The latest Datafile from Albatros Productions covers the Fokker C.1, a two-seater development of the famous D.VII. It seems that Anthony Fokker went ahead and constructed an initial batch of C.1 airframes before the type was officially accepted, but in the event the aircraft was deemed too light for service (an opinion echoed later in America) and never saw action in WW1.
Instead, after the Armistice, over a hundred C.1 airframes in various states of completion were "smuggled" out of Germany to the Netherlands where the aircraft began a long and varied career, some surviving around the world until the outbreak of WW2.
Datafile #140 follows the successful format of the series - a softbound A4 book with 97 pages containing a mix of period photos, constructor's drawings, and new scale plans and colour artwork.
Australian author Colin Owers describes the development and career of the C.1, with a short section devoted to each of the aircraft's international operators. The photo coverage is excellent - over 90 photos are included, many published here for the first time. There's yet to be a mainstream kit of the Fokker C.1, and as far as I know the only short-run kit is Omega's 1:72 resin version. Looking at the fine scale plans by Martin Digmayer and the official factory plans reproduced here, this would make an ideal subject for a larger scale scratch-building project. Of particular interest to modellers will be a series of shots of a fuselage stripped down for repair that reveal the structure and positions of internal components.
There's certainly no shortage of variety to inspire anyone looking for an unusual subject - as well as the obvious military versions, there are engine variations, civilian passenger aircraft, an incredible contra-rotating propeller testbed and even a float-plane.
Rounding everything up is a trio of beautiful colour profiles by Jerry Boucher. My only regret is that more aren't included to illustrate some of the other machines in the photos.
Conclusion
Datafile #140 does an excellent job of shining new light on an aircraft that's been largely overlooked in modelling terms until now. Something tells me that could well change as a result of this publication, either with a rash scratch-building projects or short-run producers looking at the Fokker C.1 with a fresh eye to the possibilities... Recommended.
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SUMMARY
Highs: Concise and detailed text accompanied by 90+ photos, scale drawings and colour artwork.Lows:Verdict: Excellent coverage of the Fokker C.1 with a wealth of previously unpublished material.
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About Rowan Baylis (Merlin) FROM: NO REGIONAL SELECTED, UNITED KINGDOM
I've been modelling for about 40 years, on and off. While I'm happy to build anything, my interests lie primarily in 1/48 scale aircraft. I mostly concentrate on WW2 subjects, although I'm also interested in WW1, Golden Age aviation and the early Jet Age - and have even been known to build the occas...
Hi Terri
It wouldn't be a totally straightforward modification - apart from the longer fuselage, the wingspan and chord were greater than the D.VII. Although they looked so similar, acording to the Datafile, there was no commonality between the two aircraft except for construction and the original engine.
All the best
Rowan
Thanks Rowan , I didn't know that and just learn't something new Would still make a fun conversion to do though . Plastic card with balsa core for the wings
Will have to look into this more ....and pick up a roden kit
Nice to see we now have two sources on the Fokker C.I. WWI Aero did an article some years back. lots of good drawings, but the Windsock monograph may just be the improvement we modelers will need.
Looks like an excellent conversion project for one of those old Aurora D.VII's I have in the stash.Can't wait until my copy arrives.
Regards,
Gregory Jouette
Actually the Aurora /Monogram or Smer 1/46 Fokker D.VII was based on the early example that was at Rhinebeck. And it was originally a C.I airframe.
Below is a postcard from Cole Palen to a young man back in the early sixties. Note the overly large center section cutout. By the way this was the original scheme for this modified C.I to its D.VII config.
Here is the second scheme (from the late 1960's)
Hi Stephen
So, how closely does a 1:46 "D.VII" end up matching the larger C.1 in 1:48? Is it worth getting hold of a SMER kit, or better to just start from scratch?
All the best
Rowan
Well, what needs to happen is for someone who has the Datafile to whip out an old Aurora, Monogram / Smer kit to do some comparisons. But there should be enough plastic in the kit to do the job. Though the kit has a shallow upper wing cutout to match the D.VII.
Stephen& Rowan,
I pulled an old Monogram Fokker D.VII out of th attic this morning and compared the kit parts to the new Datafile.I was surprised that the old kit is very close to the drawings.The fuselage is nearly spot on to my eyes requiring a little surgery to move to cockpit forward the fabricate the second gunners cockpit.Which would be located very close to the exact location of the original cockpit.I didn't have time to measure everything out as of yet,but as I said it's very close.
As for the wings,ah there's the rub.Both the upper and lower wing look very good cordwise,but are short in span.Roughly 10mm at each tip.Noted that the upper wings flaps are also differently shaped and that the rib spacing is not the same as well.
All and all I believe that a conversion is doable here to say the least.But as I said easier it's going to require a little sugary.For me what comes to mind is using two kits,the second would be the wing donor to allow me to increase the span of the kit wings to match the drawings.I suppose you could use the Dragon,Eduard's or the Rodin D.VII as well.But that approach will be much more involved.That's kind of a deal killer for me as I'm not really wanting another Frankenwing project. But I must admit this approach would cure the Monogram/Aurora/Smer wing cross sections short comings.I believe I've fund my next conversion project.
Regards,
Gregory Jouette
Hi Gregory
Many thanks for the update. That's really interesting! I may get hold of the Smer re-box because, like you, it's got my mind in ticking away as a potential project.
All the best
Rowan
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