forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Completed models => Topic started by: lone modeller on July 25, 2026, 05:31:28 AM

Title: Scratch built 1/72 Admiralty Department Navy Plane
Post by: lone modeller on July 25, 2026, 05:31:28 AM

Evening All,

This was my subject for the Multi-seat group build which has been running recently:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55414809342_6d3001cec0_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sqPoch)

It is the Admiralty Department AD 1 floatplane which was designed in 1916 by H. Bolas as a reconnaissance and bombing machine. It was a conventional two bay biplane with a pusher layout. The tail unit was mounted on the upper booms to keep it clear of the water, and the tail also had two small floats.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55414809372_1ade3327ce_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sqPocN)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55414809417_c94843d147_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sqPodz)

The drawings were sent to Supermarine where detailed drawings were produced under the leadership of R. J. Mitchell in 6 weeks, and the first prototype was ready for trials in August 1916.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55415893628_1c777a1421_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sqUWvS)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55415893673_a30165ae64_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sqUWwD)

The machine was powered by a 150 hp Smith Static 10 cylinder Radial engine, which during trials underperformed and did not provide the power expected. Performance of the AD 1 was therefore disappointing.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55415950979_9e53edb557_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sqVeyF)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55414809422_0b9734dd18_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sqPodE)

In May 1917 the machine was equipped with a Bentley AR 1 rotary engine, but once again performance was poor so that the type was abandoned with only one prototype having been built.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55414809417_c94843d147_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2sqPodz)

Thanks for looking.

Stephen.

Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Admiralty Department Navy Plane
Post by: Dirigible-Al on July 25, 2026, 06:46:14 AM

Really excellent Stephen and to think it was all scratch built!
Alan.

Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Admiralty Department Navy Plane
Post by: enathan on July 25, 2026, 08:25:04 AM

Excellent model of this rare bird Stephen, well done!

Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Admiralty Department Navy Plane
Post by: NinetythirdLiberator on July 25, 2026, 02:19:45 PM

Another one hit it out of the park, Stephen.  Really sweet!

Dan

Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Admiralty Department Navy Plane
Post by: IanB on July 26, 2026, 02:25:51 AM

Another gem Stephen. Lovely work, as usual!

Ian

Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Admiralty Department Navy Plane
Post by: Skyhook on July 26, 2026, 05:37:52 AM

Great work! Floatplanes are sometimes a bit hard to get right, but you have excelled. And the rigging looks very scalelike. Very impressive stuff and a rare plane indeed.

Cheers, Skyhook

Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Admiralty Department Navy Plane
Post by: Rip Van Winkle on July 26, 2026, 06:08:01 AM

Nicely done and very unique.

Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Admiralty Department Navy Plane
Post by: bobs_buckles on July 27, 2026, 12:54:32 AM

A scratch built marvel.
Thanks for sharing, Stephen  ;)

BB

Title: Re: Scratch built 1/72 Admiralty Department Navy Plane
Post by: PrzemoL on July 27, 2026, 06:53:09 AM

Yet one more great build to your spectacular collection.