The Little World

To make it go…

Think of this as a proto-Vampire made of wood and cloth.

The SOOTB Revell WW1 kit can be good or bad. So far most of mine have been in the former category. I realise that further construction may push the joke too far, and will switch makers shortly. But while I’m in pay dirt, I’ll keep digging.

The basic idea was said to be because they could not come up with a synchroniser for the machine gun. I suspect it was mainly because De Havilland had his little ways and wasn’t going to change them for the Royal Flying Corps. I thoroughly approve of the design, though I will decline a chance to drive one.

Note for decallists: If you have old, marginal decals, give them all the advantages you can. I looked at these vintage roundels and the matt nature of the drab paint job and decided to gloss it for all it was worth. Only on the spots that would take the insignia, mind, leaving the rest as matt as it might be for the finishing touch.

After the decals were soaked for a minute and a half each and then floated on, they snuggled down well. They were just on the margin of usability. A matt varnish sealed and unified the plane, and you would hardly know the age of it.

I looked up this aircraft’s history and I believe this is one of the squadrons that flew from St. Merde.