fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 A rather classic subject, and thus unusual for me, but here is a build of two Moths. I bought the Amodel and Avis releases believing they were different molds, but no luck. A very old Amodel mold was released long ago, and that was different (and not in a good way). Therefore, here are two Moths, one for me and other for dear friend David the Tall of Chicago. As much I may know about really arcane subjects, I am a total illiterate on these widespread types, and had to start to educate myself. In any case, here are the boxings and contents. There are many versions out there in different releases, but apparently the sprues are more or less the same. Save that the seaplane has floats, of course, and the Amodel has an extra wing with slats. The quality is in general good, a lot of detail, not easy to handle (cleanup). The fit is... well, you know the drill, short-run fit-like. It is often described as "indifferent". But hey, they release wonderful civil subjects for a moderate price, so good for them for that! The masters for these kits are excellent, it's just the molding process that gives an impression of lack of definition. I can't comment on accuracy, as I do not know this plane at all, but I like what I see. I started with the cockpits, but noticed the strange absence of the front joystick. Nope, nothing in the instructions. Therefore I must conclude that in my ignorance I didn't know that the first pilot handles the rudder, while the GIB takes care of the stick. It Takes Two to Tango!: 18 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenCJ Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 I don't see any floats. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 1 hour ago, StephenCJ said: I don't see any floats. I ate them 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 1 hour ago, StephenCJ said: I don't see any floats. Floats AND trolley: 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billn53 Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 That Gypsy Moth Coupe kit is near the top of my “to do” stash, planning to use the box top markings (part of my Arctic / Antarctic fetish). So, I’ll be watching carefully to steal see what you do. - Bill 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 9 minutes ago, billn53 said: That Gypsy Moth Coupe kit is near the top of my “to do” stash, planning to use the box top markings (part of my Arctic / Antarctic fetish). So, I’ll be watching carefully to steal see what you do. - Bill Darn, I won't be able to do the Jedi mind trick on you this time, you already bought it! These are not your droids, but you need a second kit for spares... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billn53 Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 (Blank stare) ... Must press Buy button...... But you did get me with that Bobcat kit. Here comes Sky King! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 Hi Moa I hope you are well, very interesting choices and I will try and tag along as I love your build, I just don't get much time on here at the moment. The front joystick was stowed on the starboard side of the cockpit I think ( I am no I and could be wrong) but I think it would be stowed on the frame that slopes up forward towards the firewall if that makes sense. Good luck with your builds All the best Chris 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 11 minutes ago, bigbadbadge said: Hi Moa I hope you are well, very interesting choices and I will try and tag along as I love your build, I just don't get much time on here at the moment. The front joystick was stowed on the starboard side of the cockpit I think ( I am no I and could be wrong) but I think it would be stowed on the frame that slopes up forward towards the firewall if that makes sense. Good luck with your builds All the best Chris Thanks Chris! Hope is well with you too. Appreciate the input! In any case, the instructions apparently tell you to install the back joystick (as I did ) where the compass should be (pyramidal shape bit), for what I can tell from images. The aft joystick should be closer to the back seat. I think I will add a front stick anyway, it looks lacking without it. This is the first occasion in recent times that I start a build/s without really studying the subject. I am winging it, so to speak, if the pun is permitted. I do have references, but I will keep things simple for these two, as they are actually more of a "twiddling fingers builds" while I wait for the stuff to complete several projects that are otherwise ready, only needing those last bits. The general state of the mail in the world is not helping, but that's a very minor annoyance, considered the whole picture. Cheers 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 No worries Moa, I am pleased that I actually know something that is useful !!! I lost the joystick for the front cockpit in mine do have just used a length of rid in it's stowed position as won't be too visible when assembled. The instructions aren't the best, but as you said kudos to them for releasing the subject. Keep up the good work All the best Chris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr T Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 I have one of the boxings and notwithstanding what you have written about the kit quality, It is still streets ahead of the old Frog kit that I converted into a DH60M back in 1978. The boxings for the kit reflect what a complicated history the DH60 had. A major difference is that a fabric covered metal fuselage was introduced in the late 1920's, mainly for customers in hot countries and leading age slats were fitted. John Aero may come along and be able to give you a much better guide than I ever could. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrik Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 Excellent timing, Moa. I will use (rather cowardly, I admit) your superior building speed and let you sweep away the obstacles from the way for my Genet Moth build elsewhere on this forum. Please notice the rectangular aperture in the cockpit floor needs a lot of careful trimming to accept the insert without filling nasty gaps later and in my kit I had to adjust the lower wing central area in order to maintain the correct dihedral after inserting the fuselage. Nevertheless, so far nothing unexpected with a mediocre quality shortrun. