Knights of the Sky (1 Viewer)

[ivanmoe]

well i got my lowenhardt albatros out of the box and i will bew ****ed if mine isn't bowed on the right side too.

Wouldn't get too hung up on the location of the deformity. It's shouldn't be warped on either side. In making that comment, I'm just trying to keep a complex discussion as simple as possible.

Is there any recourse?

Take a pic of the model from the front, even if it's done with a smartphone. Email it to John Jenkins Designs. I don't suggest this to prove that you've got a legit complaint. Rather, JJ needs to know what's going on and to be aware of the extent of the problem. Furthermore, there's a factory involved. Without pics, all that Jenkins has to approach it with in search of a solution is anecdotes.

I have not looked at the barker camel yet.

The Barker Camel and Lowenhardt Albatros situations really do strike me as being completely different.

The last of Jenkins' Camels was manufactured with a curve in its lower wing. I know that the real aircraft has no such bow in it, but that happens all the time in the replica biz. Franklin Mint, for instance, made tens of thousands of diecast models with little or no dihedral in the wings. This made some people crazy, while others could care less. My Barker model has modestly bowed, lower-wings, and I still like it. It's not defective, per se, it's simply flawed in that aspect of its rendering. IMO, it's got the best looking paint and markings of the three JJD Camels.

The Lowenhardt Albatros wing deformation is completely different. Commenting solely on my own observations, it appears attributable to some defect in materials that can become manifest months or years AFTER a particular example was manufactured. In my experience, this occurred in the interval between my receipt of the model and my first notice of the deformity. As I mentioned in another post, I really believe that Jenkins will make this right. To that end, HELP HIM HELP US. Email him a pic of the model and a brief description of how its appearance may have changed since you acquired it.

That's about all that I can offer in the way of help or advice. I'm a collector, just like you, not one iota more.

-Moe

 

[Julie]

Dear LENSWERKS, and HAWKEYE
It has recently been brought to my attention that you both, and IVANMOE have had this Warped wing problem with the ACE-07 Albatros model.
I thank all of you who have taken the time to bring this problem to my attention, as it helps me to assess what is happening and make sure future projects do not suffer similar problems.
Please accept my sincerest apology. I can understand how upsetting and annoying this situation can be.
It has saddened me to hear about the problems with the Albatros, and if it is happening with many of the models it may be a problem of the material and manufacturing techniques we were using back then.
The Albatros was the largest plane we made, with perhaps the most flimsy wing support, and maybe in hindsight it was wrong to try the material we used, and we may have pushed the limits of what we could achieve at that time, a bit too far?
I have had one of these models returned and have discussed the problem with the factory.
If you have the new ACE-31 Albatros you will be able to see and feel the difference in the new materials we are currently using.
Using the same materials as the ACE-31, I am preparing a new production run of the ACE-07, which will be available in June next year. If you are experiencing problems with your model I will gladly exchange it for a new one, or any item we have available in stock.
If anyone is having any problems with any of their models, please do not hesitate to contact me personally, and I will do my best to take care of the situation.
I have contacted all my dealers, and your dealer should be able to put you in touch with me, or you may contact me at inquiry@johnjenkinsdesigns.com
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Best regards
john jenkins



MESSAGE FROM JOHN! I will make an addendum later today if needed after we have a chance to speak on the phone. -- Julie

 

[ccdc11]

I have the same issue as well , Way to go John in addressing the issue , and offering replacements .
Thank you

 

[King Tiger II]

Mine was purchase when they just got released and dont have any wings problems.
Cross fingers.

Thanks
Serge

 

[lancer]

Seeing as how JJD has already produced the Nieuport 17 and the Morane N, I think it would be a neat idea for John to do some Imperial Russian Air Force fighter aircraft, of which the Nieuport was a very important part, as was the Morane to a far lesser extent. Russian aces such as Kazakoff, Yanchenko, Smirnov, Suk, and Makijonek all flew different Nieuport types at some point in their careers, while Suk and Yanchenko flew a Morane at times. The Moranes were issued to Kazakov's 19th Squadron in limited numbers to augment the Nieuports. The varied personal markings of Russian flyers and especially the famous skull and crossbones tail markings of the 19th Squadron would make for an attractive aircraft. -- Al

 

[lancer]

Just received my latest JJD aircraft addition, the Udet Fokker D-7, (ACE-35B) and I must say that once again I have a new favorite aircraft. This plane is a real masterpiece in every sense of the word. The colors are subdued and thus look extremely realistic. John has improved this model over the earlier Goering version in many details, not the least of which is are corrected landing gear struts, making the Fokker sit correctly. I have to compliment the lozenge camo as it is simply beautiful in it's application and color shades. The cockpit is a detailers delight, including seat belts, instruments, and even the foot pedals. The propeller is outstanding and the thing will spin for ages when you tap it or blow on it, no stiffness whatsoever, and the radiator screen is an actual screen. The engine detail really has to be seen to be appreciated. I got the black striped version as I believe it to be more nearly correct in terms of historical accuracy. Whether the buyer picks the red stripes or the black stripes, there is no wrong here, really just a matter of what the buyer prefers, as it is just unknown which color stripe is exactly correct. Udet had black stripes on an earlier triplane and believed the design to throw off the aim of enemy pilots. The black nose, struts, and wheel discs are the unit color of Jasta 4 and so would be correct in that relation. This is a superb model in all aspects and John obviously did a lot of research on this aircraft, one which is open to different color interpretations. To top it all off, my model contained one of the famed Golden Tickets. It has been a good day. This D-7 really is a must have if you are a Fokker fan. -- Al

