Finally here it is. Roden's 1/48 Sopwih 1 1/2 Strutter completed as A1093 of 45 RFC and presented at the other half of my build for the Air Campaign - "Bloody April 1917"

Here are some close ups of the armment.

This is a considerably modified build. Though the half the decals come from the various sources it is pretty much a basic kit. The modifications include;

1. I'll be adding a flight crew to the final display,
2. Ete've' gun ring from scratch and modified kit part.
3. Some instrument switches from Copper State Models "PE" set,
4. Cabane struts are cut and shaped brass rod, 4 pieces per side,
5. Some motor wiring,
6. scratchbuilt fuel cell facades,
7. monofilament rigging,
8. Modified control horns for the ailerons, elevators and rudder
9. Landing gear legs and axle parts are cut and shaped brass rod.

So this is the end of my tale.

For some unkown reason I forgot to give you my compliments for this very nice result. Are you going to make "action dogfight" pic's where the Albatros is chasing this Sopwith?


Cheers, Nico

Greetings Nico,
First I had to go back and clean up the rip tapes on the Strutter a bit. I am having a base & clear cover made for it and it will have two flight crew figures walking to it carrying equipment. Bertrab's base and cover are done now I am just waiting for the nameplates to be finished.

Wow! Roden has posted images of the Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter on their website!
http://www.roden.eu/Gallery/402/402.htm

Some great honours for your work Stephen. My congratulations for that!

Greetings, Nico

Greetings Nico!

My work pales in comparison to your efforts with the children you teach and work with. They woud be lost without people like yourself!

Thanks Stephen,

I got some great news as well about the modelling group. As you probably now they are working on a project concerning all aicraft the British used during operation Market Garden. These models will be displayed in a shop during next september.

After this the whole collection will be taken to a small aircraft museum near Arnhem, and exhibited in it's canteen in a big cabinet. From then on the club will continue building models for this museum

This museum is about aicraft of the second war, so no WW1 models I 'm afraid.

Greetings, Nico

I to just realized my failure to give you your just dues on this truly fantastic build, and recognition from Roden. Since you have your foot in the door with them, why dont you drop a hint that there are no 1/32 Albatros D.Vs on the market?

This build truly sets you apart from most of us model builders. I think we should grant you the honorary title of "Master Builder"

Thanks for your kindness Carlos;

But the truth is we have to wait on them. They have a whole schedule I have to respect. Master builder is far too grand. I may be a single minded model builder but there are others far better suited than I to that title. One fellow (Ken Foran) I have in mind builds 1/16 scale models from brass. Compared to even some of the fine builders here at Kitmaker I am just another modeler. As I said when I was given the job by Merlin.

"Kick me in the pants if I ever take myself too seriously here. "