{"product_id":"roden-plastic-model-kit-fokker-d-viif-late-1-72","title":"Roden Plastic Model Kit Fokker D.VIIF (Late) — 1:72","description":"\u003cp\u003eManufacturer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRoden 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.\n\u003cbr\u003eKit contents\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Fuselage and cockpit components\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Pilot's seat and cockpit detail\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    BMW engine and cowling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Upper and lower wings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Interplane and cabane struts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Radiator and propeller\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Undercarriage and wheels\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Tailplane and rudder\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Two Spandau machine guns\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Decals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Assembly instructions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe decal sheet provides several historical marking options, including aircraft associated with Hermann Göring, Ukrainian aviation, the Netherlands, the Soviet Red Air Force and Lithuania.\n\u003cbr\u003eHistory of the full-size aircraft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy 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.\n\u003cbr\u003eThe D.VIIF and BMW IIIa engine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRepresentative specifications include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Crew: 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Engine: BMW IIIa, approximately 185 hp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Maximum speed: approximately 200 km\/h\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Service ceiling: approximately 6,000 m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Armament: 2 × LMG 08\/15 Spandau machine guns\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Length: approximately 7.00 m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Upper wingspan: approximately 8.93 m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Lower wingspan: approximately 7.01 m\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications varied between individual production aircraft and engine installations.\n\u003cbr\u003eArmament\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe concentration of two machine guns directly in front of the pilot gave the aircraft a powerful forward-firing armament for the period.\n\u003cbr\u003eEnd of the First World War\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis resulted in the type having an unusually extensive post-war career.\n\u003cbr\u003ePost-war service\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eD.VIIs were subsequently operated by numerous countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Lithuania, Soviet Russia and the United States.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Netherlands produced additional aircraft, while captured or surrendered machines were distributed among several air forces. Soviet Russia acquired approximately 50 aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis explains the variety of post-war aircraft markings represented by Roden's kit.\n\u003cbr\u003eHermann Göring aircraft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\n\u003cbr\u003eHistorical significance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe BMW-powered D.VIIF represented the high-performance end of the D.VII family and was particularly useful at higher altitudes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe design's post-war service also demonstrates how capable the aircraft remained after 1918.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Roden","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57504169689468,"sku":"Roden-031","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0432\/8584\/0033\/files\/9082D6B1-D91B-4BE5-95D9-024DFE582EDD.jpg?v=1790405131","url":"https:\/\/sussex-model-centre.co.uk\/products\/roden-plastic-model-kit-fokker-d-viif-late-1-72","provider":"Sussex Model Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}