forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Boch on March 21, 2025, 06:07:23 AM
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Hello, everyone!
After a long break from the workshop section, it's time to start a new build. It's been two years since my last workshop thread here, during which I completed six models as part of a larger project. Hopefully, I'll be able to share more details about it soon.
Some of my work has been partially showcased on my social media, which I launched in the meantime. If you're interested, feel free to follow Aces in Scale on Facebook and Instagram. Besides what I'll be posting here, you'll also find short videos covering different stages of the build, complementing the text-and-photo updates. But enough self-promotion - let's get to the real deal!
My passion for both modeling and aviation history has been increasingly focused on the Polish Border Wars of 1918-1921. Over the last two years, I've spent a great deal of time researching this period, expanding my library, and planning my future projects. Among them, I couldn't ignore one of the most famous Polish aviation units - the legendary 7th Kościuszko Squadron. I thought this would be a fantastic topic to kick off a new workshop thread.
Moreover, this is a great opportunity to finally tackle a fully 3D-printed resin kit. The Oeffag D.III, with its relatively simple construction, seems like a perfect choice for my first venture into this type of build. At the same time, I hope to shed light on some lesser-known facts about the lives and service of two key pilots.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_4fdfd3efebfe4317bd4a4a079fa5cfe4~mv2.jpg)
The Project
As the title suggests, I will be building two models:
✈️ Oeffag D.III 253.218, side number "5", flown by Merian C. Cooper
✈️ Oeffag D.III (also from the 253 series), side number "2", most commonly flown by Edward C. Corsi
It's worth noting that during this period, aircraft were often shared among different pilots, making it difficult to assign a single "personal" aircraft to any one individual except for higher-ranking officers. Nevertheless, I chose these two pilots because both served as flight leaders within the squadron:
🔹 Cooper commanded the "Pułaski" Flight
🔹 Corsi led the "Kościuszko" Flight
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_36de0bf3b4dc4c3fbf187c59c2c7caca~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_43c52c12777648f198b1f5098608cfb4~mv2.jpg)
The plan is to display both models on a single base, although that might change as the build progresses.
Workshop Content
This thread will be divided into two main sections:
1️⃣ The historical background, covering pilots, squadron operations, and period context
2️⃣ The actual model build step-by-step construction, detailing, and finishing
I'll be sharing:
📜 Archival photographs
🎨 Illustrations and color profiles
📸 Detailed work-in-progress photos
Research & References
To ensure accuracy, I've been diving deep into available literature on the 7th Kościuszko Squadron and aviation history from that era. Some key references include:
"War Wings over Galicia" - Andrzej Olejko
Articles by Tomasz Kopański, especially "The Last Flight of Cooper" from Kwartalnik Militaria
Interwar articles from "Przegląd Lotniczy" on air battles against Budyonny?s cavalry
"Albatros Fighters" - Windsock
"Die Albatros (Oeffag) - Jagdflugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppen" - Peter Schiemer
"Albatros D.III" - P. M. Grosz
"Albatros D.II & D.III Oeffag" - Petr Ahron Tesar
"Albatros D.I-D.III" - Dave Hooper
"German & Austro-Hungarian Aero Engines of WWI Vol. 1" - Michael Duesing
That's all for now. Looking forward to sharing more updates soon!
See you in the next installments.
Best regards,
Łukasz
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Excellent I have one of these on the shelf waiting for me to start on it. :)
Couple of issues I noted were the rib tapes/stitching which isn't apparent in any AH aircraft photos I've seen and the cockpit layout and seat appear to be standard DIII fare. Looking forward to watching your progress
Paul
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Great choice to build. I am Looking forward to your log!
RAGIII
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Thank you for the warm welcome. It's nice to be back. Thank you, gentlemen.
Excellent I have one of these on the shelf waiting for me to start on it. :)
Couple of issues I noted were the rib tapes/stitching which isn't apparent in any AH aircraft photos I've seen and the cockpit layout and seat appear to be standard DIII fare. Looking forward to watching your progress
I don't know if I understand correctly. Do you mean the ribs on the wings? They're not visible in the photos? I've looked through my materials and they're clearly visible. Do you mean the ribs? The reinforcing tapes on the Austrian canvas with spiral patterns?
Regards
Lukasz
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Looking forward to your build on this! Your work is always stunning :)
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Looking forward to seeing what you do with this, I have admired your work of Facebook.
I don't know if I understand correctly. Do you mean the ribs on the wings? They're not visible in the photos? I've looked through my materials and they're clearly visible. Do you mean the ribs?
There were no rib tapes on Oeffag Albatroses. Koloman Mayrhofer established this during his research when building his replicas. This is why you cannot see rib tapes on the sworl fabric. So you will need to sand off all the rib tapes if you want an accurate representation of the actual aircraft. I've attached a close up of the wing on the replica built by Koloman Mayrhofer. There is a line of stitching on top of the rib stations but no rib tape. Herr Mayrhofer couldn't come to a specific conclusion as to why the factory did this. The quality of their workmanship was very high, so perhaps they felt rib tapes weren't needed or maybe it was just to save time and they felt the service life of the plane would be short so rib tapes weren't needed. If you want to be really accurate you need to sand off the rib tapes and then figure out some way of replicating the stitching. That's beyond me, I will just sand off the rib detail when I build mine.
There will be some "show through" of the ribs if the underside of the wings is covered in CDL but very little (if any) for the sworl-covered surfaces.
Are you going to correct the interior? This kit interior does not appear to be appropriate for a machine with buried guns.
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I did a bit of digging and found an original photo that shows the wings with the line of stitching visible (but no rib tapes).
I think the stitching would be hard to see on the sworl fabric.....
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Every morning I poke around here while enjoying my coffee and I never would think to learn that we can have canvas covered wings with no rib tapes.
The lurking knowledge here is amazing.....
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Looking forward to your build on this! Your work is always stunning :)
Thank you ;) make yourself comfortable with us and relax, I hope I'm up to the challenge.
Looking forward to seeing what you do with this, I have admired your work of Facebook.
I don't know if I understand correctly. Do you mean the ribs on the wings? They're not visible in the photos? I've looked through my materials and they're clearly visible. Do you mean the ribs?
There were no rib tapes on Oeffag Albatroses. Koloman Mayrhofer established this during his research when building his replicas. This is why you cannot see rib tapes on the sworl fabric. So you will need to sand off all the rib tapes if you want an accurate representation of the actual aircraft. I've attached a close up of the wing on the replica built by Koloman Mayrhofer. There is a line of stitching on top of the rib stations but no rib tape. Herr Mayrhofer couldn't come to a specific conclusion as to why the factory did this. The quality of their workmanship was very high, so perhaps they felt rib tapes weren't needed or maybe it was just to save time and they felt the service life of the plane would be short so rib tapes weren't needed. If you want to be really accurate you need to sand off the rib tapes and then figure out some way of replicating the stitching. That's beyond me, I will just sand off the rib detail when I build mine.
There will be some "show through" of the ribs if the underside of the wings is covered in CDL but very little (if any) for the sworl-covered surfaces.
Are you going to correct the interior? This kit interior does not appear to be appropriate for a machine with buried guns.
I misunderstood you, I thought you were talking about the rib bulges, not the reinforcing tapes on the canvas. Either way, it's a very valuable tip, I don't actually remember seeing Oeffag with tapes. I have some better resolution photos at home, I'll also look through books and if I find an interesting photo, I'll definitely post it.
I'll think about how to recreate these stitches, I have a preliminary idea but it will require testing, but I think it could be a nice touch.
I'd also be happy to read about your comments regarding the interior. What's your plan for modification?
I did a bit of digging and found an original photo that shows the wings with the line of stitching visible (but no rib tapes).
I think the stitching would be hard to see on the sworl fabric.....
Well, would it be possible to notice the threads?
Every morning I poke around here while enjoying my coffee and I never would think to learn that we can have canvas covered wings with no rib tapes.
The lurking knowledge here is amazing.....
I totally agree hehe
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I'd also be happy to read about your comments regarding the interior. What's your plan for modification?
At the very least I am going to correct the instrument panel so that it is accurate for a machine with buried guns. There are very clear photos in the Datafile of both styles of instrument panel. As for the rest of it, my plan is to put a pilot figure in there to hide the incorrect seat and save me from having to add more framing. I'm also concerned that the brass rods for the wings will be visible through the cockpit, a pilot figure will hide this.
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OEFFAG D.III ? THE STARS OF THE WORKSHOP
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_37ef2ff51f2e45098ba6cf79189fc39a~mv2.jpg)
The time has come to introduce the key subject of this workshop ? the aircraft.
Both miniatures being built will represent the Austro-Hungarian Albatros D.III Oeffag, known in Poland simply as the Oeffag D.III. This was a licensed version of the German Albatros D.III, manufactured in Austria. The two models I am working on correspond to the final production version of this fighter, designated as series 253.
