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In-Box Review

German Lozenge 1917-1918Covering the Facts

by: Stephen T. Lawson [ JACKFLASH ]

history of the original fabrics

WWI initial efforts to conceal aircraft from the enemy involved painting camouflage patterns byhand on the airframes. But this was time consuming, and the dope paints used added additionalweight.

To help streamline aircraft production, the Idflieg (the bureau of the German War Office thatoversaw Military Aviation) developed Flugstoff — aircraft linen with a dye printed camouflagepattern. This reduced the man-hours and materials otherwise used painting the camouflagepatterns. And, because the dyes used to print the fabric weighed less than paint, Flugstoff had theadded benefit of reducing weight — thereby contributing to improved aircraft performance.

While no official Idflieg report has surfaced detailing the origin of the colors selected, it seemslikely that these camouflage patterns were based on the color theories of the “Impressionist ArtMovement”. The concept was that when two different spots of color are placed next to oneanother, and viewed at a distance, the eye visually mixes them to produce a third color. Thisoptical “blending” could be influenced by environmental lighting and thereby change the resultingthird color. So practically speaking, the camouflage looked different under different lighting andblended with the surroundings. It was simple yet effective. It also made the aircraft difficult to view.A pilot had to decide whether an enemy aircraft was coming at him or going away. This indecisionmade it possible for the German pilot to see his enemy and plot his tactics.

There were several different varieties of Flugzeugstoff patterns printed for use with day and nightoperations. The most common were the five-color (Fünffarbiger Flugzeugstoff) and the four-color(Vierfarbiger Flugzeugstoff) patterns. Both of these were printed in different color schemes forboth the upper and lower surfaces. Additionally, there were different patterns and colorsdeveloped for use with Naval operations.

The four color fabric was 1320mm plus or minus 10mm wide and the five color fabric was1350mm plus or minus 10mm wide. This is without trimming or folding for the butt joint seamsfactory edge to factory edge.

a word on the decal type

These decals simulate the camouflage fabric applied to German aircraft during the First WorldWar. While usually referred to as "lozenge" by modelers today, this term is in fact a misnomer.The repeated shapes in these patterns are not lozenges (having four to five sides), but ratherpolygons (having six sides). The German term for the material was "Flugzeugstoff" or literallyaircraft covering stock. However, for marketing purposes many manufacturers have decided touse the more familiar term "lozenge" simply for ease of recognition by the general public.

hgw german lozenge decals

Their first 1:48 releases depict 4 colour (set #548023) & 5 colour (set #548022 intermediate dark)lozenge. Each package comes with one sheet containing strips / bolts of both upper and lowersurface layouts. HGW has said that the decal strips represent bolts of printed polygon fabric as itwould appear with the edges un-modified as if it came straight off the factory floor. Now for the fivecolor pattern factory edge to factory edge width, I find these appear to be closer to 4' 8" than thegenerally accepted 4' 6". But this is a small issue over all as it is a difference of about 1/16” in1:48. We know that 4 colour was narrower than 5 colour. But the HGW versions are the samewidth. This makes the HGW 4 colour strips about 5 scale inches too wide. Also there are severalolder studies on this subject that have different over all conclusions. The recent restorations andstudies fostered by them lead us to the standard of 4’6” bolt width. These decal sets in 1:48represent faded / transparent type of 4 (set #548023) & 5 (set #548022) colour lozenge. Becauseof the clear carrier film as a base they are good for interior use or for giving your bird a well-wornor "over" varnished look to outer surfaces.

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AeroScale :: In-Box Review: German Lozenge 1917-1918 by Stephen T. Lawson 8/10/2013

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WARNING! You must clear coat these to use. You can damage these with more than casualhandling. Make sure your thumbnail edges never run across the un-coated decal surface.

application to the wings & flying surfaces

These are typical for ink based water slide decals. Several methods were used to apply theoriginal printed fabric to the airframe. All methods involved the assembly of various pieces offabric to form an envelope covering large enough to fit the intended area. The pieces were alwaysbutt joined and sewn along the selvage edges. These joints were overlap stitched like typical bluedenim. This is called a “French stitch”. These envelope type / sleeve coverings were thenattached to the airframe by stitching, nailing and doping them to the ribs wrapped in fabric battingand edges.

