forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Topic started by: Tim Mixon on September 16, 2025, 12:28:29 PM
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My next choice for the group build is this Choroszy MICKL H. Gottfried von Banfield was the commander of the Austro Hungarian Naval air station at Trieste for the duration of the war.
This aircraft was a prototype presented for Banfield to evaluate. He was particularly impressed with it and flew it on several combat missions. However he had some suggestions for improvement such as a larger 185 HP engine and dual fixed machine guns. It was sent back to OEFFAG with the promise of returning it with the upgrades. This was done in late 1916 and Banfield had it repainted in all blue. He nicknamed it the Blue Wonder. It was Banfield favorite mount and he flew it throughout the war.
It is the only example produced. I think very unique in that a prototype was used in combat extensively. Banfield was a nine victory ace, all of which were achieved in flying boats!
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202509/2970975_28144a5591b7fb763208d9853167475a.jpeg)
Here is my reference material. It?s fascinating learning about the war in the Adriatic Sea region. I?m almost finished reading the first volume. Unfortunately there are few pictures of this particular aircraft in existence.
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202509/2970975_e8da52746e71be9feb17bd4fc88a1d82.jpeg)
The parts are not warped and require little cleaning
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202509/2970975_d3e13da37aab75bf1dd069b996db8dd7.jpeg)
The interior is quite detailed and will only need minimal scratch work. I added an ammunition box and will add PE seatbelts
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202509/2970975_5b75f2d94b97371e5cf249c5c2de074e.jpeg)
Interior is painted up and ready to close
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202509/2970975_f32bf1ac634165a9cce81ef82dd57628.jpeg)
Thanks for looking in!
Tim
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Lovely choice Tim and off to a great start 8)
Paul
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I agree, am excellent choice and a great start. Looking forward to this one.
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Wow... Suddenly remember I have this (and those books, which are excellent and a wonderful tribute to a true lost world of aviation)!
I'll be glued to this, following your progress. I think I must have stalled on making any kind of start myself, seeing the fragility of the tiny parts.
Wishing you all the best for this :)
Mark
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I just live flying boats and will be following with interest. That's interesting to hear about Banfield. 9 victories is a lot for a seaplane pilot.
Alan.
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What a fascinating subject, story and kit! Great start Tim.
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Your choice of subject is simply splendid ? an Austro-Hungarian machine, naval service, and a flying boat all in one! One could hardly hope for a finer theme for a modelling project.
As far as I am aware, Banfield himself referred to the aircraft as 'Blauer Vogel', which translates to 'Blue Bird'.
From your first photographs, the Choroszy kit rather brings to mind the resin offerings of the previous century. I greatly admire your courage in embarking upon such a challenging undertaking.
I possess the same books myself, and they provide an unparalleled wealth of photographic reference material.
Best of luck with the build ? I shall be following your progress with keen interest!
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An excellent start and an interesting project. I am excited to see how it progresses.
Joerg
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Good choice Tim and it will be a great model, no doubt.
It's on my wish list and will probably be on my next order from JadarHobby, my supplier of Choroszy kits.
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You've done some great flying boats in the past, I'm sure this will be a home-run as well.
I wish there were more flying boats in 1/48 scale.
But then again, if I switch to 1/72 scale......
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Tagging along on your build Tim .
Alexis
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I?ve been working very hard on this one for the past two weeks. I managed to get it painted and decalled. The blue color is some long forgotten Testors enamels mix I had in the desk drawer.
The Swarzlose guns are from Gaspatch models. Just beautiful and delicate printing.
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202509/2970975_01640b9e8f9fcd24f86c89a4cd13589c.jpeg)
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202509/2970975_33ef267fbe64ee878dfdca3fc4c9d343.jpeg)
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202509/2970975_3e583f7907cc3479a98f5860c5e77e49.jpeg)
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202509/2970975_bdd7a0788d5c04226c4dba3708f236c5.jpeg)
The decals are borrowed from a Wings 72 Lohner vac kit. It?s really difficult to find the Austro Hungarian cross with the thin black outline. These happen to fit well. The other markings are masked and painted.
Thanks for looking in!
Tim
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Making quick work on this one Tim , did you replace the tail struts or these resin parts form the kit ?
Alexis
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Quick work indeed but looking very nice all round......
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Thanks Alexis. I forgot to mention that the tail strut work is brass rod. The kit resin is too flimsy for use.
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This will be a stunner.
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Finally finished this one! I?ll add more photos to the completed model section.
(https://attachment.tapatalk-cdn.com/45241/202511/2970975_1c01a3d428fc46ccde9dbd44c03cee50.jpeg)
Thanks for looking in!
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That looks amazing! I really like Austro-Hungarian aircraft, you?ve inspired me to try a flying boat (although it won?t look as good as this one).
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Sweet build Tim 8)
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Stunning! Lovely work all round.
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I knew it. Perfect blue, will go to "completed".
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My god what a stunner!
Alan.
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Sweet build Tim 8)
and then Some! Gorgeous work!
RAGIII