Roland D-II

[Jim]

Another submission for the WW1 stable: a Roland D-II in standard German "green and mauve" plumage. About 1/60 scale. LFG Roland had a catastrophic factory fire shortly after production began in late 1916, and until the company could re-tool in new quarters, many D-IIs were built by Pfalz as a subcontractor, which led to some minor production variations in the breed, notably the characteristic "fat" iron crosses on the tail and fuselage. This model displays those.
Standard basswood construction, with laminated walnut/basswood Axial-style prop, O-ring tires, fishing line and banjo string rigging, pilot carved from hardwood dowel, and computer-printed decals. Hope you enjoy.

[Boomerang]

Well Done Jim!

A fantastic looking model.

Cheers

Gordon

[Jim]

Thank you, Gordon.

[Gearup]

A unique looking aircraft. Very colourful and complicated paint scheme ! The pilot has a good character and he seems to be trying to peer around the engine. I think I would have a word with the designer about the forward visibility for a fighter .

Great job
Fraser

[Jim]

Thank you, Fraser. The "peer around" look by the pilot is just what I was trying for. Characteristic with the type. So many of those Great War kites had design flaws and quirks the pilots and observers had to contend with. It's one of the things that make them so fascinating for me, and why I love building them.

[lastvautour]

Excellent modelling skills Jim. It is educational to see your models and hear the background information.

Lou

[Jim]

You're very kind, Lou.