OT - Sopwith 'Swallow'

Hi all,
I thought this time around I'd have a crack at building a 1:32 scale model of the Sopwith 'Swallow' monoplane prototype of 1918.

In June 1918, the Sopwith Aviation Company designed an unarmed parasol monoplane, based on the Sopwith ‘Camel’. The aircraft was known the Sopwith Monoplane No.1, but was also known as the Sopwith ‘Scooter’ (to scoot was to move around fast). The aircraft was built for the personal use of the ‘Sopwith’ test pilot Harry Hawker and was based on the their current Sopwith ‘Camel’, but with a single wing mounted just above the fuselage, but with limited space between the fuselage and the underside of the wing. The wing was not supported by the then conventional struts and instead was braced by RAF streamlined bracing wires, all of which were attached to the lower fuselage and a pyramid shaped strut assembly above the wing. The ‘Scooter’ was powered by a single 130 hp (97 kW) ‘Clerget’ 9B rotary engine. The ‘Scooter’ was used as a runabout and aerobatic aircraft by Harry Hawker and was able to demonstrate excellent maneuverability. Eventually it was used as the basis for a fighter design, originally known as the Monoplane No.2, and later named the Sopwith ‘Swallow’.
Like the ‘Scooter’, the ‘Swallow’ used the fuselage of a ‘Camel’, but it had a larger, slightly swept wing of greater wingspan and area. Like the ‘Scooter’ the wing was mounted above the fuselage, but higher, to allow the pilot to access the two synchronized Vickers machine guns, which were fitted further apart than normal, again to give the pilot better forward visibility. For the same reason the ‘hump’ in the forward cockpit decking (hence the name ‘Camel’) was not used. The engine was also changed to that of a 110 hp (82 kW) ‘Le Rhône’ engine. Also the traditional oval shaped access panels on each side of the forward fuselage were omitted. Twelve strengthening ribs were fitted across the centre section on the upper surface of the wing. 
The ‘Swallow’ made its maiden flight in October 1918, and was delivered to RAF Martlesham Heath on 28 October 1918 for official testing. One considered role for the ‘Swallow’ was as a shipboard fighter. Engine problems delayed testing of the ‘Swallow’, but even when the engine problems were resolved, the ‘Swallow’ proved to have a lower overall performance than the then ‘Le Rhône’ engine powered ‘Sopwith’ ‘Camel’. Testing of the ‘Swallow’ continued after the cessation of hostilities but by May 1919 all interest in the ‘Swallow’ was dropped. The fate of the ‘Swallow’ is not known, but presumably it was scrapped.
However the original ‘Scooter’ remained in use, and was given the civil registration K-135 and later to G-EACZ. In 1921, Harry Hawker purchased and flew the ‘Scooter’. Harry Hawker died on the 12th July 1921 in a flying accident at Hendon, after which the ‘Scooter’ was put into storage. It was refurbished in 1925 and was used for aerobatic displays and for racing until 1927 when it was scrapped.

Some time back I purchased the only 1:32 scale conversion set available, which is a resin set intended for the Hobby Craft/Academy Sopwith Camel F.1 kit.
However, that model kit left a lot to be desired, as does the resin set.
Therefore I'm going to try converting the 'Wingnut Wings' 'Clerget' Camel kit.

It may be just the resin conversion set I received, but it has many problems. The wing halves are warped, the front cockpit decking (according to the instructions) is 7 mm too short in length, the upper support wing struts are not tb used, only as guides for making your own, and there's more flash and surface 'blow holes' the I care to mention.

Anyway it'll be another challenge I guess.

Here's a few shots to start off with,

Mike

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Crikey.......what a mess! good luck..........

Hmmmmm - thanks

Do most model parts arrive with such pitting and extrusion from the molds....or is this just a really sub-par kit. Looks like a lot a work just to clean it up let alone build the whole shebang. Be great to watch your progress again.....

Mike I have a contact here that can provide you with a gallon of good quality filler!
The problem of course is how to get it to you "at a reasonable shipping cost"!!!


This build should be fun to watch and undoubtedly accompanied with some colourful comments!

