Albatros on floats

1
September 29, 2019
Miliput is great! gives enough time for forming.
2
September 29, 2019
The seat was also modified slightly.
3
September 30, 2019
A block of veneers.
4
September 30, 2019
Frontside after woodwork.
5
September 30, 2019
Backside
6
September 30, 2019
The spinner fits.
7
September 30, 2019
Some layers of paint.
8
September 30, 2019
9
October 1, 2019
So lets start with the floats. Here I had the first problem: the struts between the floats was bent (see the picture on top), so I decided to replace it by a scratched brass part. This had other advantages: I could correct the size (should be smaller com
10
October 1, 2019
Due the smaller size I need to fix the holes in the floats, done with Evergreen profiles. Here in detail, so the brass is glued with CA on a big area. The brass is only profiled between the floats.
11
October 1, 2019
The mounted floats are sanded, primed and sanded again.
12
October 1, 2019
The floats are painted Gunze H417 "Light Blue", which is a blue grey.
13
October 1, 2019
Then I masked the floats and painted the struts in Gunze H70 grey (green grey).
14
October 1, 2019
Finally I applied the kit decals with that big lozenge pattern. Haven't seen that pattern not as aftermarket decals, only the smaller sea pattern. A lot of decal softener was needed, until the decals showed the underlaying structure.
15
October 3, 2019
This aileron cutting I always do to bring more dynamic and reality into the model. Please not here the small hole between the strut mounting holes and the aileron. This is the control wire, but how to move them?
16
October 3, 2019
With new hinges, a deep cut into the wing and a brass tapering lever (the hole in it is big enough to take a Gaspatch turnbuckle later) it looks much more original.
17
October 3, 2019
The lower wings are one part with a part of the fuselage. Two cuts later I had 3 parts.
18
October 3, 2019
Two steel wires and some drilled holes allows a reunion, on the picture together with the complete upper wing.
19
October 3, 2019
The next step was grey primer on the top side ...
20
October 3, 2019
... and a white primer below.
21
October 3, 2019
After applying of a big amount of small masking tape the bottom side was darkened and shadowed, cloudy in stripes.
22
October 3, 2019
After removing of the tapes there are white ribs as a base for the next paint layer.
23
October 3, 2019
With MRP bleached linen and linen 2 I airbrushed the linen surfaces. The marking field was painted then with MRP bleached linen, which is a off-white, and white
24
October 3, 2019
After a layer Future the crosses are applied. The kit contains crosses in different layouts, great!
25
October 3, 2019
And again as macro.
26
October 3, 2019
The upper surfaces needs at first Future and then decals. I was positively surprised that the decals for the upper wing has cutouts for ailerons and the ailerons decals are individual parts - thanks, Eduard! Decal for the upper wing in one piece!
27
October 3, 2019
This also as macro. The second layer decals - crosses - are not yet done.
28
October 6, 2019
The tail plane was also cutted
29
October 6, 2019
With carefully drilling and some steel wires I will get a straight tailplane
30
October 6, 2019
I also predrilled the struts and provided them with pins. 24 pins needs a lot of concentration on this very thin struts!
31
October 6, 2019
The parts for the cockpit are prepared, partly glued, primed with white primer and painted with "wood base".
32
October 7, 2019
The axle is 1mm brass, the bearing a 2mm brass pipe (turned a bit smaller on lathe) and the securing washers are PE brass. Drilled a 1mm hole, soldered and turned again on lathe.
33
October 6, 2019
The wood is painted with oils on cockpit parts.
34
October 7, 2019
A small piece of alu was turned with my lathe to act as a tool. Ok, quick and dirty, could be done better, but it is only a tool. In the middle you see a 1mm hole.
35
October 7, 2019
The Eduard propeller spinner fits into the recess, and so I can drill from the backside ...
36
October 7, 2019
... into a small piece of sprue, which I glued inside of the spinner.
37
October 7, 2019
So I can plug the spinner onto the axle easily, all parts together:
38
October 7, 2019
With a little breeze of air, everything runs smoothly and nothing wobbles.
39
October 9, 2019
Seat mounted after detail painting on frame.
40
October 9, 2019
Added compass and correction table, upper belts ....
