MikQuattro

Thanks guys, really appreciate the comments. So much to learn with this stuff and your information helps a lot!

Wow what a great site, thanks fubar!!!!!! Can I blame you when my significant other scolds me for the money I'm about to spend?

Man those models are amazing, such an inspiration. Thanks for posting them!!!

Hi Tim, following this with keen interest, such a beautiful airplane and a great build. Always in awe of those who can paint cockpit details and not have it come out looking like a toddler did it. And the tape marks are a really nice touch, what a great idea, very creative. Keep up the amazing work!

That's good to know, and I'm guessing that the extent of any required modifications just depends on the detail kit and the model. But still would love to know how you guys go about finding detail kits to match the model you are interested in or vice-versa

Wow what a great shot! I totally see it now. Do a lot of modelers present their models with the fabric removed? Seems a shame to put all that work into an interior that you can't really see Thanks wmcgill

I struggled with where to post this question cause it is very general in nature, but I chose this forum because I'm specifically referring to WWI-era aircraft kits (although I'm hoping if there is a clear answer it could be applied to all). I'm amazed by all of the incredible aftermarket parts that are out there for kits....resin engines, PE detail sets, landing gear sets (with ballooned tires, why is this not a standard thing in kits?!)...it's all amazing but also overwhelming. The problem I'm having is finding kits that have these detail parts available for them. I've seen some sites that have a list of detail parts available for the kit you are viewing, but they aren't always accurate or complete. And I've seen detail sets that say they are for certain manufacturers, but that makes be wonder if a detailed tire made for a 1/48 scale Eduard kit wouldn't work for a 1/48 kit by someone else. How do you guys go about choosing a kit that has the available detail kits that you want, or finding detail kits after you've chosen your model?

Thanks very much for the info! It all makes much more sense now. I now see what looks like stitching on the airplane I've been studying (F.K.8). I can't imagine as a mechanic having to remove the seat and fix stuff that way haha. And honestly I had no idea about the life expectancy of these planes, that's crazy.

I'm extremely new to WWI era aircraft, and of course it's a bit more difficult to source photos to help answer this question than it is with modern aircraft, so thought I'd ask it here. I would like to do what I can to reveal the work I do on my models' engines and cockpits/interiors, whether posing the various hatches and doors and access panels open or removed. So a few questions have emerged as I think about this... -- I'm guessing that there weren't a lot of hatches/doors simply because things were kept very basic back then. So I'm guessing that if mechanics needed to work on the various parts of the engine, they would have to remove the cowling as opposed to opening hinged cowling as on WWII aircraft. But looking at the Armstrong Whitworth F.K.8, which has what looks to be a hinged seam on the leading edge of the engine cowling, notably seen on the 10th photo of Xmald's most amazing version here: Can anyone verify that that is indeed a hinge and in that case it would be okay to pose that panel open on that hinge? -- Regarding the cockpit, I'm assuming that (like most aircraft) the skin is a structural part of the aircraft and because of the nature of the interior frame, there aren't any hatches/panels that could be removed. Not to mention that a lot of the skin on these type of aircraft were fabric, I believe? But that raises a question for me of how the heck would maintenance crews work on the interior when the only access are the tiny openings where the pilot climbs in? I know I could just remove part of the side so display the interior (assuming I crafted an interior that would be worth looking at haha), but I would rather not do that. Anyway, sorry for the odd questions, still trying to get used to how these older aircraft work

This is proper fun to look at, so much great detail that I pick something new out of it every time I scroll through the pictures. I think the ground looks amazing, so realistic and messy! And while all the big interest things (toolbox, maintenance carts, etc) draw the eye, I think you did an amazing job on the subtle details like the weathering of the aircraft. I think the paint job/weathering is fantastic. Thanks for sharing! Mik

Hi Ewen, the USAF did take it up (the H-53 airframe, but not the 3 engine version), their version was the MH-53J Pave Low, thought I have to admit "Super Duper Jolly Green Giant" is a much more exciting name The Pave Low's role in the USAF was replaced with the Osprey.

Hi Steve, I'm enjoying the updates on this build, love the wood grain! Just curious, I've seen people make their own springs for the engine (looks great!) but not sure why they don't add them after the engine has been painted. Judging by your photos, the metal of the springs looks great and very realistic. Is it more of a convenience thing? Keep up the great work! Mik