BUILD.....
Hi guys and gals
I have the choice of three Roden kits and can afford only one.
but which one?
Here are the choices
RODEN RAF S.E.5a with Wolseley Viper Engine 1/48
RODEN Bristol F.2B Fighter 1/48
RODEN Fokker D.VII Alb 1/48

I'm a WWI Virgin so comments(if built)slightly urgent
Ta

Chris

I'd recommend the D.VII due to the relative absence of rigging. Both the Biff and the S.E. come with the challenge of some pretty complicated rigging (compounded by the Biff's stand-off lower wing and two bay wing struts).

Be warned that the Roden D.VII is much more fiddly build than the Eduard kit due to the multiple open panels around the engine. Roden kits are still short-run models despite how mainstream they look. If you approach the kit with that in mind, you can have a very satisfying experience but if you're expecting mainstream fit you may be disappointed.

Only one for a WWI virgin, the D.VII. The good thing about the D.VII is it has a little rigging so you can have a go without too much risk. Don't touch the others, too complicated for a first effort

I agree, the Fokker would be my choice for a first WWI aircraft.

The wing struts and the top wing will be much easier to mount than the other two, and there isn't much rigging.

Roden decals have a reputation for orneriness, though.

The Fokker D.VII is a smart looking craft, much admired by its pilots and envied by the allies.

Slow and steady wins the race.

Build what appeals to you the most,because in the end it will be your enthusiasm for the build that will get you over the rough spots.
Building one airplane because it is easier,while thinking of another that you would really like to build doesn't work, and it makes your present build a chore to get through, and may ultimately turn you off altogether.Always go with your heart.
Cheers!

We have threads and reviews on all these subjects. Look these over. That is what they are there for.

Well, for my first WWl AC (first AC at all) I tried Roden's Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter. Maybe I got a poor release, but the kit suffered from warpage of the fuselage in the cockpit area, lots of flash, and poor parts fit requiring some cutting here, some filing and sanding there, and lots of putty work on joints. And if you don't take precautions, the decals will disintegrate in water! For the amount of extra work involved I wouldn't recommend a Roden kit to a novice. I didn't finish it. Instead, I got an Edward kit (Weekend Edition - no PE and frills) and so far it's a total pleasure to build (it goes together like Tamiya) - and about the same price as a Roden kit.