Ares Games
Results 1 to 44 of 44

Thread: Building 4 Nieuport 11

  1. #1

    Exclamation Building 4 Nieuport 11

    Hello everybody.

    The following post will be quite long, so try to bear with me.
    It's meant as a how to, but I wanted also to show what errors NOT to make...

    A good friend asked me to build 4 Nieuport 11 from Reviresco, with all the markings of the "escadrille N.3".

    These are all the pieces, before removal of any excess metal:
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01699.jpg 
Views:	295 
Size:	140.5 KB 
ID:	23115
    Two closeups of the parts with the most flash on them:
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01700.jpg 
Views:	296 
Size:	213.2 KB 
ID:	23114
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01701.jpg 
Views:	287 
Size:	170.3 KB 
ID:	23116

    This is the heap of metal I took away. All in all, for 4 planes, it's more than reasonable...
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01702.jpg 
Views:	288 
Size:	221.0 KB 
ID:	23113

    The same parts, cleaned.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01703.jpg 
Views:	285 
Size:	176.7 KB 
ID:	23117

    And put in separate compartments of a toolbox, just to be sure I'm not loosing any part.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01705.jpg 
Views:	283 
Size:	99.2 KB 
ID:	23118

    First error: the instructions talked about placing a ring around the propeller shaft, but was none.
    As there was a small incision in each shaft, I decided to bend the metal so that the shaft couldn't be removed from the motor-block.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01709.jpg 
Views:	285 
Size:	191.3 KB 
ID:	23119
    I realised later that, although it would permit for the propeller to turn, the big blotch of metal would come through the hole provided for it in the front of the fuselage...

    Assembly of the fuselage:
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01710.jpg 
Views:	286 
Size:	153.1 KB 
ID:	23120

    Joining the motor-block with the fuselage (after having corrected my error):
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01711.jpg 
Views:	281 
Size:	150.7 KB 
ID:	23121

    and putting some simple filler to fill any residual gaps.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01712.jpg 
Views:	281 
Size:	219.2 KB 
ID:	23122

    While the putty dried, I painted the pilots (they do look 100 times better in real size...)
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01719.jpg 
Views:	277 
Size:	76.3 KB 
ID:	23123
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01720.jpg 
Views:	279 
Size:	77.2 KB 
ID:	23124

    Now that the putty was dry, I've filed and sanded the fuselages:
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01722.jpg 
Views:	280 
Size:	177.7 KB 
ID:	23125

    Then I attached the bottom wing
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01723.jpg 
Views:	279 
Size:	133.5 KB 
ID:	23126

    and the horizontal stabilizer.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01726.jpg 
Views:	275 
Size:	236.2 KB 
ID:	23127

    Then I prepared the top wing by placing all the struts, etc.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01727.jpg 
Views:	273 
Size:	223.2 KB 
ID:	23128

    [No picture of the base coat and the actual painting, sorry!]

    I inserted the pilots into their cockpits and prepared to join the top wing to the plane.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01731.jpg 
Views:	273 
Size:	240.5 KB 
ID:	23129

    Painting some details on the propeller (this is 1/144... I'm crazy!)
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01732.JPG 
Views:	244 
Size:	86.2 KB 
ID:	23130

    Not to forget: the hole for the pin that will receive the altitude peg. I'm using a 2mm acrylic rod.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01737.jpg 
Views:	238 
Size:	148.6 KB 
ID:	23131

    Adjusting the last details to the engine before placing the top wing.
    Before
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01738.jpg 
Views:	235 
Size:	101.7 KB 
ID:	23132
    and after...
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01742.jpg 
Views:	236 
Size:	92.9 KB 
ID:	23133

    Now to the bottom of things: the wheels.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01743.jpg 
Views:	239 
Size:	232.0 KB 
ID:	23134
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01745.jpg 
Views:	243 
Size:	217.9 KB 
ID:	23135

    And this is the result before application of the decals.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01746.jpg 
Views:	250 
Size:	114.9 KB 
ID:	23136

    On previous pictures (top of the wings), on can see that my dexterity in "plugging holes" is somewhat less that perfect. It stems from the fact that I have tried to do it for the first time just with cyanoacrylate glue (Zap-a-Gap). Clearly, I need to refine this technique.

