Albatros D.II (oz16115)

 

Albatros D.II (oz16115) by Jack Swift 1979 - plan thumbnail

About this Plan

Albatros DII. Radio control scale model WWI German fighter biplane. Wingspan 48 in, for .45 engine.

Quote: "Albatros D.II, by Jack Swift.

The Albatros DII was one of the earlier two-gun fighters to be used with great success in World War I. Richthofen scored more victories in this type than he did in the triplane. Powered with a Mercedes engine, it had a top speed of around 115 mph. Small detail changes were made, but it stayed basically the same until the German authorities thought the Nieuport layout would give them an advantage. New wings were designed and the type became the DIII.

In searching for something to build through the winter mouths, I wanted a subject that had character, would be recognized for what if was, and not be just another SE5A or DVII. The DII seemed to fit the bill, A DIII would be mistaken for a DVA which had already been done. The scale chosen, of 1-3/4 in = 1 ft, gave a handy sized model 48 in span and almost 1000 square inches of area. No dihedral means easy-to-build wings. The fuselage caused a few misgivings regarding its shape; however after looking at all the pictures I could lay my hands on, it was apparent that the fuselage was slab sided. With a little deviation from scale,'it became obvious that here was a model with potential.

Another thing I wanted to use was a .45 motor. This is not a Pitts Special so flying has to be scalelike and docile. Eyeball scale was preferred so flying would be done without hours of rigging. The wings are cantilever and flat bottom airfoil. Referring to the pics again I discovered that the taiiplain was fabric-covered - this helps the balance.

That these aims were achieved was almost disproved on the first flight. After lift-off the nose just pointed skyward and the plane wallowed along, threatening to wipe itself out at any moment. Full down trim was pushed in as soon as I could let go of the stick. The situation was easier now, I had to the plane back over the field. This was when I found rudder and aileron was the best turning combination with a tweak of up elevator. Now I could settle down and fly before trying for a landing. This was easier than I had anticipated.

The first thing was to change the elevator trim. The tank was refilled and the motor fired up. The second flight, needless to say, was easier but the tail must be allowed to lift or the plane will stall without flying speed. The slow flying speed is deceptive on take-off and landing.

After flying this model for a full season, I decided a little more power would help so I bought an old Merco 61 from a friend and built a completely new model with several modifications. These are in the drawings with the exception of the aileron drive. On the new model I, use a closed loop cable drive using pulleys. The bigger engine will spin a more efficient prop and can be throttled back - a much better arrangement.

I still have both models but fitted a .60 to #1. That was eight years ago. Number 2 is my favorite. I've lost count of the flights on it. The third radio outft provides guidance but the old Merco still provides the urge.

Flying is most enjoyable but a little technique needs to be learned. Never try to take off cross-wind. A bit of right trim will help takeoff run but try to leave rudder corrections alone because it is ultra-effective. It is better to blip the rudder if you must use it on the ground, Basically, the method is to point the model into the wind, increase power, and let the plane roll; the run should be straight with the tail up. Ease in a little up elevator to stop the model nosing over. When the speed has built up, a little more elevator will cause the plane to take-off. Note that the secret is very small amounts of control on takeoff.

Landing is best done with power off - enough to let the plane sink. Keep everything straight and just before the wheels touch, cut the power and ease in enough elevator to stop the model nosing over.' As the speed drops-off, the tail will settle and, if you have done your homework right, you will roll to a straight ahead stop. Taxi back to the pit and try to act nonchalant. Despite the fixed tailskid, taxiing is a joy.

My approach to building was to start with the wings. These are straight forward - the only deviation being to use a wire TE instead of trying to simulate wire. Build top wing in the normal way on a flat board. Laminate tips while wing is drying, using a card template.

When wing is dry, remove from board and install 22 G wire TE. The ends are bent around the end ribs and thread loops hold wire against intermediate ribs. The wire should not make the ribs bend. After TE is installed, put a little epoxy on the threads and wire ends. Tips are now installed and balsa sheet glued in as a filler. This will stop the tips distorting when the covering tightens..."

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Albatros D.II (oz16115) by Jack Swift 1979 - model pic

Datafile:
  • (oz16115)
    Albatros D.II
    by Jack Swift
    from RC Sportsman
    May 1979 
    48in span
    Scale IC R/C Biplane Military Fighter
    clean :)
    all formers complete :)
    got article :)
  • Submitted: 04/06/2025
    Filesize: 1086KB
    Format: • PDFbitmap
    Credit*: dfritzke
    Downloads: 468

ScaleType:
  • Albatros_D.II | help
    see Wikipedia | search Outerzone
    ------------
    Test link:
    search RCLibrary 3views (opens in new window)


    ScaleType: This (oz16115) is a scale plan. Where possible we link scale plans to Wikipedia, using a text string called ScaleType.

    If we got this right, you now have a couple of direct links (above) to 1. see the Wikipedia page, and 2. search Oz for more plans of this type. If we didn't, then see below.


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    ScaleType is formed from the last part of the Wikipedia page address, which here is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albatros_D.II
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