WnW DFW C.V (late)

[Alexis]

Des , Beautiful job on the wings  Very interesting scheme as well . Haven't seen this one before .




Terri

[KitRookie37]

Good evening to all,
Sorry, I'm in late...
An amazing work, I'like it !! 
I'd like to tell about an personnal feeling. I 'm trying to be careful because of my bad english. I don't want to be critical, just a rookie question.
Seeing Des (and others) marvellous work, I think american or australian modeler haven't the same sensitivity with painting than in Europe. They seem liking "brand new paint" without wash and weathering. I saw the same way in the customers models on WnW site. Do you think the same way or am I totally wrong ?
Best Regards.
Alain.

[Dekenba]

Interesting observation, Alain. I tend to agree. I know that Des never weathers his models, he likes them factory fresh, but weathering in WWI modelling is definitely far less prevalent than, for instance, WWII modelling.

Personally, I prefer a weathered model over a factory finish, only because it adds a degree of realism and more accurately reflects how the planes looked most of the time.

Perhaps WWI planes, like their pilots, did not live long enough to get n properly weathered? It's certainly a very defendable position to adopt as a modeler.

However, this takes nothing away from Des's skills, which are absolutely outstanding.

[Epeeman]

Great progress, Des!

Coming along a treat now.

Regards

Dave

[Des]

Alain and Dekenba make very good points and I appreciated their input. As most of you would already know from seeing my models, I do not weather. I look at it in the view that all, and I mean all. aeroplanes came out of a factory or workshop and were all at some stage in their life brand new, squeaky clean, unused hence very clean. This is the way I like to depict my models and the "new" look is appealing to my eyes. I really like what some modelers do with the weathering and many have amazing skills in applying weather, but on the other hand I have seen some excellent model ruined by over zealous weathering or poorly applied weathering.

We are all individuals and we make our models to suit our own desires, I look at all models on an equal footing, weathered or unweathered they all appeal to me. I look at the skills that were employed during the construction of the kits, any detailing that was added during construction, how the modeler approached the rigging and decal applications then I stand back and observe the overall finish of the completed model, not just the paint finish but the model in its entirety

Weathered or unweathered, entirely up to the modeler and I appreciate the efforts put into all of the models displayed on this forum, happy modelling guys and gals, splash on the mud or leave it clean, doesn't really matter 

Des.

[Ian from Doncaster]

I agree with Des, we build to our own tastes and skill sets.

I don't yet have enough quality and consistency in my builds to produce the craftsmanship and clean finishes that our host does.  It is inspiring to see Des' work - and of course that of the other outstanding modellers who post here, however frequent.

For weathering, I end up doing this by default to hide build/paint inaccuracies or mistakes, and also as a result of not quite getting rib shading etc quite right.  I am far from an artist, have little idea on the technicalities of artistry, in depth paint/colour analysis etc.

Back to the topic though, yet another superb example from Des' hands...

[KitRookie37]

Good evening to all,
I agree with you. First, it's a personnal choice.
I'm just wondering if there is a "country sensibility" because of different culture. A little like the spanish school. I mean (but, perhaps I mistake) that a best of show in Europe would not necessary appreciate as the same way in USA, Australia or Japan exactly because of this different sensibility. Am I understandable ? 
Best regards.
Alain.

[GrahamB]

A very nice model Des and it makes me look forward even more to when I can get going on my DFW.

As for the comment about clean v weathering I am neutral on this (well almost). A lot of WW1 aircraft probably had very short lives - factory-depot-unit-destruction in a matter of days so clean (or relatively clean) is perfectly acceptable. What I do not like is some of the modern trend - let's call it the 'Spanish School' - that is obsessed with shading/highlighting, filtering etc. Back in the UK about 10 years ago there was a term used - derogatory- which refereed to this as 'Capo de Monte' modelling. Acceptable to some (figurines are acceptable subjects for this) but not me. Accurately observed weathering - see Jamo's photos for the real thing - provide the way forward to those who want genuine impression of reality rather than what is an 'artistic/impressionistic' look.

It's only a hobby!

Cheers,

GrahamB

[BigBlue]

Really beautiful, Des.  It has been fun for me to watch you build one of your masterpieces in real time. 

Chris

[mgunns]

Hello Des:

This is turning out to be another outstanding build.  Your work is very clean.  I am not keen the actual aircraft, but I like your model and seeing the model always is better than seeing a piece of artwork.
I never thought much about the cultural sensitivity of weathering, more a personal taste, I too like pristine models, howver lately I have been experimenting with weathering and oils.  Not a master by any means, but I am enjoying the affect.

Looking forward to seeing you wrap this up.

Best

Mark

[Des]

Thanks very much for all your wonderful comments.

The wings have now been fitted. The bottom wings have great locating lugs which fit perfectly into the fuselage giving a very solid fix. I fitted all the struts to the bottom wings and also the in-wing turnbuckles. The top wing had eyelets fitted to its underside then the wing was positioned onto the struts, the fit was excellent with the tops of the struts fitting beautifully into the locating holes in the wing. I have also started the rigging, the inner bay has been completed, I'm using 0.12mm monofilament. This is a beautifully engineered kit with me not having any fit issues during the build, but I tell you what, there are a heap of left over parts.

Here are a few photos showing the rigging so far, the gap between the top and bottom wings is quite large so this makes rigging very easy.

It is important to rig the undercarriage, with the wings fitted the undercarriage is quite weak so the rigging adds a lot of strength. Also take care with the wing struts, they are quite fine and could be broken if not handled wih care, this is not a criticism of the kit, just a warning.

Des.

[Ernie]

Up to your usual high standards, Des.  The rigging work is looking terrific, and I
appreciate the warnings of what to watch for.  I look forward to more updates.

Cheers,
Ernie

[rhallinger]

A beautiful build Des!  It's nice to see this one built up so well.  Thanks for leading the way and sharing. .

Cheers and huzzas,

Bob

[Chris Johnson]

Gretel's starting to look pretty attractive Des. Now that I've seen how high that top wing is, I might be tempted to build this kit myself as it makes rigging just that much easier to accomplish. As usual, this is another clean, crisp build.

Cheers,

Chris

[Jacek]

I really like the shading on the wings !
What nozzle you used in aerograf to the final shading ?
Turnbuckles and rigging perfect !
Jacek