sandbagger

Hi all, The rear cockpit decking panel was tricky to do, but then I didn't expect it would be easy. Once all of the flash and the mounting block was cut away, I sanded the bottom edges and rear face. The 'Wingnut Wings' kit fuselage was temporarily joined with elastic bands and the shoulder at the rear sanded away as it stopped the resin decking panel from dropping down. I soon found out that, no surprise, the resin decking panel was not wide enough to sit correctly on the fuselage. So I cut the panel down the centre and rejoined them, but with a 1.0 mm thick plastic card insert. Carefully sanded to the decking profile. The front decking panel - that's another story!! Mike

Hi all, Pitot tubes, re-profiled centre section cut-out and wing slots added, Mike

Hi all, I've been looking into how the aileron control cables were connected between the cockpit control and wing. It appears that there were two slots through the wing centre section, above the cockpit. At first I thought these slots were for the aileron control cables, similar to the French Nieuport fighter controls (although they were rod, not cable). However, it seems these slots were not for aileron cables and that in fact cables were routed vertically from the cockpit and into the underside of the wing, just outboard from the wing slots. The resin conversion set has detail of an inspection window in the upper surface of the wing, but does state that there is no photographic evidence for this. I think it's assumed to be there as for the other Sopwith types (Camel, Snipe etc), Mike

Hi Gaz, Actually this aircraft was constructed in mid 1918 and testing went on until May 1919. The twin pitot tubes were similar to the Camel, except set horizontal in the wing leading edge, as opposed to vertically on a wing support strut, Mike

Hi all, Twin pitot tubes added and the centre section cut-out forward edge corrected, Mike

Hi all, Well I've made a start on the resin wing assembly. Needless to say it required filling and sanding. I also strengthened the wing to wing joint, which is a basic 'butt' joint, with no strength. I drilled two 1.0 mm diameter holes into the wing root of both wing halves and inserted 1 mm brass rod, held with CA. The wings halves were then joined using two part epoxy adhesive. I cut the aileron from the wing and profiled the leading edges. The wing was drilled in three position for each aileron and 0.8 mm brass rods inserted with CA adhesive. Corresponding holes were then drilled into the aileron leading edges. Aileron control horns were made from spare photo etch and secured in slot cut into the aileron leading edges. Each horn has a 0.3 mm diameter hole at each end for rigging. Upper surface strengthening ribs, removed during sanding, were replaced with strips of 0.2 mm thick plastic card. I filled the pre-moulded rigging points as they do not align vertically through the wing. These will be drilled later. I still need to re-profile the forward edge of the wing cut-out above the cockpit, which needs to be straighter. Mike

Thanks - yes I think a lot of filling, sanding, scratch building struts etc is coming my way Mike

Hi all, I thought this time around I'd have a crack at building a 1:32 scale model of the Sopwith 'Swallow' monoplane prototype of 1918. In June 1918, the Sopwith Aviation Company designed an unarmed parasol monoplane, based on the Sopwith ‘Camel’. The aircraft was known the Sopwith Monoplane No.1, but was also known as the Sopwith ‘Scooter’ (to scoot was to move around fast). The aircraft was built for the personal use of the ‘Sopwith’ test pilot Harry Hawker and was based on the their current Sopwith ‘Camel’, but with a single wing mounted just above the fuselage, but with limited space between the fuselage and the underside of the wing. The wing was not supported by the then conventional struts and instead was braced by RAF streamlined bracing wires, all of which were attached to the lower fuselage and a pyramid shaped strut assembly above the wing. The ‘Scooter’ was powered by a single 130 hp (97 kW) ‘Clerget’ 9B rotary engine. The ‘Scooter’ was used as a runabout and aerobatic aircraft by Harry Hawker and was able to demonstrate excellent maneuverability. Eventually it was used as the basis for a fighter design, originally known as the Monoplane No.2, and later named the Sopwith ‘Swallow’. Like the ‘Scooter’, the ‘Swallow’ used the fuselage of a ‘Camel’, but it had a larger, slightly swept wing of greater wingspan and area. Like the ‘Scooter’ the wing was mounted above the fuselage, but higher, to allow the pilot to access the two synchronized Vickers machine guns, which were fitted further apart than normal, again to give the pilot better forward visibility. For the same reason the ‘hump’ in the forward cockpit decking (hence the name ‘Camel’) was not used. The engine was also changed to that of a 110 hp (82 kW) ‘Le Rhône’ engine. Also the traditional oval shaped access panels on each side of the forward fuselage were omitted. Twelve strengthening ribs were fitted across the centre section on the upper surface of the wing. The ‘Swallow’ made its maiden flight in October 1918, and was delivered to RAF Martlesham Heath on 28 October 1918 for official testing. One considered role for the ‘Swallow’ was as a shipboard fighter. Engine problems delayed testing of the ‘Swallow’, but even when the engine problems were resolved, the ‘Swallow’ proved to have a lower overall performance than the then ‘Le Rhône’ engine powered ‘Sopwith’ ‘Camel’. Testing of the ‘Swallow’ continued after the cessation of hostilities but by May 1919 all interest in the ‘Swallow’ was dropped. The fate of the ‘Swallow’ is not known, but presumably it was scrapped. However the original ‘Scooter’ remained in use, and was given the civil registration K-135 and later to G-EACZ. In 1921, Harry Hawker purchased and flew the ‘Scooter’. Harry Hawker died on the 12th July 1921 in a flying accident at Hendon, after which the ‘Scooter’ was put into storage. It was refurbished in 1925 and was used for aerobatic displays and for racing until 1927 when it was scrapped. Some time back I purchased the only 1:32 scale conversion set available, which is a resin set intended for the Hobby Craft/Academy Sopwith Camel F.1 kit. However, that model kit left a lot to be desired, as does the resin set. Therefore I'm going to try converting the 'Wingnut Wings' 'Clerget' Camel kit. I know it's an expensive kit to convert but as I'd already had to rob the kit for another project, I thought I might as well use it. It may be just the resin conversion set I received, but it has many problems. The wing halves are warped, the front cockpit decking (according to the instructions) is 7 mm too short in length, the upper support wing struts are not tb used, only as guides for making your own, and there's more flash and surface 'blow holes' the I care to mention. Anyway it'll be another challenge I guess. Here's a few shots to start off with, Mike

Hi all, Not a great shot but here's the two models on their bases, Mike

Very nice model and I also like your idea for displaying the models with the box tops Mike

Impressive model - like others I had to look twice to realize it wasn't the real deal, but shot with a backdrop. Way to go.

Thanks everyone - your too kind, Mike

Hi all, The model is now complete and posted up in the 'LSM Aircraft Finished' page. Very many thanks for your generous comments and support during this build, Mike

