After viewing several posts here regarding WWI aircraft and noticed that there was a different process in assembly then I have been use to in building monoplane a/c or any other kit medium. Is there a thread or feature that gives a general process/step in this area, I have been unable to locate any posts/features so far.

Bob

Thats a good question, as i for one build my biplanes different than some of the guys/gals here, maybe thats where i am going wrong!

Not that I know of, we all seem to follow a basic pattern but have our own eccentric little paths too.

I think because of the fragility and sererate componant factors Biplanes tend to get built in units as apart from as a whole as a monoplane would lend itself too. IE: the last thing I attach is the Undercarriage as its most likely to be damaged during a build.


Keith

@: badwolf and Kornbeef, thanks for the reply.

Bob

Hi Robert

Like Keith has said ,we all have our little weird ways of building these gems . On the builds I do . I start with te cockpit or engine first . Will even start with the wings first cutting out the control surfaces if I plan on having them show with a drop postion . Once the lower wing is fixed to the fuselage and tail plane , painting begins , then decals . At this point when things are drying I work on the struts and other smaller items such guns , prop and other small items . Then I mount the top wing and start with the rigging . Next comes the landing gear followed by the control lines , then I add the prop , guns and all the smaller items which would have been in the way or get knocked off durning the rigging stage . Every kit is different when it comes to the order of building . Nothing is set in stone and I very rarely follow the instructions , they are more of a guide . If you have a peek in my profile Mark and I did a the Dual build review on Eduards kit of the Pfalz D.IIIa . This might help you .

So What are you planning on building ?

Terri, that review is a winner. I plan to print it and use as a guide when my Academy Fokker Dr.I arrives. Thanks so very much, yours and Marks build has given me a little light at the end of the tunnel.


Bob

As has been mentioned there are as many ways as there are modelers. Just to add to the list, Like Terri, I like to do the subassemblies, cockpit, engine, paint the interior fuselage either wood or linen depending on the a/c, button up the fuselage, paint. Usually the lower wing will go on at that point, so painting and masking to include the upper wing. I then put all the decals on. I drill out all the holes in the wings and fuselage for the turnbuckle attachment points, and will do some prelimenary rigging just to ease the process later. I will make sure the guns are in and lined up, do the under carriage to inlcude the wheels, and rig the undercarriage, and rear stabilizer and rudder if required. When all of that is done, I will put the top wing on, rig, and call it good. That is a quick down and dirty from my perspective. After you get a couple under your belt you will come up with a sequence of events that will suit your needs and style.
Good luck and enjoy this aspect of the hobby. It really gets to be adventurous.
Best

Mark

Hi Bob,

I think both Terri and Mark pretty much nailed it with their replies. I too use similar sequenses and steps for my builds, usually starting with the engine and finishing with rigging...

What both Terri and Mark also touched upon is the importance of the build sequence, and usually, not following the blueprint of the kits to the letter...

For me a lot of thoght goes into planning the build ahead, so that I don't end up in a dead–end where I can't achieve what I want, or have to do it in a very akward way. Especially If I want to change or add something major to the kit.

Or in other words think carefully what you want to do, then think backwards and forwards of ways getting there...

It's actually a lot of fun

Best Regards and Good Luck with your builds

Mikael

Thank you for your replies for help Mikael, Mark, and Terri.



Bob

Here is a bit of something that might help. At least the first few posts.

Click here.

Thanks to all (Stephen, Terri, Mark K, Mikael, Keith M, Keith G, and Mark H) who have helped me with this valuable information.

Bob