{"product_id":"eduard-weekend-edition-hobby-plastic-model-kit-fokker-dr-i-weekend-edition-1-72","title":"Eduard Weekend edition Hobby Plastic Model Kit Fokker Dr.I Weekend Edition — 1:72","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe retailer record also confirms that the kit was added to its catalogue in 2009 and is now discontinued.\n\u003cbr\u003eManufacturer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEduard 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEduard'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.”\n\u003cbr\u003eKit contents\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Injection-moulded plastic components\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Cockpit and pilot's position\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Three-wing assembly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Fuselage and tail surfaces\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Landing gear and wheels\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Engine and cowling components\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Propeller\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Machine-gun armament\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Decals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Assembly instructions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike 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.\n\u003cbr\u003eHistory of the full-size aircraft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts 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.\n\u003cbr\u003eThe Red Baron connection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Dr.I became inseparably associated with Manfred von Richthofen, Germany's most famous First World War fighter ace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRichthofen 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Dr.I was also flown by other notable German pilots, including Werner Voss, whose combat career and skill helped establish the aircraft's reputation.\n\u003cbr\u003eOperational history and limitations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eApproximately 320 Fokker Dr.I aircraft were produced, and the type remained in German service until the end of the war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDespite 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eduard","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57504169984380,"sku":"Eduard-7045","price":19.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0432\/8584\/0033\/files\/D5A8FDE3-2A38-4FF4-BABF-C09CBA12623D.jpg?v=1790404663","url":"https:\/\/sussex-model-centre.co.uk\/products\/eduard-weekend-edition-hobby-plastic-model-kit-fokker-dr-i-weekend-edition-1-72","provider":"Sussex Model Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}