Airfix 1/72 BE.2c ready for take-off

[null_null981707818191]

Captain Triggers and Lieutenant Bravington are ready for take-off!

I’ve completed the Airfix 1/72 scale BE.2c, and with it, my World War 1 mini-project (the Airfix aircraft bit anyway – more about that later!). As I intimated in my last report, I thought that it might be quite an interesting and hopefully enjoyable build, being a much more modern moulding than the previously completed models. Certainly the fit was very much better, and the lack of flash positively pleasurable, although the large number of ejection pin divots was a bit of a bind!

There was however some excellent engineering – the cabane struts are more or less average-modeller-proof, and really work well to locate the upper wing, which – utilising the provided strut-jigs – meant assembly was so much easier, without the need for at least two extra sets of fingers. So full marks to Airfix for those aspects.

My usual materials and methods were used for painting – brush-applied Vallejo Model Air Ivory 71.075 for the doped linen which was the basic finish, and various wood effects built up on the fuselage, struts and very well modelled-propeller using streaks of a variety of colours, finished with gloss varnish. The engine cowling metal is Vallejo Steel. The engine is a mini-kit in itself, and quite fun to put together and paint with a variety of metallics. Drilling out the exhausts was a bit fiddly though...

You may recall that I posted a question about a mystery part – which did indeed turn out to be a large plate camera, which I used because I decided to go for a nominal representation of a 12 Squadron RFC reconnaissance aircraft – the serial number is accurate at least (I found a photograph of 1744)!

Although – as mentioned - getting the wings and struts in place was much easier than on the previous biplanes, the rigging was a challenge as usual. I added the wing-top and tail-plane 'horns' using bits of stretched sprue and drilled a few extra holes to thread the rigging through. For this model, I used the now tried and tested combination of Roket Hot CA with Roket Blaster CA kicker; for the actual rigging, I used MIG medium fine rigging line which seemed to me to be accurate in terms of scale.

So I’ve completed my WW1 aircraft project – at least as far as available Airfix kits are concerned. I’ve still got a Revell Sopwith Triplane and as Roden SE5 to build, but as they’re not Airfix, they probably won’t be appearing on this forum. So here are a couple of pictures – firstly of the Imperial German Air Force Fokker Triplane, the Eindecker III and the Albatros D.V

and secondly the RFC Sopwith Camel, the BE2c and the Bristol Fighter

– and a final picture of all of them together. Really enjoyable and interesting to build a coherent group of aircraft - and all from Airfix boxes!

I might well be sticking with WW1 for a little while longer, but in terms of Airfix kits, I’m thinking of a little diorama down in the mud using a Mk I Female and a Mk I Male tank and some WW1 British Infantry that I picked up for not very much outlay – and they won’t need any rigging…

[Dominic Thomas]

I’ve really enjoyed this project. It’s been interesting , informative, and encouraging. Thank you very much for taking the time and effort to post the builds.

By the way, you could also add the DH4 & Sopwith Pup as they have been the subjects of Airfix kits ……

[Dominic Thomas]

Just for your information, back on the 8th July last, I posted a picture during the discussion of my build of the DH4. It was to show the difference in shades of colours meant to be PC10 which was supposed to be the colour of RFC/RAF WWI Aircraft upper surfaces generally. Anyway, it showed the DH4 and the Roden 1.1/2 Strutter. So, you could perhaps show your Triplane and SE5 in partnership with some Airfix aircraft.

Just saying..

[Sailorman]

It's true that the main intention on this site is to showcase Airfix kits ..... but there there is no rule against simply showing completed models from other brands.

I for one, and I'm sure many others would like to see more of your builds in the future.

[SD45elect2000]

Hi Patrick

I tried to post a picture of two spitfires to help explain a point I was making but Ratch refused it as neither were Airfix spitfires even though they were a mark not covered by Airfix.

Rod

 

 

Most of my models are not Airfix. There are over 150 that I posted , I don’t think that’s a reason.

 

 

Randall

[Ratch]

Most of my models are not Airfix. There are over 150 that I posted , I don’t think that’s a reason.

Randall

 

 

I had a Stratojet rejected without reason. I hadn't even stated the manufacturer.

Just recently Patrick & I asked the question. The reply was that they wish to encourage modelling and appreciate that modellers build other brands. What they don't want is for other brands to be actively promoted on this site. So the level of the bar has changed recently.

[paul71]

great looking plane the rigging once again making it look amazing and i love the wood effect you are able to do,

they are all looking really good at the side of each other you have made an excellent collection there

[null_null981707818191]

Some really kind and generous comments - thanks everyone! One of the reasons that I've enjoyed the project so much - especially compared to my more usual builds of WW2 aircraft, mostly newish (at least) moulds - is that each in their own way has challenged me to improve my own modelling skills, without it ever becoming a bind. I've got a Swordfish and a Walrus on the shelf at the moment, which I've been avoiding because of fear of rigging - but I guess I've dealt with that particular phobia. And thank you for the specific comment about wood effect, Paul: I really enjoyed experimenting on that and I'm pleased with the outcomes. I did think of getting a DH4 from old time Airfix, but the guy selling it wanted silly money.

You make an interesting point Rod about cannibalising other models to produce a 'cut and shut', but I'd see that as a waste of a kit... Each to his own, and I do admire those who do extensive conversions, although in fairness, I've yet to want to build a marque that wasn't already available.

But I think the most important thing of all is what Mr Symmons keeps reminding us: "Remember, we do this for fun."