capnduane

Just finishing up my Balsa USA triplane, and adding some of the scale details to it. On the top wing, in the center, over the guns, is a tiny window/hatch/ thingamabob? Heres a pic of Mel, the famous scale builder/flier you all know, pointing to it on my DR1. Anybody know what it is exactly, it shows on most 3 views, I see it in a lot of period pictures. I don't see it on the underside of the wing, so thinking it must be a inspection hatch, maybe? Like on the Sopwith Pups, over the aileron pulleys??????? Duane

Highflyer2

My Feedback: (1)

It is an inspection panel. The FI number (Individual wing set identification number) was marked on the wing spars and visible thru the clear panel. The acceptance date was also placed in this area also.

Info comes from Fokker DRI book by Greg VanWyngarden (inside fromt cover).

Hope this helps.

John

capnduane

Thanks John, I have several Fokker DR1 books, and none of them identified this little hatch. I simulated it on my model, but if I had noticed it when framing up the wing, I would have made a real one..... Too late now to tear up the wing covering! Duane

Canuck1

I put one on my 1/3 DR1 and it turned out pretty good.

Craig

capnduane

Craig, In my search for scale details, I saw your model and the inspection hatch. Nice work on the streaking, Magnificent aircraft!