41
October 9, 2019
Fuel selector panel got some fine tuning
42
October 9, 2019
Finished
43
October 9, 2019
Soem more parts prepared
44
October 9, 2019
control stick also finished
45
October 9, 2019
All mounted into fuselage.
46
October 9, 2019
Real wood, PE, wires added on left side
47
October 9, 2019
48
October 9, 2019
... but after check, what can be seen from outside ...
49
October 9, 2019
I dropped that idea.
50
October 10, 2019
Kit engine - to small
51
October 10, 2019
Vector resin engine
52
October 10, 2019
seems to match better
53
October 10, 2019
54
October 10, 2019
parts from kit engine
55
October 10, 2019
Primed, heads alu and masked
56
October 10, 2019
57
October 10, 2019
PE rest for rockers
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October 10, 2019
Mounted - good base fro further detailing
59
October 10, 2019
Small parts secured with brass pins
60
October 10, 2019
Vents and pipes for ignition wiring added.
61
October 10, 2019
On the other side the carburetor and the inlet pipes (multiple resin parts, had to made them fit).
62
October 10, 2019
I made spark plugs from 0,3mm brass pipes, added ignition wires (thin like a hair!), painted and mounted them.
63
October 10, 2019
On the other side I also 6 spark plugs. I wanted to wrap a heat isolation but different materials failed, so I simulated that using different paints.
64
October 10, 2019
The room between engine an wall looks so empty! I check the WNW manual of an Albatros and found a tank there. Soldered one from brass, because real brass look great
65
October 10, 2019
Turned a brass filler with cap on lathe and soldered into a hole on top
66
October 10, 2019
Sometime ago I changed the contour to match the drawing.
67
October 10, 2019
So the engine fits now! The brass tank can also be seen.
68
October 10, 2019
69
October 10, 2019
After a washing with thinned oils I consider the engine as done!
70
October 10, 2019
71
October 12, 2019
The 964 seems to use a higher volume water tank, the smaller Eduard part was nice, but due to the bigger engine also to short. So I created a new one using Evergreen according to the original picture. I forgot a picture of turned and milled brass inlet.
72
October 12, 2019
I modified the fuel tank with more details.
73
October 12, 2019
Water tank painted, mounted to the engine and glued all in place. The small brass pipe is 0.5mm, I will add to it later a 0.3mm pipe to dissipate steam over the top wing. The last view on open fuselage.
74
October 12, 2019
Glued the fuselage halves together and drilled the hole for the air screw mount.
75
October 12, 2019
76
October 12, 2019
The water tank was moved from the centerline on 964, I guess to improve the view.
77
October 12, 2019
Finally a fitting test, only plugged together.
78
October 14, 2019
Added steps to front struts, according to picture.
79
October 14, 2019
Sanded and starte to prime
80
October 14, 2019
Primed
81
October 14, 2019
Wood base color painted
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October 14, 2019
Wood simulation with oil paints
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October 14, 2019
ply wood in 1:48, so not much structure
84
October 14, 2019
Same picture, but with polarising filter screwed to the front lens.
85
October 20, 2019
A lot of small PE parts are primed.
86
October 20, 2019
Masked for grey green, or green grey? Used H70
87
October 20, 2019
All struts are painted too.
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October 20, 2019
89
October 20, 2019
Under side blue grey as floats, and wood with clear colors.
90
October 28, 2019
Decals on top of tail plane.
91
October 28, 2019
Linen with ribs and shadows below
92
October 28, 2019
The marking number and the field around as single decal. A brighter color is also on reference photograph. Cut with scalpell in panel line.
93
October 28, 2019
Decals on top, front part problematic.
94
October 28, 2019
Wrong cut out on left side, removed and used the spare stripe (which is part of the kit).
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October 28, 2019
After filtering the hexa colors all plugged together temporarily to get impression of the complete bird.
96
October 28, 2019
97
October 28, 2019
Painting accident on right float - to much paint. Was not abel to remove the paint from decal enough. A wash will fix it 🙂
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October 28, 2019
