J.S. SCHREIBER – SOPWITH CAMEL F-1

1:20

 

I like airplanes, but have not always been successful in assembling a card model of one. The Schreiber Camel was a real delight to build and the parts fit quite well. The real beauty of a model this size, is that larger pieces are easier to cut-out, fold and glue in place.  This model has a wingspan measuring just over sixteen inches  and when finished, it presents an impressive model of a famous World War One bird.

 

I began by assembling the engine and propeller; followed by the cockpit.   All the parts fit just as they were intended. The only problem I experienced was little trouble in getting each prop blade to fit the hub exactly, next followed the fuselage.  Before I completely assembled the fuselage, I deviated from the path by starting on the undercarriage.  This was a real nice piece of work.  Wheels always are a problem for me and even I was surprised at how well the wheels turned out.  A few more parts added to the fuselage and again I stopped and started to assemble the rudder and horizontal stabilizer.  This was it gives me a break from working on the same part all the time and when I go to tackle it again, it seems as if it is fresh and new.  I would be lieing if I did not admit that I encountered a few minor fit problems with the front.  The cowl fit well, but the side fuselage pieces presented a fit problem that I just learned to live with. A little red marker and one can hardly notice where the fitting missed the mark.

 

Now the fuselage, rudder, engine, prop, vertical stabilizer and undercarriage were done. The engine by the way has to go inside the cowling before the last two cowl ring pieces are attached. This left the lower and upper wing plus the wing braces to assemble.  Both of the lower wings went very smoothly and fit the fuselage as they are intended.  In the picture instructions, they give you the correct amount of dihedral that will be needed, no problem there.  The upper wing also went together very well, and I only encountered a problem with the leading edge; in failing to curve the small cut-out enough to fit as it was intended.  Before attempting to attach the upper wing, I finished the wing and fuselage braces and glued the upper wing in place. There is one weak spot on this model and that is the tail skid.  I would not recommend that you cut-out the space that is white.  I did so, and it weakened the skid to the point that it would not hold the weight of the model.  I somewhat solved this by coating the skid in white glue and when dried the glue gave the skid some added strength.  It still is not enough however.

 

In retro-respect, I should have pierced all the rigging holes and run thread from the inside before I completely assembled the fuselage and wings.  I did not; as I opted to use my usual method of stretched plastic spur and/or fine wire.  I feel that a much nicer model could have been produced if I had used the thread.  Even not having done this, the model still looks great.  This has to speak well of the designer, for if I can assemble an airplane and still have it  look good, I can only Imagine what some of our fellow modelers could do with the same model.   I would highly recommend this model for a beginner or an advanced modeler alike.