Fokker DVII (MÁG)
Weekend Edition

Eduard, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

Eduard's 1/48 scale Fokker DVII (MÁG) "Weekend Edition"
is available online from Squadron.com
 

It wasn’t just the German Air Service that wanted the Fokker D.VII.

The Austro-Hungarian Air Force also sought out this fighter. Fokker presented the V.22 prototype for their evaluation. It was delivered to Magyar Általános Gépgyár (MÁG), which was no surprise as Fokker had shares in this company. The LFT representatives liked what they saw.

Series production followed and by October 1918, six aircraft had been built. They utilized the Austro-Daimler engines, associated radiators, and Schwarzlose machine guns. The war ended before the LFT could take delivery of these aircraft and as a consequence were transferred to the Hungarian Air Force.

The post-war Fokker flew in a variety of guises and configurations. As such, it makes an ideal choice for those wishing to model a subject that’s a little bit different from the norm.

Contents

The “Weekend Edition” of the Fokker DVII (MÁG) is one of the easiest builds to complete in this format.

Without the complication of photo-etched parts, multifaceted colour schemes or intricate rigging, it is the ideal project for those just out starting in the field of WWI aircraft.

Inside the box we find the familiar sprues of previous releases which still retain the high level of detail seen before. On the 5 tan coloured sprues these’s a total of 122 plastic parts although a quarter of these can be set aside for the spares box.

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The Austro-Daimler engine is contained on sprue “X” and comprises over 20 items. Sprue “G” completes the differences from the “standard” D.VII by supplying the required choice of radiator, exhaust, and propeller. Also found here is a new set of fuselage halves with one side needing the upper top cowl cut away to expose the engine as seen on many examples in the field.

Naturally the Schwarzlose machine guns are catered for as well and of course this means we get the relevant ammo cans to go with them.

The rest of the cockpit follows standard D.VII practice. Here one finds a partial representation of the inner structure which is moulded to the inner fuselage halves. Additions come in the form of a floor, rudder bar, control column, pressure pump, seat and rear “fabric” screen.

The magneto and “throttle” lever are both moulded as part of other items and could be enhanced by the fastidious. Seat belts will have to be scratch built or gleaned from aftermarket sources.

Each wing is of single span and comes with separate upper and lower halves. The trailing edges are commendably thin and all rib locations are represented by moulded on “tapes”. If you wish to animate your aircraft, this can be easily done thanks to the separate ailerons, elevators and rudder.
In common with the rest of Eduard’s D.VII series, the assembly process is fairly straight forward.

As per previous D.VII kits, the clever way of eliminating the lower fuselage seam remains. This is accomplished by incorporating a plastic strip to replicate the undersurface stitching. It fits perfectly and looks good under a coat of paint.

The instruction sheet clearly shows where everything should go and a rigging diagram is included for the minimal work needed in this area.

Markings

As befits a “Weekend Edition” release, there is a single scheme catered for on the decal sheet.

Everything was well printed with each design surrounded by a minimum of carrier film. They are very thin so caution is warranted when using some of the more powerful setting solutions. Stencil data is also supplied as well as the aforementioned instrument faces.

The simple colour scheme belongs to Fokker D.VII (MÁG), “93.07”, flown by the Hungarian Red Army in 1919.

These “Weekend Edition” don’t contain any photo-etched parts, resin, or marking options.

This allows them to be priced competitively when compared to other releases. The result is a “no frills” kit that provides for a quick and simple build while still allowing the modeller to produce a quality result straight from the box.

The Fokker D.VII (MÁG) was an inspired subject choice by Eduard. For those that missed it in previous incarnations, here is your chance to grab an interesting twist on one of WWI’s iconic fighters.

Thanks to Eduard for the sample

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2012 by Rob Baumgartner
Page Created 10 January, 2012
Last updated 10 January, 2012

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