Jump to content

Wingnut Wings 1/32 Jeannin Stahltaube


DWW

Recommended Posts

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.

 

1_Stahl_Taube_IP_edited-1.jpg

 

 

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.

 

10_Stahl_Taube_IP.jpg

 

 

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.

 

24_Stahl_Taube_IP_edited-1.jpg

 

 

The trompe l'oeil paint, viewed from above the inverted model...

 

20_Taube.jpg

 

 

...and then as nature intended.

 

image.jpg

 

 

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.

 

17_Taube.jpg

 

 

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.

 

15_Taube.jpg

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

20 hours ago, Warbird said:

A beautiful build of a gracious airplane. I saw a real one in the Technikmuseum in Berlin and was surprised by the size of this one. This is not a small bird!

 

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...