GAVIA 1/48 Albatros D.I (new pics 8-05)
Thanks Paul, Dave, Warren and Bob for your kind comments. They are much appreciated as always.
Warren that W4 kit (at least my copy) looks to be a real challenge. My copy has a bunch of added resin and some other things. Nothing any worse than what is in the D.I, but a nice challenge. Building this might even get me to finish my early Eduard Hannover (which is a REALLY poor kit) That one is someplace about half done.
I discovered last night that I was smart in waiting to close the fuselage until I had done the machine guns. The way Eduard did the construction and mounting isn't all that great on these. If you plan ahead a little it is possible to work around that and get the optimal fit.
The machine guns mount to the ammo chutes and the rear is supposed to set on the cross member. (no photos yet but never fear
) The way the ammo container mounts is not very positive so it is a best guess. I tacked mine in place after the interior was built. Since it is just "tacked" I can pop it back out and reposition now that I have the guns built.
Also there is a used brass chute that should be from the right hand gun to the used brass catch that is entirely missing. The left gun has a cover on the fuselage that would cover the chute on that side so it isn't an issue.
I have also cut the elevator mostly apart in prep for it hanging down in the photo. Once the whole part is firmly attached to the fuselage I will fully detach the elevator. Once I get to that point it should speed along fairly well. I would like to have it finished for the Huntsville show, but would rather finish it right than rush and screw it up. As this is also a learning build, it is just going to take a bit longer as I figure a bunch out and learn some new techniques.
Thanks to everyone that is looking in! I have been keeping tabs on the views and it has jumped a lot in the last couple of weeks. If you like what you see leave a comment and let us know who you are, if you aren't a current MA member join up with us.
Try it,
you'll like it!