Fokker D.VII
Part 1

1/48 Scale

Lifelike Decals

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Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

With their latest release, Lifelike Decals turn their attention to the colourful world of the Fokker D.VII.

This Japanese company are usually associated with World War II subjects but it seems that Eduard’s recent releases have proved irresistible. Obviously Roden’s family of this famous fighter are also recommended and the decals will fit both products with little if any modification.

Four options are presented and this reviewer can only remember Büchner’s aircraft having been done before. Kudos to Lifelike Decals for their originality!

Two sheets are supplied and these are up to Microscale’s usual very high standards. The carrier film is as thin as can be and the registration on my example was perfect. There is ample stencil as well. This covers serial numbers, weight tables, handling instructions, manufacturer’s logos, and even instrument faces.

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

 

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 Units yellow and blue fuselage makes a striking backdrop and photos in private hands 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 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.

At first it seems strange that this aircraft should be repeated here, especially as it is an option in Eduard’s packaging of their OAW kit. Closer inspection reveals the answer.

The version Lifelike Decals gives is different from the option in the Eduard release. On this sheet, the “lion’s head” is larger and more detailed.
Büchner’s Saxony band of green and white checks is also narrower and includes a portion to go under the fuselage, something the kit’s release did not.

Fortunately the erroneous green and white stripes on the tail are not replicated here.

Büchner scored a total of 40 victories by wars end 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.

Every now and then a product comes along that oozes quality. This is such an item. It is seen in the level of research as well as the presentation.

It’s great to see subjects that have hitherto not been covered before and the fact that this is only Part 1 is mouth-watering to say the least.
 

Highly Recommended.

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