Best Regards

Hi Gaw1,
Unfortunately when you have resin parts it all depends who created them. Bigger companies, such as HPH, Aviattic, Planet, Omega, and after market companies produced kits and part of good enough quality.
This particular conversion set is from I think a small enterprise and as such is a 'limited run' as they say. When you order from these vendors you have to expect lower quality.
Things like surface air bubble 'blow holes' and other marks, including chips etc are common from limited runs, but you can experience warping of parts even from the bigger companies.
It all depends on the quality of the moulding and the way the parts are packed (to reduce warping over time).
Resin, unlike styrene (plastic), can warp on a completed model if the ambient temperatures are high enough.
It's a fact of life when working with resin I'm afraid.

Hi Rob,
Heh he - I'd take you up on that offer but it would probably get trashed in transit!!!!

Mike

Hi all,
Well I've made a start on the resin wing assembly.
Needless to say it required filling and sanding.
I also strengthened the wing to wing joint, which is a basic 'butt' joint, with no strength.
I drilled two 1.0 mm diameter holes into the wing root of both wing halves and inserted 1 mm brass rod, held with CA.
The wings halves were then joined using two part epoxy adhesive.
I cut the aileron from the wing and profiled the leading edges.
The wing was drilled in three position for each aileron and 0.8 mm brass rods inserted with CA adhesive.
Corresponding holes were then drilled into the aileron leading edges.
Aileron control horns were made from spare photo etch and secured in slot cut into the aileron leading edges.
Each horn has a 0.3 mm diameter hole at each end for rigging.
Upper surface strengthening ribs, removed during sanding, were replaced with strips of 0.2 mm thick plastic card.
I filled the pre-moulded rigging points as they do not align vertically through the wing. These will be drilled later.

I still need to re-profile the forward edge of the wing cut-out above the cockpit, which needs to be straighter.

Mike

Hi all,
Twin pitot tubes added and the centre section cut-out forward edge corrected,

Mike

Hi all,
I've been looking into how the aileron control cables were connected between the cockpit control and wing.
It appears that there were two slots through the wing centre section, above the cockpit.
At first I thought these slots were for the aileron control cables, similar to the French Nieuport fighter controls (although they were rod, not cable).
However, it seems these slots were not for aileron cables and that in fact cables were routed vertically from the cockpit and into the underside of the wing, just outboard from the wing slots.
The resin conversion set has detail of an inspection window in the upper surface of the wing, but does state that there is no photographic evidence for this.
I think it's assumed to be there as for the other Sopwith types (Camel, Snipe etc),

Mike

Hi all,
Pitot tubes, re-profiled centre section cut-out and wing slots added,

Mike

Mike it seems to be coming along nicely.

Mike, I believe you have disproved that you cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear! Looking good mate.

Thanks guys, but we'll see

Hi all,

The rear cockpit decking panel was tricky to do, but then I didn't expect it would be easy.
Once all of the flash and the mounting block was cut away, I sanded the bottom edges and rear face.
The 'Wingnut Wings' kit fuselage was temporarily joined with elastic bands and the shoulder at the rear sanded away as it stopped the resin decking panel from dropping down.
I soon found out that, no surprise, the resin decking panel was not wide enough to sit correctly on the fuselage.

 

So I cut the panel down the centre and rejoined them, but with a 1.0 mm thick plastic card insert.
Carefully sanded to the decking profile.



 

The front decking panel  - that's another story!!

Mike    

Hi all,
It seems the wing had an inspection window for the aileron control cable and pulley, similar to other Sopwith types, such as the Pup, Camel and Snipe.





I've cut out the recess at two levels - one for the window and a lower level for the aileron pulley.



The aileron pulley was made from the 'HGW Models' photo-etch set for the Sopwith Triplane.
The inspection window is a spare from a previous 'Wingnut Wings' Sopwith Pup build.





Mike

Insane level of attention to detail!

Mike;

What tool/Tools did you use to cut the recessed panel into the wing for the inspection window? Guaging the depth and maintaining across the recessed surface must have been very tedious and time consuming!