The most common application method by far was Chordwise, with the fabric running parallel tothe wing ribs or “chord” of the wing.

An alternate application method was Spanwise. Here the fabric was applied perpendicular to theribs, parallel to the leading edge. This was the simplest method since a single run of fabric couldcover most of the wing with only a single seam needed to add any additional material. It wasseen mostly on narrow winged aircraft Like the Siemens Schuckert types. It was also used insome repair work.

Another method was Diagonal, with the fabric being applied on the wings at a 45 degree angle tothe line of flight. Again this meant multiple panels to cover the wing. Due to the increased area ofthe fabric joints this was the strongest method.

Ailerons and elevators were usually covered Spanwise. This simplified application by minimizingthe number of seams needed.

application to the fuselage

For the fuselage; the application of lozenge panels was done differently between the three licensebuilders of the Fokker D.VII. That is the factory edges were not applied to the same longerons.Because of their factory assembly lines layout patterns of lozenge were not the same betweenFokker Schwerin, Albatros Johannistahl and East Albatros Works Schneidemuhl. NoteLongerons are the long corner edges of the fuselage two upper, two lower.

Consult references for the correct pattern and method for your subject. It was not uncommon forairframes to have mixed patterns (i.e. four color covered fuselage with five color wings, etc.). Butthese were usually due to "in - the- field" repair situations.

rib tapes

These were strips of fabric generally applied over each full rib and around the edges of the wingsto reinforce stitching. They were approximately one inch wide. The tapes could be created fromcamouflage fabric, or strips of solid blue or salmon pink fabric. Tapes were not applied toelevators or ailerons in the case of fighter aircraft. The HGW sets do not come with any rib tapes.

There are different opinions as to whether rib tapes were applied as a single/continuous piecewrapped around the entire rib profile (both the upper and lower wing surfaces), or as individualstrips for each surface. If they were single/continuous pieces, then in instances wherecamouflage tape was used, the continuous tape would contrast against one of the wing surfacecoverings (i.e. Upper scheme tapes would contrast against lower surface coverings and viceversa.). If they were separate camouflage strips for upper and lower surfaces, then they could bematched to the background pattern.

Machines built by Albatros received salmon pink or camouflage rib tapes. OAW machinesreceived light blue or camouflage rib tapes. Fokker-built machines only used camouflage tapes.

texture decal

The available texture decal sheet is a separate sheet from another manufacturer that overlays thefinished lozenge decal. Large areas of solid color, or repeating patterns on models can look alittle too pristine or uniform. This can make a scale replica look toy-like. There are many ways toalter the appearance of these areas including pre-shading, glazing, dry brushing and powders.Here is another choice to add to your arsenal. Fabric texture decals. The idea is to make a fabricarea look like fabric! The imitation of printed lozenge fabric on WWI models has always been aneffect that has tested modeler's skills. The challenge is depicting the colors accurately withoutmaking them look too garish on such a small scale. These decals have been developed to add asubtle irregular cloth texture and tone down the lozenge patterns by about 5% without causing asignificant shift in colors.

how to use

1. These decals represent printed bolts of camouflage fabric with edges trimmed and sewn forapplication to airframes.

2. Study the reference material on your chosen subject. If possible, determine the patterns usedfor both fuselage and wings (they may differ) and the application method (see Fabric Orientation).

3. A copy of a scale drawing of the aircraft will be helpful to plan the decal layout.

4. It is essential that these decals be applied to a gloss finish. This provides the best surface forthe decals to adhere. I recommend light almond or sail colours as a base.

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AeroScale :: In-Box Review: German Lozenge 1917-1918 by Stephen T. Lawson 8/10/2013

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the decals to adhere. I recommend light almond or sail colours as a base.

5. Take your time applying the decals. Allow each piece to set before working on the next. Do onesurface at a time. You must cut all “clear” border edges and get only the lozenge decal. Theborders are translucent green and become readily seen as stripes to each panel you lay down.

