The RCAF flew Sopwith Camels until 1928. My Camel will be 1/32 scale. Construction has started with the fuselage. I originally attached the forward fuselage fairings. I found this would be problematic in doing the cockpit. hence a new fuselage was cut. The cockpit arae is cut from the main fuselage and the fairings and upper forward area was glued to form a subassembly. Once glued, it creates a solid structure ready for detailing. Inner ribbing is bamboo doweling taken from a dollar store placemat. The seat is a two-piece affair with paper and copper wire seatbelt.
Lou
Looks great so far Lou.
looking forward to progress shots.
Cheers
Gordon
Thank you Gordon. The Ventura has priority, and I also have a Sunderland on the go so it may be a while before I get back to it.
Lou
Printed the instrument panel on heavy bond paper. The wings are rough cut and the tail feathers have been thinned down and cut to shape.
Lou
I am using hand brushed colours. Wing rib pattern are done, and a primer coat has been applied.
Lou
Wings upper surfaces painted.
Lou
Looking good Lou.
Took me a while to get to this stage with the Triplane.
Cheers
Gordon
Thank you Gordon. I am slowly putting it together.
Lou
Some more fiddling.
Lou
Paint schemed changed several times before deciding on a Camel flown by Canadian pilot William Barker with 22 victories. Canada had no air force in WWI and its pilots flew with the Royal Flying Corp. Fuselage stripes are being applied.
Lou
I've been following the progress of your nice looking Sopwith. The open cockpit details are excellent! The engine is well done and shows how much metal was spinning around on the rotary style engines. Looking forward to further pictures.
Fraser
Thank you Fraser.
Lou
Major assemblies glued and rigging has begun. I wish I could get elastic thread. instead I am using grey nylon thread. No photos worth doing at this stage. Hopefully, it will be a 2022 build.
Lou
Disaster occurred this morning. I should have run the struts through the wings in the first place. This should not overly delay the project.
Lou
I hope it is easily overcome.
Cheers
Gordon
I was doing the rigging when I twisted the top wing and everything came apart. Pushing the struts through the wing should eliminate that weak point.
Lou
Nice repair Lou! Good to see that there is an alternate strut attachment method.
Fraser
Rigging has resumed. I need to print some more roundels. I may not be finished by years end as renovations continue despite the closeness of Christmas.
Lou
I never thought of using that method to support and rig a biplane. Thanks Lou!
Fraser
Roll out 24 Dec 22. The Camel were on strength with the RCAF until 1928 and used for pilot proficiency. This Camel, a WWI example, represents one flown by Canadian Ace Wing Commander William Barker. He is the most decorated Canadian serviceman of all time with a Victoria Cross, A Distinguish Service Order with Bar, the Military Cross, two Italian Silver Medals for Military Valour, and the French Croix de guerre.
Lou
Another excellent result Lou. Well Done !
Gordon
Thank you Gordon. This was a reminder why I don't do many biplanes. I have ordered elastics thread once again. The last time did not work out.
Lou
The sopwith looks great all finished and rigged out!
Regards
Fraser
Thank you Fraser.
Lou