New Releases for June 2018 - The Great War (1 Viewer)

[jjDesigns]

NEW RELEASES FOR JUNE 2018
THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918





GWB-19C
THE GREAT WAR, 1914-1918,
Royal Engineers Signal Service(RESS),
DESPATCH RIDER ON MOTORBIKE,
(1pc)

In the British Army, motorcycle despatch riders were first used in the World War I by the Royal Engineers Signal Service. When the War Department called for motorcyclists to volunteer with their machines for despatch work at the start of August 1914, the response was huge
The London office had 2000 more applicants than places, and a similar response was reported in regional centres around the country. If a rider and machine were approved then £10 was paid immediately, £5 to be paid on discharge (unless due to misconduct), and pay was 35s per week. The motor cycle would be taken over at valuation price, or would be replaced with a new one at the close of operations. Enlistment was for one year or as long as the war might last. The preference was for 500cc single cylinder machines and the horizontally-opposed twin cylinder. All machines had to have a "change speed gear". A list of spare parts was also required to be carried.



GWB-19D
THE GREAT WAR, 1914-1918,
SIGNPOST.
(1pc)

**PLEASE NOTE A NEW EXCITING GREAT WAR SET WILL BE PREVIEWED AT THE ONTARIO MODEL SOLDIER SOCIETY ANNUAL SHOW IN TORONTO ON 16th JUNE 2018**

 

[jjDesigns]

KNIGHTS OF THE SKIES



The LFG Roland C.II, usually known as the Walfisch (Whale), was an advanced German reconnaissance aircraft of World War I. It was manufactured by Luft-Fahrzeug-Gesellschaft G.m.b.H.
LFG, later changed their name to Roland to avoid confusion with LVG (Luft-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft).
They were responsible for some of the most aerodynamic and innovative aircraft designs of the Great War. The “Walfisch” was designed as aerodynamically as possible at the time, which resulted in a smooth fuselage featuring many compound curves and mounting the top wings to the fuselage to avoid drag from the struts.



ACE-50
KNIGHTS OF THE SKIES,
LFG ROLAND CIIa,
WESTERN FRONT 1916.
(2 pcs)


The C.II had much lower drag than comparable aircraft of its time. It featured a monocoque fuselage built with an outer skin of two layers of thin plywood strips at an angle to each other (known as a Wickelrumpf, or "wrapped body" design)
This had both lower drag and better strength per weight than typical aircraft of the time, but it was relatively slow and expensive to build. (This approach was further developed in the de Havilland Mosquito of World War II.) The deep fuselage completely filled the vertical gap between the wing panel center sections, eliminating any need for cabane struts commonly used in biplanes, and gave the aircraft its "whale" nickname. Struts and wires were reduced, without suffering the weight penalty of cantilever wings, like those used on the pioneering all-metal Junkers J 1 of late 1915. There was even some attempt to flair the wings into the fuselage, to eliminate dead air space, a feature prominently missing from the Schneider Trophy contestants of the following decade. The engineer in charge of the design was Tantzen, who was a student of Ludwig Prandtl, the founder of mathematical aerodynamics and the one to introduce the concept of boundary layer.

The C.II was powered by a single 160 hp (120 kW) Mercedes D III, providing a top speed of 165 km/h (103 mph), a ceiling of 4,000 metres (13,000 ft) and an endurance of four hours.





The C.II entered service in the spring of 1916. Operationally, handling was reported as difficult but performance was relatively good. Due to the crew positions with eyes above the upper wing, upward visibility was excellent, but downward visibility was poor. It was also used in a fighter escort role and had a crew of two, pilot and observer/gunner.
Because of its speed, when it was first introduced, it could be intercepted only from above. Because of the lack of downward visibility, it was best attacked by diving below and coming up at it
Albert Ball, whose first victim was a C.II, said in the latter half of 1916 that it was "the best German machine now".



**PLEASE NOTE PILOTS AND CREW FOR THE ROLAND CIIa WILL BE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE**

 

[lancer]

KNIGHTS OF THE SKIES

View attachment 232985

The LFG Roland C.II, usually known as the Walfisch (Whale), was an advanced German reconnaissance aircraft of World War I. It was manufactured by Luft-Fahrzeug-Gesellschaft G.m.b.H.
LFG, later changed their name to Roland to avoid confusion with LVG (Luft-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft).
They were responsible for some of the most aerodynamic and innovative aircraft designs of the Great War. The “Walfisch” was designed as aerodynamically as possible at the time, which resulted in a smooth fuselage featuring many compound curves and mounting the top wings to the fuselage to avoid drag from the struts.

