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INGREDIENTS
- COOKBOOK AKA WINDSOCK Vol 4, No. 2 Summer 1988
- MAIN COURSE: One Revell Albatros D.III, 1/72 scale kit, any vintage
- FLAVOR ENHANCERS: XTRA COLORS German WW1 paints
- SIDE DISH: Roseplane vacuform wing units of proper chord
- DESSERT: Any aftermarket products to enhance the flavor.
HISTORY
The Albatros D.IV was never ordered into production. It was to be used as a test-bed for investigation of the 160hp geared Mercedes, an experimental engine. The Albatros was chosen as official requirements were for a solid and robust airframe.
The engine was completely buried, there was a slight enlargement of the tail surfaces, some refinement of the wing tip shape and a Teves and Braun radiator was installed, offset slightly.
The results were not good. The official Idflieg monthly report for Sept 1917 stated:
"The test with the two-bladed propeller for a 160 hp Mercedes engine led to the result that this arrangement (ie, gearing) is not feasible due to strong vibrations. Further tests with four and three propellers will be made."
The report for April 1918 continued:
". . .many tests with various propellers completed with the 160 hp Mercedes. In addition to too high propeller rpm it is impossible to achieve vibration-free operation. Vibrations so strong tests had to be stopped to avoid damage to airframe. Tests are herewith concluded and geared 160 hp Mercedes will not be developed further."
Three machines were ordered in Sept 1917 but it seems only one was ever built and that used, where possible, production parts. No armament was fitted.
This kit was built following the example of Ray Rimell on pages 12-15 in the 1988 WINDSOCK. The only area of diversion from his build is the use of ROSEPLANE vacuform wing units instead of the wing from a DH -4. He also does not mention any interior work, although I have no doubt that it is in there.
The tailskid and rudder were removed to be reshaped or replaced later. No louvers or inspection plates can be seen in the photos so they were sanded off. There is no wings fillet: it was also removed. The fuselage is flat sided so the kit sides were sanded as flat as the plastic would allow. The plastic is thick enough that this was done without much fear of sanding through the sides. The results are adequate.
The interior was added using some PE and plastic card. The interior was patterned after the D.II.
Upon completion of the interior and joining the fuselage halves, it was time for surgery. The Revell kit is 5/16" short in the nose and long in the tail. Using the plans in the article, I lined up the kit with the cockpit area and built out from there. First, ¼" is cut off the tail, sanded and thinned to fit the new tail plane. A round plug was added to the nose: in 1/72nd scale, that 7/16". The forward upper deck was raised due to the buried engine. With flat stock and putty, the existing engine and gun openings were filled, shaped and sanded. The lower wing section was installed and the wings were cut off.
The fuselage was now given it's final sanding and shaping. Panel lines were added and painted natural wood with metal planes painted Grey-green. The tailskid was re-shaped and attached, as was the headrest. The cabane and undercarriage holes are located and drilled. The undercarriage parts were retained from the kit; Ray in his build replaced them with round stock. The wood grain was handpainted and the fuselage is complete with the exception of the decals.
Here is my major departure from Ray. He used the wings from a DH-4 due to the correct rib spacing. Mine are ROSEPLANE vacuform wing units.
From a copy of the plans, a template was cut for the upper and lower wings. This template was taped over the wing unit and cut out. From this point on the wing is 100% vacuform construction.
The unit is sanded and shaped using sandpaper and water. The ribs were located and slightly etched with an X-acto knife. Then .010 round rod was glued over the etched area and attached with a liquid glue, in my case WELD-ON 3 used in the Plexiglas industry. Allowing a day to dry, the rod is sanded almost flat, especially at the trailing edges. The bottom of the rib is a single cut with the knife. The strut locating holes were drilled, making sure of alignment. The radiator is added using AIRWAVES PE, top and bottom.
The wing is painted with XTRA COLOR German WW1 and decals were applied.
The horizontal tail plane was reshaped using .30 plastic sheet. The cut out matched the reshaped fuselage. The control lines were scribed in and the framework is a single shallow cut with the knife. It also was painted, top and bottom, prior to assemble.
The kit vertical tail plane was retained and reshaped to resemble the D.V. The rudder cut out is different so the original was filled and re-scribed. Again, paint and decals before assembly.
Using the existing kit locating holes, the kit under carriage is attached. After painting, this unit was rigged and the wheels attached. I like to get my models on their wheels as soon as possible.
The tailskid, tail surfaces and lower wings are attached. The outer struts are attached to the lower wing. This unit was placed upside down over the top wing and glued. I used CA for strut attachment. The alignment was checked and left to dry.
The cabanes were attached one piece at a time and they provide the final alignment and strength.
The kit is now rigged using DURAS.
Final assembly was radiator lines; propeller and foot hold PE part.
After a gloss coat application, a small windscreen was added, attached with white glue.
The kit is now complete and total building time was under 20 hours. This is not a difficult conversion and even though the D.VI did not enter service, it is an interesting addition to any collection and fills in a small gap in an Albatros collection.