Hi Rob,
I used modelling chisels from 'UMM' - they are extremely sharp and well able to cut resin and plastic.
I just press them in to create the outline needed then chisel out from different directions.
They're good for scrapping the surface as well,

Mike

Hi all,
Whilst 'working' on the resin front decking panel I spotted an error on both decking panels.
The rear decking panel has a pre-moulded fuel tank filler cap, which although in the correct position, is proud of the decking surface.
The actual aircraft had, like the Camel', an opening to gain access to the filler cap lower down inside the fuselage.
The front decking panel had a filler cap forward and between the gun troughs.
However on the resin panel this was just a stump of resin - not sure if it was a mis-mould?
Anyway I cut the filler cap from the rear decking panel and drilled out the location (the filler cap on the 'Wingnut Wings' tank will need to be moved to the other side to match).
I then drilled out the front decking panel location, filled the hole with modelling putty (from underneath) then inserted the filler cap from the rear panel.
So two faults corrected with one filler cap!!

Mike

Yep, I see a silk purse coming. Outstanding work, and as Rick says, the attention to detail is mind boggling!

Hi all,
The resin set is intended for the Hobby Craft/Academy Camel kit, a'though I'm using a Wingnuts kit.
The sheets in the resin set state that due to differences in reference drawings, the front decking is too short (for the intended donor kit).
Now you can see just how short the length of the resin forward decking panel is, even on the Wingnut fuselage.
It's supposed to butt up against the rear decking panel.

Onward, upward,

Mike

Hi all,
I looked further at the decking panels.
Missing is the rear of the front decking panel, which should join the rear decking panel.
However, this area is where the wing rear support strut should be located, which would account for half of that area.
I think this missing area can be filled with modelling putty, once the wing struts and decking panels are finally fitted, later in this build.

Mike

Hi all,
Well I've been working away on modifying the various cockpit parts from the Wingnut 'Camel' kit to that of the 'Swallow' aircraft.
The whole cockpit was effectively moved rearwards to improve over wing visibility for the pilot.
For the better forward visibility the two machine guns were fitted farther apart than normal.
This basically entailed modifying the fuel tank filler cap to the left side, modifying the seat support frame and moving the throttle quadrant assembly rearwards.
The control column floor was slightly modified and an extra under shield (from the spares box) was added to bring the rudder bar rearwards.
The external fuselage sides are different on the 'Swallow' with the carburretor intakes located in a different position, no ammunition chutes (cut outs in the decking panel instead) and smooth side panels with no 'nail' lines.
The centre section of the kit lower wing was cut away to be used as infill under the fuselage (will need re-profiling after fuselage closure).
The next step is to modify the instrument panel and ammunition containers assembly so it's located farther back and to allow the two machine guns to locate correctly into it as well as the forward decking panel.

Mike

That's a lot of customization and fitting!

I just noticed your avatar

Proud of that one - twice over

Hi all,
Well things are getting a bit cramped inside the cockpit now.
After a fair bit of cutting, sanding and modifying, all of the cockpit main assemblies are done.
The shot below shows it all loosely in place, including the two 'Gaspatch' machine guns (the decking still needs modifying to allow the guns to sit vertically).

I still have minor detail to add then obviously paint it all etc, as well as modify the outsides of the fuselage, which again are different from the 'Camel',

Mike

Hi all,
Working now on modifying the forward fuselage details, which again are different to the 'Camel'.
The changes involve:

Removing the ammunition ejector ports on the fuselage forward panel.
Removing and filling the carburettor intake aperture on the fuselage forward panel.
Removing the fuselage panel detail - oval access panel, forward to rear panel joint, rear panel vertical ‘nail’ rows.
Removing existing elevator control line access points at the rear of the fuselage.
Removing the angled area at the bottom of the forward panel.
Re-scribe the angled panel line at the lower front of the forward panel.
Re-scribe the vertical joint between the rear and forward panels (further rearwards).
Drilling out the new elevator control line access points at the correct positions.
Creating new carburretor intakes at the correct position.

The lower wing centre section can't be filled and profiled until the fuselage is closed up.


Mike

Mike did you use any filler or just sand off the high lines?

Hi Rob,
Mostly sanded but with a little 'Magic Plastic Putty'. It's a good filler as it sets quickly and once dry, rather than sanding off, just wet your finger tip and rub over it. The moisture re-activates the putty and you can just smear it over the surface for a smooth, fine finish,

Mike

Hmmm that's interesting but how does it react when you apply paint?

Hi Rob,
Like any other modelling filler - once set it can take primers, acrylics or lacquers no problem,

Mike

Oh, I just thought that since moisture reactivates it you might not be able to apply any water color base layers without sealing it first.

