Airco DH.2 6015 & Lionel Rees VC question

[William Adair]

Greetings all.  I have a bit of a question regarding the DH.2 flown by Major Lionel Rees of 32 Sqn. 
A chance conversation last year resulted in me getting an opportunity to write a book on scratchbuiling WW1 aircraft in 1/144 scale. One of the types I have been planning to make for it is Rees's machine, numbered 6015.

I've seen a number of colour profiles of the aircraft, but am yet to see a photograph of it.  Does anyone know if a photo or contemporary description of the aircraft exists?  Some profiles and recent models show white wheel hubs, which may or may not be correct.  Also, it would be good to know whether a two or four bladed propellor was used.  I appreciate that copyright issues may prevent posting images directly.  So if an image is known a book title or journal number would suffice and I can track it down that way.  Hopefully there's someone out there who can help!   

Here's a couple of shots of the build so far. Hopefully I can get some further details on the scheme before putting the main assemblies together.

[bobs_buckles]

I can't help with your enquiry, but I can applaud you on some excellent modelling skills - well done thus far!

Good luck with your search.
Cheers,
Bob 

[Rookie]

You keep amazing me with your micro scale builds William. Great work and amazing detail again and again.

I looked it up in "De Haviland aircraft since 1909" by A. J. Jackson, but nothing there, alas. I also have the Windsock datafile 48, but I it is it in a box somewhere. Maybe there is a picture of Rees's DH2 in there?

Or maybe this has more info:

https://www.diandsaulbooks.co.uk/rees-vc---the-first-of-the-original-few-by-w-alister-williams-6539-p.asp

Willem

[WD]

My gosh William, I wish I could do that in 1/72nd!!! 

WD

[RAGIII]

My gosh William, I wish I could do that in 1/72nd!!! 

WD

I wish I could do that in 1/32nd scale...or any scale for that matter! Beautiful work !!
RAGIII

[William Adair]

Thanks for the kind words!   Thanks too Rookie for the tip on the Rees VC book.  I'll try to get a copy of that and see what's inside.
I had another look through my Windsock datafile on the DH.2, and there is a picture on page 11 which shows the unfortunately named Lt Von Poellnitz standing in front of a 32 Sqn DH.2.  In the background there appears to be the tail of 6015.  It does show that the tail codes did not have a white outline and that the booms and struts were grey.  Handy to know.  Von P's machine has very light wheel covers too which is interesting.

[macsporran]

Osprey 88 - 'Pusher Aces of WWI' has a picture of Captain Lionel Wilmot Brabazon Lees (Looking remarkably like Arthur Shelby from Peaky Blinders!) on page 35 above a generic picture of 32 Sqdn DH2s - and a profile of 6015 on page 56.
Not sure if they're much good, (can't see serials in the pic,) but the profile has dark wheel covers with a white circle and a four bladed prop.
FWIW
Sandy
(Superb modelling BTW!)

[William Adair]

Thanks Macsporran!  I forgot about the Osprey book.  I do have that one so I’ll dig it out and have a look. 👍

Edit: I just got home and had a look.  The pic on page 35 certainly shows that at least half of the machines there were CDL finish, which is reassuring.  I was interested to note that the one in the foreground seems to have a  red-blue-white fin.  I see what you mean too about the four-bladed pops.  Plus the centre line gravity tanks, cloth tipped props, and latter-style scalloped ammunition racks are very useful as well.

[William Adair]

Getting ready for the main assemblies to go together.  If anyone has any last minute colour suggestions… now is the time!

[macsporran]

How on Earth do you achieve such stunning results in 1/144 scale?
I'll be happy if my 1/32 DH2s turn out anything like as good!
Sandy

[Rookie]

I have just one one word:

UNBELIEVABLE!

Willem

[William Adair]

Thanks chaps.  I've wanted a DH.2 ever since I saw a Revell one hanging from a friend's ceiling way back in the 1970's
 

How on Earth do you achieve such stunning results in 1/144 scale?

Digital calipers and very thick glasses!