From the company

"Dear Mr. Lawson,
Thank you for expressing an interest in our product for review. I have enclosed several items. They include; this letter, 5 photographs and 4 scale propellers. They include;
Airco De Havilland DH 2, 4 blade propeller in 1:32 scale available at $35.00.
Airco De Havilland DH 2, 4 blade propeller in 1:48 scale available at $25.00.
Airco De Havilland DH 2, 2 blade propeller in 1:48 scale available at $25.00.
Fokker D.VII Axial 2 blade propeller in 1:48 scale at $25.00.

Included with each propeller is a holder (toothpick) with a metal pin inserted (more on this later) as well as the appropriate propeller retention plates (front & back).

We offer these in 3 colour variations depending upon the desire of the customer. Having access to an almost unlimited supply of precision cut exotic woods we offer the propeller in all dark of two contrasting colours, or a combination of light and dark wood. The samples which have been enclosed are of the latter. Each laminate is separated by a thin black glue line. All of our products are hand-made.

As each package is opened, several things will be noticed;

First, each propeller has a gloss finish. Since it is easier to remove gloss than add it, we have decided to let the customer determine the level of gloss they desire. Careful sanding will remove the desired amount of finish.

Second, each propeller comes with a “holder”. Though it is a silly little thing, by mounting the propeller on this and secured from travel by the metal pin, the customer can see that the slightest breath will cause the propeller to spin. This test emphasizes the accuracy of the blades airfoil and that fact that the propeller is centered.

Third, each propeller comes with the appropriate (when known) resin retention plates front and back.

Finally the true center can easily be enlarged should the customer wish to do so.

Other propellers available in 1:32 & 1:48 scale include those for the Bristol Fighter – Brisfit, Albatros D types up to the D.Va. If known these are presented by the original Company’s name. These include Niendorf, Heine, Axial, Wolff. Once accurate blueprints / schematic drawings are obtained other types will be included . . . We believe that every factor in their creation, including competitor’s products have been carefully considered and tested. We hope that their use will greatly benefit those who build model of World War I aircraft in scale.

Craig Rosner
The Micro Group"
[email protected]

Under inspection

After I got over the initial endorphin rush when seeing these beauties, I decided to get out some stats I have on propellers and see if the accuracy met the hype. Using official & unofficial factory photos, colour plates and drawings I find that these propellers are a worthwhile investment. While I have not yet seen his propellers with other finishes I can see these presented here as a good step forward. These items will easily surpass other similar products I have seen. Noting the precision work presented in these scales and having cut my own laminate propellers previously, I can say I am duely impressed. Noting the fact that the British used metal shroud tips I have no concerns about the lengths of the corresponding scale propellers presented here. The Axial type seems a very close representation of the higher horsepowered late war version.

References;

Cross & Cockade Intl. Vol. 20 #1 1989 Part 1.
Cross & Cockade Intl. Vol. 20 #3 1989 Part 2.
Cross & Cockade Intl. Vol. 21 #3 1990 Part 3.
Cross & Cockade Intl. Vol. 22 #1 1991 Part 4.
Cross & Cockade Intl. Vol. 22 #4 1991 Part 5.
Diamler factory archive data and drawings.
Data from Boeing aircraft archives.
Lafayette Foundation Archives.
WWI British Aeroplane Propellers. Windsock Datafile.
Windsock Datafiles - German subjects.

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