Sopwith Camel and Fokker Triplane (1/72nd scale)

[bh1701]

I usually build cars and starships, so I decided to try something different. These are the Revell 1/72nd scale Sopwith Camel and Fokker Triplane kits. I had built these as a kid and thought I'd try them again. These are tiny models - measuring about 3" long and 5" wide. Nice kits with a lot of tiny, delicate parts! For the rigging on the Sopwith Camel, instead of string I used the thinnest plastic rod I could find. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to do the string on something so small and figured the rod might be a little easier to position and glue into place. It's a bit oversized, but I think it still looks OK. The Fokker didn't have much rigging done - I only used string and used it on the elevators and rudder.

Thanks for checking these out!

Bart

[Jim B]

Great looking fighters. Very well done. 

[TonyK]

Both of these models look great. Nice work on something so small.

[Warren D]

Good job, I built many of the WW1 planes in 1/72 when I was younger, and my eyes were better and my hands steadier!  I used monofiliment sewing thread for my wires.  It's not too hard.  First, drill holes slightly larger than the line (around a #80 drill IIRC) where the lines attach being sure to drill at the same angle as the wire will be.  Cut a piece of line a little longer than needed.  Put a small amount of ACC accelerator in the hole.  Put a small puddle of superglue on some scrap and dip one end of the line in it.  Stick that end in the hole and it should bond instantly.  Measure and cut line to length so that there is just enough to stick into the opposing hole.  Same technique, accelerator and a a dab of superglue only this time you'll need a toothpick to apply to the end of the line.  Insert end in hole and you now have close to scale wires.  Repeat as many times as you have wires.  You can also reverse the glue and curing agent, using a toothpick, put a dab of glue in the hole and dip the end of the line in the accelerator.  I like the first method as I found when putting the glue on the hole it often set before I could get the line inserted.  Trying to drill out cured superglue from a #80 hole is a royal PIA!

Edited Friday at 01:03 PM by Warren D

[bh1701]

20 minutes ago, Warren D said:

Good job, I built many of the WW1 planes in 1/72 when I was younger, and my eyes were better and my hands steadier!  I used monofiliment sewing thread for my wires.  It's not too hard.  First, drill holes slightly larger than the line (around a #80 drill IIRC) where the lines attach being sure to drill at the same angle as the wire will be.  Cut a piece of line a little longer than needed.  Put a small amount of ACC accelerator in the hole.  Put a small puddle of superglue on some scrap and dip one end of the line in it.  Stick that end in the hole and it should bond instantly.  Measure and cut line to length so that there is just enough to stick into the opposing hole.  Same technique, accelerator and a a dab of superglue only this time you'll need a toothpick to apply to the end of the line.  Insert end in hole and you now have close to scale wires.  Repeat as many times as you have wires.  You can also reverse the glue and curing agent, using a toothpick, put a dab of glue in the hole and dip the end of the line in the accelerator.  I like the first method as I found when putting the glue on the hole it often set before I could get the line inserted.  Trying to drill out cured superglue from a #80 hole is a royal PIA!

Thanks, Warren!

Your model looks great!

Wish I had thought of using monofilament thread. If I ever do some more kits that need rigging, I will give that a try.

The monofilament thread also would not have the "fuzzies" that thread often develops. Another reason to use it.

Bart

[shoopdog]

Great looking builds! I thought the 1/48 biplanes I built were small!

[Dragline]

Those are both beautiful. Very well done.

[Mike 1017]

Great build of 2 WWI Legends

[kensar]

Nice build of the Brown and Richthoven planes.  I have used 0.004" monofilament fly fishing leader mono for rigging on my 1/32 WW1 planes.