sandbagger

Hi all, This ‘Special Hobby’ (Kit No:SH32064) model represents a Fokker D.II, serial number not known, attached to ‘Kampfeinsitzer Stafflen’ (Kesta) 4b sometime between April 1917 - October 1918 at Royal Bavarian AF, Freiburg. Figures ‘Kellerkind Miniature’ Germane engine crew (54101), ‘Wings Cockpit’ figures - seated LSK pilot (LSK 04A). Decals ‘Aviattic’ WW1 Fokker ‘streaked’ camouflage (ATT32058), ‘Aviattic’ Linen Weave effect (ATT32236) ‘Airscale’ WW1 instrument decals (AS32 WW1), ‘Xtradecal’ Parallel Stripes (Black XPS1) ‘Xtradecal’ Parallel Stripes (White XPS2). Propeller ‘ProperPlane’ Lang type propeller. Weapons ‘GasPatch’ early LMG ‘Spandau’ 08. Rigging accessories (as required) ‘GasPatch Elite Accessories’ Turnbuckles 1/48 scale, ‘Albion Alloy’s’ Micro-tube (Brass or Nickel Silver - various diameters). ‘Steelon’ mono-filament 0.12 mm diameter‘, ‘Stroft’ mono-filament 0.08, 0.12 mm diameter, ‘Maxima’ Chameleon mono-filament 0.12 mm diameter. Grass mat ‘Polak’ Wild Meadow (Variation C - 4703). Paints ‘Tamiya’ acrylics, ‘Mr. Colour’ enamels, ‘Alclad’ clear coats The basic forum build log can be found here: 1:32nd scale Fokker D.II - Page 2 - LSM Work In Progress - Large Scale Modeller As usual a fully detailed build log, in Adobe PDF format, can be viewed or downloaded from my site (linked in my signature block below). Many thanks, as always, for your kind comments and encouragement throughout this build. Mike

Hi all, Just a quick updated. The front decking has been fitted and I've added the 'splash' rail around the edge of the hull. Also the nose 'bump' padding to the nose, neither of which are represented in the kit, Mike

Hi Hubert, To be frank there's not much cockpit detail anyway, just a control column, pump , rudder bar and compass - that's it. I need to scratch an instrument panel and the rudder bar wont be used, Mike

Hi all, This kit does present the modeler with challenges, to put it mildly. The supplied kit itself comprises of parts which are solely resin and unlike many more up market companies, ‘Omega Models’ do not reinforce parts, such as wing struts, with metal rods. This makes the supplied resin struts very weak when flexed. All of the resin parts have mold ‘flash’ that will need to be removed and larger items, such as the wings, do have some warping, which is not uncommon in resin kits. The kit does not supply many parts required to make this an accurate model, for example an instrument panel, all of the necessary wing float struts, all of the centre engine bearer struts etc. The lower wing one piece molding is not the correct shape according to the drawings supplied. The kit parts have no locating pegs or holes, which can cause alignment problems during assembly. The instructions supplied for assembling the model are virtually non-existent, being only several sheets of photo-copied data with only one section view of the fuselage internal parts. The remaining sheets are the kit contents and basic three-view drawings and some small colour profiles.The kit instructions do not give assembly instructions, apart from the two side drawings and they only list parts with no exploded assembly views. Also, some of the information refers to different versions of this aircraft, not the kit supplied Series 2 (1552) model. The decals supplied are of reasonable quality but are not the normal, ‘cookie’ cut slide transfer. Instead the decals are printed on sheets of carrier which covers the entire sheets. Therefore if used, each decal will need to be carefully cut out from its sheet before application to the model. Also the surface of these decals is easily damage, such as from being scratched, so if used, care is needed handling these decals. The kit does supply any ground equipment, such as a basic ‘beaching’ trolley or trestles. Anyway, The basic hull has been prepared as well as a modified 'Wings Cockpit' figure (LSK 07A). Mike

Heh he - yes I'll take another look before I finish the final display, Mike

They're there but no lips (easy to over paint lips). It's the light and the angle of the photo . Mike

Hi all, The two mechanic figures ('Kellerkind') are finished. One will be priming the engine cylinders whilst the other turns the propeller to position the cylinders. That's it now until I post up the completed model display. Thanks for all of your comments during this build - much appreciated, Mike

