forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
The WW1 modelers' reference library => Aircraft => Topic started by: Jamo on April 27, 2012, 06:23:34 PM
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So far TVAL have completed and publically displayed three Albatros DVa reproductions. Their website has many photographs of the construction in progress and the completed aircraft, which appear to be very authentic. The only concessions appear to be a) the lap belt for the pilot passes through the sides of the pilot seat rather than over the sides, b) the fuel drain that exits the pilot's cockpit on the right hand side (Gene DeMarco mentioned to me that the originals had a cup to collect the drips inside the cockpit instead, when parked). I am unsure about the authenticity of the water temperature gauge/stub which sticks up out of the water pipe leading to the radiator. Readers who are more knowledgeable than me may be able to comment further.
The first is finished in the markings of 5284/17 flown by Josef Mai of Jasta 5, who scored 7 victories in this aircraft out of a total of 30. It is registered in New Zealand as ZK-DVA (appropriately enough!).
The photos I have taken are ground shots with the objective of documenting details that modellers look for to super-detail their builds. Some are taken at TVAL airshows and others in the TVAL hangar on Open Hangar days. Thank you to Gene DeMarco and the team for making such generous public access to your flying treasures! The photobucket album has 85 photos at present:
http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/?start=all
Here are a selection:
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/April10Alb4.jpg)
Note the padding around part of the opening for the machine guns:
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/Nov262011d-1.jpg)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/Guns.jpg)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/AlbDVadetails2.jpg)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/AlbDVaMar10.jpg)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/Nov201045.jpg)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/Nov201037.jpg)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/Nov201049.jpg)
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Check out the fuel/oil stains running down the keel of the fuselage
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/Nov201032-1.jpg)
Note the footstep on the nose
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/AlbDVadetails7.jpg)
Retaining cable on the spinner:
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/AlbDVaMar24.jpg)
Supporting brace on the airspeed indicator:
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/Airspeedgauged.jpg)
Diagonal turnbuckles on the bracing cables for the undercarriage inside the cockpit:
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/AlbDVacockpit10.jpg)
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Note the undercarriage axle fairing is in two parts:
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/AlbDVadetails6.jpg)
Note the drain hole in the wing stub, and the reinforcing tapes around the inspection panels:
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/AlbDVaMar25.jpg)
Tailskid is fabric wrapped on the upper section:
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/AlbDVaMar14.jpg)
Note tapes reinforcing around the aileron hinges, drain holes near the trailing edge (and the staining from water/oil(?):
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/Nov201041.jpg)
Lifting handles and belly strap:
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/Nov201055.jpg)
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The screws and nails that fasten the plywood panels are reasonably prominent and IMHO are worth representing in 1/32 scale. Note the plywood has a very fine grain, its not obvious at all. Some of the wood grain finishes I have seen look really amazing but scale out closer to 1:1 rather than 1:32. In this photo you can see the fuel drain pipe exiting the cockpit. Note also how there are two separate engine panels on each side, not a single panel (important for that diorama where you leave the panels on the ground to show off the engine detail):
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/AlbDVaMar5.jpg)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/AlbDVaMar4.jpg)
Note the representation of the manufacturers mark on a see-through panel over the spar:
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/AlbDVadetails3.jpg)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/AlbDVadetails1.jpg)
Note the alternative throttle control/pull rod on the upper left of the cockpit, with the ring handle:
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/AlbDVaMar9.jpg)
The photo above has a temporary instrument gauge (in black) that was used for calibrating the reproduction instruments. It was subsequently removed.
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/Nov201048-1.jpg)
The fuel/air switches have an English language translation sheet for familiarisation of Kiwi pilots.
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James you are the man!!
Andrew
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Thanks Andrew ;D
Isn't it funny how if you study photos closely enough you keep noticing new details. Check out the fastenings for the cockpit fittings on the each side of the fuselage in these two photos (for the detail-afflicted among us)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/March5.jpg)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/AirshowJan1189.jpg)
Easy to replicate with a micro-punch and some thin card or foil
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These images are extremely useful for fellows like me. I can't think of anything more important for newcomers to WWI aircraft modelling than closeups of rigging points. Rigging diagrams such as appear in the WnW kits are of vital importance, but images that show where turnbuckles were employed, and where the actual anchor points are located, are indispensible too.
