This all started with a bagged 1/72 Eduard Albatros D.V that I picked up for a couple of bucks at a fire sale a few years back. Since it's a bagged kit, there's no box art to speak of, but the paint guide is very colorful.
With typical Eduard fastidiousness, the instructions are nicely drawn and easy to follow.
If you follow these things, that is.
The kit itself is pretty simple but very well detailed for the scale.
To pull this build off, I was going to need some extra parts.
These were also from an Eduard Albatros V, but one that was a little pricier and came with more options.
One option I didn't have was leaving the front office empty so I got to work.
I added some seat belts made from kabuki tape as well as an instrument panel cut from card. This is the second W.W. I kit missing this critical piece of equipment and I'm worried they're going extinct or something. Here's how the 'pit looks all closed up. You can't see a lot of it but I think it would look empty without it.
The first modification I made was upgrading the engine. Fortunately, one swiped from a Chipmunk was a great fit.
That yawning chasm in front of the 'pit was covered with blister pack from disposable lighters.
Next I added those wings & ailerons you saw earlier and then spatted the landing gear with card.
It took me a couple of days to get this far and then it was on to paint.
The old hairy stick was trotted out again and loaded with acrylics. The wings & tail feathers were done with Polly Scale Italian Gray and the fuselage in a color I got on sale, Model Masters Sloth Brown. Flat Black and Insignia Yellow were used for the rudder stripes.
The engine and spats were painted Model Masters Primer Gray and the struts, guns and exhausts were given a custom mix. Decals were all from spares and I dearly hope the Luftwaffe doesn't want their commandeered squadron badges back.
Before I forget, here's a couple of "money shots" (U.S. penny for scale).
I'm grateful to Señor Ysi for moderating this GB and the rest of you playing along or just taking a look.
Brian da Basher