Wingnut Wings Rumpler C.IV early with Diorama

[strawnobi]

"Quick, Let's grab the cameras before the mechanics return!"

I've built a little diorama for the Rumpler. The figures are Tamiya WWI British infantry. I figure they're on a spy mission to steal some photography and equipment.

The extras are things that are included in the kit itself.

The picture frame was bought at a 100yen shop.

Anyway, I'm calling this thing done at this point. I may take some better photos down the road but my camera's battery died. I hope you have enjoyed seeing this project. It's one of my favorite builds.







































































Well folks, here it is. My first attempt at a Wingnut Wings kit. And all I can say is man, I'm hooked. This has to be one of the most interesting experiences I've had modeling. Wingnut wings is doing so many things right it's hard to nitpick their weaknesses.

The fit is fantastic. In some places it's too good. It's a little tight. But, if you take your time and test fit, the fit is beautiful.

This was the first time I have attempted wood grain effects and it turned out better than I expected.

Also, this was the second kit I've done rigging on. I must admit, it's a pain. It took about 5 to 6 hours. But, its NOT overly challenging.

The one weakness in this build is also probably it's best strength. That is the instructions. They are the most beautiful instructions I've ever worked with. However, they are not the easiest instructions to use. In a couple of places, their diagrams are a little vague. This is one area where Tamiya has them beat yet. Their diagrams are easier to follow IMO. That being said, the manual is such a lesson in history. I still love paging through it.

The decals are fantastic. They are Cartograf which means they are the best. Absolutely no problems with them.

The paint scheme I chose is in the manual, but I chose slightly darker shades which turned out better than I was expecting.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the photos. I can't recommend this kit to beginners obviously. But, if you have experience building a Tamiya 1/32 kit, you shouldn't be intimidated by Wingnut Wings. You will have an absolute ball. I want to build the Albatross someday. But I need a little break.

Cheers and happy modeling from Japan!

Matt

[Avgas]

Absolutely stunning build.

[strawnobi]

Absolutely stunning build.

Thanks so much Avgas. I'm still tweaking it a bit. I tightened up a couple of the rigging wires and added a couple of details I forgot. As they say, models are never finished, they are just abandoned.

[Twokidsnosleep]

These are the coolest builds, just screaming for a little diorama
Fabulous work, thanks for sharing

[rwsmith14]

FABULOUS !!! WOW !!! that's Beautiful !!

[Opapapa]

Outstanding work! Like a cherry on the top that prop is perfect!

Olli

[Avgas]

By the way one of the lads at my modelling club has built the Wingnuts Felixstowe. Absolutely giant kit!!

[Willem]

Absolutely bloody fantastic. Love the scheme and the propeller wood effect is stunning.

[strawnobi]

By the way one of the lads at my modelling club has built the Wingnuts Felixstowe. Absolutely giant kit!!

Their giant kits take up so much room. Plus the rigging on them is endless. They are neat though. Maybe someday if I ever have space. Anyway, thanks for the kind words as always gents. I'm actually finishing up a diorama for it now. I got some figures and there are some other goodies in the kit to paint. I hope to have it really finished by the weekend and post the pictures of the Diorama. This kit just screams for one and there was no way I could just leave it set by its lonesome.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Awesome, can't wait to see what you come up with for a diorama

[DC87]

Wonderful work, camo looks ace.

[mincemeat]

Gorgeous build! The wood grain is absolutely spot on and awesome!

[waylow]

This is art!!! That is awesome how did you get the wood effects the prop looks awesome

[strawnobi]

This is art!!! That is awesome how did you get the wood effects the prop looks awesome

All of the wood effects were done with this technique:

1. Paint a base coat of a light color. I used Mr. Color Sandy Brown. Colors that are a tan color work. Even flesh works.
2. In the case of the prop, I masked off the stripes with Tamiya's new curvy tape. I then painted the darker stripes with Mr. Color Mahogony.
3. To get the grain effect, use a stiff brush and either an enamel or artist oil color. The stiff bristles will streak a grain on the surface. If you coat too much, no worries. Just dip the tip of your brush in some mineral spirits or enamel thinner and you can wipe of the excess. Often times it will leave the streaks behind you are looking for. Keep doing this until you get the streaks you want.
4. After it dries, paint Mr. Color clear yellow over the top to give a polyurethane epoxy effect.

The only difference between the prop and the internal wood effects is I didn't use step number two.

Anyway, thanks for looking. Incidentally you can find great tutorials on wood effects on YouTube.

[SloMoShun]

Great build. Great advice on the wood effects although I must admit it those very same effects (and the necessity of having them) that puts me off the model (my skill leaves a lot to be desired).

Are you planning any more Wingnut builds? They look a stunning series of kits.

[waylow]

Thanks that's great stuff

[strawnobi]

Great build. Great advice on the wood effects although I must admit it those very same effects (and the necessity of having them) that puts me off the model (my skill leaves a lot to be desired).

Are you planning any more Wingnut builds? They look a stunning series of kits.

I would love to build more of them. But, I don't have a lot of room right now. I might give the albatross a shot one of these days. They are time consuming though. I would say this, if you have a handle on using an airbrush and assembly techniques don't let wingnut intimidate you. It isn't rocket science. That being said, you will want a number of builds under your belt before you attempt it. But, there are plenty of guys out there who have built these that can give advice and help on building these beauties. So, I hope you get a chance some day.