SSW D.III ProfiPACK
plus Fabric Seat Belts,
BRASSIN Engine and Guns

Eduard, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Eduard's 1/48 scale SSW D.III ProfiPACK is available online from Squadron.com
 

The Siemens-Schuckert D.III was a German single-seat, equal-span sesquiplane fighter, powered by a 160 hp (119 kW) Siemens-Halske Sh.III bi-rotary engine.

Idflieg placed an order for 20 aircraft in December 1917, followed by a second order of 30 aircraft in February 1918.

Approximately 41 D.IIIs were delivered to frontline units between April and May 1918. Most aircraft were supplied to Jagdgeschwader II, whose pilots were enthusiastic about the new aircraft's handling and rate of climb.

After only seven to 10 hours of service, however, the Sh.III engines started showing serious problems with overheating and piston seizure. The problem was later traced to the Voltol mineral oil that was used to replace the now-scarce castor oil. Furthermore, the close-fitting engine cowling provided inadequate cooling to the engine.

In late May 1918, Jagdgeschwader II replaced its D.IIIs with the older Fokker Dr.I. The remaining D.III aircraft were returned to the Siemens-Schuckert factory, where they were retrofitted with new Sh.IIIa engines, an enlarged rudder, and cutaway cowlings that provided improved airflow.

Total production amounted to 80 aircraft.

In July 1918, the D.III returned to active service as an interceptor with home defense squadrons. By this time, the D.III had been replaced in production by the Siemens-Schuckert D.IV .*

I've always had a bit of a soft spot for the Siemens-Schuckert D.III, as it was the first 1/48 scale biplane kit that I had ever built, and it was also the first Eduard kit that I worked on.

In fact, it was Eduard's very first plastic model, released back in 1993

Now, 22 years later, Eduard has produced a completely new-tool SSW D.III. With only 78 parts in grey plastic and a single photo-etched fret, this is a fairly simple kit by 21st century standards, and might be an appropriate project for a modeller new to biplanes.

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Thumbnail panels:

The fuselage features crisply recessed panel lines. An optional dorsal strake is provided.

Each wing is moulded as a single full-span part with separate ailerons.The wings feature raised rib tape and stitching detail that is more prominent than Eduard's usual fare, but I really like the open vents moulded to the front of the bottom wing.

The struts are cleverly moulded to assist fit and structural strength. Eduard also supplies photo-etched turnbuckles and four rigging diagrams in the instructions.

Cockpit detail is good straight from the box, with colour photo-etched parts including an optional plywood-textured pre-painted, perforated seat back and photo-etched harness straps.

The engine is very simple, being made up from just three parts, but will be largely hidden behind the close cowl.

Markings

Five very colourful options are provided:

• SSW D.III, Jasta 4, Ltn. Ernst Udet, Metz, October 3, 1918

• SSW D.III 1618/18, Jasta 85 (Kest 5), Ltn. Heinrich Dembowsky, Schaffenhausen, November 13, 1918

• SSW D.III, Jasta 15, Chery-les-Pouilly, July, 1918

• SSW D.III 1626/18, Kest 4b, Vzfw. Reimann, September, 1918

• SSW D.III 3025/18, Trier, December, 1918 to January 1919

The three decal sheets are in register and beautifully printed.

One sheet includes national markings and unique markings, a second offers full-span lozenge markings for the wings and tail planes, while the third has individual rib tape decal strips. I liked that the lozenge sheet included pre-cut markings for the wing struts, saving a potentially tricky task for the modeller.

Although I am no expert of the colours or patterns of WWI lozenge fabric, questions have been asked about the lozenge decals in this kit. In particular, the upper surface lozenge decals are almost monochrome in appearance.

Aftermarket replacements are available for those who are not happy with these.

Eduard has already released a number of separately available accessories for this kit.

They are:

648 166 - Eduard BRASSIN SSW D.III Engine

This set provides a highly detailed engine for the SSW D.III kit. It is a vast improvement over the kit parts. Casting is crisp and quality is excellent.

The engine is made up from three parts in grey resin and a photo-etched fret providing the push rods and other smaller details.

648 177 - Eduard BRASSIN SSW D.III Guns

Another noticeable upgrade from the kit parts, this set offers the option of a solid resin cooling jacket or a rolled photo-etched one with a metal tube core.

The set provides two guns made up from a total of 16 parts in grey resin and a photo-etched fret.

49070 - SSW D.III Seat Belts FABRIC

I do love these fabric harness sets. This set is designed for the SSW D.III and, as usual, includes fabric straps and Eduard's photo-etched hardware.

Eduard’s 1/48 SSW D.III is a welcome retooling of this interesting German late WWI fighter.

If you are happy with the level of detail offered by the kit engine and guns, you should have a fairly easy time with construction. Straight from the box, the kit seems well suited to the less-experienced biplane modeller.

If, however, you would like to add more detail, Eduard has thoughtfully provided this option via the BRASSIN engine and guns, as well as fabric harness straps.

I'll leave the question of the lozenge decals to the individual modeller, but after-market options are available for these too.

Recommended.

* Background summarised from Wikipedia entry

Thanks to Eduard for the sample and for the images.

Review Text Copyright © 2015 by Brett Green
Page Created 12 February, 2015
Last updated 13 February, 2015

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