D.III Challenge Voting

[Oberst Hajj]

Read First

This has been our most successful contest to date! We had no less than 17 members take to the skies in freshly painted Albatros D.IIIs! Many of you thought that the painting part of the contest was the hardest part, not so, the voting is!

Criteria you should look for when voting for your favorite entry:


Smooth paint
Crisp lines between colors
Build quality (if it is a metal or resin kit)
Surface prep (if it is a Shapeways model)
The Devil is in the details, take time to look for the painted details
Unique subject, is it a pilot/plane that you have seen a lot of?


I also suggest you note your top picks and come back after a while and view them again before voting.

Good Luck everyone!

1.
Plane: Friedrich Hefty, 253.64 Albatros D.III (Oef) Flik 42J
Mini Used: Shapeways Oefflag D.III

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34078
34077



2.
Pilot: Othmar Wolfan, Flik 56J
Mini Used: Albatros D.III (Hautzmayer)

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3.
Pilot: Based on Feldwebel Eugen Bönsch, Flik 51J
Mini Used: Albatros D.III (Hautzmayer)

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4.
Pilot: Ltn Karl Allmenroder, Jasta 11, 1917. Albatros DIII D.629/17
Mini Used: Albatros D.III (Hautzmayer)

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[Oberst Hajj]

5.
Pilot: Ltn. Georg Simon, Jagdstaffel 11
Mini Used: Shapeways Albatros D.III

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6.
Pilot: Ltn. Lothar von Ricthofen Jasta 11
Mini Used: F-Toys (Frommherz, all blue bird)

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7.
Pilot: Ltn d R Richard Wenzl, Jasta 31, Mars-sous-Bourcq, June 1917
Mini Used: Albatros D.III (Hautzmayer)

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8.
Pilot: Ltn Gerard Bassenge, Jasta 'Boelcke'
Mini Used: Scratch built

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[Oberst Hajj]

9.
Pilot: Jasta 5/Unknown Pilot
Mini Used: Albatros D.III - Hautzmayer

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10.
Pilot: 2225/16 of Jasta 5
Mini Used: F- Toys Albatros D.III

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11.
Pilot: Ltn Joachim von Bertab, Jasta 30 Summer 1917
Mini Used: modified Skytrex DIII

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12.
Pilot: Unknown Jasta 5
Mini Used: Nexus D.III

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[Oberst Hajj]

13.
Pilot: Hans-Georg Lübberts, Jasta 11
Mini Used: Reviresco Albatros DIII

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14.
Pilot: Ltn Robert Tuxens, Jasta 6 (based on his D.V scheme)
Mini Used: Skytrex DIII

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15.
Pilot: Lt d R Ernest Hess Jasta 28
Mini Used: Albatros D.III (Werner Voss)

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16.
Pilot: Unknown Pilot/Jasta 39
Mini Used: Nexus Albatros D.III

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17.
Pilot: Georg Strasser, Jasta 17 (based on his D.V scheme)
Mini Used: F-Toys (Frommherz)


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[jbmacek]

Whoa, this is going to be tough. Great job! You all have painted some marvelous planes!

[Burt]

What a great selection of paint jobs.
This is going to be a difficult choice.

[Rat of Vengence]

Nice work all, I am impressed! So much so, I couldn't bring myself to vote for myself :D

Interesting to see the detail differences in the models; Nexus, Shapeways, F-Toys, Skytrex etc

Dave

[Watchdog]

Some nice and numerous competition we have there. I am amazed by the number of entries. Pity only three of them depict Austro-Hungarian machines.

Good luck, gentlemen. :salute:

[Marechallannes]

Wow!:eek:

I need time to make a decision.:confused:

Great work guys/lady(ies).:clap:

[flash]

What a superb effort by all - it was close but one just leapt out at me & I am extremely jealous of this pilots painting skills !!

[Oberst Hajj]

I am extremely jealous of this pilots painting skills !!