Development of the Oeffag D.III
The origins of this aircraft trace back to the Albatros D.II, which was the first to be produced in the Austro-Hungarian Empire by the Oeffag company. From that point on, the two allied powers took slightly different paths in fighter development. The Germans, maintaining similar engine power, focused on reducing the aircraft?s weight. Meanwhile, the Austrians continuously reinforced the airframe while also developing their own Austro-Daimler engines. As a result, the final version of the Oeffag D.III, the series 253, achieved an impressive 225 hp.
In this way, the "student" surpassed the "master" ? the Austrian Oeffag D.III outperformed the German Albatros, even its later D.Va variant. It quickly became the Austro-Hungarian Empire?s best fighter, proving its effectiveness in combat. During the Great War, it was flown by the monarchy?s top aces, such as Godwin Brumowski (35 victories), Benno Fiala (26 victories), and Frank Linke-Crawford (27 victories).
Polish Pilots on the Oeffag D.III
Many Polish pilots served in the Austro-Hungarian Air Service, flying the Oeffag D.III:
Flik 3/J: Stefan Stec (7 victories, though only 3 confirmed), Stanisław Tomicki (killed in combat against Camels of No. 45 Squadron), Michał Solski, Franciszek Peter (6 victories, an Austrian who considered himself Polish).
Flik 61/J: Antoni Skiślewicz, Henryk Skoczdopole (shot down in combat against Spads), Eugeniusz Roland (an important figure in Polish interwar aviation).
Flik 9/J: Stanisław Bogusz.
Flik 41/J: Maryan Gaweł, Henryk Szeliga.
Flik 42/J: Zygmunt Kostrzewski, Jan Ryba.
Flik 68/J: Kajetan Kosiński (shot down by Canadian ace Gerald Alfred Birks).
Flik 48: Wiktor Zimmerman, likely the first Polish pilot to fly the Oeffag.
The Oeffag D.III in Poland
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_efa1ded8edeb4dc38d69ed83175104d4~mv2.jpg)
After regaining independence, Poland inherited a substantial amount of aircraft from its former occupiers. However, most of these planes were outdated or in poor condition. The urgent shortage of fighters forced Poland to seek aircraft from various sources. One such source was the former Austro-Hungarian aviation industry, where Poland had established contacts. The collapsed monarchy was in desperate need of funds, which enabled the signing of a contract for 38 Oeffag D.III series 253 fighters and 67 spare engines.
The main beneficiary of this transaction was the 7th Fighter Squadron "Tadeusz Kościuszko", followed later by the 13th Fighter Squadron. The first fighters arrived in the 7th Squadron in July 1919. From autumn 1919 to spring 1920, the squadron was entirely equipped with Oeffag D.III fighters, a rare feat among Polish units. The availability of serviceable aircraft allowed the squadron to conduct combat operations for over six months without significant interruptions.
Starting in April 1920, the unit began receiving Italian Ansaldo A.1 Balilla fighters, which gradually replaced the worn-out Oeffags. However, both aircraft types remained in service until the ceasefire in October 1920.
Squadron Colors and Markings
The squadron was divided into two flights:
"Pułaski" Flight ? aircraft with red-painted noses.
"Kościuszko" Flight ? aircraft with blue-painted noses.
However, photos suggest that some Oeffags flew without painted engine covers.
The Stars of My Workshop ? Oeffag D.III "5" and "2"
➡ Oeffag D.III 253.218, fuselage number "5"
Flown by Capt. Merian C. Cooper.
This was Cooper?s second Oeffag, as his first was destroyed during an airshow celebrating the anniversary of Lw?w?s liberation.
Green fuselage, wings covered in Austrian "swirl" camouflage, red nose ("Pułaski" Flight), later with a white chevron for better visibility.
Underside of the wings in natural fabric color, squadron emblem on the fuselage, and the number "5" repeated on the upper and lower wings.
Initially had uncovered wheels, later fitted with wheel covers.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_d14f0da6799a4393bf7060f352f61518~mv2.jpg)
➡ Oeffag D.III 253, fuselage number "2"
Flown by Capt. Edmund C. Corsi, leader of the "Kościuszko" Flight.
Fuselage left in natural plywood color, wings identical to "5".
Number "2" repeated on the wings, squadron emblem on the fuselage, wheels without covers.
Metallic engine covers and reinforcements.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_9fbf13b4dcd8477ba6fd72e185f379b6~mv2.jpg)
What Period Am I Representing?
The models I am building depict these aircraft as they appeared in May and June 1920, when they were deployed to Kyiv as part of a detached flight tasked with covering air raids on Dnieper River crossings. Soon after, both aircraft met their fate ? but that is a story for future workshop updates.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_bcc0417139584586a5218e02dbd10fd1~mv2.jpg)
During the hot summer days, pilots removed the engine covers, altering the appearance of the aircraft ? a detail I will include in my models.
Historical Sources
Profiles and information are drawn from:
Tomasz J. Kopański, "7 Eskadra Myśliwska im. Tadeusza Kościuszki 1918-1921"
Tomasz J. Kopański, "Ostatni lot bojowy kapitana Coopera"
Peter Schiemer, "Die Albatros (Oeffag) ? Jagdflugzeuge der k.u.k. Luftfahrtruppen"
Tomasz Goworek, "Pierwsze samoloty myśliwskie lotnictwa polskiego"
In the upcoming parts of this workshop, we will take a closer look at the fate of these aircraft and their pilots.
That?s all for today ? until next time!
Best regards,
Lukasz
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First Cuts
I always try to plan the early stages of a build carefully, step by step, to avoid surprises. The first focus is on the cockpit?after an initial assessment, I decided to modify the instrument panel and the pilot's seat. Additionally, I sketched out the layout of gauges, controls, and control cables to ensure everything makes sense.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_8c0cd9bf10b84ba6b8f9b95aace1398f~mv2.jpg)
The Oeffag D.III in Polish service had its machine guns mounted lower, below the cylinder line, to reduce the risk of fuel ignition during firing. The kit represents this variant, but the instrument panel is shaped like the one used in aircraft with higher-mounted guns. This means some modifications are needed I'll have to cut out a section and add a brass rod according to reference materials.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_dd3b661c47104c369cd6655755e530f3~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_45547aeed13a46299c26998ec879da6f~mv2.jpg)
The first components are now in hand. I've cut one fuselage from the sprues and divided them between the two models. The fit looks promising, so I'm hopeful that assembling everything won't cause too many issues.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_c4d3acb67f224e6d9682e8d0183e0612~mv2.jpg)
For the cockpit, I've prepared a set of details from Taurus, including switches, gauges, a starter magneto, and a pulsometer. I'll also be using instrument dials from a Yahu panel designed for the Albatros D.V. Wiring will be made from various wires and elastic rigging lines.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_890a34916d9a4126b0b7ffcddfba8867~mv2.jpg)
The overall detail is really impressive. On close-ups, some minor artifacts are visible, but I think it's all about having the right mindset when working on a model. Expectations should align with technological limitations, so let's zoom in and take a closer look.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_cd9dee84ce6c4d27bf87a917847fa04a~mv2.jpg)
That's it for today - until next time!
Lukasz
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Cześć Łukasz
your posts are incredibly written. you have provided a lot of knowledge in them. it makes me very happy. I am waiting for the effects of the construction
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Cześć Łukasz
your posts are incredibly written. you have provided a lot of knowledge in them. it makes me very happy. I am waiting for the effects of the construction
Thank you Kamil,
You must forgive me for the long introduction, but I like to have everything in order, it makes work easier, and for you reading. I promise that soon there will be more modeling and less planning. Of course there will also be a story about both pilots.
Regards
Lukasz
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It's good to see you making the corrections to the interior. It's a pity that Lukgraph got this so wrong, especially as the information about the interior is so readily available.
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Hi Łukasz
for me it is a pleasure to read the story of our great pilots. I hope you will continue to provide such rich coverage of the construction and include detailed history
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It's good to see you making the corrections to the interior. It's a pity that Lukgraph got this so wrong, especially as the information about the interior is so readily available.
I'm used to modifications, practically all WnW that I've done, I've modified more or less. I'll try to do it somehow solidly, I think it'll be good :) Thanks a lot for the comment.
Hi Łukasz
for me it is a pleasure to read the story of our great pilots. I hope you will continue to provide such rich coverage of the construction and include detailed history
In that case, we'll see you in the next installments, because it will be both modeling and historical. Thanks a lot for the kind words.
Regards
Lukasz
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Hello,
I have cut out more cockpit elements and started modifying them according to my plan. In the first photo, you can see the firewall assembly with the ammunition box, a metal reinforcement tube, the control stick, and a bulkhead. The rudder bar and seat cushion are also visible. This section will require more extensive modifications - I plan to recreate the pulley system, add extra bulkheads for mounting, and install the control cables. The control stick operated the ailerons and elevator, while the rudder bar controlled the rudder. This is where all these mechanisms converged.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_658c72ea79c046f28d4daf2cca1e2cc6~mv2.jpg)
Will these modifications be highly visible? Probably not, but from experience, I know that a well-detailed cockpit provides a much better impression for those who peek through the fuselage openings.
