1:72 CHOROSZY MODELBUD ALBATROS D.IX, (A91),2003
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FORGOTTEN FIGHTER!
JUST one of myriad WWI 1:72 scale all-resin kits from prolific Choroszy Modelbud of Krakow, Poland. This little gem is an exacting miniature of the 1918 Albatros D.XI prototype (L41) 2209/18 (w/n 5045) that first flew in May1918*. With its tightly-cowled 80-hp Siemen-Halske rotary, 'wireless' wing geometry and spindly undercarriage it was a radical departure from previous Albatros fighter designs. It never entered production, neither did its partner 2208/18 -both performing poorly in Fighter Competitions.However, it's an interesting design that deserves a place in any collection of model Albatros fighters. This resin kit is of superb quality, finely-detailed and accurate in outline with fully-appointed cockpit. Decals and windscreen material are also included and all content is near mint.
*Reviewed in WINDSOCK International Vol. 20, No.4, July/August 2004.
THE late 1918 Albatros D.XI, of which two prototypes were built,was the company's first,and only,indigenous fighter powered by a rotary engine. Furthermore,it employed large streamlined struts supporting the wing cellule other than the usual tensioned cables. Aircraft 2208/18 and 2209/18 were powered by Siemens Halske Sh.III motors and models of both aircraft were released by Choroszy Modelbud in 2003 as their all-resin kits A90 and A91 respectively. This Polish manufacturer is rightly lauded for its highly original choice of subject and the accuracy and pure finesse of their products- these two Albatros fighters are no exceptions. With razor-sharp flying and control surfaces; ultra-fine surface detail and struts-they also provide comprehensive cockpit elements. As befits our kit,2209/18, parts include the large two-bladed airscrew, initial unbalanced ailerons and tall undercarriage legs.Stand-outs include a delicate cowling with slots that incorporates the large side cheeks that slips over the assembled fuselage with ease. Decals are generic,catering for both subjects with requisite balkenkreuze, serial numbers and tiny Albatros rudder logos in the correct colours. Our example is near mint and the various parts,many being quite small and fragile, are carefully distributed over several zip-lock polythene bags to prevent loss.
Albatros archiv: the perfect reference source for the D.XI, and seven other equally fascinating Albatros D-Type prototypes, is our very own Albatros Experimentals Special written by Peter M Grosz and published in November 1992. Many rare images; detailed general arrangement drawings in the usual two scales by Colin Owers and Ian Stair provide a truly unique compendium of these highly individual aircraft,which despite not being selected for production,nevertheless offer rare insights into 1918 German warplane design. Copies of Pete's book are available in store-please see the link below...
