Author Topic: WNW Sopwith Camel (Comic) (Read 12716 times)

Matt · « **on:** June 30, 2017, 01:21:01 AM »

OK, my first post and first build on WW1 models.

I decided that a WNW Camel 'Le Rhone' would be a good starter, and then one thing led to another and I thought maybe I could do a 'Comic' Camel... didn't look too involved a conversion...?

The main things I needed to do were:

move the pilots station one section back*;
create a new solid front decking*;
add oil and fuel tank openings*;
fill ejection chutes on forward fuselage side*;
add a headrest;
make or steal, from another kit, the wing top gun mountings and guns;
move the internals around to match new pilot position.

Those with an asterisk I have done.

Pictures, you say. In next post when I've sussed how to put images up here...

Matt

Matt · « **Reply #1 on:** June 30, 2017, 01:33:45 AM »

So, first image.

Main altered parts laid out. The fuselage interior structure has had throttle, pump etc removed, ready to be 're-bolted' further back. New upper cowl is comprised the original WNW decking with a plasticard and epoxy car filler front end. I'll need to indicate the join between wooden upper deck and the aluminium front end - either scribed or a piece of alu tape suitably shaped..

Green cockpit coaming is a piece of electrical wire pushed back into itself (wire into sheathing) and then bent to correct shape. It'll need blending when it is glued into pace. I also need to replicate the extended wooden decking behind the 'pit opening that is canvas on standard Camels - just some sanding and a little filling needed I think.

Matt · « **Reply #2 on:** June 30, 2017, 01:38:35 AM »

Decking sat in place (small bit of plasticard filling a hole at front of decking needs shaping).

That coaming fits a lot better than this photo indicates..

Matt · « **Reply #3 on:** June 30, 2017, 01:44:43 AM »

Here's a better view of everything (currently balanced) in a Camel sorta shape...

I think, as others have said, that moving the 'pit backwards gives the machine a much more stylish, less pugnacious look... which I really like..

Matt · « **Reply #4 on:** June 30, 2017, 01:52:39 AM »

Top view, emphasising the rearward location of the 'pit...

So, that's it for the moment. This evening I want to start on reattaching interior parts and maybe scratching up the headrest.

Handily, the nav lights and flare holders are included in the WNW base sprues, so no need to scratch these. Though as the only engine used is allegedly the 'Le Rhone' you'll need that boxing for this conversion.

jamieg · « **Reply #5 on:** June 30, 2017, 02:40:23 AM »

Very neat.

coyotemagic · « **Reply #6 on:** June 30, 2017, 02:51:43 AM »

You're off to a brilliant start, Matt! Thank you for posting these here. What scheme are you planning on doing?
Cheers,
Bud

Matt · « **Reply #7 on:** June 30, 2017, 03:03:41 AM »

Thanks guys...

Scheme-wise, I'm not sure yet.

Was it the one you did, Bud, that had the Brunswick Green type colour developed by the pilot's family paint firm? That i recall as looking pretty neat...

Matt

coyotemagic · « **Reply #8 on:** June 30, 2017, 03:10:22 AM »

Yep, that was the one, Matt. I had a tough time finding a decent Brunswick green, which is the same color as Pennsylvania Railroad locomotives, and finally settled on Floquil.
Cheers,
Bud

lcarroll · « **Reply #9 on:** June 30, 2017, 03:34:31 AM »

Great start Matt, and a project I've been considering for some time as well. I've planned to do a Comic using the Hobbycraft Kit however I have ended up with two Wingnut Clerget Camels along with a LeRhone version, and the LeRhone Sprue is available from Wingnut Wings as an A/M part. I'll be following your Build with great interest!
Cheers,
Lance

Juan · « **Reply #10 on:** June 30, 2017, 04:24:59 AM »

Great start Matt, looks awesome what you have done to date. Looking forward to your progress (as soon as you finish this beauty, WNW will release it due to your inspiration and perspiration).

Matt · « **Reply #11 on:** June 30, 2017, 05:50:37 AM »

Cheers folks...

I may have a couple of questions about finer details as I proceed. One thing I am not sure about is the petrol pump. Clearly from photos it isn't placed to the stbd of the pilot as is often see (maybe in way of gun mounting?). So, I assume the Camel had to have the pump otherwise poor pilot would be pumping away for the whole flight...

So, does this mean the pump is down on the u/c struts somewhere? None of the photos I have (3 in number and well known at that) really give a hint, but it is usually dark in that belly area. So any thoughts gratefully received.

Matt

Des · « **Reply #12 on:** June 30, 2017, 07:05:09 AM »

You have made a great start with this awesome conversion Matt, what you have achieved so far looks brilliant.

Des.

PrzemoL · « **Reply #13 on:** June 30, 2017, 07:11:01 AM »

Truly a great idea and fine start to make it reality. But I hope you know the first modelling Murphy's law... As soon as you have this build ready WNW will surely release the Camel Comic kit.

coyotemagic · « **Reply #14 on:** June 30, 2017, 07:15:02 AM »

Quote from: PrzemoL on June 30, 2017, 07:11:01 AM

Truly a great idea and fine start to make it reality. But I hope you know the first modelling Murphy's law... As soon as you have this build ready WNW will surely release the Camel Comic kit.

I hope so. My favorite of all Camel variants. Thanks again, Matt, for throwing yourself on the sword for us all.
Cheers,
Bud