Makes too of us. lol

[billingspike]

I have it down to four.

[Zoe Brain]

There were three that I considered better than the rest. Picking between the last two was difficult.

[rote Flügel]

Wow... this is the toughest one yet.. so many awesome schemes .. this may take a few days...

[jbmacek]

I have it down to two...

[Zoe Brain]

No 1
http://www.feudal.cz/files/alb_253.64.jpg

No 2
http://www.wwishop.com/img/p/5930-1714-thickbox.jpg

No 3
http://www.fortunecity.com/campus/depaul/953/kam/oef6.jpg

No 4
http://img.wp.scn.ru/camms/ar/415/pics/59_10_b1.jpg

No 5
http://www.wwiaviation.com/drawings/Albatros-DIII-Jasta-11-Ltn_Georg_Simon-sn2015-16--600px.png

No 6
http://www.wwiaviation.com/drawings/Albatros-DIII-Jasta-11-Lothar_von_Richtofen-600px.png

No 7
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=10324&d=1299744063

No 8
http://img.wp.scn.ru/camms/ar/415/pics/59_54.jpg

No 9 (Typical Jasta 5 D.III)
http://gallery.kitmaker.net/data/500/Checkerboard_Alby_12-9_7a.jpg

No 10
http://www.fmc-shop.com/images/ED8436.jpg

No 11
http://img.wp.scn.ru/camms/ar/415/pics/59_42.jpg

No 12 (Typical Jasta 5 with Bavarian Flag)
http://www.michael-reimer.com/CFS2/CFS2_Downloads/JaSta5/Albatros-DV-Bavaria_(Jaxon).jpg

No 13
http://www.wwi-n-plastic.com/Mypix/Models/Alb/Alb.D.III/Johann/J.11/1996b.jpg

No 14
http://soldadosyuniformes.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/albatros-d-v-d-teniente-robert-tuxen-jasta-6-bisseghem-julio-de-1917.jpg

No 15
http://www.mincbergr.net/uploads/images/planes/Profiles/d2041-16-jasta28w-hess.jpg

No 16

Albatros D.III OAW Jasta 39, Oblt. Josef Loeser Italian Front, summer 1917
http://www.wwiaviation.com/drawings/Albatros_D-III-OAW-Jasta39-Oblt_Josef_Loeser-600px.png

No 17
http://www.wwiaviation.com/drawings/Albatros-DV_Vzfw_Georg_Strasser-Jasta-17-sn-D4408-17-600px.png

[Nightbomber]

Definitely a hard choice, but I vote for a superb repaint No 6. Hommage for the author. Well done.

[Oberst Hajj]

Man, I narrowed it down to 7 planes that stood out, obviously that would not work! So, I made a spreadsheet and rated each of them on the criteria list in the first post on a scale of 1 to 5. One of my 7 was only a single point off of perfect marks! That one had to be the winner for me.

[David Manley]

chaps, I think it might be a good idea not to discuss our choices in detail before the results are announced - general comments are fair enough but talking about specific choices is, I think, a bit too much as doing so may unduly influence the choice made by later readers. In a way its a pity the running total of votes is on display - I can't help thinking it would be better if the votes were secret until the vote closes (and before anyone asks no, I don't have an entry in this competition).

[grumpybear]

All well done, hard to pick one

[Burt]

Finally managed to pick one, its a pity that there is only one winner, there where so many excellent paint jobs.
Well done all who took part.
I had intended to take part but I couldn't have matched many of these planes.

[Nightbomber]

chaps, I think it might be a good idea not to discuss our choices in detail before the results are announced - general comments are fair enough but talking about specific choices is, I think, a bit too much as doing so may unduly influence the choice made by later readers. In a way its a pity the running total of votes is on display - I can't help thinking it would be better if the votes were secret until the vote closes (and before anyone asks no, I don't have an entry in this competition).

