smart choice keeping the jjds. plus a like the ground figures and stands that can augment your dispalys
Knights of the Sky (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter MCKENNA77
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smart choice keeping the jjds. plus a like the ground figures and stands that can augment your dispalys
JJD has just announced a new Eindecker, a crashed one, that is pretty neat. It is a bit of an unusual take on the aircraft line for him, but one that has possibilities for great dios. It looks like it can be either the vertical crash as illustrated, or maybe, if separate from the ground base, can also just sit on it's landing gear. Either is highly useful for different scenarios.
As there is no serial # that I can see in the photos, I cannot ID it as a specific pilot's aircraft. Maybe the # is clear with a hands-on exam, or maybe it's just supposed to be a generic representation. At any rate, the markings of the black/white fuselage band and the black rudder ID the aircraft as belonging to Armee Abteilung Gaede (AAG) and it's various units, such as Feldflieger Abteilung 48, Kampfeindecker Hafabteilung FFA 9b (operating in the Colmar North sector), and KeK Ensiheim. Pilots such as Kurt Wintgens and Eduard Bohme are known to have flown in these units in aircraft marked similar to this. Time period is mid 1915 to early 1916. I especially like the early style maltese cross with the very thin waist flaring out to the wide cross ends. Very nice detail, as is JJD's hallmark. -- Al
As there is no serial # that I can see in the photos, I cannot ID it as a specific pilot's aircraft. Maybe the # is clear with a hands-on exam, or maybe it's just supposed to be a generic representation. At any rate, the markings of the black/white fuselage band and the black rudder ID the aircraft as belonging to Armee Abteilung Gaede (AAG) and it's various units, such as Feldflieger Abteilung 48, Kampfeindecker Hafabteilung FFA 9b (operating in the Colmar North sector), and KeK Ensiheim. Pilots such as Kurt Wintgens and Eduard Bohme are known to have flown in these units in aircraft marked similar to this. Time period is mid 1915 to early 1916. I especially like the early style maltese cross with the very thin waist flaring out to the wide cross ends. Very nice detail, as is JJD's hallmark. -- Al
ivanmoe
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Pilfered and up-sized some images from the JJ/KotS release thread...
What appears to be an Injured Pilot and GGC helper:
And what appears to be a Feuerwehr Trupp:
Coming to us soon, me hopes.
BTW, I really miss the "intel" section at the old JJD/UK website.
-Moe
What appears to be an Injured Pilot and GGC helper:
And what appears to be a Feuerwehr Trupp:
Coming to us soon, me hopes.
BTW, I really miss the "intel" section at the old JJD/UK website.
-Moe
Jack
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I have uploaded these photographs on this thread as this is where a WW1 aircraft afficionado needs to hang out. If people prefer it elsewhere I am sure the mods will be happy to find it a more appropriate home.
I just visited the Brussels military museum. It is a real gem of a museum. The first half is the old style museum that we all remember crammed packed with loads of stuff in big old wooden cabinets. The WW1 exhibition was almost the antithesis of that style in that it was really cutting edge. It was great to see two very different types of displays one after the other. The aircraft hall was a large old building packed with aircraft. I will load up some photographs over the next day or so.
Caudron GIII 1914 and the Sopwith 1/1/2 Strutter v1916 are the two lesser known planes amongst the first three.
Regards
Jack
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I just visited the Brussels military museum. It is a real gem of a museum. The first half is the old style museum that we all remember crammed packed with loads of stuff in big old wooden cabinets. The WW1 exhibition was almost the antithesis of that style in that it was really cutting edge. It was great to see two very different types of displays one after the other. The aircraft hall was a large old building packed with aircraft. I will load up some photographs over the next day or so.
Caudron GIII 1914 and the Sopwith 1/1/2 Strutter v1916 are the two lesser known planes amongst the first three.
Regards
Jack
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Jack
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Spad, scruffy tourist and Camel.
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Spad, scruffy tourist and Camel.
Jack
Major
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Hanriot-Dupont HD-1 1916 and Nieuport 23 1916.
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Hanriot-Dupont HD-1 1916 and Nieuport 23 1916.
ivanmoe
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Hi Martin,
I don't believe that I've ever seen a model which adequately conveys the muscularity of the Brisift, and I've never seen one in person. That thing really does look like a beast. I find it amazing that the type had such excellent performance given the limitations of the powerplants fo the times. Thanks for posting this.
