Sopwith Camel in 1/16th

mgtaylor · 26 September 2006, 03:50 PM

Quote:

finished my 3rd Model Expo kit I think that I can make a few educated comment about their kits.

Dear John Thank you for your wonderful summary. I think your comments are VERY WELL said and concisely sum up what I have picked up and heard from other threads and personal builders. I apreciate those comments becuase expect for the Wright Flyer which I have in Hase 1/16 Musuem Series I have all three other Kits in their boxes on my shelf of prized kits.

I get gaff from the Mrs becuase she bought me the first two as per my whining and begging like a little child for xmas back in 99/00 when they first came out becuase I have yet to finish one much less start one except for sanding and filing the cooling jackets for the Spandau's for the Alb. .

These are Model Wood/Multi-Media Ship Building Model Inspired Kits. You mention it John as having the skill and patience to build those. Once you understand where these Kits come from you have an apreciation for what they are and as you say how to overcome any hic-cups in the process.

Well I CAN HARDLY BELEIVE MY EYES, THe CAMEL HAS BEEN POSTED to the Model Expo Site under model Airways. http://www.modelexpo-online.com/cgi-bin/sgin0101.exe $199.00

I just recieved my Model Expo FLyer in the mail and it is listed there too. It still is aPre-Order there aren't any in Stock BUT Obviously they must be near ready.

FINALLY I will have scale parts to scratch in other scales of a question which has long haunted me with regard to my ATF (All Time Favorite) Planes/Kits and that is Complete Camel MG Ammo Cans and Discharge Chute plumbing !!!

Looking at these kits they don't seem to me to lend themselves to covering ( not that one would want to with al the internal detail structure) but unlike some other sketal models which can be covered like the Hase Museum Series these don't seem like they would lend themsleves to it. More over like the Ship models they seem to be made ot be built and displayed AS IS.

Yours Mike
www.misterkitusa.com

JohnReid · 26 September 2006, 05:09 PM

Hi Mike! Thanks for the heads up.I see they even have a copy of the instruction booklet available.From what I see it looks like a standard Model Airways build .I don't see anything different ,which may or may not be a good thing.I hope it is not a repeat of the Nieuport step backwards.My first impression is that it is not up to the standard of the Jenny.I will built it one way or the other though ,and add it to the diorama.Cheers! John.

R.Murphy · 26 September 2006, 08:02 PM

I found this on the Model Expo site.

SOPWITH CAMEL 1:16 SCALE WWI AIRPLANE

NEW FROM MODEL AIRWAYS! • AVAILABLE DECEMBER 2006

PRE-ORDER NOW - We never charge your credit card until the item is shipped.

SOPWITH CAMEL F.1, WWI BRITISH FIGHTER - 1917
Cast Metal & Laser Cut Wooden Parts

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnReid

Model Airways (Expo) new kit in 1/16th will be the Sopwith Camel.It should be available in a couple of months.I sure hope that it is of the same quality as the their Jenny.
Cheers! John.

Ross_Moorhouse · 27 September 2006, 12:10 AM

Amazing. You could almost end up with a aeronautical engineers degree after building this kit.

JohnReid · 27 September 2006, 07:20 AM

Here is what I plan to do with mine!

Except I won't be covering it.

JohnReid · 27 September 2006, 07:38 AM

I know that I might be stirring a hornets nest here but the Camel ,in my opinion ,is not the best looking airplane in the world.I know that it is associated with a lot of famous pilots and is very popular with model builders because of this.But from my point of view it never will win any beauty contests.I think that the Albatros and the Nieuport are much finer looking airplanes and of course the Jenny, with those huge wings ,is a sight to behold!I suspect that if they produce another kit it probably will be the SE5A with is no beauty either!

mgtaylor · 27 September 2006, 07:36 PM

Precisely !!! Why i must be obseessed with this Plane. IT IS SO UGLY IT"S DOWN RIGHT EXCITING !! RRRAAAAGGHGHGH !

NOw Ugly is the Hans Bandenburg DI . I don't shame you here for that opionin. I like that hump though and smoking Twin Vickers argh Dangerous.

THe fuselage formers look a little too thick in these photos for scale to me ?
Ok dont go nuts Iam just saying thet look a little thick like they should have been a little thinnner but maybe wouldnt have been strong enough for a model ? ALso if you notice the sides where the plywood planked sides go the stringers underneath are not there. No biggy but like the ALb without skin its another subtle feature which make this look a little different than the covered plane but agian this is KIt is produced by ship builders who are thrilled by pure stringers, rigging and wood.

MIke

JohnReid · 27 September 2006, 08:06 PM

When I build mine I will check these things out.I have a very good source for the specs on the Camel.

StephenLawson · 28 September 2006, 02:10 AM

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Originally Posted by JohnReid

I know that I might be stirring a hornets nest here but the Camel, in my opinion, is not the best looking airplane in the world.I know that it is associated with a lot of famous pilots and is very popular with model builders because of this.But from my point of view it never will win any beauty contests.I think that the Albatros and the Nieuport are much finer looking airplanes and of course the Jenny, with those huge wings ,is a sight to behold! I suspect that if they produce another kit it probably will be the SE5A with is no beauty either!

Come on John tell us how you really feel don't hold back now!

Having built several Camels just this past year I must heartily disagree. The F.1 or the 2F.1 with the Bentley BR.1 150hp is an impressive little beastie. I am sure you have seen K. Foran's masterpiece. I just wish Hi-Tech would come out with a separate 1/48 Bentley BR.1 we could buy. Like their Mercedes. You mentioned having the cover off of the Camel your transporting. I have to ask why? Why would they transport an uncovered machine? Not a critique mind you just a question?

JohnReid · 28 September 2006, 07:40 AM

Jeez Stephen,since when was I beyond criticism?Ken's is a masterpiece for sure but he could make anything look good with his level of pure craftsmanship.
I wanted to do it uncovered for 2 reasons.one I hate to hide all work involved in building the structure and secondly ,these aircraft were purchased by the RCAF to teach airframe technology to students.I agree that they would probably be more protected from the elements in real life.
That gives me an idea! Maybe I could show the airplane being covered with tarps etc.. for the roadtrip.
On the Camel,I really believe that they are all beautiful creations, its just a question of degree of beauty(as in the eye of the beholder)
On the other hand nothing would make me happier than to have the privledge of even one circuit in a Camel.(provided I survived it,of course)
Cheers! John.