Fokker D.VII
| Kit: | Mac Distribution "Fokker D.VII (OAW)" ($9.95 at Spare Time Shop); model completed on 2006-10-18. |
|---|---|
| Aircraft: | "1.D.357", Ilmavoimat, 1923. |
The original plane was built by O.A.W. (Ostdeutsche Albatros Werke, based on its markings and serial number), but in all photographs has the cowling of a late Fokker-built aircraft (Note: [5] back cover shows an O.A.W.-built aircraft with a Fokker-style cowling).
Construction Notes
The kit's cowling needed a bigger opening for the engine. This aircraft did not have any guns, so the fuselage in front of the cockpit needed some modifications as well. The windshield, bigger than standard wartime aircraft had, I made from clear acetate sheet.
Over the years the colors of the experimental splinter camouflage applied on this aircraft have been extensively researched and debated. The data below represents my best understanding of these colors (at the time I built the model).
| Color name | F.S.595b | Paint | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| black-brown | 10032 | Polly-S "RLM Dark Brown" | Very dark brown, almost black |
| dark blue | 35045 | Polly-S "Israeli Early Camo. Blue" + some black | very dark blue, neutral |
| dark green | 24098 | Model Master enamel "Olive Drab" | Almost like Olive Drab or Finnish standard olive green |
| light blue | 35526 | Polly-S "RLM 84" | a bit darker and more gray than RLM 84 |
The first digit in the FS595 numbers should be ignored. Note also that [4] says the dark blue is F.S.595b #35405 but it is probably a typo.
Decals for the model came from a sheet by GAL Decal.
New opening for the engine.
Engine waiting to be installed.
Engine and some of the cockpit photo-etch in place.
Fuselage underside covered with 5 thou styrene sheet. This is the best way to make absolutely sure there is no seam showing.
Modifications in front of the cockpit are visible here.
Fuselage completed.
References Used
Fokker D.VII is one of the most famous German aircraft from the First World War, and thus incredibly well documented. For this particular Finnish aircraft I used the following sources:
- Suomen Ilmailuhistoriallinen Lehti 2/1996
- Suomen Ilmavoimat 1918-1927 (Keskinen et al); Suomen Ilmavoimat 1; Kari Stenman 2005
- Suomen Ilmavoimien lentokoneet 1918-38 (Keskinen et al); Tietoteos 1976
- Suomen Ilmavoimien maalaukset ja merkinnät (Keskinen et al); Apali 1996
- Fokker D.VII (Grosz); Windsock Datafile 9; Albatros Productions 1989
