1/16 Fokker Dr. 1
By Ken Foran
This Fokker DRI is my first attempt at scratch building a model due to my personal dissatisfaction at the quality and accuracy of models available in the marketplace. So rather than complaining I took matters into my own hands and started scratch building. I learned a great deal in building techniques, mostly self-taught.
Brass I have learned is a tremendously beautiful medium to work in. Virtually any profile or shape is commercially available. However, its greatest asset is speed of building; no waiting for glue to set and strength once soldered together. With patience even the minutest details can be duplicated, like hose clamps, grease fittings and nameplates.
Like anything one gets better with practice. Compare this my first attempt with the Sopwith Camel my fourth; which I just finished. I benchmark myself not against others efforts; but against my own efforts and the real plane I am attempting to model.
Early flat rim and fewer spokes than French or English wheel designs.
Cocking levers rotate, breeches open and there is a round in each chamber. Gauge at lower left of seat is tachometer.
These cooling jackets were hand fabricated, before I discovered the PE ones from Tom's Modelworks.
Note fuel gauge mounted directly on tank between gun barrels.
Compass rotates in gimbals. Seat belts per original style.
Shows all metal structure of tail plane. Note wooden bearing surface for elevator tube to rub on.
Note canvas wind baffle behind pilot seat; an attempt to prevent air pressure build-up inside fuselage behind pilot. British just left an open section on underside by tailskid to allow air to flow through.
© Ken Foran
This article was published on Wednesday, July 20 2011; Last modified on Saturday, May 14 2016