I will go into more detail about this modification in future posts. For now, I have sketched out the entire cable system and started preparing the necessary parts. I mainly posted this photo to showcase the print quality, which, in my opinion, is really good. With some proper detailing, the interior should look quite impressive.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_79fca1483a0b498890f156a6cf637cd5~mv2.jpg)
Today, I also worked on the seats. Based on several reference photos, I confirmed that they had fairly large openings - six sizable cutouts. I prepared a template from tape, marked the center of each hole to ensure symmetry on the backrest, and then carefully drilled and sanded them. Unfortunately, I broke one seat, but luckily I had a spare, although from an older Oeffag variant. It's clear that Lukgraph is continuously improving, and the newer generations of their printed models show a significant increase in quality.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_0d4b0498eadb4de4a19af1a0c9cf36f0~mv2.jpg)
That's all for today.
Best regards,
Łukasz
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This show cannot be missed. I will be watching with great interest.
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The interior work you have done looks great. Nice correction on the seat backs also!
RAGIII
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This show cannot be missed. I will be watching with great interest.
Thank you Przemek, it's great to see you. Come, come. It's only just started, so we'll hang out here for a while.
The interior work you have done looks great. Nice correction on the seat backs also!
RAGIII
At the moment, mostly dry fittings. I'm trying to be as careful as possible in planning modifications so as not to get myself into trouble during further construction. In any case, everything looks promising.
Regards
Lukasz
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Excellent work all round. But a lot of work! You have confirmed my decision to put a pilot figure in the cockpit..... :D
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Good progress.
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Good progress.
Thanks ;)
Excellent work all round. But a lot of work! You have confirmed my decision to put a pilot figure in the cockpit..... :D
This is some kind of solution. I already have a ready solution for the instrument panel, I should upload a set of photos soon. I will rebuild it as much as I can :) I will not have the figure.
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Merian C. Cooper - The Beginnings of History
Our historical segment begins with Merian C. Cooper. His story is crucial to understanding the presence of American volunteers in the 7th Squadron and the very formation of the Kościuszko Squadron. These men were not the only U.S. citizens who took up arms for Poland. A large number of Polish-American volunteers arrived in Poland with Haller's Army, though that is an entirely different story.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_bbb6a1d16e6a4913b54d2d5e03e3385e~mv2.jpg)
What set Cooper and his fellow pilots apart was that they had no direct ties to Poland?almost none.
On October 11, 1779, during the Battle of Savannah, Kazimierz Pułaski died from wounds sustained in combat while being carried in the arms of Colonel John Cooper. It was Merian's own great-grandfather who personally brought the wounded Pułaski aboard the ship Wasp. He considered the Polish general a friend and made sure that, ten days after his death, when the ship reached land, a symbolic burial was held. Over Pułaski?s body, John Cooper swore an honor-bound oath - one day, he or his descendants would repay this debt.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_264c610035b94aa99fbe2ad8729df95d~mv2.jpg)
Pulaski's death
According to family legend, John Cooper was also acquainted with another Polish hero, Tadeusz Kościuszko - a name well known and respected in the United States. This story, passed down through generations of the Cooper family, would later change Merian's life forever.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_bcf2b7ea7bb045fd9b7f415d7a69a47a~mv2.jpg)
Tadeusz Kościuszko
"Mad Bolshevik"
Merian Caldwell Cooper was born on October 24, 1893, in Jacksonville, Florida, the youngest of three children of John C. Cooper and Mary Caldwell. At the age of six, inspired by the book Explorations and Adventures in Equatorial Africa, he decided he wanted to become an explorer.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_a015a3c5c0fb4aa3963512ad61e39c88~mv2.jpeg)
He completed his secondary education in 1911 at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey and was admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy?but was expelled in his final year for unruly behavior. During this period, he also worked as a journalist for several newspapers.
In 1916, Cooper joined the Georgia National Guard, hoping to participate in combat against Francisco 'Pancho' Villa in Mexico. For his service, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, but he refused the commission - he wanted to fight on the front lines. At the same time, he became fascinated with the emerging field of military aviation (this obsession was rumored to be one of the reasons for his expulsion from the Naval Academy).
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_26be1b6b208f4301b6d07ae1a7cf3096~mv2.jpeg)
Determined to become a pilot, Cooper enrolled in a military flight school in Atlanta, graduating at the top of his class. In October 1917, he was sent to France for further training in Issoudun.
While training, he suffered a serious accident - after a strong impact to the head and losing consciousness mid-flight, his aviation career was suddenly in jeopardy. Due to a severe concussion, Cooper had to relearn how to fly from scratch.
In France, he gained experience as a bomber pilot in the 1st Day Bombardment Group of the United States Army Air Service, serving in the 20th Aero Squadron, which flew Airco DH.4 bombers. According to official records, he was credited with one enemy aircraft downed.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_6422662b5bba4b51b3b9ec33cb86f139~mv2.jpg)
Ironically, the squadron's emblem was a "Mad Bolshevik".
The emblem - a bearded figure wearing a bowler hat, running with two spherical bombs - was created as a PR stunt. In the fall of 1918, the Bolsheviks of the Russian Revolution had not yet gained the ominous reputation they would later hold. The squadron members believed the bomb-throwing radical symbolized what they intended to do to the Germans. Embracing the squadron's unconventional and whimsical spirit, they immediately named their mascot the Mad Bolshevik, and thus became known as the Squadron of the Mad Bolsheviks.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_8192b3bcf52c4edfb51c4f09e0af06ce~mv2.jpg)
Merian C. Cooper could never have known that, after serving in the Squadron of the Mad Bolsheviks, he would soon be fighting them like a scourge from above.
The Fateful Day - September 26, 1918
On September 26, 1918, the squadron received a high-risk mission - to bomb the crucial Dun-sur-Meuse bridge, which spanned the Meuse River about 15 kilometers behind enemy lines.
The first bombing wave, Breguet bombers, took off and was intercepted by ten German Pfalz fighters. Despite the loss of Lieutenant Paul J. O'Donnell, the Americans managed to shoot down two enemy aircraft and complete their bombing run.
However, the Germans remained in the area, waiting for the second wave - Cooper's squadron of DH.4 bombers.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_3de8bc2c3438416b9ce9fd5b53297f29~mv2.jpg)
As Cooper and his formation approached, five German fighters attacked them. Just as they repelled the initial assault, 15 or more Fokkers appeared above them and dived straight down into the American formation. The odds were overwhelming.
The result was devastating - three DH.4s went down in flames within enemy territory, a fourth aircraft, crippled and with a severely wounded observer, caught fire mid-flight before crashing.
Cooper's own DH.4 was hit, and his engine caught fire. He assumed his gunner/observer, Lieutenant Edmund Leonard, was dead, and he prepared to jump to his death rather than burn alive. However, at the last moment, he saw that Leonard was still moving despite his injuries.
Instead of jumping, Cooper climbed back into the cockpit and managed to bring the burning aircraft down for a crash landing, saving his observer. In the process, he suffered severe burns to his hands and face.
September 26 was the worst day in the history of the 20th Aero Squadron - five out of seven bombers were lost, and eleven airmen perished.
For Cooper, the war was over.
Captured by the Germans, he spent the last weeks of the war in a military hospital near Wrocław. The U.S. Army officially listed him as deceased.
But not only did he survive, he saved his observer's life as well.
While recovering at a Red Cross hospital in Neuilly, France, Cooper was nominated for the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC). However, in a remarkable display of character, he refused the decoration, writing:
"With all due respect, I ask that my nomination for the Distinguished Service Cross be withdrawn. [...] Upon hearing of my nomination, I was initially overjoyed, as I hold such an honor in the highest regard. However, after much thought, I have come to the conclusion that it would be unjust and unworthy of me to accept an award that was not equally given to the six other officers who fell in flames and perished during the same mission. I did not display any greater courage than my fallen and surviving comrades. [...] I sincerely hope this does not in any way affect the recommendation for my observer, Lieutenant Edmund Leonard, whose actions far surpassed my own."
That was Merian C. Cooper - a warrior with an unshakable sense of honor.
But although the Great War had ended, his war was far from over.
To be continued?
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Workshop Update - Oeffag D.III
The last few days have been mostly spent analyzing the gathered reference materials. This stage is rather tedious, with no spectacular progress on the workbench - most of the effort goes into brainstorming and planning. However, a few significant steps have been made.
The most important one was establishing contact with Craftlab Restaurations, from whom I received some incredibly interesting photographic materials on the construction of the Oeffag D.III. Once again, I was reminded of how fantastic the people around me are -everyone eagerly offered their help and support, which has pushed the project forward in a meaningful way. A huge thank you to all the good souls out there (you know who you are!).
Without further ado, let's get into the details.
