A chance find - and probably the most unusual aircraft kit I''ve seen in a long time. Alliance Models' delightful little 1/48 scale Austro-Hungarian parasol-winged fighter prototype - the Aviatik 30.40.

Link to Item

If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!

I have this kit as well - I managed to grab one off ebay around 6 months ago and I agree that it is very nicely done - I also grabbed the WKF D.I from the same manufacturer as well, it is also a gem! These should build into some unique models!

BC

Hi Brad

Yes, I bought the WFK too. I was so taken with Aviatik, the shopkeeper quickly said "Look, here's another kit by the same manufacturer!"

I'll try to get a review of the WFK D.1 sorted this week - as you say, it's another lovely littlle kit.

All the best

Rowan

Hi Merlin,

Now this is my kind of review, a unique subject of little-known participants of a little-known front.

There are some limited-run kits on Berg and Aviatik two-seaters that I am interested in. Perhaps soon...

Here is some inspiration to build these models: Austro-Hungarian Aces of WWI

On the original airframe;


A parasol monoplane derivative of the Aviatik 30.27, the Aviatik 30.40 was powered by a similar 160hp Steyr Le Rhone 11-cylinder rotary engine. Only one prototype was built and flown during the summer of 1918. The Aviatik 30.40 was of wooden construction. The forward fuselage was covered by light metal panels and the remainder of the fuselage was ply covered. The wing had fabric skinning, and steel-tube bracing struts were employed.

Hi Stephen

Have you ever come across any other pics of the original aircraft? The one above which I linked to in the review is the only one I've ever found.

You've answered one of my questions in advance!: the plywood-skinned fuselage.

I'm really interested by the suggested Light Grey/Dark Grey topsides camouflage - were there other instances of such a scheme on Austro-Hungarian aircraft? (Or was Tan and Green more likely?...)

All the best

Rowan

The reason we have what we do on Austro-Hungarian aircraft camouflage is because of the late Dr. Martin O'Connor. He did a series in Cross & Cockade Intl. on the various camouflage pattens that were used by the dual-monoarchy air service. I will do a quick look in my volumes later. In the summer months it may have been more probable that green and ochre were use. (Typical Aviatik summer scheme).

Going back through the Cross & Cockade issues I have the typical camouflage for summer months in 1918 for Aviatik & Hans-Brandenburg companies seems to have been the "stepped two tone version". The light and dark types Dr. O'Connor discusses point to an ochre & dark green. I have one more source to check.

Aviatik also used a streaked type and a mottled series (three colour) I can see I may have to do a thread on Austro - Hung camouflage schemes in the future.

Hi Stephen

That would be great!

All the best

Rowan