forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Mike Norris (UK) on December 24, 2022, 03:02:01 AM
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Hi all,
As my Nieuport XVII build is coming to a close, I've started researching the next build.
The Fokker E.IV ‘Eindecker’, Serial No: 161/16 of home defence unit Kest 6, April 1917 at Bonn Hangelar, Cologne.
Flown (i think at least) by Leutnant Hans ‘Garrelt’ Müller.
There were two pilots with the same name.
1. Hans Karl Müller was a fighter pilot who scored 9 victories until being wounded in combat on the 26th of December 1916, after which he was withdrawn from operational flying and instead was given test pilot duties for the Siemens-Schuckert company.
2. Hans Müller was also a fighter pilot and survived the war and it’s the similarity of the pilot in the following photographs that leads me to believe he is the correct person for this aircraft, given the photograph in the aircraft was taken in April 1917.
However, given the information available, the identity of the actual pilot is my ‘best guess’ and may not be correct.
Hans Müller was born in Etzel, Ostfriesland on the 3rd of July, 1896.
WW1 service:
On the 1st of April 1914 Müller joined the army and served in Infantry Regiment No.13.
He transferred to the German Air Force in November 1916 and flew two-seaters until the end of 1917. During 1917 it seems he may have been serving on the home defence Kest 6, where he was photographed in Fokker E.IV Serial No:161/16.
In late 1917 he joined Jagdstaffel 12 then in early 1918 moved to Jagdstaffel 15 flying the Fokker DR.1 Triplane. On the 9th of January 1918 he scored his first victory and on the 29th he claimed two more victories, although the second was unconfirmed. In March 1918, after shooting down an RE8 for his third confirmed victory, his aircraft was badly damaged over no man's land, but he managed to make it back to his own lines.
He finally moved to Jagdstaffel 18 and it was between the 27th of March and the 22nd of September 1918, that he shot down and destroyed ten more opponents, one of which was possibly Paul Baer, the first American ace of the United States Air Service.
It was between 9:00 and 9:15 AM on 14 September 1918, Müller shot down three SPAD XIII aircraft from the 103rd Aero and at 2.40 that that same afternoon, he shot down a fourth Spad from that same squadron.
A week later, he finished his tally with one last Spad.
It was during this day that Müller scored Jasta 18's 100th victory.
His total victory tally was twelve confirmed and one unconfirmed.
Footnote:
At some point in time, Müller changed his surname to "Garrelt" as the name "Hans Müller" was rather common and he and another pilot with the same name were forever getting their mail
confused.
Post WW1:
During World War II, Müller served on the staff of Lutflotte III under Generalfeldmarschall Sperrle.
Post WW2:
After WW2 he worked in civilian live as an engineer, designing steam locomotives for ‘Hanomag and Henschel’ before going freelance.
Hans Müller died of a brain tumour in Munich in 1964.
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/header.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/muller1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/muller2.jpg)
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looking forward to it.
Steve
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looking forward to it.
Steve
Yep, as always!
RAGIII
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Looking forward to seeing how a Master Modeller reproduces the oil staining/paint chipping on this one Mike!
Following along as always,
David
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Ooooh excited about this one. Don't often see the IV version in this scale :D
Paul
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Yum...
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Mike, that's great! I also have this kit and I also plan to make it this version!
I live in Bonn, near Hangelar airfield, which is one of the oldest airfields in Germany - and still alive and kickin‘! 😁
A few years ago I published an article about the first air-raid on Bonn, which took place on October 31st, 1918 - and home-defence squadron KEST 6, only a FEW kilometers from Bonn, did nothing to intercept the six DH.4 from #55 Squadron (IF)…
If you are interested: The municipal archives in Sankt Augustin have quite some information on KEST 6 (first hand accounts of former pilots etc.). And the book to read is „Bonn-Hangelar: Geschichte eines Flugplatzes, Vol. 1“, by Hartmut Küper - yes, its in german… And if you are interested Vol.2 (😁): I could try to translate and post my „short story“ of KEST 6 at Hangelar in WW1.
