1/72 KP Albatros C.III

[Rip Van Winkle]

This was a real adventure. I would not attempt this without the Windsock Datafile or some other reference. I did not secure one until I was over half finished. The instructions were sometimes a little vague. The top wing is delicate and it broke 3 times. The cabane strut forward attachment point on the fuselage is not correct. Check it before you proceed too far. The cabane struts appear to be ok in shape although I ended up scratch building mine. The tail assembly was very difficult and there were no tail struts. Part #11 was incomplete and warped(top of engine). The tail skid was incomplete and had to be scratch built. The key to this model was to get the correct dihedral for the bottom wing. When I received the datafile I had to break the wings and reset them. I set the outer wing struts and then scratch built the cabane struts. I used Vallejo dark sand and Abteilung brown wash oil for the fuselage stain. For future builds I will use Vallejo Pale sand as I think it is a better match. I could not get the oil paint to dry for the longest time. Rigging was .006 Nitinol wire. I was not pleased with the Parabellum machine gun but did not have a replacement. The model looks good once it was completed and I learned a lot. I hope that these tips can help anyone who decides to build this model. This was the most difficult KP model I have built yet. Do your homework before you start. Despite all the problems I will build another.

[AndrewR]

That's a nice job on what was obviously a bit of a nightmare kit!

[Clashcityrocker]

It's finished up looking very nice.

Nigel

[72modeler]

Despite all the trials and tribulations, it turned out great! A very nice job with the rigging, as well.It's a handsome airplane, and one with which I was not familiar; thank you also for sharing all of the kit issues withe the rest of us!
Mike

[B4en]

Very fine build, and congratulations overcoming the kit problems! You've ended up with a great looking CIII.

[VickersVandal]

Absolutely superb! You were clearly more than equal to its shortcomings.

[ShaunW]

Sounds like the build was something of a challenge, but what a superb result.

[X12A]

Fantastic work and result - I would not attempt that full stop!

[stevehed]

Despite the tribulations you've done a lovely job. Got one in the stash and was hoping it would be easier than the Pegasus version which has been temporarily shelved due to several failures to get the top wing positioned. Thanks for the honest appraisal.

[Migrant]

Looks great!

[Lone Modeller]

First class model of an early type not seen very often.