After a false start with an Avro 504, I finally got a biplane under by belt, this time a 1/72 kit of the Polikarpov R-5. While it ain’t a WWI dogfighter, it’s still a biplane. Rigging was a fun adventure, and while it came out pretty good, I still need to work on finishing and cleaning up the little blobs of superglue afterward.
The rigging is actually elastic nylon thread from a pair of women’s pantyhose. As if us guys didn’t have ENOUGH weird stuff to buy in the name of modelling…
I didn’t add many scratchbuilt extras to the kit. A gunsight and some windshields is all.
The kit was a bit rough going together, but the finished article turned out alright, I think. Well, tell me what you think:
As for what this kit has taught me- I will DEFINITELY be doing more biplanes in the future! This was kind of fun!
LOL- see, you can build something that’s wingspan is less than 3 feet! [;)]
Seriously- very nice job on that. It looks great. Interesting way to do the rigging- that part intimidates me. You did it very well. And bonus points for such a unique subject.
That came out quite well. You might wanna just try out some Invisible Thread next time for rigging. It’s very thin, and it’s far less embarassing to buy then womens’ panty hose!
Looks real nice, and I’m real happy to see that you were not put off by all that rigging and are actually eager to try another one. [tup] They’re quite a lot of fun and can be somewhat addicting, too. To me they are the most aesthetically pleasing of any military subject, by far.
Thanks, everybody, for the comments. I think next time I may leave off painting or finishing the top of the top wing and the bottom of the lower wing- that way I can putty and sand without worrying about messing up a paint job.
Mine was the 1/72 Airfix kit, and it currently resides in many small pieces in that plastic heaven that all models go to after they die. I busted it up pretty bad (accidentally) and didn’t feel like fixing it. I may get another one, though. I need to build a bipe that’s a bit more… “vintage”.
Thanks again for the comments- they are always appreciated!
Very nice indeed. Good to see that doing a biplane is not as hazardous to ones helth as may be thought.[;)] It appears you did not loose your mind or injure yourself with the rigging. I am gloing to be trying my 1st soon too.
Geez. Your fast. I just finished writing a reply to your Vickers and, blow me if you havent built another in that short time. lol. Very nice too. I did a Neiuport for my Dad and rigging is addictive isnt it. Cant wait to see your next project, Or is it already posted. Better start refreshing more often. =;-O
Well, er, um… you see… this thing has, ah… TWO sets of wings, yeah. Compared to all of my other kits, which only have ONE set (see where this is going?), it could be said that this model is my most UNconventional!
Sorta make sense?
I don’t think so either. [swg]
(And if you think this build is too conventional, you’re gonna HATE my next one. It’s a subject that’s been done to death, and is a pre-requisite for ALL Luftwaffe collections. HINT- I already have a Fw 190.)