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Mike, that's great! I also have this kit and I also plan to make it this version!
I live in Bonn, near Hangelar airfield, which is one of the oldest airfields in Germany - and still alive and kickin‘! 😁
A few years ago I published an article about the first air-raid on Bonn, which took place on October 31st, 1918 - and home-defence squadron KEST 6, only a FEW kilometers from Bonn, did nothing to intercept the six DH.4 from #55 Squadron (IF)…
If you are interested: The municipal archives in Sankt Augustin have quite some information on KEST 6 (first hand accounts of former pilots etc.). And the book to read is „Bonn-Hangelar: Geschichte eines Flugplatzes, Vol. 1“, by Hartmut Küper - yes, its in german… And if you are interested Vol.2 (😁): I could try to translate and post my „short story“ of KEST 6 at Hangelar in WW1.
You are lucky to have access to such information.
There's is some conjecture over the identity of the pilot, but the aircraft was apparently on Kest 6.
Any information you have on Kest 6 would be a nice addition to add to my build log,
Mike
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Hi all,
The Oberursel U.III engine is one.
Basically a German copy of the French 'Lambda 14' double row 14 cylinder rotary engine (160hp).
It was essentially two 7 cylinder Oberursel U.0 engines (80hp) bolted together.
I admire the fine detail created by 'Taurus Models' for their resin engine, which I intended to use instead of the kit supplied engine.
However and not for the first time, I found the small parts (soft resin) were easily broken, no-matter how careful I was assembling them.
So I decided to make a hybrid from the 'Taurus Models' engine and the 'Wingnut Wings' engine.
The finer detailed engine crankcase, cylinders and spark plugs are from the 'Taurus' engine.
The valve gear and push rods are from the 'Wingnut Wings' kit.
I think it'll look OK even though the bottom half of the engine is highly visible.
The ignition leads (which of course can barely be seen) are 'EZ' black stretch line (Fine).
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/engdone.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/engdone1.jpg)
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Gorgeous Engine Mike! Hell, I would settle for being able to take a photo as good as that...let alone the actual Motor ::)
RAGFIII
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Very nice work
Steve
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Ready to fly, Mike
Spyros
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Excellent engine detailing. Nice work utilizing the best of the WNW and Taurus models engines. Looking forward to seeing more!
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👍👍👍
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Hi all,
The following are shots of the cockpit side frames, braced with 0.08 mm diameter mono-filament, 0.4 mm blackened tube and 1:48th scale 'Gaspatch' turnbuckles..
Also the rudder, elevator and wing warp controls, similarly rigged and the basic cockpit floor assembly.
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/rig15.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/rig14.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/rig16.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/floor1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/floor2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/fus1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/fus2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/fus3.jpg)
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I like your work on the interior Mike.
Alan
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Very neat as ever Mike.
Somewhat off topic but I have been having a good look through your BE2c pdf. Thanks so much for making it available, the rigging plan is going to be so useful to me.
Richie
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Great progress. The completed cockpit displays perfect painting of the various materials.
Steve
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Your interior could be confused with photos of a full sized replica! Awesome Mike!
RAGIII
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Hi all,
I've replaced the kit supplied machine guns.
Instead I've used the 'Gaspatch' MG 08 equivalent weapons.
This meant a few modifications to both kit supplied and 'Gaspatch' parts.
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/gun2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/gun3.jpg)
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Hi all,
The Fokker company burnished or turned the exposed metal surfaces of the 'Eindeckers'.
'Wingnut Wings' suggest representing this effect by brushing with thinned 'Tamiya' Aluminium and Chrome paints.
I think for many modelers this can be problematic, trying to brush paint thin and consistent 'squiggles' over the parts.
Instead I tried an easier and much quicker method, as follows:
Airbrushed with 'Tamiya' Gloss Black (X1).
Airbrushed with 'Alclad' Duraluminium (ALC102).
Airbrushed with 'Alclad' Flat clear coat (ALC314).
'Squiggles' drawn using a standard 2B pencil.
