sandbagger

Hi all, I've rigged the following flight controls cables and bracing wires: Twin rudder cables, twin elevator control cables, single tail plane adjuster cables, upper fin bracing wires and tail plane bracing wires. Materials used were: ‘GasPatch’ Elite Accessories metal turnbuckles Type C (1:48th scale). '‘Stroft GTM’ Mono-Filament 0.08 mm diameter line. 'MFH’ 0.4 mm diameter Clear tube (P-957). Now it's onto more construction work, Mike

Hi all, A couple of additions to the model. The filler on the top of the fuselage, forward from the pilots cockpit, had a copper pipe fitted in the neck of the filler. That pipe was routed towards and down through the fuselage and into the cockpit. Holes of 0.4 mm diameter were drilled into the filler neck and through the fuselage. Annealed copper wire of 0.28 mm diameter was bent to shape and secured in the holes with thin CA adhesive. The radiator shutters were controlled by the pilot, using a lever inside the cockpit, routed through the side of the fuselage to a bell-crank. This was connected to the operating bell-crank located on the right side of the radiator cowl. The two levers were connected by two crossed cables. Mike

Hi all, The propeller and observers Lewis machine guns. The 'Proper Plane' propeller has 'Tamiya' Buff (XF55) linen wrapping at the blade tips. 'Tamiya' Weather Master Set A (Sand) was sponged lightly along the curved leading edges of the blades (to represent sand erosion). The lift cords for the twin Lewis machine gun mount were made from silk thread, Mike

Hi all, Here's the basic fuselage, wings etc weathered. I wanted to keep the weathering subtle, given this aircraft was operating in Palestine, not the Western Front. The linen effect decals were airbrushed with a tint of 'Alclad' Light Sheen (ALC311) with a few drops of 'Tamiya' Desert Yellow (XF59). I've used 'AK Interactive' weather pencils Sand (10009) and Smoke (10003) to very lightly highlight around the fuselage stitching and along rib tapes. Mike

Hi all, Here's the basic fuselage. The linen effect decals were airbrushed with a tint of 'Alclad' Light Sheen (ALC311) with a few drops of 'Tamiya' Desert Yellow (XF59). Additional weathering was applied using 'Flory Models' Sand and Dark Dirt clay wash. Also 'AK Interactive' Kerosene (AK2039) and Oil (AK2019) washes around filler caps etc. The engine upper access panels are temporarily located for the photographs, Mike

Hi Kevin, Thanks. The intention is to represent the PC10 colour as faded in the Palestine climate. This aircraft operated through 1917 with No.111 Squadron (RFC) and was then passed on to No.1 squadron (AFC) in February 1918. I working right now to add some weathering to the parts before continuing with the construction, Mike

Hi all, Just the basic figures assembled for the model. ‘Kellerkind’ RFC mechanic middle East (54/107), ‘Copper State Models’ Aussie Digger (F32-052), ‘Master Box’ Camel and rider from box set (MB3564). I used a 'Pyrogravure' (essentially a very small soldering iron) to heat and form the fur on the camels and texture for the saddle blankets and tassels. Mike

Hi all, The basic decal and fuselage painting are done. I used ‘Aviattic’ Bleached Clear Doped Linen (ATT32044) for the undersides. The Off White Linen (ATT32241) for top surfaces and the rest PC10 Medium Linen (ATT32090). All applied on a gloss white base coat. The painted forward fuselage and panels were airbrushed with 'Hataka' lacquer paint and mixed to match the PC10 decal colour. 'Hataka’ black top paint Vert Fonce (C124) with Medium Green (CO19) to a ration of 50/50 and thinned with approximately 35% ‘Mr. Colour’ self levelling thinner 400. The white serial number was created using cut masks from de-tacked 'Tamiya' masking sheet. Still a bit more to do for weathering and detail painting before construction continues, Mike

Hi all, The basic modification to the engine access panels, although not yet finished. The upper access panels have had their blisters removed. Also, the panel locating tabs were removed and their locating recesses filled. These panels were secured together with an added 0.5 mm diameter Brass rod to represent the centre hinge. The three lower panels have had their air intake scoops reduced in thickness to look more in-scale. Mike