View attachment 232986

ACE-50
KNIGHTS OF THE SKIES,
LFG ROLAND CIIa,
WESTERN FRONT 1916.
(2 pcs)


The C.II had much lower drag than comparable aircraft of its time. It featured a monocoque fuselage built with an outer skin of two layers of thin plywood strips at an angle to each other (known as a Wickelrumpf, or "wrapped body" design)
This had both lower drag and better strength per weight than typical aircraft of the time, but it was relatively slow and expensive to build. (This approach was further developed in the de Havilland Mosquito of World War II.) The deep fuselage completely filled the vertical gap between the wing panel center sections, eliminating any need for cabane struts commonly used in biplanes, and gave the aircraft its "whale" nickname. Struts and wires were reduced, without suffering the weight penalty of cantilever wings, like those used on the pioneering all-metal Junkers J 1 of late 1915. There was even some attempt to flair the wings into the fuselage, to eliminate dead air space, a feature prominently missing from the Schneider Trophy contestants of the following decade. The engineer in charge of the design was Tantzen, who was a student of Ludwig Prandtl, the founder of mathematical aerodynamics and the one to introduce the concept of boundary layer.

The C.II was powered by a single 160 hp (120 kW) Mercedes D III, providing a top speed of 165 km/h (103 mph), a ceiling of 4,000 metres (13,000 ft) and an endurance of four hours.

View attachment 232987

View attachment 232988

The C.II entered service in the spring of 1916. Operationally, handling was reported as difficult but performance was relatively good. Due to the crew positions with eyes above the upper wing, upward visibility was excellent, but downward visibility was poor. It was also used in a fighter escort role and had a crew of two, pilot and observer/gunner.
Because of its speed, when it was first introduced, it could be intercepted only from above. Because of the lack of downward visibility, it was best attacked by diving below and coming up at it
Albert Ball, whose first victim was a C.II, said in the latter half of 1916 that it was "the best German machine now".

View attachment 232989

**PLEASE NOTE PILOTS AND CREW FOR THE ROLAND CIIa WILL BE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE**

Absolutely un-freakin'-believable! A Roland 2-seater! This is simply fantastic and an excellent choice for John to move into the world of 2-seaters. This is a must-have of the highest order for me. I really wanted the TGM version but it was out of my price range (by quite a bit), so this is my good fortune. Been a while since I got this excited about an airplane (well, maybe a month or so:tongue, but I will have this one. -- Al

 

[lancer]

Some additional info on the Walfisch: Von Richthofen flew and fought in this type (although the JJD aircraft is not his particular plane). In March, 1916, he was assigned to Kasta 8 of Kagohl II, as a two-seater pilot. On April 26, 1916, Richthofen and his observer engaged a French Nieuport in combat. Richthofen shot the Frenchman down near Fleury. It was his second aerial victory, even though like his first victory, it was not officially confirmed. His aggressiveness resulted in his also being allowed to fly the Eindecker III and he flew both types in action until June, 1916, when the unit moved to the Eastern front.
The Walfisch was so fast for it's time that it was actually faster than the DH-2 and equal to the Nieuport 11 and so was used as a fighter on occasion. The new JJD Walfisch will look great in an airfield display alongside the JJD Eindeckers. It will also look great in air combat against the DH-2 and especially the Albert Ball Nieuport 17 (ACE-06). -- Al

 

[ivanmoe]

It's one ugly airplane, but the field of fire from the observer's weapon must have been a real challenge to any assailant attempting a conventional attack. Nice addition to the collection, but there were many types that would have been easier on the eyes than this one.

-Moe

 

[villagehorse]

Great the bike and sign post to complete the set, a little beauty. Robin.

 

[lancer]

It's one ugly airplane, but the field of fire from the observer's weapon must have been a real challenge to any assailant attempting a conventional attack. Nice addition to the collection, but there were many types that would have been easier on the eyes than this one.

