IPMS Denver / Rob Wolf Chapter

A.M.S. Chronicle

December 2003

“Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs.”

-- Henry Ford

Next Meeting: Wednesday, December 3 at 7:00pm

Burt Chevrolet, 5200 S. Broadway (near Belleview)

This Month’s Program: Annual Cutthroat Gift Exchange!

In This Issue

Meeting Minutes

…….2

1^st Annual IPMS Denver In-Club Contest Information

…….3

What’s New In Town

…….4

Asian Scooters – A pair of Skyhawks from down under – Kit Buildup (Earl Hosmer)

…….5

Albatros D.III (OAW) & Tropical – Kit Buildup.(Steve Larson)

…….7

Prez Deppe

…….9

Website Of The Month

…….9

Presentation Calendar

…….9

Classified Ads

…….9

Calendar of Events

…….10

HEAD’S UP!

“Cutthroat Gift Exhange”

The highlight of December’s meeting will be the “Cutthroat Gift Exchange,” our annual Dickinson holiday tradition that combines the joy of Tiny Tim with the churlishness of Uncle Scrooge. For those of you who are new to the club and unfamiliar with this event, here are the rules:

(1) To participate, you must bring a wrapped gift (kit, book, tool, etc.) worth at least $20.00. It’s Christmas time so don’t be cheap, bring something you wouldn’t mind finding under the tree yourself.

(2) Numbers will be put into a hat equal to the number of gifts on the table.

(3) We will then draw numbers and in numerical order you can either: (a) Choose a gift from the table; or (b) appropriate an already opened gift that a previous number holder possesses (#1 doesn’t have this option, but more on that later); (c) The victimized gift holder then gets to choose another gift from the table or perform the same dastardly act on another gift holder. There is one important caveat though: a gift can only be “thieved” three times. After the third exchange of hands, that gift is taken out of circulation and becomes property of the third “cutthroat”.

(4) This cycle continues until everyone has had a chance to play their number. Then comes the final caveat: #1 gets to size up everyone else’s loot and either retain his/her prize or go through with the last act of “thievery” and trade their gift with one final hapless soul, regardless of the three-exchange limit. With that, the “Cutthroat gift Exchange” comes to an end.

As you can see, #1 ends up sitting in the catbird’s seat and the action can get quite heated, so are you feeling lucky?

MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 5, 2003

Our President, Tom Deppe, was missing, so the Vice President, Mark Persichetti, called the November 5^th, 2003 meeting to order at 7:15 PM at the Burt Chevrolet with 25 members and guests present.

CORRESPONDENCE:

Cliff Davis had some IPMS national membership applications for any of those interested.

Terry Tuytschaevers received an e-mail from Don Kehrer about an F-104 Starfighter Pilot reunion in Pueblo, Colorado on May 22, 2004. Jason Unwin from the Pueblo Aircraft Museum would like for us to display as many F-104’s as possible. Ideally, every version of the F-104 would be displayed from every nation that used the aircraft.

TREASURY:

Dallas Lloyd was missing – no report

SHOW & TELL:

Cliff Davis brought in a bunch of model kits that were for sale. Mark Persichetti also had a bunch of kits for sale. Al Gonzales showed us a completed Tamiya 1/20 Ferrari 312T engine and a completed Italeri 1/35 Horch 15 Radio Car. Derek Brown also had kits for sale. Ken Wong brought in a Tamiya 1/700 USS Indianapolis backdated to early 1944 specs, a Hasegawa 1/700 Sub Tender, and a Pit Road 1/700 Akitsushima Sea Plane Tender. All models were still under construction. Jeff Osborne showed us a completed AMT Star Wars Tie Fighter display, two Hasegawa 1/72 Polikarpov I-16, and a Hasegawa 1/72 Helen bomber finished in a natural metal scheme. Earl Hosmer brought in his long term Monogram 1/48 B-29 Stratofortress project. Terry Tuytschaevers had a completed Revell-Monogram 1/32 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I/II, a completed Hobbycraft 1/32 Mikoyan Mig-17, a completed Tamiya 1/24 BMW Z-3 convertible, and a completed Tamiya 1/35 British Gun Truck with a 25 pdr and limber. He also had an assembled engine from the new Trumpeter 1/35 Zil-157 cargo truck. Martin Sagara brought in an older Revell Convair 990 kit that may actually get built. Matt Leveque had a completed ESCI 1/72 Leopard A1A1A and a completed Hasegawa 1/72 Toyota Starter Truck. Jack Lassiter demonstrated how well the Bare Metal panel line scriber works. He also picked up a beautiful White Ensign Models photo-etch set for the Revell Germany S-boat. Dave Bathke showed us a completed Airfix 1/72 Northrop P-61 Black Widow and a very old completed Strombecker 1/72 Northrop P-61 for comparison. David Reinecke had a Hasegawa 1/48 Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless under construction and the new Trumpeter 1/32 F4U-1D Corsair kit. Felix Jablonski also had a Trumpeter 1/32 Corsair kit. Steve Negley brought in a Hasegawa 1/32 North American F-86 Sabre the he was just starting. Dale Summers showed us a 1/48 Learjet 2000 design scheme model, a Trumpeter 1/35 SA-2 Sam Missile with launcher, a V2 Missile, and a SCUD Missile. Steve Lawson had a 1/48 Belgian Hanroit HD.1, a 1/48 Italian Hanroit HD.1, a Hi-Tech 1/48 Nieuport 24/27, a Hobby Special 1/48 SPAD VII, a Battle Axe 1/32 Fokker D.VII, and an Aero Base Fokker DR.1 Triplane.

