Small, unusual, interesting.....Finished.

1
August 24, 2021
2
August 24, 2021
3
August 24, 2021
4
August 24, 2021
Some flash to clear up.
5
August 24, 2021
More flash...
6
August 24, 2021
Plenty of fine parts to be careful with. A choice of three different machine guns, and either skis or wheels.
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August 25, 2021
First few pieces being cleaned of excess plastic, and first coat of paint. Further clean up when dry.
8
August 27, 2021
In amongst the flash, I found a very acceptable prop, pistons with cooling fins, but had huge problems with the very fragile other parts of the engine. Can someone please tell me what these thin bent parts are? exhausts? First coat on the prop, and some silver on the engine.
9
August 27, 2021
A black wash on the engine for contrast.
10
August 27, 2021
if I can do something with the thin fragile parts, then the main engine could look just fine 🙂
11
August 27, 2021
Okay, so this is what it needs to look like. Le Rhone 9J 9-cylinders, and the whole engine rotates as it operates. Now I understand how the kit parts are required to be assembled.
12
August 28, 2021
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August 28, 2021
More of a copper colour for the curved tubes.
14
August 28, 2021
Still 2 broken parts to be added.
15
August 28, 2021
I should move one or two wires to be more central.
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August 28, 2021
Getting there...
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August 28, 2021
That's as good as I can make it.
18
August 28, 2021
Starting to take shape, skis and prop dry fitted for now. Yes, the engine is in there, somewhere.
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August 28, 2021
Fitting the upper wing will require the locating holes to be adjusted to match the support arms.
20
August 27, 2021
The front gondola has air intakes to each side, for which Amodel provide some mesh texture. I just have to find a way to bring it out. The eagle-eyed will have noticed that the upper support had got broken off without me noticing, but I found it at the bottom of my waste bin, so is now added! Some final rub down is required, I see...
21
August 27, 2021
I need to create a fine 'frame' line around the mesh panels, so need a steadier hand 🙂
22
August 29, 2021
Spent some time freeing the fine pieces from the sprue, but a couple of pieces broke. After careful clean up, I'm pleased that the struts have a neat tapered shape (so I will need to remember to fit them facing the right way), but the curved gun mount is beyond salvage.
23
August 29, 2021
So, as someone suggested, let's try to re-make in wire.
24
August 29, 2021
I used the steel tube from an empty glue bottle to achieve the neat top end and required spacing. Using the glue bottle top like a ring guage, I measured the plastic part and used that position as a former for bending the wires.
25
August 29, 2021
Worked just fine.
26
August 29, 2021
I'll cut to length when everything is being assembled, but should look better than the plastic.
27
August 29, 2021
White used as primer and also create some highlights. Let's see if it works, when colour is added.
28
August 29, 2021
Not bad for free hand.
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August 30, 2021
Seems to have worked okay (touch up on the tail required).
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August 30, 2021
Very subtle on this side.
31
August 30, 2021
More like how I intended on this side.
32
August 30, 2021
A little blob of white glue was applied at each strut position, and allowed to dry before painting.
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August 30, 2021
Now the paint is dry, the white glue is easily removed with the tip of a scalpel, leaving the holes as exposed plastic ready for the struts to be glued.
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August 30, 2021
Okay, so rough lines result in rough highlights, so I'll try again using masking tape.
35
August 30, 2021
White paint in the narrow gaps, and a couple of thicker coats where the decals will be. I'm hoping that the thicker lines will show up as a raised line at the decals.
36
August 30, 2021
Tape removed, and also removed paint too. Hmmm.... Lesson to be learned? Always use a proper primer first. The thin lines came out well, so a case of 'Good idea badly executed'....
37
August 31, 2021
Bald areas re-primed and painted. Hardly noticeable...and one will have large decal over it too. The fine lines just catch the light and give an impression of internal ribs. Perhaps I should have done this on the lower wing and tail too
38
August 31, 2021
Ready for next steps. (Including repairs to thinnest pieces!)
39
September 1, 2021
The lower wings have very little contact interface with the fuselage. So, carefully installing the inner struts.Still managed to break one strut, but hopefully the repair won't be visible.
40
September 1, 2021
Trying to adjust the bond to the fuselage, to align the wings. Not quite perfect. Hmm ...
41
September 1, 2021
And breathe..... Struts all fitted. Fuselage and wing surfaces that will have decals got a gloss coat yesterday, so decals this evening.
42
September 2, 2021
Replaced the repaired strut with stretched sprue, though drilled holes.
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September 2, 2021
Will keep them slightly projecting so they will match the supports on the plane itself.
44
September 2, 2021
Installed and painted.
45
September 2, 2021
Decals all on, but not yet sealed with clear.
46
September 2, 2021
Struts all painted and looking reasonably neat
47
September 2, 2021
No, I will not be attempting rigging....
48
September 3, 2021
Well, there we are, gunners pod mounted. An aftermarket machine gun is on its way.....
49
September 3, 2021
Motor hidden, and prop barely visible. Fake ribs on the upper wing look better than a plain surface, don't you think? Some of the wing strut attachments are still a little scruffy, so I need to re-visit them at some point.
50
September 3, 2021
Unfortunately, if the pod were mounted correctly, it would be clashing with the prop. So, I have had to compromise at the last step.... Will have to think if the upper supports should be changed for longer ones, so the black struts connect to the front tip of the support, not to the back. Hmm....
51
September 4, 2021
Replacement Lewis gun is a tiny PE kit in itself. Superb quality MG.
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September 4, 2021
Sights and magazine handle added.
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September 4, 2021
Huge improvement on the kit options.
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September 4, 2021
Painted and installed.
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September 4, 2021
As smart as a new coat of paint ?
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September 4, 2021

