I have the Emhar kit of this aircraft in 1:72 scale, but need some information.
The kit has 2 options, both post-war Czech aircraft, although one is an ex Austro-Hungarian C.1 with the LFT nr. still on the fuselage. I would like to model it in original Russian Air Service markings and fittings which is where my problems arise:
1) This aircraft was fitted with a forward firing, synchronised Vickers - how and where was it mounted?
2) I have seen referances stating the observers weapon was also a Vickers, which certainly matches photos I've seen of the D, but others state it was a Lewis. Most likely it could have been either, but does anyone have any details of the mounting - it seems it was a pretty simple one.
3) Was there any specific time when the exhaust switched from inside the cowling, behind the engine, to outside the cowling? Was this change only for the unarmed trainers supplies to the Austro-Hungarians? That would make sense, as the external exhaust would make fitting a forward firing MG very awkward!
Plans would also be welcome - I have the Austro-Hungarian Army Aircraft book which has basic 3-views, but of the unarmed version.....these would be particularly welcome as the kit wingspan scales up to that of the DSS, not the DS - 5mm differance is quite a bit and I need to know where the error is...
Almost all the pics I've seen have been either Austro-Hungarian or Czech post-war aircraft, all unarmed. The few of Russian aircraft don't show the details I need!
Thanks for any help!
Ian
