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In-Box Review
148
Albatros D.III Oeffag 153
The Sire of the Pit Bull
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by: Stephen T. Lawson [ JACKFLASH ]

History:

The name Albatros derives from an Arabic word meaning “the diver.” The D.III type from this company was the sesquiplane layout of its predecessors the D.I and D.II. Entering the war in January 1917 the Albatros D.III and later D.V & Va series became the back bone of Germany’s Fliegertruppen. In the autumn of 1916, “Oesterreichische Flugzeugfabrik AG” (Oeffag) obtained a licence to build the D.III at Wiener-Neustadt. Deliveries commenced in May 1917. They were eventually built in three main versions (series 53, 153, 253) using the 185, 200, or 225hp Austro-Daimler engines respectively. The Austro-Daimler motors provided improved performance over the Mercedes D.IIIa types. For cold weather operations, Oeffag aircraft featured a “winter” cowling cover which fully enclosed the cylinder heads. Beginning with airframe 153.112, Oeffag introduced a new rounded nose that eliminated the spinner. Remarkably, German wind-tunnel tests showed that the simple rounded nose improved propeller efficiency and raised the top speed by 14km/hr. All Oeffag variants were armed with two Schwarzlose MG M.07/12 machine guns. At the request of pilots, the guns were relocated to the upper fuselage decking late in the series 253 (253.32 ) production batch.

Oeffag engineers noted the wing failures of the German D.III and modified the lower wing to use thicker ribs and spar flanges. These changes, as well as other detail improvements, largely resolved the structural problems that had plagued German versions of the D.III. Oeffag built approximately 526 D.III aircraft between May 1917 and the Armistice. After the Armistice, Poland acquired 38 series 253 aircraft, as well as several German OAW machines, and operated them in the Polish-Soviet War of 1919-20. They were primarily employed in ground attack duties. The Poles thought so highly of the D.III that they sent a letter of commendation to the Oeffag factory. The newly formed Czechoslovakian air force also obtained and operated several Oeffag machines after the war as well.

The Legend

On a black and stormy night, in the Czech Republic, lightning ripped the skies near castle Eduard. Deep in the bowels of the old north tower, the dark robed, design wizards huddled near a boiling cauldron. An aged hand spreads techno-dust over the bubbling liquid styrene it holds. In the eerie half light of the whirring, hissing and crackling machinery, switches are thrown and the hoist strains to pick up the boiling vat. Slowly it moves to a spot directly over their newest mold. Magic wands are waved and the cauldron slowly tips on edge, pouring the thick tan soup into the mold voids. Then, a thin, pale, half crazed figure in a medical smock steps up to the mold and holds his stethoscope up to the outer casing as he listens he commands, “...silence !!” One of the wizards reaches with a boney hand for the volume knob on the 1923 Philco radio and turns down the blasts of Edgar Winter’s “Frankenstein.” Moments later, suddenly the doctor cries out, “Its Alive!!! . . . its alive!!! Thus another scale wonder is born.

Eduard's # 84150 is called a Weekend kit and as such is a basic plastic only. First, I plot all the rigging lines and strut locator holes found in the instructions. Planning ahead using references and plan views will ensure your success. Pre-drill all pilot holes for each end of the struts and the rigging wires. Note also plastic parts are labeled “PP”.

Box contents:

85 plastic parts.
01 marking options, decals from Cartograph.
08 page detailed B&W instruction booklet.

The Build

Page 1. Contains the usual Multi language aircraft history and in this case one side profile with reference to the Eduard website for more complete information. Also it Has the usual parts maps for easy reference.

Page 2. The Austro-Daimler type 6, 225hp inline motor assembly. The Engine (PP X 1-3, 5-9, 10 X 2, 11 X 2, 12, 13) & (PP B 2 & 17 ). There is no main fuel, reserve fuel & oil tank assembly. Then we see the method of attachment of the engine and the typical Eduard bearing shelf to the raised edges within the engine compartment. The fuselage halves (PP C 1 & 10 )out of the box the cowling opening for the engine cylinders is larger. The cylinders should have their water jackets (cylinder outer shells) painted a dark black. The rudder bar (PP A 13 ) should have wire half loops over the foot rests. This kit does not give you photoetch switches for the air fuel selectors on the air fuel switch panel (PP A 16). The hand pump (PP A 23 ) to pressurize the fuel tank needs an air line running forward. This kit does not have lap and shoulder harness sets.

