Glencoe Oeffag Albatross D.III Finished- More new pics added on page 3

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
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Well a month or two ago my modeling moejoe went real low. So I decided to get back in the game I would go do something that I had not done in a LONG time… a biplane. I have a lot in my stash, from nice Eduards & Rodens, to original Auroras and their clones/re-pops. After looking at all the ones in my stash I decided to start here, as I have not built a biplane kit since I was in Jr. High School way back when. My basic rule to self here was to use just what is in the box, although I would modify kit parts as needed along the way…

So here is the boxtop. For those of you who have never seen or handled a Glencoe kit, they are usually reboxings of very old kits from other companies, sometimes cleaned up or modified, with basic instructions, a very nice Scale Master decal sheet, and sold for a very inexpensive price. They are not for the fainthearted. As far as I can find, Aurora never issued an Oeffag Albatross D.III (Austrian built for those who are wondering), and they only issued the German built Albatross D.III. So I am presuming that Glencoe took the orginal Aurora molds here and added the parts needed to make the Oeffag version, as well as having the standard D.III part. To call this kit basic is an understatement. Although in all fairness, the original molds probably date from the late '50s or early 60s. Most parts beyond the fuselage halves needed filing, sanding, or shims to fit properly. Not to mention a good amount of flash on many parts. On the plus side the kit does come with a beautiful Scalemaster decal sheet with three marking options, which is probably worth the $5 or so that I paid for this challenging kit.

Of course, as usual for a build the first step once that I decided to build this crate was research. I did happen upon a walk around of a beautiful exact flying reproduction Oeffag D.III, so armed with this source I went to work.

Now in the cockpit I did deviate slightly from my no additions/kit parts only self imposed guidance. I did add a control stick, and I was not going to use the pilot figure, and teh kit did not include one. So from my spares bin I found something suitable. And I also drilled out some lightening holes in the seat based upon what I could find in online photos.

and I built the motor, probably the best molded and detailed part of the kit. I did drill out each of the exhaust stacks and filed the intake manifold to rounded profile rather than the as molded squared off edges.

Then these items and areas were painted

Next up was the cockpit & fuselage interior painting- varnished plywood, as well as some instrument decals (minimal) for the panel.

then painting of the interior and exterior engine areas that I knew would be best done before assembly, as well as the guns.

afterwards I glued the fuselage halves together with the cockpit in place, then added the engine, guns, and cowl/decking. The fit was very rough and required quite a bit of sanding before it finally began to look right. I almost felt like I was shaping a wooden model during this point.

more to come shortly…

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One of my favorite old models, and you’re doing a cracking job with it. Look forward to seeing the build as it develops.

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Off to an excellent start! I too, have not built one of these since I was in Jr. High. I’m looking forward to this. :slight_smile:

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Next up was the tail. The fit of the horizontal stabilizer was horrid! Basically the only part that made contact was the leading edge area and where the elevator met the fuselage rear. So I had to do some serious shim work and sanding to build it up to make for a proper fit.

But I was successful there and then with some putty, not bad at all.

Then I added the rudder and ventral fin/skid. Again it was a major case of test fit, sand, test fit again, file some more, repeat as needed.

Next up was adding the radiator to the upper wing. The bottom of those parts was dead flat and needed some serious file work to match the airfoils shape of the wing. I also thinned down the wing trailing edges and added some scallop shape to the trailing edges of the ailerons, based upon the walkaround photos. I also added some locator holes for the radiator lines to the lower portion of the radiator.

Now the attachment points for the lower wings are some of the weakest I can imagine. So I cut the pins on the wings off, drilled a locator hole in their place on each lower wing, drilled thru the fuselage locator holes, and added a length of .20 gauge steel wire to reinforce the wings. I then super glued the wire to the locator holes in the wing and used Plastruct cement (Very hot stuff, like Tenax) to attach the lower wings and set them aside to dry overnite. I also drilled locator holes for the radiator lines in the fuselage and engine

and finally, I added the interplane and cabane struts to the upper wing, aligned them as best I could, and set them aside to dry

So that is where this project stands at this point. I am just about ready to begin painting, after I mark and drill some attachment holes for the cabane struts in the forward fuselage.

Like I said, this is not a project for the faint hearted…

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Greg and Mike, thanks for looking in and the encouragement. This is actually pretty fun to overcome each challenge that this kit presents. I just cant imagine building one of these old kits as a kid back when it was state of the art with tube glue… scary… [:O] [;)]

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It’s very nice to see one of these crummy Glencoe kits in the hands of an expert. the last Glencoe I built, I sworn not to build another, but they have some really cool subjects so I just had to buy 2 more which are currently in my stash. you’ve inspired me to get a start on another one dang it.

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I dont know about expert… [^o)] Experienced yes… [;)] I still have 3 more Glencoe biplanes in my stash to tackle one day.

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Very nicely done, I’ll be following to see how this will turn out.

Toshi

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Thanks Toshi. I started painting earlier this evening and have most of the base colors on now. I’ll get some more photos posted tomorrow.

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I’m a bit nerdy, so I have to point out that the Albatros would be referred to as a sesquiplane rather than a biplane. Please, just ignore me LOL

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You are absolutely correct. [8-|]Just like certain Nieuports. But it is far easier to say and spell biplane. [;)]

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Thanks for staring this thread, I’m enjoying your build. I haven’t built a biplane since I was a kid, and rigging was something I never considered then. So, I’ll be glad to see you rig yours.

Best wishes,

Gary

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I adore the Albitros. It’s by far my favorite early airplane. Looking forward to seeing this one come togehter.

BK

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Gary & Brandon, thanks for looking in and commenting. I am so happy to be at a point where I see serious progress. I actually have the base colors on the exterior now, but can’t post photos from my phone. Later hopefully when I can access a real computer. As far as rigging goes, that is something I am still assessing as to how best attempt…

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Ill definitely be following this. Ive built only 1 Glencoe kit (back in the 90s) and I know how “basic” the kit can be.

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I have Glencoe’s 1/48 Albatros DIII in my stash - not the Oeffag version - the Oeffag version I have in an Eduard box in one of my closets full of kits [:D]. I’m sure your WIP will inspire me to get to one of my 1/48 Albatros kits. Maybe right after my Hobby Boss F4U-4 early version or my Accurate Miniatures SBD-5, or… Maybe I should just finish my Liberty Ship before thinking too much about another Biplane [:$].

Anyway I’m following your build with great interest.

Mike

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Alan, these kits are basic indeed. But they can be worked into something with a little creative effort.

Mike, I have the Glencoe D.III in my stash as well. This project is giving me ideas on how to improve that one when I do tackle it.

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Well here are the basic paint colors on so far. All Humbrol- Oak for the wood areas of the Fuselage, Linen for the fabric areas of the wings, rudder, and horizontal stabilizers, and Aluminum for the engine deck & cowl

and a rest fit of the upper wing onto the rest

next up over the coming days, applying a camo pattern

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OH yes, it’s coming together very nicely!

Toshi

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Stik,

Looking good so far. Mind if I tag along? And by the way, what scale is this?

Steve