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#4547359 - 12/06/20 12:51 PM Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla'  
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Hi all,
I'm waiting for the display case to complete my model of the Nieuport 28C.1.
Therefore I thought I'd start on a model that's been in my stash since it was first released.
The resin model kit is one of the best made and presented 1:32nd scale WW1 aircraft kits around and is available from Richard at 'Aviattic'.
This model will represent the Ansaldo A.1 ‘Balilla’, Serial No:16538 of pilot Tenente Leopoldo Eleuteri of No:70a Squadriglia, operating from Caccia, Padovano, during the October of 1918.
He was the only pilot to shoot down one enemy aircraft whilst flying the 'Balilla'.

'Balilla' (little boy) was the nickname of Giovanni Battista Perasso, a Genoese boy who started the revolt of 1746 against the Habsburg forces that occupied the city in the War of the Austrian Succession.
The legend is that while some Austrian soldiers were dragging an artillery piece along a muddy road in the Portoria neighbourhood of Genoa, the artillery piece got stuck in a moat.
The soldiers forced onlookers and passers-by to dislodge it.
Disgusted by the scene, Perasso allegedly grabbed a stone from the road and threw it at the Austrian patrol, calling on those around to join him.
This act set in motion a sequence of events that eventually caused the Austrian garrison to be evicted from the city.

Mike

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Last edited by Sandbagger; 12/07/20 10:59 PM.

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#4547362 - 12/06/20 01:30 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Another soon-to-be masterpiece. We'll be watching, Mike. By the way, have you run out of room yet? Just asking. biggrin

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#4547406 - 12/06/20 07:35 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Nice try Lou hahaha , but no, I still have some room,

Mike


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#4547409 - 12/06/20 08:05 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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I have seen photos of your work shop Mike, and it must be getting crowded by now. Those display cases do take up some room.

You are going to have a huge selection of models to choose from when the model shows resume.


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#4548157 - 12/11/20 11:56 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi Rob,
Yeah I guess so if the shows start up in 2021.
This year might have been a good show year as in the two shows I went to early on got me best in class at one and best in class and best in show at the other.
We'll all see what 2021 brings us - something better I hope,

Mike


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#4548165 - 12/12/20 12:16 AM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Wow. Congratulations Mike. I guess we're not the only ones who admire and appreciate the work you put in on your models.


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#4548668 - 12/15/20 11:17 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
The web site at 'Aviattic' has a fully detailed build log (in Adobe PDF format) for the 'Balilla', which can be downloaded.
It is extensive and details every part of the build.
I have found a few moulded part numbers that don't match those in the build log, so these will corrected in my own build log.
Section 1 covers the building of the S.P.A 6A engine, which I've now completed.

Now onto the internals for the fuselage, which includes many minutely detailed photo-etch components, which will prove interesting to build,

Mike

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#4549122 - 12/20/20 01:56 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
I've been working on the preparation of the fuselage internals.
The fuselage is moulded as a single piece, so has to be worked through the available openings.
The forward bulkhead frame needed to be reduce in width as the front of the fuselage was too wide to fit the photo-etch front frame.
The supplied photo-etch sheet is, to say the least, comprehensive and highly detailed with many tiny components.
Fortunately some parts are also supplied as resin, if you don't want the 'challenge' of building the photo-etch parts.
Fortunately it's not necessary to build the aileron and additional flight controls, as both would be completely hidden under the pilot's seat and can't be seen.
However the engine controls can be seen so need to be built.
The throttle quadrant alone is made up of 15 separate pieces.
This model is definitely not for the photo-etch faint hearted.

Anyway, now it's on to the painting phase,

Mike

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#4549468 - 12/22/20 11:34 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
Just a few progress shots of the internals of the fuselage.
There's still a lot to do yet.
Control rods and some wiring, seat harness, machine guns, engine fit, oil tank, gun synchronisation gear etc.
Also the final finish and weathering.

Mike

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#4549535 - 12/23/20 04:17 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

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#4549721 - 12/25/20 01:26 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
Dry fit for the engine and turtle deck,

Mike

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#4550268 - 12/30/20 10:47 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
The 'Aviattic' supplied wood effect fuselage and tail unit decals have now been applied.
Not too easily carried out as the decals need to be accurately cut out from their sheets as they're not 'cookie' cut.
They've all been gloss coated as the next step is to apply the 'HGW Models' nail head decals.
Then it'll be adding the remaining decals and all of the photo-etch details,

Mike

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Last edited by Sandbagger; 12/30/20 10:47 PM.

