Varnish OR shellac when it dries is usually a high gloss, especially clear in the days of WWI. Would not the interior of the Walfisch or Albatros be glossy? maybe scuffed but mostly gloss?

In the engine compartment the black staining would be oily and thus also or more glossy?

Can anyone answer these questions? It would be the difference between flat and semi-gloss in model world. 1/32 Hannover

I am trying to download some Smithsonian photos don't seem to be doing well. They will come... soon?

Plywood was usually 2 to 3 layers thick. Aircraft grade was usually A/A or A/B. The "A" was the outer surface and was designated such and sanded with a fine grit. The inner surface "A" or "B" grade was the interior exposed surface and it was not sanded so smooth. It would tend to soak up more varnish and as such be less glossy in its finish. Remember this varnish or shellac was not added at the factory until it was ready to apply to the airframe / skeletals.

Hi Tom

The photos in the Windsock datafile for the Walfisch show what looks like pale matt-painted interior (disappointing for me a good many years ago after I'd so carefully wood-finished my 1:48 Eduard kit! ).

All the best

Rowan

Thank you All.

This helps quite a bit.

Captn Tommy