I have now decided what markings to go with. I like the zig-zag red arrow on the Jasta 17 black and white tailplane of Schreder's DV. The markings are available as Option E on Wingnut Wings 30013 Albatros DV. Unfortunately I only have the DVa kit in my stash. Yes I know the two kits are almost identical - the only difference is the PE set where the metal cover between the two machine guns has a different shape to allow the aileron control cables passing through up to the top wing on the DV. The DVa PE set also has the long metal straps that secured the front of the engine panels.
I am going to get around the problem by modelling The Vintage Aviator Ltd's second Albatros reproduction which was finished in Schreder's markings and subsequently sold to Kermit Weeks in Florida. The TVAL Albatros repros are all constructed as DVa types with the additional support struts to the V interplane struts.
Unfortunately I never got to see this Albatros before it was exported. Its only public flight was at the Classic Fighters airshow at Omaka in Blenheim NZ last Easter, with Kermit Weeks showing it off. My friend David Frowen was there and took some good photos which he has kindly provided to me for posting in my Photobucket album.
http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV%20TVAL/
The photos show a number of interesting details to be incorporated into the model. The radiator appears to be a Teeves and Braun type however the shutters underneath are more commonly associated with the Daimler Mercedes type radiator.
The Mercedes engine on the TVAL reproduction is the type with a water-jacketed inlet manifold.
The plywood panel around the cockpit has a section of padding
in front of the windscreen
The tailskid has fabric wrapping over about half its length
Canvas covers over the bungee cords on the undercarriage
Not much progress to report on the build yet. At this stage its just removing parts from sprues and cleaning them up ready for painting. I need to save some time where possible so I don't plan to detail anything which won't be visible on the completed model. Weathering will be very light. I plan to use Pheon decals for the lozenge fabric (the pink option), and some HGW sets for seatbelts and surface fittings.
Today is a public holiday in New Zealand (and Australia), ANZAC Day, where we remember the sacrifices made by our soldiers in war. Dawn parades have taken place all around the country. TVAL will be commemorating ANZAC Day with their last airshow of the season, on Saturday. I will post some photos when I get back.
Cheers James
