WINGNUT WINGS DH.9a NINAK Post War User manual

www.wingnutwings.com
Richard Alexander 2015
e AMC DH.9a (Aircraft Manufacturing Company de Havilland 9a) bomber arrived late in the Great War and was born out of the
necessity to find a replacement for the under performing DH.9. Intended as a replacement for the 275-350hp Rolls Royce Eagle
powered DH.4, with the pilot and gunner repositioned closer together for improved communications, the DH.9 was in fact a great
leap backwards due in no small part to the inferior performance and unreliability of its 230hp Puma engine.
Due to the workload at AMC the initial design work for the improved DH.9a was undertaken by Westland Aircraft Works who
modified AMC built DH.9 C6350 to accept a 350hp Rolls Royce Eagle VIII engine in anticipation of the imminent arrival of the
plentiful 400hp Liberty V12 engine from America. With its larger wings and re-designed nose, C6350 started flight testing in
February 1918. e 2nd prototype, and the 1st to be fitted with a Liberty engine, was AMC built C6122 which took to the air on 19
April 1918. In July 1918 it appeared that the supply of Liberty engines could dry up so a 3rd prototype, Westland built B7644, was
produced to accept the 350hp Eagle VIII, but as it turned out the supply of Liberty engines proved to be enough for RAF needs.
Remarkably, an initial production order for 400 DH.9a was placed with the Whitehead Aircraft Co in January 1918, a month before
the 1st prototype flew. e DH.9a was manufactured by Whitehead, AMC, Mann Eggerton & Co and e Vulcan Motor &
Engineering Co as well as numerous rebuilds and small post war production orders from the likes of the de Havilland Aircraft Co,
Handley Page Ltd, HG.Hawker Engineering Co Ltd and Short Bros amongst others. An American order for 4000 USD-9A was placed
with the Curtis Aeroplane and Motor Company but was canceled due to the Armistice and it appears that only 13 USD-9A were built,
all prototypes. At least 2700 unlicensed copies were built in the newly formed Soviet Union as the Polikarpov R-1. Post war
developments (as provided in this model) included improved undercarriage, an auxiliary radiator, additional gravity petrol tank and
leading edge wing slats. Further developments included a raised 'hump back' fuselage and oleo suspension undercarriage.
e DH.9a ‘Ninak’ (Nin = 9, ack = A) entered front line service with the RAF and USMC in late 1918 and went on to lengthy post war
service with the RAF in Germany, Russia and the Middle East and saw service in Canada, Australia and in the Soviet Union and China
(as the Polikarpov R-1).
Early aircraft colours are contentious at the best of times and we have done our best to provide what we consider to be accurate
painting information. Towards the end of 1918 the RAF replaced PC10 with AMAPD (AMA Protective Dope) which contained
pigments giving a 'dark chocolate brown appearance' and AMAPDT (AMA Protective Dope Tropical) dark reddish brown for aircraft
destined for service in the tropics. In the 1920s most aircraft were silver doped overall with their aluminium engine cowlings
frequently unpainted. Steel components, fittings and brackets were usually painted black unless overpainted with silver. e
Polikarpov R-1 appears to have initially been finished overall in a pale finish (white or silver?) and later with a dark olive green
'zashchitnyi' (protective) finish on the upper surfaces and light blue-grey undersides. Almost all Polikarpov R-1 featured extensive
political slogans.
Handbook on the DH.9a Aeroplane, Air Ministry, 1924 - Schedule for DH.9a - Windsock International v20 #3 2004, Windsock
International v20 #4 2004 - Windsock Datafile 139 & 141, AMC DH.9a ‘Ninak’volume 1 & 2, John Alcorn 2010 - e DH.4/DH.9 File, Ray
Sturtivant & Gordon Page, Air Britain 1999 - de Havilland DH.9a (RAF 1918-30), Profile Publications, Chaz Bower 1973 - FliegerRevue
Extra #24, 2009 e Vintage Aviator Ltd - RAF Museum Hendon - 1914-18 Aviation Heritage Trust - Colin Owers - Private Collections
.303 (7.7mm) Vickers gun and 1 or 2 .303 (7.7mm) Lewis gun on Scarff ring. Up to 660lb (300kg) of bombs.
400hp Liberty V12
February 1918 to 1928
Approximately 2000
120mph (193kph)4815lb (2184kg)
30’ 3” (9.22m)
45’ 11” (14m)
18,000’ (5486m)
Wingspan: Length: Max Weight: Max Speed:
No. manufactured: Production: Engine: Ceiling:
Armament:
References:

