German Cross (curved Maltese cross) formula?

Pat Daily · 31 March 2006, 08:18 AM

Does anyone know the formula for the Curved German Crosses on Pfalz DIII and DIIIa -- both the solid black cross and the ones with the outlines? I am trying to make some decals for my rc Pfalz.

Pat

edmondthieffry · 31 March 2006, 08:34 AM

Hello Pat Daily,

Try this link : http://www.wwi-models.org/misc/mhae_cross/index.html

I think that it must be useful

Greetings

Edmond

StephenLawson · 31 March 2006, 05:28 PM

Just a note of definition. The "Iron Cross" is better called a "Patee" while the cross used on the Blue Max is the architypal "Maltese"

Pat Daily · 31 March 2006, 06:04 PM

It is also referred to as the Cross Formee (spelling?) too. In any case I used the formula Edmund suggested before I posted and the cross seems too thick for the Pfalz. I suppose I can play with different radii. The crosses will go on the Pfalz soon, one way or the other. I just want to fly it!

Pat

Dan_San_Abbott · 31 March 2006, 08:29 PM

Stephen Lawson:
All the German douments refer to the cross style as the Eisernen Kreuzes, Iron Cross.
blue skies,
Dan-San

Dan_San_Abbott · 31 March 2006, 08:40 PM

pat Daily:
The formula for the Iron Cross is:
H= height of cross.
Base of the arm is = .4H
The arc of the arms is 1.3 H.
With a cross 1400mm, the base is 1400 x .4 =560, 280mm either side of the center line.
The arc of the cross= 1400 x 1.3=1820mm
1. establish the center-lines.
2. establish the height and width. 1400/2=700 about the center-lines.
3. set arm foot dimension.
4. swing arc of 1820mm from the tip of each foot across the cente-lines.
5. Add the field or border out side of the cross.
Blue skies,
Dan-San

StephenLawson · 1 April 2006, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan_San_Abbott

Stephen Lawson: All the German douments refer to the cross style as the Eisernen Kreuzes, Iron Cross. blue skies, Dan-San

Concerning WWI aviation you are absolutely correct but the origins of the flanged iron cross shape go back to the crusades. The basic shape is referred to as a Patee style cross where the dove tailed cross of the Blue Max is known as a Maltese Cross. I refere to "The Monks of War...The military religious orders" by Desmond Seward first published in 1972 and revised in 1995. Penguin books ISBN 0-14-019501-7

This book has some great insight by the way concerning the Teutonic knights where the Patee cross originated starting in chapter 5 Pp.95 -109.

Pat Daily · 1 April 2006, 06:07 AM

Thanks guys!

Pat

Pat Daily · 1 April 2006, 09:28 AM

Dan-San

I used your formula and the crosses came out perfect! Thanks again.

Pat