In the latest Windsock Datafile, Colin Owers examines the 2-seat development of the famous Fokker D.VII.

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Thanks!

Thanks for the review Rowan , will have to get this one . It would easy to convert either a Roden or Eduard kit to get one in 48 scale . Merlin Models has one in 72 scale ..just think of converting the WNW D.VII when it comes out .....

Hi Terri

It wouldn't be a totally straightforward modification - apart from the longer fuselage, the wingspan and chord were greater than the D.VII. Although they looked so similar, acording to the Datafile, there was no commonality between the two aircraft except for construction and the original engine.

All the best

Rowan

Thanks Rowan , I didn't know that and just learn't something new Would still make a fun conversion to do though . Plastic card with balsa core for the wings

Will have to look into this more ....and pick up a roden kit

Nice to see we now have two sources on the Fokker C.I. WWI Aero did an article some years back. lots of good drawings, but the Windsock monograph may just be the improvement we modelers will need.

Looks like an excellent conversion project for one of those old Aurora D.VII's I have in the stash.Can't wait until my copy arrives.
Regards,
Gregory Jouette

Actually the Aurora /Monogram or Smer 1/46 Fokker D.VII was based on the early example that was at Rhinebeck. And it was originally a C.I airframe.

Below is a postcard from Cole Palen to a young man back in the early sixties. Note the overly large center section cutout. By the way this was the original scheme for this modified C.I to its D.VII config.


Here is the second scheme (from the late 1960's)

Hi Stephen

So, how closely does a 1:46 "D.VII" end up matching the larger C.1 in 1:48? Is it worth getting hold of a SMER kit, or better to just start from scratch?

All the best

Rowan

Well, what needs to happen is for someone who has the Datafile to whip out an old Aurora, Monogram / Smer kit to do some comparisons. But there should be enough plastic in the kit to do the job. Though the kit has a shallow upper wing cutout to match the D.VII.

Stephen& Rowan,
I pulled an old Monogram Fokker D.VII out of th attic this morning and compared the kit parts to the new Datafile.I was surprised that the old kit is very close to the drawings.The fuselage is nearly spot on to my eyes requiring a little surgery to move to cockpit forward the fabricate the second gunners cockpit.Which would be located very close to the exact location of the original cockpit.I didn't have time to measure everything out as of yet,but as I said it's very close.
As for the wings,ah there's the rub.Both the upper and lower wing look very good cordwise,but are short in span.Roughly 10mm at each tip.Noted that the upper wings flaps are also differently shaped and that the rib spacing is not the same as well.
All and all I believe that a conversion is doable here to say the least.But as I said easier it's going to require a little sugary.For me what comes to mind is using two kits,the second would be the wing donor to allow me to increase the span of the kit wings to match the drawings.I suppose you could use the Dragon,Eduard's or the Rodin D.VII as well.But that approach will be much more involved.That's kind of a deal killer for me as I'm not really wanting another Frankenwing project. But I must admit this approach would cure the Monogram/Aurora/Smer wing cross sections short comings.I believe I've fund my next conversion project.
Regards,
Gregory Jouette

Hi Gregory

Many thanks for the update. That's really interesting! I may get hold of the Smer re-box because, like you, it's got my mind in ticking away as a potential project.

All the best

Rowan