Very diplomatic:)
But I don't see anything wrong in presenting one's opinion before the contest is closed. It was possible in previous contests and no one questioned the outcomes I suppose.
"Before end" Comments were not banned as well by the entry conditions.
If any of the rules you mentioned should be observed, they need to be announced in advance.

[David Manley]

I'm not making a big thing of it. Just a thought, that's all.

(PS neither do I, as far as I know, have any affiliations with any of the entrants :) )

[bsmith13]

Congratulations to all of the entrants! You've done a wonderful job. Definitely tough to pick a winner.

[jbmacek]

Done. Ye gods, that was a tough choice.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

One stood out for me also. When I had voted I was pleased to see that I had not lost my ability to spot a winner. I'm orf to the Bookies now.
Kyte.

[Marechallannes]

Voted...

Obviously not the most perfect one.;)

Want to congratulate all contest members for their great work.:salute:

[Niclas]

Oh dear...
This is a tough one to call. I'm not at all as sure as some of you seem to be. Along with the criteria the Oberst has listed, I can't help weighing in overall effect as well. There are some of the entries that I really like, even though they may have one or two beauty spots.


No 1 [...] No 17
If anyones using thse profiles as a basis for judging the paint jobs, please note that they represent only one take on how the planes could have look - Lots of info is lost and several schemes have been debated. In some cases there are photographs that seem to clearly contradict these particular interpretations.

/Niclas

[Mikael]

This is great!
I love the Albatros DIII and to see all the different paintschemes makes me happy in a childish way :)

[The Cowman]

Those are some seriously AWESOME repaints folks! A very tough decision!!!

[wargamer]

These are some awesome paint jobs. Makes me extremely jealous of their skills. As for picking.... wow :(

[Zoe Brain]

If anyones using thse profiles as a basis for judging the paint jobs, please note that they represent only one take on how the planes could have look - Lots of info is lost and several schemes have been debated. In some cases there are photographs that seem to clearly contradict these particular interpretations.
Exactly! Ideally, I would like to post all the photos too - but even finding the profile/interpretations was hard enough!

[Willi Von Klugermann]

These are some awesome paint jobs. Makes me extremely jealous of their skills. As for picking.... wow :(

Have to agree with you Al. There are several that really caught my eye. The scratch built Bassenge is just awesome.

[Niclas]

Exactly! Ideally, I would like to post all the photos too - but even finding the profile/interpretations was hard enough!
There were some specific arguments behind that as well, but I thought I'd better save those until after the competition is closed. I'll try to provide at least one of those photos then.
Meanwhile, one source I like for profiles is this guy: Marek Mincbergr (http://www.mincbergr.net/index.php?page=my-profiles) - He also provides some extra info on them. You can find some of the schemes from this competition there.

/Niclas

[berthier]

Great job by all this is one tough call!

[Oberst Hajj]

There were some specific arguments behind that as well, but I thought I'd better save those until after the competition is closed. I'll try to provide at least one of those photos then.
Meanwhile, one source I like for profiles is this guy: Marek Mincbergr (http://www.mincbergr.net/index.php?page=my-profiles) - He also provides some extra info on them. You can find some of the schemes from this competition there.

/Niclas

Nice site Niclas, I had not seen that one before.

[Doug]

How do you choise 1 when they all deserve to win?

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Nice site Niclas, I had not seen that one before.

I agree Herr Oberst. I will be going there again.
Rob.

[Belis4rius]

Is it just me or is the F.Toys plane more attractive than the Nexus one?

[Oberst Hajj]

It does look leaner and more streamed lined. The Nexus one always look short and pudgy to me.

[Capt Croft]

To me the nexus one is by far their worst plane, it's just strange looking. F toy is the nicest and pretty easy to get, they make a nice Spad 7 also.

[Oberst Hajj]

The assembly of the F Toys leaves a little to be desired though. They should really be taken apart (carefully!) and cleaned up when put back together... which pretty much requires a repaint or a good touch up at minimum.

