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Hi everyone! Back with a new project! After the DH.9 disaster, I needed something to get my mojo back — still within the world of WW1 biplanes, of course. I eventually settled on Wingnut Wings’ 1/32 scale Sopwith Camel — one of the most iconic aircraft of the Great War. The kit in my stash is the Sopwith F.1 Camel USAS version, and for this build, I’ve chosen to depict HR Clay Jr.’s aircraft. A bit of history: HR Clay Jr. first served with 43 Sqn RAF to gain operational experience before transferring to the 148th Aero Squadron, where he achieved eight victories. He was later appointed commander of the 41st Aero Squadron, but the war ended before it became fully active. Tragically, he survived the war only to succumb to the Great Influenza pandemic in 1919, aged just 23. As usual, I started with the cockpit. My approach was similar to the DH.9 — wooden areas were base-painted with sand, then given a wood grain effect using red brown and my trusty photo-etched stencil. I used radome tan to create subtle wear and tonal variation, then unified everything with a layer of raw burnt umber oil paint, gently wiped off with a soft sponge. For the seat, I replaced the kit part with a 3D-printed one from GasPatch Models — beautifully detailed with realistic wicker texture and a leather cushion, making painting both easier and more satisfying. The wicker was painted in several shades of beige, enhanced with a dark brown wash to bring out the texture. For the leather cushion, I used a similar method to the wood: base coat of NATO black, scratches added with a lighter mix, and a final layer of burnt umber oil paint, partially removed to create realistic wear. Cockpit details like instrument dials, pumps, levers, and push rods were brush-painted in silver, grey, or brass, followed by a black wash to add depth, then sealed with a matte varnish. The internal fuel tank can be painted aluminum or grey according to the instructions. I went with grey so I could try out an armor modeling technique: applying random light grey chips with a sponge, then darkening the centers to create a layered chipping effect. It turned out surprisingly convincing! Finally, I tackled the internal rigging, using Bob’s Buckles and EZ Line’s fine stretch thread. It took a fair bit of patience (and a few deep breaths), but the end result was absolutely worth it — the rigging really brings the cockpit to life. Next step: armament and engine!

Hello everyone! It's been a veeeery long time since my last 1/32 project. But here I am, starting a new build—the Wingnut Wings 1/32 scale AMC DH.9. This will be my first WWI subject and will represent a Hellenic Naval Air Service aircraft that served during the Asia Minor Campaign. The specific aircraft, Spetsai—named after the Greek island of Spetses—was later specially painted for the victory celebration flyover of Constantinople. Work has begun with the cockpit, featuring the characteristic wooden structure typical of WWI designs. I airbrushed all components with a sand base coat, followed by a red brown layer applied through a wood grain stencil. The effect was unified using oil paints: applied, then gently wiped off with a soft sponge. I used raw umber for the frame and burnt umber for the sidewalls to replicate different wood types. The leather seat cushions were painted using a similar method. I first applied NATO black by brush, then added scratches using a mix of the base color lightened with sand. A final layer of burnt umber oil paint, partially removed, completed the leather effect. Smaller cockpit details such as instrument dials, pumps, levers, and push rods were brush painted with silver, grey, or brass. A black wash helped bring out depth and definition, and everything was sealed with a matt varnish. The engine firewall was painted in a white metal finish, with the upper section rendered in linen to simulate fabric. It was weathered with black oil paint to suggest oil streaks and splatter. The radiator and supplementary oil tank were painted light grey. For wear and chipping, I used a technique common in armor modeling: light grey chips applied randomly with a sponge, then painting the center with a darker grey to enhance contrast. Next step: cockpit assembly and engine installation. Thanks for following along!

Hello and good evening everybody! I've been watching this forum for a long time and I'm always very impressed by all the excellent models and WiP's that are shown here. I've been building a/c models since 1989 mostly in 1/32 and this forum is my favourite. I've wanted to start a WiP for a long time, but I was always unsure, also because English is not my native language and that doesn't make it easier for me! But now I will give it a try! I want to start a WiP today, a Fairey Swordfish Mk.II from Trumpeter. I had this kit in my stash for quite a while and had start it end of July last year. I took pictures from the start, so I'm a little further along than shown. I hope that's not a problem for you, I'll show you what I've done so far. So let's start! The kit is the well known Trumpeter kit of the Mk.II with the strengthened underwing for using rocket projectiles and the different oil cooler and exaust stack. Some aftermarket items are used for the build: -Eduard Seat belts -Eduard maskings -Eduard exterior 32236 I want to represent a plane that was flown by 815 Sqn. deployed in the mediterranen area. Started with the engine: A few photo-etched parts were added like the ignition wires: Everything was painted with AK Metal paints and weathered with oils. Then turning to the fuselage halves, painting the fabric outer skin in a sandy colour in this case Tamiya XF-57 Buff: ..and masking.... ..then came the Grey-Green Cockpit colour... ..Cockpit parts were painted black as a base colour... ..then again Grey- Green for the cockpit parts... ...detailing some parts... That's all for now, I hope it is interesting for you! Criticism or suggestions are always welcome! Good night everybody! Lutz