Airco Dh-2 1:24 Fiddler's Green
 

I've been building this plane since January. I had started a build on the other forum (I think), but it's gone (and I am too;)) from there.

This is the Airco Dh-2 published buy Fiddler's Green. I've enlarged it to 1:24, my chosen plane scale.

The model is nicely illustrated, it a little on the bright side for the wings. As with all the newer FG Models they've done a great job capturing the shape while making an easy build.
This is my first early airplane, first bi-plane, and first with rigging.

The model is pretty close to being completed but thought I'd run the build through for entertainment and maybe to give someone else ideas.
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Basic Fuselage

I like to connect using strips attached to the inside edges when possible.
I laminated a print of the fuselage with the tabs trimmed off to another print of it with the tabs intact. This also gave the piece a little more body.
After trimming out the final piece it was easy to shape. I moistened the top to make it easier to curl and it worked great. Connect the top, fold and connect the bottom and it's well on it's way.
I cut the inside panes from the cockpit, added strips and thread (for rigging) and glued to the insides (before folding and glueing).
I inserted and glued the floor and the back of the cockpit. Next, I attached a thick piece of board to the back of the fuselage and glued closed. This thick piece added strength and helps keep the shape of the top rear hump.
I messed up the nose, so I cut off the offending (offended) pieces and added new prints. Glued, sanded, glued, sanded until I thought it was OK. It lost a little of theat nice Dh-2 shape, but I'll live with it.

Yes I remember that thread. I see you have the convex nose problem. I sometimes cut that part that has the convex shape and form it with the edge of my paintbrush on a thick felt pad and re-glue it in place. I like this aircraft and I almost was thinking of building it with plans from a balsa wood model.

It's no so much the convex nose as much as the side flaps did not fit well for me. It was me and not the model - I've seen other builds that looked fine.

Cockpit Details
 

I wanted to add a rudimentary cockpit so it was off to the 'net for reference. I did not find a lot. I went with a design that seemed the most duplicated and used.

I had some small dials already drawn from an ME-163 model so I used those. The cockpit is not accurate but is pretty suggestive of what the cockpit was like.

The seat was very plain so I went ahead and made my own. I enlarged it a little from what had been supplied. To simulate the wicker I used a piece of counted cross-stitch material. I really like the effect. I glued, then painted a "leather" edging on the seat. Added a base and the control stick. The little ratchety-thingy was fun to build and adds some nice detail.
Yes, yes, the seat belts are enormous but I saw that in many pieces of reference so...I did it!
Added some other little pieces of detail - foot pedals and compass on the floor and another "leather" rim around the cockpit itself.

Love the detail, and the idea of using the cross-stich backing to simulate wicker is a fantastic idea. I'll use it for the gondola of my FG Dumont airship model (whenever I get started on it that is).

Thanks Steve. Wish I had it when I did the S-D #6. Are you going to build the #6? It's a great model!

See: http://www.tinpaper.net/airship_6.html

:eek:woaw....I do likes the fuselage. Great Detail:D

I've had this model sitting on my work bench printed and ready to go since January. I'll be watching this thread close for more great ideas.

The cockpit looks great!

Thanks

Brilliant job thus far... I love COCKPITS and what you have achieved is really nice - made with LOVE you can tell that for sure ;) Will keep watching :)

This is looking great! Just goes to show how great an FG model can become. Nice thought on using the cross stich material. Very sharp.