Albatross ammo chute

[Olson]

I am building a 1/4 scale Albatross D-V (Proctor kit) which will be finished to represent the "Edelweiss" of Uffz Paul Beaumer. The best photo I have of this aircraft is from the Ferko collection which shows a dome shaped cover located where the ammo belt chute (feed or discharge?) is adjacent the side of the m.g., instead of the twisted rectangular chute usually seen (and provided for in the kit). I presume it is a stamped sheet metal part. My question is whether this is a field or factory modification applied to all four chutes on both m.g.'s as the photo is taken from and therefore only shows the port side. If present on both feed belt chutes and both discharge belt chutes can I assume all four are the same shape and size. Sorry for such a big question regarding such a small matter........John

I tried to add a picture from my Flickr site but it won't download

[Gregvan]

Hi Olson,

I believe this is the photo of Bäumer's "Edelweiss" Albatros D.V you're speaking of (a detail):

What you're describing is a metal dome or bowl over the left gun's discharge chute. Peter Grosz called it a Beule or 'bump'. It was a factory feature of most Albatros-built D.III's (but not OAW D.III's). It was also usually seen on D.I's and D.II's. I think it was sometimes removed in service.

I've not done a thorough study of this (maybe I should), but it seems to have been commonly affixed on the Albatros D.V, but less so on the D.Va. Again, it seems universally absent on OAW-built D.Va's.
Here's a view of von Hippel's well-known "Drachen" Albatros D.V 2065/17:


Here's a view from the cockpit of what reportedly was a Jasta 5 Albatros:

[jtisch]

According to an article in OTF (v.14,no.3 pg.262)by Greg Van and Dan-san on the DV and DVa,The "bump" was found only on Johannistahl-built aircraft and absent on the OAW-built aircraft.

[Olson]

A picture (or better, two, is worth.........), thanks. Your detail is from the photo I referred to in my post. Reminiscent of the "Beule" over the breech of the m.g.'s on the G series Me 109. At least now I know I only have to fabricate one of these. Much appreciated........John

[Dan_San_Abbott]

Olson:
The empty belt chute on the left side of the receiver exits horizontally make a 90º turn to the rear and then make a 90º turn down to the vertical and enters the empty belt box, which is in front of left live ammo container. The Albatros Werke, Johannisthal bei Berlin, covered this the empty belt chute with this (beule) bowl like cover on the Alb.D.V and the D.Va. All OAW built D.Va machines did not have the cover, the empty belt chute were exposed. One of the recognition features of OAW built D.Va machines.
Blue skies,
Dan-San

[Olson]

Thanks Dan-San.
My kit has the double twisted belt chute part. My understanding is that the Beuhle simply covers the factory chute, NOT replaces it (the twisted sheet metal chute to the empty casing collector is still in place underneath it). Was the function of the Beuhle aerodynamic drag reduction?.............John