Colorful Fokkers

Fokker D.VII
in 1/48 Scale
 

Eagle Strike Decals

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

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WW1 aircraft modelers have a lot to be happy about with the constant release of new kits. For those wanting alternate markings, there is usually not a lot to choose from. Eagle Strike are trying to put this right and this sheet goes a long way towards that goal.

Three schemes are provided for and as mentioned in the instructions, generic cowlings have been shown in the profiles. This is important to note, as Fokker D.VIIs are notorious for their different louver patterns. Not only were they different between manufacturers, they evolved as time went on.

It is a credit to Eagle Strike that the reference used for the making of this sheet is none other than Fokker Anthology 3 from Albatros Publications. This should allow the modeller to have the best start possible as far as accuracy is concerned.

The decals have been sized around the Dragon kit so those with other maker’s products may have to introduce some alterations.

An amusing aside is that the cover sheet recommends the Hasegawa F-14 kit be used! Oops…

1. Fokker D.VII (OAW) flown by Uffz. Neimczyk
(or Nimszyk), Jasta 50, 1918.

Being an early OAW aircraft, there were none of the multitude of louvers that were introduced as cooling became a problem. This would be an easy conversion of the Dragon kit, only needing to have excess louvers scraped off and redundant access panels filled. New hatches can either be rescribed or drawn on.

Since 5:4 ratio crosses are on the fuselage and top wing (correctly supplied), one would expect these to be on the lower wing as well. Here the designated kit decals are symmetrical but can easily be trimmed to represent the asymmetrical crosses.

2. Fokker D.VII (OAW) 4649/18 flown by Gef. Wilhelm Scheutzel of Jasta 65, 1918.

This machine is a mid production OAW built aircraft and as such, has the small half round louvers. For those who want a simple fix, plastic discs that are created with a punch and die set. These are then cut in half slightly off center, bowed, and glued into the proper positions after the kits ones are removed.

Note that photos of this aircraft show a flare pistol mounted in the center of the upper wing cutout.

Amazingly, despite all the different colours used for the Swabians, the images were in perfect register. Those previously wishing to do this scheme, had to hunt down the old PD Decals sheet which, to save potential register problems, had to have the outlines colored in by hand.

3. Fokker D.VIIF flown by Vzfz Heinrich Stor of Jasta 66, 1918.

This final Fokker built version matches the Dragon kit louvers and is the best choice for those not wishing to do any modifications in this area. Close examination of the photo in Anthology 3 reveals a flare tube under the cockpit opening on the port side.

This is a wonderful sheet with perfect registration and thankfully, an original choice of colour schemes. Research is impeccable thanks to the use of the latest published information from one of the best sources available.

Test measurements show that the decals are correctly sized for the Dragon kit. Those that have the Revell kit will have to take their chances and make allowances for any discrepancies.

Even if you don’t have a 1/48th scale D.VII, buy a sheet anyway as you never know when someone may release that all new kit…Eduard, Roden, are you listening?

Recommended.

Thanks to AeroMaster Products for the review sets

Review Text Copyright © 2003 by Rob Baumgartner
This Page Created on 22 January, 2003
Last updated 14 August, 2003

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