by Jeff Sissons
Model photographs by the author
| Aircraft: | Fokker E.III "Eindecker" single-engine monoplane fighter |
| Manufacturer: | Fokker Flugzeug-Werke GmbH |
| Year: | Entered combat August, 1915 |
| Country: | Germany |
| Wingspan: | 30' 10.5" (9.41m) |
| Length: | 23' 11.25" (7.3 m) |
| Height: | 9' 1.75" (2.79 m) |
| Weight: | 1,342 lbs. (610 kg) |
| Speed: | 87.5 mph (140 km/h) |
| Ceiling: | 11,483 ft. (3,500 m) |
| Endurance: | 1 hr. 30 mins. |
| Powerplant: | Oberursel UI 9-cylinder air-cooled rotary, 100 hp |
| Armament: | 1 fixed 7.92mm Spandau machine gun |
| Crew: | 1 |
A monoplane 'Eindecker'! This 1915 German-built fighter is unusually represented by Marek in Turkish Air Service colors. It is a joy to build, and makes up into a real gem.
The model is printed out with one page of instructions and one page of parts. The canvas covering is represented in cream and light blue, making for an attractive color scheme.
The interesting part of the model is the undercarriage bracing. It is made by rolling "the thinnest" (80 g/sm?) paper you can find around strengthening wire. Alternatives are available, of course, and plastic rod or soldered wire are two that come to mind. The bracing has to tether six of the rigging lines, so make sure that the finished bracing is as strong as you can get it.
Don't forget to strengthen part 23 with a piece of wire. It requires strength because, once again, this bar is the tethering point for six of the rigging threads.
Rigging tip: When rigging either World War I biplanes, monoplanes, or indeed sailing ships, purchase a block of beeswax from your local craft shop and run the rigging thread across the block. This will get rid of the 'hairy' look of the cotton and help to lock the knot when it is tied. Alternatively, try nylon fishing line run across the felt tip of a marking pen.
On the subject of rigging the Eindecker -- says he with a grin on his face! Leave the Spandau machine gun off until the rigging is completed, or you will find that you have a gun tied up in the rigging as well.
Only two other tips on making the model come to mind. Parts 20 have to be trimmed to fit the leading edge of the wing; and part 20A, the tailskid bracing, requires some sort of thin wire for strengthening. The rest of the model goes together extremely well, and the finished product gives you the feeling of a job well done.
The real aircraft is certainly flimsy and looks as though the slightest breeze would blow it all over the sky. I have to hand it to those early string-bag pilots! Brave men all.
Well Done Marek -- an extremely good model: 9/10.
| Model: | Fokker E.III of the Turkish Air Service |
| Kit: | Models by Marek |
| Designer: | Marek Pacynski |
| Scale: | 1:50 |
| Dimensions: | Wingspan: 7.5 inches Length: 6.0 inches Height: 2.25 inches |
Next time, look for Marek's Bf-109 in Swiss Air Force markings.
