1:32nd scale Phönix C.I

sandbagger · January 27

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

sandbagger · January 29

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

sandbagger · January 30

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

sandbagger · February 1

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

sandbagger · February 1

Hi all,
Well, the upper wing is fitted.
There is some slight distortion towards the outer sections of the wing.
However, I think that could be caused by the softer resin used for the wings and it being pulled down by the retaining elastic bands.
I guess we'll see once I've rigged the wings and removed the elastic bands!!

Mike

sandbagger · February 2

Hi all,
I've replaced those elastic bands with narrower and slightly weaker ones, which helps.
Also, I needed to re-instate some dihedral on the lower wings as they were pushed down when fitting the upper wing.
Still not perfect, but then neither is the kit,

Mike