Eduard 1:48 Fokker Dr-1 Weekend Edition

[Shar2]

Fokker Dr-1

Eduard 1:48 Weekend Edition

History

With the introduction of the Sopwith Tri-plane and its appearance over the Western Front at the beginning of 1917, the Allies found themselves an aircraft that proved itself superior to the Albatros fighters then in use by the German forces. The Fokker company responded by converting an unfinished biplane prototype into the V.4, a small, rotary-powered triplane with a steel tube fuselage and thick cantilever wings, first developed during Fokker's government-mandated collaboration with Hugo Junkers. Initial tests revealed that the V.4 had unacceptably high control forces resulting from the use of unbalanced ailerons and elevators.

Fokker produced a revised prototype designated V.5. The most notable changes were the introduction of horn-balanced ailerons and elevators, as well as longer-span wings. The V.5 also featured interplane struts, which were not necessary from a structural standpoint, but which minimized wing flexing. Fokker produced two pre-production triplanes, designated F.I, which could be distinguished from production Dr.I aircraft by a slight curve to the tailplane leading edge. These aircraft, serials 102/17 and 103/17, were the only machines to receive the F.I designation. They were sent to Jastas 10 and 11 for combat evaluation, arriving at Markebeeke, Belgium on 28 August 1917.

Compared with the Albatros and Pfalz fighters, the Dr.I offered exceptional maneuverability. Though the ailerons were not very effective, the rudder and elevator controls were light and powerful. Rapid turns, especially to the right, were facilitated by the tri-planes marked directional instability. It was noted that the Dr.I was considerably slower than contemporary Allied fighters in level flight and in a dive. While initial rate of climb was excellent, performance fell off dramatically at higher altitudes due to the low compression of the Oberursel Ur.II, a clone of the Le Rhône 9J rotary engine. Only 171 Dr-1s reached the front line by the end of the war. Whilst the aircraft was maneuverable it had many weak points in its design and numbers of aircraft were lost through high wing loading of the upper wing resulting in damage to the spar and ribs.

The Model

The kit is packaged in the usual and very recognisable blue, white and yellow top opening box of Weekend Editions. Inside are three sprues of beige styrene. All parts are nicely moulded with no sign of flash and only a few moulding pips. Due to the small size, even in this scale there aren’t too many parts, but in the areas that matter, i.e. the cockpit, there is plenty of detail for all but the superdetailer to be happy with.

Construction starts with said cockpit which consists of the footboard control column, rudder pedals and compass. On the rear bulkhead the seat, seat supports and cushion are fitted. To the interior of each of the fuselage halves the internal framework can be added, followed by the two cockpit assemblies and the ammunition box. Before closing the fuselage there is a small bulkhead to be added to the rear, near the tail skid, and what looks like either an oil or fuel tank in front of the ammunition tanks.

Once the fuselage has been buttoned up it’s on with the centre wing, upper coaming, horizontal tailplane and outer wing struts. Turning the fuselage over the bottom wing is fitted along with the wing/fuselage fairing. Still upside down the outer wing ground handling handles can be fitted in addition to the tail skid and central fuselage strake. The elevators and rudder, with their associated control horns can be attached. With the fuselage the right side up, the engine assembly, consisting of the pistons and ignition harness is fitted along with the cowling. With the two machine guns and their ammunition chutes attached the interplane struts are fitted, after which the upper wing can be glued into position, with the ailerons fitted to their respective positions. The main undercarriage, consisting of a three part inter wheel aerodynamic fairing, four individual struts and the wheels themselves can be attached to the bottom of the fuselage. The final parts to be fitted are the two grab handles on the lower rear fuselage and the horizontal tailplane struts, and the propeller.

Decals

The single option on the decal sheet is for aircraft No 564/17 flown by Ltn Werner Steinhauser. The decals are clearly printed and appear in good register. They are very slightly matt but will be fine under some varnish/Klear. Although this particular aircraft is not the most colourful of Dr-1s the white underside and yellow tailplane contrasts well with the grey upper works, fuselage sides and the red cowling.

Conclusion

This is a lovely little model of a very famous aircraft type. There is enough detail for most people and would make a great kit to keep the mojo a kick start if in a rut or just as a fun build over a weekend. Recommended

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