[David Manley]

I think I've been lucky with my F Toys examples. They've been put together pretty well (just some issues with a couple of the Spads). I've added a few paint "touch ups" to one or two of them as well but nothing major. I wonder if they'll be doing another series?

[Mike George]

"Hey my vote is for sale!" NOT. Great job by all, I have said it many times, I wish I could work on a small scale. I have won contests on 1/72nd scale models I have built, but smaller than that, my hats are off to you ALL.

[Niclas]

I'm not altogether on the F-Toys train - Not entirely sold on their take on the panelling. It's a bit exaggerated for such a small scale, which gives them a slightly padded look.

But this thing with the different hardware is another thing that makes the voting tough - To I factor that into the equation?
If some paint jobs looks better or worse (to me) because of the kit used, should that really effect my voting?

On top of this, I'm still struggling with weighing overall appearance vs certain particularly impressive features. I mean, the work on the plywood on a couple of planes, look of the clear dope of another makes me want to cast my vote just the merit of that - And then there's that plane which has that stunning detailing on the engine…

/Niclas

[gully_raker]

:clap::clap::clap::clap: Congratulations to all the entrants. There were a few that really stood out for me which made my final choice so very difficult.:thumbsup:

[rote Flügel]

Finally voted... tough decision... all are great works... but we all know ... there can be only one!

[Dark Horse]

I thought that the Albatros Diii (Hautzmayer) was a hard enough plane to come by readily in any case. Now there are a few less in the world, but great paint jobs on them.

[Oberst Hajj]

I'm not altogether on the F-Toys train - Not entirely sold on their take on the panelling. It's a bit exaggerated for such a small scale, which gives them a slightly padded look.

But this thing with the different hardware is another thing that makes the voting tough - To I factor that into the equation?
If some paint jobs looks better or worse (to me) because of the kit used, should that really effect my voting?

On top of this, I'm still struggling with weighing overall appearance vs certain particularly impressive features. I mean, the work on the plywood on a couple of planes, look of the clear dope of another makes me want to cast my vote just the merit of that - And then there's that plane which has that stunning detailing on the engine…

/Niclas


My list of criteria was posted to help give some guidance for what people should be looking for but it is not the sole things to make a decision on. In the end, you vote is just that, your vote, and it should be given to the plane that you like the most... for whatever reason that might be.

[IRM]

Lot of talented painters out there, although there was two that really jumped out at me.

[Niclas]

My list of criteria was posted to help give some guidance for what people should be looking for but it is not the sole things to make a decision on. In the end, you vote is just that, your vote, and it should be given to the plane that you like the most... for whatever reason that might be.
I hope that I didn't come across as b**ching about those criteria - It's just that the entries are so good, and some details are so impressive. There's just too many that deserve a vote! ...and I only have one. What ever happened to "Vote early! Vote often!"?

/Niclas

[Willi Von Klugermann]

Well it seems that my top choices mirror the current poll results. I'm surprised the Wolfan and Bonsch didnt get any votes (yet) as they were quite good.

[rote Flügel]

I hope that I didn't come across as b**ching about those criteria - It's just that the entries are so good, and some details are so impressive. There's just too many that deserve a vote! ...and I only have one. What ever happened to "Vote early! Vote often!"?

/Niclas

Hahaha.. awesome Niclas ... good ole chicago tactics.. I too wish I had more than one vote... but I chose the one I felt the strongest about.. unfortunately that wasn't my own entry...

Having said that this contest gives me other things to consider when I do my next repaint.. as Keith made note.. the devil is in the details.. and had I thought this through more I might have done things differently... I love these contests for many reasons but mainly for the good ideas that can be seen and taken advantage of... anyone looking to do repaints can easily garner some excellent possibilities and/or concepts.. may good tips for details can be had as well.. might do some rework on my own plane just to see what I can do with it...

[Oberst Hajj]

I hope that I didn't come across as b**ching about those criteria - It's just that the entries are so good, and some details are so impressive. There's just too many that deserve a vote! ...and I only have one. What ever happened to "Vote early! Vote often!"?

