Photo Descriptions for BMPs

bill_heptig@Email.datacard.com
Mon, 30 Oct 95 14:57:04 CST


Here are the descriptions of the various BMPs that Doug sent, many
thanks for allowing them to be displayed, if anything I'm saying is a
problem let me know and I'll change it, or feel free to modify it so
it won't cause a problem. If for any reason you don't have any of the
.bmps described and I'll send them along. Many Thanks

Pfalz.bmp

This is the Combat Scale Models Pfalz DIII/DIIIa kit. The Pfalz DIII
was a late entry in the war as it was introduced in 1917, the
difference between versions is a slightly larger elevator in the DIIIa
and this is the way this airplane is finished. Jim Dudgeon Designed
this kit and is the builder of this plane, The wings are double spar
construction, and have the correct undercamberd profile of the
original. This example features a fully instumented cockpit, and Jim
has added a pilot as well. Most Pfalz's left the factory with
a silver finish, and were field modified to conform to squadron
colors. This plane is finished in Jasta 10 colors, they had Yellow
noses. Fuse is laminated wit 1/16 balsa to achieve the beautiful shape
Emphanage is laminated 1/32 for the edges and 1/16 for framing.

Pfalz2.bmp
The nose of the airplane reveals more of Jims fine work. The model
uses an OS .48, and comes with a spinner Jim has created a dummy
Mercedes to cover the model engine. Looking carefully you can see the
type of rigging points used as attachment for flying wires. The in
line engine airplanes feature somewhat longer nose moment than
rotary's so make a bit easier flying model, Jim likes to describe here
as a "lady".

SpadAF1.bmp
This rear view the Combat Scale models SPAD XIII shows the
construction of the airframe to good effect. Someone once said, "If
your going to build a SPAD you have to like cutting ribs" the picture
shows why, the kit saves the builder from this task of course, the
wings are double spar construction with a flat tip, and sheeted on the
top. The fuse is congenital box construction with formers to achieve
the shape, The many fine stringers achieve the look the plane is
famous for, and are made from hardwood. The tail is 1/16 ribs and
laminated 1/32 edges.

SpadAF2.bmp

This shows the nose details. The radiator is laminated up from 1/4"
balsa sheet, the shutters are built from plastic card, and an aluminum
screen mesh is put behind to give the look of a radiator, and allow
good airflow. The nose is a combination of balsa and plasticard to
achieve the general shape, screen for the side cutouts, and aluminum
for the various hatches. The valve covers are balsa blocks. The SPAD
bellcranks are fabricated up from brass tubing.

Spad1.bmp

This is the same airframe from the when nearly finished. The plane is
finished in colors typical SPAD later in the war. Windsock 32 was used
as a reference in combination with many pictures of full scale planes
during the building and finishing.

Spad2.bmp
The rear view of the plane shows the fuse lines well. I chose to use
Frank Lukes livery, he was famous for Balloon attacks during the Great
War, and was part of 27th pursuit group, thus the eagle logo. The
Cockades and eagle are from Major Decals, the other markings are hand
painted. The airplane was covered in Super Coverite.

Spad3.bmp
In this side shot of the plane the exhausts are prominent. The builder
is called on to create these, I welded up active exhausts for this
airplane. The exhausts also can be built as dummies with a standard
model exhaust exiting the bottom of the plane.

Spad4.bmp
This is view of the cockpit, The plane features Instruments, Stick,
Rudder Bar, and seat, all builder inspired based on my various
research. I used Williams Bros Guns, and wheels to complete the
plane.

Spad5.bmp
There are still a few details I need to add to the plane, including
flying wires, seems scale models are never truly complete.

Spad6.bmp
Shot reminds me a little of the picture with Luke standing besides his
plane. The model is powered by an OS .48, and uses a custom brass gas
tank designed to fit the airframe. We offer the plane in both 1/6 and
1/4 scale.

LVG1.bmp

This is one of our recent offerings. It is an observer machine and has
a very large wing. I should appeal to fellows who would like a light
wing loading on a scale plane that will be more docile than the
average fighter. Some folks may have stayed away from this type of
plane (WW1) thinking it would difficult to fly, but with a very large
area (1500 Square Inches) it should be very easy to fly. The fuselage
is finished laminating wood over it to achieve the wood finish of the
original. The Shuttleworth collection has an original example that
still flies in airshows. Observer planes are generally under modeled,
and so if you have one of these, you'll be unique.

Any questions on what we offer Email me at bill_heptig@datacard.com or
by mail at PO BOX 92 Hopkins MN 55343.