Page 3. The firewall / ammunition box (PP A 2 ) is the forward most bulkhead. The empty belt collector (PP A 10 ) goes on to the left fuselage half (PP C 10). The starter magneto is on the instrument panel (PP A 5 or B 18 ) This magneto also needs a crank / lever. The flooring (PP A 4 ) and can be used to support the fine wire that will simulate the rudder and elevator cables at their aft ends. Note the instrument panel and machine gun applications for the profile.

Page 4. Note the different attachments of the upper cockpit and forward cowlings (PP C 3) according to the build profile. The support stubs on the lower wings (PP D 1 & 8 ) are an improvement but I drill 1/8 inch holes infront of them. Then insert a solid brass pin into drilled out forward holes through both sides of the united fuselage halves (PP C 1 & 10.) Leave the support stubs on the lower wings intact to act as locator pins. This provides a rigid platform on which to add the top wing. Note the blast suppression tubes (PP B 28 X 2 ). I would slightly drill out the exhaust tube openings.

Page 5.) When constructing “biplanes or triplanes ” whatever scheme you decide to do, remember to leave the top wing,(PP D 4 ) upper surface and the lower wing (PP D 1 & 8 ) under surface unfinished. Why you ask? These are the areas that you need to apply glue to. An open flat surface is easier to work with than the narrow area between the wings. Now measure and mark the locations for each hole and drill straight through the wing the rigging holes will be about 1/16 of an inch away from the strut holes. When drilling the rigging holes note that they should be next to the strut at the appropriate angle. There should be two holes for each strut and each rigging strand. Note also that one hole can possibly hold upto 5 strands of 5-8 mil easily. Once your wings are drilled and partially finished (painted or lozenge decals) I then mate the wings using the “V” shaped outer wing struts (PP A 8 & B 4 ) 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. Do not add a scratchbuilt wind screen until the end of the build after final matt clear has been applied and dried thoroughly.

Also when it comes to the landing gear I usually replace all kit items (PP A 7,15 & 24, B 7 ) with brass replacements made from Aeroclub’s “STRUTZ” extruded brass pieces with bent and shaped brass rod for strength and scale thickness. The weakest point of “V” type undercarriages is the side to side twist. This is eliminated to the largest degree by replacing the plastic landing gear V-struts with brass rod. I use gray upholstery thread to looped several times around the area where the axle meets the undercarriage crotch and secure with cyanoacrylate (superglue.) This represents the bungee shock absorber cords on the real a/c and also provides contact and stability for the axle. I usually add a laminated wood propellor that I built. The kit item is quite nice (PP A 3) There are no photoetch drain access disks for the underside of the fuselage. I used extras from my parts bins. Note also the tail skid (PP B 15) in plastic appears too weak for a long lasting build and would recommend its replacement in brass as mentioned here earlier.

Page 6. Next you should plot all the rigging lines and strut locator holes you will need to work with, as I did in the beginning of this text. Planning ahead using references and plan views will ensure your success. Pre-drill all pilot holes for each end of the struts and the rigging wires. Don’t be afraid to take notes. There should be two holes for each wire and each strut. Drill the strut locator holes and note that sometimes a strut may share the same hole as another intersecting strut. For instance the Albatros D.III Oeffag types. Note also that lines will sometimes share the same anchor hole as well. At low speed drill straight through the adjacent fuselage or wing location next to the strut sockets at the appropriate angle. These pilot holes should follow the entry angle of the specific rigging strand into the wing area adjacent to the strut locator holes. Going from point A to point B it should be a straight line even through the wing. Note also that I don’t advocate drilling into any plastic or resin strut as this only serves to weaken it. Most real aircraft employed flange plates on the strut end caps to attach rigging lines. For the elevator control horns I usually disregard the plastic kit items and use aftermarket PE items.

Page 7. Colur profile plan view drawings for 153.27.

Page 8. Stencil / Decal locations & applications.

Kit decals:

1. 153.27, Georg Kenzian, Flik 55/J, Pergine, Winter, 1917. (See the 1st image at right). He crashed this machine in Dec. 1917 when it tipped over on its nose in the snow, probably on landing. It had the engine shroud but no spinner at the time.

Listed References:

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.
Austro-Hungarian Camouflage-Albatros (Oef) by Martin O’Connor, C&C Int.19/ #1/ Pp.23-29.
Austro-Hungarian Aircraft & Aeromotor serial numbers by D.T. Pardee, Cross & Cockade USA Vol. 24 #3 Pp.193 - 211.
Feasting on a Do-Do by S. Lawson, C&C Int. 21,#1,Pp.31-35.
"Die Albatros (Oeffag) Jagdfluzeug der K.u.K. Luftfahrtruppen" by Paul Schiemer, Weishaupt, Verlag Graz 1984 Pp. 77, 80 & 147-8.
Lafayette Foundation Archive. Platteville, CO. USA.
Notes on the Austro-HungarianFlying Corp. 1910 -1918 by Lt. Col.J.D. Thompson Cross & Cockade USA Vol. 15 #4 Pp. 281 -357.

