ghodges Posted October 17, 2018 Report Share Posted October 17, 2018 This is the Eduard weekend edition Albatross D-V kit built OOTB with the kit markings. I did this one so I could knock the "mauve scheme" off of my bucket list! I did paint the red trim on the tail instead of trying to use the kit decals there. Ceramic Wonder Wire was used for the rigging. The Eduard Albatross is typical of most all their WWI kits; well detailed as kitted and true to fidelity to scale. Where they fall down in comparison to the "older" biplane kits we grew up with (that were not so nice) is that they're harder to build. The "scale pins" on the cabanes and V struts make it difficult to get positive fit and alignment. They're engineered towards accuracy, not towards being builder friendly, especially to the biplane novice. That said, it makes for an attractive model to put on your shelf when done! Critiques, comments, and questions welcome, as always! GIL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Deliduka Posted October 17, 2018 Report Share Posted October 17, 2018 Beautiful job Gil! That is sensational! Way to go! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roktman Posted October 19, 2018 Report Share Posted October 19, 2018 Very cool. Another terrific build and paint up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildBill50 Posted October 22, 2018 Report Share Posted October 22, 2018 Very well done sir! What do you use to cut the ceramic wire? I've never used it, does it come in different gauges? Just wondering. Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprueguy Posted October 22, 2018 Report Share Posted October 22, 2018 Great work, always had a soft spot for WW1 aircraft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghodges Posted October 23, 2018 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2018 The ceramic wire cuts relatively easily with a #11 blade, but you do need to wear eye protection when doing so. I think it was sold in a couple of gauges, but the 6mil seems to work well for 1/72 and 1/48. The biggest problem now is I believe the couple (home business) that sold it retired, so I'm not sure where else it can be bought. I like it because it can be cut just a little bit long, flexed into place (it will not kink), and then add a drop of glue into each hole. When cut to the right length it's perfectly straight, doesn't sag despite heat/humidity/cold, doesn't need to be heated to make it "taught", and usually doesn't even need painting (smoke colored as it comes). GIL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bradley25mm Posted November 28, 2018 Report Share Posted November 28, 2018 Awesome build. Love the paint job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mississippivol Posted December 2, 2018 Report Share Posted December 2, 2018 Well done, sir! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkYoungCrewChief Posted January 16, 2019 Report Share Posted January 16, 2019 Hi Gil, I just Googled ceramic wire and all that comes up are spools of it. Is the wire you use straight or curled? Could have used some of that not too long ago! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghodges Posted January 17, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2019 Wish I could find a "spool" of that 6mil stuff! The Wonder Wire I bought comes "curled" in a plastic baggie. It naturally straightens out perfectly on its own as you take it out of the bag. It's quite flexible up to trying to make a 90deg bend. It will snap in two at that point. The flexibility allows you to cut it slightly over sized and then flex it into the holes. As long as the length is right and/or the holes are deep enough, it goes back perfectly straight with no need for heating. It's also rigid enough to simply be set between two points without using any holes too. GIL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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