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Portfolio - JackFlash (part 3)

Pictures 1&2 Nieuport XI N2123 was licence-built by Nieuport Macchi at Varese and was assigned to the 80a Squadriglia, most probably in 1917. Although I cannot confirm when it left the production line, it was with that unit in May 1917. It became the personal mount of Sgt. Alvaro Leonardi, who survived the war with a score of 8 confirmed victories. The first (and only) of those kills gained at the controls of Ni. 2123 was scored by Leonardi on the 24th May 1917, shooting down an Ufag L1 seaplane (L1 36 or L1 37). It seems that the ‘Fortunello’ was very popular as a personal marking with the pilots of 80a Squadriglia, as many of them had one, each of different features. Regards Alberto Casirati. This kit was built from the Nieuport 11 Eduard Profipack kit #8070.

Pictures 3&4 Nieuport 16, N 977 was flown by Adjutant Maxime Albert Lenior of N 23 in early 1916. An experienced pilot when the war began, Lenoir transferred to the French Air Service at the end of 1914. On two occasions in 1916, he was wounded in action while serving as a pursuit pilot with N23. While on an artillery support mission, he was killed in action when his SPAD VII was shot down in Oct. 1916. This build is from the Eduard “Weekend Editon” series kit #8426
"Marechal-des-Logis pilot of Escadrille N23. Non-commissioned officer always demonstrating the best fighting spirit during the course of his numerous combats, more often behind enemy lines than behind our own. In all his actions he showed contempt for death. On 15 March 1916, while protecting a long distance reconnaissance and having his machine gun jam during the course of a combat, he completed his mission and managed to ward off enemy planes by a series of audacious maneuvers. He returned with his plane riddled by bullets." Médaille Militaire citation, 15 March 1916.
"Adjudant pilot of Escadrille N23. Pursuit pilot beyond compare, setting the highest example of energy and self-sacrifice. During eleven months of uninterrupted service in his Escadrille, he has had 91 successful combats, returning frequently with his plane riddled by bullets. He downed his sixth enemy plane on 4 August 1916." Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur citation, 9 August 1916.

Pictures 5&6 Nieuport 16, 1131 was flown by Corporal C. Johnson of the Lafayette Esc. N 124. This kit was built from the Eduard kit 8072. I used a DML Oberursel 120hp and converted it to a LeRhône 110hp. The figures are from Eduard (standing) and Copper State Models (sitting).

Pictures 7&8 Nieuport 16, 1208 was flown by Corporal P. Pavelka of the Lafayette Esc. N 124. This kit was built from the Eduard kit 8072. I used a DML Oberursel 120hp and converted it to a LeRhône 110hp. The figure is from Eduard.

Pictures 9&10 Nieuport 17, 1366 is a hypothetical machine that is marked as having been with Esc. 94. This is the old Hawk/ Testors kit built before Eduard had issued their version. The motor is a DML Oberursel 120hp and was converted it to a LeRhône 120hp. In reality Esc. 94 probably began with a few Nieuport 17 and mostly types 24 & 27.

Pictures 11&12 Nieuport 17 or 23(?) 1723 is another hypothetical scheme which is presented from the 2006 movie “Flyboys” "A" scheme and is Cassidy's machine N1723. The red striping on the engine cowling is reminiscent of No. 1 Sqdn RFC in about August,1917. The "W" on Cassidy's top wing was copied from Harold Willis' SPAD VII of the original Lafayette Escadrille. In the movie they tried to employ every cowling marking variation they could on the Nieuports. The Cassidy character was the embodiment of Raoul Lufbery from the original Lafayette Escadrille. The markings of R. Soubiran were replaced with the two tone inverted “V” with the #2 at its interior. These personal emblems on the Nieuports were vinyl stick-ons and were changed regularly. Also it is unknown as to what machine this serial (N1723) was originally assigned to in 1917, but probably a Nieuport 17. This build is from the Eduard Limited Edition kit #1125. It is interesting that they moved the Vickers to an offset position (like a Nieuport 23) to get better images of the pilots in close ups.

Pictures 13&14 Nieuport 17, 1895 This aircraft is very well known amongst the students of WWI aviation. N1895 of Sous Lieutenant Charles Nungesser (45 victories and 17 crashes) of Escadrille N.65 in the autumn and winter of 1916-17. When this bird got beat up so badly the serial number was simply transferred to a new machine. Nungesser carried the serial N1895 on several subsequent Nieuport Fighters even a type 25. This is the Eduard kit # 8033. The largest modification is the ‘removal’ of the tulip wood cheek fairing to show the inner cockpit details added from Eduard aftermarket set 48249. This would normally be accomplished with the wings being removed first. The kit engine has been replaced by a detailed LeRhône rotary. The Lewis gun is an Aeroclub white metal item. The figure is a modified CMK item.

