Albatros Dva rib tape color.

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Just a quick question to those in the know here. Would it be historically inaccurate for an Albatros DVa to have black rib taping? I'm assuming if it isn't accurate, that the salmon/light blue/ or lozenge taping would be fine? Please advise. Thanks!

ZZ.

[jtisch]

I've never seen black rib tapes on a DV(a).I would go with the other three.

J

[Der Grüne Flieger]

Hi ZZ,

I have both volumes of the Osprey books, "Albatros Aces of WW1" and on the color profiles I don't see black tape. It appears that the rib tape, most of the time, matches the color of the wing. The only time this appears to be different is on the lozenge printed material. When those wings are shown, the rib tape appears to be a light blue.

Hope this helps. If you need more info from these books, please feel free to let me know.

Phil

[Dan_San_Abbott]

ZoomZoom:
When the camouflage was painted, the rib tapes were plain linen fabric and covered with the camouflage paint. When covered with 5 color printed fabric, those built by Albatros Werke were were salmon pink. Those built by OAW were light blue,
Blue skies,
Dan-San

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Excellent, thank you all for the information. This is what I was anticipating, and thanks as well Dan for the distinction between the OAW and Albatros Werks types. I now have a couple more questions, and Dan you may have the answers for both due to your extensive experience here. Was lozenge rib tape EVER used over lozenge wings on a DVa? And secondly, have you ever heard of pilots re-painting their rib tapes for effect (say in a solid color), as they did to personalize other elements of their aircraft? It may seem an odd question, but legitimate I think.

ZZ.

The Smithsonian's DVa has the pink rib tapes. I have the book on this restoration and if you can get a copy, I would strongly urge. It's out of print, I believe. This airplane had original fabric previous to being restored albiet the fabric was pretty ratty. I remember there being a discussion on the color of the rib taping. Again, this is an excellent book, maybe the best on the subject. The wing plans and details could be used for the DV and DIII also.

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Thanks JS, I do however have a copy of the Smithsonians restoration issue, as well as all of the Osprey series titles on the subject. My question still stands however to Dan and others who have certainly come across more material than even these on the topic, as to whether lozenge tape was used over lozenge wings on the DVa, and whether or not anyone ever painted the tapes to personilze their craft. Sorry for the repitition, just trying to keep things focused. Thanks Again!

ZZ.

I was trying to be helpful, sorry!

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No, please Excuse me Joystick. I by no means meant to sound unappreciative,....... email and the like can so often come across in ways we don't intend. My apologies, and thanks for your attempt to aid my search.

ZZ.

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Another interesting item that came up in a similar thread over in Rcuniverse was whether the taping on the wings extended over onto the ailerons as well. Some claim that it does, others that it doesnt as the ailerons were covered seperately from the wing. I never really thought of this issue before.

ZZ.