Hi all, Photographs of this particular aircraft show what seems to be an ‘in-field’ modification to the two upper access panels over the engine The blister on each panel was needed to clear the panel from the engine upper coolant pipes. On this aircraft the blisters were cut away in order to provide an opening for, I assume, additional engine cooling, as the aircraft operated in the warmer climate of Palestine. Also the upper right access panel will be displayed open and therefore the two upper panels need to be modified accordingly. It's not clear if all of the aircraft in this squadron had the in-field modification carried out on the two upper access panels over the engine. Mike

Hi all, I've added the cockpit bracing wires. These are 0.2 mm diameter Nickel-Silver rod. Each was cut to the required length then secured in position using CA adhesive, Mike

Hi all, The cockpit is nearly completed. The pilots seat is a replacement from 'Gaspatch'. I've added the control cables for the ailerons, rudder and tail plane incidence control. The elevator cables are external, so not in the cockpit as such. Also I've added the trigger cable on the control column for the pilots Vickers machine gun. Finally I added control rods from the pilots throttle quadrant and the radiator shutters control. Weather was done using 'Flory Models' wash (Grime). The cockpit assembly is now fitted into the closed up fuselage. However I do have a problem to solve. I got distracted, so unfortunately, I fitted the cockpit into the fuselage without any bracing wires fitted. I now have to try and fit them all through the cockpit opening in the fuselage. It happens, Mike

Hi all, The basic Rolls-Royce 'Falcon' V12 engine is complete. There are other parts that can only be fitted once the engine has been installed in the fuselage. I've added representations of carburetor/magneto controls and fuel supply/drain pipes. Although the rear of the engine will hardly be visible once installed. I've also added oil pipes, spark plugs and ignition leads. All with a combination of: 0.2 and 0.3 mm diameter Nickel-Silver tube (controls, spark plugs) 0.3 and 0.5 mm diameter Brass tube (fuel supply/drain pipes) 0.4 mm diameter flexible tube (black) (oil pipes) Steel coloured silk thread (ignition leads). Weathered with oil paint and enamel wash. Mike

Hi all, Here's the basic Rolls Royce 'Falcon' V12 in-line engine. It still needs additions, such as ignition leads, controls and pipes and weathering, Mike

Hi all, Here's the Hansa-Brandenburg W.12, Serial No.1184 (C3MG) as flown by Fl.Mt. Urban and Lt. Ehrhardt of C-Staffel, Zeebrugge, during December 1917. The detailed forum build log is here: https://forum.largescalemodeller.com/topic/19483-132nd-scale-hansa-brandenburg-w12/#comment-232828 As usual, a fully detailed build log, which includes all materials, modifications, rigging etc for this build can be downloaded from the 'Logs' page on my site. https://mikesww1aircraftmodels.com/ Thanks for your comments and support throughout this build, Mike

Hi all, The final shots are now up in the 'WNW Ready for Inspection' page. Thanks for your support and comments during this build, Mike

Hi all, I'm still waiting for a couple of things to arrive for the Hansa-Brandenburg W.12 model. Therefore I'm making a start on another model, this time the Bristol F.2b 'Biff' or 'Brisfit' as it was commonly called. This model will represents represents Bristol F.2b, Serial No. A-7194 of No.111 Squadron RFC, Deir-el-Belah, Palestine during 1917. This particular Bristol F.2b, Serial No. A-7194 (along with 7190 and 7198) was delivered on the 25th of August to No.111 Squadron (RFC). No.111 Squadron (RFC) was formed on the 1st of August 1917 at Deir-el-Belah, Palestine and was commanded by Major Shekleton. The Squadron was formed from aircraft of No.14 and often escorted No.1 Squadron (AFC) on their missions. During it time with No.111 Squadron (RFC), A-7149 was noted as having engaged the enemy on at least two occasions: 8th of October 1917 - 2nd Lt. R.C Steele (Canada) and Lt. John J Lloyd-Williams drove down the Albatros D.II, Serial No.636/14 of Oblt. Dittmar of Fab300. This was the first German aircraft captured in Egypt. Pilot Steel was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). 15th of October 1917 - 2nd Lt. R.C Steele (Canada) and Lt. John J Lloyd-Williams destroyed an Albatross D.III. Initially the enemy pilot indicated he was surrendering, but then tried to make for his lines and had his wing shot off. The squadron was always intended to be a single seat fighter unit. In January 1918 the squadron handed over its Bristol F.2b aircraft to No.1 Squadron (AFC) after being equipped with the SE5a fighters. No.1 Squadron (AFC) operated with No.111 Squadron (RFC) and later No.142 Squadron (RFC) as part of the 40th (Army) Wing (RFC). The wing formed part of the Palestine Brigade (RFC), the other part of the Brigade was formed by 5th (Corps) Wing (RFC), comprised of No.14 and No.113 Squadrons (RFC). Bristol F.2b, Serial No. A-7194 was transferred from No.111 Squadron (RFC) via Kantara to No.1 Squadron (AFC) on the 11th of January 1918. During its time with No.1 Squadron (AFC) it flew regular missions with different crews through February and March, before crashing on take-off on March the 28th. NOTE: The change in the aircraft colour scheme and style of the serial number when serving with No.1 Squadron (AFC). Mike No.111 Squadron (RFC) in 1917. No.1 Squadron (AFC) in 1918.

