This is the Eduard
1/48 scale Nieuport 17 built from the "R.F.C." kit, which is a non-Profipack
edition of this model.
The model is finished in the markings of (then) Capt. William A. Bishop, 60
Squadron, RFC, 1917. This was the aircraft Bishop flew during a raid on a German
aerodrome for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Bishop was the
Commonwealth's leading ace in the Great War with 72 victories.
The Eduard photoetched etched set 48249 for the Nieuport 17 was incorporated
into this build. The model was finished overall with various enamels. The fit
overall of the model is good. The only area that needed filling was the area on
the belly where the lower wing joins the fuselage. The interior was painted with
Panzer Interior Buff for the doped fabric areas, and Testors Wood. The engine
was painted Flat Black then drybrushed with Humbrol 56 Aluminum. The propeller
was first painted Testors Wood, when dry a streaky coat of Winsor Newton Burnt
Sienna oil colour was applied to simulate wood grain. This was then sealed with
clear gloss varnish. The cowl and wheel covers are Floquil Medium Blue with
Grimy Black hubs, and the tires painted RAF Ocean Grey. The aluminum dope finish
is Floquil Old Silver airbrushed with a Bink's Wren. The V-struts and tailskid
assembly were finished in the same way as the propeller. The decals came with
the kit and went on with no problems. A very light coat of Floquil Flat varnish
was used to seal the decals and reduce the shine.
Click on
images below to see larger images
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Attaching the top
wing proved to be surprisingly easy for a biplane model. To mate the upper wing
to the lower wing and fuselage, I attached the cabane struts first, ensuring
everything was plumb and true, using only the Mk. I eyeball. The top wing, with
the Aldis sight and Lewis gun attached, was mounted to the cabanes with slow
drying superglue gel. Before this was completely dry the V-struts were mounted
in place, and any final alignment taken care of. A few drops of thin superglue
fixed everything in place.
The elevator was scored along the hinge line and deflected downward slightly
before attaching to the fuselage assembly. The rudder was also mounted slightly
deflected to give the model a more candid look.
Rigging is heat stretched sprue fixed in place with white glue. The stretched
sprue was painted with a steel colour before installing. Turnbuckles were
simulated in appropriate locations with thick Testors PLA Gold enamel (the
little square bottles). This was built up to give the turnbuckles some
dimension.
Weathering was accomplished with a very light wash of Raw Umber oil colour
around the control surfaces and panel lines. Chalk pastels were applied in a few
areas as well.
Overall a very good model of a very important aircraft of the Great War.
Will
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