Little things which models bring to life.

[Umlaufmotor]

Here I would like to open a small Tread, which will grow up side by side.

In this Tread small highlights will be presented, which models bring to life.

Things which are very present in the model, can be highlighted by fine detailing.

First, the seat belts:
These belts were in use several times a day, color abrasions on the metal parts are here absolutely normal.
The buckles are painted in RLM02. The edges - or places that are often touched -, are scraped with fine steel wool .
Admittedly, that's only a small detail, but by the fact, the belts looks as if they were in daily use.

 

Belts from German two-seaters

 

Belts from German fighters

[Umlaufmotor]

Next, the Wooden decompression handle on the mercedes engines.

This lever is actuated before each starting of the engine.

The dirty hands of the mechanic, oil, petrol, all that leaves its mark.

The black wood protection color will not last long.................

 

Here the real thing:

 

 

And here 32 times smaller:

[Umlaufmotor]

Shortly before the take-off.
The observer checks the flare gun and places it on his seat.

Two become one.

 

Painted with Tamiya semi gloss black mixed with a tiny drop of Tamiya dark brown.

Somewhat dry painted with Mr. Metal Color "Iron".

The wood grain on the flare gun handle was painted with oil paint.

And yes, the gun barrel is completely drilled of course .

[Umlaufmotor]

Next, the safety pins to the wheel axles.

Quick drilled and shown with thin plastic rod or wire.

Here are the two wheels of the Jasta 37 Pfalz D.IIIa........................you know, our old battered workhorse.
It has lost the end cap on the white painted wheel.

 

 

Without end cap ..........................

 

.......................... with end cap.

[Paulster]

Just WOW! Great tips and great skills. Thank you for sharing.

[Umlaufmotor]

Thank you, @Paulster

[wackyracer]

Thanks very much. Great tips. Stored away for future use.

[Umlaufmotor]

Next, a very prominent Part, the driven Airpump on the Mercedes engines.

 

Most of the aircraft in the Great War were equipped with fuel tanks that are mounted on the installation level  - or below - of the carburetor.
Lightweight and airworthy fuel pumps were not yet invented.
In order to transport the Benzin to the carburetor, the tank was therefore put under pressure.

To start the engine, the pressure is generated with the hand pump.

If the engine had started its work, the necessary pressure was generated of a driven pump.

This pump is very present at the Mercedes engines at least.
It is worth to detail a little more this component.

The body of these pumps was usually made ​​of brass.
At least the Mercedes D.III this pump was usually painted black.
Oil, benzin and weathering let the black paint flake off.

This effect can often be seen on the original photos .

 

This effect was achieved in the model, in which the pump was first painted in Brass and then in black.

The black color was something scraped off with fine steel wool.

 

And here the unpainted airpump of the 180PS Mercedes D.IIIa engine.

First the real thing:

 

And here 32 times smaller:

 

With a couple of brass tubes, some bent wire and painting carefully as possible, - this part becomes a small eyecatcher.

 

(Note the color flaking on the painted aluminum cooling water pipe that runs from the engine to the wing radiator)

 

Servus

Bertl

[lawman56]

Jeez. Seriously impressive. How do you drill those tiny holes? Whenever I try I end up snapping drill bits left and right!

 

The only thing I could tell you, Matt, is after all these years of using pin vices for model railroading, is get a good set of handles, buy tons of the tiny bits, (ie: #80), apply little to no pressure and constantly back the bit out to clear the kerf from the hole.

 

I learned that after drilling 16 #80 holes per passenger car on a 20 car New York Century 20th Century Limited consist!

[BoMonroe]

The trick to drilling tiny holes (for me) is to carefully support the workpiece.

 

Bertl, you are the master. The seat belt latches in the second photo are the epitome of perfection. Easily would pass for a photo of the real thing.

 

I detailed my air pump: blissfully unaware/ignorant of what you had done, I concentrated on the shape of the pump body. I should have spent more time on the bleed valve; mine is a clumsy approximation & hopelessly overscale:

 

[Umlaufmotor]

Bo, I like your Albatros air pump very well.
The small thing is absolutely OK.

I admire your skills, to recreate the original perfectly from different materials.
That't realy great!