Thanks Mikael

Part of doing this, I think, is figuring out how to get out of scrapes (some of which is trial and error), salvaging as best you can where you messed up and passing on what you learn to others...

To salvage a error and turn it into a sucess is what it is all about, at least on my bench... (I have LOTs of errors, a few sucess, lots of learning)

Nice work on the wing insigna and side script.

Hi Steve and thanks

The prep for the replacement script is pretty much done. How those decals settle in will dictate the degree of final success for this salvage mode.

Sometimes you get that problem even if you apply a gloss coat. And then at other times you have no troubles even on flat paint. I can never pick what will happen until the first decal goes on..

I agree, Warren. I should have had an inkling when I had trouble with the instrument dials seating into the panels. O well, live and learn.

On the other hand, the resuscitation is now complete. The second set went down a lot better than the first...



While I was reapplying gloss coats and waiting for them to dry, I went ahead and assembled the parabellum as it had small parts that I didn't want to lose.



It's a little glossy but that will tamp down with a subsequent application of Dullcoat. Now on to weathering and final assembly. I have to say that I didn't think I would get to this point a couple of weeks ago...

Decals look much better. What did you do to get them so much better?

Very cool. also a good recovery.

decals look great
the parabellum looks amazing (bet the rounds were hard to load in that drum )

Nice save on the decals Dennis. The recovery is noteworthy as is the weapon. The detail of the rounds in the drum is nice. This will come together nicely for you.

Best

Mark

Thanks Warren, Stephen, Steve and Mark for your kind comments and continued interest in my roller coaster journey with this build.

Warren, the only thing I did different was apply an extra coat of gloss (Future). I wonder if these decals (from a different set) had a better adhesive quality.

Steve, tiny tweezers were necessary to load those individual rounds
Seriously, the drum with the rounds in place gives you an idea of the level of detail (using styrene alone) that is built into these Wing Nuts kits.

I'm so glad that you are successfully survive a problem with decals . Happy ending like in a Hollywood film. I wait with impatience next update

Great recovery from your earlier decaling woes.

Thanks Dani and Marc

After spending the weekend dry brushing hundreds of little rivets, final assembly has finally begun. Pics up in the next couple of days.

As promised, here are some new photos. Washes are finished for the moment and final assembly has begun in earnest.





The tail plane and rudder went on without problems. The extension from the lower fuselage had to be thinned somewhat so that the lower wing would fit well. I took some time to make sure the lower wing was level with and perpendicular to the fuselage so that the support/extension struts would line up. They seated pretty well with minimal sanding and shaping.

It seems that the camera brings out the wing rivets much more prominently than they actually appear.

Next up, the center top wing and radiator lines.

Very sweet looking so far Dennis – it's really coming together very nicely!

Mikael

Thanks Mikael

So far the outer struts haven't presented too much of a problem, as long as you keep them in order. It's easy to mix them up.

I had this kit out a few days ago. Trying to decide on a next build. I have to say yours is looking mighty fine. I love the airplane and what you are doing with it.

Very nicely done so far Dennis , she is shaping up very well !
Camo turned out really well . Do like how the washed turned out .

Thanks Terri. I'm glad you like it. I wasn't sure how the scheme would eventually come out but I have to say I'm please with the overall result so far.

Carl, this kit would be a nice break from all those albatri (or is it "albatrosses?"). It's pretty much a straightforward build-the only major problem I had was the decals-they didn't want to adhere well. Your only problem will be finding a place to put it. It's pretty big. I'm flattered my meager attempt has got you interested in starting your own.

I finished the struts and radiator lines. My suggestions regarding this part of the assembly-follow the instructions closely. Keep the struts in order according to sides, front and back (there are subtle differences for each). Don't sand the attachment points down too much- the holes in the lower wing for the outer struts are not round. They will line them up to the correct angles and attitudes. My order of assembly: Do the outer struts on the lower wing-let dry. Assemble the top center wing (the entire top wing will be too heavy to get the struts and cables to line up easily in the six holes). Let dry. Do the inner "cabine" front upper wing to lower fuselage. Let dry. Then finish with the back upper wing to front fuselage. The long left radiator line fit well without problems. The short back line was a bear. I broke it trying to get it to fit-repaired it, then got it to seat the second time.



I'm near the finish line. The next batch of photos should be of the finished product.

Well are you done yet ? !

She is one sweet looking build so far ! Did you have any trouble mounting the top wing ? Was reading on a different site that the follow was having iusses with this . From what I have seen on here and the drome there is none .

Looking forwar to seeing the final pictures !

Not yet, but we are close

The top wing is complete and I am in the process of filling and painting the seams. It is pretty obvious now that this bad boy is big, and will take a lot of shelf space.

I didn't have too much trouble with the top center part and struts, but I can't imagine trying to fit the struts and cables into a large, heavy completed top wing.

Well keep at it cuz it looks sweet as hell right now.

Fine looking build sir.
Awaiting with breathless anticipation your new photos

Second that – very sweet indeed

Mikael

Well, my friends, it is done. It has gotten to the point where all I am doing is tinkering with it, and I’ve gotten tired of looking at it.

It took longer than I thought. It didn’t help that I made the mistake of using bonding (CA) cement to place the landing struts on the lower wing. I knew it was wrong when I did it, but I couldn’t stop myself. Of course, they didn’t completely seat into the holes, so I had to saw them off, re-drill the holes and re-cement the struts. The end result isn’t too bad. Interestingly, those little ancillary landing struts provide a fair amount of support. Also, if had it to do over, I would follow the directions and not insert the top lateral wings until the end. Trying to manipulate the airplane with that big heavy wing kept causing various struts to pull out. All in all, I think it came out okay. It’s certainly a better ending than I envisioned when the decals first went on.



This ends my contribution to the group build. I had hoped to improve my airbrush skills, and I certainly feel more comfortable using it. As a bonus, I’ve learned how to take off coats of Future with ammonia, and to remove defective decals with low-tack tape, without destroying cured acrylic paint.

For those who stopped by from time to time, I hope I gave you ideas to consider if you decide to tackle this kit. For those who offered encouragement to keep soldiering on, many thanks-I probably would not have finished this interesting subject otherwise.

Now on to the next project (the Roden Airco DH2).