Help needed
 

I only got back into model making in the last month, after a 30 year layoff. I am building a Roden 1/72nd scale Albatros DV and have loads of questions.:huh:
I thought if I put them all out here members may be kind enough to answer whatever they may know (thanks in advance).

Kit Specific Questions:

• I can't get part #6Z to fit as per the diagram, infact I found a site with an engine diagram that shows this pipe taking a completely different route!
  Check out the 'revised' version on this link:
  Mercedes DIII
• How does part #5G (machine gun mount) fit into the body?
• Can anyone suggest the best way to ensure that the 3 pieces of the upper wing stay alinged when putting together - it's not so much the leading edge but the upper and lower surfaces.

General Model Help:

• I live in the UK - can anyone suggest a good place to order a pin vice and bits from?
• I also need the solutions to help apply the decals - what are the best?
• Does anyone make 1/72 scale German aviation figures, apart from the DDS 'Pilots of the First World War' set and the CMK 'Richthofen Flying Circus set?

Painting:

• What are the best available matches for the purple and green camouflage?
• The instructions suggest Humbrol enamel #109 (WW1 Blue) for the underside of the wings, this looks way too 'blue' to me. Is this colour correct?
• I have checked loads of profiles and can't get any info on what colour the fin between the wheels should be painted.
• I have seen pictures of some of the excellent models made by members of this forum, with varying finishes. Would all the originally painted parts of the plane have a matt finish, or are some satin or gloss?
• As I stated this is my 1st model in 30 years - should I try to include rigging and, if so, what's the easiest method?
• I was brought up on enamels but I get the feeling that acrylic may be a better option, especially for airbrush work - am I correct in this?

I apologise for all these questions. I have got as far as I can without asking for help. I am looking at this 1st build as a learining project but there's no point in the excercise without getting as much right as possible.
I promise to post pics of the completed model, so that I can get some suggestions of how to improve from here.
BTW - I know 1/72 is small, but I have always worked at that scale and I want to build quite a few planes and only have limited room to display them.:D

Welcome Back Laz1957!

Ok, I'll answer what I can.

A good source for tools and equipment for you would be Hannants I think. They prety much have the lot.

There is this stuff called Easy line. I think Aeroclub stock it. Try that for your rigging.

I am a great fan of Acrylics for Airbrushing, purely because it's easier to clean up. But others swear by enamels.
I use only enamels for Brush painting. I have trouble with acrylics... they dry too quickly for brush painting.

Decals: Mr Mark Softer... and Micro Sol and Micro Set. Either should be available at Hannants. Personally, I prefer the Micro Sol/Micro Set.

Good luck.

Hugh

Misterkit do a large range of acrylic paints for WWI aircraft
 

Like you I build only in 1/72. I like Misterkit colours - although sometimes they lack opacity and need a sympathetic coloured undercoat, most of the colours look good to me. Aeroclub stock them in the UK I think. Another range of WWI aircraft colours I have heard of (but not used) is Agama - Jadar stock them:

JadarHobby Shop :

Happy Modelling!
James

Albatros D.V help
 

Hey Laz1957, I too have started this kit and subsequently put it down. The pipeing (part 6Z) is for the 180hp engine and goes as suggested by the instructions. I had a heck of a time with the wings. I hate (and love) Rodens upper wing. I hate the three pieces but love the detail and thinness of the trailing edge. I laid mine down on a flat surface and used Tamiya liquid glue to set it. It is a slower setting glue and give me a little time to manipulate anything I need to. Still you are going to have to do some sanding to get a smooth finish. Overall I like Eduards single piece upper wing better because it is simple. As for painting I like enamels and use mostly Model Master but do also use Humbrol at times. For the wood paneling side I use MM Wood. For the Albatros green I use MM European Green and for the Muave I mixed my own. The bottom is MM RLM 76. I just purchased a set of Misterkits Acrylics in the Albatros colors (I don't like the muave too much though). I plan on using them on this kit when I do finish it up. As for the gun mounts on the Roden kit I haven't got that far yet. I stopped as I ordered the Part P.E. set for this kit and am waiting for it to arrive. Overall I like the Eduard kit much better but the Roden one has some strong points. The Albatros D.V/Va is my favorite WWI aircraft and I plan on building a bunch of them in both 72 and 48 scale.

Roy

Hi there Laz, welcome back to this nice hobby. You already have some answers to your questions and I'm going to give you another one, about 1/72 scale figures you'll may find a couple of pilots on PJ PRODUCTIONS.