Hi kartonists,
let me introduce you my newly started build, the Hurricane from Orlik publishers. In case you're interested, you can find the "fresh unpacked" thread here.
[Blocked Image: http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/3391/hurri018zv.th.jpg]
I started the build with the central part of the fuselage - the one that will host the cockpit. Making the framework was quite interesting because of the system of "locks" used widely on this plane. I think it's pretty good except for one thing - the locks should NOT be visible on parts with print like on the part just above the pilot's head - you can see the cut for the lock on the first shot - the part i'm talking about is that big greenish one top in the middle.
[Blocked Image: http://img459.imageshack.us/img459/3654/018xv1.th.jpg]
and here's the completed frame:
[Blocked Image: http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/1421/022mo.th.jpg]
i also decided to build the rudder pedals before i glue the bottom part of cockpit into the frame. the dust and dirt on the pedals and in front of them is done using the chalk dust, as well as more weathering inside the cockpit.
[Blocked Image: http://img459.imageshack.us/img459/1195/039tj.th.jpg]
next part to build was the pipe framework - this shot shows how it should NOT be done - i didn't realize there's a template for it on the last page of instruction drawings and assembled it according to general cockpit drawing - which was wrong, since the vertical strut is too far backwards - in the general drawing it's drawn as if it should be above the edge on the floor. anyway, the template is not accurate either - according to the materials i have, the vertical strut should be placed approximately just below the instrument panel, because later a vertical cross strut should be placed here.
[Blocked Image: http://img459.imageshack.us/img459/1708/042bd.th.jpg]
i'll come back to this topics later - i tried to repair it, but i don't have any new photos yet. i'll link a photo from cardarmy.ru hurricane gallery which - as i hope - will help to clarify what i'm talking about. notice the horizontal cross strut just behind the stick - i'm afraid it would not allow the pilot to dive the plane if it was done this way.
[Blocked Image: http://www.cardarmy.ru/gallery/avia/hurr-orlik/kabina-1.jpg]
in the mean time, i built the framework for the front part of fuselage. as zou can see, i gave up on a precious cutting, because i learned the locks allow you to move the parts freely for a few of milimetres, so you can assemble the framework well anyway.
[Blocked Image: http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/5395/056zh.th.jpg][Blocked Image: http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/4011/067kd.th.jpg]
by the way, notice my new cutting pad - but it would be for another long story - i'll tell you it was only for about 1.60 euro together with an aluminium ruler and a knife with two spare blades. the quality is to discuss, but the pad is ok and it's hard to talk about quality of a ruler as long as it's straight
and now, this is where the first disappointment comes - after cutting first fuselage parts, you can already see that the camo colours won't fit well - more on this later as well.
[Blocked Image: http://img453.imageshack.us/img453/9468/071mc.th.jpg]
to be continued (on the evening i hope).