99
October 31, 2019
100
October 31, 2019
May be you are noted before, removed moulded details prior painting. Added now as PE - looks much more realistic.
101
October 31, 2019
Crosses on upper wing, needs to be cutted. Please note shadows in the middle part.
102
November 1, 2019
Gaspatch anchor points and turnbuckles. A good preparation makes it easier.
103
November 1, 2019
Side crosses done.
104
November 1, 2019
Back cross.
105
November 1, 2019
And front. 8 turnbuckles, 16 achor points and 32 brass sleeves was needed.
106
November 2, 2019
Damn small PE part, but I decided for repacing by brass.
107
November 2, 2019
Radiators and scratched brass.
108
November 2, 2019
Painted in White alu and mounted
109
November 2, 2019
The 0.2mm copper wire needs to be shortened.
110
November 2, 2019
Both ear radiotors are on same position.
111
November 2, 2019
Back side.
112
November 3, 2019
Spnadaus from Master, burnished instead of painting to keep the details.
113
November 3, 2019
Take a Cent in your hand and compeare the size! Perfectly created parts!
114
November 3, 2019
Th elocking box is form the kit, with added PE.
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November 3, 2019
After painting the box all mounted.
116
November 3, 2019
No conflict between water tank and intake.
117
November 3, 2019
Exhaust needs to be added below.
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November 3, 2019
Pilot's view
119
November 9, 2019
Exhaust V1, from kit. Wrong for a (my) W.4
120
November 9, 2019
Scratched. V2, to short
121
November 9, 2019
next try V3, this one wil be used.
122
November 9, 2019
A little puzzle, got some decals.
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November 9, 2019
The fin looks nice.
124
November 9, 2019
Wings drilled, covers and step plate added.
125
November 9, 2019
Maintenance cover could be opened over control wires due to slots.
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November 9, 2019
Covers added
127
November 9, 2019
Covers on crosses painted black.
128
November 9, 2019
Exhaust paint with 4 colors, mounted
129
November 9, 2019
Lower wings mounted.
130
November 11, 2019
No conflict between exhaust and radiator.
131
November 11, 2019
Soldereda brass tube to the control horn
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November 11, 2019
133
November 11, 2019
Tail plane is now controled.
134
November 11, 2019
Added struts by squezzed brass tube.
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November 11, 2019
Control wires also below
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November 11, 2019
Decals cutted, on outer area rib shading missing
137
November 11, 2019
Upper wing preparation finished.
138
November 15, 2019
After adding upper wing (biplane) I removed a lower wing (=> sesquiplane) due to alignment problems.
139
November 15, 2019
Wing mounted, wanted to glue the struts in place again - a ugly crackling sound! both struts broken 🙁
140
November 15, 2019
New ones soldered.
141
November 15, 2019
tinned
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November 15, 2019
painted
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November 15, 2019
Preparation of turnbuckles and rigging (part of it!)
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November 15, 2019
Those are mounted within a hour.
145
November 15, 2019
Further riging and control wires fro ailerons.
146
November 15, 2019
Actual state, with straight struts!
147
November 15, 2019
Six futher rigging wires needs to be added.
148
November 22, 2019
The last missing lines are prepared with turnbuckles and anchor points.
149
November 22, 2019
Two wires from wing to floats and one from after strut to engine cover added.
150
November 22, 2019
Gaspatch turnbuckles of type Albatros with ball.
151
November 22, 2019
Here a crane could hook in and lift the Albatros out of the water. The steam goes over the roof (0.3mm brass pipe).
152
November 23, 2019
Masked and painted the brass tips the old way.
153
November 23, 2019
Clear coat, decals and clear coat for protection.
154
November 23, 2019
Nose cone ready, added a leftover PE plate (from OEFFAG Albatros).
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November 23, 2019
Painted the fuselage front anthracite.
156
November 23, 2019
Axle glued in with CA gel.
157
November 23, 2019
Rigging wires metallized.
158
November 23, 2019
Hoist harness looks also better in steel color.