6. Shoot at least two coats of a hobby clear gloss on the decals you intend to use. It is best you letthem dry to the touch between coats and cut the individual strip out as close to the edge of thedecal as possible. Try to use within a 20 hour period after applying the gloss & allow tocompletely dry. Begin with the lower surfaces. Carefully measure the intended area (dividers areuseful for transferring measurements), being sure to add a little extra at the ends—this will betrimmed later. Cut the piece of decal you need from the sheet.

7. Using tweezers dip it in the hot - very warm water for no more than five seconds. Submersingthe decal for a longer period of time can dilute the adhesive and interfere with the adhesivequalities. Place it on a nonporous surface and wait for it to loosen from the paper backing.

8. Apply a good amount of Microset solution to the surface where the decal is to go. Whenloosened, gently slide the decal from the backing into place. You can use a moist finger or a Q-tip.

9. Exact position can be achieved by moving the decal with a Q-tip. Carefully blot up the excessmoisture with a soft cloth. Then, gently press the decal to the surface, starting at one corner andworking over the entire surface of the decal. Try not to shift its position. Apply a thin film of Microsetover the decal and blot up any excess. Difficult areas (compound curves, extremely detailedareas) may require the sparing use of MicroSol.

10. When set repeat the process for the next panel. When the lower surfaces are done andthoroughly dry, clean up the edges with a Xacto knife, trimming excess material. Repeat thisprocess for the upper surfaces.

11. When all the decal panels have been added to both upper and lower surfaces, the rib tapescan be applied. These cover all full rib (not riblet) locations of the wings. They were not applied toelevators or ailerons. Camouflage tapes can be created by cutting strips (length wise) from thedecal material.

12. To apply the texture decal the piece should be over sized and minimal sliding will be arequirement. These are little more than some micro-strands of colour on a clear carrier film. Thedecal edges will disappear very quickly.

References:Fokker D.VII Covering Practices by Dan-San Abbott, WWI Aero #102, Pp.22-33. 1984.

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SUMMARY

Highs: Good register. Colours seem tomatch methuen reference for the 5 colourintermediate dark version. They apply welland react well to Sol & Set.

Lows: In my opinion the 5 colour strips /bolts are about 1/16 inch too wide. the 4colour are 1/8 inch too wide. They must beclear coated to use in any case.

Verdict: A good try at the colours. But brittleand need clear coating to handle or use.Slightly oversized.

DESIGN &DETAIL: 77% COLOURS: 90% SPECIFICSUBJECTS: 92%

Percentage Rating

86%

Scale: 1:48 Mfg. ID: #548022 & 23 Suggested Retail: $12.90 @ Related Link: e-shop PUBLISHED: Apr 01, 2012 NATIONALITY: GermanyNETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS

THIS REVIEWER: 90.48% MAKER/PUBLISHER: 89.73%

About Stephen T. Lawson (JackFlash)FROM: COLORADO, UNITED STATES

I was building Off topic jet age kits at the age of 7. I remember building myfirst WWI kit way back in 1964-5 at the age of 8-9. Hundreds of 1/72 scaleRevell and Airfix kits later my eyes started to change and I wanted to domore detail. With the advent of DML / Dragon and Eduard I sold off my ...

Copyright ©2013 text by Stephen T. Lawson [ JACKFLASH ]. Images also by copyright holder unlessotherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. Allrights reserved.

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JackFlash HGW has released its4 & 5 colour lozenge in 1:32! 532040 5colour lozenge - faded - fabric texture - transparent carrier.

AeroScale :: In-Box Review: German Lozenge 1917-1918 by Stephen T. Lawson 8/10/2013

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WEB HOSTING BY

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532043 5 colour lozenge - veryfaded - fabric texture - transparent carrier.

532044 5 colour lozenge - veryfaded - fabric texture - transparent carrier.

These also come w ith whitebase carriers.

FEB 26, 2013 - 05:28 PM

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AeroScale :: In-Box Review: German Lozenge 1917-1918 by Stephen T. Lawson 8/10/2013

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AeroScale :: In-Box Review: German Lozenge 1917-1918 by Stephen T. Lawson 8/10/2013

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