ChuckT Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this or not (being that its a conversion of the Roden 1/32 Albatros D.II to W.4 sea plane) but hey, its from the Great war so I figured, why not! I plan on converting Rodens 1/32 Albtros D.II to W.4 sea plane. That will require new wings, flying surfaces, struts and floats along with various other little details. I have scratch built a W.4 float that I hope to detail, then resin cast for use in my conversion of the Roden kit. I have the basic shape of the float done and am working on making the other details needed to add to bring it all to completion to then cast. What I'm looking for is honest feedback on the look and shape of the float. I can already see I need to fix the angle on the bottom (as it isn't even) but is there anything else I'm missing? Feel free to be honest. Thanks in advance, Chuck. Alburymodeler 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alburymodeler Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 I dont have much info on this aircraft myself, but what you have going looks to be heading in the right direction. Just continue to cast a critical eye over the pieces and correct as you see fit. Maybe some castings could be produced for some of us on here: I would obtain a set for sure. Press on with your good work,, Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssculptor Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 (edited) I'd say go for it. It looks like you have a good beginning. But you might consider, before assembling the parts, to either make silicone molds or have someone make them for you and then cast a number of resin aftermarket kits for this Roden model kit. if you do not want to do the mold making and casting yourself you can farm out the work to others who are experienced in it. Either someone in this forum who really wants to do it - and has the experience and skills to really do it all, or, you might find someone on the casting forum who will contract to make you a number of copies for money. You invest a certain amount of money in having the castings made, then put it all together into a kit and market the kit to others, like me, for instance. We often have the idea that we have to do everything ourselves, when, in reality, we can act like many businesses do and farm out the parts we do not wish to do. There are risks involved, of course, as there are with every business. You have to find a good caster, not just some guy you know who wants to try out molding and casting. The casting forum can be contacted by writing an email to casting@yahoogroups.com I'm not saying you should do all this. But I am offering it up as a possibility. After all, most of the aftermarket manufacturers are guys working out of their garage or by contract with others to do the work for them. Just something to consider. Stephen Edited February 23, 2013 by ssculptor whiskytngofxtrt 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radial Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 Looks like your floats would be perfect to vac-form especially for one off parts. A lot easier with not as many variables. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChuckT Posted February 23, 2013 Author Share Posted February 23, 2013 Thanks everyone for the feedback. I am set up to do vacuum degassing and pressure casting, so I do hope to resin copy this master for myself and then anyone else if it meets there standards and they are interested. I did a little more last night. first, I fixed the angles on the bottom so they match (still needs a little tidying up) then worked on some details the cap still needs a handle added to the center and in this pic I didnt center everything in the hole. I just wanted to see how it will look Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
csavaglio Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 Looking really good. I'm more of a fan of resin casting than vac'ing.....I've just had better luck in that direction. I don't have a datafile on the W.4 and honestly, other than having the old Eduard kit years ago, I couldn't tell you how it's all supposed to look, but the detail and shapes look great to me. I'm looking forward to seeing this one come together. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssculptor Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 I am looking forward to buying a kit from you. Stephen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssculptor Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 (edited) There is a Windsock minifile issue #1 with the Albatros W.4 on eBay right now. If you want to bid on it go ahead. I'll back off. Let me know. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Windsock-Mini-Datafile-Vol-1-Albatros-W4-Magazine-Booklet-WW1-1995-/200899928122?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec691a03a&autorefresh=true There is also the Windsock International magazine with Albatros W.4 on eBay right now. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Windsock-International-Magazine-Albatros-W-4-Sopwith-Osprey-More-Model-Plane-/150909439536?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2322e74e30 Stephen Edited February 23, 2013 by ssculptor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChuckT Posted February 23, 2013 Author Share Posted February 23, 2013 I have the data file and a good amount of info on the D.II, so I think I should be good. Thanks for the heads up though, Chuck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolf Buddee Posted February 24, 2013 Share Posted February 24, 2013 Welcome to the group build Chuck! Just checked in as I've spent the last few evenings firmly attached to the work bench and "in the zone". Looking forward to seeing how your build progresses! Cheers, Wolf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted Barrett Posted February 24, 2013 Share Posted February 24, 2013 Hi Chuck, Great looking floats. The W4 is one that I have always wanted to build. Keep up the good work! Ted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChuckT Posted February 24, 2013 Author Share Posted February 24, 2013 Thanks guys for the encouragement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChuckT Posted March 6, 2013 Author Share Posted March 6, 2013 Sorry for taking so long to post any updates. Family, work, travel... it all seems to take up so much time and leave so little for the hobby bench, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who knows about all this! I have been able to install the walkway strips on the top surface from .02" by .02" strip and the wear strips underneath from .02" by .04". Pretty finicky, but I think it turned out pretty good. I then installed the remaining walkway strips and threw down a coat of primer. What do you guys think? It just needs the drain caps finished up and installed, then I can move onto the wings or maybe the engine. Not sure what I'll do next, but I have a yearning to get to something that I can paint and finish. Feel free to post your comments. whiskytngofxtrt and radial 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolf Buddee Posted March 6, 2013 Share Posted March 6, 2013 Looks great Chuck. I'm looking forward to seeing your casting results. The master really does look great. Cheers, Wolf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Peterpools Posted March 6, 2013 Share Posted March 6, 2013 Chuck Looking real good. Just wish I had something more informative to contribute on the subject. Keep 'em coming :popcorn: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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