Control Cables & Pulley System
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_401c6088c5514ec58c97c5948593eac8~mv2.jpg)
As I mentioned earlier, I plan to add control cables in the cockpit and recreate the pulley system that transferred input to the control surfaces. Below is a diagram of the rudder bar and control stick linkage, along with some cockpit photos that proved to be invaluable references. Additionally, a friend helped me produce the necessary parts.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_065b749cc58142d69f0e1c02da19fbaf~mv2.jpg)
Pulley Blocks
After an initial cleanup, the pulley blocks were test-fitted inside the fuselage halves - visible in the photos.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_7f6e6e756c634badbb90bff155a8d766~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_7280f2f9c72c41deb52adbcc8e819755~mv2.jpg)
Control Sticks
Work on the control sticks is also complete. I modified the following components:
The pulley block for the aileron and elevator control cables
The adjustment lever
The guide for the control cables
For comparison, you can also see a third control stick in the photos - this is the original from an earlier edition of the kit.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_e3e092b44c20418185b9c7d5e8ea7eab~mv2.jpg)
Rudder Bar & Frame Rib
I also prepared the frame rib combined with the rudder bar. The rudder bar itself received a few small modifications - I added bolts and a cable guide.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_9d52d5985b114ac9a0f5ce12c546af5e~mv2.jpg)
Instrument Panel
The biggest challenge at this stage turned out to be the instrument panel. It required not only cutting but also rearranging the equipment layout and repositioning the gauges.
The starter switch and magneto selector were sanded down - I will replace them with resin parts (you can see them in the photo, though they are not yet complete).
The additional gauge above the starter will serve as an inclinometer.
In the original kit, the inclinometer is placed at the base of the seat - however, I plan to install a compass there instead, which I will scratch-build.
The tube connecting both parts of the instrument panel received guides, which I further detailed with small strips of styrene.
The screws and rivets holding the gauges were replaced with metal alternatives.
In the photos, you can see the modified instrument panel dry-fitted together, with the original panel in front of it for comparison.
All additional elements are mounted on small locating pins - this will strengthen the CA glue joints, making them more durable and resistant to damage.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_33e0e594aaed4f319d8df02c9f341842~mv2.jpg)
That's all for today - until next time!
Best regards,
Lukasz
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Great - love it.
Well researched and excellently realized.
From the original to the model!
I also have the kit on the shelf at .... at some point ....
Servus
Bertl
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Great - love it.
Well researched and excellently realized.
From the original to the model!
Thank you. I hope you find the story and the workshop interesting ;)
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Some lovely details being added here , fab !
Alexis
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Some lovely details being added here , fab !
:) thank you
Regards
Lukasz
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Superb work! And great research, well done for getting in contact with Craftlab, you will be able to produce a really accurate representation of the original aircraft.
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Superb work! And great research, well done for getting in contact with Craftlab, you will be able to produce a really accurate representation of the original aircraft.
Thank you :)
Workshop - Cockpit Fitting and Engine Preparation
As I've mentioned before, this is my first fully resin model. So before painting, I needed to make sure that the fuselage, with all the modifications and kit parts, fits together properly and that I can close it without major issues.
In this model, the cockpit is not a separate module that gets enclosed within the fuselage. The fuselage walls serve as load-bearing structures, which makes this step crucial.
Cockpit Test Fit
I used Maskol to temporarily install the key cockpit components. Some elements are still missing, including:
- some instruments on the instrument panel,
- the throttle and fuel mixture control mechanisms,
- the compass, wiring, and control cables.
Of course, all the elements will still need to be sanded and the edges, shapes and overall aesthetics will need to be refined. Some of the imperfections will definitely come out after the primer is applied, so I'm not particularly concerned about that at the moment.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_58ac0dc32a6c400f9c7d5d3b010bd92f~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_d6bebb758c7f4227b605b43de5db9923~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_855dc6c561054973b14a47b0c9ca5afa~mv2.jpg)
In the following pictures, you can see a schematic layout of the wiring on both fuselage sides and throttle and fuel mixture control mechanisms. Control cables are not marked yet.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_2a586b09d0e9440d8f7c66386268c3c4~mv2.jpg)
Instrument Panel Modifications
I decided to modify the panel above the fuel tank on the left fuselage side:
- Most of the original details were sanded off,
- I prepared the surface for new gauges and switches.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_b00582af325544a19258d03575dbbc73~mv2.jpg)
Engine Test Fit
As I mentioned earlier, I also plan to test-fit the engine, as well as:
- the engine mounting frame,
- all supporting structures,
- and ensure that everything fits together with no surprises.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_1ec547e0d4ab47abb9a04180518982c7~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_a4859ee87a2449de94c43ce241272622~mv2.jpg)
The engine itself looks very promising, as you can see. On the second base, you'll find various engine components - intake and exhaust manifolds, as well as different piping.
Building this engine is definitely going to be a lot of fun!
That's it for today - more updates coming soon!
Best regards,
Lukasz
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Ingenious use of Maskol when dry fitting! I've been looking for something like this. Thanks for the tip.
Warren Q
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More lovely work, and thanks for sharing your information and approach, this will be very helpful for others (like me) who have this one in the stash.
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Ingenious use of Maskol when dry fitting! I've been looking for something like this. Thanks for the tip.
For me it's a multi-purpose tool and I can't imagine my workshop without it. I'm glad I could help.
More lovely work, and thanks for sharing your information and approach, this will be very helpful for others (like me) who have this one in the stash.
We Golden Age modelers have to help each other :) I'm glad that the information I'm posting is helpful. I'll be eagerly awaiting your Oeffag D.III
Regards
Lukasz
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Outstanding start on the modification and test fitting of the interior. Your work looks as though it will be very impressive!
RAGIII
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Outstanding start on the modification and test fitting of the interior. Your work looks as though it will be very impressive!
Thank you very much for your support. I hope I can put everything together according to plan.
Regards
Lukasz
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Oeffag D.III - Workshop Update
Dear fellow modellers,
I'd like to share a quick update on my current Oeffag D.III project. The past few days brought some progress as I continue to assemble key sections of the model, testing the fit and thinking ahead to avoid any post-painting surprises. It's also a good time to plan a few improvements and small additions.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_49ba81f147084aadb09117cdb65f825a~mv2.jpg)
HGW Seatbelts
I?ve received the HGW seatbelts ? in my humble opinion, the best option currently available for WWI German and Austro-Hungarian aircraft. This will be my third time using them, and I find the final effect always worth the investment.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_d354101342684075b20a95122a115341~mv2.jpg)
Armament - Gaspatch vs. Lukgraph
I also ordered some Gaspatch Schwarzlose machine guns. They were intended for a different project, but I wanted to compare them with the kit parts provided by Lukgraph. I cut off the handles and added leather padding where the grips will be visible in the cockpit. In the second Oeffag I?m building, I'll use bare Gaspatch grips while keeping the kit gun bodies.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_cb4b258fad3840dea5960bc7ab46d907~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_dc0c7d1f593748869e02a42c32a9407a~mv2.jpg)
Cockpit Detailing - Throttle and Lamp
The kit throttle was upgraded with an additional lever - possibly a fuel mixture control - and a small scale visible in some reference photos. The whole thing is made from PE parts and fine brass tubing.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_5665111c42d942609e0687061c36db86~mv2.jpg)
I also noticed a cockpit lamp in one archival photo. Since pilots from the 7th Squadron often flew in poor lighting conditions, I thought this would be an interesting and realistic detail to include. I built a small prototype first to test the idea, and what you now see in the photos is the final version (still missing the bulb and protective wire cage). The wire parts are only dry-fitted for now and will be glued in after painting.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_fead047bab364bcf8cdf70f5dc59d5d4~mv2.jpg)
Austro-Daimler Engine
The heart of the aircraft: the Austro-Daimler 23000 engine, producing 225 hp. I've removed it from the casting block and I'm very happy with the quality - after painting and weathering it should look superb. I've added the intake manifolds and prepared the engine mount. It required a minor correction to properly align the engine with the fuselage axis. The engine is temporarily fixed in place using Maskol to check fit.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_a5e181c920de40198f02dd79e8f9b3ff~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_f59281e1c9af46ae96e8b628d7e41a63~mv2.jpg)
I won't go into engine detailing just yet - I plan to add some extras, but more on that later. Right now I need to see how much space remains for wiring and accessories once the fuselage is closed.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_238750e795f84899916297c56db6cb4d~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_3849d79612f943aea0ffd96a38cd46ef~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_a4c91465b2b340af8dbf7ded836a6238~mv2.jpg)
The Iconic Oeffag Cowling
I've installed the engine cowling - the distinctive blunt nose that makes the Oeffag D.III so recognizable. Fit is good, and with most key components in place, the fuselage can be considered structurally tested.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_0fbe5d5ff27542b6b8e278dce5d00ede~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_73aba5b15c9d4521a6179cd5fe98fe15~mv2.jpg)
Wings and Internal Reinforcements
Lukgraph has included a smart solution to avoid wing droop - metal reinforcement rods. I started with the lower wing, which attaches via two rods inserted about 5 mm deep into the fuselage. Each wing half also has channels for two longer rods running almost the entire span.
