My next choice for the group build is this Choroszy MICKL H. Gottfried von Banfield was the commander of the Austro Hungarian Naval air station at Trieste for the duration of the war.
This aircraft was a prototype presented for Banfield to evaluate. He was particularly impressed with it and flew it on several combat missions. However he had some suggestions for improvement such as a larger 185 HP engine and dual fixed machine guns. It was sent back to OEFFAG with the promise of returning it with the upgrades. This was done in late 1916 and Banfield had it repainted in all blue. He nicknamed it the Blue Wonder. It was Banfield favorite mount and he flew it throughout the war.
It is the only example produced. I think very unique in that a prototype was used in combat extensively. Banfield was a nine victory ace, all of which were achieved in flying boats!
Here is my reference material. It?s fascinating learning about the war in the Adriatic Sea region. I?m almost finished reading the first volume. Unfortunately there are few pictures of this particular aircraft in existence.
The parts are not warped and require little cleaning
The interior is quite detailed and will only need minimal scratch work. I added an ammunition box and will add PE seatbelts
Interior is painted up and ready to close
Thanks for looking in!
Tim