OLD BUSINESS:

Mark Persichetti said that he would have sign up sheets for judging the January contest at next month’s meeting. He also again had some decal sheets from the 2003 IPMS Nationals that he was selling. The Iwata airbrush is available if any one is interested. Cliff reminded everybody that an air compressor is also available if one is needed. Cliff Davis talked about the contest, recapping again some of the details of the contest. Complete information will be in the newsletter. Al Gonzales mentioned the upcoming one-day armor show and contest on November 15^th at the Elkhorn Conference Center at Fort Carson. Exit off I-25 at South Academy Blvd for civilian access to Fort Carson

NEW BUSINESS:

Martin Sagara mentioned that Hobby Lobby was having a 50% off sale. He also mentioned that Blue Yonder Hobbies in Aurora was closing and they were having a 20% off sale. Martin also reminded us that the Wings Over The Rockies Museum was having an open cockpit day on Saturday, November 8^th. Jennifer Jordan thanked everybody for their model donations for the DIA exhibit. The display will be in place through January and it is definitely attracting a lot of attention. Mike Mitchell talked about the upcoming fireworks at the VFW hall. Mark Persichetti mentioned that he had talked to a fellow that would like someone in the club to build a 1932 Ford Coupe to match an actual car that this guy’s dad owned. He also reminded everyone about the model ship display being held at the Rockler Woodworking store on South Colorado Blvd.

PROGRAM:

The program for the night was an extended show and tell. Next month’s program will be our cutthroat gift exchange/swap event. Please bring in new models, preferably still in the shrink-wrap, or any other modeling related product with a minimum value of $25.00. Please gift-wrap the models and no names on the wrapping.

1^st Annual IPMS Denver In-Club Contest Information

Submitted by: Cliff Davis

In January, 2004, the IPMS Rob Wolf chapter will be hosting the first annual In-Club contest. The following information dictates the classes and rules of this contest. We hope that a majority of our members will attend with models in hand!

CLASSES FOR THE IN-CLUB

100^TH ANNIVERSARY OF FLIGHT CONTEST

I. AIRCRAFT

A. 1/72^ND AND SMALLER

B. 1/73^RD AND LARGER

II. ARMOR

ALL SCALES AND ERAS

III. SHIPS

ALL SCALES AND ERAS

IV. AUTOMOBILES

ALL SCALES AND TYPES

V. MISCELLANEOUS

VI. DIORAMAS, VIGNETTES AND FIGURES

VII. ALL JUNIORS

The following rules, as determined by the membership, shall govern the contest.

· The room will open at 6:00 p.m.

· Entries will NOT be accepted after 7:15 p.m.

· You MUST be a paid member of IPMS-Denver to participate.

· There will be no entry fee.

· Members may enter only TWO models in each category.

· No previous contest winners (1^st, 2^nd, or 3^rd) from ANY local, regional or national contest may be entered. Previous winners may be displayed only.

· There will be NO separate out of the box class.

· There will be NO SWEEPS: that is, no one individual may win 1^st, 2^nd, or 3^rd in a single class. One may win 1^st in aircraft, 2^nd in armor, and 1^st in vignettes, but not 1^st and 2^nd in aircraft, armor or vignettes.

· There is a provision for “splits” within categories. Example: If 12 of 20 entries in aircraft are ME-109s then we could place all 109s in a single category for judging and judge the other 8 entries separately.

The following form will be provided in the contest room

for completion (Thanks to Dave Reinecke!).

Please have this information ready when you enter your model.

