sandbagger

Hi all, I've pre-rigged the upper wing, fuselage, ailerons, rudder and elevator. Structural rigging is 0.12 mm diameter mono-filament Gaspatch 1/48th scale metal Anchor Points and blackened 0.5 mm diameter tube. Control cables rigging is 0.08 mm diameter mono-filament and blackened 0.4 mm diameter tube. Now it's onto fitting the upper wing!! Mike

Hi all, The landing gear has been weathered using 'Flory Models' Grime clay wash. Also the kit supplied 3D printed propeller has been replaced with a modified propeller from my 'spares' collection. It was base coated with 'Tamiya' Dark Yellow (XF60) with ‘Windsor & Newton’ Griffin Alkyd Dark Umber oil paint brushed over the blades. The hub plates were brush painted with 'Mr.Color' Stainless Steel with 'AK Interactive' Kerosene wash applied. Now it's onto the pre-rigging stage, Mike

Hi all, Just a quick update. The landing gear is done. I added 0.5 mm diameter 'wrapping' bars for the suspension cords into the front and rear of the landing gear struts. The 'bungee' type axle suspension cord is 'EZ' White line (Heavy) wrapped over and around the bars and axle ends and secured with thin CA adhesive. Then given a wash of 'AK Interactive' Kerosene wash. The wheels are replacements from my spares as the kit 3D printed wheels were I think, a bit too thick and had a heavy layer line completely across the wheels. The wheel covers were white based with black quarters on the outer covers. The inboard covers then had ‘Aviattic’ WW1 CDL (aged varnish) (ATT32094) decal applied. The outboard had ‘Aviattic’ Linen Weave effect (ATT32236) decal applied. I still have to weather the wheels, Mike

Hi all, A few more progress shots. I had already test fitted then painted the two engine side access panels. However, once the engine had been fitted I realized that these panels were not going to align to themselves or the fuselage. So I secured them in position using 'Araldite' two-part epoxy adhesive, as I needed the bond to be strong. I then sanded both access panels until they aligned correctly. Then I masked off the two grey colours, re-primed and re-painted the panels. I represented the panel fasteners on the rear edges and hinge plates around both panels (not on the kit). Also added a metal mesh to the rear of the over wing radiator, stack pipe in the radiator cap and a pilots windscreen. The parts were then weathered using 'Flory Models' Dark Dirt clay wash, 'Tamiya' Weathering Masters (Set A and D). Finally a clear coat of 'Tamiya' Semi_Gloss (X35) war airbrushed to seal it all in. So, time to move on to the pre-rigging stage, Mike

Hi all, The two photographs of 121.57 I have and a colour profile show that this aircraft had the later ‘Balkenkreuz’, straight-armed cross markings. The requirement to change to this type of marking was introduced during 1918, to replace the earlier ‘Eisernekrueze’ iron crosses. However, not all aircraft markings had been changed before the Armistice. The photographs of 121.57 with the ‘Balkenkreuz’ markings on were taken late in WW1 following a flying accident. Earlier, aircraft would have had the ‘Cross Pattée’ (Iron Cross) markings as shown on 121.27, 121.36 and 121.55. I chose to apply those markings rather than the later ‘Balkenkreuz’ markings. It should be noted that the markings on the upper wing and rudder had white borders. The markings on the lower wings were black only, with no border. The following decals were from my decal ‘spares’ collection from other built models: ‘Balkenkreuz’ markings. Fuselage data plates. Interplane strut serial numbers. Rudder cable outlet surrounds (fuselage). The following decals were sourced from online resources and the colour profile. These were copied then prepared in ‘Paint Shop Pro’ software. They were then printed on ‘MDP’ clear decal paper (laser decal paper), using my Canon LBP631Cw laser printer. Laser printing means the decals do not require sealing before use, as would be the case if created on an inkjet printer. Fuselage serial numbers. Fuselage data legend. ‘Phönix’ company logo (rudder). Mike

Hi all, The base decals have been applied. The underside decals are ‘Aviattic’ WW1 CDL (aged varnish) (ATT32094). The top surfaces are ‘Aviattic’ Linen Weave effect (ATT32236). The underside of the fuselage is ‘Lukgraph’ Dark Plywood (DEC005). Any difference is shade of the decals is just my photographs, not the decals themselves. The kit does not supply any decals at all. Therefore, for the aircraft markings I'll use suitable spare decals I have or print them, Mike

