Fokker Dr.I
Weekend Edition

Eduard, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

Eduard's 1/48 Fokker Dr.I Weekend Edition is available online from Squadron.com
 

Following hot on the heels of the “Dual Combo” kit is this release of the famous Fokker triplane.

This is Eduard’s “Weekend Edition”, a no frills, low cost kit that allows the modeller a quick and easy build… as the title suggests. This means no photo-etched frets, masks or multiple options but what we do get is 3 sprues of tan coloured plastic containing a total of 78 parts.

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Thumbnail panels:

These were free of any flaws and no ejector pin marks were visible on the finished product.

The cockpit comprises of the floor, control column, compass housing, control stick, seat, ammo bins, gun mounts and rudder bar. Also included are the seat frame and cushion, storage bag, rear “fabric” screen, and spent cartridge collector.

The throttle control and magneto were previously p-e items so these will have to be made from scratch. While you are at it, don’t forget to add some seatbelts. The fuselage halves include the plywood triangular shaped formers and a separate tubular frame completes the interior.

Assembly is straight forward with everything fitting easily within the fuselage halves. It’s right about now that you appreciate the nice rendition of the structural framework on the exterior surfaces.

Each of the three wings is a single piece affair which greatly simplifies the assembly process. The rib detail is nicely done and close inspection reveals subtle stitching flanked on both sides by fine engraved lines.

The bottom wing fits cleverly into a slot in the fuselage and when the other wings are added, all parts align perfectly thanks to the single length struts.

The ailerons, elevators and rudder are separate items which allow easy animation and give some individuality of your subject.

There are a couple of things that need a bit of tweaking though. First is the celluloid inspection window on top of the upper wing and this should be moved slightly forward. It was there to allow the works number and date of spar manufacture to be read.

Then remove the fasteners on the undercarriage wing. These assume that the lifting surface could be split for maintenance purposes but that was not the case.

It’s good to see that Eduard have replicated the “lip” on the faceplate, a feature often missed on kits of the past.

Another important detail is the access hatch underneath the forward fuselage. This is not present on the plastic parts as it was allowed for on a fret of p-e in previous triplane releases. Simple scribing will reinstate this feature.

Marking Options

As befits a “Weekend Edition” kit, there is only one choice of subject. It’s Fokker Dr.I 545/17 of Jasta 11, which was the aircraft flown by Ltn. Hans Weiss.

Weiss died in this machine after a fight with Camels of No 209 Sqn on the 2 May 1918. His total number of victories stood at 16 with a further 2 unconfirmed.

It’s obvious that whoever designed the decal sheet still has not learned from their previous efforts. Once again we find that the “I” in “DR I” has been rendered at the same height as the surrounding letters. Quite frustrating really…

Despite this anomaly, the printing is excellent with minimal carrier film and perfect registration. The instruments and Axial propeller logos also appear here which is always appreciated.

This Eduard release is another welcome addition to their “Weekend Edition” series.

It is a “no frills” product which allows it to reach a larger part of the market thanks to its budget pricing. As such it doesn’t contain any photo-etched parts, resin, or multiple colour schemes. The basic plastic items however, still allow the modeller to produce a quality result straight out of the box.

The excellent fit and minimal rigging makes it a perfect subject for those wanting to experience their first WWI aircraft.

Thanks to Eduard for the sample

Review Text Copyright © 2009 by Rob Baumgartner
Page Created 17 March, 2009
Last updated 17 March, 2009

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