Author Topic: Gallaudet D-5B of USMC, 1918  (Read 14911 times)

Offline Brian da Basher

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Re: Gallaudet D-5B of USMC, 1918
« Reply #25 on: October 22, 2014, 03:04:01 AM »
It looks like you're well on track to make the deadline, Chuck!

I really like the look of that prop!

Brian da Basher

Offline taiidantomcat

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Re: Gallaudet D-5B of USMC, 1918
« Reply #26 on: October 28, 2014, 06:45:19 AM »
All kinds of impressive  :-*
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Offline Acree

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Re: Gallaudet D-5B of USMC, 1918
« Reply #27 on: October 31, 2014, 07:59:36 AM »
Thanks! 

Here is a small photo update.  It's been two-steps forward 1.87 steps backward, but I have the wings in place, though much touch-up is required and I'm still not entirely happy.  Though I followed the 3-view, I ended up making the wings thicker than I intended, but it is too much to go back and redo. 

The second photo shows one of two partial landing gear assemblies.  I searched for a suitable wheel and tire combo, but found nothing that would work, until I was at the hardware store and came across faucet repair kits which included little rubber o-rings, one of which was the perfect size.  Made a sheet styrene disc for a wheel, inserted an tubular axle, and I think that'll do!  The strut assemblies are sheet styrene, hand carved with a sharp exacto knife - miraculously, no cuts on my thumbs!!

Still think I'll make it, but a lot of detail remains. 

The three-views do not show any semblance of a radiator.  When I made the profile, I added a fuselage-side-mounted unit, but that would be pretty inefficient.  As I build the model, I'm amazed that Mr. Gallaudet did not mount a radiator in the nose - would have made sense.  Anyway, I think I'll stick with the side-mount unit because it adds visual interest.  Feel free to add your thoughts!

Chuck 

Offline Acree

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"Finished" - Gallaudet D-5B of USMC, 1918
« Reply #28 on: November 12, 2014, 01:41:10 AM »
Well, since it's Nov 11, I'm calling this finished, even though there is more I could do.  I've learned a lot during this build, exploring all the limits of my capabilities.  Some things turned out really well, some things not so much - especially the decals and a few other things.  I think I will completely give up the idea of custom made decals, at least for now. 

Everything is scratch built except the Liberty engine and prop blades.  All major components are from sheet styrene (the fuselage is built up over a frame of plastic rod (much like steel tube and fabric construction).  The wings are plastic card spars and ribs with sheet plastic covering.  Wing tips and fuselage nose are made of styrofoam, carved and puttied.  The radiator is plastic tube, sheet and angle sections, while the radiator "hoses" are electrical solder.  The decals are homemade (I searched for manufactured decals but with no luck).  The control lines are fishing line.  The windshield is just a piece of clear plastic packing material (which was crystal clear until I forgot to mask it or remove before spraying clear coat! doh!).  The tires are faucet repair kit rubber o-rings.

The model represents a D-5B serving with the US Marines serving with Squadron C, Day Wing, Northern Bombing Group, La Frene, France in October 1918. 

All that being said, here she is in all her "glory":



Offline Brian da Basher

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Re: Gallaudet D-5B of USMC, 1918
« Reply #29 on: November 12, 2014, 03:56:47 AM »
That's quite an impressive use of diverse materials, Acree!

You certainly captured the essence of a W.W.I U.S.M.C. bird and the markings were very well done!

Brian da Basher

Offline taiidantomcat

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Re: Gallaudet D-5B of USMC, 1918
« Reply #30 on: November 12, 2014, 05:08:37 AM »
Awesome finish!!  :) Great work (its getting my vote  ;) )
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Offline arkon

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Re: Gallaudet D-5B of USMC, 1918
« Reply #31 on: November 12, 2014, 12:11:09 PM »
That is an inspiration .
the paper gods demand sacrifice

Offline Dr. YoKai

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Re: Gallaudet D-5B of USMC, 1918
« Reply #32 on: November 16, 2014, 03:43:26 AM »
Absolutely a stunner! Well done!

Offline Acree

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Re: Gallaudet D-5B of USMC, 1918
« Reply #33 on: November 16, 2014, 06:48:26 AM »
Thank you, gents, for your kind comments. 

Offline Weaver

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Re: Gallaudet D-5B of USMC, 1918
« Reply #34 on: November 17, 2014, 05:13:08 AM »
For a first attempt at scratchbuilding that's outstanding: well done! :) 8)
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