Roden 1/32 SPAD VII

[IFF1418]

Hello,

I started the build of the SPAD VII a few weeks ago. I will probably choose the markings of Lt. Thaw of the SPA124, “Escadrille Américaine” or “Lafayette Escadrille”. When I heared the sad news of Gregory, I regretted a bit I had started the SPAD, but now I hope he will like it when done. The Roden kit is well detailed, but some parts are placed on the sprues on delicate places. I had a few fitting problems due to my own stupid mistakes  but I had also a few structural problem fits . Here are a few photos I took along the way.



The first mistake I made was the rigging of the rudder bar. I did this exactely on the place were the beams supporting the seat and the engine are placed over the rudder bar. I rigged the rudder bar when not yet installed.  I had all the trouble in the world to get the beams fixed.



My second error. I made the engine and didn’t stop in time. This way the cowling parts can’t be installed. So I had to demolish the engine to a state it would fit.





Opening of the vents



The seat and control stick are installed. Cushion made of milliput. The seat belts are Eduard.







Dry fit of the instrument panel.



Closing of the fuselage sides and installing the instrument panel.







Closing of the top deck and cowling parts. The top deck was to wide to fit on the fuselage sides. This is probably structural, because the width is determined by the width of the tank and the ends of the fuselage sides coming together.



Radiator made of flywire.  The grill is badly positionned. I will try to correct this later on.



The cowling parts were very difficult to adjust. Next to were the gun will come there was a rather big gap. I had to file the tank down to obtain a decent fit of the two top cowling parts.



Filling the gaps and sanding





First I gave a white primer.





The tailplane was to long to fit in the space for it, so I had to file again. It looks ike the fin will not be even with the tail plane and top deck. So there will be some work to be done.







So that’s where I am at the moment, still a bit of sanding to do. Thank you for stopping by.

Kind regards
Patrick

[Des]

She is looking wonderful Patrick, you have done very well for only two weeks work, Gregory would be very pleased to see it. The opening of all the vents makes a huge difference and the interior work looks very good. I didn't even bother with the engine for my Spad. I will be interested to see how you tackle the complex wing rigging.

Des.

[radio]

A nice work Patrick. Looks very good.
Martin

[IFF1418]

Thank you Des and Martin for the kind words.

Des I started it in the beginning of april, so it's  more then 2 weeks. For me it's a rather difficult kit to build as I was used to the two WnW kits and the rather easy Nieuport 28 Roden kit. But I'm in no hurry and like you I'm interested how the difficult rigging will end As usual your fantastic build log will be  (and was already) of great use. Thank you!

Kind regards
Patrick

[bobs_buckles]

Very tidy, Patrick 
Looking forward to seeing more from this build.

Cheers,
BVB

[IFF1418]

Thank you Bob! I think that there will be more than one banana peel along the way.

Kind regards
Patrick

[RAGIII]

WOW Patrick! I am impressed greatly by the Terrific ... and FAST start! You have done excellent work with the vents and the fit of your cowl pieces!
RAGIII

[IFF1418]

Hello Rick,

Thank you my friend. As always I appreciate your comments highly. I wished I had your painting skills and color making abilities.

Kind regards
Patrick

[TomR1981]

Patrick,

This looks like quite a tricky kit to build and you've made a great start. I'm looking forward to seeing this one come together.

Tom

[IFF1418]

Hello Tom,

Thank you for your kind words. Indeed this is not an easy kit, but I think that the detailing on the parts is rather well done.

Kind regards
Patrick

[mgunns]

Hello Patrick:

Great work to date.  I know that this is a fiddly kit and offers its own set of problems that you are overcoming.  I too am looking forward to seeing you progress through the build.  I know the rigging has it's own challenges that Des overcame and execute in True Forum Fashion. 
Best

Mark

[Ernie]

Wow!  Patrick, my friend, you are really out-doing yourself with the SPAD.
Beautiful job, especially the time-consuming job of opening all the vents.
You have done that superbly.  Excellent work!  I look forward to the next
updates.

Cheers,
Ernie

[rickcap]

One of my all-time favorite aircraft.  Watching and imitating!

[lcarroll]

   Looking very good Patrick. I really like the results you achieved by opening all those vents, great detail and beautifully done! Another "Winner" on the way from your work bench.
Cheers,
Lance

[Ernie]

Patrick, PM

Thanks,
Ernie