PKZ 2, 1918 Austro Hungarian Helicopter

[Sarcococca]

I had shown this model in the former forum „Great War Aviation Forum“, so I think many mates here do know this. Perhaps it is therefore boring for some to see the same.
Nonetheless I`ll post it here. 
It is based on the old kit by Eduard. According to an analysis of the wonderful Windsock Mini Datafile and some pics from the State Archives Wien, I had decided to build this kit from scratch in scale 1/48.

PKZBild06 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

First, I bought three very nice Le Rhone 120 hp engines from Vector. Not cheap but the quality of all the highest standard. At the latest on comparison of these engines with the kit it has become clear the Eduard kit is undersized. The following pictures show steps of the construction process.

PKZBild09 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild08 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild10 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild11 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild07 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild19 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr



Since I did not possessed a hexagonal Punch & Die Set,  I had used microballs as nuts and srews. Today I have to smile about. I beg your pardon for this gaffe. 

PKZBild20 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild16 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

For the rigging I took photoetched turnbuckles and 0,12 mm diameter fishing line. The large central airbag was increased by 4 mm in height.

PKZBild17 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild18 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild15 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

One problem for me were first the undersized rotor blades.  I opted for a completely new building made of wood found in cigar boxes. This wood is very thin and with lovely texture.

PKZBild12 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild13 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild14 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

For the presentation of the experimental arrangement which can be seen on historic images, I have built a variety of accessories.

PKZBild21 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild23 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild24 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild22 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

DSCN2032 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild02 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild03 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild04 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild05 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild30 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild31 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild32 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild25 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild26 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild27 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild01 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild28 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

PKZBild29 by Sarcococca, auf Flickr



I hope I have not overused your patience with stale news… 

[Des]

Not stale news for me, this is the first time I have seen this model and thank you for posting it here, it looks very impressive. I really like all the ground accessories you made and added, they add a great sense of realism to the scene. Are you going to add the pilot's control tub which sits on top of the rotors.

Des.

[Sarcococca]

Not stale news for me, this is the first time I have seen this model and thank you for posting it here, it looks very impressive. I really like all the ground accessories you made and added, they add a great sense of realism to the scene. Are you going to add the pilot's control tub which sits on top of the rotors.

Des.

Happy to hear that.
No, I do not want to add the control tube. This model shows the failed attempt on June 10, 1918 in Fishament, Austria.
As far as I know, the PKZ never flew with the control tube.
Here I have some pictures from the State Archives, Vienna.

Le Rhone by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

Schwebeflug by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

Das Ende by Sarcococca, auf Flickr

Cheers Dirk

[Des]

Thanks Dirk for the explanation, looking at the third photo it is easy to see why the pilot was not included in the test flight, it appears to be a very unstable and hard to control machine.

Des.

[Sarcococca]

Thanks Dirk for the explanation, looking at the third photo it is easy to see why the pilot was not included in the test flight, it appears to be a very unstable and hard to control machine.

Des.

Absolutely!
There was no collective pitch, cyclic or anti torque control, to stabilize this flying machine. Only three tethering cable on each end of the steel tube frame, controlled by separate electric winches! Like a tethered flight model! 
Still, it was a revolutionary development with regard to its technical features.
1) counter rotating rotors
2) Shock Absorber with pressure restored by an engine-driven compressor
3) two forms of parachute rescue were planned

At that time a very impressive technology

[coyotemagic]

Wow, Dirk!  That is simply incredible!  I've seen several of these built up, but never quite to this high standard.  Thanks for posting such an unusual, well built model.
Cheers,
Bud

[Modelnut]

WOW!!!! (explitive) WOW!

[RAGIII]

Simply Stunning work! The Model and supporting equipment and ground work are amazing!
RAGIII

[Des]

One thing that really stands out for me is the camera on the tripod, this is extremely well done, and also the engines are superb.

Des.

[WarrenD]

Great work, as Des said, I love the accessories, etc. too. Well done.

Warren

[Naimbs]

Great work, as Des said, I love the accessories, etc. too. Well done.

Warren

+1! Fantastic and the subject is rarely done. Love it!

[PrzemoL]

Exquisite! I like this dio very much!

[Sarcococca]

Thank you all for the nice compliments!
It`s nice to see that so many WWI maniacs like it!
Thank you all!
Dirk

[lone modeller]

I have attempted the Roden offering for this and was a little disappointed. Yours is truly magnificent and a real example of scratch modelling at its very best. Very many congratulations and thanks for posting. This is the first time that I have seen this and it has blown my mind!