1:32nd scale Airco DH.2

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
I thought it was time to build one of the 'pushers' in my stash.
So next build a 'Wingnut Wings' model.

Airco DH.2, Serial No.5966 as flown by Capt. Alan Machin Wilkinson of ‘C’ Flight, No.24 Squadron, Bertangles, August 1916.

 

Mike

 

[Greif8]

I'll follow this with interest Mike.  I don't have this kit but someday I might find one that does not cost an arma and a leg.  Looking forward to your build!

 

Ernest

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
The basic nacelle is complete.
I've added some extra details:

 

Two pipes on the fuel fine control (forward, top of nacelle left side frame)
Pipe from the hand operated pressure pump (nacelle left side frame)
Tachometer drive (nacelle right side frame)
Rudder control cables
Aileron control cables (hidden by pilots seat)
Crossed bracing wires in nacelle side frames
Crossed bracing wires over top of the engine drip tray in rear of nacelle.

 

A second pair of crossed bracing wires behind the engine will be fitted once the lower wing is fitted (wires attached to lower wing rear spar.
The Lewis machine gun will be fitted later in the build.

 

Now onto the outside of the nacelle,

 

Mike

 

 

 

 

[Oldbaldguy]

Very nicely done.  Can’t believe these things were the hot fighter of the day for a while.  We’re essentially talking about an armed ultralight here.  Hats off to your ability to do so well with the tiny, tedious parts.

[Greif8]

Very beautiful wood effect Mike, and the rest of the cockpit looks outstanding as well!

 

Ernest

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
The engine is completed.
I added ignition leads made from annealed 0.125 mm diameter copper wire,

 

Mike

 

 

 

[Troy Molitor]

Looking wonderful as always Mike.  

[Greif8]

A nice little work of art that engine Mike!

 

Ernest

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
I've replaced the pre-molded stitching on the nacelle as I thought it looked slightly flat.
I used photo-etch stitching from the ‘HGW Models’ AMC DH.2 set (132097).
I've also added the cover strip between the nose and nacelle upper cowl.
That was cut from 0.2 mm thick plastic card,

 

Mike

 

 

Edited October 11, 2024 by sandbagger

[Greif8]

Very nice progress Mike!

 

Ernest

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
The basic nacelle is now complete.
Apart from replacing the stitching, I've also replaced the molded straps on the rear cover.
These were made from strips of 0.1 mm thick plastic card with photo-etch buckle ends.
The underside sliding panel was replaced with photo-etch.
I added the nacelle drain hole and the two pairs of attachment end fittings.
Weathering was with 'Flory Models' Dart Dirt wash.

 

Mike

 

 

 

 

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
The undersides have been prepared for applying 'Aviattic' CDL decal.
First primed with 'Tamiya' Fine Surface Primer aerosole (grey).
Then airbrushed with ‘MRP’ acrylic lacquer Dark Wood (MRP-262).
Thin strips of masking were applied to represent the internal structure.
Then airbrushed with ‘MRP’ acrylic lacquer Clear Doped Linen (MRP-256).
All masking tape removed.
Then airbrushed with ‘MRP’ acrylic lacquer Clear Doped Linen (MRP-256) to fade the internal structure.

 

The DH.2 was fitted with either a two or for bladed propeller.
The four bladed propeller fitted to the DH.2 was the ‘Darracq’ T7928 type that had been already fitted to the FE.8 fighter.
Some had metal plates fitted to the blade leading edge tips to protect against damage or erosion.
Others had the tips wrapped in doped linen for the same reasons.
I chose to represent the linen wrapping type.
Masked then airbrushed with ‘MRP’ acrylic lacquer Clear Doped Linen (MRP-256).
Lined weathered with 'Tamiya' Weathering Master Set D (Oil Stain).
Single 'Darracq' company logo applied to one blade (as seen on an FE.8 propeller).

 

Mike

 

 

 

[Paulpk]

Mike, nice job on the prop. The previous photo of the underside of the nacelle. The jagged shapes, are they the side fabric wrapped under the floor?

[Greif8]

Superb work on both the internal structure and the prop Mike.  

 

Ernest

[sandbagger]

6 hours ago, Paulpk said:

Mike, nice job on the prop. The previous photo of the underside of the nacelle. The jagged shapes, are they the side fabric wrapped under the floor?

Hi Paul,

The floor of the DH2 nacelle was plywood and the underside on No.24 Squadron DH2's was painted white.

The saw-tooth pattern on the edges of the nacelle underside were painted in either grey or Protective Covering 10 (PC10).

I believe the linen side panels were attached to the bottom, outer edges of the nacelle, not wrapped onto the underside,

 

Mike

Edited October 22, 2024 by sandbagger