sandbagger

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

Hi all, Completed shots are now up in the LSM Aircraft Finished Work page. Mike

Hi all, The saga continues. Having carried out a bit more research I've found the following regarding the 3D printed cockpit: The aircraft was fitted with a pilots steering wheel with the associated aileron control cables - not a control column The pilot seat was a curved back seat type - not an armchair The observers seat was a fold down seat on the rear bulkhead and facing forward - not an armchair type facing rearwards The pilot and observers cockpit were as one - not separated by a solid bulkhead The instrument panel does not have all of the instruments required The observers cockpit has no detail such as radio gear etc The observers machine gun is the wrong type. So basically the only usable part of the 3D printed cockpit is the rudder bar!! Then there is the over scale landing gear and wheels, not to mention the flimsy wire in the wings, intended as support and to prevent warping. I will conquer this model, but for now it's being shelved, Mike

Hi all, Just a few updates. The 3D printed cockpit decking panel overlaps the sides of the fuselage, which also do not align with the decking panel. Therefore I've had to pin the bottom edges of the decking panel into the top edges of the fuselage to force the two to align. Also, when the cockpit assembly is located into the fuselage, the 3D printed 'block' forming the floor of the observers cockpit does not extend far enough into the rear of the fuselage. In addition, there is no rear cockpit bulkhead supplied in the kit. Therefore, the spaces left will be seen with the cockpit decking panel fitted. I've made a 'false' floor and rear bulkhead from 0.4 mm thick plastic card, which is thin enough to be able to flex when the cockpit assembly is inserted into the fuselage. Mike

Hi all, You ever get that feeling of 'I probably should't have started this'. As the Bristol Scout build is just waiting for the display case to be delivered, I thought I'd start my next build. The 'KatModel' 1:32nd scale kit of the Phönix C.I, which hopefully will represent Phönix C.I, Serial No.121.57 of Flik 57/Rb, operating from Godega (Italian Front) during June, 1918. Hmmmm - where do I start? When the fuselage halves are held together at the tail, the from of the fuselage spreads to an 8mm gap. Also the forward sides of the fuselage are not vertical, which prevents the two 3D printed nose cowls from fitting correctly. The massive 'engine supports in the the fuselage are next to useless. The 3D printed cockpit decking panel spreads over the fuselage sides by at least 4mm. The engine side panels are too long to fit between the nose cowls and cockpit decking. The right side of the engine has carburetors, which foul the panel that side and stop it from fitting correctly. The 3D printed cockpit assembly did not fit inside the closed up fuselage. The surface detail, such as panels and panel 'fasteners' are way oversize and look like they were made in a shipyard. Other than that, so far OK Suffice to say: I pinned the fuselage halves Filed down the fuselage join seams Filed down the cockpit sides Added a spreader inside the forward fuselage to straight the sides Removed the engine supports Removed the engine carburetors for the right side Filed back the forward edge of the cockpit decking panel Filed the end edges of the two engine side panels Filed down the propeller shaft in the lower nose cowl. The fuselage and nose cowls have been joined with CA adhesive (the cockpit assembly and engine can be inserted). The 3D printed panels and engine are just test fitted for now. As you can doubtless see, most if not all of the fuselage detail will probably have to be removed and replaced with more in-scale detail. Also the joins between panels and the fuselage will need to be blended. I enjoy a challenge, but really Mike

Hi all, The Bristol Scout 1260 model is more or less complete. Added details include open access panels, refueling funnel with removed tank filler cap, external starter switch and all rigging. Also an over wing Lewis machine gun with gun sight, butt latch on decking panel and trigger cable. Finally a pilot and mechanic figure stood on a trestle. I still have to make the display for this model. Once done I'll of course post final photographs and upload my PDF build log to my web site. Thanks for your support and comments during this build, Mike

Hi all, Model is now rigged. Still more small details and parts to add, Mike