    This can be seen in the following two pictures as well.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01747.jpg 
Views:	256 
Size:	175.4 KB 
ID:	23137
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01748.jpg 
Views:	261 
Size:	262.1 KB 
ID:	23138

    In the following pictures, I tried my very best to get a consistent set of tail flashes on the planes.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01752.jpg 
Views:	261 
Size:	168.4 KB 
ID:	23139
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01754.jpg 
Views:	258 
Size:	160.9 KB 
ID:	23140
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01755.jpg 
Views:	257 
Size:	171.6 KB 
ID:	23141
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01756.jpg 
Views:	257 
Size:	139.8 KB 
ID:	23142
    I have more or less succeeded...
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01757.jpg 
Views:	258 
Size:	174.5 KB 
ID:	23143

    END OF PART 1!!!



    PART TWO:

    Now, the HARD PART: the decals!!!

    The four first are easy-peasy: top and bottom wing roundels.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01758.jpg 
Views:	255 
Size:	101.8 KB 
ID:	23144
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01759.jpg 
Views:	251 
Size:	121.7 KB 
ID:	23145

    The numbers on the top wings are just a tad more difficult to place, but nothing major.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01762.jpg 
Views:	253 
Size:	141.1 KB 
ID:	23146

    But this! This is murder!
    Dom's Decal are quite delicate to manipulate, are not delimited (i.e. you have to cut around as closely as possible so as not to have any "clear decal" on the mini) and some of the parts are about 1mm˛ in size (look on the white of the tail):
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01767.jpg 
Views:	252 
Size:	164.0 KB 
ID:	23147
    Needless to say that the amount of expletives uttered during the placement of these decals was astounding...
    (I realize that the roundels on the fuselage should not be there, but it was done by special request of my friend, Twix in this forum.)

    This is the end-result:
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01773.jpg 
Views:	255 
Size:	192.8 KB 
ID:	23148
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01776.jpg 
Views:	255 
Size:	216.3 KB 
ID:	23149

    Up to the next ones!


  2. #2

    Default

    Nice flight there Bilbo, very well done

  3. #3

    Default

    Something I forgot to mention:

    I like Reviresco kits better than "others".
    They are generally a bit more difficult to build and I like the challenge...
    and the result is... well, that's up to the viewer, isn't it?

    @Boney10: 4 more of these and I get a medal!


  4. #4

  5. #5

  6. #6

    Default

    I've never tried building four of the same type at the same time! Well done!

  7. #7

    Default

    It's an economy of "scale" (sorry for the pun) as each manipulation is simply repeated three times.
    This means that if you see a problem on the first, you can more easily correct it for the next three.
    In the pictures, you'll see that I attached the motor-block with the propeller to the fuselage on ONE plane.
    I noticed that this would make things more complicated later on, so left it off for the next three.

    On the other side, the whole process take much longer and if you have to do too many at once, it become quite tedious.
    I'd say that 4 is the maximum I would do in one go. Two is quite nice...

    On the other side, there's the added problem of consistency: notice how the red part of the tail flashes has different widths (and also how the blue part doesn't match up to the one on the roundels, but that's another story).


  8. #8

    Rabbit 3's Avatar Squadron Leader Scotland.
    Captain

    Users Country Flag


    Name
    Robert
    Location
    Lothian
    Sorties Flown
    918
    Join Date
    Apr 2011

    Default

    Some nice work there but, I don`t know, the `Sit` of those models just looks wrong somehow.
    I think there may be a problem with the undercarriage somewhere.

  9. #9

    Default

    I think its cool to have a group of similar planes to make sortie from the same squadron.

  10. #10

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Rabbit 3 View Post
    Some nice work there but, I don`t know, the `Sit` of those models just looks wrong somehow.
    I think there may be a problem with the undercarriage somewhere.
    I really don't see what you mean...

  11. #11

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by flyingryno View Post
    I think its cool to have a group of similar planes to make sortie from the same squadron.
    Yes, same here.

    And this is why Twix wanted 4.
    I myself have limited my planes to max. 3 of the same, but after our last battle, I'm inclined to do the extra 2 or 3...
    We have some nice pictures of those here in formation... nifty!


  12. #12

    Default

    Bravo Bilbo! Very nice work.
    I prefer to build 4 minis at one time.
    The improvements-as-you-go and error avoidance is significant for me.
    Great work with the decals too; very delicate.

  13. #13

  14. #14

    Thumbs up

    Bilbo!

    Well done! They came out great!


