forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Completed models => Topic started by: lone modeller on May 12, 2016, 07:51:28 AM

Title: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: lone modeller on May 12, 2016, 07:51:28 AM
Evening All,

I really enjoyed building the Ago floatplane last year in the GB while Ninetythirdliberator (Dan Smith) brought this machine to my attention with his build of the Formaplane kit. I have to admit that I knew almost nothing of the Austro-Hungarian Naval Air Service before I started this project, but it has really aroused my interest as they flew some very graceful and interesting flying boats, some of which I am sure would make excellent subjects for scratch builds. This particular model was a test of concept for me to see if I could mould a flying boat hull: it is large for a push mould but it works. Larger hulls will have to be considered carefully before attempting to make them.

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2882/34194400991_db9b198d40_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/U6Df6M)
   
     The Phoenix Typ A was a Hansa Brandenburg design (the W18) which was manufactured under licence for the Austro-Hungarian navy: one was supplied to the German navy but as German pilots preferred floatplanes rather than flying boats the type was not used by them. By contrast the Austro-Hungarian navy used flying boats in considerable numbers for the defence of port and other coastal installations, and for offensive operations and reconnaissance.

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2811/34167163402_8f315f40a9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/U4eDjb)

The Phonix Type A entered service in the summer of 1917 for the defence of Trieste, Pola, Kumbor and Parenzo (Porec) - all on the Adriatic Sea, where it was capable of holding its own against the Nieuport 11 being used by their Italian opponents. Machines were powered by either a 200hp or 230hp Heiro engine (the German machine was powered by a Benz III), and there were variations in the tail structures and radiators mounted on the top wing.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4174/33515015393_f729e40105_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/T4BdqZ)

In 1918 these machines were generally withdrawn from front line service as their relatively limited range and lack of manoeuvrability meant that they were outclassed by the newer machines being employed by the Italians.

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/34194406141_0318bfd9aa_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/U6DgCz)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4169/33483529614_6ed3c83cc5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/T1PQNJ)

Thanks for looking.

Stephen.
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: Des on May 12, 2016, 08:48:26 AM
She turned out beautiful Stephen, a very attractive looking flying boat, you have captured all the elegance of these wonderful aircraft. The overall finish on this model is superb and the timber fuselage has been expertly replicated, well done.

Des.
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: RAGIII on May 12, 2016, 08:50:42 AM
Stephen,
A completely gorgeous build from start to finish! A pleasure as always to follow, watch, and learn!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: Der Phönix on May 12, 2016, 09:46:22 AM
Congratulations, LM,

This build turned out beautifully. I particularly love the colours of the Austrian Rot-Weis-Rot juxtaposed with the natural surfaces of the fuselage. I also envy you your scratch-building skills and bravery but have to say that this particular aircraft, if for name only, tempts me to throw my hat into that ring.

Do you have any suggestions on plans and/or references that may be available? I know that a lot of these diminutive air-and-sea craft were made in small numbers and documentation is scarce but perhaps you have some thoughts.

I look forward to your next offering.

Best regards,
DP
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: coyotemagic on May 12, 2016, 09:51:46 AM
What a truly marvelous model you've created, Stephen!  The build log was a delight to follow from beginning to end.  I need to build a vac machine.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: Bolman on May 12, 2016, 11:54:53 AM
Wow Stephen, Well done. Very well done!

John
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: lcarroll on May 12, 2016, 11:55:03 AM
Stephen,
    Congratulations on another very fine Build! Like Bud I really enjoyed following your progress and the results are spectacular. Just simply beautiful, your talents are remarkable!
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: lone modeller on May 13, 2016, 03:53:55 AM
Thank you Des, Rick, DP, Bud, John and Bud for the very kind remarks which are really appreciated. I am pleased that you enjoyed the build thread - this one was fun and a pleasure to build.

I knew very little about the A-H flying boats until I started this one, but their graceful lines and Rot-Weiss-Rot (red-white-red) wing markings really do make them attractive to look at and I have recently acquired some DF's with a view to building some more flying boat models. In fact I had introduced this one by writing that it was a proof of concept for me - could I manage to mould a hull. My next project, which will start to appear shortly (when I have properly started it), will feature another flying boat from Hansa- Brandenburg in A-H colours.

DP: I will pm you with the information that I was able to find on this type.

Stephen.
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: Epeeman on May 13, 2016, 04:12:29 AM
Steve

Wonderful work (I would expect no less from you) on a really different subject matter for you!

I really like the look of this machine and your wood effect painting on hull is spot on.

Look forward to seeing this one in the flesh.

Regards

Dave
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: lone modeller on May 13, 2016, 04:16:40 AM
Thanks Dave - I hope to be able to bring it to the next club meeting.

Stephen.
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: rhallinger on May 13, 2016, 04:47:10 AM
Another beauty Stephen!  Very well done. ;D

Best regards,

Bob
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: lone modeller on May 14, 2016, 02:59:53 AM
Thanks Bob for the kind remarks.

Stephen.
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on May 14, 2016, 02:21:46 PM
Wow...that is much prettier than mine.  I love the CDL you got.  And the wood is great too.  Now I feel even worse about the decals.

I will re-tripple my efforts, Stephen!  >:( >:( ;)

Dan
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: ermeio on May 14, 2016, 07:29:12 PM
Very very Nice model a little gem!
Lovely colourful model. You are a Master!
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: lone modeller on May 15, 2016, 03:57:56 AM
Thanks Dan and Ermio for the kind remarks.

Stephen.
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: ondra on May 15, 2016, 04:11:13 AM
What a beautiful piece of scratchbuilding!

Very nicely done, Stephen, congratulations.

Cheers

Ondra
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: GAJouette on May 15, 2016, 12:08:19 PM
 Stephen,
Congratulations my old friend on completing another awesome scratch built stunner.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: lone modeller on May 20, 2016, 05:33:09 AM
Evening All,

First my thanks to Gregory and Ondrs for the kind remarks which is really appreciate.

I am adding some more photos of the model because thanks to the generosity of IanB I have been able to add the Austrian badge which was applied to the rudders of aircraft, so that the model is now really complete. Thanks again Ian.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4175/33483526954_eaef73d711_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/T1PQ1S)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4191/34167176142_2431f631a7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/U4eH6Q)

Thanks for looking.

Stephen
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: IanB on May 20, 2016, 07:56:24 AM
You're very welcome Stephen. They definitely add the finishing touch!

Ian
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: Monty on May 23, 2016, 02:40:03 AM
A truly lovely model! Very interesting and unique and some beautiful work! Well done! (That badge is quite the final touch!) Marc.
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: Ernie on May 23, 2016, 03:41:23 AM
Congratulations on another great build, Stephen!  Always a joy to follow
your projects, my friend. :D

Cheers,
Ernie :)
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: lone modeller on May 24, 2016, 02:03:41 AM
Thanks Monty and Ernie for the kind remarks.
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: ALBATROS1234 on June 10, 2016, 12:35:27 PM
quite impressive
Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Phonix Type A flying boat
Post by: WarrenD on June 20, 2016, 01:13:41 AM
Great build LM! 

Warren