1/72 Roden Pfalz D.III Silver Stag
This isn’t a recent build and I’ve never posted the photos, due to the incorrect lower wing. The kit part was poorly cast, (odd for Roden), so I just built it anyway with the extra wing, for the rigging practice.
My a fore mentioned method is in full display here, along with scratch made control horns, and re-positioned control surfaces. This is another skill I developed, using a home made .002″ thick stainless steel saw. The teeth are made with a # 6 Nicholson jeweler’s file. The burrs, etc. are removed with fine sand paper. They are mounted in the stiffeners from a single edged razor blade. At only .002″ thick, they make a very thin slot, which is great for freeing up ailerons, rudders, or opening up cowling flaps..
5 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Rob Pollock said on July 13, 2015
It’s easy to forget, with the Wingnut Wings juggernaut of recent times, that Roden was the go-to company for First World War aircraft. I’ve built several over the years, and the Pfalz is one of the most beautifully designed aircraft of the period, in my opinion. Even noting your provisos, this is a cleanly presented build, to a high standard.
Phil Steele said on July 13, 2015
Thanks Rob.
Craig Abrahamson said on July 13, 2015
My hat’s off to anyone who builds airplanes with two wings and rigging wires, regardless of the outcome. đ
Nice-lookin’ build, sir.
Phil Steele said on July 13, 2015
Thanks Craig.
Mike Grant said on July 13, 2015
I like it. Nice job on the ‘wooden’ prop blades.
Phil Steele said on July 13, 2015
Thanks Mike. I use Sharpie markers to simulate the wooden prop blades.
Greg Kittinger said on July 13, 2015
Nice work Phil – would love to see a pic of your home made saw! Always on the lookout for another useable tool, especially designed to help with 1/72 projects.
Phil Steele said on July 13, 2015
Thanks Greg. I’ve up dated the article with a photo and brief explanation.
Mike Grant said on July 15, 2015
If you don’t want to make your own, JLC produce a superb razor saw for fine work. Like Phil’s it uses razor blades, but both edges are serrated, one is very fine. I’ve used one for years.
http://umm-usa.com/onlinestore/product_info.php?products_id=35&osCsid=8ac07fac846a2e9e4ae1932bd30a1b10
Phil Steele said on July 15, 2015
I check that out Mike. FYI I make them from .002″ stainless steel shim stock.
Bernard E. Hackett, Jr. said on July 13, 2015
Phil, agree the Pfalz is pretty! So is yours!
Phil Steele said on July 13, 2015
Thanks Bernard.
George Williams said on July 13, 2015
Well, Phil, whatever’s wrong with the lower wing, it’s a very clean build, and another terrific example of your skill. Did they whitewash the tyres?
Phil Steele said on July 14, 2015
No. A good deal of the period tires were grey, that’s just the color of the rubber that was used. The flash over exposed them some what. Glad you liked the build. The bottom wing is supposed to have 45 deg. tips.
Mike Maynard said on July 14, 2015
Very nice build!
Phil Steele said on July 14, 2015
Thanks Mike.
Jeff Bailey said on April 23, 2017
Great build. Again. When you mentioned the wing I was puzzled. I’m glad you mentioned the correct type in your answer to George. More details to learn!
Thanks for posting, Phil.
Phil Steele said on April 23, 2017
Thanks Jeff !! Glad you like it.