French Sopwith Bomber with Figures

[Gordon Wells]

Well here goes my first show and tell on this forum . This is my second WW1 plane kit .
I'm doing the Roden 1/48th Sopwith French Bomber with a few figures from Eduards set of 6 French Air Corps . The Roden kit is the worst kit I've ever made in my years of making various different kits. Nothing fitted properly, it needed either filing down, drilling out or filling in . It might be something to do with the fact Roden are producing 4 different versions of the plane from one kit just changing the box and instruction sheets per version . I had more spare parts left over than when I repaired the washing machine .
The figures are in a set of 6 and not at all bad considering the scale and price . The two French officers are as per the kit but the pilot I have modified by cutting a small V section in the middle then bending to get the leaning pose and used two arms from one of the other figures and the hands from another from the set . The table and tail support I made from coffee stirrers and matchsticks and the map on the table comes in the Eduards RFC set which I have already for my next project .
Gordon

[coyotemagic]

Great work so far, Gordon.  Thanks for the heads-up on the fit issues.  I've got 3 of these in my stash and they are high on the to do list.  You've done an excellent job on posing the figures.  What scheme will you be doing?
Cheers,
Bud

[RAGIII]

Excellent looking build so far. Looking forward to the next update,
RAGIII

[Des]

Very nice build so far Gordon, sorry to hear about the fit issues but it appears you resolved the problems with flying colours, the addition of the figures certainly brings life to the scene, looking forward to more updates.

Des.

[Nigel Jackson]

Sometimes these things seem sent to try us Gordon,but it's great to see that you have battled your way through this far. I look forward to seeing your next update.

Best wishes
Nigel

[IanB]

Looking good so far Gordon, I do like the figures at the table! I'm looking forward to seeing your next update. However, I think you may be about to discover why most of us prefer to paint before attaching the upper wing....good luck! 

Ian

[IFF1418]

Hello Gordon,

Great work so far! It's a pity you had so many problems with the fitting. These figures look great and your composition is very convincing. Like Ian I wonder if you won't have a lot of difficulties in painting with the upper wing already fixed. Keep up the great work.

Kind regards
Patrick

[Gordon Wells]

Thank you all for your interest replies . Bud, funny you should ask about the colour scheme,  I was intending to go with the colours on the Box Art and start to paint the kit in those colours but since painting the figures and have now changed it to the light sand colour as this seems to go better with them .
Ian and Patrick I am now an older and wiser man  . The only reason I glue the upper wing on is to give a good fixing as I find that gluing parts after painting is not very successful , the parts never seem to glue togehter well . If you have a reliable method I would love to hear it .
I should have some paint on a few things over the weekend I'll post some updates then .
Gordon

[Modelnut]

For gluing after painting, scrape the mating surfaces to be glued with your blade. Go gently and all should be well.I am a novice myself but this should help. A very nice build with the figures too. I have a love/ hate relationship with Roden kits also.

[Ernie]

Very nice work, Gordon.  The figures at the table are a nice addition.  I look forward
to seeing the aeroplane all painted up.  It should be a really good looker.

Cheers,
Ernie

[IanB]

Since the struts are usually fitted into holes in the wings there should be no strength issues here. Clean out the locating holes with an appropriate size drill bit after painting if required, add the rigging, and you'll have a pretty secure attachment.

Ian

[Gordon Wells]

OK I put some paint on a few things , the two officers are more or less finished , the pilot still needs the overalls painting and the plane is half way through, it still needs a couple more coats before weathering



I would like to know if you think I've overdone the flaking paint on the engine cowl


Gordon

[radio]

The figures are lovely.
Martin

[RAGIII]

Like Martin said, the figures are lovely! I Like the chipped paint. I think the ultimate decision is yours. Do you think it is too much?
RAGIII

[Ernie]

I like the chipping as well, Gordon.  Very nice paint work...the figures look great too.
Very nice work.

Cheers,
Ernie