Johannisthal or OAW?

[vincentm]

Could anybody tell me if this D-Va was an Albatros or OAW-built a/c? Unfortunately I don't know the s/n, but the machine is an early D-Va featuring outer aileron control cables but no reinforcement bar on the V-struts.

[uncletony]

Such a well known machine, should be able to dig up the s/n I would think…

but my guess is Alb built -- wheel covers, and by definition OAW were "late production" (or at least not early production)

[kornbeef]

I'd side with Bo too. Albatros build

No sign of data plates under the cockpit coaming either.

Interesting it has a wind driven generator fitted too

OAW were probably still producing the superior IMHO DIII (OAW) at the time.


Keith

[dtomko]

Almost certainly Johannistahl.  The whole batch of D.Vas and at least one D.III in the Jasta 37 lineup seem all to have been when Udet was commanding.  The serial number isn't known as far as I know.  The generator is interesting and it appears at least one other Jasta 37 machine had one at the time. Several good photos of Udet's machine, but none of the top wing so could have been stripes or chevrons up there.

Drew

[vincentm]

Thank you all.
yes I've noticed the wind generator I'll have to scratch-build. Referring to the FCM sheet, this aircraft had a "U" painted under the underwing, maybe it's the same machine a photo of which exists, flying upside down? I just can't find the pic back, I'll have to dig in the books I have.

My question was about rib tapes. If I got it well, Albatros-built a/c had pink tapes on top and bottom, right?

[uncletony]

My question was about rib tapes. If I got it well, Albatros-built a/c had pink tapes on top and bottom, right?

That's a theory that has been promoted, but as far as I know without any basis besides photo analysis -- so not much basis at all. There is no document known to exist stipulating this, etc. The best bet is always to study the reference and draw your own conclusions...

[dtomko]

Yes, this is the same a/c shown looping with the U. on the underside of the lower wing.  Wingnut Wings shows it with pink ribs, so that's what I went with on my 1/48 version.

Drew

[vincentm]

OK, thanks for the info, that'll be useful.
I read about pink for Albatros-built and blue for OAW here if I remember well. Maybe they have info about this at WNW too, since their models usually follow this rule (for example, the OAW-built Jasta 18 D-Va has blue tapes up and down). But maybe they also read the forum...

Anyway, I have stuck to this theory so far since my first Albie has pink tapes on the upperside, being a Johannisthal-built. Best for me is to remain consistent with this...