Classic Biplane Duelists

[Stikpusher]

Yes, the aircraft could be translucent under bright lighting conditions depending upon the dope used over the fabric. Less so for dark colors, but especially so where clear dope was used.

[jeaton01]

It's also possible that what is being seen in the photo is reinforcing tape applied on the outside of the covering in areas where it rests against internal structure.

[speedgraflex]

Gents, thank you for your informative replies and discussion. About a year ago I did a deep dive into Fokker Triplanes, which included information about the design development and subsequent changes (V3 to V4, V5 field tested). One element I thought to add was the centrally stitched “keel” at the very bottom of the fuselage (located where I have drawn a red line).



I do not have a specific answer for you, John, but I like the way Carlos and John suggested why the tail fin looks the way it does. My theory is that the tail fin was a corrected element and was built entirely using a wood framework, which is why it looks like it does, and the fuselage was “standard Fokker” tubular steel with plywood cockpit interior. If the steel was painted or treated to prevent corrosion it might be less prominent. The other reason may be the canvas used was of a different weave then the tail redesign.

Also note that SMER lists the scale as 1:50. I think that is incorrect, otherwise why is the Eduard 1:48 tail fitting so well?

[Bolleken]

Hey Carlos and Bruce, nice teamwork you are doing here. Interesting topic too and you know I have a weakness for such old kits. It is late, probably not too late to follow.

[BorgR3mc0]

This does look like a fun build.

As for the SMER kit, I think it actually has Merit/Artiplast lineage. And that range was 1/50 so would make sense. Although that would not account for the Eduard tail to fit....

[Stikpusher]

My understanding of the SMER WWI kits is that they were based off of the Aurora molds. If that is true, then they would indeed be 1/48. And the 1/50 would only be a marketing situation to go with much of their own moldings. Other companies have done the opposite approach and taken older 1/50 scale kits and released them in boxes labeled as 1/48.

[speedgraflex]

Good evening / morning:

The 21st is Carlotta’s birthday so the factory worked a little overtime. Tomorrow will be face time at the ocean when she has time. I hope it does not rain, but that could be even more romantic.

Washes

Shadow Green / Holbein Aqua Oil DU 258
Grey of Grey / Holbein Aqua Oil DU 346
Payne’s Grey / Holbein Aqua Oil DU 336

Brushes

No 1/4 Floquil Camel Hair
No 4 Princeton Long Round Sable
No 0 Kolinsky/Martre Sable

Bases

Gunze White
Tamiya Extra Fine White Primer
Zoukei Mura GK Surfacer



PS. The Scotch tape (de-tacked on cloth) did not lift the paint it was Tamiya! (However I did not de-tack first). My mistake. Easy fix. Should be green there (I gave myself room to fuck up by working center section first.). Red - where I stopped; blue - where I should stop.

[Floki]

Looking amazing Bruce! You have achieved a very nice finish for the paint to go on.

[speedgraflex]

Thanks, Clint!

And... thank you Marius (Bolleken) and Remco (Borg) for being part of this project as well. You all make such a huge difference in my life. Thank you, sincerely. All the best!

[Medicman71]

Looks great Bruce!