Battle Axe 1/32 Fok. D.VII - The Build

StephenLawson · 12 January 2003, 01:20 PM

Calling all Forumites/Modelbuilders:

We have been discussing the Battle Axe 1/32 Fokker D.VII in another thread. *This has been sort of a generic series of commentaries. *I would like to propose this thread be specifically aimed at the actual build up of this same kit. this could be a future reference to all those who follow. *Sort of a 'how to' with more than one author.

The general idea is: *'... I had to take this much off of that to get the results I wanted...I found this aftermarket part here for this much...this other kit part works great as a replcement for...' *

I also suggest that we preface each of our individual, installments with titles like
Engine,
Cockpit,
Fuselage,
Wings,
Tail,
Undercarriage,
Armament,
Decals,
and save the last as a posting 'Final' for images of the finished birds. Any other in-process build images would be optional.

This is not a competition but a chance for everyone to watch the progression. Simply discuss how we approach the model to get the individual results. If its straight out of the box or with alterations, each posting will help some modeler somewhere with a similiar problem. While I don't believe it should be restricted to just the builders I would like to ask that we continue to give each other basic courtesies.

topgun56 · 12 January 2003, 09:48 PM

I really hope some one comes up with some help.

Rob_Owens · 13 January 2003, 03:07 AM

Great Idea! Ken Schmitt was just telling me that the firewall and bulkhead(fabric curtain behind the seat) are way too wide. He tried both narrowing the items and deepening the locating grooves 'til he couldn't do more for fear of carving through the fuselage walls. Solution: perhaps scratch both items? (Ken, hope I didn't steal ur Thunder!) Rob

Rob_Owens · 13 January 2003, 03:35 AM

If you're going to separate the ailerons, the top/bottom hinge lines don't line up (top line is further forward by about1.5mm). Suggest separating them AFTER the wing is assembled. Pick the hinge line ur drawings say is correct, and fill the hinge line on the other side. Rob

Rob_Owens · 13 January 2003, 11:04 AM

:-[ Doh! Bulkhead fit problems were courageously attacked by SteveS, not Ken Schmitt. Herr Ober, no more Martinis for my friend, please. Rob

RLWP · 13 January 2003, 11:46 AM

I'm up for some of this as well. I'll try to take some 'photos of how I mounted the engine tomorrow and post them.

Richard

...Caveat! I have a background in model engineering and so tend towards robust solutions e.g copper wire and soldering.

SteveS · 13 January 2003, 04:49 PM

Great idea for a thread. Hope you don’t mind me adding a “General” subheading.
Maybe we can save someone else some pain or suffering.

Check your sprues! I’ve noticed that more than one person has remarked about “flash” on the parts. As I started my kit I realised that this flash was in reality misaligned molds. A lot of the parts are kinda skewed one way or the other through the center of the part. Not a big problem on the larger parts, but it renders some of the smaller parts unusable or at least will add a considerable amount of time to repair or scratchbuild. Smaller parts that are supposed to be round will wind up oval if this “flash” is just trimmed away. *Ever see a oval compass housing (other than in a wreck)? I’ve got one. *At this point I venture to say that *it will pay to take the time to test fit most if not all parts before finishing. *This could save you much pain later on.
* * *Thinking of using the super glue and accelerator method of gap filling (and you will be filling gaps) *Be aware that I had the plastic craze with this method. At least with the Pacer “Zip Kicker” brand. use it sparingly. or go for the 50/50 glue talc filler as suggested by Rob Owens

Best Wishes and Good Luck,
Steve
* * *

Barker · 13 January 2003, 05:59 PM

Who is this Ken guy??

He doesn't build in 32. I think he builds in 48.

Top & bottoms lining up on ailerons is not a huge thing but it is an odd thing and pesky to solve.

Question:
I have a friend who builds in 32, a Camel and a Nieuport, so far. Could you elaborate on the mis-mold of the ailerons in the BA kit? I'd like to pass that on to him.

thanks. 8)

topgun56 · 13 January 2003, 09:55 PM

And to think even Squad.com wants 64.00 dollars for this kit.

And you can buy a Hobbycraft SPAD 1/32 for $16.

In the latest sup. Sqad, isn't evan selling B/A 's EI.
TG

Rob_Owens · 14 January 2003, 11:18 AM

Barker, Ken Schmitt is a Terribly Decent Chap who's doing some artwork for my Hanriot, in exchange for a "FIXIT" article on the 1/28 Revell D.VII. I talk to so many Decent Types here, I get 'em confused

I (as usual) separated the ailerons from both halves of the top wing, and when I put the wing together, matching up the leading edges of both halves,the hinge line on the lower half projects ABOUT 1.5 mm further aft than that of the upper, and the hinge lines not even even and parallel on both sides. If I hadn't articulated the ailerons, the fault wouldn't have been terribly noticeable (except, perhaps, by one of those "Micrometer & Microscope" contest judges). Now I'm left to fill and sand, and starting to think that perhaps we've been a tad too harsh on our friend TopGun56 when he griped about "Value for Money" with this 'un. Not a kit I'd purchase again, nor probably one I'd purchased had I been a forumite at the time. Alles Gute! Rob