Thanks for posting the images!
Cheers,
Chris
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What a great addition to the ww1aircraftmodels forum. These are splendid references. :) Now, when I finally retrieve my WnW DV.a from the stash there will be a number of thumb prints on these. :D
Paddy :)
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Very, very good. This goes further into the type than anywhere else. Thank you!!!!!
Steve
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You leave me breathless mate. No words can explain my gratitude.
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James, you do realise that your going to have to do this for ALL of TVAL's fleet ;D ;D 8)
Andrew
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James, thank you soo kindly for posting all those Pictures!!!!! That is a Gorgeous Albatros!!! and the detail photos are helpful and educational ...
I hope to see that beauty in person one day... ;)
Thank you again!!,
DEAN ~~~ 8)
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Wonderful shots I bookmarked your page years ago as you know. ;)
Just want to point out though that the Maxim cocking mechanisms are wrong for the Albi both in the TVAL & WNWs kit for those that don't know. A minor thing but when AMS strikes you know how it is.
Keith
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Wonderful shots I bookmarked your page years ago as you know. ;)
Just want to point out though that the Maxim cocking mechanisms are wrong for the Albi both in the TVAL & WNWs kit for those that don't know. A minor thing but when AMS strikes you know how it is.
Keith
Good to know -- can you elaborate?
Tony, the long cocking handle apparently only came in late and used on craft like the Fokker DVII. I'm led to believe by better informed souls than myself. There was a discussion or ten on another forum I frequent. If you have the instruction booklet for the WNW DVa or check the online PDF at WNW on page 13 & 26 theres a shot which shows the true configuration. (I have scoured all the ref material I have and havent found a pic of an Albi with these cocking handles at all.)
K
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Ref this point, the fuel drain off on the lower right cockpit wall
(b) the fuel drain that exits the pilot's cockpit on the right hand side (Gene DeMarco mentioned to me that the originals had a cup to collect the drips inside the cockpit instead, when parked).
I have B&W pics of the Canberra D.Va that clearly show this ppie dropping and exiting the fuselage, perhaps the mentioned cup was hung below this when parked though I've not seen that anywhere either.
Keith.
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Keith,
Like you I've often wondered about the same point on throttles, three of them? The cockpit artwork (with legend) in Osprey's SE5a vs. Albatros DV book (by Jon Guttman, cockpit view by Jim Laurier) labels #9 (what I've always considered one of the throttles and placed in the "traditional" position on the left wall of the cockpit) as the "Spark Control Handle". The Ring Handle pull rod, #7, is labeled "Auxilliary Throttle Handle". The configuration of each suggests the labels could be reversed ie. your ring handle control could be the spark arrest control perhaps??
Hope someone has the answer, maybe as simple as confirmation from the TVAL folks. From my point of view I'm only sure of one thing, that "I'm not sure.........."
Cheers,
Lance :-\ ;)
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James: are you sure the function of the ring handle pull rod is another throttle control? It doesn't quite make sense to me -- there is already one on the stick and of course the standard throttle quadrant below the ring handle.
My guess is/was that it was the emergency fuel dump to the main tank -- I found something exactly like it on a (real) 1950s Alfa endurance race car that I am restoring. I realize that means nothing, but it is very reminiscent and immediately came to mind when I saw this and the way the fuel tanks are constructed. If not, any idea where the lever is to open the reserve?
cheers!
Note the alternative throttle control/pull rod on the upper left of the cockpit, with the ring handle:
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV/AlbDVaMar9.jpg)
Hi Tony
I am fairly sure that the lever on the port side of the cockpit is not a throttle control, it is a spark advance/retard control. There are only two throttle controls, the main one on the control stick and the the auxillary one which is the rod with the ring on the end.
Cheers
James
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I agree with James, the lever on the cockpit side wall is spark advance, connects to the magneto's on the engine block by a lever system. this is linked from left to the right magneto by a rod and lever that runs across the back of the engine.
Check Jamo's engine pics post, you'll see the top rod *with the ring* connected to the carb on the outside of the manifold, the throttle cable runs and connects behind the manifold.
Hope this helps clarify?
