Eduard 1/48 Fokker D.VII (OAW) "ProfiPACK" First Look

Introduction

This is a first look a the Eduard "ProfiPACK" release of the 1/48 Fokker D.VII (OAW), catalog number 8131.

PE

This is a must have for any Fokker D.VII fan, and anyone who wants an outstanding display model. Due to the lack of rigging wires on the D.VII it would also be very good introduction to the WWI genre for a modeller. The kit comes with full PE frets and express masks. The decal sheets provide 4 stunning marking options with full lozenge covering and 2 colours of rib tapes. Parts are included to build either a Mercedes D.IIIa or a BMW D.III powered version.

There is a "new-look" colour instructions booklet with a few excellent changes from the traditional style.

History

In the spring of 1918 Fokker started production of the excellent D.VII fighter. Because of demand, Albatros also won a construction license and produced the type at its main Johannisthal factory and also at it's eastern subsidiary, OAW's Schneidemühl factory. Due to cooling issues with the Mercedes engine, each of the factories dealt with the cowling slightly differently, and the subject of this kit is the design produced by OAW. Over 2800 Fokker D.VIIs were built altogether, around a third of which were manufactured by OAW. For more information on OAW-built D.VIIs see the Windsock Datafile Special – Fokker D.VII Anthology 2 from Albatros Publications.

Instructions

Instructions

The coloured instructions booklet is as concise and detailed as ever from Eduard, but a couple of noticeable changes have been added. 3D colou r renderings of the cockpit by Mark Miller are included to give the modeller a feel for how the cockpit should look. Also, the colour call-outs in the pages have the colour name added instead of just the number, which I find very useful.

Sprues

Each kit comes in 4 of the traditionally tan coloured styrene sprues. Sprues A, B and C are standard for other D.VII kits, and contain wing, strut and engine parts. Sprue D contains the parts unique to the OAW D.VIIs, such as the fuselage halves with the different cowlings, exhausts and radiators. I couldn't see sink or pin marks in visible places. There was absolutely no flash on any of the sprues I received.

The PE comes in a single sheet and some of the parts are coloured. A sheet of express masks for the wheels and tail completes the box contents.

Markings

Decals

Markings for 4 beautifully decorated aircraft are given, all based around the standard 4-colour lozenge.

A. Hasso vo Wedel, Jasta 23s, noticeable for the red execution wheel.
B. Franz Buchner, Jasta 13, noticeable for a werewolf's head on a light blue fuselage.
C. Rudolf Stark, Jasta 35b, noticeable for lilac paint and the letters Li on the fuselage.
D. Unknown pilot, Jasta 58, noticeable for the crest of the city of Kassel

Decals

A full set of top, bottom, fuselage and interior lozenge is given, as well as 2 complete set of rib tapes, one pink and one blue. Full instructions are given on the back of the instruction booklet on the positioning and order to apply the decals. The decals are in perfect register and have minimal carrier film around the edges. The only issue I have is with the interior lozenge. I always thought interior lozenge was just the reverse side of the exterior fabric. Also, the instructions call for rib tapes to be applied to the ailerons, but it is almost certain that this wouldn't have been done. A point to note is that OAW built aircraft in general had blue rib-tapes, the instructions call for pink ones on Option B.

Conclusion

This is an absolutely beautiful kit. Every collector of WWI era aircraft should get one, at least for their stash. Any of the options offered would look great in anyones display case.

Thanks to Eduard for the review sample.