Warning: Choking hazard. Keep small parts and plastic bags away from children. Use glue and paint in a well
ventilated area. Always wear protective eyewear when cutting and a protective mask when painting,
gluing and sanding. Do not breathe dust from polyurethane resin parts (if included).
Beware of sharp edges on metal parts.
Assembly: Read all the instructions carefully before starting assembly. Use glue intended for plastic models.
Assemble metal and resin parts (if included) using Cyanoacrylate (CA) or epoxy glue.
Before assembly select a marking option and note optional parts required in instructions.
Rigging: If installing rigging please drill out all location holes with a 0.5mm drill bit to a depth of at least 1mm.
Painting: Only use paints designed and suitable for plastic model kitsets.
Decals: Cut out each decal as required. Soak in warm water for 15 seconds. Slide off backing paper onto gloss painted
surface of model (not just clear coated plastic). For large decals it is helpful to apply a drop of water to the
area they are being applied to. is will make it easier to maneuver them into the correct position.
Hints & Tips: Please visit our website for additional photos, hints and tips to assist you in getting the best result from
your Wingnut Wings model.
Part Number
Photo Etch Part
Decal
Paint Colour
Attention
Do Not Cement Drill
Other Side
Option
Cement For Metal
Choose Remove Construction Step
Federal Standard HumbrolTamiya
All colours
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
33481
30045
30219
26405
35164
36314
34095
30111*
35042
30340*
11350
54
12
27004
27001
27003
74
113
62
121
106
65
11(x1) + 34(x1)
160(x1) +121(x2)
102
98*
85
66
93*
60
X31
XF6
X10
XF16
XF56
XF60
XF9
XF52
XF55
XF82
XF12
XF16(x2) + XF19(x1)
XF9(x1) + XF55(x2)
XF67
XF68*
X18
XF69
XF78*
XF7
Brass
Copper
Gun Metal
Aluminium
Steel
Mustard Yellow - matt
Rust
Leather - semi gloss
Clear Doped Linen (CDL) - semi gloss
Battleship Grey - semi gloss
Grey-Blue - semi gloss
Aluminium Dope - gloss
Red Oxide Primer bled through linen - matt
Zashchitnyi Olive Green - semi gloss
Dark Wood* - semi gloss
Black - semi gloss
Rubber - matt
Light Wood* - semi gloss
Red - matt
Note: Apply clear varnish to achieve the desired gloss or semi-gloss finish. *See our website hints and tips for painting wood.

H
G
D x2
E
C
F
JR x2
Decals
Photo Etch
BA

COCKPIT Pilot’s control
column
Observer’s
rudder bar
Pilots rudder bar
Paint fuel
tank bag
Observer’s
control column
not always fitted
Grease pump for
Constantinesco (CC)
synchronizing system
Pilot’s throttle
Tailplane
elevating gear
Observer’s
throttle
Paint metal
brackets & fittings
Very flare pistol
Radiator
shutter lever
Lewis gun
magazine
Lewis gun
magazine

COCKPIT continued
Paint leather padding
Pilot’s seat
Accumulator
(battery)
Engine ignition
switch
Remove
Instrument
board lamp and
electrical wire.
Pattern 253
compass
Compass
Instrument board
Safety belts
Optional camera
Paint camera knobs
RAF Mk.II
Compass Paint
padding

Instrument board detail from F1010 after full restoration to
WW1 specifications. Note that post war instrument panels were
noticeably different.
Pilot’s seat, throttle and tailplane elevating gear details.
Note the aluminium magazine for Vickers ammunition.
Control column with firing handle for the Vickers. Note
the bomb sighting hole in the floor.
Observer’s throttle , seat and Lewis gun ammunition
drums . Note the interior colour of the linen fuselage
covering.
Observer’s windshield storage detail and empty hole for his
RAF Mk.II compass.
Accumulator (battery), grease
pump for the Constantinesco
(CC) Vicker gun synchronizing
system and empty bracket for
the Very flare pistol. e switch
board controlled the instrument
board lights.

