Eduard 1/48 SE5a Nightfighter

[Gisbod]

Hi all,

Thought I ought to get back to proper WW1 after the Vildebeest build..

Hopefully will end up as an article in ‘Scale Aviation Modeller’ - if I don’t make a pigs ear of it.

This build was mainly prompted by the subject matter - Lt. W.R. Oulton AFC of 143 Squadron, of whom I am lucky enough to have his medals:













He won the AFC for his actions in this aircraft against the Gothas & Zeppelins raiders on Southen England.

I have made a start but no pictures just yet. First impressions are an excellently detailed kit, very high part count in the cockpit for a 1/48 kit. My main concern is the rib stitch detail, which whilst excellently done, is nevertheless, overdone. So do I leave it be or try and sand it down a notch and risk spoiling the surfaces? Hmmm.

There are lots of Brassin extras for this kit. However, I’m struggling to see the differences from the kit parts? I’m holding off from those for the time being. I am tempted, however, by the HGW fabric seatbelts set, as I think the kit belts (lovely as they are) depict a later aircraft with shoulder harnesses. The HGW set also have those lovely separate buckles. 

My other question is colour. The specially developed night colour - NIVO (Night Invisible Varnish Orfordness) - how did it differ from PC10?

Thanks for looking in,


Guy

[Ryan]

Signed up and watching Guy.

I would leave the stitching alone, no need to over complicate things... at my age this is the way I see it, life is too short.

Ryan

[Gisbod]

Excellent advice Ryan!

I’d just be opening a can of worms.. thanks

Guy

[Bughunter]

Hm, I think I have an "deja-vu"? Some internal voice told me, I should know this some how?

Regarding your NIVO question:
I followed the Eduard recommendation and used Gunze.
That color has also a own Wikipedia entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NIVO
Please see the color bar on the right side and the definitions below that. And you have a picture of an aircraft with that color.

Cheers,
Frank

[Gisbod]

Evening,

She’s moving along nicely. It’s like making a Wingnut’s kit. Lovely detail and fit. I’ve made a start on the initial paint run. MRP Doped Linen as a base coat for the oils. I had to experiment quite a bit for this scale. I tried acrylic and enamels but settled on my standard artists oils, but (copying Ryan), I diluted them quite heavily with artists turps and a splash of Uschi’s quick drying solution. It took me ages to get it to what I considered to be acceptable.

I hope it looks understated? I think it’s a bit harder the smaller the scale. Still lots to do. Detail painting up next.


Guy














Lovely photo etch fret:

[Gisbod]

Hm, I think I have an "deja-vu"? Some internal voice told me, I should know this some how?

Regarding your NIVO question:
I followed the Eduard recommendation and used Gunze.
That color has also a own Wikipedia entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NIVO
Please see the color bar on the right side and the definitions below that. And you have a picture of an aircraft with that color.

Cheers,
Frank

Ah thanks Frank, that’s helpful.


Guy

[Bughunter]

Oh, the PE is improved! In my Royal kit there was only the belt set on the upper left corner, the two wide ones are new.

Have fun with this build,
Frank

[Ryan]

Guy it looks just fine.


Ryan

[Ryan]

and yes it takes a few applications to get it right.

[Gisbod]

So after a bit of research - Tamiya XF-61 Dark Green seems the go to, out of the bottle’ option...

The original colour is described as a dark grey/ green with a noticeable sheen (later abandoned as it was considered too reflective from searchlights).

Guy

[gbrivio]

Nice start on your S.E.5a, will follow with interest.
Ciao
Giuseppe

[Gisbod]

Thanks Giuseppe,

I’ve finished the detail painting..

This is the best I can get to on the IP - please bear in mind it’s macro photography & 1/48 scale so go easy on me.. All I can say is it looks good on the bench with normal reading glasses on!


Guy

[Ryan]

Guy there absolutely is a perfect viewing distance in our hobby and the camera can be very cruel.

On my screen that part looks to be about 4 times the size it actually is...it's a great paint job.

Ryan

[RAGIII]

I think the interior wood and IP look stunning. Could pass easily for a larger scale!
RAGIII

[Gisbod]

Evening all,


I’ve had to wait on the HGW seat belts from Hannants. Finally arrived today...


So I’ve finished the cockpit. For side rigging I used Uschi’s elastic thread. I’m not really a fan, but I couldn’t think of anything else that would have done the job. The rudder cables are back to monofilament. I’ve cut the Vickers in two to ease painting (not shown fitted in the photos). The kit is spectacularly good, it really is a Wingnuts kit in disguise!























The engine is very nice, it looks detailed but has a very low parts count. I’ve added some brass wire as per period pictures, but nothing else. I haven't added any ignition wiring. I’m not sure how much you’d see in this scale.











Next up is painting I think.



Thanks


Guy


Ps I’ve spruced up the IP Krow, and thanks Rick!