I’ve decided 2016 will be the year I try to do some WIP postings here – my New Year’s resolution if you will. I’ve done a bit of this in a handful of Group Builds on this site, but not “out in public” as it were. I’m looking forward to hints and tips, and all constructive criticism y’all can give me.
My first subject will be a 1/32 Wingnut Wings Albatros D.V that I’ve been asked to build for someone. He’s requested I do the Albie flown by Ltn. Erwin Bohme when he commanded Jasta 2 – Jasta Boelcke. A successful ace and effective commander, Bohme is unfortunately best remembered as the pilot that collided in mid-air with the father of fighter tactics, Oswald Boelcke, during a dogfight. Bohme survived - his friend and commander Boelcke did not. The markings for Bohme’s Albatros are included in a gorgeous sheet of options from Pheon Decals.
Pheon provides all the individual markings needed for any of nine options, relying on the standard markings from the Wingnut Wings kit decals sheet.
In addition, many of the Pheon options require lozenge. I’ll be using 5-color upper and lower lozenge decals from Aviattic, which many regard as the best lozenge decals out there. I’ll need rib tapes, too – these are from Wingnut Wings.
Normally, I “do my own” wood grain, but I’ve been asked to use wood grain decals from Uschi van der Rosten. Let’s see…by my count, I’ll be using parts of at least 11 decal sheets. Sheeeesh.
Generally, Wingnut Wings kits don’t need aftermarket parts to look good or to fix problems. There are a few items that can add nice detail, however. For this build I’ve put together a selection – detailed, 3D printed turnbuckles and an airspeed indicator from GasPatch Models, a resin intake manifold complete with cloth wrapping from Barracuda Studios, resin spark plugs from Taurus Models, and some cloth seat belts, etched radiator, and other miscellaneous details from HGW. Oh, and they have yet another decal sheet for the floor. Yeah.
I think I’ll start with the engine. Wingnut kits are famous for their detailed engines. Their website has a boatload of extra pictures, along with numerous hints and tips. And if you didn’t know, Wingnut Wings is loosely associated with a company called The Vintage Aviator Limited (TVAL). Look them up on the web – but only if you have some time available. They manufacture flying full-scale WW1 aircraft – and they’re even made Mercedes engines and others from scratch. Astounding stuff. There is an entire section devoted to the Mercedes engine, with numerous very helpful photos. I’ll be referring to these as I detail the engine. Again, the extra detail isn’t necessary, but…I guess I can’t help it.
Here is the engine in its initial state, before paint and extra detail.
That’s all for now folks – I’ll be back sometime soon with updates. If I don’t show up, y’all keep me honest and yell at me. Happy New Year’s everyone!