Pictures 15&16 Nieuport 17, 2223 I decided on a twin Lewis gun arrangement. I had been given a set of decals generated by Chandelle. Chandelle usually only sells art work to other decal manufacturers. I was asked by R. Johnson of Chandelle to use his newest set of Nieuport 1/48 designs. I had seen the twin Lewis gun arrangement on a Nieuport 17 of N.312 in the Osprey book on page 28, of “Nieuport Fighters of WWI” #10 in their Vintage Warbird Series and by luck these were included in the Chandelle sheet. I deleted the “Cone de Penetration” as it could not be observed from the angle of the photo. It is entirely likely that the “cone” was on the aircraft. Yet I had done a reasonable amount of work on the 120 hp LeRhône rotary engine and felt it a strong point for consideration in competitions. The spinner would have hidden the detail work. The national markings were used in the normal locations. They will cover up any patch that you have to do concerning the rigging holes. Just make sure that the surface itself is smooth/glossy to the adjacent areas for better decal adhesion. This build is from a basic Eduard kit.

Pictures 17&18 Nieuport 17, 2779 of Esc.112 was flown by Sous Lt. René Carre from about April 1917. The Nieuport company was one that employed the ‘sky camouflage of silver-grey.’ I duplicate this by using Testors aluminum buffing Metalizer in the spray can. Then about 20 minutes after it dries I spray on Testors dull coat. I go back after that is dry and wipe the flat finish away from the ‘metal surfaces’ with clean enamel thinner. This makes a very nice distinction between the fabric covered airframe and the metal surfaces. Rotary engined aircraft tend to be a little dirty no matter what so I add a thinned black wash to the forward fuselage area as a final step. The figure is from Eduard’s kit #8070 (Nieu. 11 Profipack). After this machine’s capture she struck one more blow for Labelle France as she crashed killing her German pilot, Ltn. Pfeiffer of Jasta 9. Note the bell-cranks are offset because the ailerons are in actuated positions. Decals are from Aeromaster Nieuport series. This build is from a basic Eduard kit.

Pictures 19&20 Nieuport 21, 4545 was a trainer used at Issoudon’s 3rd AIC , Field Five in the summer and fall of 1918. Trainers with the American expeditionary Force at time had the cockade replaced with the USAS star and meatball. The Nieuport 21, “18 meter” (with 80 hp LeRhône rotary) was chosen to be the first trainer for the Americans. It was essentially a Nieuport 17 C.1 without armament. Since it wasn’t intended to carry any armament or ammunition it was not necessary to have a Nieuport 17 motor (110-120 hp LeRhône rotary) to attain a similar performance for students. This is the Eduard Profipack kit with a Waldo resin cowling.

Pictures 21&22 Nieuport 24 serial unknown represents the build up of the Hi-Tech Nieuport 24-27 kit HT 002 built as Nieuport 24 ‘ISIS’ of the 31st Aero Sqdn, Field Five , 3rd AIC at Issoudon in late 1918. The Nieuport 24 had the similar layout but included alterations to wings ,15 meters in area, tail and a fuselage rounded out using stringers from cockpit to tail. It has been noted that at least some of the instructors or Commander’s aircraft often kept the original higher horsepower motors 110 - 120 hp LeRhône, Clerget 9Z or 9B types.

Pictures 23&24 Nieuport 24bis 5086 The Nieuport 24 bis kept the altered fuselage and wings but reverted back to the Nieuport 17 and 21 vertical and horizontal tail surfaces. This kit represents a Nieuport 24 bis N5086 flown originally in the 4th Artillery cooperative squadron in the Red Russian Air Service. It was photographed after capture on a railroad flat car in the ancient capital of Lithuania- “Vilnius”. It was later flown by the 5th Polish Air Service squadron by Julius Gilewicz. This is the Hi-Tech Nieuport 24-27 conversion kit with Eduard Nieuport 17 parts.

Pictures 25&26 Nieuport 27, 84xx? School number #576 The Nieuport 27 & 27 bis was essentially a Nieuport 24 & 24 bis with a split axle like those found on Sopwith fighter aircraft. This is the old Waldo resin fuselage with modifications. It will remain wingless to be incorporated in a pending diorama.

Pictures 27&28 Nieuport 28, 6144 was flown by Lt. James A. Meissner 94th Aero sqdn in the spring of 1918. This is the Roden kit #403 with the Part of Poland photoetch.

Pictures 29&30 Nieuport 28, 6301 was possibly flown by Major Harold Hartney while commanding the 27th Aero sqdn in the summer of 1918. This is the Roden kit #403.