What’s New In Town

By Terry Tuytschaevers

ACADEMY

1/35 M151A2 Hard Top With Trailer

1/35 USA WWII Machine Gun Weapons Set

1/25 German Panther-G Late Version

1/72 North American P-51C Mustang "Red Tails" With Jeep

ACCURATE MINIATURES

1/48 Ilyushin Il-2M3 Stormovik

1/48 Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless Coral Sea

1/48 Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless Tarawa

AFV CLUB

1/35 Anti-tank Weapons M40A1 & TOW A1

1/35 US 3/4 Ton 4x4 Truck WC56/57

AIRFIX

1/48 BAe Red Arrows/Midnight Hawks Aerobatic Team Hawk

1/48 BAe Hawk 100 Ground Attacker

1/48 DeHavilland Mosquito NF30

US Clipper Ship "Cutty Sark" 1869

AMT

1/25 1969 Mustang Mach 1 Muscle Car

1/25 Buyers Choice Pro Street Mustang Muscle Machine

1/25 Buyers Choice Jolly Rodger Show Rod With Skelton

1/25 Buyers Choice Dodge Charger Street Machine 2-N-1

1/25 NASCAR Car #97 Rubbermaid Taurus

1/25 1969 Yenko Camaro "Fast-N-Furious"

1/25 1962 Chevy Belaire With Dual-Quad 427

1/25 Batman Bat Ski Boat With Engine

AOSHIMA

1/24 Aristo JZS161 Saloon Gallery 4-Door Executive Sedan

AZUR

1/72 Italian Nardi F.N. 305 WWII Trainer

BANDAI

1/1700 USS Enterprise NCC-1701E Pre-Decorated With Lights

DML/DRAGON/SHANGHAI DRAGON

1/700 Russian Nuclear Guided Missile Cruiser Admiral Ushakov

1/700 Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate

1/350 Soviet Typhoon Class SSBN

1/35 US Helicopter Crew Vietnam

1/35 "Achtung-Jabo" Panzer Crew France 1944

1/35 Korean War M26A-1 Pershing Tank

1/35 German WWII Sd.Kfz.173 Jagdpanther Early Version

1/35 US Helicopter Crew

1/35 M1A1 Abrams w/ Mine Plough

1/35 Israeli M51 Isherman Battle Tank

1/35 Railway Track With Embankment

1/35 Schwerer Panzerspahwagen (Kommandowagen) Armored Rail Car

1/35 Schwerer Panzerspahwagen (Artilleriewagen) Armored Rail Car With Tank Turret

1/35 Schwerer Plattformwagen Type SSV

1/72 German WWII Sd.Kfz. 184 Elefant

1/48 Messerschmitt Me-262B-1a/U1 Nachtjager

1/48 Bachem Ba-349A Natter With Launch Tower

1/72 Dornier Do-335B-6 Arrow Night Fighter

1/72 Heinkel He-162A-2 With Arado E-377A Mistel 5

1/72 Focke-Wulf Ta152H-1

DRAGON ARMOR - Fully Assembled & Ready For Display, Authentic Color, Camouflage, Unit Markings, Comes With Protective Display Case

1/72 Jagdpanther Fuhrer-Grenadier-Brigade (East Russia 1944)

Jagdpanther Spzjgabt 559 Early Version (Autumn 1944)

"Camo Scheme"

FUJIMI

1/24 2002 Mazda RX-8 Type S Coupe

1/24 2002 Honda NSX Sports Coupe

1/24 1985 Porsche 911 Turbo With Engine

1/24 2002 BMW 535i 4-Door Sedan

1/24 1966 Ford GT40 Mk. II Spa 1000 Km Car #4

1/24 2002 Chevrolet Astro Awd Van

1/24 2002 Veilside Mazda Racingstar RX-7R

1/24 2002 Mazda FD3S RX-7 Spirit R Type A

1/72 Vought A-7D Corsair II Sharkmouth 74th TFS

1/72 Junkers Ju-87D-1/3/7 Stuka (Dora)

1/76 German WWII Sturmgeschutz III Ausf.D

HASEGAWA

1/32 North American P-51D Mustang "Checker Tail Clan"

1/72 Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat VF-17 "Jolly Rogers"

1/72 Martin SP-5B Marlin Sharkmouth VP-48 "Boomerangers"

1/72 McDonnell RF-4B Phantom II "VMFP-3" Photo-Bird

1/72 Grumman US-2 Tracker "Bicentennial" Washington

1/72 MDD F4-F Phantom II 'JG74 20th Anniversary'

1/72 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII 'No.145 Squadron'

1/72 Boeing B-17 'Luftwaffe Erprobungskommando'

1/48 Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX Israeli Defense Force

1/48 MDD F/A-18B Hornet "Navy Test Pilot School" (USNTPS) Markings

1/48 Ki-43-II Hayabusa (Oscar)

1/48 MDD F-4J Phantom II 'Liberty Bell

1/48 Lockheed F-104G Starfighter 'Mount Olympus'

1/200 Lockheed L-1011 Tristar "Demonstrator" Markings

HOBBYCRAFT

1/35 U.S. Humvee "Liberator"

1/35 U.S. Humvee "Special Ops"

