bstachel

Just to be clear - the "pre-order" is to register your interest only, as clearly explained on the Aviattic website page.
I now have a mailing list of just 300 interested parties, who are kept up to date with the trials and tribulations of getting this kit to the pre-order stage, when those on the list will be invited to place their orders before the kits general release.
These are very difficult times to be attempting anything like this project and it will be years before I see any kind of financial return - and only if it sells over a thousand units, which is a long way off yet. 
So, if anyone thinks such a multi-media, highly detailed WW1 aircraft kit is over-priced, I suggest you try it yourself!  Full injection-moulded WW1 kits are just not an option - even with millionaire backers, there simply is not the market, sadly. Multi-media kits allow a level of finesse in the detailing which should be welcomed not feared.
I sold just 320 of the Aviattic Ansaldo Balilla's. A kit many consider the finest WW1 aircraft kit yet produced. Their disappointing sales meant that going to a costly second run was just not financially viable. They currently change hands on EBay for hundreds of pounds, yet it took me three years to achieve that sales figure..
 
If you want to support such endeavours with no prior financial commitment - I just need to have a rough idea of the potential customer numbers - then please sign up for the newsletter. This kit will not be produced unless I can guarantee around 600 sales. Not "interested parties"..sales.
So that is my priority at the moment. Honing the various elements for fit and accuracy and deciding on production methods for each part.
I will not know the final production price and hoped-for delivery date until I am satisfied that the Pfalz will be the finest kit that I can produce. 
 
We are living in very difficult times, costs are escalating weekly, there are few casting and printing companies left wishing to deal with such small numbers. Most are too busy casting goblins or busty princesses for Kickstarters.
 
Best wishes, Richard
(director and head tea-maker, Aviattic Ltd)
 

Just to be clear - the "pre-order" is to register your interest only, as clearly explained on the Aviattic website page.
I now have a mailing list of just 300 interested parties, who are kept up to date with the trials and tribulations of getting this kit to the pre-order stage, when those on the list will be invited to place their orders before the kits general release.
These are very difficult times to be attempting anything like this project and it will be years before I see any kind of financial return - and only if it sells over a thousand units, which is a long way off yet. 
So, if anyone thinks such a multi-media, highly detailed WW1 aircraft kit is over-priced, I suggest you try it yourself!  Full injection-moulded WW1 kits are just not an option - even with millionaire backers, there simply is not the market, sadly. Multi-media kits allow a level of finesse in the detailing which should be welcomed not feared.
I sold just 320 of the Aviattic Ansaldo Balilla's. A kit many consider the finest WW1 aircraft kit yet produced. Their disappointing sales meant that going to a costly second run was just not financially viable. They currently change hands on EBay for hundreds of pounds, yet it took me three years to achieve that sales figure..
 
If you want to support such endeavours with no prior financial commitment - I just need to have a rough idea of the potential customer numbers - then please sign up for the newsletter. This kit will not be produced unless I can guarantee around 600 sales. Not "interested parties"..sales.
So that is my priority at the moment. Honing the various elements for fit and accuracy and deciding on production methods for each part.
I will not know the final production price and hoped-for delivery date until I am satisfied that the Pfalz will be the finest kit that I can produce. 
 
We are living in very difficult times, costs are escalating weekly, there are few casting and printing companies left wishing to deal with such small numbers. Most are too busy casting goblins or busty princesses for Kickstarters.
 
Best wishes, Richard
(director and head tea-maker, Aviattic Ltd)
 

Just to be clear - the "pre-order" is to register your interest only, as clearly explained on the Aviattic website page.
I now have a mailing list of just 300 interested parties, who are kept up to date with the trials and tribulations of getting this kit to the pre-order stage, when those on the list will be invited to place their orders before the kits general release.
These are very difficult times to be attempting anything like this project and it will be years before I see any kind of financial return - and only if it sells over a thousand units, which is a long way off yet. 
So, if anyone thinks such a multi-media, highly detailed WW1 aircraft kit is over-priced, I suggest you try it yourself!  Full injection-moulded WW1 kits are just not an option - even with millionaire backers, there simply is not the market, sadly. Multi-media kits allow a level of finesse in the detailing which should be welcomed not feared.
I sold just 320 of the Aviattic Ansaldo Balilla's. A kit many consider the finest WW1 aircraft kit yet produced. Their disappointing sales meant that going to a costly second run was just not financially viable. They currently change hands on EBay for hundreds of pounds, yet it took me three years to achieve that sales figure..
 
