1/72 Kovozady Prostejov Albatros C.III

[Rip Van Winkle]

This was a real adventure. I would not attempt this without the Windsock Datafile or some other reference.  I did not secure one until I was over half finished. The instructions were sometimes a little vague. The top wing is delicate and it broke 3 times.

[Rip Van Winkle]

The cabane strut forward attachment point on the fuselage is not correct. Check it before you proceed too far.  The cabane struts appear to be ok in shape although I ended up scratch building mine.

[Rip Van Winkle]

The tail assembly was very difficult and there were no tail struts. Part #11 was incomplete and warped(top of engine). The tail skid was incomplete and had to be scratch built. The key to this model was to get the correct dihedral for the bottom wing. When I received the datafile I had to break the wings and reset them.

[Dutch522]

Great job, Jim, that came out beautifully. Love the ply fuselage. I’m a huge fan of the 2-seat Albatri... well, actually, come to think of it, I've never met an Albatros I didn't like!

Dutch

[Rip Van Winkle]

I set the outer wing struts and then scratch built the cabane struts.  I used Vallejo dark sand and Abteilung brown wash oil for the fuselage stain. For future builds I will use Vallejo Pale sand as I think it is a better match.  I could not get the oil paint to dry for the longest time. Rigging was .006 Nitinol wire. I was not pleased with the Parabellum machine gun but did not have a replacement. The model looks good once it was completed and I learned a lot.  I hope that these tips can help anyone who decides to build this model. This was the most difficult KP model I have built yet.  Do your homework before you start.

[macsporran]

Nice model, Sir. It really has the presence of the real thing.
Sandy

[NigelR]

Looks like your adventure turned out very well indeed! Nicely done.

[PrzemoL]

Nnnnnice

[DaveB]

Lovely work, RVW!

Regards

Dave

[enathan]

Sorry to hear about the difficulties of the KP kit but the model came out very nice!

[Tim Mixon]

Really nice work on this kit. I find these aircraft with split upper wings particularly difficult to assemble.  You have done a wonderful job on yours. I have yet to build an Albatros C type and your model inspires me to make an attempt soon. 

All the best,
Tim

[KiwiZac]

I've always found most of the German two-seaters to be inherently attractive aircraft and this one is no exception. Despite your issues during the build you've created a real gem! Thanks for sharing so many photos, too.

[WD]

That is a beautiful build of an iconic two-seater! As others have said, I find your build inspirational and I've never seen an Albatros product I didn't like.  Now, that being said, I'm dismayed at the difficulties you had with this kit, and I'm kind of glad I didn't buy one now as I'm not sure I have the skills to pull it off.

Warren

[Rip Van Winkle]

Some of my problems with this kit were my own fault.  I simply wanted to point out some errors so that they can be corrected for an easier build.  I will build another some time in the future.

[NinetythirdLiberator]

Lovely little model.  Kudos to you!

Dan