Junkers J.I, 1\72, Eduard

Dmitriy Andreeshchev
Hello everyone! Started a small side-project to try new paint for me from AK Interactive, and also to begin a long-going project of Junkers classic aircrafts models, that I hope to finish in a couple of years to come or so. This model is an updated oldie from Eduard, mostly good, but the engine fits into fuselage a bit bad, and after joining the fuselage halves I couldn't avoid some small steps which are already taken care of. Also, this a very first biplane (or parasol, maybe?) for me, hopefully no rigging intended, but still, the attachment of the upper wing will be challenging due to multiple and angle-based struts.

Dmitriy Andreeshchev
Un update: the pre-paintwork construction is complete, but still, some cleanup is required.

Dmitriy Andreeshchev
An update! Started to paint. Already done the light-blue color on the underside and white on the rudder. Started the camo. The base light-green is on, proceeded to the lilac. Had a problem - the paint is low-opaque and slow curing, therefore I did overflood the main wing with it, therefore it got under the masks from blu-tac. Had to retouch with brush, but gonna also mottle with an airbursh later. This a first attempt at using the AK paints, and I'm not very happy with them. Classic Tamiya acrylics and Aqueous Hobby are still my best.

Dmitriy Andreeshchev
An update! Painted the camo on the fuselage. This time I've used different paint-thinner ration and worked much more accurately, therefore - no leakages or floodings. I'm more or less satisfied with the result.

Alec K
Looks very good Dmitriy. Painting over that corrugated wing surface must have been fun.

Dmitriy Andreeshchev
Not as much fun as decalling 🙂 Thank you!

Dmitriy Andreeshchev
Un update: model received an overall wash and it worked like a miracle!

Dmitriy Andreeshchev
Un update: the model is near completion. Still, a long-awaited problem appeared - I can't install the wing. The strut system is very fiddly, and the wing is quite heavy. The struts do not have solid ports for installation, and their positions are angled. My jig didn't help. Gonna have to think it through.

Dmitriy Andreeshchev
Hello everyone! The model is complete. This tiny plane was challenging, yet worth all the effort! 🙂

Alexander Grivonev
Awesome colors, great work!

Alec K
Looks great! How did you solve the struts install challenge?

Dmitriy Andreeshchev
Thanks, mates! Alec, firstly I've attached the main side struts to the upper wing with slow cyano, and then, before it has dryed, positioned them onto the lower wing. After that, I've put the plane on the table and put a few paint bottles behind the wing, to support it - the struts should drop a bit backwards, so the support is crucial on this stage - or the wing would just drop on the gunners cabin. After this structure has dryed, I've installed two small struts between the pilot cabin and the wing - I've made them from sewing needles. And only after that, I've installed the inner struts, which form an "X" on each side.

Alec K
Nice - thanks for the explanation Dmitriy 👍

Stefan Schacht
very nice 👍

Ethan Flory
Wonderful build!!