Classic Biplane Duelists

[speedgraflex]

Thanks for your thoughts, John. I ordered a beautifully machined pin vise, bits, cutter and a 1/72 riveter from John Vojtech at Unique Master Models (UMM-USA). I ordered from him before and struck up a conversation. He is an extremely gifted model builder as well, and he has a great selection of small tools, as well as paints and kits.

I've met him several times before at model shows with his UMM bench set up. Every time I've talked to him he says in his thick deep Russian accent "Ah friend I have just the tool you need"

Hahah he is also an excellent correspondent! That is a wonderful story, well told! Thank you!

Oh, I’m going to do some mud, thought you would like to see the idea:

[jkim]

Oooh... are you going to have to replicate that prop logo?

[speedgraflex]

I have this in 1/48 decal by Peddinghaus. It’s a little chunky (my graphic design teacher would say; “Horsey;” as in rough), but I think it’s serviceable.



After making masks in 1/72 I was a little leery about masking insignias, so I opted for a complete set of decals. I have a photograph in my folder.

Here:



Also the aircraft insignia crosses were painted over. The original crosses were flared (sorry I don’t know the term). Example:



Here is a photo of the aircraft (middle of image, look for the “E”):



All the crosses were repainted with the newer, simpler style. The decals represent the “idealized look,” without the obvious over painted crosses.

[Medicman71]

Wow. Your research is impressive Bruce! Especially since it's of aircraft that aren't readily available in book form.

[speedgraflex]

Mike!
Thanks so much. There is a “Windsock Datafile” for the Fokker, which I would love to own but costs quite a bit. Looking forward to more painting tomorrow!

[speedgraflex]

I am working on the Fokker each day. Today I shortened the wings to scale lengths by reducing the plastic on each side by 1 rib each then I reshaped the trailing edges. I also sanded, polished and used Mr Surfacer 1000 in White to finesse the finish, followed by Gunze Tan to give a base coat. Ya see the data I have in the profile colors has changed. This was not a sky blue bellied bird, no sir. She had a doped linen finish to her wings with patched areas for balkenkreuz.

[Stikpusher]

Looking good Bruce! I’m looking forward to more progress photos from you.

As for my Camel, I’ll be back on it in a few days. My concurrent Patton build was feeling a bit neglected.

[LyleW]

chopping up wings, now? Wow....be sure to show a "before" and "after" picture, please.

[speedgraflex]

There is a “before” photograph on page one, but my goal is to make things look like nothing happened “after,” if that makes sense.



Some years ago I bought a CMK Razor Saw for straight cuts of resin. This is what I used first to remove a rib. I always leave just a touch more than the cut as a safety measure. I followed the cuts with rough carving by an X-Acto with a #11, then sandpaper.

[LyleW]

That should always be the goal...to look as if nothing happened! I like you work a lot! Quite meticulous.