Fokker D.VII F

Eduard Weekend Edition, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

Eduard's 1/48 Fokker D.VII F Weekend Edition is available online from Squadron.com
 

I have always liked the concept of “Weekend” kits.

For a budget price the modeler gets to build a subject quickly and easily without it being complicated by any “frills”. This release makes use of the excellent Fokker D.VII and its single set of markings is for Hermann Goering’s Fok.DVII F 5125/18.

Naturally the kit doesn’t have to be built with these decals as the parts inside the box give you all the options of a regular release. The sprues feature fuselage halves for both early and late versions of the Fokker product as well as alternate axle wings, radiators, exhausts, engine manifolds and propellers. Not all of these options are needed but it is fortunate that they are included as we shall find out later.

The quality of the mouldings is superb with no blemishes or ejector pins to be seen on the finished kit.
There are 4 sprues of tan coloured plastic which contain a total of 96 parts.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Thumbnail panels:

Assembly starts conventionally with the interior and the manufacturer gives us plenty to start with.

A representation of the interior structure can be found on the insides of the fuselage and to this is added the usual fare. Cockpit floor, rudder bar, seat, control column, compass, and ammunition containers are all provided. Also not forgotten are the seat mounts, fuel pressure pump, instrument panel and rear fabric screen.

All parts fit very well with precise location points and clear instructions. Some of the interior colour information is open to interpretation so don’t take the included colour guide too literally here.

This Schwerin-built aircraft was powered by the 185hp BMW D.III engine. It sits cleverly on a shelf that is trapped between the fuselage halves. Strangely Eduard instructs the builder to use the inlet manifold of the Mercedes power plant instead of the BMW’s single straight through one. Fortunately the latter is supplied, and this is part B13.

Another aspect of this machine is the blank centre of Goering’s radiator. Part F11 would seem a more prudent choice than the nominated F7 as the former item best replicates the matrix seen on the front of Goering’s D.VIIF.  Note that this part will require modification to its top right corner to simulate that of F7.

Also make sure the middle section of this item is smooth and painted white and don’t forget to centrally position the filler neck. Despite photographic evidence, the instructions direct you towards a port side mounting. Interestingly the box art and painting guide are correct on this matter.

The wings are very well done with both upper and lower items coming in separate halves. The trailing edges are very thin with each surface having a subtle indication of the rib tapes. To help animate your aircraft the ailerons are provided as separate parts which is a very welcome feature. The same applies to the elevators and rudder.

The single span lower wing is a tight fit into the bottom of the fuselage but nothing a little sanding won’t fix. If left unattended, the modeler will be left with some anhedral to fuss over.

This aircraft had the conical quick-release propeller hub, and Eduard gives the modeler two airscrews with this option. The one fitted to this machine is not their recommended Axial product as a period image shows the edges of the blade to be more curved. Once again the kit does not let you down as an appropriate alternative is contained in the package.

For personal reasons Goering liked to modify his D.VIIs. He was wounded in the hip and also suffered from arthritis so access to his aircraft was most likely a painful affair.  As per his earlier red and white F 4253/18, this aircraft also had a section removed from the port side of the cockpit opening. For ease of access he also had a grab handle installed just forward of this cutout.

While we are at it, there are some extras that can be added to the starboard side. One photograph of this unique aircraft displays a flare rack and just behind it, the associated pistol tube.

Marking Options

Naturally only one is provided due to the “Weekend” nature of the release and it is Hermann Goering’s all white Fokker D.VII F 5125/18. It’s believed to have been painted this way at the factory due to the deliberate, careful application of the weights table and serial number. After all, Fokker and the JG I commander were quite well acquainted with each other.

The solitary colour eliminates complicated masking and allows an interesting platform in which to test ones weathering techniques. Be aware though that the publicity photographs do tend to show a fresh airframe.

The decals are on a single sheet and contain all the items necessary. They are printed in perfect register and are surrounded by a minimum of thin carrier film. Along with the national insignia and weights table we get stencil data, instrument faces, datum lines, rigging diagram and propeller logos. The latter are for the Axial type which can be saved for another aircraft.

Note that Eduard’s instruction sheet tells you to put the datum line on the wrong side of the fuselage. Once more the box art is correct.

With their one-piece fuselages, these are clearly the easiest of the D.VIIs on the market to build.

Assembly is a breeze if one takes care to dry fit the parts first, and in no time at all the kit is ready for painting. The all over white scheme adorning Goering’s machine means that painting couldn’t be simpler.

Even without the photo-etched parts of the “Profi-Pack” versions, the aircraft is still well appointed with detail. Only the obligatory seatbelts need adding and these can be purchased separately or easily made from tape and card.

Whether you want to build this particular subject or merely use the kit as a basis for another pilot’s aircraft, these “Weekend Editions” represent great value.

Thanks to Eduard for the sample

Review Text Copyright © 2008 by Rob Baumgartner
Page Created 5 August, 2008
Last updated 5 August, 2008

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page