WNW Albatros DV - Kurt Monnington Jasta 15 & 18

[Chris Johnson]

Looks very good Lance. In particular, that woven effect lozenge is extremely realistic looking.

Cheers,

Chris

[uncletony]

looks nice, esp the shot of the rudder.

[Maxfinn]

Lance, the fabric decals look great on the lozenge!  I used them a couple years ago on Roden's DH-2.  I liked the effect, but on a solid color like PC-10 and especially CDL, they really needed to be toned down a lot after they were on.  I figured at the time that they would be spectacular over lozenge, but these are the first pictures I've seen if it.

Well done!

Mike

[lcarroll]

Mike,
   I'm sold on it as well. It looks best on the lighter lower lozenge however I find the WNW upper version a little dark, it will need some toning for sure which I hope doesn't cover the fabric effect. More photos once I start down that path.
Cheers,
Lance

[lcarroll]

   The next step has been completed with the shading of the flying surfaces in preparation for the final top coat.
   All were given two coats of Model Master Acryl Flat to provide surface adhesion for the dry pastels used. After allowing 48 hours drying time Tamiya tape strips were used to mask the rib locations. I only had black as an option; my pastel "Beginner's Set" is limited. I'm very happy with the results on all the upper (darker) surfaces. The chalk stick was sanded to provide a powder, applied with a make-up applicator donated by the Mrs.  and also "Q Tips", the North American version of cotton buds. The make-up brush proved perfect to remove excess and collect the "droppings" for re-use.


   The tapes were then carefully removed pulling them back onto themselves (As Bud, who provided this method, stated) Only two tiny spots started to "lift" the decals along an edge, careful shifting to pulling from the opposite direction saved the day!
   And the results to tops and bottoms after the tape removal. The bottom, light blue, surfaces are too heavy IMHO, a grey would have worked much better. I'll be looking for several greys on my next shopping trip to the big City for sure.


The bottom surface....

  And the rest of the bits:


   All parts were rubbed down with a soft dry cloth after further blending with Q-Tips and will now recieve a coat of Acryl Semi-Gloss to seal the surfaces. In retrospect I should have applied the crosses to the bottoms of the lower wings, I'll have to repeat a little of the process once they are on.
   Now, on to that all black fuselage. Any ideas/hints on how to get some tonal variation on the presently uniform black paint job
would be most welcome...................?!?!
Cheers,
Lance

[pepperman42]

Great looking weathering. For the black variation I would simply add solid black to the NATO black or a dark blue, dark green to the black. Adding white to the NATO black might make it too grey.

Steve

[Chris Johnson]

Looks like you picked up the hang of pastel weathering right off the get-go Lance. Well done!

Cheers,

Chris

[uncletony]

Looks great!

[GAJouette]

  Lance,
Beautiful work with the weathering my old friend. I'm highly impresses with your use of the textured overlay on the lozenge decals. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the black fuselage.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette

[lcarroll]

Another update at last. This is definitely progressing slowly, too many interuptions to the building schedule makes Lance a very dull and frustrated little man!
I have added the extra plumbing for the fuel system, installed the Merc. and oil tank, finished the upper wing with the exception of replacing the pressure venturi on the pressure tank, and finally finished the fuselage painting (contrasting blacks and a lot of soft pastel work to provide panel demarcation and different tones) The lower wings and empennage components are dry fitted at this point.
First, the engine compartment with the added fuel lines.

......and with the engine and oil tank installed (still need to "de-fuzz and oil wash the lines)

   The upper wing with Radiator installed. I'll be adding the shutter linkage and control (already built) later. Also managed to break off and lose the venturi on the radiator pressure tank, have another made and ready for later. The pressure line to the tank directly from the radiator was an add on.

   I masked the various panels with Tamiya tape to spray a different tone of black on alternate panels for contrast using dark brown to varying amounts to create a less monotone black effect.

   Next came a final coat of Semi Gloss Acrylic Clear (Modelmaster) and after 48 hours a lot of soft pastel work on the panel lines and contrasting panels using various mixes of grey and lots of buffing. The chipping was done with the Hairspray technique and some dry brushing, more to follow on a few of the scratches I missed!





 
    Next I hope to do a few minor repairs, set the lower wings and mount the upper, then it's a day or so of rigging. Unfortunately I have to run off to work for 6-7 days so yet another interuption in the build schedule!
    Almost can see the end, wonderful kit but not my best work due to the "on again/off again" nature of the build. Thanks for looking, all and any comments or suggestions most welcome!
Cheers,
Lance

[uncletony]

looks really nice Lance!

[Des]

Excellent progress Lance, you have mastered the weathering technique very well, it is a really impressive result. Your work on the engine is superb resulting in a very realistic looking engine, and the cockpit detailing is brilliant, extremely well done. I like the textured decals, gives a very nice fabric "feel" to the surfaces, I have yet to use these particular decals but like you, all I have heard is good reports. I'm looking forward to seeing your next update, this is going to be a very impressive model once completed.

Des.

[kornbeef]

Seconds all that Des said. 

[Chris Johnson]

Of any single colour paint scheme, I believe that black is the most difficult one to execute effectively and you're doing an excellent job with this Lance. It doesn't matter a whit that life has gotten in the way at times and progress hasn't been as rapid as you'd like. The results you're achieving are worth waiting for so take your time and don't hurry any of it. She's looking good!

Cheers,

Chris

[Dal Gavan]

Lance, that's just beautiful.  The fabric effect decals have worked very well and you've got the weathering on the black fuselage just right. 

I sympathise with your frustration at interruptions, mate, but it hasn't had any effect on the quality of your work.

Dal.