Nieuport 11 Bebé

Kofoed · 30 April 2009, 11:36 AM

Hi there,

I have lately had a good and relaxing time building my Special Hobby 1/32 Nieuport 11 out-of-the-box. And before I too will go beserk with the new Wingnut kits (I have the SE5a and Biff), I thought I should clear up some unfinished items. I also have a Roden Albatros DI, which I'm trying to convert into a DII. I'll also share that here, of course.

Well, my nieuport I decided to paint in camouflage colours, and I found that N1286 of Sgt. Dudley L. Hill from the Lafayette Squadron (N124) was an easy choise. Some white squares, which were obviously quite easy, and the number "N1286", which I scanned from a profile and printed on a piece of clear decal paper.

And here it is. It's a most enjoyable build - nice and easy:

And in a "natural environment":

Enjoy

Kofoed · 30 April 2009, 11:41 AM

I have, as always, tried to make one image as it may have looked in 1916: Black and white with a sepia tint, and digitally reproduced as it may have looked taken on orthocromatic film, which was predomonant then:

Finally a couple of details. The front inner part has been covered in my homemade plywood decals:

And the very nice little rotary:

As usual, comments, good advice and hints'n'tips are very much appreciated.

All the best
Kofoed

Epee · 30 April 2009, 12:14 PM

Nice build. I'm preparing to do the same kit; is there anything to look out for?

Rowan Broadbent · 30 April 2009, 02:08 PM

What a great result, very pretty.

Must get one of these...... looks a nice accurate shape.

bobs_buckles · 30 April 2009, 02:26 PM

Keld,

She is a beauty and no mistake

What paint did you use for the aluminum cowling? Looks great

I'm with Rowan on this one. Looks like another kit coming to join my stash

Thanks for sharing,
Von Buckles

Epee · 30 April 2009, 03:08 PM

BTW, I have a question concerning your wood decals; is that the natural color or have you "yellowed" them in a photoeditor?

Kofoed · 1 May 2009, 12:20 PM

Thanks guys.

Epee, thanks a lot. I don't think there are any particular issues. She's quite straightforward.
The decals, I think they are in a natural colour. They were made by photographing a couple of plywood plates, and then enhance them a little in Photoshop. You can see a sheet of it here. Feel free to snatch a copy if you can use it:
Wood surfaces

Rowan, thanks a lot. Much appreciated.

Bob, thank you very much. The silver I made by first paint it some acrylic silver, and after this had dried, I brushed on a couple of layers of Model Master Aluminium Metalizer designed for airbrush. This is very thin, dries very quickly and care must be taken when used. After this has dried, it can be polished with a soft cloth.

Thank you
Kofoed

Poandneedy · 1 May 2009, 12:48 PM

I don't think I'll post my pics when I finish mine now. That's a fine piece of work you have there. Very fine.

Graham Hunter · 1 May 2009, 02:05 PM

Nice, a Nieuport Bebe and camouflage how can you go wrong...

Anders Kofoed Hansen · 1 May 2009, 02:18 PM

Hello dad.

That is a very very beautiful Nieuport, such a great build, nice work! I like the colours very much.
I am looking very much forward to see it for real, when I am visiting you next week.

Maybe I should too have a try with that kit, but I don’t think it look so relaxing an easy in the box.

I also think to remember some “ugly words” from you about the fit of the cowling, have your memory gone bad, old man?

But your result is absolutely stunning and a great inspiration.

When will we see your Albatros, have you got my spare decals for your wing yet?

How about your WingNutWings SE5a, have you started it yet? I am building my Junkers right now, and I am really happy about it. They are so beautiful these kits, don’t you think?

Keep up the great work.

Kind regards

Anders