More Shapeways Custom Aircraft

Here are my latest Shapeways 1/144 prints. I have not been able to find tail decals for the Short Bomber and Caudron G4 and, based on my last experiments, my hand is not steady enough to paint them free-style. Hopefully someone will make such decals eventually for a retrofit. Meanwhile, I am happy with the Shapeway models.  This time I used Frosted Ultra Detail (FUD) plastic for the SE5a's. As delicate as they are, I think this was worth the additional cost. Also given how expensive Wings of Glory SE5a's have become, a Shapeway model is a good alternative and a simple paint job. The Short Bomber, like my earlier Handley Page 0/400 was a joy to make and paint.

Short Bomber by Kampfflieger

Flight of SE5a's by Decapod

 

Caudron G4 by  Kampfflieger 

Caudron G-4 on reconnaissance near Verdun in 1917

Caudron G-4 on patrol near Laguna Niguel in 2014

More Shapeways 1/144th 3D prints

Here are a few more of my Shapeways 3D prints. I need to become much more proficient at sharp transitional edges but these are just my first attempts. The F.E. 2b model by designer colinwe is very nice. It will look better when it gets its pilot and Lewis gunner/observer.

F.E.2b

The F.B.5 model by Kampfflieger is a very delicate piece and I should have ordered it in Frosted Ultra Detail (FUD). It was also very difficult to paint but I wanted to see what I could do with it. It needs a lot of cleaning up still.

F.B.5

The Fokker E.III also needs to be printed in FUD. Its a simple model, by Kampfflieger, very similar to the Wings of Glory model by Ares. The engine detail and cowling is a bit crude in WSF.

Fokker E.III

Having experimented now with a few models, I am most pleased with the Handley Page 0/400. It is of a size that the print does it justice. Any scouts will be ordered in FUD in future. I feel more confident now in taking on the SE5a. Given how rare and expensive these are from Wings of War, this seems like the perfect subject for a squadron. 1-144 Direct makes all the decals you will need. 

Handley Page 0/400

Here is my very first attempt to complete a Shapeways 1/144th scale model of a Handley Page 0/400 bomber. This 3D print is by the Shapeways contract designer "Kampfflieger". It was purchased in the material described as "White Strong & Flexible" or WSF, that is, white nylon plastic with a matte finish and slight grainy feel. There are better, more expensive materials in which to print, but for $28.27 I thought this was a good first purchase.

As is written about a lot in the Wings of Glory Aerodrome:

http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/content.php

...this WSF material is grainy and absorbs a lot of paint. I did try to follow the advise of the experts and seal the WSF before priming, but I did not seal well enough. However, with enough paint and varnish, I think the finish is acceptable and no worse than the models produced by Ares for Wings of Glory. Since Ares does not produce any British heavy bombers, the Shapeways solution is ideal for someone who does not want to assemble a metal, plastic or resin kit. The Shapeways print is ready to go, apart from detaching the propellors from the model.

The decals come from eBay merchant, 1-144 Direct:

http://stores.ebay.com/1-144-Direct?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

The decals were designed specifically for this model. This was my first time attaching decals but with the help of Micro Set setting solution and Micro Sol setting solution, and a few viewings of the many helpful YouTube videos on the subject, I was able to get the decals in place and molded to the model as promised by Micro Sol. Matt and Rob from 1-144 direct were very helpful with the decals and provide a wide range and great service.

The model is lacking the crew which are on order from Shapeways. The designer Reduced Aircraft Factory has pilots and observers in Frosted Ultra Detail (FUD), described as "Matte translucent plastic that showcases fine and intricate details". I will probably use more FUD in future and in fact ordered some SE5a scouts in this material.

"Wings of War: Flight of the Giants Expansion" contains cards and rules for the heavy bomber forces of several WW1 nations, including the HP 0/400. Bomber bases are available from the Aerodrome store, although they are currently backordered.

Kampfflieger's 1/144 scale model of the Handley Page 0/400 in WSF print

You may notice I'm using a bomber base from the Wings of Glory Gotha model until the actual bases arrive. I must also admit that the "runes" following the "E" plane designation may not be accurate for this model but were supplied on the decal sheet and I thought looked rather good.

So there you have it. I must say I really enjoyed researching this project and completing the model. I hope to become more proficient but it was a very satisfying hobby experience. I 'm convinced that 3D printing is a great way to go for 1/144th scale models.

Friedrichshafen G-III: the Model

As indicated in my earlier post, I'm trying my hand at the Reviresco paper/metal model of the Friederichsahfen G-III. Here is a photo of work-in-process:

For me, this is really difficult. I have not made a 1/144 model ever and my last 1/72nd plastic Airfix model was probably 45 years ago.

So what I have learned so far is:

1. Cut with an Exacto Knife, new blade, on a cutting mat against a small steel ruler. Do not try using scissors.

2. The curve of the airfoil wing is very difficult to achieve in this scale. Fortunately the model it is so small that older eyes may not notice.

3. I am using white glue. Let it sit awhile to get a bit tackier before trying to glue the paper parts together.

I have no idea if I will finish this model or abandon the project. I'm looking at this as a learning experience. It was very clever of the makers of Wings of Glory/Wings of War (currently Ares) to make their aircraft in plastic, ready painted and ready to go. If gamers had to make all their airplanes out of kits, I doubt this very successful franchise would ever have launched! As it is, I have a lot of WofW/WofG planes. Now I can add a few specials...maybe.