WOW041 Roland C2

WOW041 Roland C2 Reconnaissance/artillery spotter ‘Walfish’ or Whale was a very advanced design with a top speed some 30Kph faster than other aircraft of the time including single seat fighters, thanks to its streamlined fuselage and Daimler Mercedes 160 HP engine. The first C2 came off the production line in 1915 with various improvements being built into it as production continued up to 1917. Although not the most manoeuvrable of aircraft its high speed meant it could outrun most Allied fighters should the need arise. It also had the luxury of side windows built into the fuselage for the crew which were indeed a novelty for any aircraft of this era. We have faithfully replicated these windows as well as a full interior with safety belts fitted to the seats and for the first time ever, a cast metal machine gun for the rear observer. This Roland was one of the most famous of WW1 and features on the box art of the1970’s Airfix model kits. It was flown by Eduard Ritter Von Schleich an ace with over 35 victories to his name and a Blue Max recipient to boot. Von Schleich was wounded at least twice during the war but survived to go on and fight the Communists in 1919 before joining Lufthansa in the 1920’s. With the outbreak of WW2 Von Schleich enlisted into the Luftwaffe and ended his career as General de Flieger in occupied Norway. Captured by the British he ended up in a POW camp where he unfortunately died in 1947 just prior to his release, aged 59 years old. Von Schleich’s Roland has been faithfully replicated right up to the metal fish anemometer which was fixed to the top wing, as well as the eyes and teeth painted on the front, which made this such a distinctive and noticeable aircraft.