Roden DH2 1/32

[paddy]

Well i sent myself a challenge to build this rather than spend 4x the price on a WnW version.
I have built a WnW 2 seat version back in the day so impressions are......
The Roden Decals are useless. The blue 4 on the top wing lifted with a flat coat and all of them silvered again round the edges, with the flat coat., They are pretty thick and impervious to micro sol
Detail on the Roden kit is there but its very soft as is the plastic used. The struts and framework need beefing up because the plastic is not hard enough so twists and bends under the weight of added parts.
The pin and hole method of location of parts again is soft, some of the pins are just small bumps in the plastic and nearly all the holes need opening up. This sort of model needs really good location points to give it rigidity
Instructions are next to useless in fact so bad i used the WnW instructions downloaded from scalemates.

BUT

That said when finished its comparable to a WNW model, the extra detail a WnW has in abundance is a joy to build but probably doesn't add a lot to the finished build because its either not seen or can be added to the Roden kit if needed anyway.

I added the rigging points and top wing, pullies etc which isn't hard, i added the frame work in the cockpit rather than use the soft impression of framework in the fuselage sides. I bought the Eduard PE set but like most PE sets, i didn't use 75% of it
I made all the rigging fittings rather than go for ready made like Bobs buckles, again, its not hard to make your own once you get started.



Bottom line is, don't expect a lot from the Roden kit and you wont be disappointed, i leave you to judge if you think its "shelfworthy"

[406 Silverado]

You know Paddy, not only is this "shelf worthy".......it's show worthy!! From everything that you mentioned from the bad instructions to the poor decals to the lack of detail and fit of the kit, it's a wonder this came together at all much less this good. What I find particularly interesting is that you downloaded the Wingnut Wings instructions to assemble this. This is a fine example of not only good modeling but one of persistence and determination to pull the build off. I've gotta hand it to ya bud.......this is modeling at its finest.

[george]

Looking great to me! And very fast build. Next should be Roden's 1/32 Siemens Schuckert ☺

[paddy]

Forgot the pilot :-)

[paddy]

Dec 13, 2023 6:53:41 GMT -5 george said:

Looking great to me! And very fast build. Next should be Roden's 1/32 Siemens Schuckert ☺

 maybe but i promised i would do a car next........I can only imagine the fun of a Roden decal that covers the whole of the top wing though

[stikpusher]

It came out very nicely. Tough break on the decals though… have to remember that about Roden decals…. trim to the edge of the color to remove clear film…
BTW, what colors did you use for the basic clear doped linen and the RAF/RFC PC.10? I must have missed that call out in your build thread.

[paddy]

Hi
MRP do a paint called "clear doped linen" MRP-258 the top surfaces are MRP olive drab MRP-349

[stikpusher]

Dec 13, 2023 18:21:15 GMT -5 paddy said:

Hi
MRP do a paint called "clear doped linen" MRP-258 the top surfaces are MRP olive drab MRP-349

Thanks for that information!

[jeaton01]

Excellent, Paddy! The only way I have succeeded with Roden decals is with a heat gun, they will respond to heat. But that's a process that can cause issues so my go to is to toss Roden decals upon opening the box!

[thug626]

Outstanding! I am glad I did not miss this build, and that I got to see it cross the finish line.
Good info about Roden decals. I don't know if helps, but there is a trick I learned (out of desperation really). When I have a decal that will just not settle on to the surface, despite all the prep and all the tricks, I will re-coat the decal with Walthers Solvaset. While the surface is still wet with Solvaset, I will very carefully poke the silvered areas with a fine needle in a pin vice. Sometimes, one small poke will do, though rarely. Sometimes it's almost like tattooing the decal. This will allow the Solvaset to get under the decal and allow the air out. Once you have "tattooed" your decal, very carefully press a dampened Q-tip (or something similar) perpendicular to the surface. I've had good luck with this approach. It's not a guarantee, but I have salvaged some unseeingly impossible decals.

Cheers
Dave

[handiabled]

You took a basic subpar kit and elevated it a ton with your scratchwork, this turned out gorgeous. I've had decals act similar and either Solvaset or Future on them with some work was able to save them

[deafpanzer]

Your skills have showed us that you didn't need one of those fancy WnW kits to complete stunning builds!

[keavdog]

Rigging is amazing - especially to a guy who is terrified of rigging (hence no biplanes in the stash -save for the Swordfish). Well done.

[Tobi]

Above comments already say it all. You did an extraordinary job, Paddy! Maybe the path is easier with a WiW kit, but the result speaks for itself.

[kyledehart5]

A beautiful result and it was a pleasure to follow along with it. Truly excellent work.

[lucas454]

That's cool

[dupes]

The DH2 is such an odd aircraft! I can't believe that they could fly. I've got a mix of Roden and WnW kits in my stash - you've got me really wanting to pull out one of the Rodens to see if they're all equally "challenging" (and if I need to replace the decals!). Fantastic finish on a build that could have been binned multiple times along the way. 👍👍

[mrversatile]

Very nice effort on this difficult kit. You may have some success with the decals if you use a bit of Mr. Color Leveling thinner. I had similar issues with decals on a Great wall Hobby Kit and I was able to soften and melt the decals that were stiff and non reactive to ordinary softeners. BTW, I just sold my WNW Early Version and made some nice $$$. I couldn't resist since I plan to use the money on the New Bismark from Trumpeter.

[Green KreationZ]

I have not built a plane like this, but I can tell… You really knocked it outta the park! The wiring between the wings is very cool looking.

[Medicman71]

Very impressive!

[fox]

Outstanding work! The rigging work on the plane would be sure to catch a judges eye. That's very well done. Hope to see more Paddy!

Stay safe.
Jim

[fermis]

Very nice!

This is about the only WW1 era plane I actually like...and I like it a lot! (Curtis Jenny is cool too!)
I actually sprung for the Wingnuts kit...got a decent deal at 2018(maybe 19?) Nationals (whatever year it was in Chattanooga)

[stikpusher]

Fermis, you need to go watch The Blue Max until you fall in love with something in that movie besides Ursula Andress...

[Joe Rix]

That is just some class A stunning modeling Paddy. Superb effort and outcome.

[lyle]

What they all have said. My God man, show some compassion for us mortals!

I would have hung myself with all that rigging!

[fermis]

Feb 2, 2024 20:11:23 GMT -5 lyle said:

What they all have said. My God man, show some compassion for us mortals!

I would have hung myself with all that rigging!

Imagine 1/72!!!!
It's just stupid!!! 

[lyle]

Feb 2, 2024 22:07:58 GMT -5 fermis said:

Feb 2, 2024 20:11:23 GMT -5 lyle said:

What they all have said. My God man, show some compassion for us mortals!

I would have hung myself with all that rigging!

Imagine 1/72!!!!
It's just stupid!!! 




…hung myself, twice! I seriously can’t imagine pulling this off. I stand in awe of you that can. Draco! 

[Golikell]

A great little model indeed... A pity that the decals are that bad... It really does away with the rest of the kit!

[AussieTJ]

Outstanding work with all that rigging.