Hi all,
The cockpit is more or less ready for painting.
I've also made a brass tube/rod over wing cable support pylon, as the resin conversion struts are way too weak, especially as they don't have internal wire support,

Mike

Mad.....utterly Mad....thank Christ there are a few devotees left. Good show S! Keep the faith....

Forgot to add the cable retainer to the top of the pylon assembly,

Mike

Hi all,
The four stubby cabane struts are done.
I first drilled into the fuselage and cockpit side frames, at the appropriate angles, and fitted 0.8 mm diameter brass rod.
Then I created the outer coverings from 1.6 mm diameter brass tube (formed into aerofoil profile) and secured them onto the support rods using CA adhesive.
Much stronger than the conversion set resin struts.
Both the cabane struts and over wing pylon assembly are located in the four holes drilled through the wing.

Mike

Hi all,
A few more changes required in the cockpit area.

1. Photographs show that the front decking panel had a cut-out on each side alongside the breech blocks of the Vicker's guns. These were filed out.
Also the decking panel was filed for clearance around the base of the four cabane struts.
2. The 'Camel' had the main fuel tank behind the pilot's seat and an auxiliary fuel tank above it, which also acted as a wind break, preventing too much airflow entering the rear fuselage as causing pressurisation damage. The 'Swallow' has only one fuel filler cap access aperture in the rear decking panel, indicating there was no auxiliary fuel tank fitted there. As such there would have been a large opening for airflow to enter. As with Fokker aircraft, I assume there may have been a linen wind break fitted above and behind the pilot's head, so that's been added to the inside of the rear decking panel.
3. The pilot's foot boards in the 'Swallow' extended farther forward than those fitted in the 'Camels' and ended just to the rear and below the rudder bar. These were added using 0.5 mm thick plastic card.
4. The 'Camel' aileron control cables were attached to a control lever on the forward end of the control column torque tube. These cables were routed outboard into the lower wing. However the 'Swallow' control cables appear to have been attached to the control column then routed outboard and into box section covers on the pilot's foot boards. From there the cables were routed around pulleys then vertically up and out of the cockpit into the underside of the wing centre section. These box sections were made from scrape photo-etch sheet.

Hopefully I be able to actually start painting soon,

Mike

Hi all,
The engine supplied with the ‘Wingnut Wings’ kit is for the ‘Clerget’ 9B or 9Bf engines.
However the last engine type to be fitted to the Sopwith ’Swallow’ was the ‘Le Rhöne’ 9J (110 hp), which is of a different design and copied by Germany as the ‘Oberursel’ Ur.II.
Therefore I chose to use as a replacement engine the ‘CMK Master Models’ Le Rhöne 9J (110 hp) - (kit No.129-5105).

The most obvious difference in external appearance between the ‘Le Rhöne’ and ‘Clerget’ rotary engines is that the valve push rods were fitted to the rear of the ‘Le Rhöne’ engine cylinders, whereas the ‘Clerget’ engine had these fitted at the front of the cylinders.
Also the fuel/air induction pipes on both engine types were located at the rear of the cylinders, but whereas the ‘Clerget’ engine had these pipes connected to the rear of each cylinder head, those on the ‘Le Rhöne’ engine were connected at the side of each cylinder head.
The push rods were replaced by 0.4 mm diameter Nickel-Silver tube and the ignition leads were twisted 0.125 mm diameter copper wire.
The spark plugs were replaced using 0.5 mm and 0.3 mm diameter brass tube.
The propeller boss and back plate were discarded as the I'll be using a wood 'Lang' propeller from 'Proper Plane'.

Mike

Oooh the engine looks great Mike!@

Hi all,
I'm currently working on the internal rigging.
Here's the flight controls consisting 'Gaspatch' 1:48th scale turnbuckles (Type A and C), 0.4 mm diameter Nickel-Silver tube and 'Stroft' 0.08 mm diameter mono-filament.
The rudder bar was drill with 0.2 mm diameter holes to secure the four rudder lines using 0.125 mm diameter copper wire.
The elevator pulleys were also drilled through to accept the elevator line.
A short piece of tube was secured to the control column to act as the attachment for the elevator forward cables.
The floor under the pilots foot boards has cross-bracing added.
Only the ailerons control run is still to fit, but can't be until the fuselage is closed up, due to the way the cable is routed.

