Revell 1/28 Sopwith Camel “Donner Wetter!”
First post here. This is the classic 1/28 scale Revell Sopwith F.1 Camel from 1959. I mainly build 1/72, but was inspired to build this kit that's been sitting in my stash by a desire to build one of the Wingnut Wings Camels that came out recently. This served as a warm up for that effort.
It turned out to be more work than I had planned on, as it takes some effort to bring this classic up to date. That being said, it's a great kit that was way ahead of its time (where all our large-scale plastic aircraft began) and looks right if completed with care.
Main points of modification:
•added some wire detail to the kit's wicker seat, as well as an epoxy putty seat cushion and seat harness from lead foil and brass stock (mostly invisible once assembled)
•fuel tank added behind seat using bent plastic sheet (totally invisible once assembled)
•dihedral added to lower wings by scribing at the root and bending up
•bow taken out of top wing by dipping it in hot water (repeatedly)(one half at a time...it's a foot long!)
•cabane and interplane struts shortened
•wing strut connections filled and sanded
•rigging attachment points relocated (many were in the wrong location) and redrilled
•axle chiseled out and replaced with round sprue angled up to give the characteristic Sopwith "splay"
•fuel pump generator relocated from cabane strut to landing gear strut
Materials:
•Tamiya paint
•Cartograph decal (from more recent Revell Germany reissue)(everything white is a decal)
•Prym knitting-in elastic for rigging
•stainless steel (banjo string) for control lines
Notes:
•started in mid-70s, abandoned for years
•markings are for Captain W.G.R. Hinchcliffe (6 victories), No. 10 (N) Squadron, "C" Flight, Royal Naval Air Service, March 1918
•"Donner Wetter" means "Thunderous Weather"
Great effort, Andrew, bringing out the best in this vintage kit.
Thanks, it was fun (well, not all of it, but mostly!).
Superb skills, the double rigging is hugely impressive.
I appreciate it. Took a few hours to rig the thing, praying that the ACC was set and I could let go of the line. First time rigging with elastic; it has its advantages, but I dislike using ACC, and I think that's the only glue that will work with it. The elastic tends to curl when touched to the glue, not sure what the cure for that is. It got easier and faster as I went.
Impressive work here. No one would tell this is a 1959 mould. Lovely colour scheme also. Two thumbs up!
Thank you, Pedro.
Impressive work indeed, Andrew...and let me be the first to welcome you to iModeler.
Thanks a lot.
Incredible work - looks like it could fly off the bench. Welcome to iM! Can’t wait for the next one!
Don't hold your breath, I'm a sloooow builder!
Welcome aboard, Andrew. Well done indeed!
Thank you.
Wow - very nicely done! And a brilliant scheme - I've never seen one quite like that. Welcome to the crazy crew!
Thanks. I know, it's hard to believe this was a front-line machine. Looks more like one of the fancy schemes used at the flying schools or for special production milestone birds.
Beautifully done! Welcome to the site!
Thanks!
"Donnerwetter!" which also means "extraordinary", "well done", "impressive" etc.
Thanks for the info! Didn't know that.
This is a real beauty for a plane... The name is proper for this build.
I especially like how you have painted the linen undersides of the wings, and how the wing ribs appear... The fuselage details are impressive as well.
Welcome aboard... 🙂
Beautifully built and exceptionally well painted, Andrew!
Welcome to iModeler!
I love this!
It brings antique feeling.
I had made my Camel with a academy 1/32.
1 attached image. Click to enlarge.
Great build I somehow missed! Looking fwd to see your version of the Wingnut wings!
Thanks, Michael. I’ve got the “Clerget” version of the WNW kit, still deciding on which scheme to do.
Classic aircraft and a great colour scheme - lovely build Alexander