Wingnut Wings 1:32 Albatros B.II Early

[FarEast]

For the full build log head over to here:

http://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=6683.0

[stefanbuss]

That's a beauty with absolute high level of photography (which you will have heard a thousand times by now). Nonetheless there is something that still disturbs me: does she have a list to port, or is it some kind of visual anomaly?

S.

[FarEast]

Stefan, tomorrow I'll post a photo of why she seems to list over, it's actually to do with how I make my bases than the model.

[lcarroll]

James,
   She's just absolutely superb, a magnificent specimen of the aircraft modeller's art! The rigging is incredibly well done and the representation of a CDL finish is the best I've seen here. My hat's off to you, what a stunning Build!
Cheers,
Lance

[lone modeller]

Simply marvellous model and a fantastic build thread. Now anyone can build one like you …… I think not! Everything about the model screams quality.

Stephen.

[Des]

An absolute gem of a model, the overall finish on this model is superb and the rigging is excellent, very well done James.

Des.

[FarEast]

Thank you guys..... here is a spoiler




It was an overcast day and the light direction was perfect in my sons room!

[FarEast]

That's a beauty with absolute high level of photography (which you will have heard a thousand times by now). Nonetheless there is something that still disturbs me: does she have a list to port, or is it some kind of visual anomaly?

S.

Stefan as you can see the base is not actually flat (Like real fields)  so I think while taking the shots the first few the right wheel may have been on one of the tufts or ridges in the mud.

Here is a basic breakdown of how I make the bases.

1/. Tamiya earth is laid on the base and spread around - I have a wheel jig made up so I can run tracks over the wet surface. and make multiple tracks along the same lines over and over again - just the same as how they would be formed in real life. Slowly the ridges will be pushed outwards and higher areas or islands will be formed.

2/. Dark green static grass is laid over the entire board these are the lower grass leaves and I usually use 1.5 to 2.5 mixed grass.

3/. Spring tones are now applied using a lighter green to represent the fresher grass leaves these are again 2.5mm and also mixed in with 5-6mm beige static grass for dead seed stalks and other foliage that may have grown and died.

Finally not shown in either this photo or the finished scene are the flowers - in the close up of the backdrop there are poppies these will also be added randomly - the best way to do this is to take a small handful of rice and throw them upwards over the base, where they land is where you plant the poppies - it's far to easy to think you are being random when in fact your not.

I'm actually working on a tutorial for this as the Albatros will not be living on the board shown in the photos but on a round base that depicts the Albatros on Spring day just after it has rained for the display cabinet.

[coyotemagic]

Truly sensational work, James, on both the model and the base.
Cheers,
Bud

[Der Phönix]

Well, it's certainly a pretty airplane and a lovely base. You are to be commended on your painting abilities, Far East.

But I must admit to being confused by a couple of issues. I understand that the base is intentionally uneven, but, I've now seen many other photos of this same build elsewhere. It's not so much that the plane is listing to port, which I find quite charming, if that's indeed what you intended,  it's that there is a pronounced anhedral in all four wings that I cannot find in any photo of the real kite. Also, I can't find any photograph reference to support the wheels being splayed out to such a degree or the undercart axel being bowed. Likewise the extreme angle of the ailerons. There also seem to be some rather saggy struts.

Perhaps this is supposed to represent a battle weary and tired old crate. If so, it's a marvelous job!

I hope you don't find my critique over much....after all, we all need a second pair of eyes and mine have seen more than a few aircraft, of all vintages, in the past 60+ years.

Carry on....you've made a marvelous start in the hobby.

Best regards,
DP

[FarEast]

Thanks for the comment DP and no not at all - its nice to have peer review.

I'm going to take her out of the cabinet and take a look at the wheel struts and maybe remove the lines to see how she sits without them as that might be the root of the issue. As for the struts - sadly two of them were snapped during the build after something fell on it (The wife threw a towel on the work bench and didn't see the model drying ) and that could be the cause - it was repaired with brass rod but once they go it is very hard to get them back..... unless you can part with some wisdom.

[stefanbuss]

Finally not shown in either this photo or the finished scene are the flowers - in the close up of the backdrop there are poppies these will also be added randomly - the best way to do this is to take a small handful of rice and throw them upwards over the base, where they land is where you plant the poppies - it's far to easy to think you are being random when in fact your not.

Agreed for the random-ism. Those puppies are... what? photoetch items? selfmade (how)?

[gedmundson]

Well done James, it's been great to follow this build of inspiring work. I love your CDL and rigging- superb!
Cheers,
Gary

[FarEast]

Thank you Gary 

[Der Phönix]

Thanks for the comment DP and no not at all - its nice to have peer review.

I'm going to take her out of the cabinet and take a look at the wheel struts and maybe remove the lines to see how she sits without them as that might be the root of the issue. As for the struts - sadly two of them were snapped during the build after something fell on it (The wife threw a towel on the work bench and didn't see the model drying ) and that could be the cause - it was repaired with brass rod but once they go it is very hard to get them back..... unless you can part with some wisdom.

Sounds a good plan....

Best regards,
DP