I owe the
inspiration for this build to many of the contributors on the ARC forums.
In particular, the bi-plane builds of Skyking (aka Mike Robinson) and Brad
Cancian to name but two. The creations that these master modellers turn
out is enough to inspire anyone and although I'd shied away from bi-planes
before, their beautiful models set the wheels in motion.
I wanted to
try my hand ay an aeroplane that I'd always liked, so the choice was either
an SE5a or a Camel. At the time the build started the Roden SE5a was still
only at the drawing stage so a Sopwith Camel it was. With a huge amount of
help from the guys in the Classic Aviation forum here on ARC I opted for
the Hobbycraft "Le Rhone" version of the Camel.
I'd hoped to
be able to build the model straight out of the box but I'd never built a
Hobbycraft kit before. It soon became apparent that a little extra work
was required.
Click on
images below to see larger images
I set about
adding as much detail to the interior as I could. With the help of Mike
Robinson I had a few references and used the beautiful large scale
(1/16th) build by Ken Foran as a template. Actually, references for
this older aeroplane proved the most challenging part of the build for me.
I added CopperState etch bezels to the instrument board and scratch built
the framework and interior control lines. I even wove a wicker seat to
replace the kit item. Once painted and installed the result was quite
pleasing. Lucky really as it's difficult to hide anything in these open
cockpits.
One of the most
interesting aspects of these older aeroplanes is the collection of different
materials and textures used in their construction. In order to replicate the
bare metal panels around the nose of the Camel I shaped real metal foil for
everything except the cowling. This gives a nicely authentic look. I chose to
remove the molded on stitching along the canvas of the fuselage in favour of
real stitching created with wire passed through lots of pre-drilled holes.
Once
covered and painted the uneven surface appears more realistic.
The kit supplied
engine was put aside and a resin Le Rhone engine was purchased from NeOmega.
This resin addition is a true gem and thoroughly recommended. The prop was
painted with a wood effect achieved by painting a dark shade of thinned brown
Valejo acrylic over the lighter base coat.
The one area of the
build I has been dreading and which filled me with the most fear was the
rigging. Luckily, the method I adopted proved painless and gave satisfactory
results. Using tiny eyelets (00 gauge railway hand-rail knobs) cut and shaped
accordingly then glued into holes I'd drilled in the wings, I passed fishing
line through and tied the ends off. For a first attempt I was happy with the way
it went and would use this technique again.
I'm pleased with the
end result, so much so that I decided to re-create my model in oil paints!
While
away on my holidays I put brush to canvass and for a first time oil painting it came
out nearly as well as the model.
Happy modelling all
Guy
Click on
images below to see larger images
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