    Rich

  15. #15

    Thumbs up

    Yes great work Bilbo.
    I too like to have a Flight of 4 Aircraft. See my Hearts of Oak flight of Camels.

  16. #16

    Default

    Nicely done sir! I like the colors you used on the props, what were they? Those look really good to me.

  17. #17

    Default

    The props: base colour is Vallejo's "Panzer Aces" New Wood (n°311) and the lines are GW's "Snakebite Leather".
    It came out better than I hoped, but you only really see it when looking for it...

    @ ALL: THANKS for the encouragements!


  18. #18

    Default

    Only found this thread this morning... you keep surprising me Bilbo...Where do you find the time for all your projects? Very good job by the way!

  19. #19

    Default

    Well, I haven't been very present here for some time...
    Needed to compensate.


  20. #20

    Default

    Great job, Bilbo! Nice to see how you manage your "assembly line"!

  21. #21

    Default

    Yeah! That's the right word!

    I learned to work that way when I painted my minis for some well known "Fantasy Battle" war game, where it wasn't uncommon to paint 20+ figs in one go.


  22. #22

    Rabbit 3's Avatar Squadron Leader Scotland.
    Captain

    Users Country Flag


    Name
    Robert
    Location
    Lothian
    Sorties Flown
    918
    Join Date
    Apr 2011

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by petitbilbo View Post
    I really don't see what you mean...
    I`m not altogether sure myself but it looks to me like the U/C is set a bit too far back on these models.
    Could you post a good `side on pic` to give me a better look.
    Side on, a Neiuport 11 should look like this
    Attachment 23226
    Somehow these models seem to have an `overbite` that they shoudn`t have though it just might be my interpretation off the photo`s.

  23. #23

    Default

    You know what? You're RIGHT!

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01799.jpg 
Views:	173 
Size:	94.5 KB 
ID:	23240


  24. #24

    Rabbit 3's Avatar Squadron Leader Scotland.
    Captain

    Users Country Flag


    Name
    Robert
    Location
    Lothian
    Sorties Flown
    918
    Join Date
    Apr 2011

    Default

    Considering the work you put in to those I kind I wish I wasn`t.
    Looks like you`ll now have to do some careful surgery with the modeling knife to correct things.
    Is this an actual problem with the kit or just one of those stupid mistakes we all make from time to time when doing this sort of thing?

  25. #25

    Default

    Yep, I'll have to get the "precision pliers" out...

    I guess the problem lies a bit on both sides:
    On the one hand, the explanations for building the kits are so vague that this can always happen.
    On the other hand, I have to admit that I didn't check my documentation for that (very last) part of the actual build and what I took for the indentations meant to receive the frontal struts of the U/C was actually meant for the rear struts.

    I'll post the pics as soon as I'll get it done!

    Last edited by petitbilbo; 09-21-2011 at 13:16.

  26. #26

    Default

    Great looking planes you got there! I really need to pick up one or two of these kits and give 'em a go.

  27. #27

    Rabbit 3's Avatar Squadron Leader Scotland.
    Captain

    Users Country Flag


    Name
    Robert
    Location
    Lothian
    Sorties Flown
    918
    Join Date
    Apr 2011

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by petitbilbo View Post
    You know what? You're RIGHT!

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC01799.jpg 
Views:	173 
Size:	94.5 KB 
ID:	23240

    As a postscript to this I just recieved my first official WoW Sopwith Snipe model in the post the other day and, like your pics the model just looked wrong.
    After digging out some pictures and drawings and comparing them with the mini, yup Nexus made exactly the same blunder with this model
    At least you only did this with four models. Wonder how many Snipe models were in the total production run!

  28. #28

    Default

    Excellent work, don't think SWMBO would be to happy with me if I started making 4 aircraft at once.
    Great effort.
    Linz

  29. #29

    Default

    These are really, really nice. The N.11 'Bebe' is a great plane. We really need an official model of this, along with a Sopwith Pup. Pair them with the Albatros D.II and the Fokker D.III.

  30. #30

    Thumbs up

    Great Work Bilbo!
    Gee all that "Flash" metal would give you enough to mould some more Pilots

  31. #31

    Default

    A fantastic looking Flight of planes. Well done!

