DGA Caudron Luciole, 1/48

[cdavenport]

Borrowing an idea from the plastics folks, I make my struts with a leading edge rod to establish the airfoil shape. The rod is brass or steel, whatever is at hand. You could use straightened paper clips.

The paper is regular copy paper. I cut a trench in a scrap piece of wood just so the rod and paper slip into it, forming the leading edge without creasing.

I run a slim bead of glue along the trailing edge to seal the taper end.

Holes are already drilled in the wing for the struts. Eventually, they will all be superglued in place.

I'll show the jig for mating the wings in the next installment.

[cdavenport]

Here is a "walkaround." I have only to finish the wheels, prop and a detail on the cowling.

I used stainless steel wire (Small Parts) for the rigging and cheated with the wheels by using plastic.

I have a few finish touch ups that I will do in oil paint.

I have to scratchbuild the propeller to keep it from looking like the tail wheel which I am not happy with.

I tried using Gil's laminated propeller but the shape was wrong. So, I'll just shape some LetraMax mechanical illustration board to the correct profile.

[redhorse]

Man, that looks good. I like the strut technique too, I'm going to have to remember that one.

[avbuffs]

Major,

superb build ! I never intended this model to be built to such quality. Congratulations.

Guido

[John Bowden]

I was wondering when Guido was going to chime in................

Fantastic job Major!

[cdavenport]

Originally Posted by avbuffs

Major,

superb build ! I never intended this model to be built to such quality. Congratulations.

Guido

There is no reason why a model made from paper must look like a toy some kid would build. Paper is just a medium, not a mind set.

If you want, you are more than welcome to use any of my images to help sell your models. DGAs can easily be built as is, or brought to another level with just a modicum of additional attention to detail.

Were I trying to build this for a contest, there are yet other details I would have modeled. But, this was just for fun.

BTW, kudos on the texturing. I like the soft, off-white "paint job" as well as the subtle representation of ribbing on the underside of the wing. The absence of ribbing details on the topside of the wing allowed me to do what I wanted in order to give the impression of ribs.

[John Bowden]

DGAs can easily be built as is, or brought to another level with just a modicum of additional attention to detail.

Charles

Believe it or not, that was one of the original concepts that we laid down to start DGA!:D

[Thomas Meek]

That's a totally gorgeous build, which I have come to expect from you.

"He was both surprised and pleased,
But more pleased than surprised."

I too, especially like your treatment of the wing struts, and your use of stainless steel wire for the rigging gives me courage in that direction.

And of course the aluminum cowling just "sets it off" perfectly.

Congratulations.

[Alcides]

Very nice example of a fine model from a simple kit. Beautiful !!!

[gomidefilho]

A m a z i n g!!!!!!