Albatros
by Don Ralston

Albatros D II (LGV)

Kit: Eduard (1:48)

Albatros D II (LGV) of Jasta 9, early 1917. Pleased with the wood effect (a la Bob Laskodi). CSM prop, Eduard instruments. I couldn't resist adding the Bavarian Rudder, as I lived in Munich for two years and have lots of blue and white lozenge memorabilia.

Albatros Dr.1

Kit: Eduard (1:48)

This is the Eduard 1/48 Albatros Dr.1 Experimental Fighter. The main point of interest here is the Aeromaster Clear/Brown Wood Panelling Decals, over a light buff acrylic base. The decals went on pretty well without too much of a problem - even the attempt at showing grain a different way on one of the panels. The lozenge and other decals are from the kit and went on without any hitch. The prop is from CSM. Be interested to hear comments on their effect.

I reread Sanjeev's build review in Rollmodels after I had finished and wished that I had taken note earlier about the incorrect incidence on the upper wing and the addition of the drag wires and radiator piping.

Albatros D I

Kit: Gavia (1:48)

This is the Gavia 1/48 Albatros D.1 flown by Rittmeister Prince Fredrich Carl of Prussia. He was shot down by a DH2 and was later died of wounds at the hands of the infantry, whilst trying to escape to German lines. The plane was reported as being pale green all over, and so I used Mister Kits Albatross Pale Green. The decals are from the kit and the prop by Marty Digmaer from CSM.

Albatros J.I Ground Attack Version

Kit: Jager Miniatures (1:48)

This is the Jager Miniatures 1/48 Albatros J1Ground Attack or Trench Straffing version of the Albatros CXII. It had two downward firing Spandaus and Chrome Steel protective armour around the pilot and observer. The finish is Mr Kit's Albatros Mauve and Green with wood finish on the fuselage and fin - done with buff base and dry brushed with black and burnt umber oil paint and finished with lear orange. Parabellum is photo etched, but Spandaus are Aeroclub white metal as they stick out of the fuselage and would have got damaged during the build. Jagers made some lovely kits. Its a pity that Justin couldn't make it pay.