If you want to support such endeavours with no prior financial commitment - I just need to have a rough idea of the potential customer numbers - then please sign up for the newsletter. This kit will not be produced unless I can guarantee around 600 sales. Not "interested parties"..sales.
So that is my priority at the moment. Honing the various elements for fit and accuracy and deciding on production methods for each part.
I will not know the final production price and hoped-for delivery date until I am satisfied that the Pfalz will be the finest kit that I can produce. 
 
We are living in very difficult times, costs are escalating weekly, there are few casting and printing companies left wishing to deal with such small numbers. Most are too busy casting goblins or busty princesses for Kickstarters.
 
Best wishes, Richard
(director and head tea-maker, Aviattic Ltd)
 

He is a rare individual, indeed!..and shared much useful information with me during the design of this kit. Unfortunately he doesn't want me to share photographs on the net so you'll just have to trust me that this kit is nut and bolt perfect!..
A little flurry of interest generated by this post of Paul's so I guess that's the answer - inundate the forums with information! Once Telford is over this weekend I will get busy..
If anyone is attending Scalemodelworld please come and say "hello"!
 
Best wishes, Richard

Just to be clear - the "pre-order" is to register your interest only, as clearly explained on the Aviattic website page.
I now have a mailing list of just 300 interested parties, who are kept up to date with the trials and tribulations of getting this kit to the pre-order stage, when those on the list will be invited to place their orders before the kits general release.
These are very difficult times to be attempting anything like this project and it will be years before I see any kind of financial return - and only if it sells over a thousand units, which is a long way off yet. 
So, if anyone thinks such a multi-media, highly detailed WW1 aircraft kit is over-priced, I suggest you try it yourself!  Full injection-moulded WW1 kits are just not an option - even with millionaire backers, there simply is not the market, sadly. Multi-media kits allow a level of finesse in the detailing which should be welcomed not feared.
I sold just 320 of the Aviattic Ansaldo Balilla's. A kit many consider the finest WW1 aircraft kit yet produced. Their disappointing sales meant that going to a costly second run was just not financially viable. They currently change hands on EBay for hundreds of pounds, yet it took me three years to achieve that sales figure..
 
If you want to support such endeavours with no prior financial commitment - I just need to have a rough idea of the potential customer numbers - then please sign up for the newsletter. This kit will not be produced unless I can guarantee around 600 sales. Not "interested parties"..sales.
So that is my priority at the moment. Honing the various elements for fit and accuracy and deciding on production methods for each part.
I will not know the final production price and hoped-for delivery date until I am satisfied that the Pfalz will be the finest kit that I can produce. 
 
We are living in very difficult times, costs are escalating weekly, there are few casting and printing companies left wishing to deal with such small numbers. Most are too busy casting goblins or busty princesses for Kickstarters.
 
Best wishes, Richard
(director and head tea-maker, Aviattic Ltd)
 

Just to be clear - the "pre-order" is to register your interest only, as clearly explained on the Aviattic website page.
I now have a mailing list of just 300 interested parties, who are kept up to date with the trials and tribulations of getting this kit to the pre-order stage, when those on the list will be invited to place their orders before the kits general release.
These are very difficult times to be attempting anything like this project and it will be years before I see any kind of financial return - and only if it sells over a thousand units, which is a long way off yet. 
So, if anyone thinks such a multi-media, highly detailed WW1 aircraft kit is over-priced, I suggest you try it yourself!  Full injection-moulded WW1 kits are just not an option - even with millionaire backers, there simply is not the market, sadly. Multi-media kits allow a level of finesse in the detailing which should be welcomed not feared.
I sold just 320 of the Aviattic Ansaldo Balilla's. A kit many consider the finest WW1 aircraft kit yet produced. Their disappointing sales meant that going to a costly second run was just not financially viable. They currently change hands on EBay for hundreds of pounds, yet it took me three years to achieve that sales figure..
 