Comments

4 29 September 2019, 19:02

Thomas Bischoff
A comfortable seat!

29 September 2019, 19:04

Björn Svedberg
I'll take a comfortable seat! 😉 Nice start! 👍

30 September 2019, 07:36

Stefan Schacht
bin dabei 🙂

30 September 2019, 08:12

Slavo Hazucha
Not missing a Bughunter build of course... Nice custom pillow & weld lines 👍 - stripes of sheet softened & cut?

30 September 2019, 08:40

Martin von Schreckenstein
I will watch this! whatever it is🙂

30 September 2019, 09:27

Daniel Klink
That looks somewaht very inviting to me 👍 Iam in

30 September 2019, 09:38

bughunter
Not much parts, but a great amount of interest 👍 A warm welcome to the show to all of you!
Slavo, the weld lines are simply stretched sprue, glued into the seat with Extra Thin.

30 September 2019, 16:47

Marc Schimmler
Wo sind die Knöpfe? 🙂

30 September 2019, 18:50

Marcel Klemmer
Marc, it part of the running milling process....

30 September 2019, 18:56

bughunter
The atoms fell off my workbench and were eaten by the carpet monster 🙁

30 September 2019, 19:23

Marcel Klemmer
🙂 🙂 🙂

30 September 2019, 19:30

Slavo Hazucha
Bughunter do not forget to make some real wood golf clubs for the base commander!

I guess in your builds, the models even smell like the real deal, wood, paint, oil & metal... 😉

30 September 2019, 20:02

Martin von Schreckenstein
yesss my kinda subject, naval aviation + albatros

1 October 2019, 07:42

Alec K
I am in.

1 October 2019, 11:57

bughunter
Someone with admin rights linked my album to the project and destroyed my idea to create a little riddle 🙁 Me wanted to link it later to the project, to late - now it's public known.
Welcome Martin and Alec!

1 October 2019, 14:29

Martin von Schreckenstein
I knew it was an Albatros just from the nose cone🙂

1 October 2019, 14:43

bughunter
Now, especially for Martin, let's start with real parts for this seabird! Scratched parts as usual 😉

1 October 2019, 19:41

Spanjaard
it could not be otherwise 🙂

1 October 2019, 20:45

Martin von Schreckenstein
sea bits are great as usual and i am honored

2 October 2019, 07:03

bughunter
Added pictures of the wings, luckily no trouble with the decals 🙂

3 October 2019, 12:48

bughunter
Over the last days multiple update pics are uploaded, now the cockpit is finished. The engine will be the next step.

9 October 2019, 17:28

Stephan Ryll
That's looking good 👍

9 October 2019, 17:31

Slavo Hazucha
Fresh pics with the master signature 1€ cent coin - a clear indication that some amazing work has been done in Bughunters Great War workshop 🙂 Crafting aluminum tools for propellers is definitely something new, and the results look most convincing. 👍 Watching all the different clever bits you devise during your builds is a pleasure and a great pool of ideas! 👍

9 October 2019, 18:18

Marc Schimmler
A classical Frank .... 🙂

9 October 2019, 19:36

bughunter
Thank you Stephan, Slavo and Marc! I hope, that it will not end as shelf queen and I can finish this project without interruption. More in the next days ...

9 October 2019, 20:05

Alec K
Awesome work and narrative. I always learn something 👍

10 October 2019, 09:01

bughunter
Thank you Alec - then it is ok to spend the time for writing 😉
Added a bigger amount of pictures for the Vector engine.

10 October 2019, 19:42

Martin Oostrom
Sigh, The Bug strikes again. I'm *again* looking for words, and *as usual* I can't find any to do your little gem justice.

10 October 2019, 19:45

Danny Meer
Holy moly that is just epic!!! so nice detailed for that scale

10 October 2019, 20:11

Alec K
Yes, please keep writing. And extra "thank you" for doing it in English 👍 👍 👍

The engine look super, the simulated exhaust wrap is very convincing as well.

11 October 2019, 06:28

Erik Leijdens
Amazing work as always Bughunter. You are a clever man! Nice to have you here 👍

11 October 2019, 06:50

Munkyslut
That motor is a lesson in detailing, just perfect

11 October 2019, 08:30

bughunter
Thank you very much for your very nice comments 👍

12 October 2019, 16:41

bughunter
So the latest pictures added before the project is going on hold, due to private reasons.

