Morane Saulnier MS.230 Et2, Dora Wings 1/48

 

 

As appear on photos the Greek MS 230’s had no covers over their spoked wheels. The wheels provided with the kit are with covers. The solution came from Gaspatch models “elite accessories” 3D printed “Palmer 700x75 Spoked Wheels 1/48”. These actually are intended for the sopwith camel. The MS 230 wheels are 700x125 and that means same diameter (700) but wider (125). I used the kit tires and widened the rim with plasticard strip. 

As appear on photos the Greek MS 230’s had no covers over their spoked wheels. The wheels provided with the kit are with covers. The solution came from Gaspatch models “elite accessories” 3D printed “Palmer 700x75 Spoked Wheels 1/48”. These actually are intended for the sopwith camel. The MS 230 wheels are 700x125 and that means same diameter (700) but wider (125). I used the kit tires and widened the rim with plasticard strip. 

This is a modern short run kit with fine detail and accuracy, but the wing seems to come from the stone age of short run kits. It was heavily distorted, I had to straighten it using the usual method (warm water), but it also had a more serious problem: there was no rib detail on the lower wing and aileron surfaces.  

I used the method to mark and emboss 005’’ thick plasticard to make the ribs similar with the upper surfaces. Then cut and glued on the wing surface using “lemonine” glue (safe for such a thin plastic). 

 

. I used the method to mark and emboss 005’’ thick plasticard to make the ribs similar with the upper surfaces. Then cut and glued on the wing surface using “lemonine” glue (safe for such a thin plastic). Some trimming and putty required for final finish. 

The cockpit could it be a little more accurately represented, (many tiny parts), but it is OK for my standards. 

 

The engine is well represented, consisting of 30 parts. Νo locating pins, requires some effort. I added spark plugs and ignition harness made from brass tube and copper wire 

 

Greek MS 230’s had the early type short span tail surfaces. Kit parts were modified accordingly. 

Greek MS 230’s had the early type short span tail surfaces. Kit parts were modified accordingly. 

Dora forgot to add the lacing on the left side of fuselage. The photo etched part comes from eduard’s 48401 “WWI lacing” set. 

The wing and landing gear struts structure consists of 16 parts, some of them very thin and fragile. The task to align them correctly requires some extra attention. The lower wing attachment points were copied on a piece of plasticard which act as a jig for the cabane struts assembly. Parts C23 C24 were replaced by steel wire to add some strength. 

Landing gears were modified using 0.9mm brass tube to attach the 3D printed rims. 

The forward fuselage panels are not accurate, they were modified using stretched sprue. 

The fuselage ready for some primer. 

Paints used:
Green: MrColor C15, Aluminum: Alclad ALC103 dark aluminum, Bronze: AKAN laquer bronze, White: MrColor C316, Blue: MrColor C72 70% + C5 30%. 

Insignia and markings were painted on using custom made vinyl masks. 

 

Propeller painted with MrColor C42 Mahongany+ one light coat MrHobby H92 clear orange  

 

 

Rudder marking were custom printed by LM Decals, morane-saulnier logos were the kit decals.