-Moe
Martin, great shots and many thanks for posting them. It is something of a treat to see these aircraft in their Belgian markings. Only the Caudron was in French colors. Gives an indication of how Belgian made use of any and all different types of aircraft that it could get from their allies. Good shots as they also convey just how small and fragile looking these aircraft are. -- Al
ivanmoe
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ACE-23 arrived yesterday. It's a great little model, and I thought that I'd post some pics of it for our readers. First, here are some basic images of the Jenkins' Immelmann Fokker E.III:
Zoomed out a bit, I think that most of our readers will agree that there's little to offend the eye here. Perhaps the most compelling image is the first one. Any head-on shot like that will reveal problems with the bracing or anything else that's askew. This one looks great, IMO. Oh, and note the little brass-looking thingy on the port wing. That's Jenkins' interpretation of an anemometer adapted for use as an airspeed sensor, a good one I believe, and a marvelous testament to how primitive aviation technology was in 1915.
More to follow below...
Zoomed out a bit, I think that most of our readers will agree that there's little to offend the eye here. Perhaps the most compelling image is the first one. Any head-on shot like that will reveal problems with the bracing or anything else that's askew. This one looks great, IMO. Oh, and note the little brass-looking thingy on the port wing. That's Jenkins' interpretation of an anemometer adapted for use as an airspeed sensor, a good one I believe, and a marvelous testament to how primitive aviation technology was in 1915.
More to follow below...
Moe, brilliant pics. Very sharp and they show all the great detail to good effect. This appears to be another JJD home run. I am just impressed all to heck with the accuracy John has achieved. He nailed the rudder shape and the machine turned effect on the metal cowl is superb. Congratulations on the acquisition. -- Al
ivanmoe
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Next, I'll post some detail shots. I wouldn't do this to most vehicle or aircraft replicas from TS-makers, BTW. The results would be disappointing for many, I'm afraid. However, Jenkins does a lot right in this regard, so let's give him his due. A drum-roll, please...:wink2:
Wow, how about that prop! I recall John writing once that he wasn't happy with his early propeller efforts. Well darned if he hasn't got this aspect of modeling sorted out. The engine is rendered nicely, and strikes me as his best rotary to date. The rigging and undercarriage are nice and square. Finally, that's not a patina on the engine cowling and forward fuselage. Rather, it depicts sheet metal that's been mechanically clad in pure aluminum. Perhaps the most famous such application was on The Spirit of St Louis, BTW:
But, I digress...
More detail pics of ACE-23:
Having beaten-up on JJD for it's cockpits in the past, let me now genuflect in praise of this most recent effort. Not too many months back, I was gushing over the instrumentation in a brass S.E.5a that I had purchased. Well, IMO, Jenkins' are just as good. I particularly like the "compass" mounted on the starboard wing near the cockpit in the first pic above. Other notable detail in this region of the model comes in the form of a nice pulley atop the (perhaps over-sized) cabane support-strut. The stenciling is excellent, and JJ has once again delivered an excellent job with a jacketed weapon, it's little "Spandau MG." Finally, very evident is Jenkins interpretation of the aluminum-clad sheet metal surfaces, an affect which effectively mimics like surfaces of the image below:
More below...
Wow, how about that prop! I recall John writing once that he wasn't happy with his early propeller efforts. Well darned if he hasn't got this aspect of modeling sorted out. The engine is rendered nicely, and strikes me as his best rotary to date. The rigging and undercarriage are nice and square. Finally, that's not a patina on the engine cowling and forward fuselage. Rather, it depicts sheet metal that's been mechanically clad in pure aluminum. Perhaps the most famous such application was on The Spirit of St Louis, BTW:
But, I digress...
More detail pics of ACE-23:
Having beaten-up on JJD for it's cockpits in the past, let me now genuflect in praise of this most recent effort. Not too many months back, I was gushing over the instrumentation in a brass S.E.5a that I had purchased. Well, IMO, Jenkins' are just as good. I particularly like the "compass" mounted on the starboard wing near the cockpit in the first pic above. Other notable detail in this region of the model comes in the form of a nice pulley atop the (perhaps over-sized) cabane support-strut. The stenciling is excellent, and JJ has once again delivered an excellent job with a jacketed weapon, it's little "Spandau MG." Finally, very evident is Jenkins interpretation of the aluminum-clad sheet metal surfaces, an affect which effectively mimics like surfaces of the image below:
More below...