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#4550358 - 12/31/20 11:20 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
The model is supplied with decals for the various nail lines on the fuselage, produced by 'HGW Models'.
These are intended to be applied onto the wood effect decals.
These nail line decals will shown on lighter coloured surfaces, such as on the unpainted fuselage of an Albatros or Roland fighter.
However, they are more or less invisible on a darker background, such as the wood effect decals used on this version of the 'Balilla'.
Therefore instead of using the decals, I used a 'Rosie the Riveter' (0.75 mm) to create by hand the nail lines, using the decal illustration as a guide.
Then wearing a cotton glove, dipped a finger into Dark Earth pigment powder ('Flory Models') and rub the pigment over the fuselage.
Finally a light sealing coat of 'Alclad' Aqua Gloss (ALC-600) was airbrushed over the fuselage,

Mike

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#4550401 - 01/01/21 01:47 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Jiminy crickets Mike, you must have the world's tiniest tack hammer! Oh my eyes, MY EYES!

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#4550416 - 01/01/21 08:51 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
All fuselage decals have now been applied, including rib tapes for the fin and undersides of the tail plane and elevators.
Now it's onto the various photo-etch details for the fuselage and weathering etc,

Mike

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#4550419 - 01/01/21 09:43 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Sandbagger, how come you're using pigment powder to accent the nail lines instead of the panel line wash? Is it just preference?


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#4550448 - 01/02/21 11:10 AM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi,
The nail lines were created shallow to just break through the decals surface.
Any deeper and the resin would have lifted around each nail which would have been difficult to remove without damaging the wood effect decals.
I tried various washes, filters, oil paints etc but each time the medium lifted out when the surrounding areas were cleaned.
Rubbing pigment powder into the nail lines was the only thing that worked.
That said you can hardly see them,

Mike


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#4550464 - 01/02/21 05:11 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
Just a quick update.
The 'Aviattic' fuselage wood effect decals have circular access panels printed, but these look rather ‘flat’.
Therefore to raise these panels and make them stand out more, I added extra decals.
I'm now working my way through the fuselage photo-etch,

Mike

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#4550471 - 01/02/21 06:13 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Mike

I have to say, you really have mastered the application of the wood grain decals. I am particularly enamoured with the seam work and how invisible it appears. I don't know how you measured, cut and fit it so neatly.

Best Regards


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#4551058 - 01/06/21 10:43 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
The basic fuselage is now complete, apart from the windscreen and flying wire anchor points.
The final display will be the aircraft undergoing engine maintenance, so the engine front twin cowl panel will be removed.
I’ve added the coolant/vent pipe from the rear of the radiator header tank, made from 0.5 mm tube.
Two bracing lines were fitted between the forward fuselage cabane struts and an inverted tubular ‘V’ frame, which was attached to the insides of the fuselage and over the top of the engine camshaft.
This was made from formed 0.8 mm diameter tube with ’GasPatch’ resin 1:48th anchor points.
A tubular retaining frame was fitted over the inverted ‘V’ frame and attached to the inside of the fuselage sides.
This was made from annealed 0.375 mm diameter copper wire.
I’ve changed the aircraft serial number by replacing the number 3 with the number 5.
The supplied decal for the particular aircraft is 16538.
However is seems the only ‘Balilla’ aircraft serial numbers recorded for No:70a Squadriglia were 16550, 16555, 16556 and 16558.
Therefore my assumption is that this aircraft serial number was probably 16558, not 16538.
Also this aircraft had two light coloured bar markings on the left of the turtle decal, just behind the cockpit.
The exact colour of these bands is not known or if they were repeated on the other side of the turtle deck.

Now onto the undercarriage before starting on the wings and rigging preparation,

Mike

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[Linked Image]

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[Linked Image]

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#4551441 - 01/08/21 10:43 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
Some modellers think photo-etch 'is your friend' eek2
Here are the wing and strut rigging attachments plus the aileron control levers.
All are photo-etch and with self-aligning 'hinged' anchor plates for attaching the rigging lines.

Mike

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#4551497 - 01/09/21 12:20 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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(just shaking my head in open-mouthed wonderment)

#4551507 - 01/09/21 02:28 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: loftyc]  
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Originally Posted by loftyc
(just shaking my head in open-mouthed wonderment)


Ditto here!


