I have just remembered where I'd seen a photo which _might_ clear up the
Eduard E.III controversy.
Try "WW1 Survivors" by R.L.Rimmel
There is a photo of the Science Museum E.III, as far as I am aware the only
surviving E.III. It has the fabric entirely removed, making the rib count
only too simple.
There are 12 ribs outboard of the wing root, which accords with Ian Stairs
OLD 1983 drawings but apparently not with the newer ones, and of course, not
with the kit.
Also, try the wonderful (and enormous, and expensive) Austro Hungarian
Aircraft volume by Peter Grosz. There is a picture of a clear doped aircraft
taken from head on in which the ribs are clearly defined. All 12 of them.
Same number in the adjacent plan too.
How much this all means I don't know. I am now certain that the Eduard kit
is _incorrect_ but ONLY in so far as 2 aircraft are concerned.
Some questions remain.
1. Were there 2 different wing structures, and if so why?
2. If Ian Stair had the drawings right in 1983, why would he change them?
3. Were the Austro Hungarian E.III (A.III actually) different from the
German ones, and if so why?
4. Is the Science Museum E.III a German or A-H aircraft?
5. Is the science museum E.III entirely authentic?
6. Why did Eduard draw 12 ribs throughout their instructions and then put
11 ribs on the wing?
7. Do I really care?
I've seen the model built up and it looks fine to me. I strongly doubt
whether I'll be changing anything (unless stricken by conscience) and I
certainly don't intend to show anyone judging my E.III any of the above ;-)
Nor will I ever pass this on to anyone looking at anyone elses model based
on this kit, since so many questions remain and BOTH could still be correct.
In the event I have to judge one, I think I'll assume both are correct until
proven otherwise.
Nevertheless I'd love to know the truth, at least in so far as we ever know
these things so many years afterward.
Meantime, Randy, build away and let us know if you enjoyed the process.
After all that's the whole point of the hobby!
Shane
sdw@qld.mim.com.au