Hi all, As I'm nearing the completion of the Fokker D.II model build, I've started preparing the next model. This will be another resin kit from 'Omega Models', which will represent the Hansa-Brandenburg W.20, Serial No:1552, photographed on the 14th of March 1918, at the seaplane experimental centre (SVK) at Warnemunde before being accepted for naval use (by the SAK). The Hansa-Brandenburg W.20 was designed during late 1917 and early 1918 by Ernst Heinkel whilst working at Hansa-Brandenburg. The intention for this small, unarmed spotter float plane was for it to be partially dismantled and stored in a water tight container on board the projected ‘Cruiser’ class of submarine, such as U139 and U155. It was to be removed from its container, assembled quickly and launched whilst the submarine was on the surface. After the flight, the submarine would surface again, the aircraft loaded, dismantled and stowed in its container, after which the submarine could submerge. The aircraft was intended to be prepared for flight or stowing in less than 2 minutes and was to be stored inside the container which measured 20 feet long and 6 feet in diameter. However, the intended submarines to be used were never built before the armistice and only three W.20 aircraft were built. The first version, Ser No:1551, had only fuselage to upper wing support struts. The second version, Ser No:1552 had interplane struts added between the wings and these struts were wire crossed braced. In addition the span of the lower wings was increased. The third and final version, Ser No:1553 had the interplane struts replaced by single interplane struts. Although this design of Ernst Heinkel never saw operational service, he did design a similar aircraft in 1921, which was known as the Caspar-Heinkel U1. Two examples were purchased by the U.S. Navy for evaluation. This aircraft was intended to fit into a smaller space of 18 feet long and 4 feet 6 inches diameter. The design was a cantilever wing biplane, powered by a 50 hp engine and capable of a speed of 87 mph with a climb rate of 1000 m in 6 minutes. Four men could dismantle and stow the aircraft in only 22 seconds and reassemble it in only 31 seconds. One of the aircraft was wrecked when being transported on a truck when the aircraft struck low hanging trees. Interestingly Heinkel built and sold two examples to the Japanese, who subsequently followed on with this technology in WW2. Mike

Hi all, The external elevator control lever and cable on the underside of the fuselage have been added. The two slots were cut through the fuselage and a lever, made from photo-etch and 0.4 mm diameter rod, was fitted. The control cable is 0.08 mm diameter mono-filament with 0.4 mm diameter blackened tube. The basic model is now finished so it's onto the figures and display, Mike

Hi all, The wheels, rudder and elevator are now fitted. Now onto representing the external elevator control cable under the fuselage, which is not represented in the kit, Mike

Hi all, Just a quick update. The landing gear is finished using 0.12 mm diameter mono-filament, 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm diameter blackened tube and the 'bungee' suspension (not represented in the kit) is 'EZ' stetch line washed with 'AK Interactive' Kersonene (AK2039). The Tail skid is also finished and was constructed from micr-tunbe (kit parts too fragile) with suspension cord created using 'MFH' flexible black tube. Now onto creating the elevator control under the fuselage (not represented in the kit) and fitting the rudder and elevators, Mike

Hi all, Being a wing warper as opposed to an aileron controlled aircraft, the rigging of the wing required more than usual. A combination of flying wires, landing wires, drift wires, cross bracing wire, wing warp control cables and wing warp reaction cables. The turnbuckles still need to be painted though. Now onto the landing gear, rudder and elevators, Mike

Hi all, In preparation for fitting the upper wing onto the ten struts, I've pre-rigged those wires that would be difficult to attach with the upper wing attached. The remaining rigging can be attached afterwards and these will be: Wing warping reaction wires with their pulley support frame Forward flying wires Drift wires Landing gear bracing Rudder and elevator control cables. The pre-rigging is 0.08 mm diameter mono-filament passed through the 'eye' of the turnbuckle, then a blackened 0.5 mm diameter tube and finally the fitted 'GasPatch' 1:48th scale anchor point. Then both ends of the 0.08 mm line are looped back and through the 0.5 mm tube. Both ends are pulled to draw the tube between the 'eye' of the anchor point and the turnbuckle. Thin CA adhesive is applied to one end only of the tube and the residual 0.08 mm line tags cut away. This method allows the rigged line to move freely and self-align and the anchor points are stronger than using twisted copper wire. Now to fit that upper wing, Mike

Hi all, I've finished pre-rigging stage now. Thirty two lines with 'GasPatch' One End type turnbuckles and two with double ended Type C turnbuckles. Also the Rudder and Elevators have their control lines fitted. Tube used is blackened 0.5 mm and 0.4 mm diameter with 0.12 or 0.08 mm diameter mono-filament. Now all I have to do is fit the anchor points to their various locations and the ten struts and upper wing can be fitted, Mike

Hi all, Two of the six wing warp control lines were attached to the base of the rear interplane struts on the lower wings. The two control lines were routed between the lower wings through twin pulleys, mounted on a support frame in front of the cockpit. Mono-filament lone of 0.08 mm diameter and routed through 0.2 mm diameter holes above the pulleys. 'GasPatch' 1:48th One End turnbuckles fitted with 0.4 mm diameter blackened brass tube. Mike

