DWW

Cheers for that W - you're right to point out the size of the taube, it dwarfs an Albatros for sure! For a wing warper, it's a big 'ole thing! TTFN Steve

Big thanks to all who've kindly dropped by on this one - much appreciated. :-) TTFN Steve

Hi S Wingnut don't do pranks or fail to issue what they announce is moving towards release. The kit's apparently been eight years in development; hardly surprising given their WWI release schedule and devotion to quality and accuracy. TTFN Steve

Hi folks. Ever since gawping open mouthed at Mike Grant's lovely DH-2, in a prior issue of Airfix Model World, I've nursed an ambition to have a go at the trompe l'oeil effect Mike expertly rendered, giving the illusion of a semi translucent wing, revealing some sight of the structures within. The superb taube from Wingnut seemed a perfect foil to try a little French 'slight of airbrush'. First thing that whacks you in the kisser, when you lift the lid is the amazing moulding achievements in the wings. Backlighting here reveals the wafer thin flexing 'aileron' portion and the 'fingers' within. The tank in the forward cockpit was a fair target for abuse; here 'worn effects' liquid, some brush scrubbing and heat from a hairdryer distressed, cracked and flaked the top colour. A little clear varnish was misted over to gently 'fix' the damaged paint. The fully assembled and rigged interior includes a portion of the lower fuselage. As per other WW kits it's a snug fit but correctly aligned, it all slots in. The trompe l'oeil paint, viewed from above the inverted model... ...and then as nature intended. The build guide had a couple of period images that revealed the 'turned' cowling in the way depicted here, so the WW methodology was bypassed for a homespun approach that mimicked the photographs without dependency on the direction of the light. While the taube is a rigging junkie's dream, I recognise it may, at the same time, dissuade others from taking the plunge because of the perceived complexity. No need to fear it though, if you apply a few basic rules - rig the fuselage first, leaving the wings off until that's done / add the wings and rig the lowers first / rig the top sections / do all the rigging from the centre first, working outwards / use wire eyelets, tiny sections of brass tube and elastic rigging thread for safe, dependable lines and anchors. Always a huge buzz to see your latest in print and you'll find the nine page coverage of the taube in the latest (November) issue of Airfix Model World. Wish you all well with your own projects! Till next time. Steve

Hi Peter: At 83 pages and counting, there's too much fabulous modelling to encapsulate in a single post like mine. I love stuff like this - rare and outstanding, that shows folks like me what's possible with the right tools, materials and skills; not that I will ever (ever) produce anything like it myself but I'm just so happy to see the boundaries pushed with such elegance and application. Edgar would, I'm sure, be extraordinarily happy to see such a thing in his memory. I hope to see your model in person somewhere after it's finished Pete. TTFN Steve :-)

Great build Ken - anyone who closes the book on a SH kit deserves an award for gallantry! Lovely result. TTFN Steve :-)

Hi Coors: Lovely result! The hot end just looks real. I''m no kerosene burner expert but it's always seemed the hardest part of a Rhino build to get right - yours is one of the best I've seen and the rest of the build is similarly great. I picked up the Tamiya 1/32 F-4E at Telford - looks like a fun build. Take it easy. Steve