Eduard 1/48 Fokker Dr.I by Doug Esson

Eduard's 1/48 scale
Fokker Dr.I

by Doug Esson

Fokker Dr.I

Eduard's Fokker Dr.I Dual Combo
is available online from Squadron.com for only USD$26.99!

Introduction

I think we all need a "quick build" once in a while. Fresh from a frenzy of resin and aftermarket bits & bobs associated with the outstanding Grand Phoenix Seafire, I noticed Eduard's eye catching 1/48 Fokker Dr1 box-art at my local hobby store.

It's not that long since I painstakingly combined an Aerobase & Dragon triplane in the same scale & I thought they would look good together on a display-base. As always, prior to the build, I hunted through the relevant book-section and picked out Osprey's "Fokker Dr1 aces of WW1" (which contains some beautiful colour-profiles) and Kagero's "Fokker Dr1" which contains some of the most stunning aircraft images I've ever seen - beautifully reconstructed from every conceivable angle.

If you're tackling a triplane and want some detail-shots, I can't recommend this book highly enough.

Construction

I decided to go with the "box-cover" scheme but was concerned about my ability to accurately reproduce the "streaked" camouflage pattern, so typical of these aircraft. In order to address this I ordered "Microsculpt's" streaked camo decals (check them out online) and set to work.

The kit is superb and after straightforward basic component assembly I coated the major surfaces with "Model Master's" enamel topcoat. This is the most effective gloss-coat I've found so far. In my opinion, it exceeds anything achievable using acrylics or "future" and (while not necessary in every case) also permits the liberal use of subsequent decal-setting solutions.

The camo-decals behaved well, although were a little "brittle", requiring care not to "break" them as they settled over edges. In spite of this - there's no way I would have been able to replicate the excellent effect they achieved using paints. I sealed them in place with a light coat of future, used Tamiya acrylics for the remaining colors and assembled the various components using cyano.

The Eduard decals are outstanding and settled down with no fuss.

A light dusting of Tamiya smoke, some ventral fuselage weathering, a few photo-etched "dangly-bits" and a final Valejo flat coat. All done & dusted in just a couple of days. Just what the doctor ordered!

Conclusion

I think this little kit looks great next to it's skeletal counterpart & would highly recommend the model to all with an interest in this era. Next on the bench will be the much-anticipated Airfix Sea Vixen & I can't wait to see whether it lives up to the hype!