3D Sopwith Camel

Jock · 5 August 2009, 12:18 AM

I've had to put my DrI on hold for now as i need to get an allied plane finished in order to put together some fight scenes therefore i've moved onto a Sopwith Camel for now.

Its still quite early days but you can see it starting to shape up.

Crits Welcome!

bristol scout · 5 August 2009, 04:14 AM

Masterful work Jock---that is so far beyond my ken that you would'nt believe it-----but I must mention the 'feeling' that --1) the rendition of the forward upper (hump) aluminium panels are too ---well--bulged! and consequently 2)you have a drop down effect immediately behind (the 'plywood side shields which form the cockpit opening at the front, and of course, cover the M/G''s) This detracts, in my humble, from what is otherwise a faultless piece of work.

Perhaps others will confirm my feelings, or deny them---but it's just what i think Jock.

Cheers,
Dave.

Jock · 5 August 2009, 12:39 PM

Cheers bud, glad you like it!

I've been having a good look through my references regarding the front 'bulge' but havent came across anything conlcusive, do you mean it should just be a little less pronounced?

It does line up with the blueprints though i do understand that blueprints arent strictly 100% true.

rexee · 5 August 2009, 12:49 PM

Hi Jock
For me, one of the most unique features of the Camel is the "splayed" undercarriage

Cheers
Rex

Jock · 5 August 2009, 12:52 PM

Funny you should mention that as i seen a picture just earlier today whos wheels were at the angle yet again, on my blueprints they arent. Is it maybe just a specific model that were like that or were they all like that?

Edit: yeah the photographs tell a different story from the blueprints, i'll need to correct that. Thanks!

Jock · 5 August 2009, 02:14 PM

Slight progress but got some questions...

The transition between the straight sides and the curved top, should it be more prominent? I seem to be struggling with it but i'm a tad unsure if the lighting is whats causing to look less dramatic, and once i get a direct light on there it will be fixed.

Also what about the ribs on the wings, are they too much or ok?

Some photos i have they seem to stick out quite a bit but on others the wing looks almost flat.

BLOWHARD · 5 August 2009, 05:38 PM

This plane has a split axle doesn't? From what I know they straighten out when they are not loaded with the plane's weight. Isn't that correct?
In your case, with a model, that would need to be animated if it's for movies, or at least separate parts if it will be static.
Check this video, you can't see the movement clearly but you can see the attitude of the wheels is different on the ground and in the air.

YouTube - Brooklands Sopwith Camel flying at Booker Airfield in 1989

And a war time video. Again, you can't really see the movement but you can see the difference on the ground and in the air-

YouTube - World War 1 Aircraft - Sopwith Camel F.1

Nice work BTW!

bristol scout · 6 August 2009, 03:03 AM

Hi Jock,

It's a super Camel don't forget---my only point is still that 'bulk' on the top/front--the 'ramp' up from the rear edge of the cowling creates excess height---which then results in a 'drop' to the cockpit opening which is atypical on the Camel (wish i knew how to post pics!!!)

I just assumed your model was 'in flight' when of course the wheels are just as you model them--only splayed when under load.

Wing ribs look good (perhaps a tad too prominent, but again, if in flight quite O.K), but riblets missing at leading edge ---one riblet between main ribs extending back about 1/8th. of wing chord----just an off the top guesstimate, but a check of your plans will put you right.

Dave.

'14-'18aviationcollector · 6 August 2009, 03:40 AM

Hi everyone,

Yes the Sopwith Camel has a split axle, and that's why the wheels splay when there is weight on the wheels. There is a short central axle, and then the two outboard axles are hinged to the central axle, and they move upwards, towards the fuselage when weight is applied to the undercarriage. I hope you understand what I mean! If I had time I would photograph and post a photo of the factory drawing for it.

Cheers,

David.

Jock · 6 August 2009, 03:49 AM

Yeah i follow you.

For almost all of the images i will produce, the Camel will be in flight so the wheels will be straight most of the time, and if the ribs are ok for in flight then that's good. Going to have to look through my books though to find out about riblets. And i'll have another look at the front bump as well.

Thanks for the help guys.