Hi all, I thought you might like to see my 18th 1:32 scale build - the German Fokker D.VII fighter. The major airframe components are 3D printed from the ‘Shapeways’ web site. The airframe structural components were designed by ‘Aviattic’ and engine parts by ‘Bob Monroe’. Other components for the model were ‘donated’ from the ‘Wingnut Wing’ kit of the Fokker D.VII (OAW built) (Kit No: 32030). This model, with associated figures, will eventually be part of a dual Fokker D.VII display. I know I don't often reply to your generous comments, but rest assured they are very much appreciated, Mike The basic list of modifications and additions to the model are as follows: ‘Taurus Models’ engine intake manifold lock rings (3211), ‘Taurus Models’ engine fuel priming cups (3219), ‘Taurus Models’ engine complete timing gear - conical valve springs (3209), ‘Eduard’ Swordfish hinge and panel set (32204), ‘RB Productions’ British wire terminals (RB-P32013). Spark plugs. Cylinder fuel primers. Valve springs. Ignition lead support tubes. Gun synchronization mechanism. Ignition leads. Oil reservoir sight glass. Hydraulic pipes. Intake manifold lock rings. Sump oil tube. ‘Flugzeugwerke’ (Bob Monroe) (printed by ‘Shapeways’) Mercedes D.III Oil Pump, Mercedes D.IIIa Cylinders (hollow), Mercedes D.IIIa Crankcase and engine block, German Aircraft Magnetos, Mercedes Cylinder clamps, ‘Aviattic’ (printed by ‘Shapeways’) Rear fuselage frame. Tail plane. Rudder. Elevator. Ailerons. Fin. Upper wing (3 sections) (scratch bracing tapes, leading edge ‘saw tooth’ fairings). Lower wing (two sections) (scratch bracing tapes, leading edge ‘saw tooth’ fairings). Tail skid (with scratch made suspension cables and springs). Wings leading edge ‘stacking pads’. Rear fuselage decking panel. Cockpit padded surround. ‘Aviattic’ Fokker seat. Undercarriage assembly – scratch built including brass struts. Fuel, oil and coolant pipes, Engine controls – throttle, magneto, alternator, spark advance, hand throttle. ‘REXx exhaust. ‘Proper Plane’ Heine propeller (wood). ‘GasPatch’ Spandau machine guns. Gun installations. Cockpit control cables – rudder, ailerons and elevator. Cockpit cross bracing lines. Gun firing cables. Gun synchronization mechanism. Engine controls. Instrument leads/cables. Fuel pressure pump pipe. Seat harness. Rigging points. External flight control lines. ‘Steve Robson’ handmade wheels and tyres. Photo-etch radiator. Radiator shutter and control cable/pulley. All internal cross bracing cables. Aileron control cables with associated pulleys. As usual I've created a downloadable build log in Adobe PDF format, for those who might want to refer to it for reference or build details. It contains full step by step descriptions of the model build, its modifications/changes and is also supported with illustrations and photographs. If viewed in Adobe Reader, each build log has book marked chapters/headings for easier navigation through the log. My model website has the gallery page, so to view any model, go to the gallery and select it. If it has a PDF build log, it will be available to download using the 'PDF' icon on that models photo's page. For any photograph, just click the photo to enlarge or reduce the viewing size. http://igavh2.xara.hosting

