Albatros D.I

Gavia, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

Gavia's 1/48 scale Albatros D.I is available online from Squadron.com

Despite the vast range of 1:48 scale kits produced by Eduard, they never decided to release a version of the Albatros D.I.

Previously the modeller had to buy a conversion set to get this result or do the modification themselves. Fortunately Gavia have made the job even easier by releasing this package.

It uses the Eduard Albatros D.II as a basis with an added sprue that contains all the parts necessary for the change. These extra plastic parts contain the “trestle” arrangement of the cabane struts as well as the different length equivalents for the outer wings.

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Thumbnail panels:

These are moulded to the same high standards as the original parts and therefore blend nicely into the finished product.

As good as the Eduard D.II kit is, there is one change that will make the finished product even better. The control linkage for the ailerons is missing in the upper wing and sadly this omission is very obvious. If you don’t wish to animate the ailerons then a simple bit of scribing will suffice to remedy this.

The outlines of the major components match very well to the published plans of the time.

These were from Ian Stair and came with the Windsock Datafile Special on the Albatros fighter series.

The wings are well moulded and feature subtle rib detail and refined trailing edges.

The fuselage halves contain a representation of the interior structure which provides a good basis to add the ample cockpit fittings. Amongst the usual suspects is a fret of photo etched parts which includes the much loved pre-painted seatbelts.

The aforementioned fret is specifically designed for this kit and as a result has grills for the side “ear” radiators. Also included are machine gun jackets, hatches, under carriage brace, and cable exit eyelets.

As expected, all the mouldings are free of blemishes with no sink marks or ejection pins being visible on the finished product.

Options

Four excellent choices are available to the modeller. They have been specifically chosen to offer a good variety of schemes to cater for painters of all skill levels.

The decal sheet is superbly printed. All items are in perfect register with sharp edges and thin carrier film.

The easiest scheme is offered by the Albatros D.I flown by Prinz Friedrich Karl of Prussia. He was brought down in this aircraft on March 21 1917 by a DH2 from 32 Squadron RFC, the pilot being Lt. Pickthorne.

This is an ideal subject for those wanting to paint their aircraft in an all-over single colour…in this case light green.

For modellers wishing to camouflage their steed, Gavia propose Albatros D.I D.435/16, which was reportedly flown by Leutnant Spitzhoff of Jasta 5. Along with the green and brown upper surfaces, it is depicted with a light coloured tailfin and rudder, which has been interpreted as blue.

If you are brave enough to simulate a natural wood finish, two further options cater for this.

Albatros D.I D.446/17 and D.391/17 both fit this bill, with the latter aircraft being the mount of Leutnant Karl Büttner of Jasta 2. He was shot down in this machine by Capt. Parker and Lt. Hervey in a BE2 of No.8 Sqn, RFC and became a prisoner of war.

This is an excellent way for modellers to get an Albatros D.I into their collection.

By using the sound Eduard D.II, Gavia have added the extra sprue necessary for the transformation. The etched metal fret enhances the kit significantly and the well produced decal sheet adds the finishing touch.

Recommended

Thanks to Eduard for the review sample

Review Text Copyright © 2008 by Rob Baumgartner
Page Created 15 January, 2008
Last updated 15 January, 2008

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