Build notes:

"Hallo Stephen,
just had a problem with the computer. do not know if my answer got through so here it is again. No eduard did not consult me in there model planning. Obviously they used my plane as a basis. As they repeated the same inaccuracies which I had to incorporate for various reasons.

1. The hatch on the bottom side of the lower wing beneath the Vee-strut can only be found on German planes. The Austrians just covered this area with fabric. You would have to cut this open any time you inspect or grease the pulleys. that is why I used the German detail.

2. The chord length on top and bottom wing are the same on Austrian and German planes.

3. The hatch below the cockpit cutout is only on the left side. Eduard did it on the right side too. Also not all 253 series had the metal hatch on the right side behind the engine. it helps in fixing the fuel gauge connection.

4. My research had shown a different outcome in the star marking of 253.24 showing the yellow on the bottom. but I am not insisting in that. we will never know for sure.

Otherwise and especially the engine are very nice. have not build a model for more than 15 years but i still buying them. My nitpicking comments should not detract anyone to build this model. For someone(like me) who has grown up with Merit, Artiplast and aurora model it is unbelievable how the quality has developed.

cheers
koloman
Koloman Mayrhofer"

When contacting manufacturers and publishers PLEASE mention you saw this review at AEROSCALE
SUMMARY
Highs: Finely detailed and inscale design. One of the best molds on the subject in 1:48. Impressive cockpit and engine details
Lows: Some details based on a modern reproduction not on the original aircraft. Control horns slightly out of scale.
Verdict: Excellent kit with high potential. Worth anyone's investment that favors this era.
  DESIGN &DETAILS:94%
  CAMOUFLAGE & COLOUR:90%
  DECAL CHOICE:86%
Percentage Rating
90%
  Scale: 1:48
  Mfg. ID: #84150
  Suggested Retail: $ 22.95
  Related Link: Profipack review
  PUBLISHED: Apr 09, 2011
  NATIONALITY: Austria
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 90.97%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 88.59%

Our Thanks to Eduard!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Stephen T. Lawson (JackFlash)
FROM: COLORADO, UNITED STATES

I was building Off topic jet age kits at the age of 7. I remember building my first WWI kit way back in 1964-5 at the age of 8-9. Hundreds of 1/72 scale Revell and Airfix kits later my eyes started to change and I wanted to do more detail. With the advent of DML / Dragon and Eduard I sold off my ...

Copyright ©2021 text by Stephen T. Lawson [ JACKFLASH ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



Comments

Almost finished. Crosses & Datum then a touch up.
NOV 19, 2011 - 09:06 AM
Working on the final applications to this build. I am finding that the upper wing crosses are usually not outlined in white even with the Sworl camouflage. Though there were examples that had the white border these were thought to be added at the front. Undersurface and rudder crosses do seem to have white borders. Since I am doing 153.265 at its acceptance in May 1918 it won't have any Flik markings. The amount of decal sections I used on this kit (85 pcs) is on par with my efforts with the Microscupt lozenge and factory markings I did on the two 1:48 Fokker D.VII kits (106pcs each kit).
NOV 20, 2011 - 06:18 PM
Looking really nice Stephen – those sworls are most fetching! Mikael
NOV 20, 2011 - 10:49 PM
Here is is without any dulling down. From the factory floor lets do the roll out.
NOV 22, 2011 - 12:22 AM
Stephen, Must add my compliments as well..............in a word, beautiful.(and very much one of a kind) Thanks for sharing, Lance
NOV 22, 2011 - 04:38 AM
Beautiful work Stephen – I think you've captured the look really well – especially the ply body! Best Regards Mikael
NOV 23, 2011 - 08:08 PM
I bit of good news as I end this build. HGW wants to use my images for their website shots. Mirage has my images of their applied sworl camouflage on their "Facebook" account.
NOV 25, 2011 - 02:05 PM
Beautiful work Stephen! I'm very surprised how nice looks sworl camouflage decals Greetings Piotr
DEC 06, 2011 - 03:09 PM
Thank you Piotr. Here with the Eduard 1:48 #84150 Albatros D.III (Oef) I use the Hecker & Goros Austrian standing Officer in dress uniform.
DEC 06, 2011 - 06:04 PM
   
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