1/35 M2 "Bradley IFV"

1/35 Fedayeen T-59 Main Battle Tank

1/35 Fedayeen Technical" Jeep With Recoilless Rifle

1/35 Iraqi T-72 Main Battle Tank

1/35 Iraqi Type 69-II Main Battle Tank

1/35 Iraqi BMP-1 IFV

1/48 Avro CF-105 "Arrow" Interceptor Jet

1/32 Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat

ICM

1/35 Cold War

1/35 T-28 (1936)

1/35 T-28 (1938)

1/35 T-35

I1/35 PzKpfw II (Flamm) Flamingo

1/35 45mm Russian Anti-tank Gun Mod. 1938-42

1/35 76mm Soviet Regimental Gun Mod

1/35 Soviet 100mm Field Gun BS-3

1/35 Soviet Tank Crew (1979-1988)

1/35 Russian Special Forces

1/35 Mujahideen

1/35 DDR Infantry

1/35 Soviet Regimental Artillery 1943-45

1/35 German Tank Crew 1939-41

1/35 Ural-4320

ITALERI

1/24 DAF 95XF Super Space Cab Semi Tractor "Holland Express"

1/35 Sikorsky UH-60A/L Blackhawk KFOR & Israel

1/48 MDD F-15E Strike Eagle

KANGAM

1/600 USS New Jersey

1/600 USS Missouri

LINDBERG

1/25 Homie Hoppers 1964 Impala Low-rider "Mad Hopper"

1/25 Homie Hoppers 1979 Cadillac Low-rider "Ice Machine"

MPM

1/72 Douglas DB 8A-3N Attack Bomber

REVELL

1/25 Snap-Tite Wheels-Of-Fire 2003 Ford Thunderbird

1/25 1992 Cougar XR-7 Lowrider 3-N-1, Stock, Custom, Or Low-Rider

1/25 1940 Ford Standard Coupe

1/48 Douglas TBD-1 Devastator With Historical Book

RODEN

1/48 Gloster Gladiator Mk II

1/48 Sopwith 1.B1 French Bomber

1/48 Fokker D.VII

1/72 Gotha G.Va/G.Vb

1/72 SdKfz 232

SKYWAVE

1/700 IJN Aircraft Carrier Unryu

SPECIAL HOBBY

1/72 DeHavilland DH.103 Hornet F.Mk.1

TASCA

1/35 German Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf.L "Luchs" (Late Version)

TAMIYA

1/35 Tiger I Early Pre-assembled & Pre-painted

1/35 Sturmgeschutze III Ausf G Pre-assembled & Pre-painted

1/35 Modern U.S. Military Equipment

1/35 M1046 Humvee

1/35 Sd.Kfz.223 Leichter Panzerspahwagen(Fu) Armored Car

1/35 Tank Commander Otto Carius & Crew Set

1/35 British Tank Crew

1/35 Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf.L

1/48 Messerschmitt Me-262A-1a Clear Edition

1/48 Mitsubishi Ki-46 III Type 100

1/12 2003 Team Telefonica Movistar Honda Rc211v

1/24 2003 "Total" Peugeot 206 WRC Race Car # 1

1/20 Bagged Kit Pit Crew Figures (7-Figures In-Action Poses)

1/700 Kumano IJN

TESTORS

1/24 Saleen S7 Pre-Painted Metal Body Kit

1/24 Honda S2000 Convertible Red Pre-Painted Metal Body Kits

1/24 Honda S2000 Convertible Gold Pre-Painted Metal Body Kits

1/24 Honda Civic Si Black Pre-Painted Metal Body Kits

1/24 Acura Integra Type R Silver Pre-Painted Metal Body Kits

1/24 Nissan Skyline GT-R White Pre-Painted Metal Body Kits

1/72 Northrop B-2 Stealth Bomber Serial "Spirit Of California"

TRUMPETER

1/24 Messerschmitt Bf-109 G-6 Late Version

1/24 Messerschmitt Bf-109 G-10 Late Version

1/32 Vought F4U-1D Corsair VMF-312 or VMF-351

1/32 Vought F4U-4 Corsair VMF-222 Ace Ken Walsh

1/32 Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat

1/35 SA-2 Guideline Missile on Transport Trailer

1/35 Vietnamese Sam-2 Site Anti-Aircraft Missile And Launcher

1/35 Chinese HQ-2 (Sam-2) Missile Truck And Trailer With Missile

1/35 Soviet Zil-157 6x6 Military Truck

1/35 Chinese Jiefang CA30 6x6 Military Truck

1/35 Soviet Zil-157k 6x6 Military Truck

1/350 USS Franklin CV-13

VERLINDEN

1/35 German Radio Team WW II

1/35 Wounded US Marines WW II

1/35 Tiger I Interior

1/35 Nashorn Detail & Ammo Set

1/35 King Tiger Zimmerit Damaged

1/35 German WW II Equipment

1/35 US Marines Radio & Command

1/35 US Marines Tank/Amtrac Crew

1/35 Wounded Comrade German Tankers WW II

…Continued on page 4

ASIAN SCOOTERS

A pair of Skyhawks from down under

By: Earl Hosmer

The last two A-4 Skyhawk models that I would ultimately complete for our “ Skyhawks Forever! 50 years of the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk” Group entry for the 2003 National contest would be the Malaysian A-4PTM and the Indonesian A-4E/H. Neither was an extensive conversion and both were well within the abilities of the average modeler.