Hi all, I got carried away on the build and forgot to post later updates. Apart from fitting the propeller the basic aircraft is finished. I still have the figures and display base to do so still a bit to go yet, Mike

Hi all, Now on its floats, Mike

Hi all, The basic fuselage and lower wings assembled. The two 'Spandau' machine guns and associated kit parts were replaced with slightly modified 'Gaspatch' weapons. Still a lot of detail and weathering to do before full construction can start, Mike

Hi all, The fuselage was mottled with two slightly different shades of grey to give a weathered look to the wood surface. The kit decals were replaced with 'Aviattic' decals as being more representative of the Lozenge colours. The darker lozenge was decal over a grey base coat, to represent the darker linen effect over wood surfaces and upper wing auxiliary fuel tank. The lighter linen shade was over white base coat. The direction of the lozenge on the ailerons and elevator are different to the rest of the aircraft lozenge, as on the actual aircraft. Still more detail painting and subsequent weathering to be done before assembly, Mike

Hi all, I've replaced the kit supplied Spandau and Parabellum machine guns with modified 'Gaspatch' weapons. The fuselage and other parts were primed then airbrushed with 'Tamiya' Grey (XF53). The wings, ailerons and elevator were primed white and pre-shaded with 'Tamiya' Smoke (X19) prior to decal application (Aviattic), Mike

Hi all, The fuselage is ready to be closed up. I've carried out a few enhancements to the cockpit: Rudder control pulleys drilled and control cables added (0.08 mm diameter mono-filament and blackened 0.4 mm diameter Nickel-Silver tube). Elevator control levers drilled and control cables added (0.08 mm diameter mono-filament and blackened 0.4 mm diameter Nickel-Silver tube). Aileron control cables (photo-etch) replaced with 0.08 mm diameter mono-filament and 'Proper Plane' resin turnbuckles. Observers seat and map shelf side stays added from blackened 0.4 mm diameter Nickel-Silver tube. Lead wire 0.4 mm diameter added for the fuel tank hand pressurizing pump. Copper wire 0.125 mm diameter wrapped around the pilot control wheel to represent hand grip. Nickel-silver 0.4 mm diameter tube used for the throttle quadrant to engine carburetor control rod. Mike

Hi all, The engine is complete apart from adding control rods once the engine is fitted into the fuselage. I've added a few changes to the kit supplied engine: Nickel-Silver push rods of 0.4 mm diameter. Rear coolant pipe from 0.5 mm diameter lead wire. Fuel filter pipes from 0.3 mm diameter copper wire. Throttle control return spring from 0.125 mm diameter copper wire. Ignition lead support tubes from shaped Brass tube. Ignition leads from 'EZ' black line (Fine). Fuel priming levers from 0.2 and 0.4 mm diameter Brass tube and Nickel-Silver rod. Crankcase vent ports from 'RB Productions' photo-etch grill. Mike

Hi all, As I've suspended the build of the Phonix C.I, I thought I'd started an easier build. The 'Wingnut Wings' model of the Hansa-Brandenburg W12, Serial No.1184 (C3MG) as flown by Fl.Mt. Urban and Lt. Ehrhardt of C-Staffel, Zeebrugge, during December 1917. This aircraft was part of a three aircraft patrol that shot down the British Naval airship C27, killing all five of the crew, Mike