Hi all, This particular aircraft (121.57) had the Austro-Hungarian ‘wolkenartige Schattierung (’Cloud’) scheme of light and dark grey. Although originally it was thought to be green and tan coloured. The undersides of the wings and fuselage are painted white as those surfaces will have 'Aviattic' Clear Doped Linen (CDL) and 'Lukgraph' plywood decals applied. These decals are transparent so require a light coloured base coat to show the linen and wood effect. The two grey used for the upper surfaces were: Light Grey - ‘Tamiya’ Medium Sea Grey 2 (RAF) (XF83) Dark Grey - 'Tamiya’ Ocean Grey 2 (RAF) (XF82). The painted surfaces have to be smoothed and have a gloss clear coat applied before I apply the decals. The interplane and fuselage cabane struts needed to be fitted to the upper wing so they could be aligned correctly to the lower wings. Therefore, cutting and applying the CDL decals on that wing will present a challenge, Mike

Hi all, The three coolant pipes (not supplied in the kit) have now been formed in shape. They were made from annealed 0.8 mm diameter Brass rod and 1.0 mm diameter Brass tube. The finished pipes were immersed in 'Black-It' solution then lightly buffed with a cloth. They fit between the engine and the underside of the radiator on the upper wing. Also the supply pipes from the auxiliary fuel tank in the upper wing to fuselage (not supplied in the kit) were made from 0.5 mm diameter Brass rod. Now I could be wrong, but I think I'm ready to actually start building this model!! Mike

Hi all, The kit supplied wings have a cut out in the upper wing above the pilot and no cut outs at the lower wing roots. These seem to be for earlier production aircraft. Later production aircraft had the upper wing cut out enlarged and cut outs at the lower wing roots, both for better visibility for the pilot. Also, clear window ports were located in the cockpit decking panel, each side of the pilots windscreen. My assumption is that these were to allow daylight into the cockpit to better illuminate the pilots instrument panel, which was set forward under the decking panel. Finally, earlier production aircraft had rear fuselage cabane struts fitted, but it seems later aircraft did not and the strut openings in the decking panel were blanked off. Later in this build the clear wind recesses added will be filled with clear resin. Mike

Hi all, Well that was fun!! Fuselage cabane struts made from 'Albion Alloy's' 1.1 mm diameter Brass tube with 0.5 mm diameter internal support Brass rod. Interplane struts made from 'Albion Alloy's' 1.4 mm diameter Brass tube with 0.5 mm diameter internal support Brass rod. All strut tubes were compressed into an aerofoils shape using my 'Albion Alloy's' 'Strutter' vice jaws (no longer available). Wings and fuselage were drilled to accept the strut support rods. I used masking tape strips to hold the wings together as I made and fitted each strut, as the solid resin wings are not rigid and do flex. Also, this enabled me to achieve the slight dihedral for the lower wings whilst keeping the upper wing horizontal. Now it's onto: Re-profiling the shape of the upper wing opening above the pilot. Creating the cut outs in the trailing edge of the lower wing roots. Creating the clear window ports in the decking panel each side of the pilots windscreen. Mike

Hi all, I had hoped that the kit 3D printed interplane struts would be OK after I'd re-profiled their flat cross section. However, I had my doubts and sure enough one broke just by a gentle knock with my finger. So all of the kit struts have been discard and I'll need to make replacements from Brass rod and tube. I had to make the fuselage cabane struts anyway as the kit struts were frankly pathetic. So, we'll see how that goes ??? Mike

Hi all, When the engine and the 3D printed side access panels were test fitted, I found the following: The bottom edges of the engine side panels were bowed and did not align with the fuselage. The top, rear edges of the side panels did not meet, leaving a large gap between them. I removed the bow in the side panels using heat from a hair dryer to re-profile the panels. The gap between the top, rear of the panels was filled with 1.0 mm thick plastic card then sanded to shape. Mike

Hi all, The aircraft had three pipes that connected the engine coolant system to the radiator, mounted on the upper wing. No surprise that these pipes are not supplied in the kit. Therefore they were made from 'Albion Alloy's' Brass rod and tubes of various diameters. The engine ends were annealed then formed and the wing ends will be formed once the upper wing is fitted, Mike

Hi all, The cockpit is now complete. Just about everything has had to be either modified, replaced or scratch made. I still need to weather and clear coat the surfaces. Then it's onto creating the coolant pipes needed before I can fit the engine, Mike

