New Member would like honest critique. Lots of pics.

[Simon U]

Hello all. I am a new member of this forum and am very impressed with the quality of the models displayed here. I have been modelling for approximately 12 months with a period of reading magazine articles for about 6 months prior to that. During this time I have completed four models - 2 of which are WWI subjects. I would really like some assistance to take my models to the next level of realism and as such would like some really honest opinions on the pics to follow. I hope that some of you can take the time to offer me pointers. So please feel free to criticise. Thanks in advance.


These were Eduard's 1:48 Sopwith Camel and what follows are Eduard's 1:72 Fokker EIII

[Simon U]

[Mr_Flibble]

Great Job Simon,

It might not be on the same bar as some of the other artists here, but I most say they look great.
My point of criticism. Lack of weathering. Like, for example, on the Fokker EIII. You've got some on the engine cowling but the canvas parts are perfectly clean.

Great job on the detailing like wires and wood-effect on the prop.

Thanks for sharing,


Rick

[Ross_Moorhouse]

Welcome Simon. Really nice builds there mate. For someone who has only been doing this for 12 months you are very good.

[topgun56]

Your models look great. Forget the weathering ! And your photos are very good. Keep it up.

[NeilE]

Simon;

These are very good! They are both very clean and attractive builds. I wish I could build that well. And you have only been building for twelve months? Given that your basic technique seems very sound I wouldn't too much different. Maybe have a look at the relevant Windsock Datafiles of the aircraft you are building. They are well worth the investment, particularly for your 1/48 builds (good for detail). Weathering is one thing you could try maybe but subtle is better than full on usually - and weathering is not the be and end all anyway. it is, in my opinion, at times a much over-rated artistic effect.

if you want additional help why not join the WW1 Modellers List? They have good model galleries (great for inspiration) and they are a great bunch of modellers also. You can reach them at:

WW1 Modellers List Page

I notice also you won a second prize at WASMEX. That means West Australia! Do you know any of the WW1 modellers in Perth?

Cheers

Neil

[StephenLawson]

Simon U; Greetings and first a salute to the courage you have shown for offering your builds and welcoming critique. Next, let me echo the praises you have earned for the very precise builds.

Since you have asked for it I will offer a single comment. References are great, Datafiles are supreme. Yet the artist's eye for relative scale is in my opinion key. Even in 1/72, check out your Fokker E.III pilot's right side step. Ask yourself does it convince you? Note the relative scale of the item in this photo. (Courtesy of Rosebud's site.) http://www.earlyaviator.com/archive1.htm



Though cellon covered please notice the thickness of the tubing.

In the next shot at eye level note the details evident on the fuselage.



No doubt the finer details will find a real place of application in your desire for honing your talents. Always remember its just a model to begin with. If crafting it into a well built model is your meat then I would say your well on your way to a feast. Model On!

[EricGoedkoop]

Welcome to the 'Drome, Simon!

The only advice I would offer you is on rigging, especially monoplanes like the E.III. It looks like you're using monofilament (fishing line, invisible thread) and running it through the wing. This is an easy way to do it; the problem is that the monofilament doesn't make a sharp bend but rather curves as it's passed through the hole, resulting in wires that look slack, even though you know you pulled them as tight as you dare. A similar thing happens at the back end on the rudder/elevator control lines - it's even harder to get a short run of monofliament to pull out straight point-to-point and stay that way. I speak from experience, not criticism - I've been there.

My suggestion, for what it worth - try straightened wire for the control lines. It's hard to find some that's thin enough to look right, buut in 1/48th scale you can get away with strands stripped out of the copper side of speaker wire. Cut a piece about 4" - 6" long. Get yourself two pair of needle-nose pliers and wrap each end of the wire around the jaws of one of 'em a few times so it won't slip out, then pull. The wire should stretch about 1/4" or so and as it stretches it will straighten itself out perfectly. Pull too far and it will break - and you'll break a lot of them until you get the feel of it. I did and still do. Color the straightened wire black with a marker and go to town. It can be cut with an Exacto knife and will hold in place with just a drop of white glue.

For bracing and warping wires on monoplane wings, I still use monofilament but I run the upper lower lines separately. Drill two holes (one in front of the other, chordwise) at each attachment, loop a new piece of monofilament through them and tie the ends in a loose knot. Pass the bracing/warping wires through this loop on the top and bottom of the wing, and then pull the knot tight. A drop of glue will hold it and the excess can be easily trimmed away. This allows you to adjust the upper and lower wires independently to keep everything taut, and your lines will terminate flat against the wing instead of arcing through it.

Good luck, and keep at it!

Eric

[Shipmodeler]

Those are very nicely done models! I know this is off the subject, but has anyone ever built a model of a plane seen in a computer game? Master of the Skies: the Red Ace is one of my favourite computer games and the paint schemes seen in it on aircraft would look very nice on a model. Just a thought. Regards, Shipmodeler

[Scimitar]

Welcome to the drome mate, and congratulations for your excellent work! You're on the good way!