Part 3: The Build, completed

The rear seat gunner position went together well with just a little filing needed for an easy fit of the guns mounting pin to the scarf ring mount. Part #A15. I used a tint of "Model Master" gun metal mixed with "Model Master" jet exhaust to produce a more authentic gun color. When it's complete the scarf ring with gunner's sling and twin Lewis guns make a neat stand alone display. The scarf ring drops right into place. I will install it when the rigging is finished. My choice for decals is "white T". It seems that this aircraft saw lots of action. After leaving #139 Squadron in the Italian theater it became "white S" on the eastern front accounting for several enemy aircraft before the war ended. Mounting of the top wing was a comedy of errors, boy the Brits do love struts! I had to stop and go watch a little History Channel a few times. Everything finally lined up and it looked good. The problems I encountered were all caused by my impatience. Take your time and all goes together fine. The rigging went as rigging goes. As you other WWI guys know this step can make you cross eyed. We are the ones you see at meetings with the squinty eyes and a slight twitch, mumbling to ourselves. I used "invisible thread", nylon, about the same as 2lb. Test fishing line with "Bob's Buckles" (http://www.bobsbuckles.co.uk/ ). There are many other materials out there, some prefer stretched sprue, but the nylon thread works best for me. I use cloths pins to hold the tension on the rigging while the glue dries. The rigging is painted as I go along with "Model Master" steel. Take note guys, put a piece of paper between the surface and the wire so you don't spoil your finish.

Now the Bristol is complete and is a beautiful addition to the fast growing family of 1/32nd scale WWI aircraft. My compliments to the artists and engineers at WingNutWings for this great kit and the ones to follow. Their web site has data on their current kits and the ones soon to come, they are doing an Albatross DV, my favorite - I can hardly wait. That completes my first review. I had a good time and I am looking forward to doing another.

My thanks to everyone involved at Wingnut Wings for their work in making such a great kit. Heartily recommended.