Opmerkingen

24 24 August 2021, 17:01

Alec K
Following. Getting those delicate parts separated from the spruces will be fun 👍

24 August 2021, 17:37

Bruce Huxtable
Trying to make sense of the instructions, and cleaning up the rotary engine, are going to be interesting too 🙂

24 August 2021, 18:02

bughunter
Oh, in plastic? I have it in my stash in 1:48, but in resin. If you do not like to clean the rotary, there are matching Small Stuff engines available 😉

24 August 2021, 21:06

Bruce Huxtable
Let's see how it goes, bughunter. I was wondering about the armament, as it will be very visible.

24 August 2021, 21:21

bughunter
Yes, you are right. May be Gaspatch, or the wonderful little brass work by MiniWorld ? Not available in 1/48 for my birds 🙁 MiniWorld has also other weapon types, please check your references, which Lewis you need.
Lewis Mk III machine gun (Mini World A7207, 1:72)

25 August 2021, 09:23

Bruce Huxtable
Bughunter, you are a star. Many thanks for your advice and suggestions. Those Small Stuff engines are things of beauty for sure, and that Lewis gun set up is soo much better than the kit parts. I guess I need to do some homework...

25 August 2021, 11:53

bughunter
Thanks, glad that I could help!
If you want to see finished Small Stuff engines, you should check my projects. The little Fokker D.VIII Stripdown is equipped with a 1/72 variant, most of the others have the 1/48 versions.

25 August 2021, 13:02

Bruce Huxtable
I feel privileged to be allowed a peep into your wonderful display of finished works. Amazing 👍

25 August 2021, 13:32

Łukasz Gliński
Wow, Amodel + rigging sound like a serious challenge 😄

27 August 2021, 07:53

Bruce Huxtable
No-one mentioned rigging..... 😉 Def a step too far for me at the moment, Lukasz. But the Amodel challenge? Bring it on!

27 August 2021, 08:39

Robert Podkoński
Following with interest and pleasure, of course. You're a brave man, Bruce!

27 August 2021, 14:08

Bruce Huxtable
If it all went easily, I wouldn't learn, and I certainly don't have all the answers 🙂 Looking ahead, the wing struts are very thin, and installing the wings will be a challenge for me, for sure. So, for the moment, I'm going to enjoy finishing the cockpit and progressing the engine. I've been tempted and ordered a replacement Lewis gun, but will see what can be done with the three alternative machine guns the kit provides. I have plans for painting the canvas fabric.....

27 August 2021, 14:16

Bruce Huxtable
Many thanks everyone, for your 'likes', I'll try not to disappoint 😉

27 August 2021, 14:17

Łukasz Gliński
These must be exhaust, but I'm not an expert. Have you considered exchanging them for some sort of pipe or thick wire?

27 August 2021, 14:34

Bruce Huxtable
That would explain the curved ends, I guess? I'm thinking about wire, but have never done this before, Lukasz. There's a first time for everything 😉

27 August 2021, 14:41

Guy Rump
Respect to you Bruce for attempting this. The rigging work looks difficult to say the least. 🙂

27 August 2021, 17:52

Bruce Huxtable
That's why I'm not going to attempt it, Guy. I'll be challenged enough with the kit parts. I may be tempted to try rigging a more robust model already completed, after this one is finished.

27 August 2021, 17:56

Thomas Espe
Interesting indeed, good progress.

27 August 2021, 22:41

Moreno Baruffini
Really interesting, a very good start, and very good pictures of all the steps! Go on Bruce! 👍🏻

28 August 2021, 11:25

Bruce Huxtable
Thanks, Thomas and Moreno. Tried to make the engine look more interesting, so tried adding some shiny wires 😉 I'm quite pleased with the prop.