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 7 hours ago, Mr T said: I have one of the boxings and notwithstanding what you have written about the kit quality, It is still streets ahead of the old Frog kit that I converted into a DH60M back in 1978. The boxings for the kit reflect what a complicated history the DH60 had. A major difference is that a fabric covered metal fuselage was introduced in the late 1920's, mainly for customers in hot countries and leading age slats were fitted. John Aero may come along and be able to give you a much better guide than I ever could. Thanks Mr T! And I agree, I have seen the old molds and it was a sight not to remember, and this is a big step forward no doubt. Yes, I was also hoping John will bestow his wisdom on this. Although I am afraid it will be a lot of wisdom for my moderate goals with this build 😁 Cheers 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 4 hours ago, Patrik said: Excellent timing, Moa. I will use (rather cowardly, I admit) your superior building speed and let you sweep away the obstacles from the way for my Genet Moth build elsewhere on this forum. Please notice the rectangular aperture in the cockpit floor needs a lot of careful trimming to accept the insert without filling nasty gaps later and in my kit I had to adjust the lower wing central area in order to maintain the correct dihedral after inserting the fuselage. Nevertheless, so far nothing unexpected with a mediocre quality shortrun. Hi Patrik Thanks very much for the heads-up! In such little kit small things may translate into big annoyances. Will keep and eye! Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandy Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 I'm looking forward to this one. A very historic aircraft with many firsts and record breaking flights including Amy Johnson's solo flight to Australia and Francis Chichester's round the world attempt. He named his yachts Gypsy Moth II and III in honour of his "little aeroplane". ian 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 48 minutes ago, limeypilot said: I'm looking forward to this one. A very historic aircraft with many firsts and record breaking flights including Amy Johnson's solo flight to Australia and Francis Chichester's round the world attempt. He named his yachts Gypsy Moth II and III in honour of his "little aeroplane". ian Hi Ian Thanks for the added interest. This is good for me in the sense that I know absolutely nothing about this type of planes, "normal", well known, produced in large numbers, and popular. In fact, it's an area that I usually avoid, being attracted to darker corners of the aviation universe. Thus I am completely out of my comfort zone. The closest I came is scratch-building the DH83 (before the kit was released) that was is posted here: But in that case my attention turned to the DH82, that shared some elements with the DH83. Chris, my surf instructor in Hawaii, an old and wise Hawaiian man that I respect a lot, taught me a wonderful (life) lesson: ""Once at the shore, do not jump in like an idiot, blind in your enthusiasm, drunk with eagerness. That's when you may allow bad things to happen, or won't be able to avoid the hazards in your state of enhanced stupidity. Stop, look at the ocean, listen to it. Understand what it is telling you. It's not about "cooling down", or tempering your joy, or diminishing or curbing your enthusiasm, on the contrary, it is about going deeper, going in fully, with your awareness deployed."" I shall listen. Cheers 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 I had replaced the kit's joysticks (that only provides one, by the way, for the back seat), but I wasn't happy with them either, thus I made better ones: 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 Great work Moa, could do with a circular punch set myself. Will have a look on the bay. Great life lesson too Wise words All the best Chris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 20 minutes ago, bigbadbadge said: could do with a circular punch set myself. I hesitated for years, because they are not cheap, but when I got one I was very grateful for having done so. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 I know what version friend David wants, on wheels, but I still haven't decided which would I do, just in case, I am building the trolley and floats (clamped in the photo): What??? what are these parts doing in MY sprues! Heresy! Sabotage! Get off my building board! My guess is that they got things wrong here. The parts should go where the little squares are, not where the plan is indicating: As in there: 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 The floats have detail, a bit faint in parts: When that seam is cleaned, those inspection caps will go away, thus new are made punching kitchen foil: Once you clean the parts, most look really nice, and with pleasant detail: 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 Browsing the Net I see some aftermarket goods for Airfix's DH82 Tiger Moth (photo-etched sets, instrument panels), but nothing so far for these DH60 released in mass by Amodel and Avis. Interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjaweijfopi4j48 Posted May 24, 2020 Author Share Posted May 24, 2020 Cleaning proceeds carefully, but at a good pace: The closer I look at the parts as I clean them, the more respect I develop for the master maker. The impression of vagueness comes actually form the molding process and the sprue trees and gates, not the parts themselves. I also love that with these kits you get a lot of spares!! 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdrianMF Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 I will follow this and glean information on how to drag my FROG Moth into the 21st century, screaming and kicking (the kit, not me!). Regards, Adrian 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy G Posted May 24, 2020 Share Posted May 24, 2020 I’ve not long finished the A Model Hawker Hector so will tag along to watch a master transform these kits. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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