Originally Posted by
vertical grimmace
Scale is all about matching 3 views and not necessarily an actual airplane. Many of the designs (especially the war years) are hard to pin down. So unless you actually have a real example to duplicate, you are creating an artists impression. This especially holds true with colors.
A perfect example is the JU 87 Stuka. It is almost impossible to find a 3-view that shows straight ailerons. The real airplane had straight ailerons. So in competition, you have to match your 3-view, even though it does not match the real aircraft. Not that this is a big deal. but I see a lot of discussion about what is and is not scale. It does not matter really as long as your model duplicates the docs. That is what is getting judged.
I was sure that 3 views exist that show the correct aileron shape as parallel. I contacted the master builder in Germany via a friend of mine in Germany who very kindly sent me the wartime photos and plan view.
He commented that
"There are circulating on the Internet en masse faulty drawings showing these tapered design of aileron - but are all false. Even the Ziroli model is completely wrong and has also some error in fuselage construction."
I believe the 3 view below came from the aircraft operating manual. I am pretty sure with some digging this could be found on the Internet. I am using this as an example of making more determined efforts in getting correct documentation for competitions. Just using faulty 3 views obtained from the Internet does not seem the best way to document your aircraft.
A couple of years ago now I acquired a large model jet Boulton Paul P111 in part made condition. Although i was not going to enter it in competitions I wanted some more accurate information on the plane. Amazingly I managed to get hold of a downloadable copy of the original secret prototype handling and servicing notes as only one original prototype was made this set of notes must be the only set issued. As another example I recently acquired a WW2 starter motor for the Me262 Jumo 004 engine. I had no info when I bought it but now have the German notes from Wartime and a secret set of notes where Farnborough tested the little 2 stroke motor. As this was in English and very detailed with sectional drawings it was very helpful as I have had to make some missing parts. I also made contact with a German guy who is the world expert in them and he has given me plenty of tips and some drawings.
Time spent collecting documentation before making a model will be rewarded. Those that get good marks at JWM especially must produce detailed information.
John
