1:32nd scale Albatros D.V - COMPLETED

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all
As the build of the Bristol Scout 1264 will be completed soon, I've started on the next build
This will be the Albatros D.V, Serial No: D.2006/17 as flown by Ltn.der.Reserve Bernhard Kilian of Jasta 21b during September 1917
This is a 'Wingnut Wings' model kit

Little information is recorded for Ltn.der.Reserve Bernhard Kilian, other than he was born in Neideburg in 1894
He served with Jasta 21 until his death in a flying accident at Pauvres airfield in December 1917
He was not reported to have been awarded any combat victories

Mike

[NigelR]

Lovely scheme Mike - do you have decals for this?

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Lovely scheme Mike - do you have decals for this?

Hi Nigel,
Yes I have the Pheon decal set 32011,

Mike

[DaddyO]

Looks like it's going to be a cracker (He says pulling up a chair and opening some popcorn)

Paul

[RAGIII]

Nice choice Mike. As always I look forward to your detailed build!
RAGIII

[gedmundson]

Looks like an interesting build Mike, and I look forward to following your progress. Any idea what that device is mounted to the right of the cockpit opening?
Cheers,
Gary

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Looks like an interesting build Mike, and I look forward to following your progress. Any idea what that device is mounted to the right of the cockpit opening?
Cheers,
Gary

Hi Gary,
I thinks it's possibly a flare pistol, mounted on a vertical tube, such that the pilot can load a flare, lock then fire the pistol (directed away to the rear right of the aircraft).
It looks like the breach is open, not closed and locked.
Possibly a similar pistol to the Hebel M1894.
Just forward of the pistol is a flare holder rack,,

Mike

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all,
Now I've finished the Bristol Scout and Macchi M.5 builds for others, I can get back my modelling.
So I'll now be progressing the Albatros D.V build,

Mike

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all
The forward sides of the fuselage halves have pre-molded circular access panels and cooling louvres
The cooling louvres have no slots under them through the fuselage
I've chosen to replace both with 3D printed parts from 'Proper Plane'
‘Proper Plane’ Albatros D.V/D.Va louvres (RD-011)
‘Proper Plane’ Albatros D.V/D.Va inspection hatches (RD-015)

I've removed the pre-molded panels and louvres from the fuselage sides.
I've also drilled cooling slots through the fuselage sides. These will have the louvres fitted over them

I've also drilled slots in the lower, rear of the fuselage halves for the lower elevator control cables

'Wingnut Wings' issued correction sheets for the instruction manual
These require the removal of pre-molded internal cockpit detail from the left fuselage half and removal of pre-molded straps from the lower, rear of both fuselage halves

Mike

[NigelR]

Lovely attention to detail already Mike. Those louvres look really good, a very nice addition to the model.

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all
I've to paint the fuselage internal parts
This includes creating wood and leather finishes
The light colour wood finish is ‘Windsor & Newton’ Griffin Alkyd oil paint (Raw Sienna) applied by brush over 'Tamiya' Desert Yellow (XF59) base coat
The dark colour wood finish is ‘Windsor & Newton’ Griffin Alkyd oil paint (Burnt Umber) applied by brush over 'Tamiya' Desert Yellow (XF59) base coat
The leather finish on the pilots seat is ‘Ammo-Mig’ Oil brusher (Earth) and when semi-dry, stipple brushed ‘Ammo-Mig’ Oil brusher (Dark Brown) over 'Tamiya' Desert Yellow (XF59) base coat

Mike

[RAGIII]

Excellent woodwork! I was trying to remember where the serial # cutoff was for the different forward underside panels on early DV aircraft. I know the one I did for instance, had the early style.
RAGIII

[NigelR]

Nice progress Mike, the wood is looking good. Nice realistic colours as well.

[Mike Norris (UK)]

Hi all,
The fuselage is now ready to be closed up.
I've added the cockpit control cables for the rudder and elevator (ailerons will come later)
Also pipe/tubes from the water pump greaser and the starter magneto
The control rod from the engine spark advance control lever can't be added until the fuselage is closed up, as it has to route around or through a cockpit frame
The engine has ignition leads to the spark plugs but not from the magnetos
Wiring those is a waste as they can't really be seen on the completed model

Mike

[NigelR]

That's a lovely looking engine and interior, very nice work indeed.

Wiring those is a waste as they can't really be seen on the completed model

I agree totally, life is too short for including details that can't be seen on the finished model (even with a penlight and dental mirror!)