Albatros Dr.I

Profa · 16 November 2009, 05:16 AM

During the 1917, after appereance of Sopwith Triplane over the Western Front and Idflieg's request for the similar machine from German Aircraft factories, those were overwhelmed by "Triplane-mania". Almost every factory tried to build triplane prototype, including Pfalz, A.E.G., Fokker, Albatros... OK, now we know which model was the most successfull, but then all tried their craftmanship and luck to make all-the-better.
The subject of my topic was based on successfull Albatros D.V, from which it got fuselage, powerplant and armament. There were some modifications in order to mount third (middle) wing, as well as modification of joint between lower wing and fuselage.
The prototype was tested by Idflieg in September 1917, but because of engine cooling problems induced by the use of different radiator testing was delayed. Afterwards the machine didn't show any improvement over classic D.Va and its testing and subsequent production was cancelled...

On to the model - as the real thing was built around its predecessor, Elf's kit is really a conversion of Eduards' classic D.Va kit, including new sprue of wings and struts different to D.V. Included is also fret of PE parts (mostly for cockpit anf MG) and complete 2x table of 4-color lozenge decals, both for upper and bottom wings:

Roaming through pictures and available books, I have noticed interesting thing - it seems to me that the panel on Eduards' fuselage is moulded in the wrong position... Therefore I've used Mr. Surfacer 500 and filled it, and afterwards I've scribed it in proper position... Maybe I'm wrong, as this is not too noticeable, but it seemed to me like right thing to do:

On to the cockpit - I tried to simulate wood grain by first painting the surface with CDL color (Humbrol 148 in this case), and going over it with one layer of very diluted Vallejo acrylic Burnt Umbra (water-based), which was after some 10 minutes followed by wash of Humbrol 110 (Natural wood), built in 2 layers in 2-3 minutes intervals.

Hopes you like it.

continues...

Profa · 16 November 2009, 05:21 AM

I had to redo the control column since Eduard's is a little erroneous. I also managed to put fire buttons on the wrong end on one stick, but that's minor...

Off to more scratchbuilding - hand pumps (located on the right side of the cockpit). Here they are by 2 €cent coin, just for comparison:

Cockpit port and starboard side - a little more scratchbuilding of ignition switches, throttle control, wires...

Profa · 16 November 2009, 05:28 AM

Hoped to speed up a little, since I'm working on this from the beginning of the year ... Instead I started working on few additional projects, and it caused me to slow down instead. Along came the second child, and all my spare time went down the drain...
This was state on 1st of June:

Beginning of September:

It really took me some time to paint 5 layers CDL, as the base for woodwork...

OK, finaly it was time for some panel masking:

and first part of wood texture looks like this:

Profa · 16 November 2009, 05:37 AM

Current state (as from yesterday evening):

While waiting for this wooden texture to cure, I continued working on small tidbits...
There are Spandau machine guns on Eduard's PE fret coming with this set, which I never tried to make before, so I decided to give it a try...

It took me some time before I managed to get the right diameter of stretched sprue to shape PE jacket...:

...but at the end I obtained quite satisfying result:

There were also two parts to be attached to the gun butts, and I made a tube of stretched sprue as well.
All the parts prior to final assembly:

and after basic painting, comparing with original plastic MGs:

I know I'm not a master of PE (as are some guys on this forum), but I'm more than satisfied.

Conclusion: if you could give away some money for Spandau MGs PE fret (of whichever producer), obtain it - although these are small items, I'm sure they'll catch the eye on the finished model. And from now on, whenever I see this possibility to change original (now I see them as plastic chunks), I'll do it...

That's it for now, hard work continues...
Your comments on this are appreciated!

Kaiser Bill · 16 November 2009, 05:49 AM

Profa...excellent work. Fine attention to detail. Keep us posted on the end result.

Kaiser Bill

terri werner · 16 November 2009, 05:53 AM

I like how the warm honey shade turned out for the interior wood grain . Great job on the smaller items of the build as well .

Will be following this thread closely .

Doug Baumann · 16 November 2009, 07:31 PM

nice work so far

Doug

FOKKERJ · 16 November 2009, 08:02 PM

Greetings Profa,

Looking good!

I believe that I have seen some of your work on Sreiko's Site before.
I look forward to your progress on this and like the additional scratch building that you are giving attention to.

Cheers, FOKKERJ

PrzemoL · 18 November 2009, 05:15 AM

Nice job on this lovely model! I am looking forward to see it finished.
The only problem I had with mine was a tedious decalling of wings, including the rib tapes from Techmod.

I also managed to fit the Part PE interior. All in all this is a great kit and as I see your work does it justice!!!

p-26luvr · 18 November 2009, 12:24 PM

Truly great work on the model & the photos. I totally agree with you about the etched brass parts for the m/g,s, Particularly in 1/72nd scale. I did them on my Hansa- Brandenburg W29. I will be following your build with the greatest interest since I have one of the same model. Carl T