I’m attempting the build of a Wingnuts Wings kit for an Albatross D.V Limited Edition (Jasta 18), 1/32 scale. I know the kit is nothing new, but that’s great because I am a novice builder (never attempted a WW1 build either) and am benefiting from the advice of others. I appreciate the tips I’ve already come across from those who are generous with their knowledge.
This kit was entrusted to me by a very kind friend, and I will try to do justice to the model and hopefully end up with something he would be willing to have when I am finished.
This post is just a “I’m getting started, wish me luck” post for those who are interested.
The engine detail is what experienced modelers have featured, so I will try to use some of their tips, i.e., add spark plug wires, create new valve springs (that’s what the guitar string is intended for), and attempt rigging.
An “orphan” part which came loose in the packing and three eyelet anchors I’ve created for the rigging - with a Cheez-it for scale. I’ll figure out where the orphan part goes, and I’ve already made use of the Cheez-it. Eyelet creation was done following tips from https://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/ (thank you!)
Getting started… pausing for a break to locate page 5 of the instructions. My kit is secondhand and did not come with the instructions. I have been able to find them online, but the PDF file I downloaded omitted page 5 (found it on the WNW website, though).
Previous builders have indicated that the fit of pieces within the fuselage is so exact that even a layer of paint will make a difference. I’m trying to manage that with some masking before I start applying paint. The page 5 that I am missing from the instructions gives guidance for the interior painting.
That’s a good start, Molly. The masking is a pain but it will help. The interiors on these kits are fabulous. And very different from, say, a Mustang where “everything” is green. The WW1 birds seemed to have everything left in it’s native material color. Makes for a lot of variety…
I spent the last few days reading the instructions again and viewing videos of how others have proceeded, trying to decide which techniques I would try. I’m using Tamiya acrylics and would like to add some little details but am not brave enough to attempt everything.
Today’s progress:
Initial painting of fuselage interior and hand painting several tiny parts. To create the wood look of the interior, I used the recommended color (desert yellow) applied with an airbrush and then added wood grain detail with watercolor pencils. My husband suggested it needed some “spots” (a few knots in the wood), and I like the result so far.
I appreciate the new brushes I bought last week for the teeny tiny painting tasks. I’ll let things dry and do assembly of some parts tomorrow. Hoping to apply a clear coat on the cockpit area but have to think about when to do that.
@Molly Fantastic work on the wood grain. I don’t know if this would be appropriate for the interior of a fuselage, but one additional thing I have done after wood graining a prop is to spray it with a coat of clear orange.
@Aggieman - yes, I may do something like this. I viewed the video on Scale-a-Ton for tips on painting propellers (at Painting Wooden propellers ), and one of the final steps in that process was airbrushing an 80:20 mix of thinner and clear orange over the work. I was thinking of a mix of thinner+clear gloss+clear orange, both as a way to seal the watercolor pencil and protect the fuselage before I start adding other pieces.
Watching with interest. I don’t have any Wingnut Wings models. But for some reason WWI aircraft are turning my head. I have several 1/48 models I want to start once I’m done with my current in-works models.
Today’s progress - added an orange-yellow-tinted clear coat to the fuselage interior, applied a clear coat to some small pieces, applied tiny decals and placed the cockpit inside the fuselage to test the fit.
It was a little tense in the Flugzeugwerke today. No fewer than four times I dropped a tiny piece on the floor (carpet monster) but was really, really lucky and found each one. I had to walk away from it for a while after one of those fumbles so I could restore my patience. I may have said a few bad words.
I meant to add some Tamiya panel line accents, but forgot. I can still do this when I go back to it since I have more to do inside the fuselage.
Testing fit before applying yellow-orange clear coat:
Starting on some details for Step 2 and the Spandau machine guns. The machine gun parts are so fragile and were very fiddly. Pity the poor pilot who will try to shoot straight from these! Also shown are containers for empty cartridge belts, fuel tank (with some added detail suggested by one builder), foot pedal and mount with M&M for scale.