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#4551512 - 01/09/21 03:53 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: MFair]  
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Originally Posted by MFair
Originally Posted by loftyc
(just shaking my head in open-mouthed wonderment)


Ditto here!

I think we are all agape jawdrop


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#4552033 - 01/12/21 09:55 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
I've finally applied all of the required decals.
Accurate cutting out of the decals is necessary for the wing coverings and alignment of edges is necessary.
Slight overhang of dried decal was gently sanded away.
Weather, although slight, was done using 'Flory Models' Dark Dirt fine clay wash, sealed with 'Alclad' Semi-Matte lacquer.

Now it's onto fitting the photo-etch rigging anchors before pre-rigging is carried out.

Mike

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#4552181 - 01/13/21 11:50 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
An example of pre-rigging a twin flying wire anchor for the lower wing roots.
A combination of 0.08 mm and 0.15 mm diameter mono-filament and 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm blackened brass tubes.
All together there will be sixteen various types of hinged rigging anchors to pre-rig before the wings are fitted,

Mike

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#4552440 - 01/15/21 05:05 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
Well that's the pre-rigging of the anchor points done now.

Mike

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#4552662 - 01/17/21 09:45 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
Just a few updates.
The lower wings with the twin flying wire anchors are fitted.
Also two 'plates' have been made from spare photo-etch and fitted to the wing roots.
These plates may have been step plates or access covers to the rigging anchors.
I've assembled the landing gear (wheels only test fitted), but its yet to be weathered etc.
The 'bungee' suspension cord is EZ white (heavy) line and bracing wires added but not yet tightened.
I've added between the front and rear struts the axle restraining cables, made from 0.4 mm annealed copper wire.

Mike

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#4552731 - 01/18/21 09:15 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
Unfortunately at this stage of the build I've realised that two of the four interplane struts have no reinforcing rods, which are needed as otherwise the resin strut will bend and break easily.
Normally I would make replacement struts from brass tube, but the end fittings of these struts are square in section, which would be difficult to replicate.
The customer service from Richard at 'Aviattic' is second to none so I'm hoping he'll be able to find replacements for me.
While I'm waiting for replacement struts I've started on the figures.

The pilot figure is the ‘Copper State Models’ Italian flying ace (F32-030).
The mechanic is the ‘Model Kasten’ mechanic from Set B., as is the ladder.
I've altered the mechanic figure from German to a more generic figure and replaced the head with head H1 from the ‘Hornet’ bare heads-mature faces (HH/8) set.
I may reshape the head as it seems rather tall?
To stop the figure from falling off the ladder, I've pinned the right arm into the ladder to plank.

Mike

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Last edited by Sandbagger; 01/19/21 12:38 AM.

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#4552944 - 01/20/21 07:21 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
All of the photo-etch rigging anchors (pre-rigged) have been fitted to the upper and lower wings.
Now comes the tricky part - fitting the upper wing onto its struts through the rigging anchors,

Mike

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#4552986 - 01/20/21 11:34 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
Well a bit of a disaster tonight.
Whilst preparing to fit the upper wing I found real problems with the photo-etch rigging points.
Most detached from the model surface, despite cleaning up the contact surfaces.
More importantly, several actually broke apart with the side members breaking away from the main body.
This was without apply any undue stress to them.
In fact several very thin parts had already broken off during pre-rigging, but I though I might get away with it.
It could be that as usual with photo-etch, I annealed the parts before assembly so maybe that weakened them.
I must admit I had my doubts as to how durable these parts would be and I'm glad I found out now before fitting the upper wing.
Anyway I've removed and disposed of all but four rigging points and will go back to 'Gaspatch' turnbuckle rigging.
Hey-Ho,

Mike


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#4552988 - 01/20/21 11:45 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Sorry to see all the work go down the drain. Was looking forward to seeing all this glorious detail. I am glad you have the patience to continue with it. Some people would toss the entire project into a bin after such a disaster. Good thing you are one of the calm ones. Keeping my fingers crossed this build has a happy ending.


