1/72 Fokker Funf Decker

[Brian da Basher]

After the success of the Fokker Dr.1 triplane, Fokker chief designer Reinhold Platz naturally wondered what the capabilities of an even more improved aircraft in the same vein might be. Such it was that in the early autumn of 1917, a five winged version was rolled out for testing at Johannistahl. Idflieg was curious at what the new Fokker Funf Decker had to offer but first they had to find a test pilot. The test-pilot had to have many superior qualities. He had to be skilled enough, adventurous enough, but most importantly dumb enough to take the unwieldy looking bird into the air....

1st of 5 pics.

Brian da Basher

[Brian da Basher]

Fortunately for Reinhold Platz, Idflieg and the entire Imperial German Air Service, Hauptmann Fritz von Scheissehaus of Jasta B-M (Bayerische-Munchen) 2 posessed all the necesary qualities and stepped in to fill the void. Von Scheissehaus put the new aircraft through its paces and after landing and attending to some "personal business" in a small one-room office with a moon cut in the door, emerged to extol the virtues of the new bird. While Idflieg and the Imperial Air Service's Inspector General were not entirely convinced, the good Hauptmann requested and was granted permission to test the new Funf Decker under battlefield conditions and thus, a legend, and the Scheissehaus Scourge were born...

2nd of 5 pics.

Brian da Basher

[Brian da Basher]

Starting in late Septemeber 1917, the skitterish Hauptmann von Scheissehaus, aided by his crew-chief Unteroffizier Erich Hardtstuhl, began a string of victories against Allied observation aircraft that earned him the much-feared monniker of the Brown Baron. Hauptmann von Scheissehaus downed no less than 13 opponents in the five weeks ending October 31st, 1917. Unfortunately, the Brown Baron was grounded by a breakfast of extremely thick porridge and a shortage of "personal" stationery on November 1st, 1917. The Brown Baron was obligated to sit out the rest of the war in a rear area until his ailment healed. He greeted the Armistice (and a cod liver oil treatment) with great relief. Baron Fritz von Scheissehaus' exploits are still discussed today in the men's room of the German Air Staff college.

3rd of 5 pics.

Brian da Basher

[Brian da Basher]

This likely to be the silliest thing I've built yet. Honestly, it started out kind of serious when Zac included two pair of wings left over from a Fokker triplane in a package he sent me. Naturally, I pulled a Fokker triplane model from the stash and determined that with some work, I could turn a Drei decker into a Funf decker! Originally, I'd intended this to be a Polish machine circa 1920, but after a lengthy and very silly chat with Mr Fontaine, the Brown Baron was born. Except for the wings, the rest of this gem is entirely out-of-box. The entire model was brush-painted by hand with acrylics. I did get perverse delight in using Polly Scale French Beige for the undersides. Speaking of which, here's a pic that shows those off nicely.

4th of 5 pics.

Brian da Basher

[Brian da Basher]

Most of the decals came with the kit, but I had a large "S" on a white background in the stash that fit perfectly. The little face on the cowling was hand-painted. Most of the white areas were done with artist's gesso, and I used Model Masters Dark Earth for most of the aircraft, although the cowling was painted with Testor's Tan. Model Masters Rust and Tamiya Buff were used on the propellor, the hub being painted with Model Masters Steel. This build is very far from perfect but I hope it and the backstory are good for a chuckle.

Last of 5 pics.

Brian da Basher

[Leigh]

Brian you really need to get out more, or at least open a window, the fumes are having a serious effect on your grip of reality.

As usual Love it Especially the "worried" face.

[dragon]

Looks like something out of "Catch the pigeon!" (old Hanna-Barbera cartoon featuring Dick Dastardly and Muttley as members of a WWI type squadron). B)    

[lancer]

Ye gods...Not a SPAT in sight.....Whats going on??? Is the Illustrious Spatman goinginto retirement???

Seriously though Brian, that is one brilliant build. Love the story as well....

[HOG]

Hi Brian,
Just love those worried eyes, they remind me of someone I see in the mirror each morning.
And the colours Crappy Brown over Diarrhea Yellow. What a scheme.
Regards Gary

Oh by the way the builds OK too  

[Rafael]

A Spatman™ classic!!!

A real crazy, or I must say so crazy it could be real model  :dum:

Saludos

Rafa

[Chap]

Great work Brian! I too love the worried face on the cowling.

~Steve

[BlackOps]

OK, your killin' me here, I have enough trouble getting  Bi-planes wings to line up and you pull this off?!?!    

[Allan]

Brian
Sterling work in the highest traditions of inspired Whiffing silliness.
And the AH was just hilarious
Hardstuhl indeed!!!
Allan in Canberra

[philp]

Brian, Brian, Brian,
You have finally stooped to stealing your ideas from old Revell kits.  I knew it was too good to last.
Revell recently rereleased the Funfdecker.  See, you even missed the souped up engine (can't post a pic as using my kids Mac while I am at the Nats and still trying to figure it out).

Still, your version does have a little flair to it.

Ready to see what your next one will be.  Maybe, the Swinehund.

[cthulhu77]

   Simply marvelous.