Beyond The Sprues
Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: Brian da Basher on October 04, 2019, 03:01:42 AM
-
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZnY29XB7/ABD-U-2-001.jpg)
As Ukraine gained its independence, it took over many facilities formerly run by Austro-Hungary. The Aviatik-Berg test center in Стрий or Stryi near Львів which is better known as Lviv was one of them.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Vk5S96P1/ABD-U-2-002.jpg)
There they found the prototype for a new Aviatik-Berg fighter which had the former Austro-Hungarian designation of D (for Döppeldecker or biplane) IV.
(https://i.postimg.cc/XJTMPspQ/ABD-U-2-003.jpg)
The test-center's new owners were elated but before it could be made ready for additional testing, it was destroyed by an attack of weasels.
(https://i.postimg.cc/vHZ7jGw2/ABD-U-2-004.jpg)
Another partially completed prototype was discovered and made flight-worthy. As this was the second Ukraine aircraft, it was re-designated U-2.
(https://i.postimg.cc/cLMsnGrZ/wrong-U-2.jpg)
Testing was completed with flying (Ukraine) colors and series production began immediately.
(https://i.postimg.cc/6qtswyfv/ABD-U-2-005.jpg)
The original prototype destroyed by weasel attacks lacked enough fin area so this was compensated for in the second version.
(https://i.postimg.cc/0ygYNDJF/ABD-U-2-006.jpg)
The aircraft was well-armed with two synchronized 11 mm Salvator-Dormouse (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvator-Dormus_M1893) machine guns mounted on the decking just behind the powerful license-built Mercedes engine produced by Gräft & Stifft. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%A4f_%26_Stift)
(https://i.postimg.cc/PqjgsSzq/ABD-U-2-007.jpg)
The Ukraine Aviatik-Berg D U-2 acquitted itself well, achieving a 3.14159265359 to 1 kill ratio and pilots said flying it was easy as Pi.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zf9ScfmZ/pi.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/fR28552F/ABD-U-2-008.jpg)
Attrition took its toll and by the end of hostilities in 1925.14159265359 only twenty of these unique machines were left on charge, being used as trainers and hacks.
(https://i.postimg.cc/prL90Q1G/ABD-U-2-009.jpg)
Unfortunately, those were destroyed during the weasel invasion of 1927 and the only thing left today is this cottage-industry conversion set intended for use with the 1/72 Revell Fokker D.VII kit.
(https://i.postimg.cc/SxxnkGSm/ABD-U-2-upper.jpg)
Only one of these conversion sets by a thankfully unknown maker is known to exist and it was used on this model which placed 3.14159265359th as a fraudulent entry submitted in the Juniors category at the Orange county PI-PMS rage and swap-meet.
(https://i.postimg.cc/2ySsV3VL/ABD-U-2-under.jpg)
The aircraft is depicted here in the not-quite famous field-applied "Fall Grunge" pattern camouflage on the wings and horizontal stabilizers. This particular Ukraine Aviatik Berg D U-2 was hastily sent into combat and still wears the test scheme on the fuselage and fin. It carries the spurious serial 197 in a transparent attempt to convince onlookers there were almost 200 of the things.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zBnMdKRg/ABD-U-2-010.jpg)
To this day the majestic lines of this Ukraine fighter still almost inspire which is indeed remarkable for an entirely fictional aircraft.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zXShJBTF/ABD-U-2-011.jpg)
This was built from a 1/72 Esci Fokker D.VII that had been done as a prototype and suffered a catastrophic accident.
(https://i.postimg.cc/8PjhbDvR/DVII-pro-011.jpg)
The upper wing was re-shaped and attached with big Airfix Lysander struts and other supports. The headrest is an F-86 drop-tank section and the horiz stabs were swiped from a derelict Avro 504. The new fin and rudder were cut from card and a new tail skid was made from bits of landing gear. The guns were swiped from a Testors Dauntless and the prop is from a Monogram F11C. Decals were mostly from an ancient Blue Rider sheet. The model was brush-painted by hand with acrylics.
(https://i.postimg.cc/k4ZqWxKP/ABD-U-2-money-01.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/1z7fYVwJ/ABD-U-2-money-02.jpg)
I hope you enjoyed the Ukraine Aviatik-Berg D U-2 and reading a little more forgotten aircraft history even if the so-called "experts" consider it just pi in the sky and think it should be doubted by you too.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Pr86Kmsr/ABD-U-2-012.jpg)
Brian da Basher
-
Love it :-* Excellent build and concept ... but what is it with these Ukrainian weasels?!
Its a pity that the Ukraine didn't name its aircraft. Apparently, the only predator of Ukrainian weasels (lasytsya / ласиця) is the fox (lysytsya / лисиця). Ideal revenge name for the U-2, чи не так?
-
Tragically, the invading weasels were not native to Ukraine and are still a problem in some parts of the country to this very day.
Brian da Basher
-
Beautiful build, back story, and concept. Let me guess, those weasels infest the eastern part of the Ukraine to this day.
-
Beautiful build, back story, and concept. Let me guess, those weasels infest the eastern part of the Ukraine to this day.
;D ;D
-
Beautiful build, back story, and concept. Let me guess, those weasels infest the eastern part of the Ukraine to this day.
the DomBasstards
Great build, Brian - I love the camo pattern on the wings.
-
great looking build