To increase durability, I drilled matching holes in the fuselage so one long rod can pass through both wings and the fuselage in a single piece. This approach should ensure excellent rigidity. The drilling wasn't easy - I lost three drill bits and damaged one wing, but I got it to work in the end. I'll cover the rod exit points with thin polystyrene strips to keep things neat.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_30808cb407184cf3b353b8ad5fbd9d18~mv2.jpg)
The upper wing follows the same concept - though it connects via the radiator section instead of the fuselage - and I made similar modifications.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_e228cad270d4463d98b604aca91780b1~mv2.jpg)
That's all for now. Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to sharing more progress in the next update!
Warm regards,
Łukasz
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Excellent work, it looks like you are making good progress. A couple of questions - what do you plan to do about the raised intake detail on the bottom of the nose cowling? I think these should be slots. Also, do you plan to replace the exhaust pipes? They seem to be an odd flattened shape which I can't find in any photographs. They usually seem to be round at the end (but maybe I haven't seen all the relevant photos....).
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Excellent work, it looks like you are making good progress. A couple of questions - what do you plan to do about the raised intake detail on the bottom of the nose cowling? I think these should be slots. Also, do you plan to replace the exhaust pipes? They seem to be an odd flattened shape which I can't find in any photographs. They usually seem to be round at the end (but maybe I haven't seen all the relevant photos....).
Thank you. I'm not sure I fully understand the issue of the cover. Can you explain which place you mean? As for the exhausts, I haven't analyzed the subject yet.
Merian C. Cooper - A Testament of Bravery
In a previous post, I introduced Lt. Merian C. Cooper and his service up to the end of WWI on the Western Front. Today, I'd like to share a remarkable and lesser-known account of his courage'an original, handwritten report by 1st Lt. Edmund C. Leonrad, documenting a dramatic episode on September 26th, 1918, when Cooper nearly lost his life saving his wounded observer - the author of these words.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_04b1687572ba44d4b44018477e649adb~mv2.jpg)
📝 Original report (transcription):
First Lieut. Merian C. Cooper
For extraordinary heroism in action in the Argonne on the 26th September, 1918.
Lieut. Cooper, pilot, with Lieut. Leonard, observer, was flying one of a bombing formation of eight DH4 Liberty's, when they were attacked by 12 Fokkers after the bombs had been dropped. A bullet grazed Lieut. Cooper's head, Lieut. Leonard was wounded and the motor caught on fire.
Lieut. Cooper put the plane into a spin in an unsuccessful attempt to extinguish the fire. It was so painful that he (Lieut. Cooper) unfastened his safety belt and was in the act of jumping out to escape the agony of the flames when he remembered Lieut. Leonard in the rear seat and not knowing whether Lieut. Leonard was alive or dead, he stayed in the plane.
Lieut. Cooper suffered untold torture for the sake of another rather than end his own pain at the expense of a comrade. Lieut. Cooper succeeded in extinguishing the flames in the air and bringing the plane safely to the ground, at La Monnerie in German territory. Both Lt. Cooper and Lt. Leonard were prisoners in Germany until after the armistice was signed.
- Edmund C. Leonrad, 1st Lt. 95th Aero Squadron, U.S.A.
Edward J. Corsi - The Forgotten Hero of the Kościuszko Squadron
While the story of the Kościuszko Squadron often highlights the legendary Merian C. Cooper and Cedric Fauntleroy, there's another name that deserves our attention - Edward J. Corsi, a pilot whose contributions were just as significant, though less widely remembered. It's time to bring his story back to light.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_d87d7e858d444e6eb8f0d98bdd722b75~mv2.png)
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Corsi volunteered for service in 1916 with the American Red Cross and served as an ambulance driver on the Western Front. Seeking more active duty, he joined the French Foreign Legion and later trained as a pilot at the Bl'riot school in Avord, France.
By his own account, Corsi was not a natural aviator - he had to work hard to earn his wings. After earning his brevet, he continued training at Pau, Cazaux, and G.D.E. He gained a reputation for being a methodical and brave pilot, even serving briefly as an instructor before being posted to the front.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_417a5b55d05a44129685428d66466db3~mv2.jpg)
On May 30, 1918, he was assigned to SPAD Squadron 77 and flew numerous combat missions until the end of the war. He was wounded in action, but made a full recovery in a French hospital. For his service, Corsi was awarded the Croix de Guerre with palm and star, recognizing his exceptional bravery. At the end of the war, he held the rank of sergeant.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_11a7ffdd3e8d40628a795c3038176e1f~mv2.png)
Instead of returning home, Corsi remained in Europe with the American occupation forces in Germersheim, Germany. It was likely there that he heard of Cooper's plan to form a squadron of American volunteers to aid the newly reborn Polish Republic in its struggle against the Bolsheviks.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_05f809598a664679a4a53b4e7b71d956~mv2.png)
He arrived in Poland in 1919 and became one of the very few Kościuszko Squadron pilots to serve from the earliest operations in Ukraine through the Dnieper offensive, and finally the dramatic defense of Lw?w (Lviv) against Budyonny's Cavalry Army.
Always ready to fly, to fight, and to support his comrades - that was Edward Corsi.
More on his service in Poland to come in future posts.
Cheers,
Lukasz
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Lovely work on the Oeffag! Thanks for the updates ;D
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Lovely work on the Oeffag! Thanks for the updates ;D
Thank you ;)
Regards
Lukasz
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Excellent work and great tutorial, thank you !
Joerg
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Excellent work and great tutorial, thank you !
Joerg
Im glad that you like itd. Thank you for you attention.
Regards
Lukasz
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Regarding the cowling, LukGraph have added four raised lines at the bottom of the nose cowling (see first photo). From what I can see these should be cooling slots, they are not raised. So they will have to be sanded off and maybe drilled out or represented by decals.
The kit exhausts have a rectangular cross section at the end. Every photo I have seen shows the exhausts had a round cross section at the end, but maybe there are some photos I have missed? I've attached a photo of Navratil's machine that shows the round exhausts.
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Regarding the cowling, LukGraph have added four raised lines at the bottom of the nose cowling (see first photo). From what I can see these should be cooling slots, they are not raised. So they will have to be sanded off and maybe drilled out or represented by decals.
The kit exhausts have a rectangular cross section at the end. Every photo I have seen shows the exhausts had a round cross section at the end, but maybe there are some photos I have missed? I've attached a photo of Navratil's machine that shows the round exhausts.
Thank you for your message and pointing it out. There really should be holes there. As for the exhaust pipes, I also looked through the materials and came to the same conclusion. I discovered something else. The upper part of the front engine cover is the wrong shape. So these three things definitely need to be improved. I already have an idea :)
Regards
Lukasz
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Oeffag D.III - Workshop Update
Dry fitting wings and stabilizers - the airframe comes together
Over the past few days, work on the Oeffag has been moving steadily forward. I've now reached one of the more delicate and critical stages - dry-fitting the wings. It?s a good moment to share some photos and thoughts on the process.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_cb7ec7c647714d77ad3bc46aa56828e1~mv2.jpg)
🔧 Preparing the Struts
I started with prepping all the structural components. Here's a full set of struts for one of the Oeffags, already reinforced with metal rods. These stabilizing pins should help ensure a strong and clean assembly later on - no surprises, hopefully!
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_e13b719d1045405c9582bcd802a04ff6~mv2.jpg)
Drilling the Wing Mounts
Next, I drilled precise holes in the wings to accommodate the rods in the struts. The fit needed to be just right to allow the whole structure to come together without unnecessary tension.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_4b7f4e37f2ea47ca88d951b8219a770c~mv2.jpg)
Dry-Fitting the Wings
Then came the big step: placing the upper wing. Everything was assembled dry, no glue used at this point. After a few careful attempts, I managed to get the wing into position and secured it with tape. The construction held firm - a good sign for later stages when the paint and final glue-up come into play.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_77428c0f560d46f190ef4ae2122ab48a~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_ab12adaa33ff479aaa761e473be1032b~mv2.jpg)
The rods between the wings and fuselage provided excellent stiffness and proper geometry. This allowed me to evaluate the overall alignment and plan for any small adjustments down the line.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_25192115c34c4bfea326c34bbc26d08c~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_a873a3df76684d1dbf3f5f51e42998eb~mv2.jpg)
Tail Assembly
I also prepared and test-fitted the horizontal stabilizers and elevator. The resin parts look great - sharp detail, no serious flaws. Some light sanding will remove tiny surface blemishes.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_410448c578ad4cb3b3e9359370b88824~mv2.jpg)
To mount the stabilizers, I drilled straight through the fuselage and inserted a 0.4 mm steel rod. I used masking tape to mark exact placement, then carefully fine-tuned the fit. Again - no major issues here.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_108dd455878b4677ad66a94214137591~mv2.jpg)
First Look at the Full Airframe
At this point, everything is assembled dry, even without masking fluid. But the airframe already looks solid and aligned - and above all, it?s starting to reveal its distinctive Oeffag silhouette. The model is really starting to come alive on the bench!
