Greetings Michael,

I was thinking that a KotS IV might involve elements of a build slated for a diorama or vignette. Mr. Ray Rimell did an interesting display for the WnW Junkers J.I. He incorporated the use of all the left over parts from the kit in a display where it took place in a museum and a complete aircraft was surrounded by tables and stands that had equipment, machine guns and gauges were displayed.

Now most of Ray's Wingnut Wings aircraft builds include the prototype WnW figures and equipment. This is of course due to the "close" working relationship that he has with them. With my penchant for the cutaway museum displays of captured German Aircraft I was thinking it might make for an interesting element in a KotS GB. All that we have touched on before in the way of details, rigging, cockpits and engines would get utilized and pull all our work into focus of a unique and spectacular display. The spares box would supply items that might not see the light of day otherwise. The basis could even be a factory floor of fresh aircraft in progress of being built.

My prevgious diorama “Spoils of War G/Br2/14" was based on Fokker D.VII 368 /18 an early Schwerin production type flown by Ltn. Hans Schultz of Jasta 18 when he was brought down and made a POW on 6 June 1918 by Lt. C. H. R. Lagesse of 29 sqdn RAF. Given the British capture number G/Br2/14. It was displayed with other captured aircraft in the agriculture hall in Islington. All of which had half or more of their coverings removed to display internal structures to public view for the price of 1 penny. Proceeds went to the RAF Hospital Fund.

Eventually after its addition to the display all of the fuselage fabric was taken off this aircraft. The right side elevator, lower right wing and upper right side of the top wing were left covered by then.

This kit represents Fokker Dr.I 144/17 flown by Ltn Eberhard Stapenhorst of Jasta 11 when he was brought down by Anti-aircraft fire and captured on 13 Jan. 1918. It was given the British capture number G.125 It was later displayed with other captured aircraft in the “Agriculture Hall” in Islington. All of which had half of their coverings removed displaying their internal structures to the public for the price of 1 penny. Proceeds went to the RAF Hospital Fund. On the original machine the half fabric coverings tended to sag and had to be stapled in several places but two strips of its original covering were left intact on the fuselage to help stay the fabric as well.

This is the Aerobase 1/48 brass etched Fokker Dr.I kit. Almost all cockpit details, engine, wheels, cowlings and port side wing sections are from the DML / Dragon kit. I had to add 1/16 of an inch to the DML / Dragon wings used as the covered port side items. The ammunition box is modified by cutting out notches in the lower corners per the original type. The upper forward bracing is metal rod and the instruments on the original piece is not found on the real aircraft. Two scratchbuilt instruments are added to the sides attached to the metal rods as on the original type. These were the tachometer and oil pressure gauges. All of the national markings are from Americal / Gryphon decal sheets. The rigging is fine wire. The propellor is a hand carved wood item from Martin Digmayer’s line. The fuselage half covering is made from decal film and painted then applied in sections. [/quote]

Now to finish this bit of fun. I want to display all of the stripdown - captured aircraft I do in this manner. I have a whole list of the Ilsington displayed aircraft and this one only needs the stantion rail and plaquard. The strip down Fok. D.VII 368/18 will be in this series.







I want to title this one; "Mummy, is this the one daddy shot down?" Note the mourning dress of the female and the black arm band of the boy.

How about this for a ribbon to KotS IV ?

Stephen,

That's a very interesting concept! My question is whether this would be an optional goal in the campaign like the extra detailing was before? If so, it would tee up some very cool builds while allowing those of us who aren't into building that way to still participate. If not, I see a lot less people actually joining in. Doing that kind of work to kit requires a certain kind of modeling desire that not everyone (including me!) has.

But if it's optional, I think it would be very cool!

Michael

The KotS IV Ribbon is great. I agree with Michael's comments regarding the potential to reduce participation by specifying too narrow a type of Build or display. I've been thinking about incorporating some amount of "stripped frame" content into a Build but I'm not there yet. Not all of us do figures for example; I view that as a separate category and one that requires special, or at least practiced skills that are not for everyone.
Just a consideration at this point; I look forward to our Group Projects, enjoy the sharing and support that are part of them, and would hate to be excluded should we narrow the playing field too much.
Cheers,
Lance

Mike and Lance, Thanks for your input. Now my original premise was just about the kit and the extras that sometimes are left over depending on the profile that is chosen. My builds are shown as a museum background. Figures were not specifically mentioned as required. To be clear this extra detail would be optional like the engine detailing on KotS III. As usual this is an opportunity to stretch your talents if you chose.

Thanks for the clarification Stephen; that works for me!
Cheers,
Lance

I'm guessing I'd find some way to join up!

Michael

As promised I've gotten some better pictures and uploaded them into the gallery. Looking forward to the next campaign.