Model Airways Sopwith Camel 1/16 scale [COMPLETED BUILD]

It is straight forward, as far as wing building goes. Very similar to the wooden RC airplanes I built. I don’t thing the wing profile is any easier on a semi-symmetrical or symmetrical wing. These have a slight concave profile on the bottom. Either way you are soaking cap strips in water and bending them around the rib.
Then the ribs are installed on the spars. Then it’s time for the cross braces, leading edge ribs, the leading edge, wing tips, trailing edges, straps, then compression bars, and finally tension wires and turnbuckles.
The addition of the compression bars and tension wires is new for me. ;)
So even though it’s a new type model, the detail required, and how I accomplish it, uses the same or similar skill sets as most models. Especially wood and metal models. Plastic models are all about painting. I used to have an airbrush and do camouflage on my plastic airplanes. So I developed my painting skills and techniques doing those. Working with the metal parts was a new thing for me on ships.
But each and every model has its own challenges and unique approach. This is a very busy and detailed model, the order and how you build it is very important. And all of the control cables are run, and the control surfaces are supposed to work with stick and rudder movement. So it’s a working static model. That looks to be a new and interesting challenge! ;)
I built several RC airplanes back in the 60's and 70's....my choice for wing covering back then was silk span with clear dope. Are you going to be covering these wings? Heat shrink? Just wondering.....
 
I built several RC airplanes back in the 60's and 70's....my choice for wing covering back then was silk span with clear dope. Are you going to be covering these wings? Heat shrink? Just wondering.....
I did the same in the 70s with silk span and clear dope. Then they came out with the iron on film that is a lot tougher, and no fumes! ;)
The kit is not meant to be covered, as it is a skeleton model, meant to show all of the frames and working components.
However I have considered covering a few panels in order to show the insignia in a few places. Will see when I get that far. I will use some artistic license and hopefully come up with an elegant solution to strategically covering a few areas. ;)
 
Working on the left lower wing today.

First I had to cut some copper tape for the wing straps. First I cut the lengths, then I cut the width. You can get about two straps per piece of tape, width wise.

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Then the straps were applied to the trailing edge, at every rib, and on the wing tips where applicable.
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Then I sanded the leading edge to blend into the wing tip…

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Then I added bolts to the right wing and started painting…
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Then I started painting the left wing tip…
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And hobby time is over for today. Admiral informed me that it’s my turn to cook dinner tonight…lol :p

Oh well, better do some chores and carry my weight around the house! ;)

Thanks for dropping in!
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Today I cut the ailerons free of the wing. Then I sanded everything and finished the painting and added bolt heads.
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Next step will be stain and clear coat, which I premixed to do in one application.
After that is compression braces, hinges, control horns, turnbuckles and tension wires. ;)
 
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While you are racing ahead with the Sopwith, I have some naval news for you. Fluit build log by @Kolderstok Hans!

 
While you are racing ahead with the Sopwith, I have some naval news for you. Fluit build log by @Kolderstok Hans!

Great! Thanks for the link Heinrich! ;)
 
Today was painting…but first I made a test print of the cowling.
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I decided not to sand it smooth. That way I could use the texture to simulate a brushed or spun metal.
So I got out the paint. I then realized I wanted to test a new color I got…a burnt blue. Added it to the pipes on the engine.
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Then I added bolt heads to the cowling and painted it, did a wash and dry brush. Finally a quick coat of clear. I probably won’t use this one, as it’s more of a test piece. I think it needs a little sanding so the grooves aren’t as pronounced. But who knows? ;)
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Anyway, so much for playing around with painting techniques. Back to building the lower wing!
 
Today was painting…but first I made a test print of the cowling.
View attachment 295152View attachment 295153
I decided not to sand it smooth. That way I could use the texture to simulate a brushed or spun metal.
So I got out the paint. I then realized I wanted to test a new color I got…a burnt blue. Added it to the pipes on the engine.
View attachment 295157

Then I added bolt heads to the cowling and painted it, did a wash and dry brush. Finally a quick coat of clear. I probably won’t use this one, as it’s more of a test piece. I think it needs a little sanding so the grooves aren’t as pronounced. But who knows? ;)
View attachment 295159View attachment 295160View attachment 295161

Anyway, so much for playing around with painting techniques. Back to building the lower wing!
Engine is looking great!
Cowl, from 3D model to printed hardware; very nice. However, I think I might have used some sanding action on the cowl, but I'm not sure which look you're after.
 
Engine is looking great!
Cowl, from 3D model to printed hardware; very nice. However, I think I might have used some sanding action on the cowl, but I'm not sure which look you're after.
Yes, I wanted a brushed look. But it is a little too aggressive. So I have another one printing tonight. I will sand it a lot smoother, but leave some tiny grooves. At least I got to practice painting it. ;)
 
Yes, I wanted a brushed look. But it is a little too aggressive. So I have another one printing tonight. I will sand it a lot smoother, but leave some tiny grooves. At least I got to practice painting it. ;)
Eagerly awaiting the results of this next exercise.
 
As you probably guessed, tonight was more painting and detail of the new printed parts. I am out of matte clear, so used a satin, which is too shiny for the wood. Will have to clear coat with a matte finish.
Anyway…started with these parts…
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Then painted and added bolt heads…
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That looks very nice, Dean.
I love the wood structure on the cockpit panel. You could design it that way or is that an additional advantage of the printed layers?
Regards, Peter
 
The
As you probably guessed, tonight was more painting and detail of the new printed parts. I am out of matte clear, so used a satin, which is too shiny for the wood. Will have to clear coat with a matte finish.
Anyway…started with these parts…
View attachment 295394

Then painted and added bolt heads…
View attachment 295395View attachment 295396
The cowling has improved by leaps and bounds, very convincing. The cockpit covering, at least that's my very personal taste, has an "exaggerated" roughness quality to it. From a distance the wood like print structure sure is a bonus.
 
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