If you want to support such endeavours with no prior financial commitment - I just need to have a rough idea of the potential customer numbers - then please sign up for the newsletter. This kit will not be produced unless I can guarantee around 600 sales. Not "interested parties"..sales.
So that is my priority at the moment. Honing the various elements for fit and accuracy and deciding on production methods for each part.
I will not know the final production price and hoped-for delivery date until I am satisfied that the Pfalz will be the finest kit that I can produce. 
 
We are living in very difficult times, costs are escalating weekly, there are few casting and printing companies left wishing to deal with such small numbers. Most are too busy casting goblins or busty princesses for Kickstarters.
 
Best wishes, Richard
(director and head tea-maker, Aviattic Ltd)
 

He is a rare individual, indeed!..and shared much useful information with me during the design of this kit. Unfortunately he doesn't want me to share photographs on the net so you'll just have to trust me that this kit is nut and bolt perfect!..
A little flurry of interest generated by this post of Paul's so I guess that's the answer - inundate the forums with information! Once Telford is over this weekend I will get busy..
If anyone is attending Scalemodelworld please come and say "hello"!
 
Best wishes, Richard

Hi all,
Moving along now.
Upper wing halves and landing gear assembly are fitted. 
Rigging used is 0.5 mm diameter Nickel-Silver tube and 'RB Productions' 1/4 BSF streamline photo-etch wires.
In reality the flying, landing and incidence wires were 5/16 BSF size and the landing gear bracing 9/32 BSF.
However, I use the 1/4 BSF wires as that is what I had that was nearest is size.
 
Next up rigging:
 
Fin/tailplane bracing wire, which are 2BA size streamlined wire ('RB Productions') 
Aileron control wires, which are cable (monofilament) and 2BA size streamlined wire ('RB Productions') 
Elevator control cables, which are cable (monofilament) 
Rudder control cables, which are cable (monofilament)
Fuselage/upper wing drag wires, which are cable (monofilament) .
 
Mike
 

 

Hi all,
Weathering added, using 'Flory Models' Dark Dirt and Grime clay washes.
Sealed with 'Alclad' Light Sheen (ALC311).
 
Now it's onto pre-rigging before assembly,
 
Mike
 

 

 

 

 

Hi all,
Apart from a the interplane struts and Lewis machine gun, all of the decals are on.
‘Aviattic’ Sopwith Dolphin set (ATT32155/154) for the Clear Doped Linen and PC12.
‘Pheon’ Dolphin Volume 1 (32077) and kit supplied markings decals.
The 'polished' primer pre-shading can be seen showing though the clear backed decals.
 
Now, before pre-rigging and assembly, it's onto parts painting, remaining decals and weathering,
 
Mike
 

 

I'd take two if it would help. I am already on the interest list from the beginning. Everyone should check into the Patreon membership, too.

He is a rare individual, indeed!..and shared much useful information with me during the design of this kit. Unfortunately he doesn't want me to share photographs on the net so you'll just have to trust me that this kit is nut and bolt perfect!..
A little flurry of interest generated by this post of Paul's so I guess that's the answer - inundate the forums with information! Once Telford is over this weekend I will get busy..
If anyone is attending Scalemodelworld please come and say "hello"!
 
Best wishes, Richard

He is a rare individual, indeed!..and shared much useful information with me during the design of this kit. Unfortunately he doesn't want me to share photographs on the net so you'll just have to trust me that this kit is nut and bolt perfect!..
A little flurry of interest generated by this post of Paul's so I guess that's the answer - inundate the forums with information! Once Telford is over this weekend I will get busy..
If anyone is attending Scalemodelworld please come and say "hello"!
 
Best wishes, Richard

He is a rare individual, indeed!..and shared much useful information with me during the design of this kit. Unfortunately he doesn't want me to share photographs on the net so you'll just have to trust me that this kit is nut and bolt perfect!..
A little flurry of interest generated by this post of Paul's so I guess that's the answer - inundate the forums with information! Once Telford is over this weekend I will get busy..
If anyone is attending Scalemodelworld please come and say "hello"!
 
