forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Completed models => Topic started by: lone modeller on December 11, 2022, 06:41:40 AM
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Evening All,
I have been taking longer even than usual on a large (ie 1/32 scale) scratch build project and started to flag badly in the summer for a variety of reasons. Then BM started a GB on prototypes etc so I wondered if I could get some modelling energy back by building a prototype in God's Own Scale. Naturally pusher types are worth serious consideration when it comes to scratch building, so when I discovered a type which was completely new to me about three years ago, I added it to my to do list: now was the time to get started. This is the result:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52551914575_41cacf14ec_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4QijF)
The Albatros CII is a little known type and I have found conflicting information about it: however all sources agree on some at least of the facts. WW1 German armed two seaters were given the 'C' designation and the first Albatros "C" variant was essentially an armed version of the earlier 'B' machine. The CI entered service in 1915. In late 1915 and early 1916 the German Fokker and Pfalz monoplanes were wreaking heavy losses on the RFC reconnaissance types on the western front, but the introduction of the FE 2b and later DH 2 pusher types turned the tide in favour of the RFC. The Germans were impressed by the performance of the FE 2b and according to one source asked Albatros to produce a two-seat pusher design for trials.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52551986923_35de490f54_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4QEQ4)
Other sources state that the CII was ordered in early 1916 so that the performance of a two seat pusher could be tested and evaluated. Whatever the original reason, a prototype was built and appeared in March/April of 1916. My model shows the aircraft as it was photographed at around that time, ie before the serial number was added and a coloured stripe painted across the front of the nacelle, as shown in later photographs. The machine was test flown in the summer of 1916 but the design was not proceeded with as there were much better two seat tractor designs available and in service.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52551986363_23e9cf131b_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4QEEp)
I could not find any drawings of this machine but all sources state that the wings and undercarriage of the CI was incorporated into this machine. Close study of the few photographs available suggested to me that the design engineers used the fuselage of the CI too: they seem to have cut it in half just behind the observers seat and turned it through 180 degrees so that the engine was at the rear of the new nacelle. The front of the nacelle was rounded off and the seats of the crews also turned through 180 degrees. The booms and tail unit were new.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52551444676_857b9ad0af_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4MTCY)
I made my own drawings based on the DataFile of the Albatros CI and I used the published dimensions and photographs to construct the booms and tail: I am sure that my model has inaccuracies but am content to let someone prove to me where they are. The colour scheme is also problematic as I could not find any details as to what the colours, (if any), were: the machine may have been CDL but my interpretation of the photos suggests a single overall colour. If anyone has contradictory proof please do not bother to tell me as I do not intend to rebuild or repaint this model.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52551914390_cf48bbc56e_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4Qigu)
I made the model using my usual methods and materials: 30 thou styrene sheet, push moulding, Evergreen strip, florists wire and wood, and very expensive and sophisticated jigs. It is rigged with rolled copper wire. I have also employed a large amount of smoke and mirrors.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52551444296_177090989e_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4MTwq)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52551444376_7caa7f2570_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4MTxN)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52551986578_b580c2f631_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o4QEJ7)
Thanks for looking.
Stephen.
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OK Stephen, am I losing My mind or did you delete and repost this one? I would have sworn I commented earlier on how beautiful this one is! I will certainly look up the build log!
RAGIII
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Wow! What a great build. I have not seen this aircraft before. Thanks for the information about the subject. I’m inclined to build one myself. I have a few Albatros B.II and C.1’s to chop up.
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Wow, just one more jewel from your miracle factory, Stephen. Do keep them coming!
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It was posted twice on 'Completed Models' RAGIII, your original comment is on the second post and so is mine :)
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Another fantastic addition to your collection Stephen. Beautifully done once again.
It must have been extremely unstable in pitch with such a short tail!
Ian
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Gorgeous work in such a tiny scale. Just amazing, Stephen.
Cheers,
Gary
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Thanks all for the very kind comments
I thought that I had posted this but when I cam back the next day it seemed to have disappeared and I did post again. Probably I am losing my sight rather than you losing your mind Rick.
My sincere apologies for any confusion caused - it was entirely unintentional.
Stephen.
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Wow - great work as usual and another very diffirent subject matter that I was not aware of, Steve -
Great egg plane!
Regards
Dave
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Thanks all for the very kind comments
I thought that I had posted this but when I cam back the next day it seemed to have disappeared and I did post again. Probably I am losing my sight rather than you losing your mind Rick.
My sincere apologies for any confusion caused - it was entirely unintentional.
Stephen.
Stephen, Glad to know I am Not Losing My Mind...or at least not in this instance ::) As for the original disappearing that was probably My fault. Your post was a few down from the top and I was catching up. So as I made comments on all of the others yours was probably pushed to page two, temporarily!
RAGIII
PS: Here is My original comment:
As always your work is amazing Stephen! Beautiful results on an unusual Type! I have been taking some time off so I haven't been following builds. I will have to go back and look at this one as I always enjoy following your processes!
RAGIII
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Reposting my comment from the other post:
A lovely model Stephen, and a welcome addition to the very little available information on this fascinating Albatros pusher.
Great work!
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I thought that I had posted this but when I cam back the next day it seemed to have disappeared and I did post again. [...] My sincere apologies for any confusion caused - it was entirely unintentional.
No harm done Stephen, I've just locked the other one.
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Undoubtedly the best model I have ever seen of an Alb C.II - in any scale!
Excellent stuff.
Sandy
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I posted on the other thread and like Rick was worrying that I was going round the bend!
Here's a copy and paste of my original post:
It was a real pleasure to see this little gem in the flesh today. It looks amazing in the photographs but as always with models it looks even better and more delicate up close and personal. What a treat to have the chance to see it this afternoon.
Richie
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his is an amazing piece of work creating an unusual and rare aircraft.
I love to see scratch built models - a completely different set of modeling skills,
Mike
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Excellent work, Stephen. We can depend on you to bring us rare and unusual subjects to ogle over. I can imagine all the research that went into this one, but that's part of the enjoyment, isn't it?
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Excellent work, good to see such odd ones being done !
Ed
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What an amazing piece of work. I am constantly inspired by your building and your subjects.
Warren