-Moe

Well, it was nicknamed the 'Whale'. Maybe not gorgeous, but definite Albatros-like lines, perhaps a bit heavier in the middle (like many of us), but still capable of putting up a fight.:wink2:^&grin -- Al

 

[Combat]

Some additional info on the Walfisch: Von Richthofen flew and fought in this type (although the JJD aircraft is not his particular plane). In March, 1916, he was assigned to Kasta 8 of Kagohl II, as a two-seater pilot. On April 26, 1916, Richthofen and his observer engaged a French Nieuport in combat. Richthofen shot the Frenchman down near Fleury. It was his second aerial victory, even though like his first victory, it was not officially confirmed. His aggressiveness resulted in his also being allowed to fly the Eindecker III and he flew both types in action until June, 1916, when the unit moved to the Eastern front.
The Walfisch was so fast for it's time that it was actually faster than the DH-2 and equal to the Nieuport 11 and so was used as a fighter on occasion. The new JJD Walfisch will look great in an airfield display alongside the JJD Eindeckers. It will also look great in air combat against the DH-2 and especially the Albert Ball Nieuport 17 (ACE-06). -- Al

It would be cool to have an entire line of all Von Richthofen's planes.

 

[BHogan]

**PLEASE NOTE A NEW EXCITING GREAT WAR SET WILL BE PREVIEWED AT THE ONTARIO MODEL SOLDIER SOCIETY ANNUAL SHOW IN TORONTO ON 16th JUNE 2018**

I'll be at this show and looking forward to seeing this "surprise" set.

Brendan

 

[lancer]

It would be cool to have an entire line of all Von Richthofen's planes.

There were quite a few, many of which he never scored in. Before becoming a full-blown fighter pilot, he was an observer in a A.E.G. II and was a pilot in such types as the LVG C.II, the LFG Roland C.II (the new JJD release), and the Albatros C.III. After moving to fighters, he flew in Eindeckers (probably 2 different ones), a Fokker D.I, moving to the Albatros D.I, the Albatros D.II, the Albatros D.III, (3 different ones, at least), the Halberstadt D.V, the Albatros D.V, (at least 4 different ones), the Fokker Dr.I (at least 6 different ones) and these are just combat aircraft which doesn't include such aircraft that he flew for testing purposes or for moving from airfield to airfield, or to go on official business or leave. It would be neat to at least have representatives of the Albatros models, and maybe the oddball Fokker D.I or Halberstadt. Lots of choices.
As a matter of interest, here are Richthofen's victory totals by type:
Albatros DI, II, - 16
Albatros D.III - 37
Albatros D.V - 8
Halberstadt - 1
Triplane - 18

 

[lancer]

There were quite a few, many of which he never scored in. Before becoming a full-blown fighter pilot, he was an observer in a A.E.G. II and was a pilot in such types as the LVG C.II, the LFG Roland C.II (the new JJD release), and the Albatros C.III. After moving to fighters, he flew in Eindeckers (probably 2 different ones), a Fokker D.I, moving to the Albatros D.I, the Albatros D.II, the Albatros D.III, (3 different ones, at least), the Halberstadt D.V, the Albatros D.V, (at least 4 different ones), the Fokker Dr.I (at least 6 different ones) and these are just combat aircraft which doesn't include such aircraft that he flew for testing purposes or for moving from airfield to airfield, or to go on official business or leave. It would be neat to at least have representatives of the Albatros models, and maybe the oddball Fokker D.I or Halberstadt. Lots of choices.
As a matter of interest, here are Richthofen's victory totals by type:
Albatros DI, II, - 16
Albatros D.III - 37
Albatros D.V - 8
Halberstadt - 1
Triplane - 18

Sorry, a small miscount; 37 victories in the Albatros D.III and 19 in the Triplanes. -- Al

 

[vincent1973]

Some additional info on the Walfisch: Von Richthofen flew and fought in this type (although the JJD aircraft is not his particular plane). In March, 1916, he was assigned to Kasta 8 of Kagohl II, as a two-seater pilot. On April 26, 1916, Richthofen and his observer engaged a French Nieuport in combat. Richthofen shot the Frenchman down near Fleury. It was his second aerial victory, even though like his first victory, it was not officially confirmed. His aggressiveness resulted in his also being allowed to fly the Eindecker III and he flew both types in action until June, 1916, when the unit moved to the Eastern front.
The Walfisch was so fast for it's time that it was actually faster than the DH-2 and equal to the Nieuport 11 and so was used as a fighter on occasion.