The A-4PTM

The A-4PTM (Peculiar To Malaysia) program for the Tentara Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM, or Malaysian Air Force) began in 1980 with the purchase of 88 ex-U.S. Navy A-4C and L-model Skyhawks from desert storage. Due to cost increases, only 40 L-models were ultimately received (the L being an upgraded C-model) and refurbished by Grumman Aerospace in St. Augustine, Florida. New equipment included upgraded avionics, outer wing pylons (bringing the total to 5 as on all late-model Skyhawks), and braking parachutes. The A-4PTMs were capable of operating advanced weaponry including the AIM-9L, AGM-65 Maverick, and laser-guided bombs.

Deliveries ran from 1985-1986, and the PTMs formed two attack squadrons in the TUDM. In an incredibly bizarre decision, within a few years plans were made to replace the rebuilt A-4PTMs with BAE Hawk attack/trainers, and by 1994 the A-4PTMs were parked in storage, left to rot in the jungle where they still remain today, never to fly again. What a sad waste!

The Model

I began with the superb Hasegawa A-4C kit, which includes ALL the parts necessary for the A-4PTM. Construction was straightforward, although I did add additional detail to landing gear, gear wells, and cockpit. Just for variety I added a pilot figure from a Monogram F-18 kit, which required a lot of fiddling and trimming to get him into the puny A-4 cockpit. As experienced A-4 jocks often quip, “you don’t get into an A-4, you strap it on”. Don’t forget to add the outer wing pylon (Part F16) as included (but not used) in the kit. Use the chaff launchers (Part A4) as well.

The hard part of the PTM project was finding markings. No after market decals exist (although Gekko Graphics from Australia has planned one for some time) so the only option was to use the ones from the Hobbycraft A-4C kit. Surprisingly, they worked VERY well. I used PollyScale acrylics in the familiar USAF Tactical scheme from the Vietnam era (TAC tan, TAC mid-Green, and TAC Dark Green over TAC Light Gray). Use the Hobbycraft box for the camo pattern.

For ordnance, I was not really sure what types the TUDM might have used in the 1980s so I decided to leave the racks empty, which meant I had to detail the bottoms of the pylons. I mounted an empty (and detailed out) MER (Multiple Ejector Rack) on the centerline pylon, and hung the usual droptanks on the inner wing pylons. All in all, the A-4PTM was an easy and pleasant project.

The Indonesian A-4E/H

In 1979 the Tentara National Indonesia-Angkatan Udara (Indonesian Air Force) took delivery of 16 ex-Israeli A-4H Skyhawks. The H-model was a modified F, with 30mm DEFA cannon in place of the 20mm guns found on all U.S Skyhawks, a squared-off fin tip housing a new IFF antenna, a braking parachute of Israeli design, and an extended tailpipe to mask IR emissions from heat-seeking missiles such as the SA-7 Strela. During 1985, Indonesia bought 16 more E-models from the Israelis, which had been outfitted with much the same equipment as the H-models but still retained the rounded fin tip and “U.S style” avionics hump. These E-models had been delivered to Israel during the 1973 war to replace losses of A-4Hs, and the Israelis later added much of the same equipment as found on the H. The Indonesian Skyhawks have seen considerable use in the controversial counter-insurgency campaign in East Timor over the last 20 years, and are still in front-line service today.

The Model

For no particular reason, I decided to model the A-4E/H which entered Indonesian service in 1985, since all of the pictures I had showed this variant. I started with the Hasegawa A-4E/F kit and Cutting Edge A-4H conversion set provided the extended tailpipe and 30mm gun fairings. Use Cutting Edge’s avionics hump and squared fin tip ONLY if you are modeling one of the first batch of Indonesian Skyhawks. I did the usual detailing out of the cockpit, landing gear, and wheel wells, and otherwise construction followed the instructions. Darren McTee provided me with some valuable reference photos which were a big help in fitting the 30mm gun fairings and the extended tailpipe. Thanks Jetdude!

