What's cooking at the Albatros Werks?

[Mitch]

Hey Guys...

Getting ready to go back to my ship and planning some projects... as the Fokker Factory is winding down, I am starting to gather my plans for my Favorite Aeroplanes from the Great War... The Albatros.

So I plan to blow up these plans to 1/14 scale...The completed model will have a ws of just over 25 inches... a bit more than the Se5a

I am also purchacing some plans from a small company for these planes as well...


Since these are not kits, but just plans I plan to blow them up a bit to be in the same scale. The plans are drawn in 1/20 scale.

They also have plans for the Fokker V17 and I plan to purchace that as well... Although my V17 is nearly complete... it looks a bit short. I had NO plans to build that and want to check on the fuselage length. So I will continue to try to re-create ALL the 100 series AND more AND build them for about 20 dollars!

Mitch

[Wildpig]

The Albatros is one of my favorites, too. Looking forward to your build thread.

I think I mentioned it before, but Kermit Weeks has an outstanding full size replica Albatros in Kissimmee, FL. There is a video on Youtube.

[Bill Gaylord]

Here's an overmodeled Albatros subject for you Mitch if you like the rare ones, the L59:


I even drew Guillows style plans for it. Just build the stab a lot larger, and don't build the wings with ridiculous washout like I did, if you want it to fly. It's a repaired display model now.

[Mitch]

That looks nice...but for now I need to stay focused and build this DVa...
The all the plans are blown 140%, that gives me a ws of 25 inches!

I am planning on not using any plastic cowl but make another B frame fwd of B1 and run the stingers up to that.

I think I can use an Easter egg half for the spinner... I have lots of colors!
and have been looking at this site: http://www.wwiaviation.com/gallery-albatros-dv.html
Here are 3 paint schemes I like:



Whatever scheme I end up with I am planning on a 5 color lozenge for the upper surface of the wings and a sky blue on bottom.
Here is the engine:

So thats it so far... I think I will have enough to keep busy on the ship... Hope for Fair Weather!
Mitch

[Wildpig]

That looks nice...but for now I need to stay focused and build this DVa...
The all the plans are blown 140%, that gives me a ws of 25 inches!

Shades of Bill Parker

I am planning on not using any plastic cowl but make another B frame fwd of B1 and run the stingers up to that.

Mitch

Could you make that section out of solid balsa? You could make it a removable nose block.

[paul]

Hope you choose the Blue and White
Watching with interest

Paul

[Mitch]

Okay Guys... packing to go back to work... and the Albatros will be amoung the Bavarian Air Corps!
I bought some 1/64th PLYWOOD at Michaels today. I think I will cover the tail with white paper and add blue diamonds.
PLYWOOD at Hobby Shop 8.00, at Michal's 5.00 with 40% off coupoun got the second one for 3.00, 2 sheets for 8.00, I think I am still under 20.00 in supplies!

I like the idea of the front nose block. I think 3 degree downthrust is more than I think. My past flyers need more downthrust!
I like the idea of only plywood on front half of plane as this will be a NEW process for me. And paper on aft section to keep plane light!
I plan to fill in the "Metal" nose section with balsa and paint, the Fwd Plywood will be 1/64 Plywood, sections will be layed on top of the stringers... This plywood is Birch and almost as thin as paper and somewhat flexable. Plan to apply in about 6 sections per side. I will follow the plans of the real plane!

The wings will still have Lozenge 5 color pattern on top and Bavarian Blue under.

I have 3 projects for the next 2 months...

1. Finish Fokker EIV
2. Scatch Build Albatros DVa
3. Build straight from box Spirit of St. Louis

I think that is a GOOD goal and I want to finish these before I get sidetracked AGAIN! ALWAYS HAVING FUN!!! Mitch

Here is what the 5 color lozenge should look like:


PS I am only expanding the plans less than a 50% increase. I think the model as drawn is still good in that scale. If I was to go larger, there are larger plans available. I am hoping to draw interest in the Guillow models and build some that I have never built before. At this scale I hope I can have it fly under rubber power, and it would be easy to install small RC. I think the 1/14 scale LOOKS more impresive, more sturdy, and still fits my budget!
Moreover IF Guillows ever expanded there 200 series line I would rather build the kit than kitbash or scrach build it

[Wildpig]

........
I bought some 1/64th PLYWOOD at Michaels today.

Can you confirm the size of that plywood (.015 inches thick~)? I'd like to buy some. Never noticed it at Michael's or anywhere else,for that matter.

Moreover IF Guillows ever expanded there 200 series line I would rather build the kit than kitbash or scrach build it

A 200 series, Laser Cut, Albatros DVa. That's one kit I sure would like for Guillow's to produce.

[Mitch]

Wildpig et. al.

Okay here is the scoop... I was a Michaels 2 days ago... going to buy 4 pieces of ply to skin the Albatros... I misread the sign or bin it was in I thought it was 3.49... I thought... "Thats a good price"... it was 4.99, I bought 2

Today I was back I went to HobbyTown (in the same parking lot) and got a price check (no prices on the bin)...it was 7.99, I said no thanks, went back to Michaels and bought 2 more, 1 at 40% off.

So I have 4 sheets of plywood. They have a Revell sticker on them. Just put them in my gauge and 1 is tight 2 are snug and 1 is loose.


I also have a piece of 1/8 plywood by Midwest... it is loose in my gauge at 1/8. I used a hole saw to cut out my B0 (Firewall):


SO... I hope that answers your question and I have BROKE GROUND and made my first cut.

