Fokker D.VI

Roden 1/32

Reviewed by Robert Baumgartner

 Roden's 1/32 scale Fokker D.VI is available online from Squadron.com

The Adlershof test centre was the venue of the first fighter competition and was held from the 20^th January to the 12^th February 1918. It was here that the forerunners to the Fokker D.VI made their first public appearance. The three aircraft used did not fair very well, this being due to engines that were either poor running or experimental in nature. 

However, sufficient faith was placed in the airframe for Idflieg to place a production contract numbering 120 machines. These were to be powered by the reliable 110hp 9 cylinder Oberursel Ur II engine which was essentially a copy of the French 110hp Le Rhöne. Only 60 Fokker D.VI were delivered as production later switched to the Fokker E.V, which had made such an impressive impression at the second fighter competition. 

The similarity between the subject kit and the Fokker Dr.I is obvious so it is not surprising that Roden have used that kit as a basis for this latest issue. 

From the previous release, sprue D has been altered and incorporates the different ailerons and “N” struts. This is also the case with sprue B which now holds the under surface of the lower wing as well as the undercarriage and cabane struts. 

Sprue E remains unchanged as does sprue C. Naturally a new sprue is needed for the parts exclusively for the D.IV and this is sprue A. It contains the upper wings, forward decking and the other half of the lower wing. 

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Due to the commonality of the parts, there are a couple of issues carried over from the Dr.I. The first is the bogus step on the tailplane and the other is the cowling which sadly lacks any detail.  

Some will choose to reduce the span of the axle wing slightly but of more importance is the elimination of the under surface straps. 

The wings are superb and exhibit a fine rendition of the ribs and forward plywood sheathing. They come as separate upper and lower halves but despite this, the completed assembly will have very thin trailing edges. 

Separate ailerons are a bonus and the method of inserting the control horns will ensure rigidity. 

Accuracy is not a problem with the flying surfaces as they match very well with Martin Digmeyer’s 2000 plans. Do note however, that his plans showing the upper wing aileron hinges are in a different position from those in his structural drawings. Roden adhered to the former. 

The cockpit contains the usual fare with seat, floor, compass, control column and rudder bar all supplied. A nice hand grip is also featured, along with hand pump, fuel/oil tank and ammunition cans.  

Separate structural detail is provided in the form of a moulded tubular framework and to this has been added the auxiliary throttle control. The missing triangular plywood side fairings will have to be added in the cockpit area but this is easily done with plastic card. Two unproblematic ejection plugs need to be removed before this can be done. 

There are no problems with the filler caps as both have been detailed on the upper deck. 

The rotary engine is a nice affair with the cylinder ends being separate items. This is a fantastic idea as it takes away the drama of a nasty clean-up operation on any join lines.

To compliment this assembly, both Axial and Garuda airscrews are offered. 

A very good pair of machine guns is available to the builder and will come up superbly with the appropriate paint job. For those that choose to use an after market photo etched jacket, Roden have moulded a version for that option as well. There are a couple of sink marks on these items however, so careful filling is necessary. 

Lately this manufacturer has made great strides by the improvement of their rigging diagrams. There is no exception here with a full page being devoted to this task.

There will always be a debate over the colours used in the “lozenge” pattern applied to German aircraft. The rendition given by Roden in this kit is a vast improvement on the garish colours that used to be presented to the modeller. They are broken down into “bolts” that can be orientated to whichever direction the builder sees fit.

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Three schemes are catered for and offer the constructor a pleasant variety of options.

1. Fokker D.VI 1689/18, Flugpark Armee Abteilung B based in the Alsace-Lorraine sector, June 1918.

2. Fokker D.VI of home defence Staffel Kest 1a based at Mannheim, 1918.

3. Fokker D.VI “Fratz” piloted by Leutnant Kurt Seit of Jasta 80b, 1918.

Seit actually made “acedom” with five victories, all with Jasta 80. He was wounded four times during the war but survived to become a dentist in Stuttgart. 

In my example the three decal sheets were well printed with no apparent registration problems. The glossy carrier film was very thin with a sample application causing no problems whatsoever.

This is certainly an interesting subject and one that seemed destined to never be done in this scale. With the interesting markings selection and ease of assembly, it will undoubtedly appeal to World War 1 modellers. 

Recommended

Thanks to Squadron.com for the review sample.

Review and Images Copyright © 2005 by Robert Baumgartner
Page Created 26 September, 2005
Last updated 25 September, 2005

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