Most fortunately, we have confirmation from Andreas Horn. I thought for sure, if it's a German airship that existed, he would know. Apparently I stumped the expert.
Quote:
When talking to a former fellow member of the "Marine-Luftschiffer-Kameradschaft", Otto Heinz Henningsen, I learned that real experts know about this project.
Mr. Henningsen told me that the DLG 1 really was under construction. The keel structure with the two engine cars and the frame for a passenger compartment between them as well as the fins were completed.
He is not sure about the reasons for abandoning the project, but there must have been problems with the envelope and finally - as usual - the financing failed.
But - and that's the most interesting part of the story - a large model (about 5 to 6 meters long; 16 to 20 feet) was presented on a parade, probably in Speyer. (The Nazis loved parades!) There are photos of this model and also of the components which had been built. Maybe I will get these pictures to publish them here (might take some time).
Conclusion: The airship on the picture from LIFE magazine is a model. The DLG 1 never got in the air - unfortunately...
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Cheers
Rod