Fokker D.VIII - 16" span; DPCM short run kit

Hand drawn markings on tissue

Monofilament line 'pins' provide flexibility in the LG and axle

Wing alignment jig and bracing struts

This is the DPCM laser cut 'short run kit' of the old Comet 15" dime scale model. It went together very well. It was completed in June '04.

The color scheme is based on images from WWI plastic modeler sites, but apparently cannot be substantiated without doubt. I still like it.

As is usual with many of my models, the markings are all done with gel pen, including the black fuselage bands. I'm hesitant to do such a large area of gel pen again, because the ink has 'puckered' the tissue and it doesn't appear smooth. Also, with so much ink, the possibility of ink smearing and running with misting water is really increased.

I hate bending wire, so for this model the landing gear attachment and axle is made from monofilament fishing line 'pins' that insert into pre-drilled holes in the underside of the fuselage. You can see in the photo how much flexibility this provides, as the whole LG assembly can 'rock' back and forth. The axle too, is flexible, and when the plane sits on a surface, the wheels 'toe' inwards at the top, like the real plane.

As you can imagine, the model needs a ton of nose weight to fly, and while it will never break any endurance records, it is a good, consistent flyer. It looks great in the air. I wish I had remembered to take it to Wawayanda

To see the complete line up of kits available form DPCM, you can visit Dave Cowell's site by following this link:

http://www.aerowerkes.com:80/