Curtiss Hydroaeroplane

[Des]

Thanks Ermeio for your kind words, they are much appreciated.

I have completed the tail booms. I painted them to simulate a bamboo colour, the black bands are made from 1.0mm wide Tamiya tape coloured with black permanent marker then cut to 4.0mm lengths and wrapped around the booms, a little touch of CA makes sure they stay in place. The rigging is done using 0.12mm mono, once fitted they are painted with Mr Metal color stainless. I am awaiting the arrival of my elastic rigging material to do the tail rigging.

Des.







This next photo has no real significance to the tail and booms, I just like the photo   

[coyotemagic]

Pure modeling magic, Des!  I have never seen anything so sublime.  Mate, with each of your scratchbuilds I think, "this is as good as it gets", then you turn around a top it. 
Cheers,
Bud

[WarrenD]

I just like the photo too Des. 

Question: mono-filament line is hard to paint at time. What do you use to paint your mono, or what method, if I may ask?

Warren

[Des]

Thanks Bud and Warren for your much too kind comments.

After each of my monofilament rigging lines are fitted I paint them with Mr Metal Color Stainless, I use a soft long haired brush running the brush along the mono, be sure to protect the surface of the model though as the very thin lacquer based paint can easily splatter if the brush slips off the mono. The paint dries within seconds and once dry can be buffed to a nice sheen if required.

Des.

[Ernie]

Awe inspiring work, Des.  The rigging looks superb although
I am curious as to why the elastic material for the tail. Is it a
question of trying to reduce the tension?  Also in this case,
what type of material you would use for that job? 
  You are an amazing modeller, my friend!

Cheers,
Ernie

[Des]

Thank you Ernie for your very nice comments, I really appreciate all the words you leave.

The tail plane on this model is only very thin hence pretty weak, I attempted to rig the tail using my usual 0.12mm mono but even with great care it applied too much pressure causing the tail to deform. I ordered some ModelKasten 0.13mm stretch rigging from Hobby Link Japan, this product has a round section and is a bit stiffer than the usual elastic thread, this will make it easier to thread the line through the brass tube that I use. My order was posted a week ago so I should have it soon, but I still have plenty to do while I am waiting.

I have made the two ailerons which fit between the upper and lower wings, they mount in the centre on the wing struts, quite an unusual set-up but very effective.

Des.

[jeanluc maumejean]

fantastic work I admire

Bravo boss

[lone modeller]

Just catching up after being away again. Just wonderful Des - you really re the Master and no mistake. I especially like your choice of off-beat subjects but I am also learning so much from each instalment!

[IFF1418]

Des, I am so sorry not having followed this extraterrestrial build. I was absent from the forum for some time and had a lot to catch up. But now I was able to study your magnificent log of a magnificent build in one time. After two hours of reading, looking, being amazed and most of the time not believing that this was a scale build – but I had to believe when seeing the matches – I was silent for some time. I always admired those talented scratchbuilders, but what I’ve seen here is truly the top of modeling. I thought I saw the limit with the “Battaille”, but this is even better. I think everything is already said about your beautiful, skilled work by so many forum members so I only say : “I make a bow for you my friend”.

Kind regards
Patrick

[Des]

I am overwhelmed with the response I have been getting from the members of the forum, thank you so much and also thank you to Jeanluc, LM and Patrick, your thoughts are very important to me.

Des.

[radio]

So extrafine model Des.
It was wonderful to follow your build.
Martin

[kornbeef]

Des.

I'm not going to say much apart from firstly apologising for not following this from the start.
Other than that just to say it is absolutely stunning work and well deserved of the praise everyone is giving.


Keith

[PrzemoL]

Spectacular... I know, I ran out of superlatives.

[Des]

My many thanks to Martin, Keith and Przemol for your very kind words.

Des.

[BigBlue]

Holy cow!

I have only just now stumbled into the Scratch builds thread and this build.  Des, as has been said many times (and will be said many more) this is a joy to behold!  Truly beautiful.  I LOVE it!

Chris