ENGINE BAY
Paint metal
brackets and fittings
PAINTING GUIDE
Note detail this
side only
RIGGING GUIDE
Engine bearers
Rigging material not supplied

LIBERTY V12 400hp ENGINE
PAINTING GUIDE
is side only
Prop shaft
Sump
Crank case Camshafts &
rocker boxes
Water
pipe
Tube for spark
plug leads
Water
pipe
Water
pipe
Magnetos
Cylinders
Intake
manifold
Carburettor

FUSELAGE
PAINTING GUIDE
Paint interior of the same as
Lewis gun
magazines
Drill holes for
generator mount
Drill holes for
Polikarpov R-1
Vickers gun
fittings
Drill holes for external
cable fairing
Remove starboard
foot step details
Lewis gun magazines
Remove stitching detail
Remove stitching
detail Remove starboard
foot step details
Updated stitching detail
Updated stitching detail

Cut
hole for
storage
locker
FUSELAGE continued
Radiator
pipe
Petrol pumps
Aldis sight
Cover for CC
grease pump
Petrol gauges
Drill hole for
Aldis sight
mount
External
cable fairing
> Late model DH.9a fuselage under
construction at AMC clearly showing the
extended ply area near the tail and if you
look closely in the bottom left corner you
can see the cowling top cover for the
petrol tank. Hopefully someone will be
inspired to model this scene with their
model and we look forward to seeing it.
Aldis sight

Engine cowl and exhaust detail from Westland built
DH.9a H3510 . Note the unpainted aluminium
radiator and cowlings and the dark painted corners
of the radiator.
Engine cowl and exhaust detail from Vulcan built
DH.9a H3552 . Note the dark painted brackets,
hinges, vents and fairings.
RADIATOR & ENGINE COWLINGS
Radiator
shutters closed
Radiator
shutters open
Drill out ends of exhaust pipes
for more detail
Paint
interior
e engine cowling is a
very tight fit but can be
removed.
x1 Front only

TAILPLANE
Horizontal tailplane
Fin
Rudder
Elevators
Control
horns
Control
horns
Paint metal strut
brackets and fittings
Interplane struts
Interplane struts
Cabane
struts
Port bottom
wing
Starboard
bottom wing
BOTTOM WINGS & STRUTS

> Place model in empty box lid as shown while the
glue dries to ensure correct alignment of the wings.
TOP WINGS
leading edge slats
Starboard
top wing
Port top wing
Starboard top wing Port top wing
Centre section
Auxiliary petrol tank
Invert model to attach upper wings. Use liquid glue for plastics.
Glue cabane struts before wing struts.
Paint straps Paint 8 gallon gravity petrol tank
Leading edge slats possibly fitted to DH.9a A1-17
UNDERCARRIAGE
Axle
Wheels
Split axle
Paint bungee cord detail

Undercarriage detail from Westland
built DH.9a H3510 . Note the
additional rigging, auxiliary radiator
and bare aluminium wheel cover.
UNDERCARRIAGE continued
Undershield front
Starboard
aileron
Port aileron
Control
horns Paint inside Control
horns
DETAILS
Skid
Skid
Undershield rear Camera
cover
Generator
mount
Holt flare
& bracket Screw down
Auxiliary
radiator
Water
pipe
Paint inside
Paint inside
Holt flare
& bracket Screw down
Bomb ribs
Tail skid
Undershields

Early 112lb HERL (High Explosive
Royal Laboratory) bomb.
20lb Cooper bombs as carried by the
DH.9a
100lb HERL bomb.
PROPELLER & BOMBS
OPTIONAL BOMBS AND CARRIERS
20lb Cooper bombs
& carrier
Single 230lb HE Mk.1 bomb
& Carrier 230lb Single Mk.1
Double 230lb HE Mk.1 bombs
& Carrier 230lb Twin Mk.II
112lb HERL
early bomb
230lb HE Mk.1
bomb
112lb HERL
late bomb
100lb HERL
bomb
Single 100-112lb HERL bombs
& Carrier 112lb Single Mk.II
Double 100-112lb HERL bombs
& Carrier 112lb Twin Mk.1
Propeller
Bomb ribs
Carrier

Lewis Mk.II. Note the dark wooden hand grips and
the leather strap on the 97 round drum magazine.
LEWIS GUN & SCARFF RING
FINAL ASSEMBLY Vickers gun
Port aileron
Starboard aileron
Paint frames
Windscreens
Scarff ring
Lewis Mk.II
97 round magazine
Add for increased
movement
Bungee cord material
not included
Spare wheel
Elevator control horns
Control horns
Control horns
Polikarpov R-1
empty belt chute
Polikarpov R-1
synchronizing gear
47 round magazine
Lewis Mk.III
See page 17