Best wishes, Richard

Hi all,
Pre-shading is done prior to applying the decals.
Instead of masking and airbrushing the pre-shading, I've used the same technique used for other models of mine.
A white primer was airbrushed over the parts, which is required for applying the clear 'Aviattic' CDL and PC12 decals.
I then lightly polished across the raised detail using 'Flory Models' green sanding sticks.
I also pre-shaded areas such as wing, aileron and elevator trailing edges and added the wing underside internal bracing wires with a pencil. 
The wears away the white primer to expose the light grey colour of the styrene.
The only masking needed was for pre-shading the wing front and rear spars and the fuselage formers frames.
I polished between the applied masking strips.
Finally, I airbrushed several coats of 'Alclad' Aqua Gloss 600 clear coat over the parts as a base for the decals.
The polished-out pre-shading detail will show through the 'Aviattic' clear decals, more so for the CDL than the PC12 decals.
 
Mike 
 

 

 

Hi all,
The Hispano-Suiza V8 200hp engine for the Dolphin is done.
For once I've not fully detailed the engine.
On this model, all of the engine cowl/access panel will be fitted.
As such, there is very little of the engine that will be visible.
However, the lower, outer ignition leads will just be visible.
I found it strange that the kit instructions on page 4 for painting the engine shows parts as Copper or Brass.
This doesn't seem to reflect the metals used on this engine, as can be seen on the following photographs of an engine, built under license by ‘Wolseley’.  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Also, the bracing wire rigging for the cockpit side frames, shown on page 6 of the kit instructions, suggests the wires were round wire wound cable.
However, photographs clearly show that these wires were in fact streamlined wires.
As can be seen by the non-turnbuckle tension adjusters and the exposed thread portion of the end of the wires.
 

 
Mike

A link to a 1:1 reproduction Pfalz DVIII (using an original Siemens-Halske engine) below as hors d'oeuvres ahead of the kit. Checkout the DVIII display video at the bottom of the page.  Mikael Carlson is amazing!
 
https://aerodrome.se/?page_id=81
 
Best regards,
Paul

@bstachel Thanks Richard,
 
The numbers and timelines make for sobering reading when we see the clear outline of what this means for Aviattic as a business. It puts our debates here on LSP in context.  I am sorry that the Ansaldo did not sell as well as you had hoped. I hope for you and for Aviattic that the Pfalz DVIII proves to be a more popular choice. I have a feeling it will be.
 
Kind regards,
Paul

Just to be clear - the "pre-order" is to register your interest only, as clearly explained on the Aviattic website page.
I now have a mailing list of just 300 interested parties, who are kept up to date with the trials and tribulations of getting this kit to the pre-order stage, when those on the list will be invited to place their orders before the kits general release.
These are very difficult times to be attempting anything like this project and it will be years before I see any kind of financial return - and only if it sells over a thousand units, which is a long way off yet. 
So, if anyone thinks such a multi-media, highly detailed WW1 aircraft kit is over-priced, I suggest you try it yourself!  Full injection-moulded WW1 kits are just not an option - even with millionaire backers, there simply is not the market, sadly. Multi-media kits allow a level of finesse in the detailing which should be welcomed not feared.
I sold just 320 of the Aviattic Ansaldo Balilla's. A kit many consider the finest WW1 aircraft kit yet produced. Their disappointing sales meant that going to a costly second run was just not financially viable. They currently change hands on EBay for hundreds of pounds, yet it took me three years to achieve that sales figure..
 
If you want to support such endeavours with no prior financial commitment - I just need to have a rough idea of the potential customer numbers - then please sign up for the newsletter. This kit will not be produced unless I can guarantee around 600 sales. Not "interested parties"..sales.
So that is my priority at the moment. Honing the various elements for fit and accuracy and deciding on production methods for each part.
I will not know the final production price and hoped-for delivery date until I am satisfied that the Pfalz will be the finest kit that I can produce. 
 
We are living in very difficult times, costs are escalating weekly, there are few casting and printing companies left wishing to deal with such small numbers. Most are too busy casting goblins or busty princesses for Kickstarters.
 
