Thanks for the data. My library system is woefully understocked with WWI aero
materials, and my hobby shops are fixated on WWII, so I don't get to peruse
too much.
Did your material cite any dates for the D-VI? The one photo I have a copy of
shows a D-VI with a thick-ish Balkenkreuz which was a 1918 marking, if I
recall correctly. I also seem to recall reading (Heinz Nowarra, I think)
that at the Jan. 1918 Idflieg competitions, Fokker had a rotary powered
version of what would become the D-VII, in addition to the (type 11?) which
had the in-line Mercedes (just in case the pilots favored air-cooled
machines).
Was that air-cooled machine the forerunner of the D-VI?
Another modeler on the list described the D-VI as being delivered prior to
delivery of the Dr. 1, and used for familiarity training in rotary powered
machines. That sounds like what Nowarra said about the D-V.
The D-V was a nice looking machine too, especially with that big spinner.
Its more rounded body section seemed less stark than the Es, D-I thru D-IIIs
and the Dr. 1s square section form. The slightly swept back wings had a
graceful feel too, though the conventional bracing cluttered up its lines.
I have read the D-V was well-liked by pilots, but it didn't make the grade
as a combat machine. Any sources describe why? Too stable? Underpowered?
Thanks, Charles, for the book reference re: Fokker: the creative years. I
was not on the list for any of the discussion about the book and its errors.
I am loathe to buy a book full of errors (witness the current debate over
Gilbert's book on the WWI list). Does someone out there have this Fokker
book? What sort of errors are we talking about?
I'd like some background on Reinhold Platz more than I want stories about
the flamboyant Anthony.
Thanks again,
-- Micheal S.