The Red Baron

 

OK, I am schizophrenic when it comes to building models.  I have so many projects going that I don’t think I will ever finish one.  In some ways this good and in some ways it is bad.  Mainly, it is easier to set a project down then come back at it later with a fresh approach.  

 

This is one project I want to take my time with.  I am working on a 1/32 Roden DR. 1 with a von Richthofen (the Red Baron) paint scheme.   This will not be the standard overall red scheme but one that is half red and half green streaked.  Plus it has the Iron Crosses which are just cool.  

 

I have finished the cockpit.  I was very disappointed by Roden’s detail with the cockpit – it is very poor. Being a 1/32 scale tri-plane, the cockpit is very visible.  They did not even include the wood panel siding.  So I purchased the Eduard detail set (painted version).

First I superglued the etch-metal wood panel outline into place.  Make sure you follow the natural outline of the fuselage to get it right.  My research indicated that the interior color would have Doped Linen (I used Tamiya Buff) as the linen was sealed prior to exterior green streaking.  I masked around the wood area and painted it with Vallejo wood.  After the paint dried, I used oil paints (burnt sienna and vandyke brown) to add the wood streaks.  Basically, I just painted it on and let it dry several minutes then I began to wipe away until I was satisfied.  

 

I scratch built a cushion for the seat out of quick drying clay and painted with Model Master Leather.  

 

The framing was painted Vallejo Light Green Grey.  The rest of the Eduard detail was added.  I also added wires running from the foot pedals running back under the seat.  

 

The instructions are horrible and will have you placing parts in the incorrect areas.  For example, Part 16 C (not pictured) should be placed ahead of Part 22 C, the instructions have it the other way.  Part 2 C should not be glued to the foot pedals as instructed, but to the tube on the bottom of the cockpit (there is actually a place for it). 

 

I do not like the flat gauges that Eduard supplied – so I cut a small portion of spruce and glued it to the back of the gauge to give it depth. 

 

REMEMBER, to test fit EVERY part before gluing into place or there will be problems later.  Also, get some good reference pictures before starting.