My 1/32 Roden Albatros build

StevePratt · 29 January 2007, 10:31 AM

Just finished this wonderful kit. Here's a few practice pics. It's painted with Misterkit acrylics and detailed with the Eduard PE set.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...onttopview.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...frontclose.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...ockpitview.jpg

I started out to imitate Ray Rimmel's build in which he left the engine cowling off. This was my first attempt at detailing an engine by adding spark plugs, wiring and valve springs, so I didn't want to then hide that work. However, I decided to just leave that whole piece off because I liked the cockpit too, and wanted it to be more visible. I will attempt some better photos of the engine soon.

Cheers,

Scimitar · 29 January 2007, 10:57 AM

The Vera is the one I will build this year... Good example for me!

Thanks Steve, and well done Sir!

StevePratt · 29 January 2007, 01:32 PM

Here's a closeup of the engine....I see I already lost a valve spring

It's difficult to photograph, but one thing I experimented with on this build was using a Tamyia weathering kit to "silver" the invisible thread rigging. You might be able to see the effect a bit better in the photo below:

There are two lines running across the Tamiya box. The lower one was silvered using the sponge tip that comes with the weathering kit. This image is from the Eduard 1/48 D.V Weekend Edition kit I'm working on. I didn't think of trying this until I had already finished rigging the 1/32 Albatros, and I found it a bit difficult to manuever the brush, plus I didn't want powder residue to mess up the finish. So, I'm trying it on the D.V before installing the top wing. This way I can be sure to get the effect on all sides of the thread.

I wish I could photograph this better, because when the light is right it looks quite convincing.

I made a simple little mask to help keep the powder residue off the model:

StephenLawson · 29 January 2007, 01:51 PM

Nicely Done Steve!

curtisswright · 29 January 2007, 02:40 PM

Sweet Build Steve. Wood grain is very tastefully done and subtle enough to be realistic. Excellent job. Congratulations

curtisswright · 29 January 2007, 02:43 PM

Oh yea, how did you like using the powder for weathering? I use pastels and charcoal and they are a magnet for fingerprints.

RAGIII · 29 January 2007, 07:09 PM

Steve,
Great build! Very impressive wood grain. I like it!!!

RAGIII

StevePratt · 30 January 2007, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by curtisswright

Oh yea, how did you like using the powder for weathering? I use pastels and charcoal and they are a magnet for fingerprints.

Curtis,

I primarily used The Detailer black ready to use wash (I admit, I'm lazy) for weathering. I used the Tamiya powders primarily to take a little of the "newness" off the large wing decals, and to put a but of mud-like discoloration under the wings and fuselage from the wheels. I find that when I use the sponge end of the stick Tamiya provides the powders go on almost more like a paste, almost like the colour is ground in, so fingerprints haven't really been a problem

I like using the commercial wash, too. It goes on pretty thick, then I can wipe it down - in the direction of the airflow - quite easily. It stays in the panel lines well enough, but "smears" a bit, if I let it. It really is very easy to control how much is left on.