/Niclas

Not at all mate! I know it was very hard to pick one as there were really so many that were nicely done! I think future contest will have a winner and a runner up!

[Rat of Vengence]

Having said that this contest gives me other things to consider when I do my next repaint.. as Keith made note.. the devil is in the details.. and had I thought this through more I might have done things differently... I love these contests for many reasons but mainly for the good ideas that can be seen and taken advantage of... anyone looking to do repaints can easily garner some excellent possibilities and/or concepts.. may good tips for details can be had as well.. might do some rework on my own plane just to see what I can do with it...

I totally agree. Mine came up good, but not as good as some of the others. I have ideas on how to better do the next one :D

Dave

[itchy]

all very nice narrowed it down to 3 then took ages to pick which one to vote for,well done every one

[Linz]

Tough choice well done to all.
You guys are way ahead of my feeble efforts.
Linz

[eriko76]

Congratulations to all.

Enrico

[Raege]

All very nice and hard to choose just one. I now have a new found respect for judges it ain't easy.

[Voss]

I had to take an extra day to be sure of my vote.
All I can say is they are all high quality.
Obviously so much time and effort went into them that if they where mine they might not make it onto the table for fear of an "in flight accident"
Great job all!!!

Voss

[Hunter]

All of them are fabulous. This, indeed, is going to be very difficult to pick one.

[BobP]

Great paints and hard to choose which one.

[Jager]

Gad, I'm glad I didn't get mine done.
This is a prime field of Albas, and a really tough choice. It might come down to a coin-flip.
BTW: when this is done, I hope a couple of the artists post a tutorial on wood-graining the planes.
Karl

[rote Flügel]

Karl, try this..
Wood Grain Tutorial (http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/woodgrainel_1.htm)

it's an awesome tutorial and I am gonna try it myself one of these days.. lol

[Oberst Hajj]

I've read several tutorials that use that same basic technique, just not sure how well it would work on 1/144 scale planes. I would think the grain would be just to large... but who knows, maybe it would work. Might have try it one day... after all, I do have some Wingnut Wings models that will need it one day!

[rote Flügel]

I was thinking about the sponge used.. maybe a sponge with more fine details might work better for these small planes.. at 1/72 scale I found a wood grain decal but it is way too big for 1/144 but I may take a try just to see.. there is a large 'extra' peice that I could cut to fit the fuselage and get a look at the over all effect.. maybe it'll work..

[Niclas]

Think you'd have come ridiculously close to the mini to see the effects of all that work. Photos usually show a lot more detail than the naked eye on the little darlings, but the grain hardly showed at all on my plane, which made me feel a little silly about all that time spent on getting it just right - And I still didn't spend half as much work as most tutorials recommend.

/Niclas

[Watchdog]

Congratulations to the winner.

I have to admit having a bit bitter feeling for not getting a single vote, though, even if there were more entrants with the same result. Oh well, I guess I have much to improve.

[Jager]

Karl, try this..
Wood Grain Tutorial (http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/woodgrainel_1.htm)

it's an awesome tutorial and I am gonna try it myself one of these days.. lol

Thanks Gunnar; I'll check it out.
Karl

[Nightbomber]

I didn't get a single vote either, Jan, but the others' repaints (including yours) are so good, that it's a just and honest result:D
I must admit that my "repaint contest project" didn't exist for long. It's been already repainted into a completly new scheme...

[Flying Officer Kyte]

At least I managed to pick a winner. I'm off down to the races tomorrow.
Well done to Mr. von Ricthofen.
Rob.

[Willi Von Klugermann]

I didn't get a single vote either, Jan, but the others' repaints (including yours) are so good, that it's a just and honest result:D
I must admit that my "repaint contest project" didn't exist for long. It's been already repainted into a completly new scheme...


Andrzej, I liked yours alot. In fact there were so many good ones. My compliments to all of you.

