Albatros W.4 Marine Nr. 911 of Oblt.z.S. Viktor Schulz.

[kkarlsen]

Hello, I've been working on my next Kaiserliche Marine fighter plane project.
This time it's the Albatros W.4 Marine Nr. 911 of Oblt.z.S. Viktor Schulz, Seeflugstation Windau (Russia).



It's been a bit of a research 'adventure' to get information to create the correct version of Schulz's aircraft.



One suggestion is this with multicolored tactical markings.



Another one is this camouflaged version of the same aircraft (Over the Front)

Today I finally got this clearer photo of #911 showing the tactical markings.



I'm not able to recognize any 'multicolored' markings.



So I think this 'profile' comes closest to #911 except I think the floats have been overpainted with black
coating at some point... The spinner is also darker.

Olt.z.S. Viktor Schulz was stationen in 'Windau'  05/1917 - 01/1918.

Kent

[kkarlsen]

The build has going on for a while, here's a short recap of the work up until now...



The Roden 1/32 Albatros D.I is used as base for this conversion.



Scratch build floats.



Cast copy's...



The kit wings have been extended and widened, maybe it would have been easier to start from scratch?



Coverted tailplane and elevators, the #911 had only one MG.

Kent

[kkarlsen]

The build so far...

Thanks for looking: Kent

[hrcoleman66]

Really pleased to see this update!  I’ve always thought the W4 was the most attractive of the Albatross family.

Great work on the conversion.

Cheers,

Hugh

[Mike Norris]

Hi Kent,
Impressive modelling going on here - keep it coming,

Mike

[RAGIII]

I am glad you put this up here Kent! Superb work in all aspects of the Model! Very Impressive indeed!!
RAGIII

[lcarroll]

    Got to love it; serious research, great conversion work, and superb detail along with a really attractive subject! I'm going to enjoy watching this beauty come together
Kent, keep up the terrific work!
Cheers,
Lance

[Alexis]

Was wondering what you have been up to since your last build , must say though Kent , you were holding out on us !

As always , you don't disappoint !!!!

Alexis

[rhallinger]

Brilliant work Kent!  Many of us have toyed with the idea of making this conversion, but the scratch floats and wing/tail surgery seem to have deterred most of us.  You have handled it very skillfully, and the results are just beautiful--looks like a Wingnuts kit!  Your finishes are superb. 

I have two W.4s in 1/33 paper "kits," and I may have a go by that route eventually, although the schemes are preset.  I really like the particular aircraft markings you have chosen.  This is a wonderful project and I will follow with great interest and enjoyment, no doubt. 

Best regards,

Bob

[kkarlsen]

Thank you Hugh, Mike, Rick, Lance, Alexis, & Bob I appreciate your nice comments!

I have seen some attempts to do this conversion before, none finished though?

I certainly hope that my attempt will bear fruit and will come to completion and not turn in to a 'shelf of doom' project.
Although I have completed the major parts of this conversion, you never know if some little issue will become an obstacle.

Regards: Kent

[fredjocko]

This looks fantastic!! What did you use to make the little domes on the floats (I hope that makes sense)?

[kkarlsen]

It does Carl, I've made a 'rubber stamp' - A silicone print from the W.29 floats.

This is now the third set of floats where I'm using cast copy's of the 'little domes' it adds some nice detail to the floats.

Kent

[kensar]

A very interesting project, Kent.  Looks like a significant amount of scratchbuilding required, but no doubt it will look great in the end.

[kkarlsen]

The bottom wing, stabilizer and rudder is fitted...





Some progress on the floats too...



I've been working on some scratched trolleys with wire wheels as they are showed in many photos of the W4's.

Kent

[hrcoleman66]

That's looking stunning Kent!

Most inspiring.

Cheers,

Hugh