Hi all, Just a quick update. Looking at photographs it's difficult to see detail for the interplane struts on this aircraft. Some look to be of wood construction only. Others seem to show a tubular reinforcing tube that was fitted to the leading edge of each strut with wood aerofoil struts attached to its rear edge. Also what appears to be four 'wrappings' of either linen or metal around each strut. Normally strut wrapping would be linen and these were used to help prevent the wood struts from splitting under stress. Anyway, the kit 'wrappings' were over sized so I decided to modify all eight struts. The 'wrappings' were sanded off and the leading edge tubes, which are not represented on the kit struts, were scribed. Base coated with 'Tamiya' Deck Tan (XF78), then clear coat sealed. The wood areas were masked off and 'Alclad' Steel (ALC112) was airbrushed over the tubes. Clear coated again then 'Flory Models' Dark Dirt clay wash applied. Clear coated yet again and 1 mm wide strips were applied from the ‘Xtradecal’ Parallel Stripes (White XPS2) set. A final clear coat was then applied to seal everything. The cutout in the two inboard, rear interplane struts, are to allow the wing warping control lines to route from the fuselage to the outboard struts. Mike

Hi all, The single ‘GasPatch’ early LMG ‘Spandau’ 08 has been fitted. This required modification of both the gun and fuselage decking panel. I used the 'GasPatch' ammunition belt instead of the kit supplied photo-etch part. I also had to scratch the empty ammunition belt chute as the kit does not include the chute? The eight 'transportation' posts have also been added to the fuselage sides and lower wings. Now onto the struts then pre-rigging, Mike

Hi all, A few updates for the Fokker D.II build. The pilot figure has been painted and is fitted into the cockpit. Also the engine is now fitted. The general weathering is a combination of 'Flory Models' Dark Dirt fine clay wash and 'Tamiya' Weathering Master Set A (Mud). The engine exhaust and oil erosion on the fuselage forward side panels is 'Tamiya' Flat Aluminium (X16) stipple brushed over the green. Then the same 'Flory Models' wash dabbed into the Aluminium painted surface. The same technique was used for the doped linen erosion on the forward streaked decal area, but for that, 'Tamiya' Deck Tan (X55) was stippled on before the 'Flory' wash was applied. 'AK Interactive' Engine Oil (2019) was brushed at the outlet of the side panels and under the forward fuselage. Mike

Hi all, The 'Aviattic' clear linen effect and streaked decals have been applied. I still need to clear coat and weather the surfaces. Also I've made the tail skid assembly from micro-tube as the kit struts were very weak. I had to shorten the actual skid as well as it was way too long. Mike

Hi all, I've now painted the basic colour scheme for this aircraft. I still have to seal and apply weathering, streaked decals etc. I decided to create masks for the crosses as the kit supplied decal are not good, Mike

Hi all, Just an update on this build. The fuselage is closed up now and prepared as far as it can go at this stage. Being a 'Special Hobby' kit there was some work to do as expected. The machine gun location required modification so the replacement 'GasPatch' weapon can be fitted. All of the rigging points needed to be drilled using either a 0.3 or 0.4 mm diameter drill. The rudder and elevator control cable ports in the fuselage needed drilling out and oval shaped. Holes were drilled into the fuselage sides for what appears to have been transportation posts, used to secure the wings to the fuselage. These posts were also fitted to the lower wings. The lower wing 'spar' is very flimsy causing the wings to flap like a demented chicken every time the wing was handled. To reinforce the wing to fuselage joint, I added a styrene block into the wing locating slot and onto the underside of the cockpit assembly. This should make the wing to fuselage joint stronger. There is also a flight control lever and cable on the underside of the fuselage which is not included. This is similar to that of the Fokker Eindeckers and I believe is part of the elevator control run. I've created slots for both the lever and cable. I've also drilled and pinned the landing gear struts as originally they were intended to be 'butt' joints (never a good thing). The strangest change was needed to align the engine cowl to the two fuselage side panels. The kit instructions tell you how this can be done, which raises the question as to why the parts were not molded to align in the first place? Anyway I ignored their instructions and as Frank would have said 'I did it my way'. Mike

Hi all, Here's the completed model of the Roland D.VIa, Ser No: 3615/18 during 1918 (Pilot and Jasta not known). Wingnut Wings kit Decals from Aviattic and ProperPlane Propeller by ProperPlane Rigging - GasPatch turnbuckles, mono-folamant and micro-tube. Figures from Model Cellar Paints used Tamiya, Alclad and Mr. Colour. As usual my PDF format build log can be downloaded from my site (link in signature). Build thread can be found here: 1:32nd scale Roland D.VIa - Page 2 - LSM Work In Progress - Large Scale Modeller Thanks for following this build and for you encouraging comments, Mike

Hi all, Completed model shots are now posted in the Ready for Inspection thread, Thanks, Mike

Hi all, Today the 'Model Cellar' figures finally arrived from The States, so they've been painted now. I'm just waiting for the display case to arrive, hopefully tomorrow. Then I can wrap this one up and post the completed shots, Mike

Hi Peter, Yes it is, which is why I haven't bothered to detail the cockpit as I usually do as nothing can really be seen, Mike