Victor Chapman's Nieuport 11 N.1148

[davecww1]

Victor Chapman’s Nieuport 11

Here is a model of the aircraft flown by one of
the founding members of the Lafayette Escadrille
in 1916.  Chapman’s N.1148 was painted overall
yellow from the factory, but had a replacement
wing added from a camouflaged aircraft.  He
added field applied roundels to the upper wing
that were the same as Imperial Russian, and later
USAS markings, but this was a one of a kind
marking in France at this time.  He was flying this
aircraft on June 17, 1916 over Verdun and was
wounded but able to land safely.  Unfortunately on
June 23 he was not so lucky and was shot down,
becoming the first American aviator to be killed In the First World War.

[uncletony]

Congrats, a lovely Noop and I enjoyed reading the history esp the markings, very interesting.

[Nigel Jackson]

Well done Dave. This is a beautiful piece of work and the background information you provide is very interesting.

Best wishes
Nigel

[Des]

Congratulations Dave on completing this beautiful model, and the history of this plane is very interesting, well done.

Des.

[RAGIII]

Beautiful results Dave! Your paintwork is lovely to say the least! I am tempted once again to move my Special Hobbies Noop up in the pile!
RAGIII

[coyotemagic]

As always, Dave, a splendid model beautifully painted.  I love the scheme and your "yellow" rendering in brilliant.  I enjoyed reading the background information.
Cheers,
Bud

[rhallinger]

Very well done Dave!  A striking paint scheme very well-executed.  I really like the look of this model.   I'd vote "1st place" for this one.  Good luck at the show!

Cheers,

Bob

[lone modeller]

What an excellent representation of an aircraft in a unique colour scheme. I like this model in every way although I am not usually much taken by French machines. Best of luck in the show - I am sure that this will be a winner.

[Epeeman]

Great looking N11, mate!

Regards

Dave

[Rob Hart]

The model looks great! I'm curious about the painted yellow finish. Can anyone link me to additional information about it or provide a source.

[davecww1]

Hi Rob,
The best information on the early Nieuport camouflage and colors is in Windsock Worldwide Vol. 23 No. 5.  Alan Toelle did an article on Nieuport camouflage of 1916.  Here is a quote from that article: "Victor Chapman, one of the original pilots of Escadrille N.124, wrote: 'Luxeuil, May 10, 1916... the Avions have arrived... Most of them have war paint on - rather handsome, savage without being garish.  It is mottled light and dark brown with light and dark green imitation of landscape... Mine, however happens to be cream colour solid, something new they are trying out; but it gets dirty and needs to be washed daily.' This is taken to be evidence of the 4 color French scheme as well as the cream color (French yellow) used on Chapman's aircraft.  There is also a good profile of this aircraft in the Windsock special Nieuport Flyers of the Lafayette by Jon Guttman, with a profile by Bob Pearson and front cover art by Robert Karr showing this scheme with odd insignia.   
Dave

[davecww1]

Thanks everyone for the compliments, at the Valleycon 24 show this model was able to win the first place gold medal in the rigged/multiwing category against 6 other aircraft, not a huge showing but it made me proud to get it finished in time for the show and win the gold.

[Nigel Jackson]

That's wonderful news Dave. Congratulations!

Best wishes
Nigel

[lcarroll]

Congratulations Dave, and very well deserved. Lovely model, and as mentioned already, great version of the creamy yellow.
Cheers,
Lance

[IanB]

Congrats Dave, well deserved! Sorry I couldn't make it this year, this last week has just been too busy and I had to catch up on other things.

Next year....

Ian