Fokker D-8, kitbash

[Mitch]

Here it is,

I Built this from a die cut 200 series dr1 I had in the closet.

Built with lite tissue and planned to fly, but have not flown yet.

This is my first photo listing so I hope it works... more to follow.

Mitch

[Wildpig]

Nice! That's a neat idea to kitbash a DrI to a D8. Do you have any idea of the weight of the model?

[Mitch]

Thanks,

The model weighs in at just 100g. My Tripe weighs in at 113g.

I got the idea to do the kitbash because someone here asked if anyone does that. I had the kit, when lazer came out I bought another one and built it instead. So I had this kit laying around for quite some time then decided for the bash. The fuselage was extended. I have one more B rib than the dr1. I spaced them evenly as I knew the "paint" scheme I wanted. The wing was a challenge... I drew the wing to scale. I tried to use as many parts as I could. I cut the ribs and the center of the rib is built up with 3/32 x 1/16 and 1/16 sq strip stock.

I would not recomend to do it that way again. If I build another kitbash I would order just the sheets I need from Guillows Parts Dept.

I made the crosses from white paper and then black tissue on top of that. So the model ended up getting 3 coats of dope.

All the struts are made from wood coffee stir sticks. I glued 2 together and the ends are not even so they form a lap joint at each point of contact to the plane.

Mitch

[Wildpig]

I like the lap joint idea. Gives more contact area for the glue.
Where did you come up with the paint scheme? It's not the usual, I like it.

[Mitch]

Wildpig et al,

I get creative with supplies on the ship... I can't run down to the hobby store when I need something. Since I had to make all my wing struts... I did not want to use balsa. I laminated 2 coffee sticks. As for the "L" bracket pieces I just made full balsa sheet then cut the opening where the wing strut lined up. I used Elmer's new formula white glue. It makes a very strong bond. The first wing struts I put in were the long back ones. When it was dry I was amazed that I could handle the model and then fit the other struts in place. The landing gear was put on last.

The paint scheme is from an actual Jasta that flew these during the war. I think it was Jasta 11.

I did some engine detail with paper clips and old bent (and trimmed) T pins.

I still have to install the twin MG's and there are spots for those to go into... Then the pilot gets in and ready for take off...

Mitch

[Belmont]

Love the little face on the front.

[Mitch]

Thanks

Gota love those German Pilots, outnumbered, but they painted there airplanes anyway they wanted.

I have some info on these planes... I used some artistic license, but this is basically from a real German Pilot.

Did some extra detail work on the stock vacuform engine.

The black points on cowling and strips on wheels and eyebrows are just electrical tape. I figured that was a lot easier then masking and painting.

Mitch