RED DEVIL
FROM THEN AND NOW
RICHARD ANDREWS
THE MAKING OF 450/17
This iconic scheme, unimaginatively rendered thus far, offers a much more "painterly" interpretation of this fire-breathing devil!
Painted by a young art student on the ground crew staff of Jasta 7, it's hard to believe he would have produced a crude cartoon (as usually portrayed) and so, after much careful study of the one available blurry photograph and the "dogfight" painting that Jacobs himself confirmed as the correct colouring, my art student son, Will and I have added the kind of detail that was present in so many better-documented schemes. Jacob's was reportedly delighted by this surprise from his staffer-mates!
Switching our rendition to monotone and comparing to the photograph was a startling revelation!...
RUSSEL SMITH STUDIOS
GOD OF THE NORTH WIND ...
... depicting Fokker triplane 450/17, one of several flown by Ltn. Josef Jacobs, Staffelführer of Jasta 7. Jacobs was perhaps the biggest proponent of the Fokker triplane, and he flew it operationally longer than any other pilot, including Manfred von Richthofen.
Although it is uncertain how frequently Jacobs flew 450/17,in his wartime diary he definitively attached that aircraft to one event - a balloon claim for May 14,1918. His combat report for that day reads as follows:
Fok. Dr I 450/17: black triplane with a devil's head on both sides of the fuselage behind the pilot's seat. At 0410 hours I started with my Staffel for a patrol to the front - because there was little aerial activity, and I noticed some English balloons through the clouds, I decided for a balloon attack. With my whole Staffel I raced down through the clouds, immediately opening fire at the first which ignited at once, burning fiercely.
BUNDLE TRILOGY - 1 of 3
LARGE - 1/24
What's included:
- 1/24 - Meng - Fokker Dr.I - 450/17 - Lt. Josef Jacobs Red Devil (Aviattic - ATT24028)
- 1/24 - Meng - Fokker F.I/Dr.I serial numbers, stencils, weights tables (ATT24010)
- 1/24 - Spandau 08-15 Fokker Version (Gaspatch - 20-24225)
- 1/24 - German Spark Plugs - Type v1212 - Easy to Paint - 14 pc (D2401a)
- 1/24 - Resin Turnbuckles - Type A (Gaspatch - 20-24226)
- 1/24 - Resin Turnbuckles - Type C (Gaspatch - 20-24228)
Red Devil
model by Nigel Rayner
Bundle TRILOGY - 2 of 3
MEDIUM - 1/32
What's included:
- 1/32 - Meng - Fokker Dr.I - 450/17 Lt. Josef Jacobs Red Devil (Aviattic - ATT32311)
- 1/32 - Fokker Dr.I - Meng - Photo Etch Set (Aviattic - ATTPE014)
- 1/32 - Basic Line (Seatbelts & Masks) - Fokker Dr.I (HGW - 132833)
- 1/32 - Meng - Fokker F.I/Dr.I serial numbers, stencils, weights tables (ATT32314)
- 1/32 - Spandau 08-15 Fokker Version (Gaspatch - 18-32122)
- 1/32 - German Spark Plugs Type III - Rotary Engines - 10 pc (Taurus - D3243a)
- 1/32 - Metal Turnbuckles - Type A (Gaspatch - 12-32004)
- 1/48 - Metal Turnbuckles - Type C (Gaspatch - 12-48009)
Red Devil
Model by Nigel Rayner
Bundle TRILOGY - 3 of 3
SMALL - 1/48
What's included:
- 1/48 - Meng - Fokker Dr.I - 450/17 Lt. Josef Jacobs Red Devil (Aviattic - ATT48068)
- 1/48 - Spandau 08-15 Fokker Version (Gaspatch - 18-48121)
- 1/48 - Metal Turnbuckles - Type A (Gaspatch - 12-48007)
- 1/48 - Metal Turnbuckles - Type C (Gaspatch - 12-48009)