28 August 2021, 11:38

Erik De Smet
I remember I built this too as part of my 14-18 collection, but never finished my album, which I completed now. You can hardly see anything of the engine once the front part is located.
And for the machine gun, I just put it loose in the front cockpit.
BTW I have read a story that the French sold this plane to the Russians, as they considered that engine lay-out too dangerous for their own pilots.
Enjoy the build

28 August 2021, 14:43

Bruce Huxtable
Hi Eric, I'm impressed that you cleaned up the thin pieces whist they are still on the very chunky sprue. Your finished plane looks very neat, and the rigging is perfect. I shall not dare to try rigging, so will only take mine so far. You air intake grills work very well too - good tip 👍

28 August 2021, 15:26

Gary Victory
Bruce, nice work. Shame about the paint being removed. Did you de-tact the tape first on the back of your hand..?

31 August 2021, 06:40

Bruce Huxtable
Thanks for the tip, Gary. I'll try that next time. I'm hoping I won't have to strip it and start again. Keep your fingers crossed!

31 August 2021, 06:48

Gary Victory
Fingers crossed for you Bruce. Also make sure you allow proper drying time before masking up. By the looks of it you are keeping your coats thin so that will help with drying time.
Looking forward to seeing your progress. 😉

31 August 2021, 07:07

Bruce Huxtable
I think you have hit the nail on the head, Gary. More haste, less speed.... Many thanks again for your words of wisdom 🙂

31 August 2021, 08:14

Gary Victory
No worries Bruce. 😉
Nice recovery and progress.

2 September 2021, 14:02

Bruce Huxtable
Thanks, Gary, and Daniel too. Slowly moving in the right direction 🙂 More fragile, thin struts to be added next....

2 September 2021, 15:00

Neil
Very nice work Bruce 👌

4 September 2021, 11:41

Bruce Huxtable
Many thanks, Neil. I hereby declare her Finished 🙂

4 September 2021, 11:44

bughunter
The brass MG looks really nice in real! I guess you learned a lot in this project? Then the next _with_ rigging please 😉

4 September 2021, 12:13

Bruce Huxtable
Yes, learned soo much, and it was a very pleasurable experience. Slow but steady wins the race! Rigging will have to wait a while, but one day I'll give it a go.

4 September 2021, 12:37

Alec K
Well done Bruce. Hope you had fun 👍

4 September 2021, 12:47

Bruce Huxtable
Many thanks, Alec. This Amodel had its challenges but that's half the fun!

4 September 2021, 13:07

Uwe Kaeding
Nice work Bruce - and, yes, the upper wing support struts are meant to attach to the front of the cupola pylon. I've built the SA2 version of this kit (SPAD S.A.2 | Album by Uwe Kaeding (1:72)) and it is a challenge, but rewarding.

4 September 2021, 13:27

Guy Rump
Great build Bruce. The woodwork looks very realistic. 👍

4 September 2021, 14:37

Bruce Huxtable
Thanks, Guy, my visits to Hendon RAF Museum paid off 👍

4 September 2021, 14:41

Moreno Baruffini
Many thanks, Bruce, I think it was one of the best build I followed and I think the result it's fantastic! Please go on with rigging!!!

4 September 2021, 15:11

Bruce Huxtable
Many thanks for your kind words, Moreno. The kit's struts are very fragile, so I would be sure to destroy it in my first-ever attempts at adding rigging.... so, I will just have to learn Photoshop instead 😉 sorry to disappoint.... 🙁

4 September 2021, 15:16

Erik De Smet
Bruce, you could use Albion Alloys nickel Silver rod of .2 of .1 mm for rigging. It is stiff, can be cut with scissors, and glued with ca glue and will not put any stress on the struts. I used it for my Gladiator.
The Lewis gun is fantastic.

4 September 2021, 17:11

Bruce Huxtable
Erik, many thanks for your tip. I am very tempted, and it certainly would add lots to the finished plane. Yes, I am impressed with the quality of the MG, and how inexpensive it was. Def passing on bughunter's recommendation!

4 September 2021, 17:19

Marko
Hey Bruce, very successful construction of a strange but interesting biplane.

1 November 2021, 07:10

Robert Podkoński
This machine gun looks awesome!

1 November 2021, 07:44

Bruce Huxtable
Many thanks, Marko. Lots learned, for next time 🙂

1 November 2021, 07:55

Bruce Huxtable
It was bughunter's suggestion, Robert, and I'm glad I got it. Makes a big difference.

1 November 2021, 07:57

cecil
Nice job with a challenging kit!

13 December 2021, 19:50

Bruce Huxtable
Thanks, Cecil. I learned lots, so hopefully next build will be neater.

13 December 2021, 21:45

Bas Tonn
Great model of a great flying machine. Amazing what people put in the air in those days

13 December 2021, 21:46

Bruce Huxtable
Hey, thanks. I enjoyed this A-Model kit, for the challenges as well as the unusual plane 🙂

13 December 2021, 21:50

Ben M
ah, a-model! Very nice result! Beautiful!

13 December 2021, 21:54

Bruce Huxtable
Many thanks, Ben, I still need to tidy up some areas though.....

14 December 2021, 09:22

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