My Pfalz D.IIIa build

StevePratt · 22 January 2007, 06:42 AM

Here are some photos of my recently completed 1/48 Pfalz D.IIIa. This is Eduard's weekend edition kit with Eduard PE and Bob's Buckles done up in von Buttlar's Jasta 18 colours.

This is my fifth kit - and third WWI model - completed since I resumed the hobby during the summer last year. Growing up in England in the 60's I did a bit of modeling, mostly Airfix and Frog stuff, I suppose. We moved back to the States in the early 70's, I entered junior high school, and it was all downhill from there...for a while, anyway. So, last summer I was looking for something my son and I could do together and I naturally thought of modeling. He enjoyed it for a bit, but got bored. I, on the other hand, got hooked. And, this time around, I have a credit card!

I was mostly satisfied with this build, but it was after completing it I realized I was trying too hard to build a showcase model without taking the time to master the basics. In particular I want to improve my alignments, application of glue/CA, and painting. Also, I've got to figure out how to keep my sub components "clean" and undamaged while finishing assembly.

I welcome any comments or suggestions!

John Masters · 22 January 2007, 07:22 AM

Nicely done! The rigging is splendid, btw...And it is also a good example of the quality of the Weekend Build series...

Tell us about the turnbuckles...How, what, etc...

From the Factory on the hill,
John

StephenLawson · 22 January 2007, 08:28 AM

StevePratt; Nicely done!

Jasta 5 Von Muller · 22 January 2007, 10:36 AM

Very nice!

drIace · 22 January 2007, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StephenLawson

StevePratt; Nicely done!

I'll second that !!!

StevePratt · 22 January 2007, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Masters

Nicely done! The rigging is splendid, btw...And it is also a good example of the quality of the Weekend Build series...

Tell us about the turnbuckles...How, what, etc...

From the Factory on the hill,
John

John, all:

Thanks for the kind comments.

Ironically, it's the rigging that I like most when doing WWI kits. I read over and over about people avoiding them because they fear rigging, but I get a kick out of it.

The turnbuckles were provided by Bob's Buckles. I haven't quite figured out how to use them, though. It's easy enough to put one on the "anchor" end of the rigging thread, but I'm not sure how to put one on the "tensioned" end.

The Eduard Weekend Edition kits are exactly what I need right now as I continue to hone basic skills. They're inexpensive, but build up very nicely.

Cheers.....

Rittersbach · 22 January 2007, 06:28 PM

Keep up the good work there Steve. She looks good!

davecww1 · 22 January 2007, 07:36 PM

Hi Steve,
Looks pretty good!
You may want to use some rusty color paint drybrushed on the exhaust to make it look rusty from the heat. Also, is the spinner missing, or did this aircraft not have one? A great build.
Dave

StevePratt · 22 January 2007, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davecww1

Hi Steve,
Also, is the spinner missing, or did this aircraft not have one? A great build.
Dave

This A/C didn't have one, according to Eduard, anyway. And i forgot to put a boss on the prop...doh!

bobs_buckles · 23 January 2007, 04:21 AM

Quote:

The turnbuckles were provided by Bob's Buckles. I haven't quite figured out how to use them, though. It's easy enough to put one on the "anchor" end of the rigging thread, but I'm not sure how to put one on the "tensioned" end.
Cheers.....

Steve,
Brad Cancian used fine elastic for rigging. Turnbuckles fixed top and bottom then rigged.
I hope this helps.