I plan to start working on my Albatros at FULL SPEED AHEAD, and knock out my Fokker wing (streched Morse Scout)... update for both next week. Mitch

PS: I plan to take VERY good care of my "lumber yard" and can continue to use the plywood for the top deck of a Sopwith Pup... or another project

UPDATE: I really believe Guillows has an oportunity to produce more WW1 kits. IT WOULD BE MUCH EASIER TO PUT TOGETHER A LAZER CUT KIT! I am very happy with there recent new products. BUT... I REALLY LIKE THE WW1 KITS. So, I will continue to make as many of these wonderful planes as I can. I will be keeping my drawings so I can go back and make refinements. I do not prefer to scratch build, but when there is no kit available, that is what I have to do.

[Marshdweller]

Mitch, your energy, enthusiasm and skill are inspiring. It's rare that I read one of your posts without a smile breaking over my face. Keep up the good work! I shall be following this with great interest.

[Wildpig]

I'm on my way to Michaels

[Bill Gaylord]

I wouldn't expect you to take on the L59 build now. Just thought the old photo of the Albatros factory was interesting. I always like those old photos, and even the few movies that exist. The photo is precious, as I had to get real creative with search words, to find that photo. Not much info on some of the old Albatros subjects.

UPDATE: I really believe Guillows has an opportunity to produce more WW1 kits. IT WOULD BE MUCH EASIER TO PUT TOGETHER A LAZER CUT KIT! I am very happy with there recent new products. BUT... I REALLY LIKE THE WW1 KITS. So, I will continue to make as many of these wonderful planes as I can. I will be keeping my drawings so I can go back and make refinements. I do not prefer to scratch build, but when there is no kit available, that is what I have to do.

I'd love to see some others also, including some discontinued kits like the Sopwith Snipe. There are a few people who I've talked to that worked with the company, including a kit designer here, and a guy on rcg that influenced the PBY kit. Sadly I believe economics has much to do with the decisions, such as places only wanting to stock so many different kit versions. Other factors are that much of the flying market likes the ultralight stick framed designs. I don't, as decent wood will provide a flyable model that is more robust and easier to assemble with the Guillows design method. For pure rubber flyers however, they don't want the heavier keels in the rear of the plane. Given how much the kit prices have gone up, if Guillows made a commitment to stop using any heavy wood, it would certainly help in the overall picture. I don't see many Guillows kits in the Flying Aces, and I imagine there would be more, if they used better wood.

[Steve Blanchard]

Hey Bill,

I think you are right with regards to the Flying Aces. I've been participating in FAC Events for around 12 years now and I more recently began to really explore the Guillows designs. There is definitely more wood than necessary for a rubber powered model but the simplicity of the build makes them very attractive. I enjoy putting their kits together but I really hate having to remake parts because of heavy wood. In a competitive world such as FAC where WWII mass launch events regularly see flights of over a minute and sometimes planes needing dethermalizers to keep them from flying away, you need to use quality wood to compete. I think Mitch's approach is excellent by skipping the kit and using only the parts he needs and making the rest. As a scratch builder I prefer to use my own wood but when I purposely build from a kit I really want to use the wood supplied. Not always possible with the Guillows kits. With all that said, I would certainly buy and build more Guillows kits if the wood quality was there and the they were laser cut. That would out-way the costs in my eyes.

Steve

[Mitch]

I realize it is a "pipe dream" of mine that Guillows would remake or produce more 200 series... but with new releases lately, it's encouraging. I always thought the WW1 models look the best in this Balsa / Paper constuction.

For my Albatros I will be installing correct number of ribs (mare than necessary) but they will be 1/32. That stuff cuts so easy. The most difficult aspect I see on this build will be cutting out the fuselage frames.

I looked in my Easter Egg stash and found a Robin Blue Egg. I will use that one for the spinner!

I joined the Flying Aces at the begining of this year... I hope to go to some events and share what I learn.

Also... when I go over to the Allies and start my Sopwith family. I am planning to make...Pup, Tripe, Camel, and Snipe. For the Camel I plan to upscale the 100 series plan rather than build the 801, 1/12 scale is noticably larger. I also have a kit of the 1&1/2 Stutter from DARE Engineering... but those will be some time coming... dont hold your breath... I hope I have good weather and can build the Albatros!

Okay Guys I'm signing off...until next week with my progress report! Mitch

[Bill Gaylord]

As a scratch builder I prefer to use my own wood but when I purposely build from a kit I really want to use the wood supplied. Not always possible with the Guillows kits. With all that said, I would certainly buy and build more Guillows kits if the wood quality was there and the they were laser cut. That would out-way the costs in my eyes.
Steve

Agreed. I never understood folks buying Guillows kits (often the older die-cut kits) and claiming to "throw away" all the wood and cut their own. If I buy a kit, I really want to use the wood supplied also. There's a good bit of lightening that can be done with heavier/stronger wood also, ending up with the similar results as using more but lighter wood. I may be building a DVIII the way Mitch did, using an old DR1 kit that I recently acquired, and I'll definitely be using the wood from the kit. The only time I'll cut my own formers, is a rare subject like the rc 16" FW190, where contest grade 1/32" sheet was used for the formers, to balance the plane with a sheeted fuse.
Another pipe dream would be for Guillows to offer replacement part sheets cut from specified contest weight wood?