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The connecting rod out of my brain, my brain,
From out of my arse take the camshaft,
And assemble the engine again."
#4553109 - 01/21/21 07:38 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
Pre-rigging Part 2.
All of the photo-etch rigging plates, except four, have been removed and replaced with 'GasPatch' pre-rigged lines.
So, now onto fitting the upper wing,

Mike

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#4553115 - 01/21/21 09:17 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Silly question probably, but why did you not replace the 4 remaining rigging plates?

Best Regards


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#4553253 - 01/22/21 06:02 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Robert_Wiggins]  
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Originally Posted by Robert_Wiggins
Silly question probably, but why did you not replace the 4 remaining rigging plates?

Best Regards


Hi Rob,
The two rigging brackets at the lower wing roots are made of two separate photo-etch parts and so are stronger.
Also they have a hole that allows them to slide onto the wing reinforcing steel rods.
When the lower wings are fitted the brackets can't move as they are mounted on the rods and also held in recesses in the wing roots.

The two double sided brackets on the underside of the upper wing are for the front cabane struts.
Again these are more sturdy than the others, plus the have a larger contact area.
I was reluctant to remove them from the surface of the wing in case they lifted the decal underneath,

Mike


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#4553256 - 01/22/21 06:06 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
Upper wing fitted.
The kit has two exposed fuel pipes between the underside of the fuel tank in the upper wing and the top of the rear engine cowl panel.
However, this particular aircraft, like many 'Balilla's', had these pipes covered by a fairing.
So, before starting the final rigging I'll need to make this pipe fairing.

Mike

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#4553298 - 01/22/21 11:12 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
When I test fitted the propeller to the model, it seemed to me that the propeller looked as though its diameter was a bit small.
When I scaled a photograph of the model and its propeller to the illustration in the data file, it seemed to bear this out.
Also photographs of the aircraft indicate that the propeller tips were more or less aligned with the landing gear axle (propeller vertical).

Anyway right or wrong, I decide to modify the propeller.
I cut off the two blades, then used 1.0 mm diameter rod to re-join them to the hub, but with a gap in each.
This gap was filled with 'Green Stuff' putty and once cured, filed and sanded to restore the blades profiles.
The overlay below shows the difference before and after modification,

Mike

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[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]





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#4553305 - 01/22/21 11:51 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
There were two fuel lines between the fuel tank in the upper wing and the engine bay.
Some ‘Balilla’ aircraft had these fuel pipes exposed, however, this particular aircraft being modelled had the fuel pipes covered with a fairing.

This was made from 1.0 mm thick plastic card, cut and shaped to fit between the underside of the upper wing and engine cowl.
The edges were rounded and indications of fasteners added.
It was then covered with the 'Aviattic' CDL decal and secured in position under the fuel tank in the upper wing.

Mike

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#4553481 - 01/24/21 03:00 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
I've now fully rigged the wings.
This includes 'twin' flying and landing wires, cabane and interplane incidence wires and two bracing wires from the upper wing into the engine bay.
The only wires not fully connected are the two drift wires from the rear spar of the upper wing.
To avoid damaging them, they will be connected to the radiator area later in the build.
For the same reason, the moveable aileron control levers in the upper wing will be connected to their control rods later in the build.

Now it's onto completing the tail unit before tackling the inserts between the flying and landing wires,

Mike

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#4553603 - 01/25/21 09:04 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
The tail unit is rigged now.
Twin bracing wires, rudder control line and elevator hinges.
Also added the 'metal' retaining strap at the rear of the fuselage at the tail plane leading edge,

Mike

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#4553725 - 01/26/21 09:27 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Awesome detail, I have built a few eduard and roden ww1 plane kits and used thread for the wires but never had the patience to make all of those little wraps and ring attachments on the wires. One of my cats also destroyed the 1/32 scale camel I built months ago.

#4553740 - 01/26/21 11:11 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Witchy Woman]  
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Originally Posted by Witchy Woman
Awesome detail, I have built a few eduard and roden ww1 plane kits and used thread for the wires but never had the patience to make all of those little wraps and ring attachments on the wires. One of my cats also destroyed the 1/32 scale camel I built months ago.