[Zoe Brain]

Too bad it's first-past-the-post and not preferential voting.

There were a number of 0 votes that would have won prizes in other comps. Bonsch's and Wolfan's for example.

von Bertab's one deserved extra credit for making one of Skytrex's least inspired efforts into a work of art.

[Zoe Brain]

http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=19136
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=33639&d=1328941018

[Rat of Vengence]

No votes here either, but looking at the competition, I can't say I am terribly surprised :P

Zoe has hit on a good idea though; perhaps people could choose their 3 favourites, that will encourage others if they get some votes. I am not complaining, I am motivated and inspired to do better on the next one, but just an idea. It won't affect who wins, just spreads the love a little bit :D

Dave

[Oberst Hajj]

I'm actually looking into some modifications to the site that will allow me to post polls where I can control the number of votes each member can cast. That would allow us all to vote for our three favorites... and end up with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

I too would have loved to have voted on more then one entry in this contest :(

[Oberst Hajj]

Everyone that entered the contest, please edit your contest entry album and change it to "public" so that everyone can see it. Thank you!

[rote Flügel]

I got 0 votes as well.. but I also voted for another plane so I guess that should speak volumes.. lol I enjoyed the competition and loved seeing all the different DIIIs out there. I know what I should do next time I think.. and I am looking forward to the next contest.. I think we put up some really good paint jobs and we shall do so again..

[Flying Officer Kyte]

O.K. Zoe I'll own up to it.

34610

Rob.

[Oberst Hajj]

Also, if you entered the contest, please start a thread in the Hobby section showcasing your entry. Everyone wants to know who painted what and to see more photos of them all!

[Mikael]

I'm actually looking into some modifications to the site that will allow me to post polls where I can control the number of votes each member can cast. That would allow us all to vote for our three favorites... and end up with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

I too would have loved to have voted on more then one entry in this contest :(

Great idea :)

[Niclas]

I'm actually looking into some modifications to the site that will allow me to post polls where I can control the number of votes each member can cast. That would allow us all to vote for our three favorites... and end up with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

I too would have loved to have voted on more then one entry in this contest :(
Perhaps a system where the veteran Aerodromians got more votes than us newbies?

/Niclas

[Nightbomber]

Perhaps a system where the veteran Aerodromians got more votes than us newbies?

/Niclas

NICLAS, I don't see you as a newbie:smack:

[Niclas]

NICLAS, I don't see you as a newbie:smack:
Oh, yes - Compared to those who count their posts by the thousands, I am...

/Niclas

[Blackronin]

I believe that a system where each voter can choose 3 entries and after that the six more voted entries would compete in a final 1 vote per voter could have two major advantages: a more balanced final result and more people voting. Just saying.

I'd like to see the other planes in the Hobby Section.

[flash]

Perhaps the voters can have a number of points to cast eg: 6pts for 1st, 5pts for 2nd and so on (shades of Eurovision here chaps) - would make things more complex marking wise, of course but would 'share the love' across the board !

[Willi Von Klugermann]

I believe that a system where each voter can choose 3 entries and after that the six more voted entries would compete in a final 1 vote per voter could have two major advantages: a more balanced final result and more people voting. Just saying.

I'd like to see the other planes in the Hobby Section.


I guess something like the MVP/ Cy Young (baseball) voting would be good: 5pts first 3pts second 1pt third...then just tally the pionts.

[pflanzer]

Chris,
I like that graduated point structure. Thats a good idea.
Tony

[Oberst Hajj]

Unfortunately, a points based voting system is not an option. The best I can do is allow three votes per member to give us a 1st -3rd places. I think that will spread the love more then we think it will... while still showing a clear winner.

That does bring up the issue of prizes for three places instead of just one though...

[Hunter]

Congratulations to the winner(s). After much thought and looking at each one...I, in good conscience, could not choose one DIII over another. They are all excellent repaints demonstrating a beautiful attention to detail and artistic talent.