Roland C.II Walfisch (oz1576)

About this Plan

LFG Roland C.II Walfisch. Control line scale model. The model is of the plane flown by WWI ace Eduard Von Schleich. Hobby Helpers plan 962.

Quote: "World War I Ace Von Schleich and his Roland Wahlfisch. Plans for U/Control C-11, by Walt Musciano.

Although Eduard von Schleich saw action at the front as a fighter pilot for only fourteen months during World War One he scored thirty five victories including some doubles and triples. In addition, this German Ace became the leader of one of four Jagdgeschwaders (Flying Circuses) in the German Air Service with rank equal to von Richthofen. He survived that war to become one of the organizers of the Nazi Luftwaffe.

A Bavarian, Schleich was born on August 8, 1888 in Bad Tolz, near Munich, Germany. At the age of twenty he joined the 11th Bavarian Infantry Regiment stationed at Regensburg; two years later in 1910, Eduard was promoted to Leutnant. When World War One started he was a company commander. In August 1914 Schleich was seriously wounded in the shoulder during a battle near Maire, France.

Upon his return to action Eduard decided to transfer to the Air Service; during 1915 he passed the tests for both pilot and observer at the East German Albatros Works in Schneidemuhl which resulted in his assignment to Bavarian Feldflieger-Abteilung 2b as a pilot.

The Model. During November 1915 a new German airplane appeared over the front lines more advanced than any other. Its wooden monocoque fuselage was carefully streamlined, wings were filleted, radiators were designed to minimize drag, the usual multiple interplane struts were replaced with a streamlined 'I' strut, cabane struts were eliminated. This amazing craft was quickly called 'der Wahlfisch' (Whale) because of its deep, streamlined fuselage. Manufactured by LFG Company (Luftfahrzeug Gesellschaft), this biplane carried the trade name of Roland - as did other craft built by LFG Company to avoid confusion with LVG Co, a competitor. The Roland C-II, designed by Herr Tantzen, set the pattern for many famous designs in later years.

While Eduard von Schleich was a two-seater pilot with Bavarian Feld-flieger Abteilung 2b during the winter of 1915-1916, some of the first Roland C-II's arrived at the air field. The future Ace was fortunate to have one of the craft assigned to him. His sense of humor was aroused by the Wahlfisch nick-name and so he had a mouth and eyes painted on his plane's nose to heighten the illusion. The Bavarian also mounted a carved whale on the air speed indicator (as the plans illustrate). Our model presented is a reproduction of the Roland C-11 flown by von Schleich.

The plans reveal the Roland makes an ideal control liner. The absence of cabane struts means solid attachment for both wings; fuselage is rugged and its streamlining enhances appearance. An engine .23 to .35 cubic inch displacement should provide ample power. Rib spacing as shown is exact scale. Construction instructions appear on the full-size Hobby Helpers plans..."

Update 29/05/12: added a much clearer version of this plan, thanks to theshadow.

Update 22/05/2018: added article, thanks to theshadow.

Supplementary file notes

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