RIGGING GUIDE Rigging material not supplied
RAF Aerodynamic wires

DH.9a E9939 was from a production order for 100 aircraft placed in March 1918 with e Vulcan Motor & Engineering Company
(numbers E9857 to E9956) and was initially placed in storage before being delivered to Hinaidi near Baghdad in February 1924.
It served in 55 Sqn and then 8 Sqn, as it is seen here, before being allocated to 39 Sqn in 1928. DH.9a E9939 was unarmed when
it was photographed in flight and appears to have been doped silver overall with bare aluminium engine cowlings and wheel
covers. Fuselage hinges are black as is the empty generator bracket (and possibly the undercarriage brackets too). e 'winged 8'
Sqn fuselage marking may have been black or possibly blue and we have provided both colours for you to choose from.
Continued >
PAINT COLOUR SCHEME AND DECAL GUIDE
DH.9a 'NINAK' (Post War)
DH.9a E9939, Vulcan built, 8 Sqn RAF, Iraq, mid 1920s
DH.9a H3510 'L', Westland built, AC Jones-Williams & Benson, B flight, 8 Sqn RAF, Iraq, 1923 to 1924
Apply decals

DH.9a H3510 was from a production
order for 150 aircraft placed in July 1918
with Westland Aircraft Works (numbers
H3396 to H3545) and was serving
with the School of Aerial Fighting and
Gunnery in October 1919. By February
1923 it was with 8 Sqn based at Hinaidi
near Baghdad and would later go on to
serve in 84 and 55 Sqns in 1927. DH.9a
H3510 is shown here as flown by AC
Jones-Williams & Benson in B flight,
8 Sqn markings in flight over Baghdad
and the Tigris river. e unusually dark
appearance of the top of the nose and upper surfaces of the wings is probably an optical illusion as all available references indicate
that these aircraft were silver overall. e B flight fin marking and fuselage letter 'L' appear to red. Note the spare wheel lashed under
the fuselage, Lewis Mk.III , modified fuselage fabric stitching, auxiliary petrol tank , empty 20lb Cooper bomb carrier,
generator mount , Holt flares and wing 'screw downs' . e large empty brackets under the wings were sometimes fitted
to carry extra stores.
DH.9a H3552 is seen here in flight accompanied
by fellow 39 Sqn 'Ninaks' E876, E948 and E8654
(not visible) in June or July 1923, probably during
preparations for, or possibly while at, the Hendon
Air Pageant on 30 June 1923. 39 Sqn was formed
in April 1916 being tasked with home defense
duties but by October 1918 it had been retrained
and sent to France with aging FE.2b bombers
where it was disbanded less than a week after the
Armistice. It was reformed in 1919, returning
to service in 1921 training on Avro 504s before
being reequipped with the DH.9a in early 1923.
DH.9a H3552 was from a production order for 250
aircraft placed in July 1918 with Vulcan (numbers
H3546 to H3796) and was delivered to 39 Sqn in
June 1923 just in time to be used in the squadron display at Hendon. e following month it was transferred to 5 Flight Training
School where it was involved in landing accidents with Avro 504Ks in November 1923 and January 1924 before being returned to
39 Sqn later that year. Note the dark painted metal brackets, hinges & fittings, bare aluminium engine cowlings, modified fuselage
fabric stitching and small stencil details on the fin, rudder and interplane struts.
Continued
DH.9a H3552, Vulcan built, 39 Sqn RAF, UK, June-July 1923
Apply decals

DH.9a A1-17 (originally F2779) was from a production order for 170 aircraft placed in April 1918 with F.W.Berwick & Co
(numbers F2733 to F2902) and was completed in April 1919. DH.9a F2779 was one of 30 DH.9a allocated to Australia as part
of 100 aircraft supplied under the Imperial Gift scheme and had arrived down under at the Central Flying School Australian
Air Corps by May 1920. e following month it set an Australian altitude record of 27,000ft. By the time of the formation of
the Australian Air Force on 31 March 1921 it had been renumbered A1-17 and was serving with 1 Flight Training School. e
photo above appears to show DH.9a A1-17 and A1-26 of E Flight 1 FTS in 1922. Note the lack of armament, empty bomb
ribs, dark interplane & cabane struts and unpainted aluminium engine cowlings. DH.9a A1-17 was reconditioned in 1925-
1926 and again in 1928 and continued to serve with 1 FTS until being written off in February 1930.
e photos above show the reconditioned DH.9a A1-17 following one of it's 4 landing accidents during 1929. By this time
A1-17 had been upgraded with leading edge wing slats , oleo undercarriage and cellon window in the fuselage under
the observer's cockpit. It is not entirely certain if the leading edge wing slats were added before the modified fuselage and
oleo undercarriage or at the same time so it is remotely possible that they could be suitable for this model.
Apply decals
DH.9a A1-17, Berwick built, E Flight, 1 FTS RAAF, Australia, 1922