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

[Dean62]

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

Thank you Peter, we set the part orientation on the printer to make the layers like wood. I If I was to paint it a solid color, I would make it smooth.

 

[Dean62]

The

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.

Thank you. Yes, I intentionally exaggerated the wood texture.

 

[Dean62]

I did another wash to darken the wood. Not sure if I like it, or if I want to dry brush a lighter tone on? Going to wait and decide later. I still have to paint the inside of the parts, if I use them.

 

[Heinrich]

Dean the 3D printing looks very good. What was the kit solution for these parts that you had 3-D printed now?

 

[Dean62]

Dean the 3D printing looks very good. What was the kit solution for these parts that you had 3-D printed now?

Thank you Heinrich! They are not provided in the kit. It is a bare airframe as shown below...


I am adding the cowling, machine gun cover or cowling, and the cockpit wood panel. I am still leaving the sides open. I just wanted to add some of the more identifying pieces that make the airplane more recognizable.

So I am adding these three parts...

 

[Heinrich]

Thank you Dean! For sure the addition of those parts is a great improvement.

 

[Dean62]

Worked on the lower wing today.
First I had to clean up all of the castings…


Then I glued the hinges on the ailerons and added the control horns. Then I painted the compression braces and added them.


Then I added the tension wires and turnbuckles…


Then it was time to do a little weathering and final details, like bolt heads. Then I glued the halves to the center channels and set them at the proper angle to establish the dihedral.

Later the channels will be glued into the lower fuselage.

 

[Ptèr]

Wow! Big wing isn't it? Very nicely done and I like the black parts as wel. Do the flaps work or are they fixed in this position?

 

[Dean62]

Wow! Big wing isn't it? Very nicely done and I like the black parts as wel. Do the flaps work or are they fixed in this position?

Thank you! Yes, the flaps work. They are hanging down at the moment because they are not connected to the control lines yet.

 

[Ptèr]

Thank you! Yes, the flaps work. They are hanging down at the moment because they are not connected to the control lines yet.

That's a great addition and nice detail! Great work Dean!

 

[Dean62]

That's a great addition and nice detail! Great work Dean!

Thank you Pter!

 

[RDN1954]

Good looking wing! But looking precariously fragile.

 

[Dean62]

Good looking wing! But looking precariously fragile.

Thanks! It is very solid, trust me! With all the frame work, compression braces and tension wires (that are actually very tight)!
At this point I am ready to build the fuselage, even thought I am supposed to build the elevators and rudder next.

 

[Dean62]

After drying overnight, I used the full scale plan to check the dihedral on the lower wings. It was spot on!


Now I have all these parts, and nothing to put them on…lol.
So next is the Empannage (elevator and rudder assy). Then will be the fuselage, to which all attaches. Then it will become an airplane!

 

[Dean62]

Stage 3: Building the Empennage

Today I worked about 6 hrs on the Empannage assembly. Close to being done. Probably another day or two.


I have to finish painting the elevator and then attach it and the rudder. Then it will be time for the fuselage!



I should mention the main spar on the wing needs to be notched and also a countersunk area made to accommodate the metal frame. They don’t give you that info in the instructions, but it won’t go together properly otherwise!

 

[Stargazer]

Jeez Dean, I clean up my basement for a few days and you just keep on chugging - that cowl and cockpit cover look awesome! Of course your detailing and painting skills don’t hurt either… really great enhancements and exactly what the kit needs to bring it to life, which you are doing - your wings and tail group are just magnificent! Gonna have to steal all your ideas again when I build mine, hope it turns out well, you upped the bar again!

 

[Dean62]

Jeez Dean, I clean up my basement for a few days and you just keep on chugging - that cowl and cockpit cover look awesome! Of course your detailing and painting skills don’t hurt either… really great enhancements and exactly what the kit needs to bring it to life, which you are doing - your wings and tail group are just magnificent! Gonna have to steal all your ideas again when I build mine, hope it turns out well, you upped the bar again!

Thanks Lou! The fuselage should keep me very busy! After that is done, everything starts getting assembled to it.

 

[Uwek]

just a beautiful kit - and very good work by the modeler -> Bravo! it is looking great

 

[Dean62]

just a beautiful kit - and very good work by the modeler -> Bravo! it is looking great

Thank you Uwek! The castings are a lot of work to clean up, and rather fragile. I opted not to use them in a few places. But overall the kit has a lot of potential. So I am excited to see it all come together soon!

 

[Dean62]

I finished the Empannage Assy today! That wasn’t too bad, took 2 days.


I may change a few things however. First, the compression bars are actually made from wood, and have no mounting bracket’s like the cast ones. So I may add the brackets.
Second, the hinges are ugly and basic. So I may file them down some, or paint them black so they are no longer that noticeable. Or both!

Finally it is time to start work on the fuselage! This will take the most time of any sub assembly due to the fact that it has so many parts. And it is critical it is done accurately, as everything attaches to it! Too many components to list all of them.