Hodge podge

 

Ok, I have finally gotten back to the Fokker Dr. I.  There is a model show upcoming in the near future and I want to get this one done, so I am making the big push.  This is a hodge-podge of various entries.

 

First off, below is the prop and the nice sink mark.  I had to fill it with copious amount of super glue and sand like crazy to get it smooth.  I then painted it with Vallejo wood color.  Now I need to get the nerve to paint the dark brown strips – I will leave that for later when I get my nerve up.

 

I also started on the LMG machine guns.  Roden provided 2 versions of the machine guns, ones with solid cooling jackets and ones with no cooling jackets.  You will need the Eduard PE set to use the no cooling jackets version.  This makes it real easy and I applaud Roden for including this option.  As usual, there is a sink mark in the middle of the body of the gun.  Since I am using the Eduard PE set, it is not a big issue since the details will need to be removed and replaced.  So I filled the sink mark and sanded smooth.

 

I completed the engine.  The engine is several parts and looks great when completed.  The cylinder walls are glued together and then top portion is placed on top of each cylinder.  The push rod assembly and exhaust are separate pieces.  The one problem is seam line along the cylinder walls that is inherent to all radial engines.  Most times the cowling hides the engine, but on the Fokker Dr. I a portion of the engine pokes out of the bottom of the cowling.  If anyone has any suggestions on to remove the seam along the cylinder walls, besides scraping, please let me know.    

 

I purchased the Cutting Edge replacement cowling.  In my opinion, this is was the biggest oversight with the kit and I understand that Roden corrected the mistake with their F1 kit.  As you can see there is a big difference and well worth the effort (and cash) for this upgrade.    The Cutting Edge cowling interior will need to be sanded almost paper thin or else the engine will not fit inside correctly.

 

In addition, if you plan to rig the plane then the following areas will need to be drilled out.  Roden clearly marks these areas. 

 

Lastly, I dry fitted the wings.  You will to sand and dry fit the struts several times over to get them to slide through the wings.