Looks Like Vector has done it again! The Mercedes D.III / IIIa (it is closer to the 180hp D.IIIaü and the 200hp D.IIIav) in 1/48 & 1/32



http://www.neomega-resin.com/vector/ww1.htm

Parade Figures
65, Shilton Road, Barwell, Leicestershire
LE9 8HB, UK
Phone +44(0)792 1166645,
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Yikes! I ordered the Vector 1/48 Mercedes D.III / D.IIIa kit on January 05 this year and it just arrived. . . Good grief folks! I guess they had to send it by mule from Russia at Vector to the UK at Neomega. Then It went by normal mail?

I will do a review and compare it to the Pavla version.

The first thing to note is in the header card / instructions. Most of us know these facts . But if we refer to a kit item as something other than whats on the header card. People trying to order the kit won't find the designation on the manufacturer's website. Note on the manufacturer's header card they say it is the D.III / IIIa, but your decription clearly shows it is not. It is closer to the type we call the 180hp or 200hp. But without the horizontal or vertical air pump. Looking at this kit it closely matches the 200hp like the Pavla item, but it is a bit more detailed.

It appears that this kit was based on the incomplete Mercedes D.IIIaü engine that is part of the Australian War Memorial Museum collection at the Trelour Annex and is not on public display. They also innacurately call their display variously a "D.III / IIIa."

Engine variations

Here is a bit of fun with the Vector Mercedes D.IIIa(ü)

Well now, here the two kits are with all their pieces attached. Still some touch ups needed.

Here is a comparison between the Pavla and the Roden kit parts.