Lothar's Fokker
This is the Fokker Dr.1 flown by Ltn. Lothar von Richthofen of Jagdstaffel 11 (Jasta 11). Lothar was the younger brother of the famed Rittmeister (Captain) Manfred von Richthofen. Like his older brother, Lothar was a successful fighter ace who achieved 40 victories. However, Lothar was a much more reckless pilot than his tactically cautious and methodical brother and was shot down and injured three times, spending considerable time recuperating.
The second of these incidents occurred on the 13th of March, 1918, when Lothar was flying this aircraft. He was forced down by the combination of the Sopwith Camel of 19 Sqn flown by Englishman Augustus Orlebar and the Bristol F.2b of 62 Sqn crewed by Australian Geoffrey Hughes and Englishman Hugh Claye.
The top wing of the triplane was shredded and "My triplane became a biplane”. Lothar managed to crash-land but suffered injuries to his face and was hospitalised.
Lothar was still in hospital when his brother was killed in combat on 21st of April. When he was told of his brother’s death he declared “Had I been there it would not have happened!”
I built this kit last year as part of a club group build competition.
You can see the build progress in the following build log:
https://imodeler.com/groups/imperial-german-air-service-luftwaffe-group-build-may-1st-1910-to-present-day/forum/topic/meng-fokker-dr-1/?topic_page=1&num=15
I entered it in the Australian Model Expo 2022 and, for the only second time ever, achieved a placing.
Given that this is not my usual subject matter or scale and the excellent quality of the other entries I was surprised, and more than a little pleased, at the result.
What an international hobby this is, an Australian building a Chinese model of a German aircraft, and winning a prize as well, definitely liked.
G'day George (@chinesegeorge),
Don't forget, from a kit designed by a Kiwi (New Zealander)!
Thanks for looking.
Congratulations on the trophy; well-deserved for your oh-so-cool looking model. Well done.
Congratulations Michael! A superb model and a wonderful addition to our ever growing "Luftwaffe" GB!
A great-looking model, and congratulations on the award! Well done.
A well-deserved win - excellent work on this and a great result.
Excellent result, Michael @michaelt
Your price is well deserved.
Congratulations Michael a well deserved trophy!
Richly deserved award, Michael (@michaelt). Triplanes are very cool, and I like the paint scheme very much. Thanks for the background story. Well done.
The figure is also really well done and adds a lot to the presentation.
Really nice work, Michael. Love those Fokker Tri-planes!