1:32nd scale Albatros D.V

[sandbagger]

Hi all
As the build of the Bristol Scout 1264 will be completed soon, I've started on the next build
This will be the Albatros D.V, Serial No: D.2006/17 as flown by Ltn.der.Reserve Bernhard Kilian of Jasta 21b during September 1917
This is a 'Wingnut Wings' model kit

 

Little information is recorded for Ltn.der.Reserve Bernhard Kilian, other than he was born in Neideburg in 1894
He served with Jasta 21 until his death in a flying accident at Pauvres airfield in December 1917
He was not reported to have been awarded any combat victories

 

Mike

 

 

[MikeMaben]

I have this kit and so will be watching  Have fun Mike,

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
Now I've finished the Bristol Scout and Macchi M.5 builds for others, I can get back my modelling.
So I'll now be progressing the Albatros D.V build,

 

Mike

[europapete]

Nice topic Mike, looks like there are some extra gadgets on the outside of his cockpit. A mirror ??? or is it extra intruments with sunglare on the glass?? Quite a hefty framework though. 

Also a light frame with what looks like gunsights over the engine, just under the top wing

Edited July 31, 2024 by europapete

[sandbagger]

Hi all
The forward sides of the fuselage halves have pre-molded circular access panels and cooling louvres
The cooling louvres have no slots under them through the fuselage
I've chosen to replace both with 3D printed parts from 'Proper Plane'
‘Proper Plane’ Albatros D.V/D.Va louvres (RD-011)
‘Proper Plane’ Albatros D.V/D.Va inspection hatches (RD-015)

I've removed the pre-molded panels and louvres from the fuselage sides.
I've also drilled cooling slots through the fuselage sides. These will have the louvres fitted over them

I've also drilled slots in the lower, rear of the fuselage halves for the lower elevator control cables

'Wingnut Wings' issued correction sheets for the instruction manual
These require the removal of pre-molded internal cockpit detail from the left fuselage half and removal of pre-molded straps from the lower, rear of both fuselage halves

 

Mike

 

 

[sandbagger]

8 hours ago, europapete said:

Nice topic Mike, looks like there are some extra gadgets on the outside of his cockpit. A mirror ??? or is it extra intruments with sunglare on the glass?? Quite a hefty framework though. 

Also a light frame with what looks like gun sights over the engine, just under the top wing

 

Hi Pete,

I think it's possibly a flare pistol, mounted on a vertical tube, such that the pilot can load a flare, lock then fire the pistol (directed away to the rear right of the aircraft).
It looks like the breach is open, not closed and locked.
Possibly a similar pistol to the Hebel M1894.
Just forward of the pistol is a flare holder rack.

 

As for the 'gun sight' - I found only one other photograph that seems to show this.

I think you are right in that it's a centralized gun sight.

My guess is that it was easier to aim (if guns ranged correctly) than leaning left or right to use the foresight of the Spandau's.

 

Mike

 

 

 

Edited July 31, 2024 by sandbagger

[europapete]

Ah, yes, Flare pistol. 

[Biggles87]

On 7/4/2024 at 10:18 AM, MikeMaben said:

I have this kit and so will be watching  Have fun Mike,

Me too, I rarely build biplanes but the shape and minimal rigging attracted me to this one.

 

John

[sandbagger]

Hi all
I've to paint the fuselage internal parts
This includes creating wood and leather finishes
The light colour wood finish is ‘Windsor & Newton’ Griffin Alkyd oil paint (Raw Sienna) applied by brush over 'Tamiya' Desert Yellow (XF59) base coat
The dark colour wood finish is ‘Windsor & Newton’ Griffin Alkyd oil paint (Burnt Umber) applied by brush over 'Tamiya' Desert Yellow (XF59) base coat
The leather finish on the pilots seat is ‘Ammo-Mig’ Oil brusher (Earth) and when semi-dry, stipple brushed ‘Ammo-Mig’ Oil brusher (Dark Brown) over 'Tamiya' Desert Yellow (XF59) base coat

 

Mike

 

 

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
The fuselage is now ready to be closed up.
I've added the cockpit control cables for the rudder and elevator (ailerons will come later)
Also pipe/tubes from the water pump greaser and the starter magneto
The control rod from the engine spark advance control lever can't be added until the fuselage is closed up, as it has to route around or through a cockpit frame
The engine has ignition leads to the spark plugs but not from the magnetos
Wiring those is a waste as they can't really be seen on the completed model

 

Mike 

 

 

 

[Iain]

Looking fabulous!

 

Iain

[Dpgsbody55]

Looks great.  I've got the D.Va kit in my stash so I'll be following this.  Thanks for the details on how you paint wood.  Very important on this plane.

 

 

 

Cheers,

Michael

[Greif8]

Great looking work as always Mike.  I like the wood tones you selected and painted.

 

Ernest

[themongoose]

Such a neat assembly job! 

[sandbagger]

Hi all,
The fuselage is now closed up.
The kit supplied machine guns were replaced with the ‘Spandau’ 08/15 extended loading handle (14-32061) from 'Gaspatch'.
These needed to be modified to allow them to locate correctly in the fuselage front/rear gun mounts,

 

Mike