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_b0e2f97d6818473e9b8a69da401af409~mv2.jpg)
Final Thoughts
I'm genuinely happy with the progress so far. The kit from Lukgraph is a joy to work with - they've done a fantastic job on this release. The resin parts are clean and the engineering is solid. The build has been both enjoyable and rewarding, and I'm really looking forward to the next steps.
In the next post, I'll return to the historical part of this build - and continue the story of Merian C. Cooper and Edward J. Corsi, two American airmen who found their way to a newly reborn Poland.
Thanks for looking!
Lukasz
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Nice pictures - it's always a pleasure to see an Albatros grow, no matter what type.
I was able to see and photograph Koloman's D.III live in Oberschleissheim in December 2011, shortly before its maiden flight in April 2012.
I have this kit on the shelf myself - unfortunately some things are not right on the model out of the box.
I am also curious whether the nail heads can be realized with a rivet wheel with this material.
But back to your build - now it's time to make the missing screw connection at the root of the elevator.
(https://up.picr.de/49473703af.jpg)
(https://up.picr.de/49473662xl.jpg)
(https://up.picr.de/49473661pp.jpg)
Servus
Bertl
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
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Nice pictures - it's always a pleasure to see an Albatros grow, no matter what type.
I was able to see and photograph Koloman's D.III live in Oberschleissheim in December 2011, shortly before its maiden flight in April 2012.
I have this kit on the shelf myself - unfortunately some things are not right on the model out of the box.
I am also curious whether the nail heads can be realized with a rivet wheel with this material.
But back to your build - now it's time to make the missing screw connection at the root of the elevator.
Thanks a lot for your attention and comment. I think that if you plan to do the smallest details, you will be working on each kit.
As for the rivets, I will try 3D decals with rivets. I ordered a few sheets and we will see how the tests go.
Lukasz
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Merian C. Cooper - The Road to Poland
The Great War was over, but Merian C. Cooper had no intention of returning to the United States. He left service as an officer known for his experience and bravery. I've already mentioned in an earlier post that he refused the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for saving his observer's life. In the end, however, he was awarded the Purple Heart.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_337670f1dd9a483a99b83001f483c363~mv2.jpg)
📜 Document granting Merian C. Cooper the Purple Heart
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_4aefad5ca7e4492dae7cb2fe1ec61c8b~mv2.jpg)
Cooper's attention soon turned to the work of the American Relief Administration, which had just launched a mission in the newly reborn Poland. The ARA was led by Herbert Hoover, who had visited Polish lands as early as 1913. In 1915, he sent Vernon Kellogg to evaluate the situation of civilians in war-ravaged territories.
The devastation was staggering - some regions had seen the front line cross them as many as seven times. Infrastructure was destroyed, agriculture had collapsed, and poverty and hunger were widespread. The worst affected were the poorest and the children.
Following the restoration of Polish independence in late 1918, the country faced not only military but also humanitarian challenges. Food prices soared, coal was rationed, and epidemics spread.
In response, on January 24, 1919, Congress passed a bill allocating $100 million for humanitarian aid - a figure that was later increased several times. It's a little-known chapter of Polish history, but this assistance saved hundreds of thousands of lives, especially among children.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_dd4228abca564b3bbcb882dc5ac0ff9d~mv2.jpg)
🎨 Easter Market at Bernardyński Square in Lw?w (Lviv), painting by Tadeusz Rybkowski, 1895
When the first ARA representatives arrived in January 1919, they estimated that of the 27 million citizens, at least 4 million were starving, and millions more were undernourished. The situation in Lw?w (Lviv) was among the worst.
Lwiw, a predominantly Polish city, had been surrounded by Ukrainian villages. On November 1, 1918, with support from retreating Austro-Hungarian forces, Ukrainian units attempted to take the city by force and proclaimed the West Ukrainian People's Republic. The Polish population - mostly children, teenagers, women, and the elderly - offered fierce resistance. It took weeks of street fighting to drive the Ukrainians out, and the conflict continued until the summer of 1919.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_e3883be799204246ab9758517a8366a0~mv2.jpg)
Merian C. Cooper
During the siege, Lw?w was cut off from supplies. There was no electricity, no medicine, and the only route from Przemyśl - known as the "railway of life" - was constantly under fire. Delivering aid to Lw?w became a priority for the ARA, and at the head of this mission stood Merian C. Cooper.
While no direct documentation has survived to explain why Cooper was chosen for the Lw?w post, evidence suggests that he volunteered, seeking to go where help was needed most. His determination and selflessness would show again and again.
Cooper officially joined the mission on February 12, 1919, and just two days later, he left Italy via Austria for Warsaw, and from there immediately on to Lw?w by train. It must have made a strong impression: he saw a war-torn city, crossed the front line under military escort, and shortly after arriving, witnessed a young woman die from a grenade blast.
Based in the Potocki Palace - later also the scene of a Kościuszko Squadron tragedy - Cooper led relief efforts with incredible energy. He personally delivered food to the most dangerous districts, fought corruption and theft, and was recognized as a skilled and fearless organizer.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_8551c63d7e2d4bbd918e2de570b08abf~mv2.jpg)
Today we know Cooper mainly as a soldier and pilot, but we must not forget his role as a humanitarian. In May 1919, the people of Lw?w wrote to the U.S. relief mission:
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_7db498f1784244b2a7d1604bbc54dbef~mv2.jpg)
It's estimated that across Poland, U.S. food aid saved up to 1.5 million lives. Today, few remember that.
After three months of intense relief work, conditions in Lw?w began to stabilize. The war with Western Ukraine was ending, but a new threat loomed: the Bolsheviks. Cooper decided his humanitarian mission was complete - and it was time for more decisive action.
At that time, Eastern Galicia was under the command of General Tadeusz Jordan Rozwadowski, whom Cooper almost certainly knew personally. The two began discussing Cooper's possible enlistment in the Polish Army to fight the coming threat.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_64f08b8711e6434d8046e61ba6bf3f7a~mv2.png)
Gen. Tadeusz Rozwadowski
The idea of the Kościuszko Squadron was still in its infancy - but the first step was gaining the approval of J?zef Piłsudski.
To be continued...
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Workshop update - Fuel tanks
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_1ef3fabf60da4d6d862db05bfc6a57c2~mv2.jpg)
The past few days I've mostly been working on the documentation for this model, preparing for the upcoming Moson Show. So not much happened in the workshop itself - but I did manage to make progress on one element: the fuel tanks.
The rear tank, located deep behind the engine, will be barely visible in the finished model. The kit doesn't include it at all. Still, I decided to build it - mostly thanks to the excellent reference photos I received from Craftlab (huge thanks!).
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_bdbf5ec7d27345729a4f7c087b2a4fab~mv2.jpg)
Since I'm documenting this build thoroughly, even hidden details like this are worth doing.
I started by sketching the tank and the general fuel system layout - although I'll tackle the system itself later. For now, the focus is just the tank.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_188eafec733d464fb580a345cf1781e2~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_d9d2ea8299f045839c0eb64776a64d5b~mv2.jpg)
I cut all the necessary parts from polystyrene sheets of various thicknesses and began the painstaking box assembly. I simplified the curved recess in the center into a more angular shape for practicality.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_ed7167344574492b9568bc94d4e06557~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_56f2848a066043e48140a365cd63bd35~mv2.jpg)
I reinforced the inside with braces to prevent collapse and ensure the structure was rigid. I also added fuel line connectors - leading to the gauges on the left side of the cockpit, the central area, and the engine. I scratch-built the filler cap using punches, scrap bits, and brass tubing.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_1785806f6e3848c28d62c5b3a9db5d68~mv2.jpg)
Finally, I added clamps, filled the seams, and drilled all the rivet holes. First I marked them with a rivet tool, then drilled each one by hand. Then came the slow part - riveting both tanks.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_b691dea751ef4bb9805d08d090d1bc15~mv2.jpg)
That's it for today!
Cheers,
Łukasz
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Thorough work on history and construction! Very interesting to read and see.
/Fredrik
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Thorough work on history and construction! Very interesting to read and see.
/Fredrik
Thank you for reading. That's my goal. I want the construction of these models to serve some purpose. My small contribution to honoring the memory of those people.
Regards
Lukasz
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Excellent work and very interesting historical background.
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Excellent work and very interesting historical background.
Thanks for reading. I'm glad you liked it all.
