building Azur Dewoitine d.371/372
![Album image #1 Album image #1](/albums/img/1/7/9/286179-21088-63-720.jpg)
The kit contains one plastic sprue with 30 pieces and the resin parts for the engine.
![Album image #2 Album image #2](/albums/img/4/7/8/310478-21088-21-pristine.jpg)
Some detail added to the pilot's seat
![Album image #3 Album image #3](/albums/img/3/8/4/316384-21088-87-720.jpg)
The shape of the fuselage seems correct. The surface seems excessively smooth considering the historic pictures of the aircraft, on which the panels are very evident.
![Album image #4 Album image #4](/albums/img/3/8/5/316385-21088-96-720.png)
In order to reproduce the panels on the fuselage I will not use the scribing technique but the one illustrated in this example, in which I use masking tape, Mr. Surfacer 500, fine sanding paper and a "rivet maker".
![Album image #5 Album image #5](/albums/img/3/8/6/316386-21088-53-720.jpg)
The fuselage is assembled and I applied the previously described technique in order to mimic some surface detail. Shading and weathering are yet to come.
![Album image #6 Album image #6](/albums/img/9/1/2/326912-21088-76-720.jpg)
Time to implement the engine and its cowling. I made the supports for the propeller holder from stretched sprue and aligned them with the ribs on the cowling.
![Album image #7 Album image #7](/albums/img/9/1/3/326913-21088-88-pristine.jpg)
The subject I want to model is the R-913 flown by the slovenian pilot Josip Križaj during the Spanish war. I decided to make the tail insigna with one decal printed by myself on a white decal sheet.
![Album image #8 Album image #8](/albums/img/6/5/1/328651-21088-87-720.jpg)
In order to give to the wings a more dynamic look, I cut off the cut off the ailerons from the wings and build another pair from a thick styrene sheet
![Album image #9 Album image #9](/albums/img/3/8/7/328387-21088-66-720.jpg)
The main parts of the kit are now assembled and painted. Some minor details are yet to be added and a coat of "future" to protect the paint during the final steps.
![Album image #10 Album image #10](/albums/img/5/2/0/398520-21088-99-720.jpg)
Assembling the wing to the fuselage was challenging! I decided to use 0.6 mm brass rods for the bearing structure instead of the tiny and brittle plastic parts of the kit.
![Album image #11 Album image #11](/albums/img/5/1/9/398519-21088-61-720.jpg)
Another step in the wing-fuselage assembly. Of course I will add some additional elements to the brass rods in order to make them look right. So far I'm satisfied with the strength of the structure.
![Album image #12 Album image #12](/albums/img/5/2/3/398523-21088-56-pristine.jpg)
The single piece wheelspats provided in the kit are not very realistic. However there are in the kit also two wheels for the version without wheelspats. I will use them along with styrene foil (from a yoghurt pot) to scratch-build more realistic gears.
Comments
14 October 2016, 13:00
![](/profiles/img/23938-707-s.jpg)
Great progress Peter 👍 I will have to try your Mr Surfacer buildup technique, looks intriguing.
8 March 2017, 22:50
![](/profiles/img/21088-646-s.png)
Thanks Alec. I guess the technique is more convenient for larger scales. In 1/72 we are at the limit where the surface details become more a visual effect rather than a scaled reproduction of the rel thing.
9 March 2017, 10:32
![](/profiles/img/23938-707-s.jpg)
Agreed. That said, it's this type of subtle detailing that sets your model apart 👍
9 March 2017, 13:00
![](/profiles/img/23938-707-s.jpg)
Nice. I like your approach to the wing-to-fuselage assembly. Looks like that should be a good solid joint 👍
6 November 2017, 13:23
Album info
A short run kit of a less known French 1930 fighter.