|
Fokker D.VII
(Early)
Roden
Roden's 1/72
scale Fokker D.VII is available online from Squadron.com
S u m m a r y
|
| Catalogue
Number: |
025 – Fokker D.VII Early (Fokker
Built Aircraft) |
| Scale: |
1/72 |
| Contents and Media: |
59 parts in light grey injection
moulded styrene; decals for three aircraft (including lozenge decals)
|
| Price: |
US$7.96 from
Squadron.com |
| Review Type: |
FirstLook |
| Advantages: |
Subtle fabric detail; impressive
detail on small parts including engine and machine guns; options for
different wheels, propellers and engines; few imperfections; lozenge
decals included; minimal rigging required. |
| Disadvantages: |
Some minor ragged flash;
recessed rib detail on undersurfaces of wings and tailplanes; single
sinkmark on gun decking. |
| Recommendation: |
Recommended |
Reviewed
by Brett Green
The Fokker D.VII was considered by many to be the best fighter aircraft
of WWI. This aircraft entered service in March 1918, and outperformed all
Allied fighters in every aspect except top speed. The high regard in which
the Fokker D.VII was held is reflected in Article IV of the Treaty of
Versailles. This clause specified that all existing Fokker D.VIIs should
be handed over to Allied forces.
Over 3000 Fokker D.VIIs were produced.
Roden’s 1/72 scale Fokker D.VII comes packed in their familiar,
slightly flimsy side-opening box. Inside are 59 crisply moulded parts in
light grey plastic on four sprues. Two styles of wheels, engines and
machine guns are supplied, and three different types of propeller. Of all
of these, only two propeller options are applicable for the early version
D.VII.
Fabric detail and other surface features are subtly rendered.
The interior of the fuselage features raised structural detail. Small
details are very impressive, especially the engines. All the kit parts are
well formed. The only slight problems are some light flash around some of
the parts and a single sinkmark on the deck below the machine guns.
Click the thumbnails below
to view larger images:
Instructions are called out over 8 steps in exploded-view diagrams.
Three colourful sets of markings are included in the kit, and these
include a large sheet of lozenge decals for the upper and lower wings and
tailplanes.
One of the daunting tasks for WWI aircraft modellers is rigging. The
D.VII featured internal bracing for the wings, so minimal rigging is
required – just some bracing wire on the tailplanes and undercarriage.
Roden’s 1/72 scale Fokker D.VII is a nicely presented kit with
everything supplied to complete an impressive replica of this important
aircraft. The lack of rigging and relatively simple parts breakdown will
make this an ideal transition project for modellers wanting to try a WWI
kit for the first time.
Recommended.
Thanks to
Squadron.com for the review sample.
Review and Images Copyright © 2001 by
Brett Green
Page Created 26 September, 2001
Last updated 22 July, 2003
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