The Hangman (Spad XIII)

Enemy Ace vs. The Hangman! 

I've got a special place in my heart for this box. It was one of the first kits I tackled after getting into the model building hobby. 

Like greeting an old friend. I've used these sprues for so MANY different projects... especially my Studio Ghibli projects... WInd Rises bird plane, the Flapter from Laputa... I even used the wheels for my Kiki's Delivery Service Tombo bicycle. This time I think I might actually build a Spad XIII... but not just ANY Spad XIII... 

First off... let's get rid of whatever that big, ugly block of plastic is supposed to be... 

The Spad XII cockpit is a bit tricky. Given the low upper wing, you don't see much of the cockpit at the best of times, and once I stuff the Hangman in there, you really won't see anything. But that's not REALLY the point... is it? I'll know it's there. 

Really... no point in detailing “below the shoulders” here. I added a floor... not sure why though. 

Main fuselage glued together. Some gaps at the tail filled with polystyrene strips, and the top of the engine casing replaced. I think I can scratch up some better guns than the lumps Academy came up with.  

Putty, sanding... and starting to fit the DC motor. 

All the main parts glued in place. I made sure to do them one at a time and make sure the upper wing will be in the right spot. 

First coat of white paint, mainly just for the side roundels and the tail.