1:48 Eduard Fokker Dr.I

[Bluesfan]

Hi
After a lifetime of modelling, it's taken until now to make the Red Baron's all red Fokker Triplane. I wasn't consciously avoiding it; unless I was put off by the poor quality of what was available (to me!) in the early days. Later, I did do a simple 1:72 build of Lothar's Dr.I, a more interesting yellow scheme I guess.

So, I was asked to make someone a model of this famous plane (along with a Camel), and I liked the idea of trying out some of Eduard's more recent kits in 1:48, since the reviews are all good about their quality. And yes, I enjoyed the build. Any problems I encountered were mostly incurred by myself. The plane itself makes for a fairly simple kit, especially as regards its minimal rigging. And it seemed to me that Eduard had put a lot of effort into making it fit well, as well as as accurate as current research allowed. There's even a decal for the paint wear (that is what it is, am I right?) on the left hand side.

[Bluesfan]

Apart from the monofilament for the rigging, I used ceramic wire for the control surface lines. Most of them very short lengths, except for the two which go from the top deck to the upper wing for the ailerons.

One small thing which I appreciated; the way the tail skid fitted so securely into the fuselage. The number of times in other kits this has involved a mere spot of glue to the underside, resulting in a permanently weak join, has been annoying.

[Bluesfan]

Partway through cockpit construction. There's a surprising amount to do here. In fact they may have been a little ambitious. It's not that there's so much to fit in that it won't close up, that's fine; it's more that the scale thickness of the metal framework etc means that things can get just enough out of line to make attachment of the guns more difficult later. I would say in particular make the magazine block as secure as you can, but it was okay in the end.

I did fit Gaspatch machine guns. They look good, and I didn't fancy the alternative of rolling PE water jackets. FWIW the kit does provide solid gns as well.

Actually I liked all the cockpit detail. It accorded with the various pictures and diagrams I found online and felt authentic.
I added side rigging next to the pilot's seat, and rudder control lines.

[Bluesfan]

I found the rigging of the undercarriage a little tricky, because the undersurface there is rendered with a PE plate with a couple of holes for struts. I managed to insert a couple of Gaspatch anchor points. 1:48; it dawned on me then that threading them (with monofilament) was going to 'require patience', and stretch my repertoire of Anglo Saxon. Oh well, all good in the end.

A personal triumph was my propeller painting. I've seen this done brilliantly by the experts on this site, but tbh this is much my best effort so far (sorry about the picture quality!). The German types really do ask for a solution, because their style of lamination is so striking. I'm not averse to buying a quality aftermarket propeller, I just wanted to see what I could do by hand.

So, there it is. A nice kit, I thought.

Mark

[DaddyO]

Nice work all round Mark

I know we types who study WW1 aviation in all its glorious variety can be a bit 'oh a red triplane'  and as a consequence it's not a scheme that I see very often. When it does appear, done well like this, it reminds you how iconic an aircraft and colour scheme it is and how embedded in our consciousness it has become - Nice job.

Paul

[NigelR]

Nice work, a very good result. And yes, there was fabric showing through the red finish on 425/17, so kudos to Eduard for including it.

Whenever we do displays as the Great War SIG, we always get asked "where's the Red Baron", so I'm always glad to have one of his planes on our displays!

[lone modeller]

It may be "another red triplane" but you have produced a very fine model of it, and it is one aircraft that most non-specialists know about!

Stephen.

[Brad Cancian]

There's something still so stirring about seeing a red Triplane. Very nicely done Mark, bravo sir!

Cheers,

Brad C

[Bluesfan]

Thanks, Gents 
I am impressed by the neatness of these recent Eduard kits (also thinking of the Camel I've just started).
And even with there being little rigging with this one, this kit has reminded me of how much kits of these early aircraft can shine when it's there.
Cheers
Mark

[DaveB]

Nice one, Mark and good observations from yourself regarding building the kit.

Regards

Dave

[Allan31]

Nice work Mark,
Great job on the prop and yes, those markings on each side of the cockpit are how we know it's 425. Great Eduard thought to give you a decal, we all have to do it the old fashion way.

[Bluesfan]

Thanks, fascinating to see those pics.
Must admit, part of my brain wonders if we aren't going far too far down the rabbit hole if we're emulating authentic wear patterns, but... 

Long time ago, I did one of Richthofen's Albatros D.IIIs, the mostly red one which was actually his highest scoring plane, (1:32 Roden), and similarly found myself rendering the well known bare patch on the left hand side between engine and cockpit.

I'm not complaining - just bemused at the way that Richthofen gets this almost unique attention!

Mark

[Allan31]

I'm with you on rabbit holes.My favorite hobby...
I'm glad others have way more time than I do, all we have to do is search the .www.
Who would have thought years ago these two aircraft were the same....


Sorry, I seem to have "high-jacked" your thread.
But do please show the Camel when you get around to it.

[RAGIII]

Excellent model of the Most Well known Triplane! Pretty cool that Eduard supplied a decal for those distinctive worn patches!
RAGIII