 

[Douglasbader]

To top it all off, my model contained one of the famed Golden Tickets. It has been a good day. This D-7 really is a must have if you are a Fokker fan. -- Al[/QUOTE]

Hi lancer,
I second all you've said. I've been collecting planes for 20 years, only WW2 1/48 models and I didn't like how small the WW1 planes looked. Then last week I decided to buy my first JJD plane and the D7 with black stripes was my choice, and like yourself, it came with a golden ticket. I'm hooked already, the painting and details are amazing, the seat belts look almost like photo etched belts. Well done JJD. I also bought the TG Udet and thought it was a great fit. Pic attached.
Cheers.

 

[ivanmoe]

This D-7 really is a must have if you are a Fokker fan. -- Al

Couldn't agree more, Al. It really is an extraordinary little replica of an important WWI aircraft. Very, very "believable," if you will, and quite an addition to any collection.^&cool

-Moe

 

[Jack]

Couldn't agree more, Al. It really is an extraordinary little replica of an important WWI aircraft. Very, very "believable," if you will, and quite an addition to any collection.^&cool

-Moe

Its no Sunderland but it is still pretty impressive!

 

[lancer]

Its no Sunderland but it is still pretty impressive!

The Fokker does have the advantage of fitting on my book shelf whereas the Sunderland is a wee bit larger. The Sunderland is an absolute beast. In fact, I'd bet the Fokker would sit nicely on the Sunderland's wing.:wink2:^&grin -- Al

 

[ivanmoe]

In fact, I'd bet the Fokker would sit nicely on the Sunderland's wing.:wink2:^&grin -- Al

It might sit nicely INSIDE the Sunderland's wing!{eek3}

-Moe

 

[Jack]

The Fokker does have the advantage of fitting on my book shelf whereas the Sunderland is a wee bit larger. The Sunderland is an absolute beast. In fact, I'd bet the Fokker would sit nicely on the Sunderland's wing.:wink2:^&grin -- Al

Mail it to me and I will check!

 

[lancer]

Mail it to me and I will check!

No can do. The D-7 has a very small range, whereas the Sunderland has a much longer reach. Perhaps you should fly the Sunderland to me so that I might make the appropriate comparisons.{sm3} -- Al

 

[Jack]

No can do. The D-7 has a very small range, whereas the Sunderland has a much longer reach. Perhaps you should fly the Sunderland to me so that I might make the appropriate comparisons.{sm3} -- Al

No worries - I will fly up from South America, over Mexico and then to you. How high is the wall?

 

[lancer]

No worries - I will fly up from South America, over Mexico and then to you. How high is the wall?

You have discovered the flaw in the whole wall thing. Much like the Atlantic Wall in WW2, there is no roof on the sucker. Fly on in anytime you have a mind to and say "Hi!".:wink2:^&grin -- Al

 

[ivanmoe]

JJD has released a couple of ground-crew sets to compliment it's offerings of French airplane models over the last year. Here's a pic of the sets with JJ's MS-N replica:

View attachment 207135

I really like the paint work on these figures. JJ really seems to have captured the spirit of these French mechanics. I hope more releases like these in coming months.

-Moe

 

[Corey121281]

Greetings Everyone:

Wanted to share a story about this series and John.

I do photography for my job and as a hobby. I make calendars to sell each year. This year I made a calendar featuring World War I aircraft that I had photographed at aviation and airshow events. The calendar came out nice and I sold several. I had a few extra left from my sales and had offered them in the trader forum, no one took me up on the offer...except John Jenkins!

John sent me an email and asked if I would send him a calendar, he would like to buy one. I packaged one up and sent it to Hong Kong. John says he has it proudly displayed on his desk. I'm thrilled to have been able to sell one to him. I love his models only though I only have a few of them. Recently I had two issues with two of the models and John went out of his way to help me and is offering to send me replacements. He is a wonderful person and it was humbling to have him think so highly of my calendar that he bought one.

Here is an example of the calendar in question, with two of his models. His models were partially the inspiration for doing the World War I theme this year




-Corey

 

[ivanmoe]

Here's another pic from my recent purchase of TP, JJD's ACE-25P, "Otto Kissenberth:"

View attachment 207195

Otto was a sure-buy for me, as he's got a dachsund-looking critter in one arm. However, what really sets the figure apart is an attribute that's not readily apparent in the promo pics, his simulated spectacles:

View attachment 207196

I'm not quite sure how Jenkins rendered the eyeware, but they are awfully convincing, simulated lenses and all, another worthy addition to my Toy-Pilot-Hall-of-Fame!

-Moe

 

[Vicknor]

Taken a few days but managed to replace the lost pictures afte the server move.

 

[ivanmoe]

Taken a few days but managed to replace the lost pictures afte the server move.

Thanks Vicknor!:salute::

-Moe