Matt B's wireless wonder ***FINISHED*** (at last!)

[Clashcityrocker]

I think it's invisible, so I'll just choose the wing on which I prefer the paint effect.
bestest,M.

Interesting about the painting of these machines.
I like the purple and blue one.

Nigel

[JamesPerrin]

Interesting idea. Did you try and use a brush that was equivalent to a 1/48 one, that way the brush strokes are too scale?

[ShaunW]

Excellent work Matt. This kit has a great interior, even though most of it has now been rendered invisible! With regard to the seat, IIRC the seat in the Fokker DVII, which looks to be mounted in a very similar fashion to this type, is square on to the fuse floor and not angled backwards.

[mattbacon]

Thanks, chaps. @James -- no, it was just a slightly knackered wide brush that would lay down an uneven layer.





Apologies for the lack of updates. It's mostly been wrestling with the lozenge and other decals, and building these darn machine guns. I though, it being a secret santa and all, I'd try to use all the bits, but I can't say my photo-etched machine guns are the most successful modelling I've ever done!





The forward "cabane" struts triangulate nicely, so with some "Serious Glue" I got them to set in the only geometry they can. Although there is no "rigging" as such, there's a control cable from fuselage to wings, and the bracing on the under cart -- all done with EZ-line. However, the lack of rigging doesn't make it an "easy" build -- I'd actually prefer a biplane with the lower wing solidly fitted to the fuselage to build all the rest up on. The upper wing is entirely held by four attachment points, no more than 0.5mm in diameter...





The prop trial fitted. Those who have been paying attention will note that one of the things that has been occupying me during "radio silence" has been repainting the lower wing surface with fewer stripes -- there should only be 5 distinct areas, like on the upper wing... The tyres I've left in primer, since I have a memory that later war German "rubber" tyres were not rubber at all, and a rather pale grey colour...

I'm going to let all this set good and solid for a couple of days while I'm away. I'm hopeful of completing within the GB timescale though, if only just... There really is only the final attachment of the wing and a few additional breakable details to do, now...

bestest,
M.

[Ian]

That's looking really good, Matt. And I think the MGs are great! Love the prop work, too.
Impressive stuff going on here, mate.

[JohnRatzenberger]

It's looking very good, Matt.

[PaulBradley]

Very nice so far, Matt.

[mattbacon]

This bit was a pain, and it's not quite right, but I'm not taking it off again!







Still a few tiny, breakable details to do, and some touching up of paintwork, but it's pretty nearly there, I reckon...

bestest,
M.

[PaulBradley]

Wow, those are some bright colours.

The stitching under the fuselage - is that PE?

[Clashcityrocker]

Nice stitching. That's gonna leave a mean looking scar

Nigel

[Ian]

The 'washed' colours are growing on me now. I wasn't sure earlier. And it looks fabulous!

[ShaunW]

That's a stunner Matt, really great work. I also like the stitching under the fuse, which nicely adds to the model.

[Sissel]

Wow this looks stunning. Love the colors. Smooth work!

[mattbacon]

Thanks, all... this is done, now.







..believe me, I have sweated over those control cables... my trusty elastic thread is not so elastic any more, to the point when my "hot" superglue makes it break two times out of three. Must get some more tomorrow!

Proper pictures when next the outdoor studio can be set up (April?;-P)

Many thanks to my SS! This has certainly taken me outside of my comfort zone, and I've learned a lot. Though, whatever they say, I wouldn't recommend this as an "easy" first WW1 kit. Not by a long chalk...

bestest,
M.

[Ian]

That's a lovely piece of work, Matt. And an unusual take on the wing painting (which I have now decided I really like!)
Well done!