As with the PTM, the biggest problem was finding markings. Gekko Graphics said they were working on some but they were ultimately not done in time so I had to improvise. I oversprayed the rescue and ejection seat triangles from an aftermarket set, and sprayed the correct camo color on some blank decal paper for the pentagon-shaped national insignia. Not perfect but OK for now. Paints had to be custom mixed to match photos (not very many of these) and I used PolyScale acrylics airbrushed freehand to duplicate the striking low-vis paint scheme on the Indonesian Scooters. Colors are a light grey overall with a medium blue and medium brown pattern, and makes for a very pretty aircraft when done.

Armament for my Indonesian A-4 consists of a centerline drop tank, inner wing TERs (Triple Ejector Racks) with a pair of 500lb MK82 “slicks” on each (they couldn’t fit 3 bombs on the TER when hung on the A-4 because it interfered with the main gear doors) and a single MK82 on each outer wing pylon. This conversion was considerably more involved than the PTM, but thankfully the excellent Cutting Edge conversion set makes it much easier, and is highly recommended.

What’s New In Town

…Continued from page 4

XOTIC-72

1/72 Polikarpov I-152

1/72 Mitsubishi F1M1 "Pete"

1/72 Hawker Typhoon IB

1/72 Consolidated B-32 "Dominator"

1/72 Savoia-Marchetti SM-82

1/72 Ki-32 "Mary"

1/72 Rogozarski IK-3

1/72 Kawasaki Ki-10 Perry

1/72 Nakajima E8N2 Dave

1/72 Curtiss SC-1 Seahawk

1/72 RO-37

1/72 RO-43

1/72 Fiat RS-14

1/72 Fokker T-V

1/72 Goodyear F2G Super Corsair

1/72 E15K1 Norm

1/72 Kokusai Ki-76 Stella

1/72 Savoia-Marchetti SM-84

1/72 Dornier Do-22

CLASSIC WARSHIP BOOKS

KM Bismarck

H.M.S. Hood

CONCORD PUBLICATIONS

Panzers of the Ardennes Offensive 1944-45

Special Ops Journal Of The Elite Forces &Swat Units #27, Victory In Baghdad

Achtung Panzer: The German Invasion of France and the lower Countries

GINTER BOOKS

Curtiss XBT2C-1 Bomber/Torpedo Aircraft Prototype 1945

HALL PARK BOOKS

Boulton Paul Defiant

KAGERO PUBLISHING

JG 52 Volume I

JG 1 "Oesau" 1939-1943

OSPREY PUBLICATIONS

WW II US Army Fighter Modeling Masterclass

Bell UH-1 Huey "Slicks" 1962-75

British Battlecruisers 1939-45

Chieftain Main Battle Tank 1965-2003

M60 Main Battle Tank 1960-91

Albatros D.III (OAW) & Tropical

‘The German Arabian’

By: Steve Lawson

License built fighter aircraft have always been a fascinating subject for modelers. Eduard's 1/48 scale Albatros D.III (OAW), kit #8038 was a logical step for them to make. Even in early issues of the standard Albatros D.III kit #8017, many examples had both the standard Johannistahl rudder and the OAW *Schneidemühl rudder. Some fewer examples not only had the Top Wing seen on the early Johannistahl [Johannistahl stands for the City in which the factories were located.] examples but even had the Top wing with the off set radiator seen on both the late Johannistahl and all OAW Schneidemühl airframes. OAW stands for the ‘East Albatros Works.'

Since the basic or Standard version (kit #8017) in this series has been sold out this review will include a revisit of the general build, the variations of the OAW version (#8038) and also discuss the Eduard aftermarket etched metal set #48217. A sub-variation of both the Standard and OAW versions is the ‘Tropical.' As will be seen in the included end overview commentary the OAW ‘Tropical' saw service in Palestine and in the Dardanelles in Turkey. Eduard's aftermarket fret includes the parts needed to do the ‘Tropical.'

Step 1.) The Firewall (A 31), Ammunition Boxes (A 5) and Empty Belt Collector (A 21). Are brought together into one unit. The Rudder Bar (A 14) needs wire half loops over the footrests. The Instrument Panel (A 13) is too long so cut it and add a triangle wedge at its base to act as a small shelf and the addition of a fuel gauge .to rest on it. The Hand Pump (A 17) to pressurize the fuel tank needs an air line running forward. The Control Yoke (A 12) is a little crude for this fine of a kit I suggest replacement one From a Copper State Models Fret or Tom's Modelworks Brass fret #210 has a fine example that with modification to the Control Column (A 18) head ("C" shaped) will render a beautiful piece. This kit does not have lap or shoulder harnesses and these I added next from spares but again Tom's has some nice items. I added Tachometer and Compass faces as well using one of the Eduard Alb. D.V sets that come in pairs. The Starter Magneto (A 9) is too thick and needs a lever crank. Again the Eduard Alb.D.V kits have extras. The Flooring (A 23) should be shortened by 2/3 fore to aft and keep the front section with the notch for the control column. The lower step on (A 4) can be used to support the fine wire that will simulate the rudder and elevator cables at their aft ends.