Next up is the cross-bracing to the cockpit side frames.

Mike

Mike, where did you get the photo of the original engine.

Not too bad I guess, but it's no holster

Mike

Hi all,
I've been working away at the cockpit area, which is just about ready for closing up the fuselage.
All of the flight controls, except ailerons, have been added along with the visible cross bracing on the cockpit side frames.
I still have to seal the area and gloss the instruments.
Also fit the pilot's seat straps, gun trigger cables and fuel tank pressurisation pipe, but they will be done after the fuselage has been closed up,

Mike

Coming along amazingly!

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Outstanding work as always Mike, the detail you achieve is truly amazing.

On a related note, I purchased a set of plans for the Swallow years ago as I was thinking it would be a prime candidate for a FAR 103 compliant Ultralight project. Scale it down to about three-fifths or so in size and pop a Rotax engine in it and it could be a wonderful ride. Have to be careful on the build to keep it under the 254 lbs empty weight, but I believe it would be doable.

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Ah, but then you need a three-fifth scale pilot...

Cheers
Shredward

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hee hee hee - I bet we can find one Shredward.

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Another marvel of craftsmanship taking place! Another masterpiece Mike.

Thanks guys.

Lou:
Now that I'd like to see. Would it be a first or has it been built previously?

Mike

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Mike, I've not seen one yet. N11s, Fokker Eindeckers, and Morane Parasols, but never a Swallow.

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Lou:
Go on - you know you want to.

Hi all,
The fuselage is closed up now.
I've added twin trigger cables and the 'blip' switch cable to the control column.
Also the seat belts, cockpit cross beam and the fuel pressure pipe from the pilot's hand pump to the fuel tank..
As usual not much can be seen, although the cockpit on the 'Swallow' is more open than most, but the low wing cover a lot.

Now it's onto filling and profiling the external fuselage.

Mike

Mike judging from your build, it looks like entry into the cockpit was rather tight quarters!! Maybe it is just an illusion on my part.

The build is looking very very good but no doubt very tedious with cleanup steps to fit the parts.

Best Regards

Hi Rob,
Yes I agree, but the only shot I have of what is supposed to be the cockpit of the Swallow shows what appears to be a horizontal bracing bar above the control column.
I don't know if it was fitted to the finished aircraft or if it was literally a brace to support a cockpit mock-up?
I decided to add it anyway.
It does make it tight to get in and out of the cockpit though, as you say,

Mike

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Looks to me like the engineers added that cross brace due to concerns of the rear cabane struts pushing in the sides of the cockpit under certain wing loading conditions. It does line up precisely on the strut sockets.

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I wonder if that bracing bar was hinged to allow it to be lifted up so as to provide easier access for the pilot. I see something on the left end of the bracing bar that doesn't appear to be duplicated on the right hand side.

Regards

Lou:
You may have a point there - that hadn't occurred to me.

Rob:
I think what you see on the right of the brace bar could be the turnbuckle on the right aileron control cable - but yes, it could be some sort of hinge for pilot access.

Mike

Hi all,
The 'Lang' propeller is wood laminated from 'ProperPlane' and was airbrushed with to create a darker and varnished appearance.
The machine guns are from 'Gaspatch' and were modified to add a 'ring' gun sight and alter the angle of the cocking handles,

Mike

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Amazing stuff Mike, simply amazing.

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I enjoy following these builds more than I actually enjoyed building models myself back in the day. It's almost like looking at an improved version of the Tamiya catalog with dioramas from the late 70's or the diorama insert included with Monogram's 1/48 B-17. I had a wonderful book of toy soldier dioramas from the 70's as well. The level of detail in those old memories were no where near these builds though. Repect!

Hi all,
Thanks for the encouraging comments - things should move a little faster now.
The cockpit area always take the most time on models I modify.

Mike

Hi all,
I've re-profiled the forward fuselage area from what was the Sopwith 'Camel' to that of the Sopwith 'Swallow'
It required the removal of panel 'nail' lines, spent ammunition chutes, re-positioning of panel joins, extending the lower 'cut-out' and filling/blending in the 'Camel' lower wing area.

