Pfalz D.IIIa
Weekend Edition

Eduard, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

Eduard's 1/48 scale Pfalz D.IIIa Weekend Edition is available online from Squadron.com
 

The elegant lines of the Pfalz D.IIIa return with Eduard’s “Weekend Edition” of this popular fighter.

Although released nearly 10 years ago, the mouldings have not suffered any ill effects with the passing of time. The detail has not been compromised and the sprues remain flash-free.

The fuselage interior contains a representation of the wooden framework which some modellers may wish to enhance with thin plastic strip. To this we add the supplied cockpit fittings and Eduard give us a good start here.

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Thumbnail panels:

They provide the obligatory seat, control column, rudder bar and floor as well as ammunition boxes, pressure pump, magneto, greaser and instrument panel. Dial faces are courtesy of decals but as this release is a “Weekend Edition”, the modeller must look elsewhere for seatbelts.

Careful trimming will ensure that everything fits snugly between the fuselage halves and once the 160hp Mercedes engine has been trapped therein, it’s on to the wings.

The flying surfaces are all moulded as single piece affairs which makes the assembly of these items a breeze. A modicum of filler is needed to blend the fuselage with the wing roots, and surprisingly this is easier to do that it looks.

All one has to do is carefully mask around the join line to ensure that the surrounding detail is not compromised. Then apply your favourite filler, and while still wet, run a suitably shaped object along the join to initiate the correct shape. This will limit the amount of sanding needed for a smooth transition.

All of the wings are perfectly formed and display commendably thin trailing edges. Two different lower components are supplied as some D.IIIa aircraft were fitted with the type normally associated with the D.III. The upper ribs are a little heavier than we are used to when compared to Eduard’s latest release but this shouldn’t cause too much concern.

Once the top wing is on, a couple of radiator pipes fashioned spare rod will add a nice finishing touch. If you wish to rig your aircraft, a diagram provides for this in the instruction booklet.

It appears that the scale plans of Steve Simkin were used for the production of this kit as the major components match his outlines almost perfectly. These were published many moons ago in Albatros Productions Datafile No. 21.

Markings

A single colour scheme is provided on the decal sheet and this is for the machine of Ltn. Hans Müller of Jasta 18.

Müller flew two-seaters before transferring to Jasta 12 in late 1917. In early 1918, he moved to Jasta 15, where he scored his first 2 confirmed victories.  As part of the swap with Jasta 18 personnel, he scored his remaining successes with that unit and finished the war with a total of 12.

All of the markings on the decal sheet were in perfect register which included the aforementioned instrument faces and the always welcome Axial logos.

The Pfalz D.IIIa is arguably one of the most aesthetically pleasing fighters to wear the German cross.

This, along with the variety of colours and markings, make it an ideal choice for re-release. It’s an accurate rendition of the original and thanks to the layout of the struts, is one of the easier World War One aircraft to build.

If you haven’t built a biplane yet, these competitively priced “Weekend Edition” kits are an ideal way to have a go.

Thanks to Eduard for the sample

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2010 by Rob Baumgartner
Page Created 9 March, 2010
Last updated 10 March, 2010

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