Knights of the Sky (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter MCKENNA77
- Start date
ivanmoe
Command Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2013
- Messages
- 2,959
Gotta post a link to a beautifully completed, Eduard MS-N in 1/48:
http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234942789-morane-saulnier-type-n-monoplane-eduard-148/
Dang, Jenkins is no slouch in comparison, is he?^&grin
-Moe
http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234942789-morane-saulnier-type-n-monoplane-eduard-148/
Dang, Jenkins is no slouch in comparison, is he?^&grin
-Moe
Boy, those early fighter pilots were a breed apart. It had to take really big ones to fly into a fight where you knew there was a good chance that you could shoot your own prop off, much less trying to avoid being killed by your opponent while muscling your wing-warping wonder around the sky. It says a lot about the manner of men that flew those kites that they were willing to risk all, on a daily basis, to get a chance at meeting the enemy, with no guarantee that their own airplane wouldn't kill them and knowing that it was winner take all, no second place, in air-to-air combat where the slightest damage could doom a man to flaming death or a plunge to earth from thousands of feet up. -- AlFound a couple of images of the deflectors that Al and Chris are discussing:
Where was Rube Goldberg when France needed him?
-Moe
Terp152
Major
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2009
- Messages
- 6,238
Beautiful rendition. I have no skill to do that and that's why I'm a devoted JJD customer. :smile2: Chris
Terp152
Major
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2009
- Messages
- 6,238
Found a couple of images of the deflectors that Al and Chris are discussing:
Where was Rube Goldberg when France needed him?
-Moe
Good pic to show how close the JJD version is in comparison. John even got the weight saving holes in the deflector. :salute:: Chris
John's attention to detail is really outstanding, and seemingly keeps improving, if that is possible. I mean, weight saving holes in the deflection wedges! I can't spot any superiority in the Eduard 1/48 Morane N over John's. I really love his work.^&cool -- Al
ivanmoe
Command Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2013
- Messages
- 2,959
There are some subtle and noteworthy pluses in the case of the Eduard kit-build. Among those, I'd note the EZ-line rigging and the somewhat finer molding of some of the parts, the struts for instance. However, I have to give the edge to Jenkins when it comes to the finish, his rendering of the faux-wooden prop for example. For me, I can sum up my beliefs about JJ's work by referencing one of Chris' pics:
So, here's the bottom line for yours truly. I can slap parts together with the best of them. I can glue, caulk and sand. I can even do the rigging. However, I can't do a finish like that. No way. End of story. At $200, or so, Jenkins wins my vote every time.
-Moe
maddadicus
2nd Lieutenant
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2006
- Messages
- 3,333
As some know, I have been experimenting with various Phillipine mfg. to make wooden WW1 2 seaters. TG ,though well done ,are incredibly expensive and limited. I have not succeeded yet, but the more I see JJ 's airplanes, I find that he is the man. If he produces 2 seaters, I am all in. If he can make them in $350 range, he could own the market. I do not know what his future intent is, but would the collectors be all in? Michael
That would be an excellent price range, but I'm dubious it can be achieved. Generally, the 2-seaters are significantly larger than the single-seat fighter aircraft, with a corresponding increase in all dimensions for wing surfaces, fuselage lengths, and an increase in detail (2 cockpits with interiors, more guns), and a more complicated rigging scheme in many cases. Increase in size also brings shipping container size and costs up, as well. I would also be curious as to whether the material John uses would lend itself to larger models, especially regarding the wings, as warpage of the chosen material could become a factor for longer and wider wings that may or may not be thicker or thinner as the chosen model requires. Lots of factors to consider but I would be thrilled if John would get into the 2-seaters and could keep prices reasonable. -- Al
ivanmoe
Command Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2013
- Messages
- 2,959
I believe that Al is correct in his concern that size is a big driver of costs for Jenkins' models. Nowhere is this illustrated more clearly than in the relative prices of the Eindecker and MS-N monoplanes. Simply put, the larger of the two costs around 30% more than the smaller model. To my eye, there's no meaningful difference between the two in terms of quality or detail. One is simply longer/wider, costs more to produce in terms of materials and labor, and requires a larger carton for shipping. While I would be willing to shoulder the cost of a model in the $300 range, JJD appears very committed to keeping its pricing within certain limits. And while I don't know what the exact figure is, something in the range of $240 appears to be the magic number. I have no idea how that amount was established, BTW.
