Benes Mraz Be51 (the very first profile)

[DarkoB]

Greetings to all Simmers!
This is my first attempt with profiles. I used Grubby's way: Illustrator + Photoshop. (Thanks Grubby )
The plane is rare Czech made Benes-Mraz Be51 as it was used by the Croatian Air Force during World War II. Unfortunately there are not many references to this aircraft.
Not complicated in shape, perfect for the first try.
Attached photo is from book Frka-Novak-Pogacic: 'Zrakoplovstvo NDH 1941-1945' owned by Z.Planinc.

All critics and comments are more than welcome.

Regards

[Mangas]

Awesome result for the 1st try.
Keep up the good work.

I hope you will make cockpit more detailed? Glass effects, seat e.t.c?

[GiantFlyingRobots]

Welcome aboard!

Interesting type. Makes a nice change from the usual suspects seen here most times.

You look to have picked up the basics quite well. You can do worse than follow Grubbys way.

Look forward to seeing your work progress.

One thing you may want to change in reference to your background image, is the canopy and windscreen frame appears to be silver or maybe even yellow, not green as illustrated.

[gamary]

Welcome to SPS, DarkoB!

Nice choice of subject. I didn't even know it existed, but it looks like an interesting aircraft. May I suggest you reinforce your shading?

A common tendency for beginners is to make the shading not strong enough and too diffuse IMHO.

Keep us posted.

[JMSmith]

hi darko,,,

unlike these lowly mortals i have heard of this aircraft, a nice little sports plane, 25 of which were used by the Croatian air force,

these plans you have based your drawing on are very flawed, the wing does not come to a point in side veiw, it should be a gentle curve.

but apart from that your profile works is very good for a first try.

[DarkoB]

Thank you all for your comments. I managed to change the color of the cockpit and put in two simple seats.
Glass seems like a big problem for now, and it seems that I need some practice to get the proper effect.

JMSmith, thanks for the "wingtip tip" . I have no idea how I did such a huge mistake! I will try to create a new wing.
Also, I will try the stronger shadows.
And of course, will keep you posted.

[inkworm]

The underside of the nose needs work on the shading to show the angles, it isn't a smooth curve if you look at the photos posted.

[Otterkins2]

I'd be pleased as a pig in a poke if this was my first effort. Welcome to Simmers. Listen carefully, because these people will guide you through to evil deadly art that will slay anyone. These are the finest people you'll ever find, and a true wellspring of information. Hang on to your hat, because you're in for a wild and crazy ride.

[BLOWHARD]

It's looking pretty nice! Take a look at the lower edge of the fuselage. It's knife sharp. If you make that shadow along the lower edge a very subtle gradient up the side of the fuselage, it will sharpen up just fine. Right now it looks like it has a radiused edge.

These are the finest people you'll ever find

Oh ho, don't include me in that statement, that would ruin my reputation!!!

[DarkoB]

Thank you all for your sincere help
New variant, this time with some changes solving the problems you have pointed out:
- New wing, more rounded wingtip
- A new gradient shade at the bottom of the fuselage
- A new shadow on the underside of the nose
- Correct font and color of the serial number
- Leaking oil from the engine