Seriously, that's one spectacular model and one seriously large biplane! Poeple just seem to be building them bigger and bigger every year. I remember when 1/4 scale was huge and what serious guys aspired to. Now everyone seems to want to do a 1/3 scale model. For example, BUSA has just announced their new 1/3 scale DVII. What's next 1/2 scale?

Personally I rather like 1/5 - 1/6 scale. I'm not sure most larger models actually have enough visible scale detail to make these larger scales work. I mean at even 1/4 scale you should be able to see the nail heads used to attach the ply plates on the Albatros fuse. In short you need to model to the scale to which you have documented funk! Nothing looks worse that a big scale model with a few markings breaking up large expanses of undetailed surface.

Personally I like Andy and Donnie's attitude of thinking of these models as canvases to be painted on -- even if the painting takes a few liberties to achieve an artistically emotive scale effect.

I plan to practice this skill on both the Flair Legionaire and Puppeteer. I like your idea of doing a wash with thinned stain. I might even experiment with this on the silver solartex to try to impart some impression of character to it. That perfectly opaque silver is unrelentingly dull. I plan to seriously dirty it up along structural lines. I'm intregued by Donnie's technique of using only Humbrol enamals for the markings AND weathering!