Airbrushed with 'Alclad' Light Sheen clear coat (ALC311).
The final clear coat highlights the graphite in the pencil squiggles.
Of course I then realized that most of this will have to be lightly over-sprayed with the green dope for this particular model - hey-ho.
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/metal1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/metal.jpg)
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Impressive squiggle work Mike! Too bad it gets "Mostly" covered.
RAGIII
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Very neat as ever Mike.
Somewhat off topic but I have been having a good look through your BE2c pdf. Thanks so much for making it available, the rigging plan is going to be so useful to me.
Richie
Hi Richie,
Glad it came in useful,
Mike
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Impressive squiggly technique. Looking very nice!
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Great job on the cockpit, engine and those metal panels. It will be a pleasure to watch.
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Interesting technique! Saved for later use.
Thanks for showing and explaining.
/Fredrik
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Your squiggle method is perfect. That's a keeper tip!
Steve
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Hi all,
The cockpit and top coaming panels now fitted.
As usual, most of the cockpit detail is not visible.
The green paint or dope over the Fokker effect metal panels was oil paint.
'Mig' 3506 Field Green (Oil Brusher) applied then removed using a soft, broad brush with 'Mig' Odourless thinners.
The applied Fokker effect can still be seen through the paint.
More weathering has to be applied so this is just the base covering.
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/fuse4.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/fuse5.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/fuse6.jpg)
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Hi all,
Engine and cowl assemblies fitted.
Fuselage side fairings and underside deflector fitted.
Now onto the fuselage weathering,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/fuse7.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/fuse8.jpg)
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Really quite Beautiful Mike!
RAGIII
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I like it a lot! Gorgeous work Mike.
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Hi all,
Fuselage more of less complete now.
'Flory Models' Dart Dirt clay wash and 'Tamiya' Weathering Master Set A and C.
'AK Interactive' Kerosene wash used under the fuselage at the engine.
Decals applied and sealed with 'Alclad' Light Sheen (ALC311).
Now it's onto painting and pre-rigging before building continues,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/fus9.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/fus10.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/fus11.jpg)
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I don't know how you do it. This looks so real.
Alan.
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I love the way you have shown the differences between the metal and fabric surfaces Mike. The oil staining is superb too.
Richie
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Hi all,
The support pylon in front of the cockpit is moulded to scale.
This makes the pylon weak and liable to distortion or breaking if subjected to stress.
In addition, despite the good key supports in the fuselage for the wings, the weight of the wings does impart a downward leverage (anhedral).
Therefore, as with my E.1 model, I chose to replace the pylon and its cable pulley.
The cable pulley was cut from three 2.5 mm diameter and two 1.75 mm diameter discs of 0.2 mm thick plastic card.
The pylon was made from 1.0 mm and 0.6 mm Brass tube with 0.4 mm diameter Brass rod, on which are two 'Gaspatch' 1:32nd scale Type C turnbuckles.
The parts were soft soldered together and the cable pulley secured onto the 0.5 mm rod.
A holes of 0.2 mm diameter was drilled through the flattened front tube to allow rigging lines to be attached,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/vstrut.jpg)
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This is realy beautiful, lovely details, all of them.
Ciao
Giuseppe
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I have to admit that I wasn’t too excited about this color scheme at first. But after drooling over this recent update I’m totally sold on it! Just gorgeous paintwork sir!
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Hi all,
The rest of the parts have now been painted and decals added.
'Flory Models' Dark Dirt clay wash used for weathering/stain.
Over sprayed with 'Alclad' Light Sheen (ALC311) to seal the finish.
Now onto pre-rigging before final assembly,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/w4.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/w5.jpg)
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Hi all,
Getting close to the finish now,
Rigging completed using 0.08 and 0.12 mm diameter mono-filament with 0.4 and 0.5 mm diameter blackened Brass tubes.
'Gaspatch' 1:48th/1:32nd and 'Proper Plane' 1:32nd scale turnbuckles.
Just the gun sights, windscreen, foot steps and propeller to fit.
