First Group Build Pfalz D.IIIa

So as part of my adventures on the Great War in the Air Forum I have joined my first ever group build.  The build started on Sept 1st and can include any Pfalz aircraft.  http://www.greatwaraviation.com/forum/index.php?topic=621.0

I am diving into my first Wingnut Wings kit for this project and am pretty excited.



Here is my "open box" shot with the plastic still on the sprues.  I plan on doing this scheme Han Muller Jasta 18.  If Rowan at Phaeon Models gets his Jasta 30 sheets out I may change but I like the colors of this bird.

I washed the sprues and primed a couple.  I had some old XF22 Sky lying around so that primed the cockpit pieces.  I primed the engine sprue black since it is all metal.


Here is the engine block after a test fit.

 
Another idea from Des.  I got an old guitar string and cut it into little pieces.  These became the rocker springs on the cylinder head.


I still need to grind these down to size and it would have helped if I had a better pair of cutting pliers.  The effect is very nice and it was supper easy to drill out some holes and CA the 'springs' into place.


The last thing I did today was make a couple guides for the plug wires.  These will be primed and painted.  I thought I could get farther on the engine but I need brass tubing to make sparkplugs.  I am going slow but really enjoying this build so far.