> who are unaware of Windsock magazine and Windsock Datafiles. Or worse,
> are aware, but do not subscribe! Windsock being about the ONLY reliable
>
> 3) The variety of available kits is 'not there'. Until recently, if
>
> 4) Two, or three wings! How to get all those struts angled right, and
>
Agreed, in general. For myself, I find WWI-era projects to be far more
intimidating *to show* that other later subjects. But *not* to build.
Indeed, I'd say that they get at least equal "floor time" on my workbench
with my other interest (WWII aviation 1/72). The amount of time required,
just for example, to turn out a 'competition' level Alb.D.III very far
outdistances that required for a similar La.5FN project.
Rigging is certainly one reason. In general, there's more exposed
detail on WWI-era machines than later: control lines, bracing, rib tapes,
internal structure (cockpit area), etc, ad nauseum. I mean, for my own
enjoyment, I do not typically include a collection of instruments in the
cockpit nor build internal structural components therein. For a show
model, of course, I would want to do so. As well, I find finishing WWI
machines to be more difficult, particularly Central Powers machines--
working with lozenge decals is one of the great pains of the universe, IMO.
The structures are more 'delicate', and I think a real artist's touch
is required to keep the effect 'in scale'. I'm constantly struggling with
this problem, myself. Weathering is also more complicated, though I can't
say enough about Steve's accomplishments in this regard-- one day I hope
to *approach* this level.
And so on. I'd wager, however, that an examination of any modeller's
collection (interested in the subject) would turn up a proportional
number of completed WWI machines in comparison to any other era, as is
true for myself. On the other hand, how many WWI models have I 'shown' at
competition? None.
Erik
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"Prime Minister, I foresee all sorts of unforeseen difficulties!..."
--Sir Humphrey Appleby
"Another idea?... I say, I can't remember the last time we had a Minister
with *two* ideas...."
--Sir Arnold
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