:redface2:-Moe
To be honest, I'm about at the high end of my budget at current price levels. At $200-250 I can participate, beyond $250 and I have to rob Peter to pay Paul and really make hard decisions in terms of where the money goes. I could probably pry the money loose for a one-time buy at $300 but it would be a one-time buy and not an on-going investment as the fighter aircraft have been. And there are the display area considerations as a Brisfit or Fee will take up considerably more space than a Tripe or Nieuport. -- AlI believe that Al is correct in his concern that size is a big driver of costs for Jenkins' models. Nowhere is this illustrated more clearly than in the relative prices of the Eindecker and MS-N monoplanes. Simply put, the larger of the two costs around 30% more than the smaller model. To my eye, there's no meaningful difference between the two in terms of quality or detail. One is simply longer/wider, costs more to produce in terms of materials and labor, and requires a larger carton for shipping. While I would be willing to shoulder the cost of a model in the $300 range, JJD appears very committed to keeping its pricing within certain limits. And while I don't know what the exact figure is, something in the range of $240 appears to be the magic number. I have no idea how that amount was established, BTW.
-Moe
Finally put the scratch together for the Morane 'N' and it should be here by Monday. Got several pilots on the way that I had fallen behind on, as well. Has anyone gotten the crashed Morane, crashed Eindecker, and/or the travelling Eindecker? Just wondering what you all think of them. -- Al
maddadicus
2nd Lieutenant
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2006
- Messages
- 3,333
Since we were talking about wooden 2 seaters, I will soon be receiving this 1/30 commission from the Philippines. Best detailed one for me to date. $414.00 includes the shipping charge. I had the pilot and observer holes drilled to take figures. Capt. Kronos is making 1/2 pilots for me as we speak.. Michael
Attachments
This is a really nice looking DH-4, with lots of detail and what looks to be excellent rigging. It is an aircraft of 202 Squadron, RAF, formed in April 1918, from former RNAS Squadron 2. It was a bombing/recon squadron. I have conflicting info on the individual serial number. It is either N5997 or N9557. I like the classic tail emblem of the old thumbing the nose insult. Nice and creative choice of color scheme. Looks like a model to be proud of. -- Al
maddadicus
2nd Lieutenant
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2006
- Messages
- 3,333
The bombs and extra decals turned out to be a bonus. I did not have such expectations. This is a near exact copy of a photo I gave them of what I might like, but never thought they would go the extra mile. I did debate flat paint, but somehow it did not suit my TS tastes..Michael
The Morane has landed and I am, as always, quite thrilled with it. I initially wasn't sure about getting this model but the discussions about the details and Moe's and Chris' fantastic photos and enthusiasm for the model changed my mind. I am really pleased to get this model and echo the remarks about it's outstanding details and the paint finish. I like it's compact size as well and it fits very nicely with my Nungesser Nieuport 17. Another winner from the JAF (the obvious; Jenkins Aircraft Factory).:salute:: -- Al
ivanmoe
Command Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2013
- Messages
- 2,959
Hi Al,
Wasn't even sure that I was going to buy the MS-N at first. To tell you the truth, I wasn't completely sure what it was. However, the word "bullet" kept creeping into my thoughts. At any rate, I took a chance and what a great decision! Jenkins' models exhibit all sorts of strengths, albeit some models shine in one area, while another might out-do in another. In the case of the MS-N, I've got to give it the gold-cup for quality of construction and its very stout nature. Now, I'm not suggesting that anyone tie a string to it and start flying it around the room, but this model is tight as a little drum. Simply love it, and don't regret the acquisition for a moment. Here's another look at one of Chris' excellent pics:
-Moe
Wasn't even sure that I was going to buy the MS-N at first. To tell you the truth, I wasn't completely sure what it was. However, the word "bullet" kept creeping into my thoughts. At any rate, I took a chance and what a great decision! Jenkins' models exhibit all sorts of strengths, albeit some models shine in one area, while another might out-do in another. In the case of the MS-N, I've got to give it the gold-cup for quality of construction and its very stout nature. Now, I'm not suggesting that anyone tie a string to it and start flying it around the room, but this model is tight as a little drum. Simply love it, and don't regret the acquisition for a moment. Here's another look at one of Chris' excellent pics:
-Moe
