The Junkers D.1 was one of the first all metal aircraft, and the first all metal aircraft to enter service. Though, due to several factors the aircraft never gained much popularity. The aircraft was powered by either the Mercedes d.iiia or d.iiiaü, producing roughly 180 hp. The aircraft I built depicts Junkers D.1 5185/18 “Bänder” from November 1918. The aircraft was painted in the common overall green and purple camo, although the fuselage eventually was painted in black.
I purchased this kit at a local show in February for only $100 (quite a steal) and almost immediately began building it. Assembly was a breeze with nearly no major construction issues leaving me with a finished model in only about 3 weeks.
The interior was painted with mainly with Alclad II white aluminum and the only weathering was with oil painting to add oil staining. It was definitely a different experience adding washes to a corrugated surface. Before I sealed the fuselage halves I built up the engine. I mainly built the engine oob but I added heat wrap around the exhaust manifold with thinly sliced pieces of Tamiya tape wrapped around it. I also added various wires like throttle wires and ignition wires.
I was concerned about the fit of the fuselage and wings because filling gaps with the corrugated surface would’ve been almost impossible, although they both fit together wonderfully. I only used a small amount of Vallejo filler along the top half. The wings were free-hand airbrushed with purple-white mix and IJN green. The crosses on throughout the markings were painted with masks that I cut with my cricut. Overall weathering throughout was light. I used pastel powder for dirt stains on the underside and various oils throughout for streaks, stains and dirt.
Overall, this kit was a breeze and a joy to build. I’m happy with the result. After every Wingnut kit it makes me justify more and more spending the money for these kits.
You did a nice job. Interesting aircraft - I would expect wing rigging on an early monoplane ala the P-26.