14 October 2019, 12:45

Alec K
Looking awesome. Hope all is well, and looking forward to next steps.

15 October 2019, 01:36

Spanjaard
we will wait for further updates, hopping all is good.

15 October 2019, 04:32

bughunter
Thanks, the situation improves slowly.
Uploaded pictures from time to time, on pics 95-98 the parts are only plugged together. The impression of a model provides some motivation.

28 October 2019, 21:53

Es-haq Khosravi
Awesome! Great skills!

28 October 2019, 22:10

Spanjaard
👍

28 October 2019, 22:52

Alec K
Aaaand he is back! 🙂. Looking lovely 👍

29 October 2019, 13:09

bughunter
Thank you very much, mates! Not yet full steam, but slowly ...

29 October 2019, 16:37

Kees Kleijwegt
Great work... as usual! 😉 👍

29 October 2019, 17:26

bughunter
Thank you Kees! Started to add those tiny PE parts.

31 October 2019, 17:53

David Taylor
watching as usual

31 October 2019, 18:20

bughunter
Welcome David! The floats are rigged now 🙂

1 November 2019, 17:55

Bernhard Schrock
Ein weiteres Meisterwerk! Verspannung einfach faszinierend...

1 November 2019, 18:10

bughunter
Danke Bernhard! Damit es zur Faszination kommt, erfordert es aber erstmal einige Mühe 😉
The Albatros developers used normal turnbuckles in the middle of the ropes, so I need the double amount of brass sleeves and anchor points!

1 November 2019, 18:21

Danny Meer
So amazing to see all these tiny details on that scale. respect!

1 November 2019, 18:37

Juergen Klinglhuber
Excellent work. I made my own first expierience with rigging just recently on a 1/72 scale,....man - I did not expect how painful this could become. 🙂
Contributes even more respect to all the Bi-plane builder since then.

1 November 2019, 19:04

Alec K
Rigged planes are just...well...better 😄

2 November 2019, 02:04

Stephan Ryll
Great looking work 👍

2 November 2019, 07:36

Martin Oostrom
This whole thread seems rigged to me 😄
Well done herr Bugsy.

2 November 2019, 07:49

David Taylor
Green eyed monster has surfaced again.

2 November 2019, 10:15

bughunter
Thank you mates! It may look easy, but behind it is the experience of threading 1000 times in brass sleeves and turnbuckles 😉

2 November 2019, 11:14

bughunter
Added Windhoff radiators, with scratched brass. Later W.4 used a wing cooler in upper wing.

2 November 2019, 21:21

Munkyslut
The copper line & valve are incredible!
I'm bowing to you like Wayne & Garth bowing to AliceCooper in Wayne's World 😉

2 November 2019, 21:38

bughunter
Thank you very much!

3 November 2019, 11:04

Holger Kranich
Und das ist echt gut Mann!🙂

3 November 2019, 11:25

bughunter
Thank you Holger, Hans and Roland - your comments are highly appreciated!

3 November 2019, 18:53

bughunter
The Spandau MGs are done and mounted. Master is really doing a perfect job here!

3 November 2019, 20:01

Marc Schimmler
Whoa ...... amazing

3 November 2019, 22:04

bughunter
Nice to see you again, Marc! Thanks 😎

4 November 2019, 16:34

Kees Kleijwegt
Inspirational work mate!

5 November 2019, 20:32

Christoph Kunz
It's just unbelievable what these hands can do.

5 November 2019, 21:14

bughunter
Thank you mates! I hope my hands and eyes are continue to work for a while!

6 November 2019, 22:09

Greg Baker
We also hope that.... unbelievable!

6 November 2019, 23:14

gorby
I was concerned that I'd get repetitive strain injury of the jaw due to the number of times I said "WOW!".
Amazing stuff – as always!

7 November 2019, 16:06

bughunter
Thx mates! Next pictures for exhaust and wings added.

9 November 2019, 21:56

bughunter
The tail is finished 👍 The upper is prepared for mounting and rigging session.

