Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner
 

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Meteor Productions

 

FirstLook

Ever wanted to build one of Manfred von Richthofen’s triplanes in 1/32nd scale?

There is no excuse now with Cutting Edge having released this latest extravaganza that caters for six of the Baron’s machines.

What makes these decals unique is that for the first time, the builder is exposed to full and correct stencil data. One area that cried out for correction in other sheets was the weights table. Now we have the correct wording for this highly visible item.

The multiple application of the works number is an often forgotten detail. This sheet covers these areas and items are provided for the forward fuselage, tailplane, elevators, rudder, ailerons, struts and wings. The struts have the additional position indicators as well and these are seen with the abbreviated location indicators “U L”, “U R’, “O L” and “O R”.

The “D R I” prefix for the wing works number makes a welcome appearance, as does the “Fl” prefix used before the wing “set” number. As with all stenciling, enough items are found for all locations for each triplane represented.

One surprise was that a decal is even supplied for the upper wing celluloid window, which displayed the works number and date of spar manufacture.

An indication of completeness can be found with the inclusion of Fokker logos, aircraft nameplate, and even stenciling for the inner wheel covers. These and both the Axial’s logo and stamped markings show what a comprehensive package this release is.

Naturally not all the items will be visible due to over painting with Unit and personal markings. In many cases these could still be seen as the covering qualities of a lot of the finishes left a lot to be desired.

This is not just a collection of stencil data of course and the two supplied sheets also include the various styles of national insignia seen on the subject triplanes.

Some of the types discussed had markings that evolved over time and these have not escaped the instructions. So in total, nine different schemes result.

The Baron’s aircraft have been the subject of debate for many decades but the interpretations offered here are logical and well thought out.

 

Options

1. Fokker F.I, 102/17

This pre production aircraft was only at the front for a little over two weeks but MvR still managed to score a couple of victories in it. These were his 60th and 61st triumphs.

If you can’t wait for the release of the Roden F.I kit, their Dr.I can be used but it will need some modification. Most of the necessary parts are included but an alternative conversion kit is available from Cutting Edge Modelworks.

2. Fokker Dr.I, 127/17

MvR chalked up three more successes in this early production triplane.

Two schemes are depicted in the instructions. One being in typical Fokker streaked finish and the other having the Baron’s red Jasta and personal markings applied to it.

3. Fokker Dr.I, 152/17

This is one of the more well known machines that the Baron flew. It survived the war and was preserved in the Berlin Zeughaus Museum but was sadly destroyed during the second great conflict. MvR gained his 64th, 65th and 66th victories in this machine.

Again there are two different schemes available to the modeler.

The first has the red cowl, wheels, struts, top wing and decking behind the pilot as well as the whole rear tail area. The second option sees the machine painted all over red with the modified over-thick crosses.

4. Fokker Dr.I, 161/17

Not a famous triplane by any means and can be considered one of MvR’s reserve aircraft. He scored no victories in it and its finish was similar to 152/17’s early scheme.

5. Fokker Dr.I, 425/17

The most famous of MvR’s triplanes, 425/17 was the machine in which he scored his last two victories and ultimately met his death in the next day. This aircraft went through many changes regarding the national insignia and two are provided for on the decal sheet. Both tripes are featured in their all red livery with the difference being in the style of crosses worn at the different times.

6. Fokker Dr.I, 477/17

This is the triplane that MvR scored more victories in than any of the others he flew; nine out of a total of nineteen in this type of aircraft. It was unusual in its markings as the red was described as being on the top of the tailplane only, the rest on the machine being in typical Jasta 11 décor.

From the one available photograph, it appears that the lower wing crosses differ from each other due to a state of transition. The sheet supplies the two types concerned.

All of the images were extremely well printed with everything being clear and legible. The carrier film is thin yet strong and “disappears” when applied in the appropriate manner.

 

Conclusion

A more comprehensive decal sheet on the subject will not be found anywhere.

The research by Mike Lampros is first class and provides the modeler with a level of detail that should satisfy even the most fastidious enthusiast.

With a complete set of stencil data and the large number of subjects presented, what more could you want…

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Meteor Productions for the sample

Review Text Copyright © 2005 by Robert Baumgartner
Page Created 29 September, 2005
Last updated 28 September, 2005

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