Another Dolphin

[Des]

I will be showing photos here of my Wingnuts Sopwith Dolphin build but it won't be a full build log, the build log can be found on my website; https://ww1aircraftmodels.com/page59.html where there is a detailed description of the build.

The build so far has been very enjoyable, the kit itself is a remarkable piece of engineering with excellent detail and very pricise fit of parts. Main issue to date was fitting the engine to the fuselage frame, quite a bit of manipulation was needed to get the engine to site correctly but it did eventually go into position without any damage. I replaced the 16 plastic moulded spark plugs with 16 aluminium spark plugs from RB Motion.

Des.

[GB]

Very crisp clean build Des. Excellent work indeed.

Gary

[bobs_buckles]

Progressing beautifully, Des 
Cheers,
vB

[RLWP]

You've got a good colour on that copper header tank, very subtle. Copper as it oxidises goes from a surprising pink to a dull brown. That looks just right

Nice work

Richard

[mgunns]

I scoped out your build log Des:  Outstanding per usual.  As mentioned your use of paint to replicate tones and hues is truly an example of the modelers art.  I am glad to see I am not alone in finding the engine to frame assembly a bit "challenging."  I wonder if putting the engine in first and then the magazine/IP assembly wouldn't ease that assembly?  I think that is the most critical part of the whole build as the entire front alignment rests on the engine/magazine/I.P. and oil tank assembly to all be in alignment otherwise, the engine hood won't sit properly and the gun barrels will be off as well.  Do you plan on displaying the model with the engine hood off to show off that engine detail?  I will be following your build as I get back to mine.

[Gisbod]

Beautiful Des!

I’ve just started mine and I’m wondering how to neatly tackle the internal rigging? Not a lot of plastic/ space to play with!

Proving to be a popular kit...

Guy

[Gisbod]

Ps is there something wrong with the engine dimensions then? Or is it just a tight fit?

Guy

[pepperman42]

Not bad. So you've built a model before?

Steve

[RAGIII]

Outstanding as always Des. Now I have three great builds to look at for my Dolphin!
RAGIII

[lcarroll]

    Very nice work, Des, the detail you've added is impressive to say the least. How have you done the hose clamps on all the copper lines, they look far to "crisp" for painted versions? The ignition harness is eye catching as well, a real challenge in my experience when using wire however yours are perfect!
Cheers,
Lance

[lone modeller]

Gobsmacked....as usual!

Stephen.

[Des]

Thanks very much guys for all your wonderful comments, they are much appreciated.

Guy - The engine dimensions are probably correct to scale, it is just a tight fit in the frame, main issue is getting the magnetos to slide under the magazine boxes. I added ignition leads to my magnetos so they may have contributed to the tightness of fit.

Lance - For the hose clamps I simply cut a length of Tamiya tape to 0.3mm wide, then I "paint" the thin piece of tape with an Artline 900XF Silver Metallic Ink marking pen, once dry I then cut the tapes into short lengths then wrap it around each hose, small adjustments to the position of the tape can be made using a tooth pick, a small drop of CA holds it in place perfectly.

Steve - Yep, I've made one or two models in the past 

Mark - Once all the internals were fitted and the engine added I did a trial fit of the two fuselage sides thinking that they be a bit tight as well, to my surprise they were a perfect fit if no interference at all with the fuselage frame, engineering at its finest.

Des.

[coyotemagic]

Your typical top end craftsmanship, Des!  Like all your builds, a joy to follow.
Cheers,
Bud

[Manni]

Wow, Des! an other proof of your outstanding craftsmanship.
Chapeau,
Manni

[Des]

I managed to button up the fuselage today, it went together extremely well, even the front cowl and top cowl fitted with no issues what so ever.

Des.