Awhile back I jokingly asked Lance Carroll on a thread here if I could interest him in a Salmson build, knowing full well that he had a number of other projects planned for the foreseeable future, and that he'd likely decline the opportunity. I wasn't wrong but much to my surprise, MGunns stepped up to the plate and offered to build his in concert with me. Having flapped my gums, it was time to put my money where my mouth was, so I accepted Mark's offer and immediately ordered the kit. And away we go!
Rowan and Sabine Broadbent have graciously donated their Salmson decal set #32050 for my project and I will be marking my aircraft as one from 24th Aero Squadron USAS, circa November 1918.
As Mark pointed out to me, the Salmson 9Z water-cooled radial engine was ahead of it's time, so that adds some interest to the project. The following images show the engine under construction, straight OOB, painted in Tamiya colours.
I had intended to add the spark plug leads but when I dry fit the radiator it was immediately obvious that it completely hid the front of the engine so that none of the leads would be visible. As I lean to only adding detail where it can be seen, I decided against adding them.
I weathered the engine as I went along, using various washes and glazes of Lamp Oil and Engine Grease oil paints.
WnW have done an exceptional job with this engine. Everything fits like a glove and I think it builds up into a very busy looking piece of machinery.
I have to say I'm a bit disappointed that the radiator completely hides the front of the engine from view. That being the case, I think I'll consider leaving one or more of the engine access panels off so at least a profile view of it can be seen.
Thanks for dropping by for a look.
Cheers,
Chris
