Eduard’s 1/48 Albatros D.V Weekend Edition. Kind of a quicky for me. I just started it Wednesday. The base is probably not period correct but is the same generic base I use for all my photos.
Kit goes together well but the lack of pins in a few fiddly areas make those areas a bit difficult for me. Being a mechanic by trade my fingers aren’t in the best condition with the rough skin and arthritis and all. The landing gear and the wing struts are the toughest parts and the next time I think I’ll drill the parts and pin them to help locate the parts.
Paint is combination of Tamiya and MM and I used both for my first attempt at wood grain. Since then I’ve been reading a few different techniques that I may try next time. The panel lines are MIG oils and got away from me in a place or two. Final coat is a custom mix of Future and flat base.
I tossed a couple of kit recommened colors into the cockpit and assembled the fuse halves, happy to not spend much time there since most of it dissapears when the halves are together. The engine is much the same, all but dissappearing when the plane comes together. The valve train is well seen, however, and could use a boost in detail. Maybe a project for the next one.
I did the entire airframe with rigging before any painting was done as I was not to sure how to go about the sequence. Next time I’ll paint it in subassemblies, complete, and then rig. I’ve learned a few things. The rigging is botched in a place or to and my wire got crossed, literally. Something else to pay attention to next time.
I wanted to do one of Ricthofen’s planes but it seems I’ve got a mix of right and wrong. Still, I used an artist’s profile I found on the web and a b/w shot of the plane as paint reference. Building it was something I wasn’t to sure I’d like but I think with practice I could really come to like these little WWI planes. What I really like is the end result. They are a different ball game to be sure and I recommend them to anyone who hasn’t tried one who is looking for something to challenge them a little. Comments welcome but take it easy one me. I just had my WWI virginity taken.[;)]
It looks fantastic to me, especially considering you started it on Wednesday! A very nice ‘first’ for the WWI era, and I’m looking forward to many more from you.
A really neat model and a very good job on the fit and finish. Can you see the BF- 109 in that aerodynamic design.? The D.5 was ahead of it’s time in many ways.
That bird looks good in any color, but I gotta say it looks particularly striking in red. Nice work hk, and in just 3 days??? Yikes…6 days on mine and I just got the cockpit finished. 2 enthusiastic [tup] [tup]
I think you darn fine job on it. I have a couple Eduard Abatroses(?), Albatri(?), whatever!, in my stash waiting for my retirement. I also have a couple CA Fiat CR. 32’s waiting for me, too. All of a sudden I have this thing for biplanes. Good job, hk!
Sure, Jon, if I can help let me know. Don’t know how much assistance I could be but I’d give it a shot.
I’m thinking my next effort needs to take a bit more time and research. I think if I rearange a few things in my process and read some more I’d be able to do a better job. Maybe a Newport next time.
Excellent results! Note on the photo of the real machine the tail skid housing has collapsed. This was taken shortly after the crash landing and MvR was picked up and taken to the hospital. Modern research says that it was likely cause from one of his own unit members warming up his gune before they engaged the British FE2b sqaudron they had targeted. There is much more to the story but one unique sidelight was that an infantry observer was saved from a court martial due to the fact that MvR was a holder of the Blue Max. The observer had left his post to attempt to rescue MvR. Several weeks later MvR’s intervention on the soldier’s behalf kept him from being executed by firing squad.
Here is a bit of fun on the subject of the “Blue Max” Highest Imperial Prussian award for multiple acts of bravery. It was awarded at the hand of the Royal family.