Regards
Lukasz
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Very impressive how you are making this kit come together with your modifications. Everything well thought out and planned :)
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Very impressive how you are making this kit come together with your modifications. Everything well thought out and planned :)
Thank you verru much ;)
Lukasz
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Workshop update - Oeffag D.III
Moson threw me off the modeling track for a while - preparing documentation and the trip itself effectively pulled me away from the Oeffags. Luckily, I've recently had a few calm days in the workshop, which means it's time for a fresh update on the build of the two Oeffag D.III kits.
For quite a while, I've been analyzing the fuselage structure and eventually decided to make some small corrections - unfortunately, this required re-scribing all the panel lines. I've already gone through this painful process with the WnW Halberstadt Cl.II, where I had to scratch-scribe all the lines from scratch. The original model was completely bare in this regard, and the layout was complicated - many curved lines crossing tricky surfaces, often running parallel to planned rivet lines. Only the Almighty knows how many hours I spent on it... I was left with some memories and a mild trauma.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_3d9d46ae60c94c84be3f65c7d38abdf2~mv2.jpg)
Still, I decided it was worth using that hard-earned experience - and deepening it further. In this scale, precise scribing is just part of the game, and Oeffags without nail lines simply don't feel right. The method for doing them was still an open question, but I had a better idea of where to begin.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_87e204ecbf04479a8635f932e9b634ea~mv2.jpg)
I started by prepping a test fuselage in the final layout - one afternoon and evening of sanding, the next morning of scribing. To my surprise, the resin proved very friendly - no unexpected blade slips. That said, the success rate on the first pass was maybe 50%. With that optimistic knowledge in hand, I moved on to the actual fuselage halves - two came out nearly perfect, two needed adjustments. And so, the Halberstadt nightmare returned: putty, sanding, and retrying. In the end, after two full days, all the lines were re-scribed - except for those running across the joins, which I'll finish once the fuselage is closed.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_795191452e5c481da8c67af0432e97d0~mv2.jpg)
The test fuselage had one more use - rivet wheel trials. The Oeffag is a real minefield of rivets - singles, doubles, triples, symmetrical, staggered... At this stage, I just wanted to see how the tool handled the quite hard resin. The answer: it's doable, but tricky and time-consuming. To get a better result, I hand-drilled each hole afterwards - and with 300 rivets times two models, this quickly became tedious. So, for now, I'm opting for decals - waiting for sheets from two different producers. We?ll revisit the rivet story later.
If you want to see a short video of the scribing process, you'll find a link in my footer- I've posted it on my socials.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_131ed0fa8114442ba971176579fc659e~mv2.jpg)
Once the fuselage work reached this stage, I was finally able to start the long-awaited interior painting. This is a key moment - without properly finished interiors, I can't build the cockpit. The surface was thoroughly sanded - I try to eliminate all imperfections that could spoil the final effect.
The Oeffag interior is mainly plywood, with some metal parts near the cylinders. First up - grey primer 1500. Painting interiors is always a pleasant stage - if something goes wrong, it won't really show, and it's a great time for experimenting. That was the case here as well. But before getting into the experiment - I painted the interior in two shades of sand. Why two - Because aircraft of the era rarely had perfectly matched wood tones, and slight color variation adds life to the diorama, even if subtly. I used old AK paints (under their previous branding) - shades visible in the photos.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_3cbcf81faaf148e5803d22edcfa74d99~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_c67f51908c6a4ee9b54085c4564ba39d~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_0e2aefdaf9014217b6fe1b6f4cbaffaf~mv2.jpg)
Now it?s time for shading - and this is where the experiment begins. I'll be doing the wood grain using oils. Oil paint is a mighty, underrated medium in scale modeling. In my opinion, it's a powerhouse for building surface depth - not just for streaks or wood simulation. With oils, you can paint wood using dozens of techniques. I'll use a method I've recently refined - based on an acrylic base. The shading will build contrast and a sense of wear similar to traditional painting, but the selection of tone and intensity is still being fine-tuned. I previously tested several shades, and I think there's still room for improvement. This time I'll use the fuselage interior to test - Dark Tan.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_da1e36c3c1844676925e5ff55ef5d522~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_e93fb3a5bc314ba482c19d897496e77b~mv2.jpg)
That's all for today...
Cheers,
Lukasz
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Rescribing a whole fuselage - wow! I can only imagine the time and effort. Scribing is one of the things I find the hardest, so I do see why you would get flashbacks ;D
Looks incredible though ;)
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More superb attention to detail, rescribing two fuselages is a lot of work, so well done!!
A question, and I don't mean to sound critical, but why did you not remove those clumsy locating lugs on the fuselage interior? They were one of the reasons I decided to put a pilot figure in mine (when I do it), because I was worried you would be able to see them through the cockpit opening. Are you happy they will be hidden by the rest of the cockpit details?
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Rescribing a whole fuselage - wow! I can only imagine the time and effort. Scribing is one of the things I find the hardest, so I do see why you would get flashbacks ;D
Looks incredible though ;)
Yes, Halberstadt gave me a hard time. Fortunately, it went smoothly here so far, most of the lines were drawn, I just had to correct them. The most difficult was the one along the entire hull in an arc, but I managed. Thank you very much for your comment.
More superb attention to detail, rescribing two fuselages is a lot of work, so well done!!
A question, and I don't mean to sound critical, but why did you not remove those clumsy locating lugs on the fuselage interior? They were one of the reasons I decided to put a pilot figure in mine (when I do it), because I was worried you would be able to see them through the cockpit opening. Are you happy they will be hidden by the rest of the cockpit details?
Many thanks for the kind words. As for the strips positioning the cockpit elements, I know that they will not be visible. Here, dry assembly of the model pays off. Thanks to this, I managed to clarify many things before the actual painting and assembly. Everything that will be in the cockpit will be mounted in such a way that nothing will be visible. Nevertheless, positioning the elements in the cockpit makes assembly quite easy, so you can calmly think this over during your build.
Regards
Lukasz
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Fabulous work & research, Lukasz.
Cheers,
Gary
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Fabulous work & research, Lukasz.
Cheers,
Gary
Thank you Gary :)
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I like - regardless of the historical aspect - the enormous effort you put into the model.
Piece by piece, a in my opinion unnecessarily imprecise in some places 3D printed resin kit, becomes a beautiful OEFFAG-Albatros corresponding to the original.
Hats off for the effort you put into adapting the wrong, much too angular fuselage contour to the original - it's no child's play to get the engravings correct.
It's a pity that you weren't successful in creating the rows of nails with the rivet wheel - that would have been my hope for my own OEFFAG D.III, which I still have on the shelf.
I personally have some reservations about rows of nails with decals, because the decal heads are usually a bit too big and too present - I think that the nails should only be very subtly noticeable.
But anyway - I like it here in this build report ..... One more comment, the pictures are sometimes a bit too bright against the background.
Servus
Bertl
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
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You're having way too much fun Luka....
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Amazing stuff !
Alexis
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I like - regardless of the historical aspect - the enormous effort you put into the model.
Piece by piece, a in my opinion unnecessarily imprecise in some places 3D printed resin kit, becomes a beautiful OEFFAG-Albatros corresponding to the original.
Hats off for the effort you put into adapting the wrong, much too angular fuselage contour to the original - it's no child's play to get the engravings correct.
It's a pity that you weren't successful in creating the rows of nails with the rivet wheel - that would have been my hope for my own OEFFAG D.III, which I still have on the shelf.
I personally have some reservations about rows of nails with decals, because the decal heads are usually a bit too big and too present - I think that the nails should only be very subtly noticeable.
But anyway - I like it here in this build report ..... One more comment, the pictures are sometimes a bit too bright against the background.
Servus
Bertl
Thank you very much for your kind words. I appreciate that you left a comment. I have another idea for the nail lines to skip the tracing paper, but it seems that making double and triple rows will be quite risky, so I decided to use tracing paper. I plan to recreate all the lines according to the documentation sent to me by Craflab. We'll see how it turns out in the end. I haven't done it myself yet, so it's also a journey into the unknown for me. I hope that together we will evaluate the effect and draw conclusions from my workshop for the future, is it worth going down this path?
You're having way too much fun Luka....
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
hehe, thank you :P
Amazing stuff !
Alexis
Thank you Alexis :) Regardas
Lukasz
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MERIAN C. COOPER - HISTORY
General Tadeusz Rozwadowski, one of Poland's most prominent commanders during the Great War and the border conflicts that followed, was an early advocate for forming a volunteer unit composed of American pilots. His initiative aligned perfectly with Merian C. Cooper's growing desire to serve Poland. By the spring of 1919, Cooper had come to feel that his humanitarian work was no longer enough - the geopolitical situation made it clear that a clash with the Bolsheviks was inevitable.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_55b169d4fe9e4750a99e294459695f8e~mv2.jpg)
Merian Cooper and Cedric Fauntleroy
It's unclear when exactly Cooper's intention to serve individually evolved into the idea of forming an entire squadron. However, it likely happened between March and April 1919. Around this time, Gen. Rozwadowski became head of the Franco-Polish Military Mission in Paris?a city where thousands of American soldiers were still stationed. Cooper, however, chose to proceed cautiously. First, he sought official permission for individual service from Poland's Chief of State.