Mike

Sopwith 'Camel'


Sopwith 'Swallow'

Hi all,
I've started the painting in preparation for the application of the 'Aviattic' linen effect decals (CDL and PC12).
The external fuselage, wing, tail plane, elevator, rudder and fin were primed using 'AK Interactive' white (AK-759).
The fuselage forward side panels and front decking panel were airbrushed with 'Tamiya' ocean grey (XF82).
The rear decking panel and fuselage side panels were airbrushed with 'Tamiya' deck tan (XF55) the brushed with 'DecoArt' Burnt Umber acrylic oil paint, to create a wood effect.
The undercarriage struts, fuselage cabane struts and over wing cable support pylon were treated the same.

I still have to create the 'in-fill' between the rear and front decking panels and paint the cockpit surround padding.
Then it's onto fitting the two weapons and ammunition feed and ejector detail,

Mike

Hi all,
I painted wood effect on the fuselage rear panels and rear decking, but that was not correct as they should be grey.
Luckily the oil paint used is water based so I've removed the wood effect and airbrushed with 'Tamiya' ocean grey (XF82).

Mike

Ha Ha Mike, nice to know your not immune to errors or miscalculations

The model is coming along nicely

Rob:
Trust me there's no way I'm immune to errors

Hi all,
The decal pre-shading has now been applied - 'Tamiya' Smoke X19.
Before the decals are applied I need to finish a few bits around the cockpit - padding, missing front to rear decking panel sections, machine guns and ammunition feeds and windshield.

Mike

Hi all,
I've used 'Milliput' two part putty to fill the gap between the resin front and rear cockpit decking panels.
Painted with 'Humbrol' leather (62) and highlighted using 'Tamiya' hull red (XF9).

Mike

Hi all,
The engine cowl and after market ‘CMK Master Models’ Le Rhöne 9J (110 hp) has been fitted, which is the correct engine for the 'Swallow'.
The next step is to create cowl plates that were fitted to replace the 'Camel' strap type fasteners at the top of the cowl.
The bottom strap fasteners were retained.
Then final fit the two 'Vickers' guns and feed chutes.

Mike

Hi all,
Both 'Vickers' guns are fitted along with their ammunition feed belts.
The 'Swallow' did not have ammunition ejector chutes, as fitted to the 'Camel'.
My assumption is that the ammunition was fed to each weapon from inboard of the breech blocks and spent rounds were ejected outboard over the fuselage sides.

Next is to sort out the wind screen and 'Aldis' gun sight.
None of the available data show an 'Aldis' sight fitted, other than the information supplied with the resin conversion set.
As the 'Swallow' was a 1918-19 design, it's quite possible that this sight was fitted,

Mike

Hi all,
The forward fuselage and cockpit area is nearly done.
It included a fair bit of modification, no surprise there.
It includes adding the two machine guns, wind screen and 'Aldis' gun sight with cockpit support frame, adding access holes in the front decking panel and side plates in the decking panel cut-outs.
Also nail lines up the fuselage side panels and changing the retaining straps at the top of the engine cowl to those for the 'Swallow', which were metal retainer strips.

Next is to add the twin pitot-static pipes onto the forward right cabane strut and the cross bracing rigging between the cabane struts and across the forward two struts,

Mike

It's looking mighty fine Mike and with weathering applied

Hi all,
The undercarriage assembly has been fitted.
Also added are the panel fasteners to the rear of the undercarriage, a drain pipe and the cross bracing anchors in the fuselage under shield,

Mike

Very nice Mike! I love to watch your builds but even mor than that I think highly of your accompanying build logs!!

Hi all,
I've spent the last day or so applying the decals to the 'Swallow'.
The PC12 upper surfaces and the CDL undersides were 'Aviattic' linen effect decals. The decals are supplied as A4 sheets and are not 'cookie cut', so each has to be templated and then cut.
The white fin marking (AMA.E) and the name 'SWALLOW' of the fuselage sides were created, letter by letter, from 'Xtradecal' sheets.
The specific serial number of B9276 was also created from number/leterrs and white strip from 'Xtradecal'.
The biggest problem was the wing roundels, as the wing of the 'Swallow' had a wider wing chord than that of the 'Camel, therefore the 'Camel' decals were way too small.
In the end I resorted to Cutting up and re-assembling decals from both the 'Wingnut Wings' Sopwith Pup (RNAS) and the SE5a, both of which I had as spares.
For example the wing upper roundels were created from four separate cut decals.   
The colouring of the blue (lighter shade) on these roundels reflects that used towards the end of the conflict.

