forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Completed models => Topic started by: ScottJ on March 12, 2024, 12:07:52 PM

Title: Roden 1/72 OEFFAG s.253 (Albatros D.III)
Post by: ScottJ on March 12, 2024, 12:07:52 PM
This is another kit from my past with some refreshed pictures.  Other than some details in the cockpit this was built pretty much OOB (with modified cabane struts, I'll get to that in a minute).  Built as Benno Fiala's (Ritter von Fernbrugg... which is not mentioned on the box art) aircraft.  I did a pretty poor job of representing the semi transparent CDL so have stayed away from an underwing perspective.
Title: Re: Roden 1/72 OEFFAG s.253 (Albatros D.III)
Post by: ScottJ on March 12, 2024, 12:08:36 PM
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Title: Re: Roden 1/72 OEFFAG s.253 (Albatros D.III)
Post by: ScottJ on March 12, 2024, 12:09:27 PM
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Title: Re: Roden 1/72 OEFFAG s.253 (Albatros D.III)
Post by: ScottJ on March 12, 2024, 12:10:16 PM
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Title: Re: Roden 1/72 OEFFAG s.253 (Albatros D.III)
Post by: Dutch522 on March 12, 2024, 12:19:27 PM
Hey Scott, really love this little Albatros! Not sure about the underwing linen but the topsides look great, and ditto on the fuselage.

I’ve loved this scheme since seeing it in Dr. O’Connor’s Aces book back in the day (why, oh why didn’t I get the A-H aircraft book from those guys as well…?)

Dutch
(who was Dave No. 478 on the WWI List)
Title: Re: Roden 1/72 OEFFAG s.253 (Albatros D.III)
Post by: ScottJ on March 12, 2024, 12:20:07 PM
This was the 3rd Roden Albatros/OEFFAG kit that I have built.  With the first two, a D.III and an s.153, I felt that the upper wing sat too high, it looked more like a D.I ? I made a template and cut down the cabane struts to bring the upper wing down a bit (being careful not to put it in the D.II range).  I didn't reduce the length of the interplanes so that lessened the dihedral of the lower wings but I think it still looks acceptable.  Curious if others have had the same thought about the Roden D.III upper wing?... or have I just been drinking too much beer??? (I already know the answer to that)
Thanks for looking and any opinions you may have.
Take care
Scott...
Title: Re: Roden 1/72 OEFFAG s.253 (Albatros D.III)
Post by: PrzemoL on March 12, 2024, 04:47:34 PM
Lovely Albatros.
As for the Roden Alb D.III - I can only confirm that building it with the kit cabanes will pushh the upper wing too high. I have just passed through it in my recent build.
Title: Re: Roden 1/72 OEFFAG s.253 (Albatros D.III)
Post by: macsporran on March 12, 2024, 05:30:51 PM
Another little gem.
Sandy
Title: Re: Roden 1/72 OEFFAG s.253 (Albatros D.III)
Post by: DaddyO on March 12, 2024, 06:06:09 PM
Lovely build Scott (Always had a soft spot for the 'round nosed' Albatros')

Made a good job of the top wing joints too - did you use any re-inforcing pins or just a butt joint? I like the paint effect on the cowl as well  :)

I agree about the strut lengths - yours looks right to me

Paul
Title: Re: Roden 1/72 OEFFAG s.253 (Albatros D.III)
Post by: NigelR on March 12, 2024, 06:50:19 PM
Lovely job all round, I love the finish you got on both the wings and the metalwork.
Title: Re: Roden 1/72 OEFFAG s.253 (Albatros D.III)
Post by: enathan on March 12, 2024, 09:37:16 PM
Good work and good to see built AH Albatros types.
Looking at photos of the aircraft, I think you are right about the position of the upper wing. Your S.253 looks more accurate in this respect than the other two. 
Title: Re: Roden 1/72 OEFFAG s.253 (Albatros D.III)
Post by: herbarnold99 on March 13, 2024, 01:21:42 AM
Beautiful job. And I agree with your treatment of the upper wing, looks just right.
Title: Re: Roden 1/72 OEFFAG s.253 (Albatros D.III)
Post by: KiwiZac on March 13, 2024, 07:42:51 AM
Well I think she's a gorgeous little Albi, Scott! Great work!
Title: Re: Roden 1/72 OEFFAG s.253 (Albatros D.III)
Post by: DaveB on March 13, 2024, 07:55:35 AM
Great work, Scott!

Regards

Dave
Title: Re: Roden 1/72 OEFFAG s.253 (Albatros D.III)
Post by: Flamingo on March 13, 2024, 06:41:08 PM
Beautiful model of the best Albatros fighter, best performance and best look!
Very convincing finish.
Joachim
Title: Re: Roden 1/72 OEFFAG s.253 (Albatros D.III)
Post by: Borsos on March 14, 2024, 05:09:27 AM
Really nice! I can only repeat all the praises already written here!
Title: Re: Roden 1/72 OEFFAG s.253 (Albatros D.III)
Post by: Rip Van Winkle on March 16, 2024, 02:21:32 AM
A really nice job!  I had the same problem with the cabane struts.  I usually have to adjust them just a little.
Title: Re: Roden 1/72 OEFFAG s.253 (Albatros D.III)
Post by: ScottJ on March 22, 2024, 12:51:32 PM
I want to thank everyone for your kind words about the Albatros... however I'm afraid it may be a bit of a poser.  The pictures probably do it more justice than it deserves.  I was just starting to experiment with oils to create wood grain... I didn't know any better and sprayed the fuselage with Tamiya lacquers (Deck Tan and a few panels in Desert Sand) before streaking the oils on.  I just jumped in with both feet without doing any research, I would have learned that I should be using an acrylic base under the oils.  The graining turned out looking rather good until I applied the PFG (with a brush as it usually levels so well) and everything turned into mud.  I have to say that that made my bottom lip stick out... what I won't say is what came out of my mouth that that lip was attached to.  Hard lessons learned but now I have first-hand experience.
As far as the CDL wings, I'm going to say something here that you all already know... shortcuts rarely if ever pay off.  I had cut my mask for the crosses in the hope that I could make the upper wing look semi opaque (or should that be translucent?).  I do my spraying out in my garage which is not climate controlled and as it was winter and very cold I got the bright idea that I would try colored pencils instead of paint to represent the crosses (and ribs) on the upper surface.  The results were not convincing being much too mottled looking.  That's why I avoided pictures that would show very much of the upper wings underside.
On the plus side, I'm pleased that so many of you sided with me that the upper wing looked a bit too high in a stock configuration.  I guess the template I made will be a keeper and I can use it on future Roden D.III builds (maybe not necessary with the new Eduard D.III about to make an appearance?). 
Also the turned metal panels came out better than I expected.  Without making this post any longer than it already is, those panels were headed the way of the fuselage and wings... but with a lot of luck and what I would call a "happy accident" I was able to salvage them.
Paul... If I would have built this model in the last few years I would have pinned the wings... as it is I think I just butt-joined them.
Thanks to everyone for your responses, I do appreciate them.
Take care
Scott...
Title: Re: Roden 1/72 OEFFAG s.253 (Albatros D.III)
Post by: RAGIII on April 08, 2024, 06:30:50 AM
Excellent correction to the wing gap and a Beautiful Little Albatros!
RAGIII