Okay Tim, let me try something different with my magic keyboard....
Well, it's done. My unofficial building log shows the model required 772 hours to build over a period of one year and is comprised of 4788 pieces. It proved to be one of the most challenging – and sometimes frustrating – models I’ve ever built, but it was also one that provided a great deal of fun and satisfaction. Recommended! Would I do it again? Not during this lifetime.....
A left front view of the aircraft on a clear day, 53 degrees Fahrenheit. Perfect! The model represents Dr.I, Serial number 127/17 (series production number and year of build) Werke Nummer #1838, assigned to Jasta 11 (jagdstaffel) photographed at Phalempin airdrome, France, February 1918. Richthofen achieved his 71st, 74th, and 76th aerial victories in this machine. At that time the aircraft was mostly in factory finish except for the red cowl and it was not the aircraft in which he was shot down on 21 April 1918, that one being Serial 425/17. As such 127/17 incorporates the coloring, lettering, and numbering of this Triplane as far as is possible on a structural model and this color scheme including the red cowling is based on a beautiful CAD profile by the celebrated Ronny Bar.
Hasegawa 1/8 Fokker Dr.I Dreidecker. Photo taken at Land O' Lakes Aerodrome, Northern Wisconsin, USA. The aircraft is on a taxiway, but will taxi over to the grass runway before takeoff. But, then again, perhaps it needs fabric before it does this....
A right rear view illustrating the complexity of the airframe and wing structure. The fabric screen aft of the pilot’s seat which prevents cockpit airflow from blowing out the fabric on the rear fuselage shows up well here.
A left rear view illustrating the difference between the wood structure of the wings and the ‘welded steel tube’ structure of the airframe.
A left rear view of the aircraft at Land O’ Lakes Aerodrome, northern Wisconsin. The harsh shadows bring the wing ribs into prominence.