Also the display case and figure,
Mike
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/rigdone1.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/rigdone2.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/rigdone3.jpg)
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/rigdone4.jpg)
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Beautiful work!
Those red and blue turnbuckles(?) create very interesting and eye-catching "spots". Painting looks awesome overall.
A question: In this build you use brass tubing and in other builds it is nickel-silver tubing instead, why different kinds? These are blackened, aren't the silver ones blackened perhaps?
Cheers
Fredrik
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Beautiful work!
Those red and blue turnbuckles(?) create very interesting and eye-catching "spots". Painting looks awesome overall.
A question: In this build you use brass tubing and in other builds it is nickel-silver tubing instead, why different kinds? These are blackened, aren't the silver ones blackened perhaps?
Cheers
Fredrik
Hi Fredrik,
It seems that Fokker Eindecker aircraft used a colour-coded system for identifying the correct locations for the various turnbuckles.
This was because the aircraft were regularly stripped down for transport by road or rail.
The propeller was secured on the struts of the landing gear, the engine covered and the wing rigging wires detached.
The wings were removed from the fuselage and attached to the sides of the fuselage.
(https://www.thatoneplease.co/buildlogs/FOKKER-E.IV/transport.jpg)
When refitting the wings and rigging, it was important that the correct turnbuckles were fitted to their associated rigging wires.
Therefore, the turnbuckles were colour-coded and instructions for the aircraft mechanics were marked on the wingtips.
The capture report of Fokker Eindecker E.III 210/16 stated that the turnbuckles were coloured as follows:
Starboard (right side) were coloured Red
Port (left side) were coloured Green
Fuselage and landing gear pylons were coloured Blue
It’s interesting to note that it seems they did not use the present day convention of Port (Red) and Starboard (Green).
The assumption is that this was common practice on all versions of the Eindecker aircraft.
Brass and Nickel-Silver tubing can be blackened with weathering solutions - I use 'Black-It' but there are others available.
Normally I'll use Brass tubing, as it's easy to anneal (soften) and soft solder to shape.
However, if the final finish is to be shiny metal, such as engine push rods, I'll use bare Nickel-Silver tubing.
Either can be primed and painted,
Mike
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Mike,
your Eindecker looks just fantastic, it is getting better and better with every update!
Regarding the color code on turnbuckles, this is really a fascinating detail. Could you post the exact source? This is something I never heard of, but sounds completely logical and adds a spot of color to every model.
Thanks in advance!
Andreas
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Mike,
your Eindecker looks just fantastic, it is getting better and better with every update!
Regarding the color code on turnbuckles, this is really a fascinating detail. Could you post the exact source? This is something I never heard of, but sounds completely logical and adds a spot of color to every model.
Thanks in advance!
Andreas
Hi Andreas,
I first came across this information in a review by Michael Scott.
'Making the turnbuckle attachment'
https://reviews.ipmsusa.org/review/fokker-eindecker-iii-late-part-2 (https://reviews.ipmsusa.org/review/fokker-eindecker-iii-late-part-2)
I contacted Richard Alexander (ex-Wingnut Wings manager).
He confirmed the apparent colour coding and also researched the German Marine aircraft, to see if they used a different coding system.
He said that errors in capture reports were very rare, so the colours for Port and Starboard on the capture report for Eindecker 210/16 were doubtless good.
I've not been able to see this capture report, so assume the information to be correct,
Mike
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Thanks a lot Mike! Given the care and knowledge that was always present in researching WNW products, I can’t see any reason why not to trust this neither. I will also color my turnbuckles on my next Eindecker. :)
Andreas
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Beautiful work Mike!
RAGIII
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Your attention to detail never fails to floor me, Mike.
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Here's my five cents concerning KEST 6 in Hangelar and Home Air Defense in Germany during the First World War.
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Hi all,
I've read Richard's summary of KEST 6 and Germany's home defense units.
Very well researched and worth reading,
Mike
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Hi all,
The completed model shots are now up in the Completed Models thread.
Thanks for your comments and support during this build,
Mike