Announcement of the Fokker E.V model 1/72 scale

Next Arma Hobby plastic model is Fokker E.V in 1/72 scale. One of the classic constructions of the end of the First World War. The aeroplane did not help the Germans win the war, but played a great role at the beginning of Polish aviation. See more!

Small plane of great importance

In the First World War, when a large number of aeroplanes first time took part in the history of human struggles, there was a great development of war technology. One of the precursors of the mass-produced aeroplanes was the Dutchman Anton Fokker, supplying the German Kaiser’s Army. The Fokker D.VII biplane and Fokker E.V were his latest achievements during the War. The second of them had a specific design. With fuselage made of steel tubes covered with canvas, she had one thick wing covered with plywood. The aerodynamic properties of this design allowed for outstanding performance even with a weaker engine. Unfortunately, the poor quality of the wings supplied to Fokker by the German co-worker caused the machine to be grounded. When an improved version of D.VIII appeared, the war was over. The sister aircraft, the D.VII biplane, became the best German fighter of the war.

Few of the E.V and D.VIII planes were either captured or bought after the war for Polish aviation. The most important was the 001, piloted by Ltn. Stefan Stec. The personal emblem of this pilot, from the time of his service in the Air Force of the KuK Austro-Hungary (white and red chessboard on fuselage sides), became a sign of Polish aviation. On the plane Fokker E.V No. 001 Stec received the first air victory in defence of Lvov. During the air-fight on April 29, 1919, he damaged the Ukrainian Nieuport piloted by the Austrian ace Franz Rudorfer.

Why Fokker E.V model kit?

Recently, the attention of the Polish modellers has focused on the aircraft of the 1939 War. But we chose Fokker E.V for two reasons. The first is a test on a small model of what we learned by developing the PZL P.7a model. Second, no less important reason is the role of this aircraft at the beginning of Polish aviation and the forthcoming celebration of the 100th anniversary of Poland Independence (11th November 1918).

Designing the Fokker Model

Work on the model began with the collection of the best available documentation. Courtesy of Achim Sven Engels (Fokker-Team-Schorndorf) we received the materials from which the Fokker E.V flying replica was constructed. After designing the plastic parts, we ordered a 3D print. The trial assembly showed how the model parts go together, allowing us to catch minor bugs. We could also test fit print photo-etched parts and decals. We also found a way to properly assembly the undercarriage, without fear of skewing (wheel legs and wheel axes are to be glued in 4 points once) and without simplifying the model.

Assembled model from 3D prints. A careful eye is not needed to notice the traces of the layers and typical for such prints twist of long sections.

Another challenge was the canvas printed in polygons so-called Lozenge. In the design, we have created an imitation of the canvas fibres that translates into the pattern of polygons. Not only Lozenge is included in the decal but also a plywood pattern for visible panels and propeller blades.

Fokker E.V model sets

Two sets, Expert and Junior, will be available. In the Expert set you will find a two sheet Cartograph decal with Lozenge pattern printed on the highest world level. Decals will allow practically every variant of painting with four colour Lozenge, with tailplanes in 4 or 5 colour Lozenges. The Junior set model will be easier to build, with decals in geometric patterns.

70012 Fokker E.V Expert Set
• Plastic parts
• Photo-etched plate
• Cartograph decals, 2 x Poland 2 x Germany, large sheet with Lozenge

70013 Fokker E.V Junior set
• Plastic parts
• Decals Techmod: 1 x Germany 1 x Poland

 

This is not a decal to the 1/32 model. It’s just a Lozenge pattern and wood designed for Expert set 1/72 scale. The effect is at the edge of the printing possibilities, even with such manufacturer like Cartograph. We do not know if it will come out well. As soon as the printed decals reach us – we’ll show you pictures!

When will Fokker E.V be released?

We plan to release the model on December 7, 2017. After talking in the tooling workshop, we already know that it is 50% possible. The worst predicted variant is a delay of about two weeks. Perhaps we should pause with the announcement. However, we felt it was better to inform you earlier so that you were prepared “for the best”.

In the next two weeks, we will be providing more information about the model. We will show the rendering of parts, more about the paintings contained in the boxes, the plaques and the history of the aircraft. Please share the information on blogs, forums and social media. Below you can ask questions and comment on the model.

This post is also available in: polski