Albatros D.Va - Ace of Spades
Rduard 1/72

By: Todd Henry

Ace of Spades - Ltn. Hans Bohning's Albatros D.Va in 1/72

My entry for the Great Albatros Cook-Up is Ltn. Hans Bohning's Albatros D.Va. The history behind this aircraft is well described on Dale Beamish's Cook Up Page. My own inspiration for the build came from Bob Pearson's beautiful Profile of Bohning's Ace of Spades.

I decided to build the beautfiul 1/72 kit by Eduard, and I used the Profipack version. While the photo-etch does really add a lot to the cockpit, a perfectly acceptable replica can be built with only the plastic parts.

The kit goes together exceptionally well. The only problem I had with assembly was getting the engine assembly to fit correctly in the front fuselage. Alignment of the top wing and assembly of the interplane and cabane struts was disgustingly easy. This is truly an excellent 'OT' model, ideal for a beginner or someone wanting to convert from the dark side.

Assembly of the kit was largely out of the box, with the exception of styrene control horns to replace the etched ones that leapt into the modelling Twilight Zone that gets so many such small parts. I also ran the cooling lines from 0.032 solder. I cut and repositioned all control surfaces. The rigging is 0.004" tippet line and the lozenge is from Americal/Gryphon.

This was my first experience with decal rib tapes and boy do they add a lot - both trouble and effect. It is a good bit of work, but I found it an easy-to-do task while lunching at work. The Ace of Spades markings came courtesy of Mike Franklin, who sent me several spares and several white rectangles to use as backing (I believe it took 3 to cover the blue striping). Mike really went above and beyond to get me these decals based on nothing more than a request to the list. As others have noted multiple times, list members are always so gracious in their willingness to help others. Thanks so much, Mike !!!

I really enjoyed building the Ace of Spades. Thanks to everyone on the list for your help and inspiration. I hope you enjoyed my effort half as much as I have enjoyed yours.

Todd Henry 2000