1/8 SE5a

[Mouppe]

Hello,

I recently joined this forum as I have started to build the SE5a model by Hasegawa and was looking for other modellers' experiences with this kit.

Now I feel it is my duty to return the favour to future builders by posting some photos of my progress and explaining any tips and pitfalls as I continue with the build.

This is to be my second kit in the series having completed the Sopwith Camel last year. I have dozens of photos of the Camel during assembly and of the finished model if anyone wishes to see them or has any questions.

As has been said elsewhere on this forum, these models are outstanding when completed and very enjoyable and rewarding.

Since this is a multimedia model, the first sub-assemblies are largely of plastic. The Vickers and Lewis guns (with a Foster mount), the radiator, the engine and the magneto. I like to paint everything- even where the black plastic is painted black.

After this the wood takes over, with the fuselage construction. The wood is mostly cypress with a few bits of bamboo and plywood. To glue the pieces, I use a wood glue and a spot of CA. I do not use any pins or nails.

Thanks for having me and for looking,
Mouppe.

[Mouppe]

Here are some photos of the fuselage construction.

Mouppe.

[Doug Baumann]

well it's looking good Mouppe i have seen slight problem with the exhaust manifold, the seam needs filled , but i really don't know this aircraft that much !!! GOOD JOB on her so far , keep up the great work ! Are you having any trouble with any thing yet ??? ....Doug

[Mouppe]

Thanks Doug, you are absolutely right about the exhaust seam. The engine detail is generally a little disappointing compared to the original, although I added a fair amount of scale hardware.

The original exhaust pipes had a prominent seam which I am going to try to replicate to cover the crack.

The Clerget engine on the Camel was a much better model; indeed it was sold by Hasegawa as a stand-alone kit.

No other trouble so far!

Mouppe.

[Doug Baumann]

that should not be that hard to make in that scale thanks ...Doug

[Mouppe]

More progress on the fuselage. Everything came out really true so far. Interestingly, not all the spars are parallel, note the 5th and 6th columns from the left in the first picture. This is deliberate.

One thing to note is that the ends of the wood needs to be as square as possible to provide the largest possible face for glueing, especially when the diameter is only 2 or 3 millimetres. I use a belt sander which normally is too heavy duty for modelling at this scale but it does leave a very flat end and you can achieve very accurate angles which this model requires. For example the rear part of the fuselage tapers at about 7 degrees.

Mouppe.

[bobs_buckles]

Mouppe,
Superb work on your fuselage structure.

For cutting clean square cuts you won't go wrong with NORTHWEST SHORTLINE's: Chopper II



Cheers,
Bob

[Mouppe]

Hi,

I made some more progress on the fuselage by adding the stringers. This can be a tricky section as the stringers are only 2mm wide and can bend easily. The bulkhead guides are often out of position, so it is best to widen the gaps where necessary and then use a wood filler later to fill any spaces. In hindsight, I would recommend cutting one's own bulkheads rather than using the kit-supplied ones. Once the glue has dried, gentle fairing along and across the stringers will smooth everything out.

Mouppe.

[Doug Baumann]

hay LOOKING GOOD ....Doug

[JohnReid]

Hi Mouppe! Great to see you over here on this forum.