Long have we
heard the tales of the bravado and exploits of the famous World War One
Air Ace who fought the Red Baron many a time, only to fail each time.
Now,
finally, we can see what his aircraft looked like.
Many have
assumed his aircraft was shaped like a doghouse, but that was only part of
the makeup of the famed DaisyHill Aeroplane Company "Beagle"
F.1. Comprising of some components based upon the famous Sopwith Camel,
and utilising a Woodstock in line engine of approximately 11 hp,
the "Beagle" had excellent manueverability and speed, and
sported a pair of nasty Vickers Guns. Unfortunately for the pilot, the Red
Baron possessed a far superior skill in flying, and time after time, the
brave American pilot was shot down.
Click on
images below to see larger images
The kits used for this were a
1/48 scale Revell Germany Sopwith Camel, for the wings and tail surfaces, a 1/28
scale Revell Spad XIII for the guns and prop, and a 1/24 scale hot rod dragster
for the wheels and exhaust pipes. Snoopy came from my spares department, I
bought him years ago for just such an occasion. Never throw anything out! The
doghouse, which houses the engine, came from a local dollhouse shop. I
COULD have scratch built it myself, but frankly, I'm lazy and was short on time,
and as it happened, it was a perfect fit for the Camel wings. I was
inspired by the re-release of the FunfDecker by Revell, as funny cartoonlike
version of the Red Barons' airplane.
Alvis 3.1
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