Hi all, I've prepared the fuselage internal parts ready for construction. Wood effects done with ‘Windsor & Newton’ Griffin Alkyd oil paint (Burnt Umber). The kit does not supply any decals or fuselage internal equipment parts. The following are either purchased, scratch made or from my 'spares' collection: Decals from ‘Airscale’ generic WW1 dials (AS32 WW1) and spares. Photo-etch seat belts (spares). Cockpit equipment (spares). ‘GasPatch’ un-jacketed Schwarzlose 07-12 machine gun (17-32112). The engine is very basic as only the top of the cylinders are visible on the finished model. Some of the side detail on the 3D printed engine had to be removed (not visible anyway) to allow the engine side access panels to fit. For ease, the ignition leads are attached to the bottom of the engine cylinders as that area can't be seen with engine side access panels fitted. The engine still needs to be modified to fit the three radiator coolant pipes to the underside of the upper wing (not supplied in the kit). So now moving towards assembling the fuselage at last, Mike

Hi all, Here's some progress shots of the kit parts after priming. I won't go into details of what needed to be straightened, deleted, added or modified. Suffice to say it's taken a while to get to this stage. Everything done and why will be detailed in my PDF build log on completion, Mike

Hi all, Apart from what I've previously mentioned, here's more that has had to be addressed: No instructions or decals supplied. Resin cast upper wing halves - warped, over scale access panels, no underside details, trailing edges thick, missing detail. Resin cast lower wings - warped, trailing edges thick, no support into the fuselage. 3D printed ailerons - warped, no control horns, no aileron hinge attachment points in upper wing. Rudder - no control horns. Elevator - no fuselage control horn. 3D printed upper wing centre section - Incorrect top panel, no underside detail at all, over scale detail, missing detail 3D printed tail plane - warped, trailing edges thick, no control horns. Cockpit - virtual rebuild from floor, rudder bar, control wheel, no internal detail or equipment. Cockpit decking panel - incorrect shaped pilots cockpit opening, thick sides, observers gun ring, incorrect machine gun, lightening holes missing in fairing sides. Landing gear - axle end too short to attach wheels fully. Engine - propeller shaft too short to mount propeller, engine support required, no radiator to wing pipes supplied. Propeller - rectangular cross section. Engine access panels - fasteners, hatches and panels over scale, incorrect panel right side. Fuselage - hatches over scale, some missing others not located correctly, no external compass housing. Now I need to address the wing struts: Interplane struts, which are 3D printed with no internal support rod, weak, some warped and rectangular cross section (not aerofoil). Side cabane struts, which are 3D printed, thin and very weak. Rear cabane struts missing. Maybe soon I can thick about building this 'kit' ::) Mike 🤔

Hi all, The only model I have ever shelved is the 1:32nd scale KatModel Phonix C.1. I bought it back in 2023 when it was first released. I shelved the model as it proved too troublesome, for various quality and detail reasons. However, while I wait for 'Flying Bears' Thulin K to arrive from Sweden, I thought I'd have another go at the Phonix. I've replaced most of the external details and am currently building the cockpit from scratch. The only part used from the 3D printed cockpit assembly is the floor. Everything else was removed and/or replaced. I'll post progress shots soon, Mike

Hi all, Here's the 'Eduard' 1:48th scale Sopwith F.1 Camel, No.209 Squadron, (RAF), Bertangles, France 1918, as flown by 2/Lt Wilfried 'Wop' May. Figures from 'Model Cellar'. Mike

Hi all, The completed model is now in the '1:48 Ready for Inspection' page. Thanks for your support and comments throughout this build, Mike

Hi all, The 1/48th scale figures are completed. Both are from 'Model Cellar', Mike

Hi all, The aircraft model is complete. Rigged with 0.08 mm diameter mono-filament. I added tie down rings to the lower wings. Also the pitot static tubes and pipe from the Rotherham pump on the landing gear. Now onto the figures and display case, Mike

Hi all, The struts were only partially cemented in the lower wing and fuselage until the upper wing was located. With the upper wing fitted, the struts were fully cemented. Mike

Hi all, The interplane and cabane struts are fitted. Also the windscreen, gun sight and gun cooling jackets fitted. Landing gear bracing wires fitted and upper wing pre-rigged with 0.12 mm diameter mono-filament. Next is to fit the upper wing onto the struts, Mike

Hi all, Weathering applied using 'Flory Models' Dark Dirt wash. Overspayed with 'Alclad' Light Sheen (ALC-311). Now its onto the pre-rigging!! Mike