Hi all, I thought you might like to see my 18th 1:32 scale build - the German Fokker D.VII fighter. The major airframe components are 3D printed from the ‘Shapeways’ web site. The airframe structural components were designed by ‘Aviattic’ and engine parts by ‘Bob Monroe’. Other components for the model were ‘donated’ from the ‘Wingnut Wing’ kit of the Fokker D.VII (OAW built) (Kit No: 32030). This model, with associated figures, will eventually be part of a dual Fokker D.VII display. I know I don't often reply to your generous comments, but rest assured they are very much appreciated, Mike The basic list of modifications and additions to the model are as follows: ‘Taurus Models’ engine intake manifold lock rings (3211), ‘Taurus Models’ engine fuel priming cups (3219), ‘Taurus Models’ engine complete timing gear - conical valve springs (3209), ‘Eduard’ Swordfish hinge and panel set (32204), ‘RB Productions’ British wire terminals (RB-P32013). Spark plugs. Cylinder fuel primers. Valve springs. Ignition lead support tubes. Gun synchronization mechanism. Ignition leads. Oil reservoir sight glass. Hydraulic pipes. Intake manifold lock rings. Sump oil tube. ‘Flugzeugwerke’ (Bob Monroe) (printed by ‘Shapeways’) Mercedes D.III Oil Pump, Mercedes D.IIIa Cylinders (hollow), Mercedes D.IIIa Crankcase and engine block, German Aircraft Magnetos, Mercedes Cylinder clamps, ‘Aviattic’ (printed by ‘Shapeways’) Rear fuselage frame. Tail plane. Rudder. Elevator. Ailerons. Fin. Upper wing (3 sections) (scratch bracing tapes, leading edge ‘saw tooth’ fairings). Lower wing (two sections) (scratch bracing tapes, leading edge ‘saw tooth’ fairings). Tail skid (with scratch made suspension cables and springs). Wings leading edge ‘stacking pads’. Rear fuselage decking panel. Cockpit padded surround. ‘Aviattic’ Fokker seat. Undercarriage assembly – scratch built including brass struts. Fuel, oil and coolant pipes, Engine controls – throttle, magneto, alternator, spark advance, hand throttle. ‘REXx exhaust. ‘Proper Plane’ Heine propeller (wood). ‘GasPatch’ Spandau machine guns. Gun installations. Cockpit control cables – rudder, ailerons and elevator. Cockpit cross bracing lines. Gun firing cables. Gun synchronization mechanism. Engine controls. Instrument leads/cables. Fuel pressure pump pipe. Seat harness. Rigging points. External flight control lines. ‘Steve Robson’ handmade wheels and tyres. Photo-etch radiator. Radiator shutter and control cable/pulley. All internal cross bracing cables. Aileron control cables with associated pulleys. As usual I've created a downloadable build log in Adobe PDF format, for those who might want to refer to it for reference or build details. It contains full step by step descriptions of the model build, its modifications/changes and is also supported with illustrations and photographs. If viewed in Adobe Reader, each build log has book marked chapters/headings for easier navigation through the log. My model website has the gallery page, so to view any model, go to the gallery and select it. If it has a PDF build log, it will be available to download using the 'PDF' icon on that models photo's page. For any photograph, just click the photo to enlarge or reduce the viewing size. http://igavh2.xara.hosting

Hi all, Last bits fitted. Propeller, exhaust, pilot's foot step and the two rear fuselage rear lift handles. Just the display case and base to complete this build, but that shouldn't take long to sort out, Mike

Hi all, Nearly there!! Upper wing and wing support struts fitted. Wheels fitted. Twin aileron control cables (upper wing to cockpit) connected with turnbuckles. Propeller finished. I just need to fit the exhaust and propeller and that's it. Mike

Hi all, The aileron control cable exterior turnbuckles now fitted. Next step - fit the upper wing, Mike

Hi all, The inner aileron pulleys and the inner wing control lines are done as well as the trailing edge support wire. Once I've added the control cable turnbuckles it'll be time to tackle fitting of the upper wing, Mike

Hi all, The aileron outer control cable pulleys are fitted. Made from photo-etch set intended for the Sopwith Triplane and modified to suit the Fokker D.VII pulleys. The control lines are loosely routed for now. Next are the inboard pulleys, Mike

Hi all, The upper wing is nearly there. I just have the ailerons and their control cables and associated pulleys to add, plus the trailing edge wire. After that it'll be fitting the wing and struts, engine exhaust and propeller, wheels and aileron control cables connected - then that'll be it, Mike

Hi Rob, 'Spoked Wheels' look good and cheaper than Steve's wheels, but I'm not sure they are still producing wheels these days - I could be wrong. Hi all, The upper wing has been assembled and the plywood 'saw tooth' fairing added, Mike

They were made for me by Steve Robson in Australia. He has a FaceBook page. They are sterling silver rims with drilled brass hubs and hand fitted spokes. Not cheap but I think necessary for this model. 'Gaspatch' have resin spoked wheels for British aircraft (Palmer-Cord tyres). Also I understand another popular third party may be looking to produce spoked wheels, like Steve's, but early days yet, Mike

Hi all, I'm calling the undercarriage assembly done. The wheels are not permanently fitted yet - they'll be the last thing to be fitted. So now onto the upper wing and struts etc, Mike

Hi all, Just a lick of paint on the struts and cross bracing to attach and the undercarriage is done, Mike