The kit is a Lone Star multi-media 1/48 kit of the Junkers J.1 ground assault aircraft. It was the first all metal (duraluminum) combat aircraft, circa 1917-1918 and was designed by Hugo Junkers. Junkers would produce many of the pre-war and WW2 period aircraft used by Germany. This particular aircraft was unique in that it featured a 5mm thick armor "bathtub" that enclosed engine and crew, providing protection against enemy groundfire. There is no record of any J.1's being lost to AA fire during the war. The kit comprises a vacuform fuselage and SOLID resin wings and tail surfaces, creating quite a heavy model. All interplane and cabane struts had to be scratch built from steel rod faired with styrene strip in order to sustain the weight of the large upper wing. The model included white metal details and an extensive P.E. sheet that included many internal details not readily seen after closing the fuselage halves. This led to my decision to create an open engine access hatch that would expose some of the minute details of the engine, engine mount, and internal bracing. This proved to be a very challenging project but I was fairly pleased with the final result. Thanks for looking.
AS usual Bob another great build especially of a rare and interesting subject. Hey I got the Pfalz tail painted now for the decals and final assembly. And my first excursion into wonder wire.
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Doc Wiseman Improvise, Adapt, Overcome. Chance Favors the Prepared Mind. Too Dumb for Opera, too Smart for NASCAR.
Doc, If you have any questions about the "Wonder Wire", let me know. Most easily explained,
1. Measure your distance with a drafting compass or calipers.
2. Spool out some wire from the bag (careful or you'll have a 10 foot length of wire sproined onto your bench!), next to the measured points of the compass.
3. Gently apply pressure to the wire with a rounded x-acto blade, being sure to hold down the open end (the piece you are breaking off) or you WILL launch it across the room to find later when walking in your stocking feet..OUCH!)
4. With a good pair of tweezers pick up the cut piece and dip each end into a tiny amount of white glue.
5. Place wire in desired position. Sometimes I will dot a tiny amount of white glue to the positioning points on the model first to help the location.
I think they covered most of this in the instructions but I just thought I'd go over it with you. It's really amazing how strongly it will hold with a small amount of Elmer's. Rarely do I need to replace wires that have fallen off during transport.
While we're on the subject, has anyone been able to get in touch with Bruce and Moria at Precision? As they were the sole distributor of "Wonder Wire", I'm getting a little nervous. My current supply is down to around 150'
I handed them a contract at Wings & Wheels in April and told them we moved the date from Halloween Wknd just for them. Both Mike and I tried to contact them by telephone prior to our show. No answer, the phone just rings.
I've heard rumor from the Albany crew that they may be going out of business. No confirmation of that but it's distressing news if it is true. I hope if they are retiring, they sell it to somebody to take up the slack.
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Doc Wiseman Improvise, Adapt, Overcome. Chance Favors the Prepared Mind. Too Dumb for Opera, too Smart for NASCAR.
And my first excursion into wonder wire.