Hi Witchy,
I know how you feel but I'm sure with a little patience, you could master rigging and without using thread.
Once you get the hang of it it becomes second nature.
Click on my signature link and you can read or download any of my PDF build logs, all of which detail each step and method used,

Mike


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#4553743 - 01/26/21 11:27 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
My last model was the Nieuport 28C.1, which has twin flying wires fitted with full length inserts.
On that model I was able to represent the inserts strips between the flying wires with plastic card strips, decaled and secured between the pairs of wires.
However on this build, the length and spread of the flying and landing wires meant that I wasn't able to hold the strips in position, as the lines were too flexible.
Therefore I'm cutting the full length insert strips, cut from 0.2 mm thick plastic card, in half and using 1.0 mm wide strips of kitchen baking foil to suspend the insert on the wires.
In this way I'm able to pinch the suspended insert between the two wires (using flat ended tweezers) and apply thin CA adhesive to track along and secure it between the wires.
The foil strips are then folded around the wires/insert and secured in position using the CA adhesive, as these will be the base for the linen wrappings.

[Linked Image]

Later I'll paint the foil strips to blend with the inserts then use thin white decal strips over the foils to represent the linen wrappings.
I think this is going to take a while as there are 16 half insert strips to fit,

Mike


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#4553780 - 01/27/21 10:47 AM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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So great work!
The subtle weathering is phenomenal!

cheers


WOFF UE, BOC member, Albatros pilot.

#4554115 - 01/29/21 04:01 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
Just a quick note to say I've re-rigged the forward flying and landing wires as I'm trying something easier and quicker to add these infills strips.
Although my previous method worked on the Nieuport 28C.1, I had problems on this 'Balilla'.
I think it's because the twin wires on the 'Balilla' are longer and wider apart.
That and the curl on the cut plastic card strips made it extremely difficult to hold in place and secure.

I'll post on the revised method once I've moved on with it,

Mike


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#4554148 - 01/29/21 08:13 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
After experimenting with thin plastic card, decal, card, metal foil etc, I finally decided on this approach to represent the full length inserts between twin flying and landing wires.
Basically I used kitchen baking parchment paper.
The reasons being it's very thin and is easily positioned and secured to the rigging lines using PVA adhesive, which also gives you time to reposition if necessary.

With the model fully rigged and the lines as taut:

Strips of baking parchment paper were cut to length and width (span) of the twin rigging wires.
PVA adhesive was brushed onto the rigging wires and one face of the strip.
The strip was laid onto the rigging wires and positioned to span and align with the wires.
More PVA adhesive was brushed over both sides of the applied strip and lines.

The thin paper self-grips onto the wires and adhesive.
The PVA adhesive not only secures the 'inserts' in position, but also seals the paper, ready for painting.
This method gives a smoother and flatter surface than other methods I tried.

The shots below show the strips that still need painting etc to finish them off

The next step will be to brush paint the rigging with the appropriate and thinned acrylic paint.
Lastly will be to apply thin white decal strips to represent the wrapping bands around the lines.

Having spent three day on this, I'm hoping the end result justifies the time spent - we'll see,

Mike

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#4554244 - 01/30/21 09:43 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
The flying and landing wire inserts are finished - brush painted 'Tamiya' Sky Grey (XF19) and dusted with Earth pigments.
The ailerons are fitted and at the correct angles to match the control column position.
Aileron control rods fitted to the the operating levers in the upper wing, which again are at the correct angles to match the ailerons.
Windscreen fitted. I discarded the supplied acetate transparencies and used 'Microscale' Krystal Clear solution (basically refined PVA adhesive).
I also noticed many 'Balilla's' were fitted with a forward facing pipe in the fuel tank in the upper wing, so that's been fitted also.

So now it's onto the last two jobs - landing gear and propeller,

Mike

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#4554246 - 01/30/21 10:21 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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It looks supurb!


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#4554261 - 01/31/21 12:33 AM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Amazing, I mean what else can be said. You are an Artistic Craftsman Modeler. clapping I am a bit concerned though, are you addicted to building aircraft models? hahaha

S!Blade<><

#4554289 - 01/31/21 10:45 AM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Thanks guys.

Addicted - well if that means modelling every day, more or less, since retiring 4 years ago, then I guess addicted - yes yep

Mike


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#4554292 - 01/31/21 11:15 AM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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It's a healthy addiction though. Right bagger? Amazing stuff!

#4554315 - 01/31/21 03:47 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
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Hi all,
Landing gear fitted.
Bracing wires are 0.12 mm diameter mono-filament with 1:48th scale 'GasPatch' turnbuckles.
Rigging tubes are 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm diameter blackened brass.
Weathering is 'Flory Models' pigment and 'Tamiya' Weathering Master Set A (Mud).

