Flashback 1/48 Etrich Taube NV (1913)

by Bob Pearson

The most common 'German' aircraft of the immediate prewar, and early WWI years was not German in origin, but rather Austrian. Designed by Igo Etrich, the 'Taube' took its name – 'Dove' – from its birdlike appearance. As well as being built by Etrich, the Taube was constructed by many other firms in Germany and Austro-Hungary.

The model depicted in the kit is of the first German aircraft to fly over Paris, the D-2 flown by A Friedrich and Dr. H Ellis flew from Berlin to Paris-Villacoublay on 7 September 1913. Later, with Etrich himself replacing Dr.Elias, they continued the trip from Paris to London on 13 September. The return journey from London to Berlin – via Calais, Antwerp, Nijmegan and Hannover – was undertaken from 17 September to 20 September 1913. The flight became immortalized as the "Five Countries Flight".

The Kit

The Flashback 'Taube' features two sprues of grey styrene parts, containing 44 pieces. There are also resin and PE components. The fuselage features nicely rendered rear fabric detail and recessed panel lines. Internal detail consists of seats, floor, control wheel (with PE cable run), and instrument panel (with PE instruments). Also included are PE seatbelts.

The wings on the 'Taube' were fabric covered on the entire top surfaces and only partially on the bottom surfaces. Flashback replicates this by having the bottom wing structure exposed on the rear portion of the wings. Some judicious painting will highlight the wing structure nicely. The distinctive washout to the wings is nicely done. One other detail that Flashback has incorporated is the placement of tiny dimples where all the rigging is to attach – this saves trying to determine exactly where the rigging should be placed, and also provides an anchor location for those using music wire for their rigging.

The tail surfaces have the underlying structure clearly defined and again painting of highlights/shadows will aid greatly in final appearance.

The undercarriage and wing struts appear to be a little on the heavy side, however they can easily be replaced if desired.

Resin parts are provided for the engine, exhausts and fuel tank. The PE parts are previously mentioned, and the only thing to add is that the seatbelts are relief etched to show details.

The decals are for the 'Taube' flown on the "Five Countries Flight", and includes the name "ETRICH" to be placed on the lower wing. As the real thing was covered in plain fabric the name was visible through the fabric on the uppersurface as well, I recommend using the kit decal to make a reverse mask and to then spray the name on the uppersurface in a darker shade than the rest of the wing to suggest the name showing through from below.

Instructions are well illustrated and show rigging diagrams as well as full construction details and paint diagrams.

Summary

The 'Taube" is one of the most famous aircraft types around and was long overdue for kitting in 1/48 scale. When the various types are taken into consideration there are many interesting variants that could be done using the Flashback kit as the starting point. Myself, I am partial to Austrian Aircraft with their red/white/red wings and fuselages ..

My thanks to Lubos Vinar of VAMP Mail Order for the review sample.