The Sopwith Triplane was an extension of the Sopwith Pup design in that it used the Pups fuselage ( although modified ) with the 3 wings being of an unusually low chord which would improve the pilots view from the cockpit. It also sported ailerons on all 3 wings which gave it spectacular maneuverability as was its rate of climb. On its 1st test flight Harry Hawker did 3 loops in a row within minutes from taking off. It no longer looked or performed like the Pup.

In April 1917 6 Squadrons of the RNAS took delivery of their new Sopwith Triplanes and from their 1st clash with the Albatros D111 they proved they were the new top dog in the air.

The combat career of the Sopwith Triplane was glorious but brief , not because it was not capable but because it was extremely time consuming and difficult to repair and maintain.

The most famous triplane flight in the RNAS was the Black Flight led by Lt.Col. Raymond Collishaw who decimated the German fighters in their area .

I shall be building this A/C in the livery of the Australian Capt. Robert Little No. 8 Sqd. RNAS.

The Triplanes short successful career was soon taken by its stablemate the Sopwith F1 (Camel)

The kit has the typical Roden no nonsense instruction sheet and I will include Qunta studio interior decals, Yahn istrument panel and a Plusmodel Vickers gun.

7 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Fantastic entry, my friend @firelockg! Looking forward to it!

George,

I think the triplane craze was a result of the tripehounds success, The Sopwith being the better of the 2 triplanes except in armament, it was more maneuverable and the pilot had better visibility, handy when someone is trying to put the sneak on you. Its speed and ROC were also exceptional for its time.

Tom,

I had a look at your review ( nice model of Collishaw's A/C by the way.) and was surprised that Bob Little flew one of the tripes with 2 vickers guns, have to get another gun now, which solves the problem of the 2 empty cartridge chutes on the kit.

Spiros,

Thanks, I am looking forward to the build to.

Spectacular job on the engine, my friend @firelockg!

Spiros & John, the engine is not to bad except for the lifters that are out of align. won't happen again.

Great choice Ian as the Sopwith Tripe is my favorite WWI bird. When the Roden kit first came out I built it and it came out very nice. One thing I did not know at the time is that the fuselage was too short. From what I understand the kit was based on the prototype and the production models had a lengthened fuselage. Some time ago I found an article where the builder showed how he extended the fuselage behind the cockpit. You may want to try and find it and hope this does not discourage you.

A bit more done today, just seem to be shuffling parts about without any progress.
Pic 1 cockpit floor.
Pic 2 wicker seat and belts, Instrument panel and Vickers MGs , all ready to go in. Guns and seat are Gaspatch., Panel is Quinta with added instrument dials. Seatbelts Quinta.
Pic 3 fuselage sides, wooden framing done with weathering pencil. Next step to close it all up.

3 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Interior and assorted bits look very nice, Ian (@firelockg). I wish there was a Quinta set for 1/28 Dr.1s, but no luck there. These set really bring up the level of the cockpit without too much effort. I don't think I would worry too much about the short fuselage. I don't think most people would be able to tell it was missing 4mm.