Long have we heard the tales of the bravado and exploits of the famous World War One Air Ace who fought the Red Baron many a time, only to fail each time.  Now, finally, we can see what his aircraft looked like.

Many have assumed his aircraft was shaped like a doghouse, but that was only part of the makeup of the famed DaisyHill Aeroplane Company "Beagle" F.1. Comprising of some components based upon the famous Sopwith Camel, and utilising a Woodstock in line engine of approximately 11 hp, the "Beagle" had excellent manueverability and speed, and sported a pair of nasty Vickers Guns. Unfortunately for the pilot, the Red Baron possessed a far superior skill in flying, and time after time, the brave American pilot was shot down.

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The kits used for this were a 1/48 scale Revell Germany Sopwith Camel, for the wings and tail surfaces, a 1/28 scale Revell Spad XIII for the guns and prop, and a 1/24 scale hot rod dragster for the wheels and exhaust pipes. Snoopy came from my spares department, I bought him years ago for just such an occasion.  Never throw anything out! The doghouse, which houses the engine, came from a local dollhouse shop.  I COULD have scratch built it myself, but frankly, I'm lazy and was short on time, and as it happened, it was a perfect fit for the Camel wings. I was inspired by the re-release of the FunfDecker by Revell, as funny cartoonlike version of the Red Barons' airplane.

Alvis 3.1