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

[lone modeller]

More superb modelling in action……...

[IFF1418]

Hello Bob,

Your build continous to amaze me. Wonderful work on the rivets. I am so full of admiration for your craftmanship as for all the scratch builders. This is a category apart which is given only to the best!

Kind regards
Patrick

[rhallinger]

Thanks Patrick and LM!  Here is a mini-update.  I have painted the fuselage, but it still needs some weathering.  Most of the period photos in the data file do not show any bulkhead or longeron shading on the fuselage, but I may add some hints with chalks and a template.  Here is the fuselage:





The CDL is Model Master Acryl Radome Tan, and the metal cowling is Mr. Metal Aluminum.

I am currently working on painting the wings.  More this weekend perhaps.  I'll finally be home!

Regards,

Bob

[ALBATROS1234]

a looks like a tabloid to me. i built the special hobby kit and the detail on your scratch build looks better than what is available on the comercially available kit. i would be proud if i had accomplished the same.

[sobrien]

Wow Bob, this is looking great. I wish Wingnuts would do this one.

Sean

[Mark]

Amazing build, Bob!

Mark G

[RAGIII]

Your Tabloid is looking Super! Beautiful work!!
RAGIII

[Chris Johnson]

Everything is so clean and exact. Simply stunning in its execution Bob.

Cheers,

Chris

[bobs_buckles]

Mighty fine work, Bob!
Keep those updates rollin'

Cheers,
VB

[rhallinger]

Thanks everyone!

Everything is so clean and exact. Simply stunning in its execution Bob.

Chris, I suspect scratchbuilding is much like the old adage about sausage-making--you really don't want to see every step in the process!   I'm glad that she looks good in her robe of paint at this point, but the process was a bit ugly midstream.  All's well that ends well, though!

I will spend the next few days shading the wings, then I must locate and drill the strut holes at test fit everything (one of the cabanes ended up a bit short--or three of them are a bit long, depending upon your perspective, so I will have to deal with that).  Once I have everything aligned with the help of jigs, I will fabricate the wing struts, then drill all of the holes for the rigging.  I will also have to finish off the tailplanes and undercarriage.  I think I will add a modified bomb rack under the cockpit along with the pair of 20 pound Hale bombs No. 168 carried on the raid, since I have those in one of the Fee kits.  Hmmm . . . England's first tactical bomber.  I like that!

Perhaps I will have her done near the centenary of the Dusseldorf raid in early October.

Regards,

Bob

[lone modeller]

Modelling by an expert and no mistake. Whatever the problems you had midway, they do not show now. Excellent and I am looking forward to more.

[KitRookie37]

Hello to all,
Very beautiful work, I like it. I'll follow this construction. 
Best regards.
Alain.

[rhallinger]

Here is a brief update.  The top surface of the wings has been shaded subtly with chalk powder:





I will seal these with Future then use chalks or pencils for spar and rib shading on the lower surfaces. 

These may be the last photos for a bit, as SWMBO has managed to lose the battery charger for the camera, and the power level  indicator is now in the red zone.   I have ordered a replacement, but it will take a few days to get here.  I'm taking personal custody of this one!

Regards,

Bob 

[bobs_buckles]

Hi Bob,
 Did you employ the 'Stripper' method with those lovely wings?
They look great!

Cheers,
Vb

[rhallinger]

Thanks VB, those are your lovely strippers under auto primer and paint. . They were easy to use and I am very happy with the appearance of the wings.

Cheers,

Bob