Eduard Weekend edition Hobby Plastic Model Kit Fokker Dr.I Weekend Edition — 1:72

The retailer record also confirms that the kit was added to its catalogue in 2009 and is now discontinued.
Manufacturer

Eduard is a Czech model-kit and modelling-accessories manufacturer particularly known for aircraft kits and aftermarket detail products. Its Weekend Edition range was designed to offer the core Eduard tooling at a lower price than the more extensively equipped ProfiPACK editions.

Eduard's Fokker Dr.I is an important First World War subject, particularly because the aircraft became closely associated with German fighter ace Manfred von Richthofen, better known as the “Red Baron.”
Kit contents

The 7405 Weekend Edition provides the basic components required to build a 1:72 Fokker Dr.I. The documented kit information identifies it as an injection-moulded plastic model and includes:

Injection-moulded plastic components

Cockpit and pilot's position

Three-wing assembly

Fuselage and tail surfaces

Landing gear and wheels

Engine and cowling components

Propeller

Machine-gun armament

Decals

Assembly instructions

Unlike Eduard's ProfiPACK releases, the Weekend Edition is intended as a simpler package and does not include the extensive photo-etched detail package associated with the more premium versions.
History of the full-size aircraft

The Fokker Dr.I was a German single-seat fighter developed during the First World War by Dutch aircraft designer Anthony Fokker and engineer Reinhold Platz. It was developed partly in response to the impressive performance of the British Sopwith Triplane.

The aircraft's most distinctive feature was its three-wing configuration. The large wing area and relatively light construction gave the Dr.I excellent manoeuvrability and a very strong rate of climb. These characteristics made it particularly effective in close-range dogfighting.

The prototype was designated V.5 and was evaluated by some of Germany's most experienced fighter pilots, including Werner Voss and Manfred von Richthofen. Richthofen was particularly impressed by the aircraft's manoeuvrability and became one of its best-known advocates.

The production Dr.I entered front-line service in October 1917. It was powered by an approximately 110 hp Oberursel rotary engine and normally carried two 7.92 mm Spandau machine guns, synchronised to fire through the propeller.

Its maximum speed was relatively modest compared with some contemporary fighters, but the aircraft compensated with exceptional agility and climb performance. Contemporary and historical specifications vary slightly, but the aircraft is generally quoted at around 165–193 km/h, depending on the particular specification and source.
The Red Baron connection

The Dr.I became inseparably associated with Manfred von Richthofen, Germany's most famous First World War fighter ace.

Richthofen had already achieved numerous victories in other aircraft before receiving the Dr.I. He and other pilots of his fighter formation tested the type extensively. The aircraft's manoeuvrability suited Richthofen's preference for controlled, close-range engagements.

The red-painted aircraft flown by Richthofen and members of his formation contributed significantly to the later image of the “Red Baron” and his red triplane. However, Richthofen operated several aircraft during his career, and not every red aircraft associated with his unit was necessarily his personal machine.

The Dr.I was also flown by other notable German pilots, including Werner Voss, whose combat career and skill helped establish the aircraft's reputation.
Operational history and limitations

The Dr.I's great strength was manoeuvrability. Its three wings provided a large lifting surface, while the aircraft's relatively low weight contributed to its excellent climbing and turning performance.

It also had significant limitations. Its top speed was relatively low, and structural problems affected early production aircraft. Cracks and failures in the wing structure resulted in the temporary withdrawal of some aircraft while modifications were introduced.

By 1918, newer German fighters such as the Fokker D.VII offered a better overall combination of speed, climb, firepower and high-altitude performance. The Dr.I consequently became less important as the war progressed.

Approximately 320 Fokker Dr.I aircraft were produced, and the type remained in German service until the end of the war.

Despite its relatively small production run, the Dr.I became one of the most recognisable aircraft in aviation history because of its distinctive three-wing configuration and association with Richthofen.