Best wishes, Richard
(director and head tea-maker, Aviattic Ltd)
 

Just to be clear - the "pre-order" is to register your interest only, as clearly explained on the Aviattic website page.
I now have a mailing list of just 300 interested parties, who are kept up to date with the trials and tribulations of getting this kit to the pre-order stage, when those on the list will be invited to place their orders before the kits general release.
These are very difficult times to be attempting anything like this project and it will be years before I see any kind of financial return - and only if it sells over a thousand units, which is a long way off yet. 
So, if anyone thinks such a multi-media, highly detailed WW1 aircraft kit is over-priced, I suggest you try it yourself!  Full injection-moulded WW1 kits are just not an option - even with millionaire backers, there simply is not the market, sadly. Multi-media kits allow a level of finesse in the detailing which should be welcomed not feared.
I sold just 320 of the Aviattic Ansaldo Balilla's. A kit many consider the finest WW1 aircraft kit yet produced. Their disappointing sales meant that going to a costly second run was just not financially viable. They currently change hands on EBay for hundreds of pounds, yet it took me three years to achieve that sales figure..
 
If you want to support such endeavours with no prior financial commitment - I just need to have a rough idea of the potential customer numbers - then please sign up for the newsletter. This kit will not be produced unless I can guarantee around 600 sales. Not "interested parties"..sales.
So that is my priority at the moment. Honing the various elements for fit and accuracy and deciding on production methods for each part.
I will not know the final production price and hoped-for delivery date until I am satisfied that the Pfalz will be the finest kit that I can produce. 
 
We are living in very difficult times, costs are escalating weekly, there are few casting and printing companies left wishing to deal with such small numbers. Most are too busy casting goblins or busty princesses for Kickstarters.
 
Best wishes, Richard
(director and head tea-maker, Aviattic Ltd)
 

Just to be clear - the "pre-order" is to register your interest only, as clearly explained on the Aviattic website page.
I now have a mailing list of just 300 interested parties, who are kept up to date with the trials and tribulations of getting this kit to the pre-order stage, when those on the list will be invited to place their orders before the kits general release.
These are very difficult times to be attempting anything like this project and it will be years before I see any kind of financial return - and only if it sells over a thousand units, which is a long way off yet. 
So, if anyone thinks such a multi-media, highly detailed WW1 aircraft kit is over-priced, I suggest you try it yourself!  Full injection-moulded WW1 kits are just not an option - even with millionaire backers, there simply is not the market, sadly. Multi-media kits allow a level of finesse in the detailing which should be welcomed not feared.
I sold just 320 of the Aviattic Ansaldo Balilla's. A kit many consider the finest WW1 aircraft kit yet produced. Their disappointing sales meant that going to a costly second run was just not financially viable. They currently change hands on EBay for hundreds of pounds, yet it took me three years to achieve that sales figure..
 
If you want to support such endeavours with no prior financial commitment - I just need to have a rough idea of the potential customer numbers - then please sign up for the newsletter. This kit will not be produced unless I can guarantee around 600 sales. Not "interested parties"..sales.
So that is my priority at the moment. Honing the various elements for fit and accuracy and deciding on production methods for each part.
I will not know the final production price and hoped-for delivery date until I am satisfied that the Pfalz will be the finest kit that I can produce. 
 
We are living in very difficult times, costs are escalating weekly, there are few casting and printing companies left wishing to deal with such small numbers. Most are too busy casting goblins or busty princesses for Kickstarters.
 
Best wishes, Richard
(director and head tea-maker, Aviattic Ltd)
 

Just to be clear - the "pre-order" is to register your interest only, as clearly explained on the Aviattic website page.
I now have a mailing list of just 300 interested parties, who are kept up to date with the trials and tribulations of getting this kit to the pre-order stage, when those on the list will be invited to place their orders before the kits general release.
These are very difficult times to be attempting anything like this project and it will be years before I see any kind of financial return - and only if it sells over a thousand units, which is a long way off yet. 
So, if anyone thinks such a multi-media, highly detailed WW1 aircraft kit is over-priced, I suggest you try it yourself!  Full injection-moulded WW1 kits are just not an option - even with millionaire backers, there simply is not the market, sadly. Multi-media kits allow a level of finesse in the detailing which should be welcomed not feared.
I sold just 320 of the Aviattic Ansaldo Balilla's. A kit many consider the finest WW1 aircraft kit yet produced. Their disappointing sales meant that going to a costly second run was just not financially viable. They currently change hands on EBay for hundreds of pounds, yet it took me three years to achieve that sales figure..
 