Step 2.) The generic Motor Assembly (A 24 & B 4, 5, 10 &11) needs Spark Plug Wires by adding short sections of .008 brass wire. Forward of the Firewall (A 31) you need to add a fuel tank built up from 2 @ .060 laminated scrap plastic pieces. The Cylinders should have their Water Jackets (cylinder outer shells) painted a dark gunmetal as if it were blued metal. I altered the Spandau machine guns (B 18) by cutting off the solid plastic jackets and adding etched metal fluted type again from Eduard set #48217. There is some evidence that the Mercedes 170hp D.IIIa and the180hp D.IIIaü were both installed in the various OAW batches.

Step 3.) Shear off the forward stubs on the lower wings (B 2 & 3) and drill 18-inch holes in their place. Then insert a solid brass pin into drilled out forward holes through both sides of the united Fuselage Halves (A 2 & 3.) Leave the rear set of stubs on the Lower Wings intact to act as locators. This provides a rigid structure to hang the wings from. While you’re in the area there is a vertically scribed line between the forward engine compartment vent and the rear edge of the cowling ring. It needs to be filled and sanded smooth. Lay common masking tape over the details you want to save and then sand and fill with gap filling "Super Glue" cynoacrylate.

Step 4.) After I drill all the appropriate holes to accept the rigging lines (monofilament) I finished the upper surface of the lower wings and then the lower surface of the upper wing then mate the pair using the "V" shaped outer wing struts (A 27-28) and a jig constructed from "Lego blocks". This will allow for you to construct the cabane struts from metal( brass is good) rod and rig as you go.. Alignment is critical to a kit like this.

Reverse the order of Steps 5&6 .) For the control horns I disregarded the kit items and again used Tom's #210 fret for Albatros fighters. Also when it comes to the landing gear I replaced all kit pieces (A 14-15 & 25-26) with metal rod for strength and scale thickness. Remember also that the weakest point of "V" type undercarriages is the side to side twist. This is eliminated with metal rod to the largest degree.. Use nylon thread to loop around the area where the axle meets the undercarriage "U" . This represents the bungee shock absorber cords on the real a/c and also provides contact and stability for the axle. I added a laminated wood propeller that I built and drilled out the exhaust horn opening.

Over view of Turkey and Palestine:

The old Cross & Cockade USA had some great stuff on the Turkish & Palestine fronts. Vol. 11 #2,3,& 4 discusses the Ottoman Air Force and its allocated equipment. Vol. 13 #1, Pp. 15 spring 1972 has the story of Ltn. Hans Henkel. In the same issue on Pp.46-59 a nice descriptive piece on Jasta 55. and some errata appeared in Vol.14 #3, P.284. Also 'Die Deutsche Luftstreitkrafte an der Sinai und Palästina Front 1916-1918. in the title Luftwelt Vol 2 #9, #10, #11 & #12.1935 and Vol 3 #1 & 2 1936. The Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918. 12th ed. 1942. Photos that you may find of value are in the C&C USA Vol.11,#4,Pp.353,359 & 366.

The two Albatros D.III fighters first assigned to Fl.Abt. 300 were not tropical, but standard European fighters from the second production batch. These aircraft arrived in June 1917. British pilot Lt. Steele holed the rad on D.III 636/17 belonging to Fl.Abt. 300. and it was captured with its pilot Ltn. Dittmar on Oct 8 1917. The second Albatros shot down by Steele is unconfirmed in German literature. In mid to late Oct 1917 with the arrival of additional German Fl. Abt., sixteen Albatros D.III also arrived. These aircraft were later formed into " Jasta Felmy" named after their first and greatest commander , "the sportsman" Gerhard Felmy. All tropical D.III fighters were built by O.A.W. The Ottoman Army bought 31 D.III (O.A.W.) fighters from the last two production batches. The Ottoman's also had 3 D.II fighters.

Kit Decals:

The kit profiles are for D.2300/17 of Jasta 23b and another from the D.1650-1849/17 production batch in the marking of an unidentified Kest (Home Defense unit.) Camouflage:

The Albatros company's practice of camouflage was an alternation in most cases of every 50 or so machines between the painted two toned shading and the 5 colour Lozenge printed camouflage. This is the break down, generally speaking for the Albatros D.III (OAW) as noted by Mr. Dan-San Abbott.

D.1650 - 1849/17, two colour painted.

D.2362 - 2424/17, five colour printed.

D.2425 - 2599/17, two colour painted.

D.2600 - 2661/17, five colour printed.

D.3156 - 3199/17, two colour painted.

D.3200 - 3255/17, five colour printed.

