Sopwith Snipe project

24 March 2004, 09:48 PM

http://wwi-cookup.com/sopwith/snipe/eesopwithsnipe.html

The link above shows what I just ordered, and I've been wanting to do a Sopwith Snipe ever since I first heard of the aircraft.

I'm looking for advice mainly on painting the aircraft.

For those of you who have done this kind of modelling before, what is the best process for painting? Would it be better to start on it before assembly and touch up after? (Yes, I'm aware that cement doesn't stick to paint

and will have to be scratched off)

25 March 2004, 07:28 AM

You will definitely want to paint the parts before assembly which you'll be unable to reach after assembly. Any cockpit details and the inside of the fuselage where it will be visible need to be painted before closing up the fuse. Ditto the engine before being enclosed by the cowling. The top surface of the lower wing will be difficult to reach after the top wing is attached and vice versa for the lower surface of the top wing.

But for a smooth finish, you will need to sand down the seams after the fuselage is assembled so painting this will come after assembly.

Your question has inspired me to start compiling a list of builds featured on the 'net. Here are a couple of samples (one is even a Snipe.) Different manufacturers may assemble a bit differently but hopefully these will help with your kit.

http://www.internetmodeler.com/1999/...tion/snipe.htm

http://www.internetmodeler.com/1999/novemb.../salamander.htm

Best of luck and good modelling!

25 March 2004, 07:36 AM

I'll be looking for lots of advice on this project. I have a dremel which I can use to drill holes to do the rigging. But when I see some of the camoflage schemes on many of the German Aircraft replicaed, as well as the colourful stripe and checkered patterns, it blows me away as to how those are accomplished.

Thanks for those wonderful links! The information on them is especially helpful, especially the details on the Salamander.

I'll try to get some photos up of the model as I complete it.

I actually picked up four models, but the Snipe was the one I really wanted to do. The others I picked up were the Fokker DVII, Hansa Branderburg DI, and Albatross DVa. I'll do the Snipe first, since I think the colour schemes were simpler.

Barker · 25 March 2004, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by KBOC@Mar 25 2004, 09:36 AM
[b] I'll be looking for lots of advice on this project. I have a dremel which I can use to drill holes to do the rigging.

A pin vice drill may give you more options, better control.

Points of recommenda.
-price
-selection of drill bits
-option to use wire as a drill bit

Your Dremel shares the latter two.

25 March 2004, 08:05 AM

Woah, I had no idea I could use Wire as a bit! Thanks for that tip!

Barker · 25 March 2004, 08:08 AM

http://www.internetmodeler.com/2004/march/.../eduard_2f1.php

Check out the Camel build in this month's IM, per Lem's steerage.
An excellent article that will walk you through your concerns, points of consideration.
Note the checkers on the nose.

The builder walks you through it.

damned useful.

If you do not have an airbrush, you could still use much of these techniques.
and practice on scrap.

25 March 2004, 08:14 AM

Hmmm... Pre-Shading with acrylics, huh?

I was going to use old fashioned Humbrol paints... perhaps I should re-consider?

25 March 2004, 09:03 AM

Acrylics have come a long way. They are easier on the atmosphere (although you should still avoid painting your lung linings.) And clean up is with soap and water.

And don't be intimidated by the works of others. That is why I have a lot of unassembled, unpainted plastic still in the boxes. No one was born an expert builder. They had to stumble in the beginning too.

25 March 2004, 04:33 PM

I got the bug again because my uncle, who's now 58, wanted me to help him build a Dorner Do 24, the same aircraft my Grandfather served on as a flight engineer while stationed in Italy during WWII. So now we're working on that, just picked up the cheapest Badger there is and we're off and running.

Rob_Owens · 25 March 2004, 04:50 PM

KBOC, Cool airplane, but WBS! (Wrong Bloody Scale) To get the full flavour of the kite, you really want the Blue Max 1/48 version. . .

Seriously, welcome to the 'Drome, and by all means, ENJOY your build!

I can't find it at the moment, but there's a link to a VERY talented modeler who produced a 1/48 Snipe (and some other "Sopwif" products) using the SMER Camel. Makes one positively drool with envy!