¹⁄32

January MOM Winner

history

Junkers J.1 was the first "all-metal" aircraft to enter mass-production, taking its maiden flight on January 28th 1917 and entering service in August of 1917. While slow, heavy and difficult to control (especially while landing), the plane was nevertheless popular with the aircrews; amongst its technological innovations, a steel "tub" of 5mm armor protected both the crew and the engine. Only one instance of this aircraft being lost due to ground fire has been recorded, lending credibility to its nickname of a "flying tank" as well as the "furniture moving van". The aircraft saw use in ground attack, army cooperation and low-level reconnaissance roles.

the kit

The model is WingNut Wings' 1/32 kit 32001, built "out of the box". Only modification made was to "pin" the wheels through the landing gear axle to provide extra support for the plane's impressive weight (axle was showing signs of wanting to bend as wings were added). Cantilever wings negate the need for rigging, so this plane has none - making for an easy transition into biplane and Early Aviation aircraft model building. However, the span of the top wing is about 16" making for a completely different challenge during assembly - space!

I have opted for scheme not provided with the kit, though photographic reference is included in the manual booklet - shown post-Armistice, with its national insignia cut and serial number 586/18. I have digitally created and printed my own waterslide decals for 5-color lozenge fabric for lower plane - cut to rough template and trimmed in place. Serial numbers were created the same way, while kit provided Cartograf decals provided markings and details for everything else.