Fokker D.XXI
Finnish Version "Hi-Tech"

MPM, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

 MPM's 1/72 scale Fokker D.XXI Finnish Version is available online from Squadron.com
 

The Fokker D.XXI was effectively obsolete by the outbreak of the Second World War. During the German Blitzkrieg in 1940, the maneuverability of the Dutch Fokkers was better than its Luftwaffe opponents, but they were ultimately decimated in the opening days of the campaign. Danish Fokkers fared no better.

However, theoretical obsolescence was never a barrier to the Finnish Air Force. In the hands of determined Finnish pilots, the Fokker D.XXI took a heavy toll of Soviet aircraft in both the Winter War and the Continuation War.

Amongst a number of modifications applied to the Fokker D.XXI in Finnish service, the aircraft were fitted with skis to permit operation on snowy airfields during the long northern winter.

MPM continues its series of 1/72 scale Fokker D.XXIs with this "Hi-Tech" version, which includes resin skis as an option.

The injection moulded plastic parts are well detailed, with recessed panel lines where appropriate and restrained fabric surface texture elsewhere. Sprue attachment points are quite narrow and trailing edges are thin.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

---

The canopy is a one-piece injection moulded affair. It is thin, clear and distortion free. In this release, MPM offers the option of opening the canopy. A separate photo-etched frame is included for each side (although you could - probably would - just undertake this surgery on one side). In order to install this frame and its associated acetate foil, you will need to carefully cut out the relevant part of the canopy side. The instructions note that this modification is recommended for expert modellers only, and I have to say that I agree. To their great credit, MPM has further acknowledged the risks of this operation by supplying a second canopy sprue in case of slip ups.

The resin is beautifully detailed and perfectly cast. One of the highlights is the cockpit floor, footrails, forward and rear bulkheads - all cast as a single resin part! A number of the parts are incredibly fine and delicate, including the canopy rollover cage.

The skis are also supplied in resin, along with new spats.

 

 

In addition to the opening section of the canopy, the photo-etched fret includes the instrument panel and harness.

Markings are supplied for two aircraft during the Winter War. All the aircraft feature Aluminium (painted) undersides and brown uppersurfaces. An option for one of the aircraft includes green wings and elevators, with grey walkway rectangle and a big Blue 3 on each side of the rudder. Very appealing!

One final attribute that I was very happy to see was a resealable plastic bag for the parts

 

 

Conclusion

A few years ago I decided there was no earthly way that I could build all the models in my collection, so I sold off all of my 1/72 scale kits.

Even moreso than their larger counterparts, 1/72 scale is undergoing a revolution largely thanks to the enthusiasm of eastern European manufacturers including MPM. Many of the subjects are just too interesting to resist, so my pile of 1/72 scale kits is rapidly growing again.

Being limited run in nature, MPM's "Hi-Tech" Finnish Fokker D.XXI will require more time in cleanup and test fitting, and is likely to present a few construction challenges. Even so, this effort will be worthwhile, as the box contains everything you need to produce a beautifully detailed Winter Warrior.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to MPM/Special Hobby for the review sample.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2005 by Brett Green
Page Created 19 April, 2005
Last updated 31 May, 2005

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page