Now onto the propeller,

Mike

[Linked Image]


[Linked Image]

Alienware Aurora R5
Windows 10 64 bit
Intel i7-6700K 4.2Ghz
Two GTX 1080 Foundations in SLI (8 Gig each)
32 Gig DDR4 2133Mhz
1TB SSD boot drive - 1TB SATA storage drive
5.1 Surround Sound
34" Dell Ultra Sharp U3415W (3440x 2440)
CH Pro-Pedals, Stick and Throttle
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#4554332 - 01/31/21 08:54 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,054
Sandbagger Offline
Hotshot
Sandbagger  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,054
Coningsby, Lincs, UK
Hi all,
The final part of the aircraft build is the propeller.
Airbrushed with a 70/30 mix of 'Tamiya' Flat Red (XF7) and Hull Red (XF9) to represent the dark finish needed.
A sealing coat of 'Alclad' Light Sheen (ALC-311) was airbrushed over the propeller.
Propeller bosses brush painted with 'Mr. Colour' Stainless Steel (213), then washed with 'AK Interactive' Kerosene (3029).
Finally the edges were lightly sponged with 'Tamiya' Weathering Master Set D (Oil Stain).

So, now onto the figures,

Mike

[Linked Image]


[Linked Image]

Alienware Aurora R5
Windows 10 64 bit
Intel i7-6700K 4.2Ghz
Two GTX 1080 Foundations in SLI (8 Gig each)
32 Gig DDR4 2133Mhz
1TB SSD boot drive - 1TB SATA storage drive
5.1 Surround Sound
34" Dell Ultra Sharp U3415W (3440x 2440)
CH Pro-Pedals, Stick and Throttle
TrackIR-5 Pro
#4554643 - 02/02/21 09:34 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,054
Sandbagger Offline
Hotshot
Sandbagger  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,054
Coningsby, Lincs, UK
Hi all,
The Ansaldo A.1 ‘Balilla’, Serial No:16558 of pilot Tenente Leopoldo Eleuteri of No:70a Squadriglia, operating from Gazzo Padovano during the September of 1918.

Thanks for your support and comments throughout this build,

Mike


[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]


[Linked Image]

Alienware Aurora R5
Windows 10 64 bit
Intel i7-6700K 4.2Ghz
Two GTX 1080 Foundations in SLI (8 Gig each)
32 Gig DDR4 2133Mhz
1TB SSD boot drive - 1TB SATA storage drive
5.1 Surround Sound
34" Dell Ultra Sharp U3415W (3440x 2440)
CH Pro-Pedals, Stick and Throttle
TrackIR-5 Pro
#4554649 - 02/02/21 10:04 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 7,993
Robert_Wiggins Offline
BWOC Survivor!...So Far!!
Robert_Wiggins  Offline
BWOC Survivor!...So Far!!
Hotshot

Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 7,993
Lindsay, Ontario, Canada
MIke that's a great display! Like the open engine and the puzzled look on the mechanic!! I wonder what he is thinking???


(System_Specs)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Trooper
PSU: Ultra X3,1000-Watt
MB: Asus Maximus VI Extreme
Mem: Corsair Vengeance (2x 8GB), PC3-12800, DDR3-1600MHz, Unbuffered
CPU: Intel i7-4770K, OC to 4.427Ghz
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 240M Liquid CPU Cooler
Vid Card: ASUS GTX 980Ti STRIX 6GB
OS and Games on separate: Samsung 840 Series 250GB SSD
Monitor: Primary ASUS PG27AQ 4k; Secondary Samsung SyncMaster BX2450L
Periphs: MS Sidewinder FFB2 Pro, TrackIR 4

#4554651 - 02/02/21 10:17 PM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Fullofit Offline
Senior Member
Fullofit  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,696
Ajax, ON
“- I wonder if he suspects I hid a bottle of Chianti in that little crate under my foot?”


"Take the cylinder out of my kidneys,
The connecting rod out of my brain, my brain,
From out of my arse take the camshaft,
And assemble the engine again."
#4554665 - 02/03/21 01:38 AM Re: Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla' [Re: Sandbagger]  
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 81
CodyCoyote Offline
Junior Member
CodyCoyote  Offline
Junior Member

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 81
Certainly one of the most beautiful and complex models you've done here. Well Done!!

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