VMC Fokker D.VIII Co2

[Spiros]

Since some months ago, I wanted to give it a try on the Co2. As I'm new to this, I chose a kit from VMC, the Fokker D.VIII.

Obviously, I had to make alot of changes to mount the Co2 (Telco btw) and have a more scale approach, in order to participate on the IIFI 2026 on the Open Scale Co2 cat.

The most difficult part of all was the covering. As it had to be the Polish No 1 (187/18) E.V. with the pilot Stephan Stec, the only method I knew and could follow is the printed Asuka.

At this task, I got the help of my dear friend Alex Dalidis, who is a graphics artist and he prepared all necessary marking, based on Mike Stuart's Lozenge pattern.

The airplane is not yet finished, but hopefully, will make it by mid of October, so first flight (if it flies) will be in IIFI.

Some pics (not many) from the so far progress

[Spiros]

With the covering. Printed Asuka was a nightmare to shrink. I only used pure alcohol after leaving the tissue a couple of days to dry completely. Then I apply 50/50 nitro dope

[Spiros]

P.S. I have to apologise for the quality of the pics, however they were downloaded from HEIC and converted to jpg. Obviously the pics need to comply with the file size accepted

[Squirrelnet]

Great build Spiros, I love the printed tissue covering it works very well

[Spiros]

Thank you!

As I said to some friends, it looks good.............from a distance...........in the dark......

Printed tissue was the most difficult part of all the construction. To apply it and then shrink was challening.

[Piecost]

Spiros,

Sorry to hear about the trouble with the tissue. But, the end result is spectacular. Can I ask what printer.and ink did you use?

[Spiros]

Thank you so much!

The printer is the HP Deskjet Ink advantage 3835 and I used the standard original ink of the printer. Not sure if I could replace them with something that could be water resistant.

[Spiros]

Here is the final result of the wing. Currently waiting for the 24h drying of the dope covering.

[Spiros]

Promised to George, I will post more pics of the building process during he weekend.

For now, it's just the first engine run!

I now pray that it flies.....

[ZIP.58]

Spiros, great model and engine sound. I hope your prayers are answered. The way it looks, this model is bound to fly. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you....
Peter

[MockwingF]

Hi Spiros,

What a great model! I wish you the very best of luck with the trimming and test flights. It would be fantastic to see it flying as well as it looks.

Looking forward to hearing about the first successful flights!

Best regards,
 Markus

[Spiros]

Thank you so much!

First flights will be in IIFI 2026, hopefully!

[Jmk89]

Thank you so much!

First flights will be in IIFI 2026, hopefully!

Spiros

You have a month or so until the IIFI.  It might be a good idea to start trimming it before then

[Spiros]

Many thanks Jeremy,

However, the gym we are currently using is rather narrow/tight and would not endager any flight there.

George also said it's better to try it in IIFI. The airplane is balanced to the proposed balance point, so I'll take my chances!

[Stunthenk]

Well, if George okays the initial trim settings, you should do fine at the IIFI!