Fokker D.VII Part 1

Lifelike Decals, 1/72 scale

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Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

This Japanese company doesn’t usually delve into World War One subjects but we are fortunate that they have done so now.

After the successful release of their 1:48 scale sheet on the Fokker D.VII, it was only natural that they would soon produce it in the smaller scale.

Three sheets are supplied which contain a total of 4 subjects and these are up to the highest standards. The carrier film is as thin as possible and the registration on my example was perfect. There is ample stencil data as well. These items cover serial numbers, weight tables, handling instructions, and even manufacturer’s logos.

The instruction sheet is lavish with full colour images and a comprehensive discussion on each subject. An impressive list of references completes the package.

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Marking Options

• Fokker D.VII (O.A.W. built), flown by Lt. Wilhelm Leusch of Jasta 19, October 1918.

  This beautifully adorned aircraft was used by Leusch before finally finding its way into French hands. The Unit’s yellow and blue fuselage makes a striking backdrop and private photos show that the port aileron came from another aircraft.
  
  It is believed Leusch scored the last of his 5 victories in this machine. There was a sixth but the war ended before this could be confirmed. A gliding accident brought about his death on 14 August 1921.

• Fokker D.VII (early Fokker built), flown by an unknown pilot of Jasta 16b, June/July 1918.

  The distinctive black and white tail markings attribute this aircraft to Jasta 16b but unfortunately the pilot’s details are unknown.
  
  The checked fuselage band is in the Bavarian colours of blue and white and do not appear to extend to the bottom of the fuselage. Hence this area is not supplied on the decal sheet.
  
  Eagle eyed modellers will note that this machine can be seen fitted with a telescopic sight above the machine guns.

• Fokker D.VII (O.A.W. built) flown by Lt. Franz Büchner of Jasta 13, October 1918.

  His personal emblem was a lion’s head on the fuselage and the detail on this decal is superb…as was seen on the original.  It is supplied as a separate item from the background colour which ensures that there are no registration problems whatsoever.
  
  The green and white checked band completely surrounds the fuselage and care should be taken to ensure proper alignment.

  Büchner scored a total of 40 victories before the war ended but died at the hands of his countrymen during the post-war revolution. He was only 22.

• Fokker D.VII (O.A.W. built) s/n 6351/18, possibly flown by a pilot of Jasta 32b, November 1918.

  This aircraft was photographed after the war in a hanger at Trier airfield. As Jasta 32 had moved there a few days before the armistice, it is speculated that this machine could have belonged to them.
  
  The white stripes are all supplied as decals, including the portion under the fuselage. Those on the upper wing are also catered for and being in one piece, care must taken to ensure its safe application. Those for the fuselage are sensibly divided up into four sections.

Conclusion

There are many occasions when one wants to build an aircraft that’s not in the box. It can be for aesthetic or historical reasons or it can be because the kit decals are not up to standard.

On these occasions, a release such as this comes to the fore.

The comprehensive instruction sheet, the quality of the printing and the attention to detail, all combine to make this one of the best sheets of its kind.

Thanks to Keishiro Nagao of Lifelike Decals for the review sample.

Lifelike Decals are available by email at lifelike@eos.ocn.ne.jp or from

2-8-7-202, Kameari, Katsushika, Tokyo 125-0061, Japan
fax: +81-3-5680-6733