D.5022 - 5071/17, two colour painted.

D.5072 - 5161/17, five colour printed.

Listed References

Albatros D.III Feasting on a Do - Do by S.T. Lawson, 2001 Model Aircraft Monthly Vol 1 #1.

Albatros D.III by P. Gray, 1966 Profile Pub Profile # 127

Albatros D.III (OEF) by Peter Grosz, Windsock Datafile #19.

Albatros Scouts Described, by Chas Schaedel, 1971 Kookaburra Tech. Pub.

Albatros Fighters datafile Special by Ray Rimell, 1991 Albatros Pub. Ltd.

Lafayette Foundation Archive. Denver CO. USA.

Spandau Machine Gun by David Watts,1998 WWI Aero.

The Last Albatros by Colin Owers 1988 Aviation News Pp.216-221.

Prez Deppe

I apologize for missing last month’s meeting, but I have just about the perfect excuse for it: it was “TED’s” fault. When I showed up for work that Wednesday morning, my nice Atlanta turn, which would have gotten me home by 4:00 in great shape for attending our meeting, had been changed to an Indianapolis turn that returned me at 7 o’clock. Not only did TED ruin my evening plans, but “he” kept me cooling my heals at DIA for about four hours since my trip departure went from 0850 to 1230. As you can imagine, I was not a happy camper that day and it was all I could do to keep my evil twin “Chuckie” from bursting out with a vengeance. I will do my best to make sure I have no trips scheduled to conflict with future meeting dates.

Speaking of DIA, congratulations go out to Chuck Stout, Jennifer Jordan, and Alan Espenlaub on their “Centennial of Flight” exhibit on the walkway to the A concourse out at the airport. The models, graphics, and display artifacts are nicely done, well organized, and a pleasure to view. “Centennial of Flight” will be on exhibit until January 6^th, so if you have an occasion to travel out to DIA between then and now, make the effort to see Chuck, Jennifer, and Alan’s handiwork (you do not have to endure a security check to do so).

A salute is also in order for our own Al Gonzalez on his success at the “Mountain Post Armor Show” held at Fort Carson on November 17^th. Al gathered in a Best Diorama award for his “Wading Sherman” project and also got a 2^nd place award for an “Invasion of France” scene. Additionally, Al achieved a Gold ward for a German 1500 Radio Car, and a Bronze for an SS 6^th Mountain Division trooper figure. And if that wasn’t enough, he also managed to pull in one of the contest door prizes. Congratulations Al and thanks for representing IPMS Denver in such a splendid manner. [A special mention should go out to Al’s wife for letting him attend the Ft. Carson show in spite of the fact it was their Wedding Anniversary that day. Best wishes to you both in recognition of that special occasion.]

I also should mention that Mark Persichetti garnered a Gold ward for his classic (and ubiquitous) Renwal M60 tank with the crew figures that pop up like prairie dogs when the gun barrel is manipulated. There is a suspicion this was perhaps an “honorary” ward along the line of rewarding the “bad penny” that keeps showing up.

So, unless “TED” interferes with my life once again, I look forward to seeing you all in December and participating in the “Cut-throat Gift Exchange” once again. Bring something that you would want to find under the tree Christmas morning. Above all, though, best wishes to all of you for a happy holiday season.

Classified Ads

CALL FOR ARTICLES

My cache of articles is running low and I could sure use some new ones: buildups, kit reviews, book reviews, museum reviews, how-to articles, etc. etc. etc. Get those articles written and then either snail mail or e-mail them to me!

I use Windows98 to produce the newsletter so articles via email can be Microsoft Word, plain text, or PDF format. Thanks!

Also, if you have a favorite website, drop me a line and we’ll put it in the Website of the Month section.

Shawn R Schwaller

20836 E. Belleview Pl.

Aurora, CO 80015-6423

Email: schwall@worldnet.att.net

Website Of The Month

Michael Mitchel supplied the following link to San Antonio Hobbies, located in Mountain View, California. Check out the store below!

www.sahobby.com

Upcoming Presentations

Contact either Prez Deppe or Editor Schwaller (Contact info on last page of newsletter) to schedule a presentation.

December: Annual Gift Exchange

January: 1^st Annual IPMS/Denver In-Club Contest.

February: <open>

March: <open>

April: <open>

Calendar Of Events

December 3 – Club Meeting; 7:00pm, Burt Chevrolet, Denver

December 17 – Deadline for January newsletter submissions

December 25 – CHRISTMAS!

January 7 – Club Meeting; 7:00pm, Burt Chevrolet, Denver

January 21 – Deadline for February newsletter submissions

If you have contest dates or other dates of modeling interest, please send them to the newsletter editor for placement on the Calendar of Events

Find our newsletter online at: www.us-aircraft.com