Hi chaps (I presume that most on here are chaps, but if not, then hello to you, too). Like many, I'd prefer to build a real one, but have to be content with scale models. For years, I used to scratch build in balsa, matches and cocktail sticks in 1:72 from "Fighting Aircraft of WW1", (I think) then Airfix, FROG, Revell, etc. My balsa collection was q. good until the dog ate it. A pity, because I'd just got the hang of Lozenge markings on a Hanoverana. Or was it a Roland? All many years ago...
1/32 scale makes perfect sense to me, so I'm looking forward to having a go at the combination of scale and detail. Much larger and you'd need a welding plant, and a sawmill, I think. Among other things I restore old cars, so I'm already unhealthily obsessed with details.
I shall follow this forum with interest and, I hope, will add the odd contribution.
I terms of a first project, I am spoiled for choice. Nieuport 17? SPAD? Fokker DVII? I'd really like a crack at a Vickers Gunbus, but don't know of one available. Perhaps someone who knows more than I do will advise.
I have a fairly rare photograph of an FB5 of 11 Squadron, RFC, in flight, taken in early 1916, as well as a KEK II snap of Max Immelman and Max, Ritter von Multzer, who between them shot that very aircraft down on St George's day of that year. Happily, both pilot (Phelan) and navigator (Scott-Brown) survived. Scott-Brown's son, Archie, became a celebrated racing driver, whose biographer I am. So a Gunbus (FB5, not 9) would be a nice symmetry.
I will attempt to scan/post them, but don't hold your breath...