If you want to support such endeavours with no prior financial commitment - I just need to have a rough idea of the potential customer numbers - then please sign up for the newsletter. This kit will not be produced unless I can guarantee around 600 sales. Not "interested parties"..sales.
So that is my priority at the moment. Honing the various elements for fit and accuracy and deciding on production methods for each part.
I will not know the final production price and hoped-for delivery date until I am satisfied that the Pfalz will be the finest kit that I can produce. 
 
We are living in very difficult times, costs are escalating weekly, there are few casting and printing companies left wishing to deal with such small numbers. Most are too busy casting goblins or busty princesses for Kickstarters.
 
Best wishes, Richard
(director and head tea-maker, Aviattic Ltd)
 

Just to be clear - the "pre-order" is to register your interest only, as clearly explained on the Aviattic website page.
I now have a mailing list of just 300 interested parties, who are kept up to date with the trials and tribulations of getting this kit to the pre-order stage, when those on the list will be invited to place their orders before the kits general release.
These are very difficult times to be attempting anything like this project and it will be years before I see any kind of financial return - and only if it sells over a thousand units, which is a long way off yet. 
So, if anyone thinks such a multi-media, highly detailed WW1 aircraft kit is over-priced, I suggest you try it yourself!  Full injection-moulded WW1 kits are just not an option - even with millionaire backers, there simply is not the market, sadly. Multi-media kits allow a level of finesse in the detailing which should be welcomed not feared.
I sold just 320 of the Aviattic Ansaldo Balilla's. A kit many consider the finest WW1 aircraft kit yet produced. Their disappointing sales meant that going to a costly second run was just not financially viable. They currently change hands on EBay for hundreds of pounds, yet it took me three years to achieve that sales figure..
 
If you want to support such endeavours with no prior financial commitment - I just need to have a rough idea of the potential customer numbers - then please sign up for the newsletter. This kit will not be produced unless I can guarantee around 600 sales. Not "interested parties"..sales.
So that is my priority at the moment. Honing the various elements for fit and accuracy and deciding on production methods for each part.
I will not know the final production price and hoped-for delivery date until I am satisfied that the Pfalz will be the finest kit that I can produce. 
 
We are living in very difficult times, costs are escalating weekly, there are few casting and printing companies left wishing to deal with such small numbers. Most are too busy casting goblins or busty princesses for Kickstarters.
 
Best wishes, Richard
(director and head tea-maker, Aviattic Ltd)
 

Just to be clear - the "pre-order" is to register your interest only, as clearly explained on the Aviattic website page.
I now have a mailing list of just 300 interested parties, who are kept up to date with the trials and tribulations of getting this kit to the pre-order stage, when those on the list will be invited to place their orders before the kits general release.
These are very difficult times to be attempting anything like this project and it will be years before I see any kind of financial return - and only if it sells over a thousand units, which is a long way off yet. 
So, if anyone thinks such a multi-media, highly detailed WW1 aircraft kit is over-priced, I suggest you try it yourself!  Full injection-moulded WW1 kits are just not an option - even with millionaire backers, there simply is not the market, sadly. Multi-media kits allow a level of finesse in the detailing which should be welcomed not feared.
I sold just 320 of the Aviattic Ansaldo Balilla's. A kit many consider the finest WW1 aircraft kit yet produced. Their disappointing sales meant that going to a costly second run was just not financially viable. They currently change hands on EBay for hundreds of pounds, yet it took me three years to achieve that sales figure..
 
If you want to support such endeavours with no prior financial commitment - I just need to have a rough idea of the potential customer numbers - then please sign up for the newsletter. This kit will not be produced unless I can guarantee around 600 sales. Not "interested parties"..sales.
So that is my priority at the moment. Honing the various elements for fit and accuracy and deciding on production methods for each part.
I will not know the final production price and hoped-for delivery date until I am satisfied that the Pfalz will be the finest kit that I can produce. 
 
We are living in very difficult times, costs are escalating weekly, there are few casting and printing companies left wishing to deal with such small numbers. Most are too busy casting goblins or busty princesses for Kickstarters.
 
Best wishes, Richard
(director and head tea-maker, Aviattic Ltd)