Bughunter Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 (edited) Morane-Saulnier AI The following pictures show a Morane-Saulnier Type AI with serial number MS1591 of Escadrille MSP 156, flown in 1918 by Sgt. Walter J Shaffer. It is the MoS 29.C1 variant with two Vickers MG. This type AI is relatively unknown today, although some 1100...1300 machines were built, most as unarmed trainers MoS 30.C1. After development of the Morane-Saulnier Type P was abandoned, the AI and AF prototypes were built in 1917, both single-seat fighters with a Gnome monosoupape 9N 160hp. Both had similar fuselages, but the AF was a biplane. The official tests of the AI from the beginning of August 1917 were enthusiastic with excellent performance, outstanding manoeuvrability and great visibility. From the beginning of 1918, the production aircraft entered service. This design as a high-wing aircraft was thus well ahead of the Fokker D.VIII/E.V (developed from April 1918), I wonder if this was influenced by the AI? You can read more about this aircraft type here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morane-Saulnier_AI This type of aircraft had been on my wish list for a long time, after I had bought the kit from Special Hobby in 1/48th scale quite soon after its release. However, the required rotary engine was not available in the aftermarket, which only changed with the new Camel from Eduard. This Gnome N is a 3D print from Eduard, also the etched and printed instruments as well as the seat belts of the STEEL series are from this company. Besides the etched parts from the kit, parts from various etched parts sets from the Polish company PART were used. The turnbuckles are again from Greece by GasPatch Models. The decals are from the kit and from HGW, as far as possible masks from the cutting plotter were used. However, a large part of the model was handmade from wood, here struts, cockpit and propeller are to be mentioned, as well as metal (landing gear and cockpit). On the one hand, this was a lot of work, but on the other hand, it makes the special impression of the model - once again, this has become a special piece of aviation history for my display case. If you like to see some comparison, please check out this walk around before: http://data3.primeportal.net/hangar/domeric_barbot/ms_type_a1/ No, those were not new reference images The next post will show some details. Cheers, Frank Edited October 28, 2022 by Bughunter 48 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bughunter Posted October 28, 2022 Author Share Posted October 28, 2022 Here are some of the details. Full scratched cockpit made from wood and metal (mostly brass). Soldered struts My cockpit on a reference picture in Windsock International Vol8/3. The soldered seat made from different PE parts. Nearly finished cockpit: With light in back you see the linen below the wing painted with Alclad: Against light: Wooden air screw Finished air screw, together with the kit ones. Both rotate in wrong direction. Eduard Gnome N rotary Engine with bearing. Painted: 16 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bughunter Posted October 28, 2022 Author Share Posted October 28, 2022 (edited) Cowling: New intakes made from brass Scratched strut mounts. Fuselage: Vickers MG sodlered from a PART PE set. Metal on tail: Targeting optics (yes, light goes through!) Tail skid: Soldered undercarriage: Worked on the struts slowly from inside to outside. All struts are made from real wood and metal! And now hit the keys! Cheers, Frank Edited October 28, 2022 by Bughunter 16 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maginot Posted October 29, 2022 Share Posted October 29, 2022 Nice work. Good looking engine. Colourful crate! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celestialsphere Posted October 29, 2022 Share Posted October 29, 2022 Frank. Awesome build. The attention to detail is amazing. Your photos of the finished model in natural light are very nice. Thanks for sharing. Cheers Andrew 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spitfire31 Posted October 29, 2022 Share Posted October 29, 2022 It's a work of art, and, apparently, a love for the subject. Impressive modelling from all aspects. Kind regards, Joachim 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrés S. Posted October 29, 2022 Share Posted October 29, 2022 Absolutely impressive work, even more so in such a tiny size. I am perplexed. Congratulations !!!! Andrés. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody37 Posted October 29, 2022 Share Posted October 29, 2022 Incredible. Even the rigging wires are a work of art! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roberto Posted October 29, 2022 Share Posted October 29, 2022 Wow. Stunning work! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichieW Posted October 29, 2022 Share Posted October 29, 2022 Hiya Frank, It's a real joy to see your work again. Your super detailing in 1/48 scale seems to have reached new heights. The photos of the finished model are completely convincing. It looks like the real thing, I love it! Best wishes from England Richie 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omak Posted October 29, 2022 Share Posted October 29, 2022 awesome work and result ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toryu Posted October 29, 2022 Share Posted October 29, 2022 Excellent throughout! The detail is as impressive as the crafting of it. I particularly like the complicated strut work. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theskits62 Posted October 30, 2022 Share Posted October 30, 2022 Fabulous work those struts must have been a nightmare ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon_B Posted October 30, 2022 Share Posted October 30, 2022 Just awesome! Really I'm lost in admiration. I love aircraft of this period and this is a very interesting model of a relatively unknown type. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bughunter Posted October 31, 2022 Author Share Posted October 31, 2022 Thank you very much fro leaving such nice comments! On 10/29/2022 at 4:07 PM, RichieW said: It's a real joy to see your work again. Yes Richie, still try to learn and get better with every model. Cheers, Frank 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bughunter Posted November 7, 2022 Author Share Posted November 7, 2022 This model was added to the Blog of Special Hobby. Thank you very much! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichieW Posted November 7, 2022 Share Posted November 7, 2022 1 hour ago, Bughunter said: This model was added to the Blog of Special Hobby. Thank you very much! Well done Frank, it looks very much like a competition winner to me. 👏👏👏 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pheonix Posted November 7, 2022 Share Posted November 7, 2022 Absolutely first class in every way Frank. In short it is a stunning winner! P 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dric Posted November 8, 2022 Share Posted November 8, 2022 Gasp ! Splendid work 👍 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MACALAIN Posted November 8, 2022 Share Posted November 8, 2022 On 28/10/2022 at 23:23, Bughunter said: Morane-Saulnier AI The following pictures show a Morane-Saulnier Type AI with serial number MS1591 of Escadrille MSP 156, flown in 1918 by Sgt. Walter J Shaffer. It is the MoS 29.C1 variant with two Vickers MG. This type AI is relatively unknown today, although some 1100...1300 machines were built, most as unarmed trainers MoS 30.C1. After development of the Morane-Saulnier Type P was abandoned, the AI and AF prototypes were built in 1917, both single-seat fighters with a Gnome monosoupape 9N 160hp. Both had similar fuselages, but the AF was a biplane. The official tests of the AI from the beginning of August 1917 were enthusiastic with excellent performance, outstanding manoeuvrability and great visibility. From the beginning of 1918, the production aircraft entered service. This design as a high-wing aircraft was thus well ahead of the Fokker D.VIII/E.V (developed from April 1918), I wonder if this was influenced by the AI? You can read more about this aircraft type here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morane-Saulnier_AI This type of aircraft had been on my wish list for a long time, after I had bought the kit from Special Hobby in 1/48th scale quite soon after its release. However, the required rotary engine was not available in the aftermarket, which only changed with the new Camel from Eduard. This Gnome N is a 3D print from Eduard, also the etched and printed instruments as well as the seat belts of the STEEL series are from this company. Besides the etched parts from the kit, parts from various etched parts sets from the Polish company PART were used. The turnbuckles are again from Greece by GasPatch Models. The decals are from the kit and from HGW, as far as possible masks from the cutting plotter were used. However, a large part of the model was handmade from wood, here struts, cockpit and propeller are to be mentioned, as well as metal (landing gear and cockpit). On the one hand, this was a lot of work, but on the other hand, it makes the special impression of the model - once again, this has become a special piece of aviation history for my display case. If you like to see some comparison, please check out this walk around before: http://data3.primeportal.net/hangar/domeric_barbot/ms_type_a1/ No, those were not new reference images The next post will show some details. Cheers, Frank Well done. Alain 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Epeeman Posted November 8, 2022 Share Posted November 8, 2022 Wow - amazing work and details - brilliant Regards Dave 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bughunter Posted November 12, 2022 Author Share Posted November 12, 2022 Thank you very much for you nice feedback and all the likes! @Dric Nice to see you again, hope you are fine! Cheers, Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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