New Boy - and a question or two

Derekjohnhowl · 14 July 2008, 03:22 AM

Hi to all at The Aerodrome,

I happened upon you when I did a bit of internet searching after buying some Eduard 1/48models. I've not made a model plane since I was in my early teens in the early '60s. You have a great site here - the depth of knowledge is quite intimidating!

One thing first - I'm not yet familar with all the byways of the site - I couldn't find a really simple place that explains how to post into an existing thread - hence using the "post new thead" button. And what are "tags"? Again I couldn't find an easy explanation.

I've started building two Eduard Nieuport 17s, the profipack and the ordinary editions at the same time so I can compare them - and also an old Fokker Eindecker to give me some practce at PE and dealing with roughly modelled plastic.

All has been going fairly well, though the amount of fuselage interior that has to be removed to get the Eindecker PE cockpit inserted was a big shock. Also I have't yet found a filler that stays smooth and soft enough for me, it tends to get grainy and is hard to introduce into smaller gaps.

And now for the simple question that has been keeping me awake... I'm not too worried about mounting the top planes of the Nieuports, I chose those models as they have few attachment points for the cabanes and struts. But next up I would like to try the Roden Bristol fighter. Double bays, all those struts, I can already imagine the mess I could make of these. Is there anywheer at the Aerodrome, or anywhere else, that gives advice on this tricky operation?

Forgive what may seem such an elementary question - but I'm keen to improve.

All best wishes

Scott · 14 July 2008, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derekjohnhowl

One thing first - I'm not yet familar with all the byways of the site - I couldn't find a really simple place that explains how to post into an existing thread - hence using the "post new thead" button. And what are "tags"? Again I couldn't find an easy explanation.

Welcome to the forum, Derekjohnhowl. Click FAQ in the forum toolbar near the top of the page for info on posting and tags. You may have been reading a "closed" thread if there was no "Add Reply" button visible. Threads that have been inactive for 90 days are automatically closed.

Scott

charlie bucket · 14 July 2008, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derekjohnhowl

Also I have't yet found a filler that stays smooth and soft enough for me, it tends to get grainy and is hard to introduce into smaller gaps.

Mr. Surfacer 1000 works pretty well for me. It smells like nail polish, and I'm not entirely sure if it's anything but glorified nail polish, but it wet-sands nice and smooth.

Quote:

And now for the simple question that has been keeping me awake... I'm not too worried about mounting the top planes of the Nieuports, I chose those models as they have few attachment points for the cabanes and struts. But next up I would like to try the Roden Bristol fighter. Double bays, all those struts, I can already imagine the mess I could make of these. Is there anywheer at the Aerodrome, or anywhere else, that gives advice on this tricky operation?

Jigs do the trick.

Lance Krieg has a wing alignment jig illustrated at the link below, with plans:

Modeling Tools and Procedures

There is also a very clever idea I've heard in here of using Legos attached to a Lego base to hold the model in place while aligning the wing, but I just built the jig above, which works beautifully.

Familyman · 14 July 2008, 05:17 AM

Welcome to the forum Derekjohnhowl!

There are also some commercial upper wing alignment tools these days:

Wing Alignment Tool: Whatsitzname??

Wing Jig

Mikko

Derekjohnhowl · 14 July 2008, 05:57 AM

Wow, you guys are fast!

Many thanks for the replies. I think I'll investigate that areoclub jig, though I'll not need it for a while. I'll also see if Mr. Surfacer 1000 is available in the UK.

thanks again.

Kaiser Bill · 14 July 2008, 06:36 AM

Derek:...welcome to the 'drome. This is the place to get your questions answered...as you now know. Many experts in residence. Buckle up it can be a wild ride!!

Kaiser Bill

John Masters · 14 July 2008, 09:31 AM

Welcome to the 'Drome, Derek. Do not be intimidated by this place. We are all here to help each other and learn. Ask questions, post pictures of your builds...All good fun. I returned to modeling when I was 39 after not building anything since I was 13 or so...

And in the words of one of our own...''It's only plastic''.

Model on!
John

dak66 · 14 July 2008, 05:33 PM

I would suggest Mr Surfacer 500 or 1000 if you can't get a hold of that Tamiya sells there's in a bottle now it's white in color ...have fun

ChrisSavaglio · 14 July 2008, 07:26 PM

Welcome to the forum. You'll find the full range of modelers, from just build it and have fun guys, to the ultra hardcore, this is off by .1mm guys..so you'll find no trouble fitting in somewhere.

As for your questions, I use Bondo glazing putty. You get it in tubes in the body/paint section of your local autoparts store. It's xlene based, so it will bite into the plastic and not flake off. It also sand really easy. You can thin it with acetone (nail polish remover), but I find it dries too fast that way and will shrink. I prime everything with automotive lacquer primer and it ends up with the same texture as the plastic once overcoated.

The nice thing about auto products is you can get much large quantities for less money. A big spray can of primer costs less than the little model specific spray cans.

For complicated biplanes, a lot of guys use legos. I use whatever's handy...paint bottles, scraps of balsa wood, etc...combinations.. Be creative...there's no need to spend much money to get the wing at the right height.

Enjoy the forum and the WWI models.

C

C