1:32 Albatros D.III, Jasta Boelcke

[Fokker boy]

 Owing to an absence of what I require to finish another 1:32 prop for our regional next year (and for some other reasons as well), I've decided instead to pursue the Roden Albatros D.III, in Jasta 17 markings. This will be done mostly OOB, but with some AM thrown at it, most notably a WNW Mercedes, Master Spandau's, Taurus and Barracuda engine dress up parts, and perhaps the Part P.E. set, though I don't really feel that's needed, as such.

Obligatory box shot. This kit (and a few others), were very generously gifted to me by a fellow forum member on a different site.

[Fokker boy]

Fuselage halves have some nasty ejector pin marks that will have to be dealt with before I can begin painting the wood colors. Nothing that some Tamiya putty won't take care of though.

[Fokker boy]

The scheme I've tentatively chosen, though I have some wiggle room here.



 

[Fokker boy]

Before I realized what I had done, I assembled two sets of wheels. Instructions are somewhat vague here, but it appears that the smaller diameter set (on the right) are the correct ones.

[kornbeef]

Kevin.

I'll be following your blog closely. I'm collecting bits for my build of the same kit (not 100% sure what profile yet)


Ref the wheels. Yes the bigger are OAW wheels. The smaller set are J-stahl wheels so are correct.

I don't believe it was a change carried on to the D.V/D.Va but the DII & D.III (OAW) had theses different circumference wheels with larger tyres.

A lot of the PE for the D.Va can be utilised on this too if you wish. Part of Poland set contains a lot of parts that look better  in plastic IMHO but it does contain 1/4 turn fasteners and such things too.

[drdave]

I didn't know your nom de plume Kev!

As I said on LSP, there's a Pheon set due with this in.

[Fokker boy]

Good info to have. Thanks, guys. And yea, Dave it's little old me. I've watched so many of your WWI models come to life, and have enjoyed each and every one.

[Fokker boy]

Interestingly enough, the scheme I've chosen above is supposed to be an OAW built machine, so I may well go with the bigger wheels. I have most of the the Albatos datafiles to help sort out differences where there are any, I just need to read them more.

[uncletony]

Interestingly enough, the scheme I've chosen above is supposed to be an OAW built machine, so I may well go with the bigger wheels. I have most of the the Albatos datafiles to help sort out differences where there are any, I just need to read them more.

Note different rudder shape on OAW machine from your kit; also radiator placement and dozens of little details that the Roden kit doesn't really acknowledge (nose panels are different etc)

[Fokker boy]

Well in that case, I may just build it in the OOB configuration, as I have no real desire to modify it any. (The judging at the regional events don't really take into account those types of issues anyway, so I'm covered there, thank goodness.)

[kornbeef]

Yes as Bo said a myriad of differences some easy to do others not so.

Anyway who's to say the pilot didnt have a similarly marked machine before he got the OAW bird?.

Keith

[KitRookie37]

Hello to all,
Very interesting start. I follow this build.
Best regards.
Alain.

[uncletony]

Anyway, if you are interested, this book is a good primer on the development of the Alb D.III and the differences between those built by the three manufacturers:

http://www.amazon.com/Albatros-D-III-Johannisthal-variants-Vanguard/dp/1782003711/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417429171&sr=1-1&keywords=albatros+d.iii

[RAGIII]

Interestingly enough, the scheme I've chosen above is supposed to be an OAW built machine, so I may well go with the bigger wheels. I have most of the the Albatos datafiles to help sort out differences where there are any, I just need to read them more.

Note different rudder shape on OAW machine from your kit; also radiator placement and dozens of little details that the Roden kit doesn't really acknowledge (nose panels are different etc)

In Rodens defense they do make all of the "Major changes" necessary in their OAW version of the DIII, kit # 608. The only company to do so to date! 
RAGIII

[kornbeef]

I agree totally Rick. new fuselage halves, cowls/cockpit opening undercarriage and upper wing to note a few.
I still think all things considered the Roden Albies stand up well all things considered
(I'm not biased at all of course... Me an Albiefanatic...ummmm. )

Keith