The first of what I hope will be many WW I is the Fokker DR1 in 1/72 scale.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_F_DR1_006.JPG)(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_DSCF2602.JPG)
The little Triplane is easier than most due to the low amount of rigging required. In this case there is no rigging installed. The model is made from recycled pine and bamboo sticks for the struts. The level of detail is similar to WWII Recognition models with paint and decal. Paint is from Dreamcoat and the Iron Cross decals were home made. A final gloss coat was added to even things out. Some decals were painted over to blend, others were cut out with a new X-Acto blade.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_F_DR1_002.JPG)
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pid=4633
Nice Triplane Lou...
I am have to get back onto my SE5a and Hannover, now the evenings are closing in - I cut the parts in the spring but was somewhat disheartened when I realised how small WW1 planes are in 1/72 - and the Dr1 is one of the smaller ones so well done.
Regards
Will
Nice Lou!
I've only made one similar solid, a Gloster Grebe in 1/72, not really WW1 but mid '20s. I'm curious how you did the ribs. I used doped on note paper strips. Will is right, they make for tiny models in 1/72. I think the rigging on the Grebe took about 1/3 of the total build time but they make for very nice models when complete.
Mark
They are truly nice models, Lou. 1/72 scale is probably too small for some WW1 or light aircraft models. But, to my mind, this should be a primary advantage of solid scale. Should we not consider some in between scale - close to but resulting in a slightly larger product? Feedback on this topic would serve us all well before we get started building.
Cliff
There is a series of Gundam plastic kits in 1/60 and I think Lindbergh also did some in that scale. 1/48 would work too, giving the Triplane a 6-inch wingspan.
Gundam kits have absolutely nothing to do with WWI aircraft, by the way.
Thanks for the compliments. Inspiration comes and bites you in the ankle. In this case I was at my favorite model supply store when I noticed a completed 1/72 DR1 (kit). I just had to make my own. (http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Tom_Solury_Collection_001.jpg)
I recall this photo from Tom Solury's collection in the archives. I think these may be as large as 1/24 scale or at least 1/32. Thought of doing on of those still lingers whenever I look at the pictures.
http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/displayimage.php?pid=304
Lou
Have we ever had a WW1 Cook-up? ::) :P
I don't believe we ever had a WW I cook-up. Are you offering?
Lou
I haven't done a WWI plane since the Pup a couple of years ago and am eager to do another, most likely the Sopwith Triplane. When I build these planes I prefer to do 1/32 scale. The flying surfaces are solid but the fuselage is hollow and covered with silkspan. I know that's heresy here but I like to do my own thing! Hopefully, I can start on it in the beginning of 2011 after I get my current projects sorted out.
Ken Pugh
Define the Cook-up and see if it will be seconded. Scale, nationality, what type of machine, ect. . . WWI is just a bit vague.
I neglected to update this post. So many project so little time. The second WWI flying Machine was complete as part of a group cook-up.
(http://smm.solidmodelmemories.net/Gallery/albums/userpics/10004/normal_Spad_28329.JPG)
I am sure there will be more but perhaps in a larger scale.
Lou
I started an SE5A in 1/32 scale a few weeks ago and have some progress shots. I find that using the drawings on line leads you astray at times. Looking at the wing in a frontal view make it appear that the wing is much thicker than it actually is. Looking at photos I realize a lot more sanding is required.
Lou
Quote from: lastvautour on July 16, 2012, 11:55:34 AM
I find that using the drawings on line leads you astray at times. Looking at the wing in a frontal view make it appear that the wing is much thicker than it actually is.
Lou
Hi, Lou,
I have found that this is true of nearly all 3-views of WW1 biplanes as they look "straight" down the fuselage datum line and thus the underside of the wing-planes are visible due to their angle of attack. A lot of the older plans do however include the wing section which is usually quite thin with an under camber. The old books seem to suggest carving the undercamber before the upper airfoil.
Wait till you get to Austro-Hungarian WW1 aircraft with both undercamber and extreme aileron washout!!!
Regards
Will
Moving right along:
The wing ribbing has been applied including the false ribs (not show on photo) and the first coat of paint has been applied with a brush. The undercarriage is ready to accept the wheels which were made using 1/8 inch pieces from a 7/8 inch dowel and paper card stock circles with a pie slice removed. The undercarriage frame is pine and poplar. The fuselage is near worth taking a photo probably tomorrow.
Lou
The wings are almost ready for assembly.
Lou
Looking at the photo I see there is still rib work to be done on the aileron.
Lou
Rib work done and lower wing is attached to the fuselage. The cabane struts are on the bench.
Lou
PS the whirl is real as blowing on it creates a realistic spin.
That tape ribbing looks really effective Lou, I presume the overpainting seals the edges to prevent any peeling off? Regards Paul J.
Yes it does. I am currently doing rigging. A pain in the royal you know what. There are monofilm pieces sticking out everywhere. Once all threaded and glued tight it will look OK, but for now!!!
Lou
Slow and steady.
Cloths pins applying tension while the super glue dries. It normally only takes a few minutes but the preference is to let it sit for a few hours.
Lou
P.S. Two separate groups of rigging lines. 1st photo starboard, 2nd port
Hi Lou,
What are you using for the rigging? It looks like fishing line? Someone on the ships in bottles group I belong to uses the black string used for tying fishing flys and swears by it.
Peter
This one is monofilm fishing line. I have used thread fishing line also. I just happen to have the clear stuff handy.
Lou
Nice going so far Lou. The use of a type of thread used initially for fishing lures is one of those ideas that belong in a special place with SMM. For your information I've tried thread for aircraft rigging. I've been concerned about the durability of thread but having some thread last for about at least 50 years I guess I can try it. Also I've concluded that making wings in two halves and then gluing them together has facilitated threading and rigging.To this end I was hoping that I'd be able to just pull one or at most two thread ends and then they would all be in place. It worked to a degree.
Cliff.
Threading the rigging has never been a fun part for me but in this scale absolutely necessary. The decals are printed and sprayed with clear. Another hour or so and they can be applied.
Lou
My very first 1/32 WWI biplane is complete. DecoArt paints and home made decals as with most of my projects.
Lou
I am liking that a lot Lou, the tapework and the rigging look really effective. Well done, another exxcellent addition to your collection. Regards Paul J.
Looks good, Lou. I'm sure Ray is pleased to see this model.
Ken Pugh
I recall Ray asking if I could make one for him ages ago. Sorry Ray, this one stays north of the border. Thanks you Ken and Paul.
Lou
PS Saw the movie Flyboys this morning. The first scenes show an SE5A. Neat!!!
Hi Lou. Its too bad the pilot in the cockpit in your photo moved just as you were taking the picture. ;) Outside of that it's another great addition to your collection. But again what type of tape did you use for the ribbing? I suppose anyway it is probably too large for the scale I hope to work in.
Cliff.
I've just now taken a closer look at your SE5. It certainly is a fine replica. You have attained a great deal of detail. Congratulations .
I used ordinary blue masking tape cut over glass for the ribs.
Lou