Fokker E.II/E.III - 1:48 Eduard ProfiPACK

[Julien]

Fokker E.II/E.III

1:48 Eduard ProfiPACK

The Fokker Eindecker (monoplane) owes its origins to the original M.5 monoplane. The E.III was basically an E.II fitted with newly designed wings with a narrower chord of 1.8m to the old 1.88m. Both aircraft used the 100hp Oberursel U.I engine. The E.III having a larger fuel tank to give a 150min endurance. Most aircraft were fitted with a Single 7.92mm Spandau with 500 rounds, though some aircraft gained twin guns.

The E.III arrived in significant number in 1916 and were allocated in singles to reconnaissance squadrons. Later they would be used in single seat fighter Squadrons (Jagdstaffeln). Aircraft were operated in WWI by Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and Turkey. Only one aircraft has survived to this day which is in the Science Museum in London.

The Kit
The kit is produced to Eduard's usual excellent standards. In the box the modeller gets three sprues of plastic, two photo etched frets and a small sheet of masks. Construction starts naturally in the cockpit area. This area is actually quite complicated as Eduard have gone to great lengths to give the modeller an excellent representation of the real thing. Separate side and floor panels are added to the detail already present on the inside of the fuselage sides. A read fabric panel is also added to the cockpit area. Flight control featuring the stick and rudder, as well as the control linkages are added. A throttle, the pilots seat, and seat belts are also added into the cockpit. Once all of the detail is inside the fuselage can be closed up.

The area directly behind the pilot can be opened up and a fuel tank is provided for this area should the modeller wish to do this. An oil tank for the engine mounts underneath the decking in front of the pilot. On the front of the aircraft a detailed radial engine is added along with PE wiring details. A choice of engine cowling is supplied depending on which decal option is to be used. PE detailing is supplied for the inside of this part.

Once all of the engine work is complete construction can move back to the main airframe. The prominent stitching is replicated in PE and this effectively covers the main seam on the underside. The complicated tail, tail plane, and rear skid assembly can then be completed and added to the rear of the aircraft. Next step is to complete the machine gun and add it to the top decking in front of the pilot. A PE jacket is supplied which will need to be rolled to fit the gun. Additional detailing parts are then added in this area including an ammunition belt. The prominent A frame to hold the wing bracing wires is then added as is the pilots windscreen (though I suspect most modellers will leave this until last.

The fuselage can then be flipped over to install the main gear. Each wheel is a three part affair and they attach to a complicated cradle which holds them under the main fuselage. It is then left to attach the main wings to each side. The left wing is the same for all marking options, but the right one does differ so make sure you select the right one. The propeller can then be added. A full rigging diagram is supplied for all the bracing wires.

Decals
All the aircraft have the same doped linen exterior with metal panels in the engine area. Large crosses are supplied for the wings and tail. There are markings for five aircraft in the kit.

• E.II 68/15 Lt Brückman, late 1915.
• E.II 69/15 Lt Kurt von Crailsheim, late 1915.
• E.II Vfw Ernst Udet, early 1916 (Used on box art).
• E.III Leopold Anslinger, Summer 1916.
• A.III 03.42 KuK Luftfahrtruppen 1915/16.

Conclusion
This is another great WWI aircraft from Eduard. The kit is complicated but should make up to a good looking model. Highly recommended.

Kit -

If you like more then one decal option then a full set of overtrees are available from Eduard;

Overtrees -

Review samples courtesy of