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More great photos. This Eindecker is looking better and better. Really nailed the turned cowling and the prop looks like real wood. Compare this prop to the prop on the early JJD red Richthofen tripe. Miles ahead. I like the way the central support struts go into the metal decking, not just sit on it. -- Al
ivanmoe
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Moving on, here's a pic of ACE-23's fuselage:
I'm posting this so as to highlight the modest "blousing-effect" that Jenkins uses to simulate canvas over wood. Let me note also, the stenciling and markings that are always so believable on his replicas.
Now, let's take a look at the tail surfaces:
I find the the workmanship back here to be absolutely first-rate. The definition of the parts is very fine, the control-surface cabling simply exquisite, and the paint and marking superb. Oh, and note, once again, the subtle canvas effects on the fuselage. The simulated grommets and stitching are also well done. Finally, check out the elevator "horn" near the rudder. That looks so real; I almost expect it to start rotating!
Well, there you have it folks. ACE-23 is another terrific little model airplane from John Jenkins Designs. It's well conceived and beautifully executed. However, it's more than that. You see, I've watched Jenkins' models evolve over the years now. Subtle changes have appeared in the replicas, nearly always for the better. With the appearance of its Immelmann Fokker E.III, I can state pretty unequivocally that Jenkins continues to grow as a modeler and a manufacturer. IMO, his replicas have always been the best in the TS-business. The appearance of items like ACE-23 will certainly serve to keep his work at the top of my shopping list.
Happy Toy Pilot Collecting Everyone,:wink2:
-Moe
I'm posting this so as to highlight the modest "blousing-effect" that Jenkins uses to simulate canvas over wood. Let me note also, the stenciling and markings that are always so believable on his replicas.
Now, let's take a look at the tail surfaces:
I find the the workmanship back here to be absolutely first-rate. The definition of the parts is very fine, the control-surface cabling simply exquisite, and the paint and marking superb. Oh, and note, once again, the subtle canvas effects on the fuselage. The simulated grommets and stitching are also well done. Finally, check out the elevator "horn" near the rudder. That looks so real; I almost expect it to start rotating!
Well, there you have it folks. ACE-23 is another terrific little model airplane from John Jenkins Designs. It's well conceived and beautifully executed. However, it's more than that. You see, I've watched Jenkins' models evolve over the years now. Subtle changes have appeared in the replicas, nearly always for the better. With the appearance of its Immelmann Fokker E.III, I can state pretty unequivocally that Jenkins continues to grow as a modeler and a manufacturer. IMO, his replicas have always been the best in the TS-business. The appearance of items like ACE-23 will certainly serve to keep his work at the top of my shopping list.
Happy Toy Pilot Collecting Everyone,:wink2:
-Moe
Old Bill
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Stunning photo's of what has to be John's best "Knights of the Sky" yet - Double Whammy!!
It's (primitive) forerunner, the Roland Garros Morain-Saulnier with it's propeller fitted deflector plates would be a nice companion piece.
Cheers,
Roy
It's (primitive) forerunner, the Roland Garros Morain-Saulnier with it's propeller fitted deflector plates would be a nice companion piece.
Cheers,
Roy
I'd go for that. I'd like to see Garros' 'N' Morane and the high-wing parasol 'L' Morane, which was used as the first French fighter plane. Nearly all the early French aces started out in the 'L'. -- Al
Great review, Moe. Many thanks. I will be getting the Eindecker as soon as I can as a matter of course, but the detailed photos and review would have made a convert of me if I hadn't already been an addict.:wink2:{sm3} Thought the pilot in the pickelhaube an inspired touch. Nothing says WW1 like a pointy helmet!^&grin -- Al
ivanmoe
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Hi Al,
For me, the big takeaway from viewing the model "in the flesh" is the realization that Jenkins' models continue to improve. They've always been the best thing going in terms of scale and finish. However, it's obvious that he's committed to "upping his game" even further. Throw in display support in the form of all those figure and vehicle sets, and this is one fabulous range to be collecting.
-Moe
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ivanmoe
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Thanks Roy. Gotta be honest about something, though. If you gave me a list of WWI aircraft, and asked me to pick my favorite...well...the Eindecker might not make the top ten. In fact, pics that I've seen of the real thing sort of remind me of an underfed, winged-serpent. However, Jenkins has done a terrific job with it. Oh, and it looks really awesome on the "TALL" stand that Jenkins started selling late last year.^&cool As to the companion piece, I don't care what it is, so long as the model shows the same level of commitment to quality and detail that we see in ACE-23. That's not to say that I couldn't get jones'd-up about a Nieuport 11. I'm just sayin'...!
-Moe