Scale Modelling

[chris46]

Scale models, regardless of the category they belong to, should be a lifelike, scaled-down replica of an original (prototype). This means that I collect reference materials (photos, descriptions, color schemes, etc.) that accurately depict the subject of the future model.
Unfortunately, I repeatedly find that some modelers do not conduct their research very thoroughly and sometimes use documentation from other prototypes that do not correspond to the same subject. Whether the model was built "to scale" down to the smallest detail is not important in this context. Ultimately, everyone can decide for themselves how far they want to go with the detailing. What is important, however, is that the accompanying materials—photos, color schemes, descriptions, etc.—correspond to a single prototype, especially if a report on it is to be published.

Chris

[g_kandylakis]

This is a universal truth, when it comes to scale modeling, especially if we are talking about competition.

The normal course is as you describe, search - find - document - build...

Many people finish a model first, fly it, like it and want to enter it in competitions. So they then search for the necessary documentation, which of course almost never corresponds to the particular model, especialy if it was built from a kit or old plan.

Which brings to mind one of my favorite pink panther cartoons, about the proper order...

George

[Stunthenk]

Again and again, in spite of the Pink Panther, the main problem we find when researching a subject from the early decades of aviation, is NO COLOUR DESCRIPTION! Pilots and technicians from the earliest era to modern times are not interested in the colours of their machines. Only the specifications and abilities....

[Jmk89]

Again and again, in spite of the Pink Panther, the main problem we find when researching a subject from the early decades of aviation, is NO COLOUR DESCRIPTION! Pilots and technicians from the earliest era to modern times are not interested in the colours of their machines. Only the specifications and abilities....

True for non-military types, although before WWI natural linen seems to have been most common.  For WWI OG Thetford's book on WWI camouflage is a good start - available in the Plans Gallery.

Otherwise, this is an example where, if usual sources aren't very helpful, it is useful to use ChatGPT or equivalent.

For example, if you ask ChatGPT about the colour scheme of the Sopwith Atlantic (where I have previously tried to find out information about colour scheme), you get this:

"If you mean the 1919 Sopwith Atlantic, the surviving photographs and contemporary material suggest a fairly simple finish rather than a colourful squadron scheme. It was a one-off experimental aircraft built for the transatlantic attempt.

For colourising your photograph, I would use approximately:

Upper surfaces: medium/dark olive-green/khaki protective dope
Fuselage: similar khaki/olive-drab, with some areas appearing lighter due to the fabric finish and lighting
Lower surfaces: very light cream/off-white or pale doped fabric
Engine cowling: dark metallic/blackened metal
Wooden propeller: natural medium brown, with darker laminated sections
Struts and wooden framework: natural wood or light brown
Metal fittings: dull aluminium/steel
National markings: British-style roundel markings where visible, but don't introduce bright modern RAF colours unless supported by the photograph.

There is also contemporary documentation specifically referring to a "Sopwith Atlantic Scheme" with four views of the aircraft, which is useful evidence for reconstructing the finish."

That actually makes sense - the original was a variation of a B1 so it was probably taken out of the spare production models that were around, which would have been finished in RAF colours, and Sopwiths probably had a few gallons of khaki dope going spare at the time!  My only query would be whether the rear top fuselage would have been doped or fabric covered at all.  My recollection is that Harry Hawker made a boat which fitted behind the cockpit instead of the usual stringer arrangement.  In that case if might have been plain varnished wood - like the prop.

You can then ask Chat GPT to colourise some B&W photos.  When I did this I get the attached suggestions, using photos from Google images (BTW the labelling on one photo is wrong about the cockpit, but none of it is mine).  The boat area in the labelled photo does look to be stringered and fabric skinned rather than all wood - which also makes sense, since weight was an issue (hence the drop-off undercarriage).