{"product_id":"toko-117-hansa-brandenburg-d-i-kd-starstrutter-1-72-plastic-model-aircraft-kit","title":"Toko 117 Hansa-Brandenburg D.I (KD) Starstrutter — 1:72 Plastic model aircraft kit","description":"\u003cp\u003eManufacturer: Toko\n\u003cbr\u003eKit number: 117 \/ TOK117\n\u003cbr\u003eAircraft: Hansa-Brandenburg D.I (KD)\n\u003cbr\u003eNickname: “Starstrutter” \/ “Spider”\n\u003cbr\u003eScale: 1:72\n\u003cbr\u003eBarcode \/ EAN: 4820015440273\n\u003cbr\u003eKit type: Injection-moulded plastic aircraft kit\n\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Ukraine\n\u003cbr\u003eStatus: Discontinued\/vintage\n\u003cbr\u003eManufacturer and kit background\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eToko was a Ukrainian manufacturer particularly well regarded for its range of unusual WWI aircraft in 1:72 scale. The company produced subjects that were often poorly represented by the larger Western manufacturers, and its kits subsequently became increasingly difficult to find.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hansa-Brandenburg D.I is one of Toko's more distinctive WWI subjects. The kit was later released by Eastern Express, using the same basic tooling. The Toko boxing is therefore of particular interest to collectors wanting the original Ukrainian release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit is identified as 117\/72164 in modelling references. It contains approximately 39 plastic parts and represents the KD series 28 aircraft. This is an important detail because the earlier Hansa-Brandenburg production aircraft had some differences around the forward fuselage.\n\u003cbr\u003eKit contents\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Toko kit provides the main components needed to build a 1:72 Hansa-Brandenburg D.I, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Injection-moulded plastic parts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Fuselage halves\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Upper and lower wings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Distinctive wing\/tail bracing struts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Cockpit components\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Rotary engine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Engine cowling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Propeller\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Undercarriage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Tail surfaces\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Machine-gun installation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Windscreen\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Decals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Assembly instructions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit contains 39 plastic parts, making it a relatively compact model.\n\u003cbr\u003eThe distinctive strut arrangement\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe most obvious feature of the real aircraft—and consequently the model—is its extremely complicated-looking interplane strut arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe D.I's unusual struts formed the structure that produced its famous “Starstrutter” or “Spider” nickname. This is one of the areas where careful construction is important because the numerous thin struts need to align correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Toko kit reproduces this unusual arrangement in injection-moulded plastic. Because of the scale, these parts are relatively delicate and should be checked carefully on a second-hand kit.\n\u003cbr\u003eDecals and versions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Toko\/Eastern Express kit is documented as having three decal options. The review specifically identifies the kit as representing the KD series 28, rather than the Hansa-Brandenburg-built series 65 aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit's surface detail is described as quite good for its period, particularly the fabric effect. However, the modeller should expect vintage-tool characteristics rather than modern CAD-designed precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit is also associated with aftermarket decals: a Ukrainian hobby retailer still lists a dedicated Hansa-Brandenburg D.I Toko decal sheet, confirming the continuing collector\/modeller interest in the kit.\n\u003cbr\u003eThe full-size Hansa-Brandenburg D.I\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hansa-Brandenburg D.I was a German-designed single-seat fighter of the First World War, designed by Ernst Heinkel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough designed in Germany, the aircraft became particularly important to the Austro-Hungarian air service, which needed an indigenous fighter capability during WWI.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe most recognisable feature was the elaborate interplane bracing designed by Professor Knoller. This produced the distinctive “Starstrutter” nickname.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft was not particularly successful as a fighter. Its structure was relatively heavy and its visibility and manoeuvrability were not ideal, but Austria-Hungary had limited alternatives during the early years of the war.\n\u003cbr\u003eProduction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eApproximately 50 aircraft were built by Hansa-Brandenburg at Briest, numbered 65.50–65.99.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA further approximately 73 aircraft were produced by Phoenix, numbered 28.01–28.72. These Phoenix-built machines form the basis for the series 28\/KD configuration represented by the Toko kit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis distinction is particularly useful when examining the Toko model because it isn't simply a generic D.I: it is intended to represent the Phoenix-built series 28 aircraft.\n\u003cbr\u003eOperational history\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe D.I entered Austro-Hungarian service during the early part of WWI and provided an urgently needed single-seat fighter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts principal shortcomings included relatively poor visibility and performance compared with newer Allied and Central Powers fighters. Nevertheless, it remained in front-line use for considerably longer than might be expected because Austria-Hungary had difficulty obtaining sufficient numbers of more modern fighters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe D.I was finally removed from front-line service in January 1918.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe experience gained with the aircraft contributed to subsequent Austrian fighter development, particularly the Phoenix D.I and D.II, which were much more successful designs.\n\u003cbr\u003eAircraft specifications\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExact figures vary between sources and production versions, but the D.I was approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Crew: 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Engine: Austro-Daimler or related 6-cylinder inline engine, depending on production\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Power: roughly 160 hp class\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Role: single-seat fighter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Configuration: single-engine biplane\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Armament: generally one machine gun\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt 1:72 scale, the aircraft produces a very small model, with a wingspan of roughly 10 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe complex strut arrangement is therefore a major part of the model's visual character.