your persistence with the the cockpit coaming - items like that take a very good model into the exceptional class. This is most definitely in the latter category.

[IFF1418]

Hello Bob,

Your work is such an amazing demonstration of your craftmanship. Scratch building is only for the best, but this build is really the top. Outstanding in neatness, patience,  accuracy and research. My hat off for what you accomplish Bob!

Kind regards
Patrick

[rhallinger]

Thanks everyone!  I've been working on details and thinking through the rest of this project, and I am very close to assembly.  The only parts remaining to be fabricated are the tailplane struts.  I have rendered the cowling vents and gas and oil filler openings, along with the wood bulkhead end which divides the upper cowling.  Here she is with the bottom wings fitted but not yet affixed:





. . . and with the top wing just set in place for fun  :





All of the "wood" parts (undercarriage, tailskid, prop and interplane struts) are colored with oil over dark yellow Tamiya acrylic, and are presently in the drying box.  I will drill all of the rigging attachment points on the wings and fuselage and add Bob's Buckles eyelets, and then glue on the bottom wings tomorrow.  The finish line is in sight.  Two more weeks or so.

Regards,

Bob

[Des]

It's always very tempting to sit the top wing on just for looks, and yours certainly looks great. You are doing a spectacular job with this build and I am looking forward to seeing all the wood bits fitted.

Des.

[ALBATROS1234]

very nice, i always look forward to updates on these projects.

[Nigel Jackson]

This has been one of my favourite builds, Bob and a master class for me. It is all coming together so beautifully and I'm very much looking forward to the next stages.

Best wishes
Nigel

[bobs_buckles]

Beautiful work, Bob
Keep going!

vB