Introduction

The Eduard’s Fokker D.VII has already established itself not only as a kit worthy of praise, but deemed to be a standard in this scale. Our able Stephen T. Lawson (JackFlash) has already presented us with a series of meticulous but still appreciative reviews of the Eduard’s earlier editions, including the OAW (East German Albatros Works), Eduard’s Dual Combo Edition of the MÁG, as well as many other dedicated in-box and full-build reviews of this iconic plane. Bearing in mind his verve and knowledge, one wonders if anything meaningful can be added to the Fokker vista, and especially from a forthright non-specialist on the subject.

And yet, the Eduard’s bunny has released another Fokker; this time it is exactly aimed for us mortals with limited WWI interest. It comes under the Eduard’s well-established Weekend Edition label, which proved to be an option for those willing to further exercise their modelling credentials. If these kits are only to be tackled by experts, it would significantly underrate the logic behind the Eduard’s Weekend Editions. And the logic is rather simple and straightforward: just the basic trees and one marking option for a fast build – no aftermarkets, no fuss!

The bunny always steps in with a solution. It is a solution that will satisfy your basic modelling needs, or simply provide you with an opportunity to snatch the previously missed but still wanted subject. Furthermore, you may also find it appropriate for a break-off build during one of yours more specialized, yet stressful modeling sessions. And if I understand it correctly, this is exactly what the Weekend Editions are all about! Without the brass, multiple and sometimes complicated painting schemes, which may only contribute to the overall indecisiveness, the brand new Eduard’s Fokker befits the ideal starter kit for those with only a general or limited interest in early aviation subjects.

The Box Contents

The Weekend Edition Fokker comes in a standard yellow-blue side opening box. Inside the box are two separate plastic zip bags. The five tan colored sprues are reminiscent of earlier Fokker releases, which is also confirmed by the sprues identification letters (A, B, C, G and X). The level of detail is consistent with previous editions, since they are essentially the same.

With a total of 122 plastic parts it is not the simplest kit possible, but the clever engineering and breakdown of parts warrants somewhat simple and uncomplicated build. However, many of the parts included in this boxing are destined for the spares box, since not all of them are required to build a MÁG.

The kit’s focal point remains its beautifully cast and rather detailed engines. Over 20 plastic parts for the Austro-Daimler engine, which is cast separately on sprue “X”, are almost a kit in itself. Yet another sprue (G) provides the parts required to complete a slightly different Fokker than the usual, with separate radiator, exhausts, and propeller.

The fuselage halves, however, will have to be adapted, since the upper part of the port side cowl will have to be removed if you intend to expose the engine, which was rather the case in the fields.

The cockpit is a standard D.VII, with structural details molded in the fuselage halves. The additions include a floor, control column, rudder controls, pump, seat and the seat embroider. The magneto and throttle are molded as integral part of other items, and leave room for alteration. One has to rely on the aftermarket sources for the missing seatbelts. The Schwarzlose guns are rather well casted and accompanied with the ammunition canisters.

The wings are single span, and come in separate upper and lower halves. The control surfaces, including ailerons, elevators and rudder, are separate as well. There are no surprises here: the wing edges are rather thin with the molded rib details. As it was referred to earlier, the easy of assembly is confirmed in all previous editions; you still get the separate plastic strip aimed to eliminate the lower fuselage seam and imitate the fabric stitching. However, it does seem a bit overdone and thick, but this is not a kind of kit for a purist’s remarks.

instruction and decals

The instruction sheet is a twofold B5 sheets, with clear assembly sequence and a rigging diagram, just in case you wish to do it. As with all other Weekend Editions, there is only one painting scheme (explained in detail on the back side of the box), and it is the Fokker D.VII (MÁG), “93.07”, Hungarian Red Army, 1919.

The decals are well printed, in perfect register and with a minimum of carrier film. The large areas of white shouldn’t pose a problem, since the overall painting scheme is rather pale. You also get the stencils and the instrument faces, which should be enough to represent them correctly. I did notice, however, that the decals are thin, so precaution is required if you are using more aggressive setting solutions.

Conclusion

The Eduard’s Weekend Edition Fokker D.VII (MÁG) is another reissue of the standard plastic icon under this popular label. Without the aftermarket parts, resin upgrades, or multiple painting schemes, the Weekend Edition Fokker is a budget-vise kit; almost a Bingo in the times of recession and financial crisis!

It should be considered a choice for a fast build, yet enough charming to be grabbed for an OOB project, or simply to keep you away from accumulated frustration at the workbench. If you missed your chances with all of the previous editions, here is your choice for a slightly different, but still very attractive Fokker.

This release of Fokker from Eduard only confirms the status of a bestseller and (probably) one among the most popular WWI kits on the market.

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