Red Eagle WW1 Observation Balloon and AA Vehicles

BM1 WW1 Observation balloon complete with basket, observer and winch 
Balloon  modelled is a caquot type observation balloon which is French design but was used by all nations. It was known as Type Ae800 by the Germans and R Type by the US. It was in use from 1914 by the Allies (the German copies not being introduced until 1916).
 
The balloon model is made in 2 halves from light weight expanded foam, other parts are white metal.

Designed by two German officers in 1896, this type of balloon was used by most armies during WWI. They were known as "Drachen", the German word for kite or dragon, but nicknamed "sausages" by the British and French. Used for artillery spotting, they were usually very well protected by anti-aircraft artillery, often 70-80 water-cooled machine guns, autocannon and 77mm AA guns. Despite these measures, the life of a balloon was only about two weeks. When the war started in 1914, Germany had 8 balloon companies whereas the French had a solitary balloon.