Major components ready to come together.

The next steps will be uniting the top wing with the the cabane struts and fitting the interplane struts. By the way I can give you some clarification on the radiator shutter system.

You can see here the underside is cropped back and does not interfere with the wire from the rear cabane strut to the lower wing. In the kit you have to study the small inset image on the instructions and it shows the frame work holding the shutter tack welded to the frame for the radiator. Mirage wants you to drill holes to insert the legs of the frame into the wing itself.

Thats a great detail pic, Stephen, Be careful with the cabane struts. If I remember correctly, I had to reposition the PE part because it got in the way.

Mark

That is precisely it Mark. The detail came to me when I was reviewing the PDF version of the instructions. Always check your references when entering the next step.

Since mine is portrayed as the communications machine of the flight I thought I might add this as one of the alternate methods these flights communicated to headquarters.

^^^^^^ is the pigeon in his hand ???

Kinda unsanitary aint it? Bird in the hand and all that. . .

Could be lunch


Interesting photo though , when was this taken ?

Well it is an Early Halb. CL.II and it bears a Balken cross on the fuselage. I am thinking late April - May 1918. Note also in the image the top wing retouched and rigging wires in the pilot's left side bay are not drawn in. Note also the drag handle on the Parabellum gun mount. Note also the repair patch by the right leg of das pidgeonmeister. The Lozenge camou is evidently the light undersurface type placed on the upper surfaces.

Brilliant pics Stephen, this would make a very nice setting for the Halbie!

Mikael

Thanks Mikael!

On to the underside of the top wing and the radiator shutter modifications.

First the stock piece inplace.


Next the modification.


Any questions on this?

Top wing inplace.


Brass STRUTZ for the interplane struts.


Again I did not go for the CDL undersurfaces but the painted version.

It's really coming together in a grand way Stephen. A very good looking plane indeed.

Mikael

Stephen,
Absolutely beautiful Halb. CL.II my old friend. This project truly is a hallmark of Great Craftsmanship and modeling skills.Outstanding project from the beginning to the present.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette

Hello Stephen:

I agree with Greg and echo the sentiment. It is coming along nicely. The photo's are great, really a testament to German Lense craft, not to mention your model craft.

Best

Mark

She's going to be an eye catcher



Terri

Thank you all for the sentiments. I just hope I continue to live up to your kindness'. I actually have two more of these exact kits in the wings as it were. You might have noticed I was using various parts for the recently reviewed Mirage lozenge decals. At any rate the interplane rigging has begun. Then the application of the national cross decals. After that the other wing PE plate facades. Next landing gear and final tail rigging. Then I will add the gun ring & cradle for the Parabellum. Finally the figures. I also remembered to add texture decals to the lozenge decals on the wheel covers.

Ok folks to continue, Here we see lozenge application to a set of Mirage Halb. CL.II wheels. Note! This post is copied from the lozenge 201 thread. But I will show the finished items in the next post.

Here the lozenge is laid over the part with the decal being rolled out over the surface. Note "Set" has been liberally applied..


The center of the decal has a "X" cut in the center. When almost dry apply the "Sol"


To allow them to dry evenly without sliding I put them in the depressions of this Testors paint tray. The depressions were originally designed to mix paint in.

Wheels and figures.

Ok we will start off with the air crew. Pilot will be a modified Jaguar German pilot with a Microsculpt generic head. Tom has done some dabbling with resin figures. The figure at right will be the obervser and is an item of the ex-Copper State Models.


Here is an up close shot of the inside face of the kit wheels with the Microsculpt undersurface lozenge and texturing. The wheel colour is a "Panzer Grey" Touch ups are in order.


Here is the outside face


Here I have the observer is temporarily placed in the rear pit.

Excellent progress Stephen! Those figures will look great.

Mark

Thanks Mark.

Now to the wheels. Note in this view how on the right wheel cover the texture comes up a bit short.

A simple cresent of added texture decal was able to fix this. Next I will add a bit of dirt and grime to round out the overall look.

NIce and informative progress report Stephen – as always Your wheels are looking sharp, and I also really like the look of those figures!

Mikael

Thanks Mikael,

Now here is a bit of fun from step 39. The airspeed indicator shown at left is a later type without the wire cage but you may see whats going on in a little more detail.