Lloyd FJ 40.05 Build
Until the machine gun synchronization was invented, various aircraft manufacturers tried different way of firing through the propeller arc, i.e., attaching metal plates to the prop, firing sideways, firing over the arc of the prop, etc. The Lloyd Company designers tried a different approach. In 1915 they designed a two seat aircraft designated FJ (Flugzeug-Jager)and received the Austro Hungarian Air Force designation 40.05.
The instructions are very clear on the location of most parts. Wings alignment leaves a little to be desired. Beware of one thing. The resin parts, metal pieces and decals are all numbered but the instruction sheet does not differentiate what part you are attaching. You will have three number 1's, 2's etc. Just a word of caution.
This is one big block of resin with two holes for the pilot and gunner. I took my dremel and hollowed out as much as I could to get a better look. After this was completed the entire fuselage was painted Wood Brown with Gunze Sanyo paint. Gunze Tire Black was dry brushed over the brown to give it a wood grain look. The decals were applied at this time and given a coat of Future. A very nice interior was added to both the pilot and gunner's positions and the main part of the fuselage is complete.
Only minor sanding had to be done to clean up the wings. There are no voids in the resin and the strut locating holes are clearly marked. The wings were painted brown, streaked with black and the control surfaces were painted CDL. I also painted the tail surfaces, as they too will be CDL.
An unnecessary part as it will be completely hidden. But of course I painted it and dry brushed it to look good because it's there. It fits on its little platform and disappears when the nosepiece is attached.
The kit provides two resin tires but only two pieces of metal etch spokes. I had two pairs of spokes and used them in place of the kit pieces. I had to enlarge the holes to get the axles to fit but the results were good.
A little trimming had to be done to get the nosepiece to fit. The cover for the engine fit ok but a little putty work had to be done to get a small gap closed up.
At this point I attached the top wings has they have locating pins. Attaching the lower wing is tricky. It attaches to a box like structure that is also the support for the undercarriage and the location is a little vague. I attached the wings to the box and then positioned this assembly until the wings were in the correct position. I was glued with super glue. I guess I got it right as the kit struts fit without any alterations.
From here it was just a matter of adding all of the final pieces, the radiator and its plumbing, the tail surfaces and their supports, the tail skid, control horns, prop and windscreen. This to me is the funny part of this plane. With all of the obstacles in front of him, why would the pilot need a windscreen? One of those unanswered WW1 questions.
The rigging was the final step and the kit was complete. With the exception of the lower wing, this is a very easy kit to build. I doubt it took me over 12 hours to complete. It is another very odd plane added to my collection.
Planet Models is to be commended on a very nice kit. All of the resin parts had no voids in them. The metal etch was very well done but I did not use the turnbuckles (40) that are provided with the kit. The decals were of good quality although they seemed to chip a little at the edges. I recommend the kit to those who are interested in the lesser-known planes of WW1.
Last Revised 12/27/2007