The new JJD Walfisch will look great in an airfield display alongside the JJD Eindeckers. It will also look great in air combat against the DH-2 and especially the Albert Ball Nieuport 17 (ACE-06).

-- Al

It says 'western front 1916', but looking at the mauve/lilac camo, which from my understanding came into use after april 1917, I would say this puts this Roland in a particular small timeframe of may-august 1917. All Roland CII's were withdrawn from frontline use by august 31 1917, making only the Sopwith triplane or a very early bird Camel possible opponents from John's current line. Just my nitpicking two cents though It looks like a great model.

 

[lancer]

It says 'western front 1916', but looking at the mauve/lilac camo, which from my understanding came into use after april 1917, I would say this puts this Roland in a particular small timeframe of may-august 1917. All Roland CII's were withdrawn from frontline use by august 31 1917, making only the Sopwith triplane or a very early bird Camel possible opponents from John's current line. Just my nitpicking two cents though It looks like a great model.

Good catch on the camo. It never occurred to me. The April, 1917 switch to dark green and lilac is correct and would date the Roland to a narrow service window. -- Al

 

[vincent1973]

Good catch on the camo. It never occurred to me. The April, 1917 switch to dark green and lilac is correct and would date the Roland to a narrow service window. -- Al

Maybe John will take notice and change either the colours to a 1916 scheme, or more easily, the designation to 'western front 1917'? That way we can display it with either a DH2 or a tripehound in full historical accuracy

 

[Vicknor]

Maybe John will take notice and change either the colours to a 1916 scheme, or more easily, the designation to 'western front 1917'? That way we can display it with either a DH2 or a tripehound in full historical accuracy

Pick mine up next week and so I doubt it.

Anyway - I think it’s a stunner and can’t wait to get it

 

[vincent1973]

Pick mine up next week and so I doubt it.

Anyway - I think it’s a stunner and can’t wait to get it

Yeah I didn't think he would^&grin

 

[lancer]

John has released different versions of the same aircraft in different colors so it is not beyond the realm of possibility that the Roland could be given this treatment in a later release. I would love to see the Roland in the overall pale sky blue scheme that was used, perhaps with the markings of Von Richthofen's Kasta 8 machine, which carried two black discs on the fuselage, a smaller one on the engine panel and a larger one on the fuselage between the pilot and observer cockpits. Anyway, the new Roland is a very attractive color scheme and I will try to get it.^&cool -- Al

 

[vincent1973]

John has released different versions of the same aircraft in different colors so it is not beyond the realm of possibility that the Roland could be given this treatment in a later release. I would love to see the Roland in the overall pale sky blue scheme that was used, perhaps with the markings of Von Richthofen's Kasta 8 machine, which carried two black discs on the fuselage, a smaller one on the engine panel and a larger one on the fuselage between the pilot and observer cockpits. Anyway, the new Roland is a very attractive color scheme and I will try to get it.^&cool -- Al

Sure, and it's indeed a very nice release. I just prefer one seater fighter planes and I've yet to get Luke's Spad XIII as long as it's still around. Choices, choices:rolleyes2:

 

[1st Rifle Brigade]

Hi all,

Had a question about the Roland CIIa. Did anyone else notice that the forward/pilot's machine gun barrel is at the top and not the bottom of the air cooling jacket. I don't remember seeing any Spandau / Maxim guns this way. Wondered if maybe it was a mistake.

Anyway, fantastic model and already have it on pre-order.

Cheers, Mark

 

[lancer]

Hi all,

Had a question about the Roland CIIa. Did anyone else notice that the forward/pilot's machine gun barrel is at the top and not the bottom of the air cooling jacket. I don't remember seeing any Spandau / Maxim guns this way. Wondered if maybe it was a mistake.

Anyway, fantastic model and already have it on pre-order.

Cheers, Mark

You have good eyes. I hadn't seen this until you posted your question. It does appear that the LMG 08/15 has indeed been assembled incorrectly. The nose cap with the protruding barrel was probably just glued on upside down. I have never seen the 08/15 inverted like this anywhere else. That said, I am not an armaments expert but the barrel on the 08/15 did run along the bottom of the cooling jacket. -- Al