Roden Plastic Model Kit Fokker D.VIIF (Late) — 1:72

Manufacturer

Roden is a Ukrainian model-kit manufacturer particularly well known for its detailed First World War aircraft in 1:72 scale. Kit 031 is part of Roden's extensive Fokker D.VII family and represents a late-production Fokker D.VIIF, the BMW-powered version of the famous German fighter.
Kit contents

The kit contains 52 light-grey polystyrene parts. The tooling provides variations for different radiator and propeller arrangements, wheels and axle-wing details, and includes an alternative earlier engine component.

The kit includes:

Fuselage and cockpit components

Pilot's seat and cockpit detail

BMW engine and cowling

Upper and lower wings

Interplane and cabane struts

Radiator and propeller

Undercarriage and wheels

Tailplane and rudder

Two Spandau machine guns

Decals

Assembly instructions

The decal sheet provides several historical marking options, including aircraft associated with Hermann Göring, Ukrainian aviation, the Netherlands, the Soviet Red Air Force and Lithuania.
History of the full-size aircraft

The Fokker D.VII emerged from the German fighter competition held at Adlershof in January 1918. Fokker's V.11 prototype demonstrated impressive handling and was selected for production, with manufacturing carried out not only by Fokker but also under licence by other German manufacturers.

The D.VII was a particularly important development because its wings used a comparatively advanced internally braced structure rather than relying heavily on external flying wires. Its welded steel-tube fuselage was fabric covered, producing a strong and relatively clean airframe.

By the latter part of 1918, the D.VII had become one of Germany's principal fighters. Its combination of strength, manoeuvrability and good low-speed handling made it highly regarded by German pilots.
The D.VIIF and BMW IIIa engine

The D.VIIF was the high-performance version fitted with the BMW IIIa, an approximately 185 hp water-cooled six-cylinder engine. The BMW engine provided better performance, particularly at altitude, than many of the earlier Mercedes-powered D.VII aircraft.

Representative specifications include:

Crew: 1

Engine: BMW IIIa, approximately 185 hp

Maximum speed: approximately 200 km/h

Service ceiling: approximately 6,000 m

Armament: 2 × LMG 08/15 Spandau machine guns

Length: approximately 7.00 m

Upper wingspan: approximately 8.93 m

Lower wingspan: approximately 7.01 m

Specifications varied between individual production aircraft and engine installations.
Armament

The D.VII was armed with two synchronized LMG 08/15 Spandau machine guns mounted ahead of the cockpit. The synchronization system allowed the guns to fire through the propeller arc.

The concentration of two machine guns directly in front of the pilot gave the aircraft a powerful forward-firing armament for the period.
End of the First World War

The Fokker D.VII remained in front-line use until the Armistice in November 1918. Its reputation was sufficiently strong that the aircraft was specifically mentioned in the Allied surrender requirements, with German D.VIIs among the aircraft required to be handed over.

This resulted in the type having an unusually extensive post-war career.
Post-war service

D.VIIs were subsequently operated by numerous countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Lithuania, Soviet Russia and the United States.

The Netherlands produced additional aircraft, while captured or surrendered machines were distributed among several air forces. Soviet Russia acquired approximately 50 aircraft.

This explains the variety of post-war aircraft markings represented by Roden's kit.
Hermann Göring aircraft

One of the kit's principal subjects is the distinctive all-white Fokker D.VIIF associated with Hermann Göring, commander of Jasta 11 during the final months of the war.

The aircraft is notable for its unusual white finish, making it an especially distinctive subject for a 1:72 collection. Roden also provides markings for several post-war operators.
Historical significance

The Fokker D.VII became one of the most recognisable German fighters of the First World War. Its robust construction, handling characteristics and ability to absorb combat damage contributed to its reputation.

The BMW-powered D.VIIF represented the high-performance end of the D.VII family and was particularly useful at higher altitudes.

The design's post-war service also demonstrates how capable the aircraft remained after 1918.