Sopwith F.1 Camel RFC

[kynance]

Just remembered, the book was Offensive Patrol, the story of the RFC in Italy during WW1.

Kynance

[xken]

The wide belt is what I have seen referred to as the "French Style" belt; which evolved on the very early planes that did not get into the aerial antics of later aircraft. The more research I do on WWI planes the more I learn that anything is possible; and that things evolved very quickly to suit individual pilots. I have come across at least six variations of windscreens for Camels, they all existed and are all correct for that plane. I am sure there were field installations as well to suit a pilot's particuliar needs when it came to seat belts as well. So in my mind both could have existed at the same time; as well as other variants.

Personally, I think the wire with the pullies was a field installation that may have evolved over time to a later factory installation. The same thing still goes on today with military aircraft in the pursuit of an edge and improvement.

Ken

[karrart]

Originally Posted by xken

.......The more research I do on WWI planes the more I learn that anything is possible; and that things evolved very quickly to suit individual pilots. I have come across at least six variations of windscreens for Camels, they all existed and are all correct for that plane. I am sure there were field installations as well to suit a pilot's particuliar needs when it came to seat belts as well. So in my mind both could have existed at the same time; as well as other variants.

Personally, I think the wire with the pullies was a field installation that may have evolved over time to a later factory installation......

Ken

Yeah- I started to wonder if any two Camels were ever alike in detail. Belt arrangements, cockpit cutout shapes, windscreens, how certain wires crossed, gun sights, two major landing gear variations. Factory mods, field mods. I won't go into the gaggle of different engines. Some had it this way, some had it that, and any of the above could be mixed and matched.
If anyone thinks Fokker D.VII nose panels were confusing, just dig into the microscopic bits that make up any given Camel!
Robert Karr

OLD BIRDS STAYING ALIVE - THE AVIATION ART OF ROBERT KARR

[davecww1]

Wow, lots of different stories but no one still knows if the sutton harness was even used in the Camel? Maybe it was the style of belts with the pulleys that I recall seeing, anyway either way the Eduard kit comes with the Sutton harness, to make it look correct you can pull it back so the join between the shoulder belts and the rear strap is up by the fuel pump, allowing the buckles to sit on the seat and not hang down to the floor. From the photos posted I would simply cut the Eduard belt into two seperate shoulder belts and fold them over a wire behind the seat to look like the photos of the Pup shown. Well now nobody knows which is correct so whatever looks best to the modeler I guess will be OK!
Dave

[Miguel1]

I continue with the assembly of Camel.

Process painting at the top and treatment of light and dirt, have been given to oil paintings.

Cheers,

Miguel M.

[MerlinV]

Wow! How did you achieve this affect in the upper surfaces?

Cheers,

Hugh

[Brad Cancian]

Hi Miguel - it looks like the upper surfaces are "powdery"? Not so sure that this effect works, as I cannot think of why fabric would look like this (just my opinion). I do like the castor oil stains and the rest of the shading though

BC

[StephenLawson]

Hey Brad its the effect that takes place when a clear over-coat tends to flex due to vibration and develop minor fractures. But to this extreme it looks more like prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Just my opinion.

[JohnReid]

I have seen many old aircraft both fabric and metal look exactly like that especially those that have been stored outside for any length of time.This is an excellent example of that type of weathering.

[theseeker]

Miguel,
Beautiful work and outstanding painting!
Rocky