Wingnut Wings Pfalz D.IIIa

transitmek · 24 January 2011, 01:29 AM

Hello All,
After lurking on this site the better part of a year, I thought it was time to contribute to this forum.
Yesterday, I finished my WnW Pfalz, and I have to say it was a joy to build! The fit was just about perfect, and the detailing is exceptional. I had absolutely no issues with the kit, and am really looking forward to starting my next one.
I used the kit supplied decals to model Max Holtzem's machine. I know very little about WWI planes, so I can't comment on the accuracy of the lozenged lower wings ( or anything else for that matter

), but I think it looks good.
Thanks for looking, and comments welcome.
Nate

albatros1234 · 24 January 2011, 01:37 AM

you did a fantastic job on your pfalz. i have one on order and want to do this scheme,you may have seen my thread asking about the lozenge on the wings. it is a very nice looking aircraft with a flashy paintjob and i always liked this particular pfalz. how did the fuselage stripe decals go on? were they anytrouble with such a large wrap around design?

transitmek · 24 January 2011, 01:51 AM

Thanks for the kind comment Albatros.

I agree with you about the paint scheme for this particular aircraft......it is pretty cool looking!
The fuselage stripe decal is actually in 3 pieces: You apply the top part first, then either side. The one problem I had with these decals, is they try and stick immediately when applied. I used a paintbrush with plenty of water to flood the decal on the surface of the model, so I could position it.
Also, when I build another WnW kit with lozenge decals, I will take WnW's advice, and not use solvaset on the decals. I did on the upper decal, and while it came out OK, it would look better if I had used WnW's recommended hairdryer method, as I used on the lower wing with great results.
Nate

PrzemoL · 24 January 2011, 02:04 AM

This is an inspiration to start my D.IIIa as soon as possible (i.e. just after I finish Roden's SPAD). Nice to see it done, it only convinces me to do mine in the same colours.
BTW, what have you used for rigging? Bobs buckles and tubes with monofilament fishing line? If so, what diameter of the line?

transitmek · 24 January 2011, 02:19 AM

Thank you very much Przemol, I appreciate the comment. It's been builds like yours, and others on this forum, that has inspired me to try my hand at WWI modeling. I still haven't tried a wood finish yet, but that may be next on my list.

For the rigging on my plane, I used HO scale eyebolts which I secured to the wing with cyano. I then used Lion Roar .005 brass tube for a 'turnbuckle'. I ran 4lb. test fishing line through the brass tube, and through the eyebolt, back through the brass tube. Thanks to "Beeza" and his WWI website for that technique.

Nate

albatros1234 · 24 January 2011, 02:22 AM

where do you get the HO scale eyebolts?

transitmek · 24 January 2011, 02:22 AM

Oops......I made a mistake. The fishing line is actually 2lb. test "Maxima Chameleon". That is .005 inch, or 0.12 mm according to the spool it comes on.
Nate

transitmek · 24 January 2011, 02:30 AM

I did a search on ebay in the model RR section for HO scale eyebolts. Here's what the package looks like:

The eyebolts are a bit on the large size for this scale, I think, but they are easy to work with. Just trim down the shank to fit the wing depth, and drill a hole where you want to mount it. Secure with cyano, and presto: instant anchor point!

Nate

Geek44 · 24 January 2011, 02:54 AM

Great looking Pfalz mate. I have to say I like the lozenge lower wing better than the other ('silbergrau'?) finish. If it's a question of just making a choice, I think you made the right one. Thanks for sharing the pics...it's beautiful.
Peace.

PrzemoL · 24 January 2011, 03:35 AM

Thanks, Nate for the answer. Casually I have just ordered a reel of black 0.12mm fishing line, though not the Maxima one.
And it is a good idea with the H0 eye bolts, though I use Bob's buckles - they work in the same way, the only difference may be the size and the price.
I plan to imitate the turnbuckle with one 3mm long tube and only then attach the line to it using the beeza's method with one more tube - 2mm long as an imitation of the line overlap at the hooking loop.

Once again - lovely build! Many thanks for sharing and the inspiration. (I will also go for the finished comet on the wing ;-) )