Albatros D.Va - Eduard 1:48 ProfiPACK Edition

[Julien]

Albatros D.Va
Eduard 1:48 ProfiPACK Edition

The Albatros D.V was born of a requirement for an improved D.III. The D.III suffered from a flaw in the construction of the lower wing, which under tight manoeuvres would violently twist or even fall off! not a trait the pilots would be fond of! The new aircraft would use the same Mercedes engine but would be lighter. The new fully elliptical cross-section fuselage was 70lbs lighter than the D.III. The wing was unchanged but moved closer to the fuselage by 10cms. Aileron linkages on the new wing were moved to the top wing. The spine of the new aircraft would incorporate a head rest for the pilot, however this was often removed as they found it limited their visibility.

It was found later that the wing problems were not fixed. Later builds would have the structure strengthend and the Aileron linkages moved back as per the D.III. This would make the newer aircraft actually heaver than the D.III. For the extra weight an improved Mercedes engine developing 185hp was installed. Overall more than 1600 aircraft were built and they served until the end of the war. This would be the last fighter built by Albatros. Two complete examples survive, one in the US National Air & Space Museum; and at The Australian War Memorial's ANZAC Hall in Canberra.

The Kit
On opening the box the modeller is greeted with two sprues of plastic, two photo-etched frets, 4 sheets of decals; and a set of masks. Construction begins in the cockpit. Surprisingly there are a lot of parts fitted in here. A small instrument panel is fitted to the forward bulkhead along with other handles and linkages. The pilots seat and frame are built up along with the PE seatbelts. This along with the rudder bar and control column are installed into the cockpit area. Two machine guns are then assembled with PE jackets. The next step is to construct and fit the engine. Once the engine, cockpit and other small items are in the main fuselage can be closed up.

The lower wing, vertical tail; and tailplanes are added next. Strengthening plates and rigging plates are then attached to the fuselage. The next major step is to add the top wing. Struts from the lower wing and the fuselage must be added and lined up. Further plates are added tot he wings, along with the radiator. Coolant pipes and the exhaust are then added. Construction then moves to the underside and the landing gear is attached. Lastly the propeller and spinner are attached. Eduard provide full rigging instructions during the build steps.

Photo Etch
Two photo etch frets are supplied which contain gun jackets, radiator parts, seat belts, instrument panels, cockpit detail parts, and rigging parts.

Decals
The decals are the undoubted star of this boxing. The modeller gets one main sheet of markings, two sheets of lozenge decals for the wings, and one sheet with all the rib tapes on it. The decals look to be a high standard with minimal carrier film, sharp printing and good colour density. Markings are provided for four, and the modeller will have a hard choice deciding which ones to use. The options are;

• Hans von Hippel marked with a lightning bolt on a natural wood fuselage.
• An OAW Produced aircraft. Fuselage painted grey with a green tail. Features a shooting star emblem which was probably personal markings for an unknown pilot.
• A black painted fuselage with white stars. Can be done with Older Iron Cross markings or Balkenkrezues.
• Another unpainted aircraft from Jasta 14. Markings in the von Hunoldstein family colours. This aircraft has painted wings, where as the other 3 options use the lozenge.

Conclusion
This is another great WWI kit from Eduard. There are not so many parts here that the kit should scare away new comers to the WWI scene, and it should still appeal to the more experienced modeller. Overall Highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of