Fokker D.XXI
Dutch Defender

Classic Airframes, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman

Classic Airframes' 1/48 scale Fokker D.XXI Dutch Defender is available online from Squadron

Jules Bringuier, owner of Classic Airframes, recently noted in Plane Talking that he has been in the model business for 15 years.  While he probably dates his involvement back to the “resin days” of Bringuier Aviation Products, Classic Airframes’ first injection molded, mixed media kit, the Fokker D. XXI, was released in 1995.

It is interesting to note that even back then Jules had visions of ruling the modeling world. The original box has printed on the side:  “Classic Airframes – European Division”.

With the issuance of this new Fokker D. XXI, it is clear we have come a long way from that original flash infested bit of a blob of plastic that was nothing more than an excuse for incorporating about a pound of etched brass (OK, so I exaggerate.). Unless you loved folding and shaping etched brass, the engine mount and cockpit structure would have turned even Gandhi to violence.

The new Classic Airframes Fokker D. XXI is based on the Special Hobby Fokker D. XXI, and even includes the Finnish skis.  My review of the Special Hobby kit can be seen by clicking on this link.

The only difference is that the sprue for the wing in the Special Hobby kit is replaced by a sprue for the wing, and other parts, specifically for the Dutch Fokker D. XXI.

Having built the Special Hobby Fokker D. XXI, the kit goes together quite nicely with virtually no problems, and was a relatively easy build.  But, as usual, test fit.

There are three issues with the Classic Airframes kit that should be pointed out, although not one is a “fatal flaw”.

First, being based on the Special Hobby Finnish version, this kit has the clear part (CP 2) for the window on the spine behind the cockpit.  The Dutch version did not have this window.  This widow should be smoothed into the fuselage and painted over.  Since the instructions don’t note this, it could cause confusion, as the paining guide shows the area where the window is located as being painted.

Second, the Dutch Fokker had a landing light in each wing located between the machine guns.  Unless you have a good magnifying glass, you will miss the very lightly engraved lines representing this light.  One can deal with this in any number of ways:  just paint the area silver, or cut out the area and insert, and sand to shape, a small piece of clear plastic.

Third, you will need to refer to the painting guide to determine whether the aircraft you are modeling had the radio mast or not.  This is not indicated in the building instruction.

Markings:

The Fokker D. XXI is a case in point showing that color research is on going.  Originally, and as applied to the preserved aircraft in the Netherlands, the colors were shown to be Green, Brown and “Goldenrod”.    Recent research* has shown the Goldenrod color to be incorrect and that the proper color was “Camouflagebeige”.  The painting instructions reflect this and include the appropriate FS equivalents.

While the kit’s paining guide shows four aircraft, there are sufficient serial numbers so that three additional aircraft can be done, although they all have the same camouflage pattern.

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It should be noted that aircraft with a serial number below 222 had one camouflage pattern, while aircraft with a serial number above 221 had another.  The paining guide reflects this also.

Aircraft 227 is most interesting indeed.  It appears that this aircraft was photographed while having the orange neutrality triangle applied over the roundel on the right side.  As for the other markings, it is not clear when they were changed.  So you are left with modeling decisions as to the remainder of the markings.

Finally, if the black outline on the fuselage neutrality triangle looks too thick, it is supposed to be that way.  Regardless of the size of the triangle, the black outline was constant in width: 3 inches, if I remember correctly.  Decal makers often, and incorrectly, scale the black outline to the size of the triangle.

It is about time we had a quality model of this under appreciated aircraft.  I believe that no representative collection of WW-2 aircraft is truly representative without a model of the Fokker D. XXI “Dutch Defender”.  Not as flashy or famous as the Spitfire or Hurricane, but it does represents one nation’s valiant effort to resist Nazi aggression.

A digression, if I may. I’ve seen a number of postings about why the same basic model kit is being issued by more than one company.  It has been most obvious with the Spitfire Vc, from Special Hobby, Classic Airframes and Eduard, the Fokker D. XXI from Special Hobby and Classic Airframes, and even the Fw 190 from Eduard and Accurate Miniatures.

Because of the economic situation at this time, I believe that, given the costs and risks involved in putting out a model, especially models of esoteric aircraft, we are seeing the industry, primarily the smaller companies, attempting to spread the costs and risks around.

If this is truly the case, then I believe it should be applauded and supported.  By engaging in such a business strategy, the disastrous effect of a single model that flops, or a model that simply does not sell as briskly as others, will be mitigated. Hopefully, this helps manufacturers through these tough times.

References

• *Fokker D.XXI – History, Camouflage and Markings; Frits Gerdessen & Luuk Boerman; Dutch Profile; 2007.

• Fokker D.XXI; Warren Eberspacher; PhalanxPublishing Co.; 1994.

Thanks to Classic Airframes for the review sample.

Classic Airframes kits are available worldwide through hobby retailers and from Squadron.com

Review and Images Copyright © 2008 by Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman
Page Created 20 November, 2008
Last updated 20 November, 2008

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