  32. #32

    Default

    I only just caught up with this thread myself Bilbo. I was in Scotland at the time you posted.
    I take my hat off to you sir. It takes me all my time to keep track of the parts for one model, let alone four of the little blighters. For a man of your capability flying four must be a doddle.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  33. #33

    Default

    Nice work Bilbo. Doing one Reviresco kit drives me mental, let alone 4, so valient effort
    Run for your life - there are stupid people everywhere!

  34. #34

    Default

    Outstanding work! If I did not have a huge stack of planes in the queue now I would rush out and order 4 of these! Maybe in about 6-8 months!
    Ken Head - "The Cowman"
    “You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it.” Robin Williams

  35. #35

    Default

    That you for inspiring me to get mine done.

  36. #36

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Rabbit 3 View Post
    Some nice work there but, I don`t know, the `Sit` of those models just looks wrong somehow.
    I think there may be a problem with the undercarriage somewhere.
    It does not matter since the models will be mounted on bases in a flying position.

  37. #37

  38. #38

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Guntruck View Post
    Nice work Bilbo. Doing one Reviresco kit drives me mental, let alone 4, so valient effort
    That's odd...

    <cue commercial>
    I'm more of a Reviresco fan myself.
    I don't really know why but I had more fun building Reviresco' models than Skytrex'
    <end commercial>


  39. #39

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    I only just caught up with this thread myself Bilbo. I was in Scotland at the time you posted.
    I take my hat off to you sir. It takes me all my time to keep track of the parts for one model, let alone four of the little blighters. For a man of your capability flying four must be a doddle.
    Rob.
    Scotland? Scotland!
    I swear I was a Scot in another life!

    Don't get me wrong, I have always been a huge fan of everything British and will probably stay so for the rest of my life, but Scotland? And especially the Highlands?

    Last year, I stayed for a week in the remotest YH in all of the UK.
    No road leads there, only a train (and you better ask a conductor to let the train stop there when you step in, otherwise it could just pass the station).
    It's called Loch Ossian Hostel and located about a mile from Corrour Station (also known for featuring in the movie "Trainspotters").
    It had no actual road to it, no real loo (some composting/bio WC, the stench can be such that your body will shut down the bowels!), no electricity (except that made by the windmill or the emergency generator) and you had to take all your trash when you left.

    Best hiking vacation E-VER!!!

    Where were you?


  40. #40

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by john snelling View Post
    That you for inspiring me to get mine done.
    Well, I haven't done any since... about 20 waiting to be made but no inspiration.
    (And the people who actually own them will need them soon in our campaign, so I'll have to start some day not very far away.)


  41. #41

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Zakopious View Post
    It does not matter since the models will be mounted on bases in a flying position.
    Yeah, but the Rabbit has a point:
    There's a slight notch/indentation that indicates where the undercarriage should be placed and instead of putting the REAR of the U/C there, I put the FRONT.

    Correcting the problem should be easy, but right now I'm a bit out of inspiration... someday surely!


  42. #42

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by petitbilbo View Post
    Scotland? Scotland!
    I swear I was a Scot in another life!

    Don't get me wrong, I have always been a huge fan of everything British and will probably stay so for the rest of my life, but Scotland? And especially the Highlands?

    Last year, I stayed for a week in the remotest YH in all of the UK.
    No road leads there, only a train (and you better ask a conductor to let the train stop there when you step in, otherwise it could just pass the station).
    It's called Loch Ossian Hostel and located about a mile from Corrour Station (also known for featuring in the movie "Trainspotters").
    It had no actual road to it, no real loo (some composting/bio WC, the stench can be such that your body will shut down the bowels!), no electricity (except that made by the windmill or the emergency generator) and you had to take all your trash when you left.

    Best hiking vacation E-VER!!!

    Where were you?

    Nothing so esoteric as that Bilbo. I was in Prestonpans.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  43. #43

    Default

    What? The famous Prestonpans where...

    No, just kidding, never heard of it!



    PS: on second thought, yes, I have heard of the famous town where trousers are sometimes being pushed on instead of kilts being worn out.
    Last edited by petitbilbo; 11-05-2011 at 11:52. Reason: I'm an eedjit!

  44. #44

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by petitbilbo View Post
    What? The famous Prestonpans where...

    No, just kidding, never heard of it!



    PS: on second thought, yes, I have heard of the famous town where trousers are sometimes being pushed on instead of kilts being worn out.
    It is where Bonnie Prince Charlie gave the Hanoverians and English a damned good thrashing.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."



Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •