Famous World War One Air Ace

Gallery Article by Alvis 3.1

Silly Week 2008

 

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

Photos and text © by Alvis 3.1