On April 29, 1919, Cooper wrote a letter to Jozef Piłsudski. The contents offer insight into the American volunteer's motivation:
"My family considers it my duty - and it is also my sincere wish - to offer my services to Poland in her struggle for freedom. For this reason, I asked to be sent to work for Poland with the American Relief Mission. As an officer of that mission, I was responsible for the distribution of American food supplies in Lwow during the last two months of siege and bombardment.
Now, however, as my country is no longer at war, I feel that my duty is to serve in a combat unit. If the Republic of Poland is willing to accept my services, I will immediately seek assignment or permission to take on any duty the Polish government deems appropriate, on the condition that I be posted to a combat unit at the front. [...] I would also appreciate being informed of the rank I would hold, although I am ready to serve at the front regardless of rank."
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_ac7362ed759b4f19a763b55c2e842350~mv2.jpg)
The letter's tone is strikingly personal. Cooper made no mention of forming a squadron at this point, but it is clear he was ready to take off his American uniform and join the ranks of the Polish Army. Before leaving Poland for Paris (at the end of his humanitarian mission), he managed to meet with Piłsudski - most likely in early May 1919. Sadly, no reports or documentation from this meeting have survived. Cooper later recalled that the meeting was arranged by Gen. Rozwadowski. We also know that Piłsudski initially regarded Cooper as a typical mercenary - chasing glory and money. When Cooper heard this, he firmly objected, stating that he would not accept a single cent more than what a Polish officer of equal rank would receive, and that any promotion should be earned solely through frontline merit.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_d426826f6d9e41ab91aacca61a65e665~mv2.png)
Chief of State J?zef Piłsudski
Following this conversation, Cooper not only received approval for individual service but also for forming a volunteer air squadron. Its members were to serve under the same conditions as he did.
Cooper soon departed for Paris to officially demobilize from the U.S. Army. The French capital was still celebrating victory and the war's end. There, in a small caffe near Place d'Alma, a chance - but significant - meeting occurred. Captain Merian C. Cooper ran into Major Cedric Fauntleroy. The two had trained together at the AEF center in Issoudun, although their paths had since diverged.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_6fbc4f3305774602bbfb72d6c227df47~mv2.jpg)
Major Cedric Fauntleroy
Fauntleroy, born November 22, 1891 in Church Hill, Mississippi, was a restless spirit - he ran away from home at 14 and worked various jobs, including as a mechanic and cattle driver. After the sinking of the Lusitania, he joined the aviation service. During the war, he served with the famed 94th Aero Squadron 'Hat in the Ring' - though he was primarily known as an excellent test pilot.
After a long conversation, Cooper shared his idea. Fauntleroy was clearly intrigued and immediately committed himself to planning the next steps.
The two aviators quickly received support from Rozwadowski, who issued a letter of recommendation authorizing them to recruit volunteers. This letter was later quoted in The New York Times on August 28, 1919, after the recruitment effort had concluded. Interestingly, the name "Kościuszko Squadron" already appeared in this letter - suggesting it had been conceived and approved before recruitment even began, likely during the earlier meeting with Rozwadowski.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_e2a95cd3bf524daab19d2950b8754198~mv2.png)
Many individuals became involved in the recruitment and promotional efforts. Both officers agreed that candidates would need to be selected with utmost care. The coming war would present challenges very different from the one they had just fought. They knew conditions in Poland would be harsh, and success would depend on determination, creativity, and both physical and mental resilience. They sought experienced, daring pilots with a flair for risk?and a genuine commitment to the Polish cause.
Recruitment continued through July and August. It ended on August 26, 1919, when the major and captain reported to Gen. Rozwadowski that they had successfully enlisted eight volunteers ready to depart for Poland.
To be continued...
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OOEFFAG D.III - WORKSHOP UPDATE
Painting the Panels and Leather Cockpit Rim
Work on the interior of the fuselage continues. Obligations still make it hard to stay as engaged as I'd like, but I've set a goal: to finish the interior before joining the fuselage halves. Day by day, I managed to push things forward.
This time I focused on separating the engine access panels and preparing them for painting. Everything got a black primer coat, followed by surface modulation using a mix of colors, then silver, and finally chipping and wear. Doesn't sound like much, but masking four fuselages and rotating the paint stages took me several evenings. Luckily, I'm satisfied with the final effect - just one last step before simulating the wood grain.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_9ff28991cbc54838957e69efbfd08a5e~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_e7b9dfecda1a45dbb3bded912c68e1b3~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_0c74c1f6e50a4b7ab4cae2911ea24f64~mv2.jpg)
Next came the leather cockpit rim. Access to this area will be limited once the fuselage halves are joined, so I decided to paint the interior portion now. More masking - time-consuming, but not difficult with some patience. After applying a dark brown base color, I added highlights and cracking using the dry brush technique.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_3a36c0bde2ce4aca880939329cdb8cb9~mv2.jpg)
Wood Grain Painting
Time to simulate wood. I used oil paints - artist-grade, which have worked well for me in the past. To introduce some visual variety, I opted for two wood tones: a slightly mahogany one around the engine section and a more classic tone for the rest. Not much of this will remain visible, but since I'm taking photos anyway, I couldn't leave it half-baked.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_30355a5fde69443b8b31a364363397ca~mv2.jpg)
The resin-printed surface turned out to be a bit different from plastic - less smooth, which affected the brushwork when simulating wood grain. This required a slight adjustment in technique, but the results are satisfying. Now it'll sit for at least 24 hours before I apply a protective varnish coat.
If you'd like to see a video of this stage, it will be up soon on my socials. As always, links are in the footer.
That's all for today!
Cheers,
Lukasz
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Great, great, great... As usual :)
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Great, great, great... As usual :)
Thank you very much Przemek :)
Lukasz
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Love the wood painting! Looking forward to the video ;D
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Oeffag D.III - Workshop Update
Over the past few weeks, I've been fully immersed in working on the cockpit components. Quite a lot of small, complex parts - each one a little challenge on its own. I knew that most of them would remain barely visible once the model is assembled, but I still decided to give it my best and finish them to the highest standard I could.
What was the challenge?
The biggest difficulty was replicating the mixed construction of the real components?mostly wood and metal - within a single miniature part.
The first step was carefully cleaning up the prints. Although the quality is excellent, a bit of sanding with fine paper and sponges made everything ready for painting.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_603351c5d84049c5b433c54f28a4cfe9~mv2.jpg)
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Wood and priming
Priming everything and preparing the surfaces for wood grain finishes went smoothly. The real challenge came afterward?tedious masking work to isolate metallic surfaces from the woodgrain areas. That alone took me over a week.
RP Toolz punches proved extremely useful here, especially for creating circular masks for gauges and control stick mountings. I carefully masked off all the 'yellow' areas intended for wood treatment.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_0e39017cca9b4f23aeeb797ead139790~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_8719e8877dbf490089b0dd8e2be2180b~mv2.jpg)
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Metal and details
Fuel tanks, ammo containers, and the throttle system were all primed in black as a base for the metallic paint. At the same time, I painted the seats and cushions in appropriate shades.
Then came the weathering and variation work - to make everything look worn and operational, as if it had seen some hard service in the field. For the metal areas, I used my go-to paint set, applying shadows, highlights, and grime step by step.
At some point, I also introduced silver tones into the mix, without abandoning the previous colors. In total, each component received around a dozen layers of paint and effects. Quite a bit of work, but definitely worth it.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_f8c8580187284ede9e5f97a4376eb1d2~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_d5159f19ffa24f9682d8d053518c005b~mv2.jpg)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_0d40cd2635364e7fa0b56296e0fa28bd~mv2.jpg)
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Revealing and touch-ups
After removing all the masks, I noticed a few spots that needed touch-ups - mainly where masking wasn't perfect or I had accidentally damaged the paint with tweezers. I corrected those with a fine brush. All these areas will be blended later with oil washes, which will even out the finish and add depth.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_c2a1e7286278456fa30a1cac0e91cd08~mv2.jpg)
That's it for today.
Cheers,
Lukasz
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That looks like a lot of work! Good to see the build is progressing.
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The joys off masking , results paid off awesome !
Alexis
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That looks like a lot of work! Good to see the build is progressing.
The joys off masking , results paid off awesome !
Thank you :)
I've always followed the - one build - one model - principle. It keeps me focused and helps avoid the dreaded half-finished project syndrome. However, a unique opportunity has come up, and as a result, this build log will be temporarily put on hold.
To all those following and supporting this project - please accept my sincere apologies for the interruption. I can only promise that once work on the J2F-5 is completed, I will absolutely return to the Oeffags. I've already poured too much heart into them, and more importantly - it's a story that deserves to be finished.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0762f0_39fa0da2a16347b594a35c129a49c043~mv2.jpg)
So, until then - see you soon!
Lukasz