11 November 2019, 17:47

Stephan Ryll
Looking very good 👍

11 November 2019, 19:07

bughunter
Thank you Stephan! Will convert it to a biplane soon!

12 November 2019, 17:46

JW
Thanks for a great step by step on a number of techniques especially the turnbuckles and shading for the doped linen. I can't believe this is 48 scale.

12 November 2019, 20:34

bughunter
Thx! I added some pictures of a bad accident, with an ugly cracking sound! 😭

15 November 2019, 21:42

Jim J
Wonderful!

15 November 2019, 22:30

Greg Baker
I'm scared to look directly at it... my human brain may not be able to process what I'm seeing...

15 November 2019, 22:50

Tom ...
Wow. Mad skills! Gobsmacked!

15 November 2019, 23:10

Munkyslut
That's just incredible work!

15 November 2019, 23:56

Chris Greathouse
I wish I had that level of skill, dedication, and patience.... Your whole album is amazing!

16 November 2019, 00:24

bughunter
Thank you for your nice comments, much appreciated!

16 November 2019, 22:33

Alec K
Looking magnificent. Those new metal struts are much better than the OG ones 😉

17 November 2019, 03:29

Stephan Ryll
Looking awsome 👍

17 November 2019, 08:44

Spanjaard
as usual, staying in awe at your skills... pity about those struts breaking... but the new ones certainly will not. and they look perfect now 🙂

17 November 2019, 09:50

Tim Heimer
Bug , you like many others here just awe us with your work!

17 November 2019, 13:52

bughunter
So many nice comments 👍 Thank you very much, mates!

17 November 2019, 16:26

bughunter
Rigging is finished 😎

22 November 2019, 20:37

bughunter
Sorry, have not yet commented. Here a crane could hook in and lift the Albatros out of the water. That's why I used fishing line, the rubber thread would be flat on the surface.

22 November 2019, 21:27

Chris Greathouse
Meh, I've seen better -Said no one ever 😄 Just top work!

22 November 2019, 21:36

Roberto Rocat
Beautiful work, I really like it 👍

23 November 2019, 09:46

bughunter
Thank you mates! I hope to finish this project soon.

23 November 2019, 13:10

bughunter
The journey is over now - this seabird is finished and after weathering I will create a new album with the final pictures.

23 November 2019, 23:06

Christoph Kunz
Another masterpiece for your showcase. The prop is a real eyecatcher - again...

23 November 2019, 23:15

bughunter
Thank you Christoph! I really like the outcome of this project😉

24 November 2019, 10:37

Tim Heimer
So do the rest of us!

24 November 2019, 15:36

Jim J
Including me. Congrats on a spectacular build! Wonderful job. 👍

24 November 2019, 16:05

bughunter
My first seabird is finished and the final album can be found here: Albatros W.4 964 at Seeflugstation Windau | Album by bughunter (1:48)

24 November 2019, 19:59

Slavo Hazucha
When cloth looks like cloth, metal like metal and wood like wood, it means Bughunter is again done with one of his peculiar little treasures😉 Tripple hooray for a beautiful early seaplane - I hope you pick up the topic & work yourself up to the Schneider Trophy pieces, would be real artworks in your hands!

2 December 2019, 10:54

bughunter
Thank you very much! Slavo, are you a prophet? I want to build the Sopwith Schneider. I build already a Lebed Lebedev VII aka Sopwith Tabloid | Project by bughunter (1:48) , which is a Tabloid. At the end I had the idea to build the Monaco biplane, I tried the floats: Sopwith Schneider - Racer Monaco Trophy version | Album by bughunter (1:48)
I have the SH kit, the Small Stuff 100hp engine, but no decals are available: a friend made masks for it on his plotter 👍 So I will do this, not now, but soon!

3 December 2019, 20:58

Project info

Albatros W.4

170 images

1:48

Completed

1:48 Metal Turnbuckles Albatros Type (30 items) (GasPatch Models 13-48010)

Albatros W.4

Marinefliegerkorps (Imperial German Navy Air Service 1912-1918)
964
February 1917 World War 1 - Windau

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