Blue Max Pfalz

[magpie]

Not exactly WW1, which is why I didn't think I would get this into the WW1 GB, but still an interesting modeling project. I don't usually do 1/72 scale but couldn't resist this one.

I'm intending to do it as a quick fun build and I'm thinking it would look good on a wooden base, supported by clear acrylic rod, in flight mode. It's the Roden kit reboxed with decals for the lozenge.

The parts are generally pretty nice and fit together ok but there's lots of flash to clean up.

Got this far today

[stevehnz]

Hmmm, we've one of the actual Blue Max Pfalzs flying with Peter Jackson's collection not so far from here, this would make a nice wee project. Must investigate.

Steve.

[Tony Frey]

Looking good so far. Are you going to remove the radiator & fuel tank on the top wing per the instructions?

[magpie]

Looking good so far. Are you going to remove the radiator & fuel tank on the top wing per the instructions?

Yes have already sanded it off.

It's meant to be a quick build so I assembled as much as possible before painting. Sprayed everything black then dry brushed engine, exhaust and guns, and inside the top part of the cockpit.

Brush painted the white fin and rudder, tyres and leather cockpit surround. I've lopped off the prop blades to do it 'in flight'.

Undersides are painted Citidel Shadow Grey which is as close to the colour on the kit instructions as I could get with a colour straight from the pot.

Going well so far. Have to get all that lozenge on next!

[magpie]

It's lozenge time!

Did the fuselage first as I reckoned it would be the hardest bit to do. Actually went on very easily, a bit dodgy around the wing root but might be my fault for rushing it a bit.

I left it to dry out for a day then did the wings and the rest of the markings

The wing root looks better now but still needs a bit of touching up.

[Ray S]

I remember seeing the film when I was about 9 when it first came out! This is looking a good build with a nice kit. The lozenge looks fine I reckon.

Ray

[stevehnz]

Like Ray, I saw the film as a youngster. I bought the DVD a few years ago, it still looks OK, the Tiger Moth WWW1 fighters in the massed take offs are the only bits that clang badly, the rest is pretty damn cool & not a CGI in sight. This kit is a must, pity it doesn't come with a scale Ursula Andress, she also made quite an impression on me.

Steve.

[magpie]

Nearly done.

I removed the aileron linkage from the upper wing. The movie machine doesn't have them and I covered over the white fields with squares cut from white decal film and replaced the crosses from my spares box. Not that there is anything wrong with the kit decals I just wanted to improve the contrast and match them to the brighter white paint on the fin.

Yes I can remember when the film first came out and it has always been one of my favourites. Interesting that the original film had an intermission and this is also on the DVD!

[magpie]

Finished.

Final matt varnish coat was Citadel Purity Seal which dries with a slight sheen. It's tricky stuff to use. If you spray too far away with a mist coat it will dry on its to the model and leave a whiteish frosty look. Too close and heavy and it will pool and melt through the paint even through several coats of Klear. It has to go on wet to get a smooth finish but not too heavy. I do a quick spray quite close in left to right, pause then quick spray right to left. It does matt the finish down without affecting the colour intensity too much.

I had intended to mount the model to the base with clear acrylic rod but it just looked dead and lifeless. I had the idea of using the top of a coat hanger but it was too thick so I bent some thin wire to a similar shape and I think it looks a bit more dynamic and gives some sense of movement.

Rigging is very thin fishing line and Bruno Stachel is represented by the pilot from the Airfix 72nd Pup.

I've not built anything in 72nd for years, it was getting too difficult and fiddly as I get older and my eyesight is not as good as it was, but I have to say this kit was a real joy to make and is the most satisfying and enjoyable model I've done for ages.

Ed