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Modelers Lounge => The World of Scale Models => Topic started by: KiwiZac on May 13, 2022, 08:17:44 AM

Title: 1/48 Redfern Fokker Dr.I replica ZK-FOK
Post by: KiwiZac on May 13, 2022, 08:17:44 AM
Hi all,
In the early 1980s expert Tiger Moth restorer the late Stuart Tantrum and serving RNZAF Skyhawk pilot John Lanham built a Redfern Fokker Triplane full-scale replica, the first 1/1 Great War machine to be built here. From its first flight in February 1985 until 2003 ZK-FOK wore the colours of Manfred von Richtofen's 107/17. Photos and more info on this Kiwi airshow classic can be found at Phillip Treweek's fabulous Kiwi Aircraft Images (http://www.kiwiaircraftimages.com/dr1.html).

Around 2000 FOK was bought by Peter Jackson and, with the Gerard Thornhill-built Sopwith Camel replica, formed the basis of what became an incredible collection of Great War aircraft. From such humble beginnings! In 2003 she was repainted into another of the Baron's machines (152/17) and received a more accurate cowling (photo by my dad Dave Yates):
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51118843754_7d23cc0d1d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kTcri5)Warbirds Over Wanaka 2004 pt2_0061 (https://flic.kr/p/2kTcri5) by Zac Yates (https://www.flickr.com/photos/zacyates/), on Flickr

In 2007 all seven of TVAL's Triplanes were repainted into Jasta 11 markings with FOK receiving the legendary 425/17 scheme - something I never cared for as a kid, but can appreciate why it was done.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51021032171_355b1b45fa_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJy8jt)dsc04606_35533660732_o (https://flic.kr/p/2kJy8jt) by Zac Yates (https://www.flickr.com/photos/zacyates/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51021094826_72ca659644.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJyrWJ)fokkers1_35551908651_o (https://flic.kr/p/2kJyrWJ) by Zac Yates (https://www.flickr.com/photos/zacyates/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51131446743_12643d24bf_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kUj2HZ)zk-fok-2007_35747113375_o (https://flic.kr/p/2kUj2HZ) by Zac Yates (https://www.flickr.com/photos/zacyates/), on Flickr
19yo Zac fulfilling a lifelong dream. "It's because it's The Red One, isn't it?" my TVAL pilot friend said in jest - I protested and explained the airframe's history! Note to anyone keen to clamber into a Dr.I: wear loose-fitting pants! Swinging one's leg over is a lot harder in jeans!

So, ever since childhood I've wanted a model of this aircraft in the original lozenge but actually applying that scheme was the big obstacle. Once I discovered Aviattic and found they produced decals for the same lozenge pattern as FOK I knew I could actually do it justice, rather than risk madness attempting to handpaint it. I bought Revell's rebox of the Eduard Dreidecker, added an Engines & Things resin Continental 670 engine and voila:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51041263936_b067029e3d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kLkPw1)35788346803_b660ed8eda_o (https://flic.kr/p/2kLkPw1) by Zac Yates (https://www.flickr.com/photos/zacyates/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51040532438_da2306d6d3_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kLh54Y)35814639413_10786a5417_o (https://flic.kr/p/2kLh54Y) by Zac Yates (https://www.flickr.com/photos/zacyates/), on Flickr

And for size comparison with the Tamiya F4U "Birdcage" Corsair, built as the Alpine Fighter Collection's "NZ5201"/ZK-FUI (http://www.kiwiaircraftimages.com/corsair.html). Rather surprising to see just how big a Dr.I really is:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51040532103_fc93906de4_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kLh4Yc)36623932255_39196cee4e_o (https://flic.kr/p/2kLh4Yc) by Zac Yates (https://www.flickr.com/photos/zacyates/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51041357032_874e3e65ff_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kLmic7)36227222360_b987069935_o (https://flic.kr/p/2kLmic7) by Zac Yates (https://www.flickr.com/photos/zacyates/), on Flickr

These pictures are from when I completed the model in 2017, when I had no white paint to do the background for the wing crosses. I'll try and finally get that done soon!
Title: Re: 1/48 Redfern Fokker Dr.I replica ZK-FOK
Post by: lone modeller on May 14, 2022, 01:51:37 AM
Super model of the Dr 1 Zac. I do envy you being able to sit in one - something that I have never been able to do (in any aeroplane).

Stephen.
Title: Re: 1/48 Redfern Fokker Dr.I replica ZK-FOK
Post by: PrzemoL on May 14, 2022, 04:16:25 PM
Great story, fine model. Thank for sharing this, Zac.
Title: Re: 1/48 Redfern Fokker Dr.I replica ZK-FOK
Post by: KiwiZac on May 15, 2022, 07:37:43 AM
Thank you gents! It's an aircraft I'd wanted in my collection since I learned how to work a VCR:
https://youtu.be/1BBuTXcfsV0?t=592

I do envy you being able to sit in one
It's the story of my life, it seems: right place, right time, generous and kind people  :)
Title: Re: 1/48 Redfern Fokker Dr.I replica ZK-FOK
Post by: WD on May 29, 2022, 01:06:02 AM
Brilliant work Zac.

WD
Title: Re: 1/48 Redfern Fokker Dr.I replica ZK-FOK
Post by: KiwiZac on June 01, 2022, 06:22:45 AM
Thank you WD! I'm very proud of this one - just need to put on those wing crosses!