\n\u003cbr\u003eManufacturer: Toko\n\u003cbr\u003eKit number: 117 \/ TOK117\n\u003cbr\u003eAircraft: Hansa-Brandenburg D.I (KD)\n\u003cbr\u003eNickname: “Starstrutter” \/ “Spider”\n\u003cbr\u003eScale: 1:72\n\u003cbr\u003eBarcode \/ EAN: 4820015440273\n\u003cbr\u003eKit type: Injection-moulded plastic aircraft kit\n\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Ukraine\n\u003cbr\u003eStatus: Discontinued\/vintage\n\u003cbr\u003eManufacturer and kit background\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eToko was a Ukrainian manufacturer particularly well regarded for its range of unusual WWI aircraft in 1:72 scale. The company produced subjects that were often poorly represented by the larger Western manufacturers, and its kits subsequently became increasingly difficult to find.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hansa-Brandenburg D.I is one of Toko's more distinctive WWI subjects. The kit was later released by Eastern Express, using the same basic tooling. The Toko boxing is therefore of particular interest to collectors wanting the original Ukrainian release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit is identified as 117\/72164 in modelling references. It contains approximately 39 plastic parts and represents the KD series 28 aircraft. This is an important detail because the earlier Hansa-Brandenburg production aircraft had some differences around the forward fuselage.\n\u003cbr\u003eKit contents\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Toko kit provides the main components needed to build a 1:72 Hansa-Brandenburg D.I, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Injection-moulded plastic parts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Fuselage halves\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Upper and lower wings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Distinctive wing\/tail bracing struts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Cockpit components\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Rotary engine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Engine cowling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Propeller\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Undercarriage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Tail surfaces\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Machine-gun installation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Windscreen\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Decals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Assembly instructions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit contains 39 plastic parts, making it a relatively compact model.\n\u003cbr\u003eThe distinctive strut arrangement\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe most obvious feature of the real aircraft—and consequently the model—is its extremely complicated-looking interplane strut arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe D.I's unusual struts formed the structure that produced its famous “Starstrutter” or “Spider” nickname. This is one of the areas where careful construction is important because the numerous thin struts need to align correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Toko kit reproduces this unusual arrangement in injection-moulded plastic. Because of the scale, these parts are relatively delicate and should be checked carefully on a second-hand kit.\n\u003cbr\u003eDecals and versions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Toko\/Eastern Express kit is documented as having three decal options. The review specifically identifies the kit as representing the KD series 28, rather than the Hansa-Brandenburg-built series 65 aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit's surface detail is described as quite good for its period, particularly the fabric effect. However, the modeller should expect vintage-tool characteristics rather than modern CAD-designed precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit is also associated with aftermarket decals: a Ukrainian hobby retailer still lists a dedicated Hansa-Brandenburg D.I Toko decal sheet, confirming the continuing collector\/modeller interest in the kit.\n\u003cbr\u003eThe full-size Hansa-Brandenburg D.I\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hansa-Brandenburg D.I was a German-designed single-seat fighter of the First World War, designed by Ernst Heinkel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough designed in Germany, the aircraft became particularly important to the Austro-Hungarian air service, which needed an indigenous fighter capability during WWI.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe most recognisable feature was the elaborate interplane bracing designed by Professor Knoller. This produced the distinctive “Starstrutter” nickname.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft was not particularly successful as a fighter. Its structure was relatively heavy and its visibility and manoeuvrability were not ideal, but Austria-Hungary had limited alternatives during the early years of the war.\n\u003cbr\u003eProduction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eApproximately 50 aircraft were built by Hansa-Brandenburg at Briest, numbered 65.50–65.99.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA further approximately 73 aircraft were produced by Phoenix, numbered 28.01–28.72. These Phoenix-built machines form the basis for the series 28\/KD configuration represented by the Toko kit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis distinction is particularly useful when examining the Toko model because it isn't simply a generic D.I: it is intended to represent the Phoenix-built series 28 aircraft.\n\u003cbr\u003eOperational history\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe D.I entered Austro-Hungarian service during the early part of WWI and provided an urgently needed single-seat fighter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts principal shortcomings included relatively poor visibility and performance compared with newer Allied and Central Powers fighters. Nevertheless, it remained in front-line use for considerably longer than might be expected because Austria-Hungary had difficulty obtaining sufficient numbers of more modern fighters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe D.I was finally removed from front-line service in January 1918.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe experience gained with the aircraft contributed to subsequent Austrian fighter development, particularly the Phoenix D.I and D.II, which were much more successful designs.\n\u003cbr\u003eAircraft specifications\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExact figures vary between sources and production versions, but the D.I was approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Crew: 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Engine: Austro-Daimler or related 6-cylinder inline engine, depending on production\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Power: roughly 160 hp class\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Role: single-seat fighter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Configuration: single-engine biplane\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e    Armament: generally one machine gun\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt 1:72 scale, the aircraft produces a very small model, with a wingspan of roughly 10 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe complex strut arrangement is therefore a major part of the model's visual character.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Toko","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57509849497980,"sku":"Toko-117","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/sussex-model-centre.co.uk\/products\/toko-117-hansa-brandenburg-d-i-kd-starstrutter-1-72-plastic-model-aircraft-kit","provider":"Sussex Model Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}