Keith
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Monor amendment to what I said Tony, seems both the rod and cable connect to the front of the carb in front of the manifold. :-[
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Thanks for clearing this up; I've learned something today, which makes it a good day all round. :) (& apologies to the folks at Osprey if their listening)
Cheers,
Lance
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I recently scared up a copy of the Mikesh NASM D.Va book ("Stropp") which is pretty definitive and highly recommended to fellow Alby nuts if you can find it.
Anyway, the answer is...
The ring is indeed an auxiliary throttle. In normal operation it is disconnected -- only the lever on the stick controls the throttle. If necessary due to some malfunction with the main throttle, this auxiliary throttle is pushed all the way forward until it engages a catch at which point it can be used normally.
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Tony,
Thanks for the definitive answer. Also served to bring this Thread to my attention again. Every time I review these photos I pick up on another detail, super content and detail. Now I've got a DIII built, a DV in progress, two WNW DVa's stashed and an Encore DII as well. Then theres the four 1/48 Kits I will never build. Wonder if I can stop there.....?? Maybe I'm an "Albaholic"?
Cheers,
Lance
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Thanks Lance. For those who have not yet had a good look around my Photobucket album, in terms of Albatros photos there are four albums worth checking out in addition to the one noted at the start of this thread. There are separate albums for the second and third TVAL Albatros reproductions and two albums for restored Mercedes engines (one with water-jacketed intake manifold and one without).
http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Mercedes%20DIIIa%20engine%20with%20jacketed%20inlet%20manifold/?start=all
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Mercedes%20DIIIa%20engine%20with%20jacketed%20inlet%20manifold/Mar12Alby219.jpg)
The priming cups are quite noticeable in this shot of the cylinders (not included in the WNW kit):
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Mercedes%20DIIIa%20engine%20with%20jacketed%20inlet%20manifold/Mar12Alby209.jpg)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Mercedes%20DIIIa%20engine%20with%20jacketed%20inlet%20manifold/Mar12Alby218detail.jpg)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Mercedes%20DIIIa%20engine%20with%20jacketed%20inlet%20manifold/Mar12Alby225.jpg)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Mercedes%20DIIIa%20engine%20with%20jacketed%20inlet%20manifold/Mar12Alby226detail.jpg)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Mercedes%20DIIIa%20engine%20with%20jacketed%20inlet%20manifold/Mar12Alby214.jpg)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Mercedes%20DIIIa%20engine%20with%20jacketed%20inlet%20manifold/Mar12Alby263.jpg)
This is the third Albatros reproduction:
http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/TVAL%20Albatros%207343/?start=all
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/TVAL%20Albatros%207343/Apr25112.jpg)
Note the canvas covers on the undercarriage bungee cords
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/TVAL%20Albatros%207343/Apr25092.jpg)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/TVAL%20Albatros%207343/Mar12Alby260.jpg)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/TVAL%20Albatros%207343/Mar12Alby257.jpg)
Note tacking of the fabric screen behind the pilot's seat
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/TVAL%20Albatros%207343/Apr25116.jpg)
Fabric wrapping of the tail skid
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/TVAL%20Albatros%207343/Apr25120.jpg)
The second TVAL Albatros reproduction album is here:
http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV%20TVAL/
Most of these photos were taken by David Frowen
This ground handling dolly would be an easy scratch build to add interest
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Albatros%20DV%20TVAL/OmakaApril201194detail.jpg)
The other Mercedes engine is here:
http://s1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Mercedes%20DIIIa%20engine%20restored/?start=all
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Mercedes%20DIIIa%20engine%20restored/Nov262011n.jpg)
(http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af234/Jamo_kiwi/Mercedes%20DIIIa%20engine%20restored/Nov262011k.jpg)
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Be still, my rapidly beating heart!! Thanks for the additional photos and links Jamo. Really great stuff, useful, and bound to send me right over the edge in a fit of AMS!
Cheers,
Lance :)
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James, what Lance said. Your photos are excellent in quality and fantastically useful. Thanks so much for sharing.
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These are wonderful photos James, especially the close-ups of the engines, very useful indeed.
Des.
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Now that's magic! Forget Paul Daniels. Thanks for posting these James.