SPA Modeler

The modeling club I attend has a group build that has to do with anything that deals with water a.k.a. "wet willy". This was my subject since I have always been wanting to build a Rufe but the only ones were 48, 72 and this one. I jumped at the chance to get it going so here it is. Starting with the engine and like any other Trumpeter kit with a radial I always have some sort of issue of which I wont go into details and this is about as far as I got these past three days.



the closest I can get to aotakae is blue angel blue lightly sprayed over chrome.

front cylinder row



and the aft cylinder row





I doubt the engine or oile tanks will be visible but for now I just hope every thing just fits.

Thanks, all. In order to keep going and not really crank up the build I decided to continue on to the cockpit so that I can assemble the engine sub assembly in reverse to catch any issues and take care of them as they show up.

This is a pretty nice build of a cockpit so far. All the parts for the exception of the seat supports went in with out a hitch. I am using just one bit of AM on this and that is the Yahoo 1/24 scale zero pe ip. This is a pretty neat bit of detail as it has the instruments covered with clear film and sandwiched between its backing and the front fascia. I think it is better than Eduard's stuff so far.
This kit doesn't come with pe belts so I will have to try my hand at scratching some 24 scale zero belts for my self but that shouldn't be much of a problem.

The side walls with their levers and bits came out rather well and are mocking me to go and rush this to get it together but I will have to refrain if I want this to come out decent.

The office deck is nicely detailed



The side walls need just a bit more attention before weathering.





The ip does benefit with the application of the yahoo ip parts

Looking great Paul, very nicely detailed cockpit indeed.

I have also bought a number of Yahu's excellent AM instrument panels, but so far always in 1/72 scale. These ones in your Rufe are outstanding, almost that the gauge needle would move...

- Kari

This will be a monster on your shelf when finished! The Yahu IP looks really nice, as does your progress on the cockpit!

Wow....

The Rufe is a very nice looking plane. I have one in 1/48 to accompany my Rex. I will follow this build for information and inspiration.

I figured I am through fighting the engine assembly so I got it together and so what if it ain't right, Ill hide the flaws with the prop when I get that far. I laid down some Humbrol dark green and though it really isn't dark enough it will have to do as it is the only dark green shade I have. It kind of bubbled up on the wings so I am going to give it some time to cure then Ill sand the anomalies out and shoot them again. I have some bare spots that require some touch ups then I can get to the bottom gray color and continue on.

That's coming along nicely - I do like that shade of green!

That is one pretty looking big floaty thingy so far!

Thanks, gentlemen. I seem to always have some sort of problem with Trumpeter radials