Albatros D.V
Dual Combo

Eduard, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

Eduard's 1/72 scale Albatros D.V Dual Combo is available online from Squadron.com
 

One of the most aesthetically pleasing fighters of World War One was the Albatros D.V. Its sleek lines make it a popular subject amongst modellers and the myriad of colour schemes are a bonus.

Eduard’s 1/72 scale release of this aircraft was a welcome addition to their WWI range when it first appeared. It was accurate, well moulded and easy to put together.  

The latest incarnation of this aeroplane sees it appear as a “Dual Combo”. What we get is two kits of this famous fighter with all the goodies that were characteristic of the “Profi-pack” boxing. 

This means photo-etched metal parts and a mask set, the latter being used to protect the wheel covers while airbrushing the tyres.  

Two sprues of plastic are supplied, each one containing complete parts for one aircraft. The detail is excellent with no sink marks or ejection pins to interfere with the final appearance.  

Both fuselage halves have a moulded on interior structure into which the builder can add whatever detail they desire. Apart from the usual plastic seat, and control column, Eduard supplies the rudder, compass mount, fuel/air control panel, throttle, and cartridge belt container… all in photo-etch. 

To cap that off there are even coloured etched metal seatbelts to add. 

The wings boast subtle rib detail and very good trailing edges. For those wishing to animate their model, the elevators and ailerons will need to be separated from their main parts. Speaking of the latter, one should introduce the “washout” that was very obvious at the tips of these control surfaces. 

More photo-etch can be added at this stage as the manufacturer provides detail for the machine guns (including fretted jackets), wing walks, access panels, lifting rings, radiator shutters, control horns and much, much more. Naturally the builder need add only what they feel comfortable applying.

Marking Options

Although four different aircraft are presented on the instruction sheet, another option is shown on the side of the box top. This interloper isn’t found on the decal sheet however.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

What we do get is the following:

1. Albatros D.V, D.2092/17 flown by Walter Boning of Jasta 76

Boning’s personal marking was a black “B” on a white fuselage band. This in itself was edged in black although one source suggests it could have been red. Eduard has supplied both types. Boning ended the war with 17 victories.

2. Albatros D.V, D.1148/17 flown by Hans Adam of Jasta 6

This was the aircraft that Adam crashed on 2 August 1917.

He was not hurt in this incident but died in Albatros 5222/17 a few months later while in combat with 45 and 29 Squadrons. Adam had 21 victories to his name.

3. Albatros D.V, D.2065/17 flown by Richard Flashar of Jasta 5

This popular subject is depicted in what is believed to be the correct interpretation of the serpent marking. It was also flown in combat by von Hippel who lost the port lower wing when in combat on 18 February 1918.

4. Albatros D.V flown by Olivier Frhr von Beaulieu-Marconnay of Jasta 19.

“Bauli” formerly served with the 4^th Dragoon Regiment and thus has the combined 4D “branding iron” insignia proudly painted on the fuselage side. At 20 years of age, he was the youngest recipient of the Pour le Merite. He died of his wounds on 26 October 1918 after scoring 25 victories.

All items on the decal sheet were in perfect register. The colours are opaque and the carrier film is very thin. For those that don’t have a steady hand, Eduard supply the red Jasta 5 outline for the tail surfaces.

These “Combo” kits are great value for those modelers wanting to add more than one highly detailed Albatros to their collection. 

The package contains all the elements needed to achieve a first class result. There are high quality mouldings, a range of exquisite etched metal parts and perfectly presented decals, all of which combine to give a hassle free build. 

Just don’t rush it… 

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Eduard for the review sample

Review Text Copyright © 2007 by Rob Baumgartner
Page Created 30 October, 2007
Last updated 24 December, 2007

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