Mike

Mike, I love seeing the color go on these masterpieces! 1st rate craftsmanship mate.

Mike, calling this art doesn't capture the skill and insight that you have put on display. You are a historian, detective, master artist, and master craftsman. A true work of love!

Thanks guys - slightly over stated I think, but much appreciated nontheless,

Mike

Hi all,
A couple more details.
The inspection window in the upper surface of the wing, for the aileron pulley and cable.
Also seen is the wing centre joint and head padding on the trailing edge of the wing centre section.
Finally the wheels (not weathered yet),

Mike

Hi all,
Weathering wash ('Flory Models' grime clay wash) applied and once dry, wiped off to leave subtle weathering, which was the sealed with 'Alclad' light sheen (ALC-311) lacquer.
The weathering is subtle as this aircraft was only flown as a prototype and saw very limited operational testing. As such it wouldn't have looked 'war weary'.
Next is pre-rigging followed by assembly then lastly, the final rigging.
After that it's just the display base,

Mike

Mike I always found working with decals trying at best. Cudos to you for the fine job of cutting and alignment. It looks superb.

Hi all,
I've been slowly working my way through the pre-riggng stage.
So far the the control lines for the Rudder, Elevator, Tail Skid and the cross bracing at the fuselage under shield panel and the undercarriage.
Next are the control lines for the ailerons and cross bracing between the cabane struts.

Then it'll be wing and tail unit on to complete aileron controls,  flying and landing wires and tail bracing,

Mike

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Fan-friggin-tastic.

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Lou, you always express yourself in the dramatic!!

Hi all,
Last of the pre-rigging done on the underside of the wing and on the ailerons.
Now the final assembly can be completed then final rigging,

Mike

Hi all,
The tail unit has been finally rigged.
Included are the elevator, rudder and tail skid control lines.
Also the tail plane bracing lines.
The line end fittings are 0.4 mm Nickel-Silver tube, finished with an enamel wash.
The lines themselves are 0.08 mm diameter mono-filament.

Time to move onto fitting the wing and all of the rigging,

Mike

Good night, if it wasn't for your bench top you'd think you were looking at the real thing. Amazing, as always. And I've been a year and a half trying to kludge the command module on the top of my Apollo-Saturn V into something much nicer than stock! I've had a week's "vacation" (worked like a horse trying to get caught up before winter...) and oh, to think I wouldn't have to go in next week, or the week after, or the week after that... 28 months to go!

So, uh, that tail skid... what were thye controlling? With wires either side, did they actually try to steer a little with it? or is that just bracing?

The tail skid was steerable to a certain degree.
A cable was attached to each side of the control horn. The two cables were routed forwards in up into the fuselage through the opening forward from the tail skid.
The cables were eventually attached to the pilot's rudder bar, enabling him to steer the tail of the aircraft left or right.

Mike

Hi all,
The wing is now fitted onto the fuselage cabane struts.
Also fitted are the ailerons and the over wing cable support pylon.

Now to complete all of the wing rigging,

Mike

Hi all,
The final rigging is now complete.

This includes:
Aileron control lines from the cockpit to the underside of the wing.
Cabane strut side and front cross bracing.
Over wing landing wires.
Under wing landing and double flying wires.

I'll post the completed model shots once I've finished the figure and display base,

Mike

Hi all,
The Sopwith 'Swallow' is now complete.
Many thanks for following this build and your kind comments.
A full build log, in PDF format, will be available from my site (link below),

Mike

Mike, absolutely stunning! Another masterpiece.

Outstanding work. I would love one day to see a video of how you do the rigging. Mine would look like old clotheslines. Tremendous stuff!

Amazing Sir! Simply amazing.

S!Blade<><

Thanks for your kind comments - much appreciated.

Raine
A full description of the build, including rigging, is in the down loadable PDF build log on my site.
Just go to gallery 2 (link in my sig) and click on the PDF icon to download the log,

Mike

Some fantastic work there - amazing!

The model is so good that even the pilot is smiling!

Amazing work, as always, Sandbagger!

Absolutely amazing work. I've spend hours lusting over the models you've posted at your site.

I salute you.

Is that a lePrieur in your pocket ?

cheers,
shredward